cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theory of mixing sections in single screw extruders

A discussion of the effect of deformation on mixing leads to reorientation of fluid interfaces as a proposed mechanism for special “mixing sections” in single screw extruders. Based on the kinematics of mixing it is shown how a mixing section can greatly decrease the amount of work necessary to accomplish extensive mixing through orienting the fluid more favorably for mixing by subsequent shear. Mathematical development quantitatively describes favored configurations of mixing sections. An upper bound for the mixing performance of a simple model of an extruder with special sections is shown to be similar to turbulent mixing. Based on this theory the key actions of the special sections are identified.
In search of a metaphor for instructional development

The use of metaphors is helping certain professionals discover new dimensions of their practice. The method holds attractive possibilities for instructional developers. This article explores this potential through an analysis of the functions and limitations of metaphors as applied to instructional development. Existing metaphors are critiqued, and new metaphors are presented.
A New Species of Odontacarus (Acari: Trombiculidae) from Venezuela with a Pygosomal Plate1

Odontacarus (Odontacarus) unicus , n. sp., is described from a Cotton Rat, Sigmodon hispidus hirsutus , taken in Venezuela. It is the first species of the subfamily Leeuwenhoekiinae reported with a pygosomal plate.
Cytokine effects on cortical neuron MAP-2 immunoreactivity: implications for schizophrenia.

Abstract Background: Cytokines demonstrate diverse actions in the brain and modulate systemic and central nervous system (CNS) responses to injury, infection, and inflammation. Cytokines in the CNS are elevated during infection and ischemia, two neurