cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of grain boundary phase characteristics on the crack deflection behavior in a silicon nitride material

Silicon nitride is a promising structural ceramic material due to its inherent properties such as strength, thermal shock resistance and high temperature creep and oxidation resistance. Recent attempts to densify monolithic and composite materials without the use of additives have been very successful. Tanaka et al. densified different commercial silicon nitride materials by hot isostatic pressing without the use of additives, where the intrinsic SiO{sub 2} acted as the liquid phase sintering aid. Symons et al. have developed a laser-synthesized high purity amorphous Si{sub 2}N{sub 4} powder with a very fine particle size, and a controllable oxygen content. This powder was also densified without the use of additives. More recently, monolithic (not containing whiskers or fibers) silicon nitride materials have been developed with fracture toughness values as high as 10--12 Mpa.m{sup 0.5}. These are the so-called self- (or in-situ) reinforced materials reported by Pyzik et al. and Li and Yamanis. The reason for the extremely high fracture toughness values has been attributed to the presence of large, elongated {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} grains, which activate various toughening mechanisms, such as crack deflection, crack bridging and grain pull-out. However, it was correctly pointed out that little is known about the effects ofmore » the grain boundary phase and its physical properties on the interfacial debonding/intergranular fracture behavior and fracture toughness in silicon nitride materials. This report is a brief description of a hypothesis developed to explain the large differences in fracture toughness between high purity (additive-free) Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} and conventionally sintered Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} materials.« less
Diagnostic Evaluation of LBP: Reaching a Specific Diagnosis Is Often Impossible

neous groups for studies. Use of heterogeneous populations violates basic tenets of statistics and vitiates meaningful analysis of treatments. To assume that most or all acute LBP is the same, without strong substantiating evidence, essentially eviscerates the validity of those studies, rendering any findings useless. We believe that the apparent uncritical acceptance of idiopathic and nonspecific LBP as valid concepts has badly affected research and national medical policy. It is time to rethink this position. New research is necessary to either validate the 1966 study of Dillane et al or move forward to investigate the model of discrete pathogenesis and diagnosis.
How to Plan a Special Event to Promote the Library

Special events to publicize the library and its services don't have to be related to health care events. Creative planning can make any event fun. Working with others both from within the hospital and in the community can be key to having a successful special event.
The accuracy of transit time flow measurement in predicting graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting.

ObjectiveTransit time flow measurement (TTFM) is a method used to assess intraoperative blood flow after vascular anastomoses. Angiography represents the criterion standard for the assessment of gr...
The welfare economics of equal access

Abstract This paper discusses alternative definitions of equal access to a good and derives policy implications of the only definition that seems consistent with the literal meaning of access and not obviously inconsistent with the views of at least some people who say that they favor government action to reduce inequality of access to particular goods. Specifically, it considers what is necessary to achieve an efficient state and a state preferred by everyone to the situation in the absence of government action if individuals care about equality of access so defined. This is contrasted with the policy implications of a concern about inequality of consumption.
Predicting overall survival after secondary surgical cytoreduction for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: a prognostic nomogram

250 Poster Session A Predicting overall survival after secondary surgical cytoreduction for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: A prognostic nomogram C.H. Kim, L. Kou, C. Yu, E. Conroy, C.L. Brown, N.R. Abu-Rustum, G.J. Gardner, V. Makker, M.W. Kattan, D.S. Chi. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA, Albert Einstein Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, USA, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
Thin film coatings which inhibit spin relaxation of polarized potassium atoms

Abstract A new technique is being developed at Argonne National Laboratory to produce a beam of polarized deuterium atoms. A part of the apparatus consists of a small cell which contains potassium vapor. The potassium atoms are polarized by circularly polarized light from a high-power cw laser. A port feeds deuterium into the cell and the polarization of the potassium is transferred to the deuterium by spin-exchange scattering. It is important that the potassium and deuterium atoms do not lose polarization by scattering from the walls of the exchange cell. We have tried various coatings of the exchange walls in order to inhibit losses from spin relaxation. Methods used to produce these coatings as well as their success will be described.
Linearization strategies during language production.

The two experiments reported here were designed to examine discourse planning during language production. Following the work of Levelt (1981, 1982), participants were shown simple networks consisting of two branches, and their task was to describe the networks. The two branches of the networks differed in either length or complexity; the dependent measure was participants’ decisions to describe the left or right branch first. The experiments showed that speakers preferred to describe a less complex branch before a more complex branch and preferred to describe a shorter branch before a longer branch. Levelt’s minimal-load principle is invoked to explain these results, along with the principle of incrementalism (Levelt, 1989). Discussion focuses on the possibility that incrementalism in production is useful to both the speaker and the listener.
Social Conscience and Politics in the United States of America: Reflections

This article argues that the United States of America is quite different from other OECD countries in its religiosity (America is much more religious) and also in its public safety nets, which are considerably less generous and comprehensive than those of Europe. There are some institutional and ideological patterns in American religion that perhaps underlie both these tendencies. Patterns of religious life and practice in America may be part of the ‘problem’ in American responses to poverty; they may also, however, be part of the solution, and not simply because of gospel teaching. America is distinctive in the breadth, diversity and vitality of associations and charities, including religiously based voluntary organizations. The voluntary sector cannot replace the public sector, but it can, perhaps, provide the organizational foundation for the development of social conscience and civic dialogue, and a counter to the increasingly toxic political sphere. The voluntary sector may be the best hope for the emergence of an American social conscience, and may also provide an interesting framework for other nations to consider.
High-precision computation: Applications and challenges [Keynote I]

Summary form only given, as follows. High-precision floating-point arithmetic software, ranging from "double-double" or "quad" precision to arbitrarily high-precision (hundreds or thousands of digits), has been available for years. Such facilities are standard features of Mathematica and Maple, and software packages such as MPFR, QD and ARPREC are available on the Internet. Some of these packages include high-level language interface modules that make conversion of standard-precision programs a relatively simple task. However, until recently such facilities were widely considered as novelty items - why would anyone need such exalted levels of numeric precision in "practical" research or engineering? In fact, during the past decade or two, numerous applications have arisen for high-precision floatingpoint arithmetic. This presentation will briefly describe some of these applications, which mostly arise in mathematical physics, applied physics and mathematics. Many heretofore unknown identities and relationships have been discovered, and features have been identified in computed data that were not "visible" with ordinary 64-bit precision. Applications of double-double (31 digits) or quad-double precision (62 digits) are particularly common, but there are also some interesting applications for as high as 50,000 digits. The speaker will also outline what is needed in improved facilities for high-precision computation to address challenges that lie ahead.
Assessing Brand Equity Through Add-on Sales

This paper focuses on add-on sales to determine boththeirvalueperseandtheirvalueasareflexivemeasureof brand equity. Specifically, this paper examines the "accessory premium" for automobiles, i.e., accessories installed by dealers at the time of sale. Using J.D. Power Data, the authors find that higher add-on accessory sales accrueto higher equity brands which make accessory sales a potentially useful mea- sure of brand equity (J. Marketing 67: 1-17, 2003). In addi- tion, the authors examine how the revenue premium metric varies by age cohort. The results suggest this analysis can provide a useful predictor of future sales.
Development and characterization of DehaloR 2, a novel anaerobic microbial consortium performing rapid dechlorination of TCE to ethene

A novel anaerobic consortium, named DehaloR^2, that performs rapid and complete reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE) to ethene is described. DehaloR^2 was developed from estuarine sediment from the Back River of the Chesapeake Bay and has been stably maintained in the laboratory for over 2 years. Initial sediment microcosms showed incomplete reduction of TCE to DCE with a ratio of trans- to cis- isomers of 1.67. However, complete reduction to ethene was achieved within 10 days after transfer of the consortium to sediment-free media and was accompanied by a shift to cis-DCE as the prevailing intermediate metabolite. The microbial community shifted from dominance of the Proteobacterial phylum in the sediment to Firmicutes and Chloroflexi in DehaloR^2, containing the genera Acetobacterium, Clostridium, and the dechlorinators Dehalococcoides. Also present were Spirochaetes, possible acetogens, and Geobacter which encompass previously described dechlorinators. Rates of TCE to ethene reductive dechlorination reached 2.83 mM Cl− d−1 in batch bottles with a Dehalococcoides sp. density of 1.54E+11 gene copies per liter, comparing favorably to other enrichment cultures described in the literature and identifying DehaloR^2 as a promising consortium for use in bioremediation of chlorinated ethene-impacted environments.
A NOVEL APPROACH USING DFT TO EXPLAIN THE SELECTIVE PERMEATION OF SMALL GASEOUS MOLECULES THROUGH Y-TYPE ZEOLITE MEMBRANE

The separation of individual component gases from a mixture of CO2, N2, CH4, C2H6, and SF6 along with the selective permeation of CO2 from a mixture of CO2/N2 through Na-zeolite-Y membrane have been investigated using reactivity descriptors and interaction energy calculations by density functional theory (DFT). To locate the active site of zeolite-Y, three different cluster models are considered to propose the role of zeolite framework in the selectivity of gaseous molecular separation. All the interacting molecules were optimized with respect to the framework cluster to compare the stability of the adsorption complex. We have analyzed the effect of affinities of gas molecules for the membrane wall on the permeation to predict the optimal affinity strength, e.g., for higher selectivity of CO2. We investigated the local softness of the interacting species with the zeolite framework cluster models. The order of activity as obtained from reactivity index values of individual molecules was compared with inter...
Structure of the magnetopause inferred from one-dimensional hybrid simulations

The structure of the magnetopause is investigated by studying the interaction between two plasmas with solar wind and magnetospheric properties. Both Hall-MHD and hybrid (particle ions and fluid electrons) simulations are performed to compare and contrast the nature of the solutions in the fluid and the kinetic limits. It is shown that, in accordance with previous studies, the fluid solutions consist of multiple discontinuities and waves such as slow shocks and waves, as well as contact and rotational discontinuities. In contrast, the kinetic solutions consist of fewer discontinuities and include non-MHD boundaries. The difference between the two types of solutions are attributed to the absence of contact surfaces in collisionless plasmas and the possible Landau damping of slow waves. The kinetic solutions are found to be in a much better agreement with magnetopause observations, which have shown little evidence for the presence of slow shocks or contact discontinuities. The results of kinetic calculations suggest that the presence of a small but finite normal component of the magnetic field allows for the mixing of magnetosheath and magnetospheric plasmas and may, in part, be responsible for the formation of the boundary layer even during the periods of northward interplanetary magnetic field. These results also show that the necessary changes in the fields and the plasma parameters across the magnetopause do not occur simultaneously (i.e., in the same spatial location). As such, the magnetopause cannot be viewed as a single boundary but instead is a region which includes both abrupt and gradual changes in the fields and plasma parameters. For example, the jump from the magnetosheath to the magnetospheric magnetic field strength takes place at a narrow region (a few ion inertial lengths), which we refer to as the magnetic boundary. This boundary, which has no MHD counter part, is not associated with any abrupt change in the plasma density or temperature. Pile up of the magnetosheath mirror waves at the magnetic boundary can result in the compression and amplification of these waves. As a result, anticorrelated density and magnetic field fluctuations are present upstream of the magnetic boundary. Similar fluctuations have been observed at the magnetopause of the Earth and possibly at Jupiter and Saturn. Analysis of these waves at the Earth's magnetopause has shown that they have a finite frequency in the plasma rest frame. Here we show that this finite frequency is a direct consequence of the entry of the magnetosheath plasma into the boundary layer and may be used to determine the velocity of plasma penetration into the high magnetic field region.
Some Observations On The Organization of Personality

Non-directive therapy provides an opportunity to observe the inner dynamics of personality as they proceed with a minimum of interference from the therapist. It appears that the perception of self is a basic factor influencing the behavior and adjustment of the individual. Under certain conditions the individual can reorganize his field of perception, including the way he perceives himself. Successful therapy is not a solution of problems. It gives a feeling of freedom and contentment which follows from an accurate and realistic perception of the self. The conditions necessary for this reorganization are an atmosphere of permissiveness and understanding and assistance in focusing upon the perception of self. In clinical psychology and personality research the therapist must study the individual from within the individual's own particular frame of reference. Secondly, the implication is that effective treatment is concerned with the internal unification of the individual and not with environmental changes. Thirdly, it appears that personality attributes and psychological abilities are not fixed but are alterable. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Aging, Metabolism, and Alzheimer Disease: Review and Hypotheses

Relationships are considered among aging, metabolism, and Alzheimer disease (AD). In particular, after 60 years, human populations show progressive age-related trends for increased blood glucose that are concurrent with the accelerating incidence of AD. The accumulation of glycated products in the AD brain, such as is also found in peripheral tissues during diabetes, suggests interactions of AD with age-related changes in metabolism. A review of 13 recent studies on AD and diabetes shows no consensus, although most studies indicate an apparent exclusion of AD and diabetes. We argue that longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the possibility that an initial age-related hyperglycemic state is reversed by the cachexia and weight loss common to later stages of AD. A review of literature on chronic food restriction in rodents shows the slowing of some aspects of aging in the nervous system and generally supports interactions of peripheral metabolism with brain aging. Finally, we discuss aspects of intermediary metabolism that could ensue from oxidative damage to enzymes by glycation or oxidative stress which include excess production of ammonia from the inhibition of glutamine synthetase and the production of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a glycating agent that could contribute to damage in addition to the hyperglycemic trends during aging.
Low-temperature growth of mirror-like superconducting thin films on sapphire

Abstract The recently developed process of plasma-assisted laser deposition was used to grow high-quality, mirror-like superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O films on sapphire, both with and without a buffer layer. At a deposition temperature of 400° C, the as-deposited Y-Ba-Cu-O film on MgO/Al 2 O 3 and Ag/Al 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 substrates was superconducting at ≈ 75 K. The orientation of the film and the critical current both depended on the presence of the buffer layer. After suitable patterning, such films should have important applications in microwave electronics.
Signal Processing in the Electrification of Vehicular Transportation: Techniques for Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles on the Smart Grid

This tutorial aims at explaining how signal processing techniques can be used to manage EVs connected to the smart grid. It also introduces the main issues and challenges related with the operation of EVs in the presence of a smart grid infrastructure and how signal processing techniques can be applied in this context.
Evaluation of Constants for the Rohsenow Pool-Boiling Correlation

Rohsenow nucleate pool-boiling data correlation, stressing coefficients dependence on surface preparation and liquid-surface combination
Ambitious new CD-ROM on endangered and extinct species

(This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.)
Histone H3 recognition and presentation by the WDR5 module of the MLL1 complex.

WDR5 is a core component of SET1-family complexes that achieve transcriptional activation via methylation of histone H3 on Nζ of Lys4 (H3K4). The role of WDR5 in the MLL1 complex has recently been described as specific recognition of dimethyl-K4 in the context of a histone H3 amino terminus; WDR5 is essential for vertebrate development, Hox gene activation and global H3K4 trimethylation. We report the high-resolution X-ray structures of WDR5 in the unliganded form and complexed with histone H3 peptides having unmodified and mono-, di- and trimethylated K4, which together provide the first comprehensive analysis of methylated histone recognition by the ubiquitous WD40-repeat fold. Contrary to predictions, the structures reveal that WDR5 does not read out the methylation state of K4 directly, but instead serves to present the K4 side chain for further methylation by SET1-family complexes.
Metropolitan Governance: Voter Support and State Legislative Prospects

With increased public attention to the problems in both central cities and suburban areas, the feasibility of metropolitan governance is being considered again. Myron Orfield's work on regional cooperation in Minneapolis-St. Paul has suggested that state legislative action can be used to achieve that outcome. However, state legislators are unlikely to promote regional policies unless they have some evidence their constituents support them. This article uses election data from California propositions to test the connection that Orfield asserts between demographic composition of an area and voter support for regional issues. The data suggest several shortcomings of his model, including that race or ethnicity and the diversity of an area substantially affect the outcome in ways he did not consider. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Real-Time Indoor Mobile Robot Localization Based on the Recognition of Omni-Directional Artificial Landmarks

This paper proposes a real-time robust localization scheme for mobile robots in indoor environments, based on the recognition of omnidirectional artificial landmarks captured by a single onboard camera. Considering the need of omnidirectional recognition and the disturbance of lighting condition, we encode the landmark identity with nested circles in black and white. The recognition algorithm consists of a global and a local recognition layers. The global recognition is a fast overall recognition process, including light detection, image clustering, region of interest (ROI) extraction, and ROI identification. If the number of identified ROIs does not meet the requirement of the localization algorithm, the local recognition will process those unidentified ROIs through adaptive ROI expansion and template cutting. Based on the landmark recognition, the absolute position and orientation of the camera in the environment are estimated using the geometric mapping between the image and global frames. The proposed approach is tested via experiments in a real indoor environment, and the result reveals high localization robustness and consistency to the lighting condition.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Cerebrovascular Reserve in Patients With Carotid Occlusive Disease Assessed by Stable Xenon-Enhanced CT Cerebral Blood Flow and Transcranial Doppler

Background and Purpose — Cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) by both transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) and quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) can identify subgroups of patients at increased risk for stroke. A direct comparison of CVR measurements obtained with both technologies in patients with cerebrovascular occlusive disease is lacking. Methods — CVRs before and after acetazolamide administration (1 g IV) were measured by TCD insonation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and CBF obtained with stable xenon CT (Xe/CT) in 38 patients with carotid occlusive disease. Sensitivity/specificity calculations were based on 2 Xe/CT MCA values: an average over 4 levels and the level with the lowest percent change in CBF. Compromised CVR was defined as no reactivity or a decrease in reactivity. Results — Using the analysis of the systolic TCD, we found that velocity changes compared with the average Xe/CT MCA CVR showed a sensitivity of 33%, specificity of 90.6%, positive predictive value of 54.5%, and negative predictive value of 80%. The sensitivity of TCD compared with the lowest Xe/CT CBF CVR was 35.5%, specificity and positive predictive values were 100%, and negative predictive value was 66.7%. The index of validity was between 72% and 76%. Conclusions — TCD is much less sensitive than Xe/CT CBF in identifying patients with compromised CVR. This may be a result of the inability of TCD to identify patients with compromised reserves when their MCA blood flow comes from collateral sources. The lack of correlation between TCD and Xe/CT CBF for identifying patients with compromised CVR should be considered when stroke risk assessments are made by TCD.
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNEE: THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF FACTORS PERCEIVED TO CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS

The present study sought to empirically identify what factors are important for international assignee perceived success along with their relative importance. Subjects were 338 international assignees from diverse countries (nationality) and organizations, assigned to diverse countries, and performing diverse jobs. Five factors were identified and in a descending order of importance, these were Family Situation, Flexibility/Adaptability, Job Knowledge and Motivation, Relational Skills, and Extra-Cultural Openness. Although importance ratings were not influenced by job type (managerial/nonmanagerial status), they were influenced by organizational type. In general, the pattern of importance ratings for service organization international assignees was different from those of international assignees from other organizational types. Furthermore, service organization international assignees ascribed more importance to relational and psycho-social factors. The perceived relative importance of psycho-social factors reported by the study's participants tends to suggest that more attention should be paid to these factors in the selection and training of international assignees.
Quantitative taste bud distribution in the hamster

The distribution of taste buds was examined in hamsters to reveal the sources of convergent neural activity on taste neurons of the medulla and pons. A total of 723 taste buds was found in adult animals. Fungiform papillae contained 130 taste buds (18%). A single vallate papilla had 168 taste buds (23%). There were 230 taste buds (32%) located on bilateral foliate papillae. The palate contained 100 taste buds (14%) divided among the soft palate (88, 12%) and the incisal papilla (12, 2%). On the epiglottis and adjacent region of the esophagus were found 70 taste buds (10%). About 10 taste buds each were located on the buccal wall (1.4%), while the remaining 5 taste buds were found on the sublingual organ. Conclusions about information processing in central neurons of the gustatory system must reflect knowledge of diverse receptor populations and their interactions.
David Easton and the Invisible Hand

This article demonstrates that, despite David Easton's assertions to the contrary, economic conceptions play a crucial role in his version of systems theory. A comparison between Easton's model of the political system and the classical economic model of Adam Smith reveals that they share the notions of system, scarcity, allocation, competition, maximization, self-regulation, homeostatic equilibrium, goal-seeking, and feedback. This comparison of Smith and Easton not only illuminates the logical and unacknowledged historical foundations of Easton's framework, it also clarifies some common misconceptions concerning systems analysis (e.g., the idea that it is static or that it is tautological) and underscores a number of important limitations on the utility of Easton's model as a tool for political analysis (i.e., the model requires a given pattern of behavior, a particular cultural environment and a specifiable institutional complex for its operation).
Performance and Service Life of Low-Slump-Concrete Bridge Deck Overlays in New York State

Abstract Fifty randomly selected concrete bridge decks in New York State, overlaid with low-slump concrete, were studied in 1985 after 5 years of service. The study included recording surface defects, measuring delamination and half-cell potentials, and sampling and testing for deck chloride profile. Conclusions are drawn about the nature and significance of the observed damage, and estimates are made of service life expectancy. Policy implications for the New York State Department of Transportation are discussed.
Exchange Rates, U.S. Import Prices, and Antidumping Measures

Over the last two decades, the United States and many other countries have imposed antidumping measures against foreign exporters or domestic importers by using “contemporaneous” exchange rates in determining the fair market value of imports. Prior research has shown that exchange rates impact import prices on a “lagged” basis. This study provides updated empirical evidence on exchange rate pass-through by analyzing quarterly U.S. import prices over the period of 1985:1 – 2010:4. The findings confirm that the influence of currency movements on import prices is, at best, only partial and takes place on a lagged basis. Thus, the method of antidumping initiatives undertaken by the U.S. agencies that relies on complete currency pass-through based on contemporaneous exchange rates is inappropriate.
Composable and compilable macros: you want it when?

Many macro systems, especially for Lisp and Scheme, allow macro transformers to perform general computation. Moreover, the language for implementing compile-time macro transformers is usually the same as the language for implementing run-time functions. As a side effect of this sharing, implementations tend to allow the mingling of compile-time values and run-time values, as well as values from separate compilations. Such mingling breaks programming tools that must parse code without executing it. Macro implementors avoid harmful mingling by obeying certain macro-definition protocols and by inserting phase-distinguishing annotations into the code. However, the annotations are fragile, the protocols are not enforced, and programmers can only reason about the result in terms of the compiler's implementation. MzScheme---the language of the PLT Scheme tool suite---addresses the problem through a macro system that separates compilation without sacrificing the expressiveness of macros.
Fate of Atmospheric Particles within the Buddhist Cave Temples at Yungang, China

The Yungang Grottoes are a collection of man-made cave temples dating from the 5th century A.D. that now are situated in the middle of one of China's largest coal mining regions. Air pollutant particles enter these caves and deposit onto the more than 50 000 stone carvings contained within the caves, leading to rapid soiling of the sculptures. In order to study this problem, computer-based models have been combined that simulate the air flow into the caves and particle deposition within the caves. The evolution of the airborne particle concentration and size distribution is tracked as outdoor air is drawn into the caves by a natural convection flow that is driven by the temperature difference between the outdoor air and the interior walls of the caves. Particle deposition rates are computed from the boundary layer flows along the surfaces within the caves. Predicted coarse airborne particle (diameter > 2.3 μm) size distribution and coarse particle deposition fluxes to horizontal surfaces within caves 6 and 9 at Yungang compare closely to experimental observations made during the period April 15−16, 1991. It is found that horizontal surfaces within caves 6 and 9 at Yungang would become completely covered by a full monolayer of particles in only 0.3−0.5 yr under the April conditions studied here and will be soiled even more rapidly under annual average conditions. The model developed here can be used in the future to compute the effects of particle filtration systems and/or altered ventilation rates on soiling within the grottoes.
Cognitive requirements of consistent and counterattitudinal roleplaying: A general set effect

This experiment demonstrates that Greenwald’s (1969) finding that the counterattitudinal roleplayer is open-minded can best be described as a general set effect. Potential advocates (counterattitudinal and consistent attitudinal) were found to judge attitudinal sta teme nts congruently with their expected roles.
Bidirectional template matching for 3D CAD-based inspection

We present an efficient technique that uses bidirectional template matching for gross defect detection in 3D objects. The template matching utilizes computer-aided design models and is carried out on 3D data formed by merging range data collected from multiple known viewpoints. The inspection scheme assumes that the identity of the object is known but that the object's position is unknown, although constrained. A matching technique based on the Hausdorff distance is used to determine the pose of the object. The inspection scheme is tested on real range images of several iron castings.
Fine-cut bluntness effects on the hypersonic static stability of a 10 degree cone

A systematic wind-tunnel investigation has been performed on a series of spherically blunted 10-degree cones to determine Mach number and angle-of-attack effects on the hypersonic static stability. The cones, which range in nose-to-base radius ratios from 0 to 0.5, have been tested from -4 to 20 degrees angle of attack at Mach numbers of 6 and 10 in air and 20 in helium. Relatively large excursions in the center-of-pressure location were observed for small changes in cone nose bluntness. The movement of the center of pressure was also noted to become more pronounced as Mach number increased; increases in angle of attack tended to lessen the magnitude of these excursions. Computational predictions of basic aerodynamic coefficients as well as the center-of-pressure locations using both viscous and inviscid theory compare very well with the experimental data.
Applications of atomic force microscopy to structural characterization of organic thin films

Abstract The atomic force microscope (AFM) has created exciting new possibilities for imaging thin organic films under ambient conditions at length scales ranging from tens of microns to the sub-molecular scale. We present images of thin organic films prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and self-assembly (SA) techniques that demonstrate the possibilities and limitations of the AFM. Atomic force microscope images of LB films show that manganese arachidate (MnA2) monolayers are short-range ordered and lead stearate (PbSt2) monolayers are long-range ordered on crystalline mica substrates, but disordered on amorphous oxidized silicon substrates. The lattice structures of PbSt2 and MnA2 monolayers on mica were previously unknown and have larger lattice parameters and molecular areas than do multilayer films of the same materials, indicating the strong interactions with the larger mica lattice. Multilayer films of PbSt2, cadmium arachidate (CdA2), and MnA2, have centered rectangular “herringbone” lattices on both silicon and mica substrates. After sufficient layers, the effect of the mica substrate is eliminated and the lattice parameters and area per molecule of films deposited on mica relax to those of multilayer films on amorphous oxidized silicon. This limiting area per molecule correlates well with the degree of ionic versus covalent bonding as estimated by the Pauling electronegativity, with barium arachidate (BaA2) > MnA2 > CdA2 > PbSt2. For BaA2 and MnA2 the increased molecular area is sufficient to induce a tilt in the molecular packing. The lattice parameters, symmetry, and area per molecule are independent of the length of the alkane chain of the fatty acid for all cations and substrates examined. AFM images also show that self-assembled monolayers of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) form on mica by nucleating isolated, self-similar domains. With increasing coverage, the fractal dimension of the growing domains evolves from 1.6 to 1.8. At higher coverage, continued growth is limited by adsorption from solution.
Incorporating socioeconomic factors into the analysis of biodiversity hotspots

Abstract Hotspot analysis is the identification and ranking of countries or other geographic regions on the basis of biodiversity. Hotspots have exceptional biodiversity per unit land area. This paper introduces a new method of hotspot analysis that ranks hotspots on the basis of biodiversity and anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. These threats are represented by socioeconomic factors such as human population size, rural population density, population growth rate, and governmental debt. Residuals from multiple regression models were used to rank the 17 megadiversity countries. In general, ranks based on threats to biodiversity were different from those based on biodiversity alone.
Cervical fracture in a nordic skier.

Cervical injuries with subtle physical and radiographic signs can occur in any sport, even those that do not usually produce significant musculoskeletal trauma. In this case, a cross-country skier's symptoms—shoulder pain and thumb numbness—were initially thought to represent a shoulder injury. Reflex testing raised the possibility of a cervical spine injury. Radiographs were negative for fracture, but computed tomography revealed a fracture of the C-6 right articular pillar. The patient was placed in a rigid cervical orthosis. After 4 months the patient's symptoms resolved and the fracture healed.
Different sedimentation properties of agonist- and antagonist-labelled platelet alpha2 adrenergic receptors

Abstract Alpha2 adrenergic receptors were solubilized from human platelet particulate preparations with digitonin. The solubilized alpha2 receptors retained the essential binding specificity characteristics of the membrane-bound receptors. The alpha2 receptors could be labelled in platelet membranes with either agonist ([3H]epinephrine) or antagonist ([3H]yohimbine) radioligands. When these membranes were solubilized with digitonin and centrifuged on sucrose density gradients, the sedimentation coefficient of the agonist-labelled receptor (14.6S) was greater than that of the antagonist-labelled receptor (12.9S). This observation may provide insight into the mechanism of adenylate cyclase inhibition by alpha2 adrenergic receptors.
Screen time, physical activity and depression risk in minority women

Emerging research suggests that sedentary behavior, sometimes measured as screen time, may be an important correlate of depression. Physical activity, while not the direct opposite of sedentary behavior, has also been associated with depression (albeit inversely). Although low-income and minority populations may experience greater levels of depression, little research has focused on the relationships between screen time or physical activity and depression in low-income, minority populations in the United States. This study used logistic regression to assess relationships among depression, daily screen time, and weekly physical activity and the interaction between screen time and physical activity in a cross-sectional sample of 535 overweight or obese minority women in East Harlem, New York. Sixteen percent of participants were at risk for depression, which was significantly higher than national averages. Results suggested that engaging in high levels of daily screen time was associated with increased depression risk, even after controlling for physical activity and demographic variables. Neither physical activity nor the interaction between screen time and physical activity were associated with depression risk. Obesity was significantly associated with depression risk in all models, even when accounting for sedentary behavior and physical activity. Daily screen time may be an important risk factor for depression in minority women in the United States. The lack of association between physical activity and depression did not support past research and may have been due to the physical activity measure or the fact that physical activity may not be an important risk factor for depression in minority women.
Domination, Subordination and the Dialogical Self: Identity Development and the Politics of ‘Ideological Becoming’

In this paper I present an approach to understanding the dialogical self that considers the role that social, cultural and institutional dynamics of domination and subordination, and structures of power of privilege, play in the development of identity. To accomplish this I expand Penuel and Wertsch’s (1995) ‘mediated action’ approach to identity development to include a dialogical process of what Mikhail Bakhtin (1981) calls ‘ideological becoming’. Using the Autobiography of Malcolm X as an illustrative example, I argue that the development of Malcolm’s identity, via the process of ideological becoming, is influenced in profound ways by his experience of subordination and oppression, and his lack of power and privilege, growing up as a black man in the United States in the first half of the 20th century. Thus the ‘politics of ideological becoming’ refers to the degree to which the process of identity formation is necessarily different for persons from different social locations, who stand in different re...
The treatment of bovine collagen allergy with cyclosporin

Background. Bovine collagen is currently the most common substance used in soft-tissue augmentation. Although patients should undergo routine skin testing for allergy to bovine collagen prior to treatment, hypersensitivity reactions may rarely still occur. Previously, there have been no reliable methods of treatment for these reactions, and physicians could only reassure patients that the reaction would slowly disappear. Objective. The use of oral cyclosporin in a patient with hypersensitivity to bovine collagen was evaluated. Methods. A patient with an allergic reaction to implanted bovine collagen was started on cyclosporin 175 mg po bid (5 mg/kg/day) after no improvement was seen after treatment with oral and topical steroids. The cyclosporin was started on Day 23 of the allergic reaction. Results. Improvement in the itching and redness was noted by Day 28 of the allergic reaction, and complete clinical resolution of the allergic reaction was noted on Day 41. On Day 47, the cyclosporin was stopped without recurrence of symptoms. The patient did not experience side effects from cyclosporin, and her blood pressure and renal function remained normal. Conclusion. This case report shows that oral cyclosporin A may be a safe and effective treatment for bovine collagen hypersensitivity.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes among African Women with Normal Cervical Cytology and Neoplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Several meta-analyses confirmed the five most prevalent human papillomavirus (HPV) strains in women with and without cervical neoplastic diseases are HPV16, 18, 31, 52, and 58. HPV16/18 are the predominant oncogenic genotypes, causing approximately 70% of global cervical cancer cases. The vast majority of the women studied in previous analyses were from Europe, North America, Asia, and most recently Latin America and the Caribbean. Despite the high burden of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality in Africa, a robust meta-analysis of HPV genotype prevalence and distribution in African women is lacking.
The Effect of DDT, Zectran and Zytron on the Packed Cell Volume, Total Erythrocyte Count and Mean Corpuscular Volume of Japanese Quail,

Abstract THE use of pesticides has become commonplace in this country and throughout the world. As more and more of these varied chemicals are utilized, concern has mounted as to how they may affect birds and animals. Chronic doses of DDT have been found to cause a drop in the hemoglobin level of rabbits (Cameron and Burgess, 1945) and of rats (McNamara et al., 1946) while the total number of circulating erythrocytes remain unchanged. In contrast, chronic DDT injection of male chickens reduced red blood cells by an average of 17.8% while hemoglobin concentration remained commensurate with control values (Burlington and Lindeman, 1950). This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of pesticide chemicals on erythrocytes of Japanese quail and to determine the feasibility of using packed cell volume as a measure of pesticide toxicity in birds. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), Zectran® (4-dimethylamino 3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate) and Zytron® (0-(2,4-dichlorophenyl) 0-methyl isopropylphosphoramidothioate) were . . .
The impact of re-education of airway clearance techniques (REACT) on adherence and pulmonary function in patients with cystic fibrosis

Background Our centre9s median forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) reported in the 2005 Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation Patient Registry was below the national median. The focus of our quality improvement initiative was to improve lung function through re-education of airway clearance techniques (REACT). Aim The global aim was to improve the median FEV 1 in our patients. The specific aim was to encourage adherence to airway clearance techniques (ACT). To achieve these goals we implemented the REACT programme for patients. Methods Educational sessions introduced the concept of improving clinical outcomes and the importance of airway clearance in achieving optimal lung function. The REACT programme utilised an anonymous survey, in-clinic questionnaire and ACT demonstration to assess knowledge, practices and barriers to ACT. Patients were then categorised as non-adherent or adherent with correct or incorrect technique. Improper techniques were corrected. All patients were re-educated on the rationale for ACT. Results Our surveys revealed that 43% of patients had barriers to ACT and 53% were non-adherent. Following implementation of REACT, median FEV 1 increased from 84% to 92% (national median 91–94%) from 2005 to 2010 for patients aged 6–17. For patients 18 and older, median FEV 1 increased from 56% to 64% (national median 62–65%) from 2005 to 2010. Conclusions By introducing a programme focused on technique and adherence, we were able to improve median FEV 1 in patients with CF. Sustained improvement of FEV 1 was accomplished by continued use of the REACT programme.
Gene Replacement Therapies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors

The muscular dystrophies collectively represent a major health challenge, as few significant treatment options currently exist for any of these disorders. Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of novel approaches to therapy, spanning increased testing of existing and new pharmaceuticals, DNA delivery (both anti-sense oligonucleotides and plasmid DNA), gene therapies and stem cell technologies. While none of these has reached the point of being used in clinical practice, all show promise for being able to impact different types of muscular dystrophies. Our group has focused on developing direct gene replacement strategies to treat recessively inherited forms of muscular dystrophy, particularly Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD). Both forms of dystrophy are caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene and all cases can in theory be treated by gene replacement using synthetic forms of the dystrophin gene. The major challenges for success of this approach are the development of a suitable gene delivery shuttle, generating a suitable gene expression cassette able to be carried by such a shuttle, and achieving safe and effective delivery without elicitation of a destructive immune response. This review summarizes the current state of the art in terms of using adeno-associated viral vectors to deliver synthetic dystrophin genes for the purpose of developing gene therapy for DMD.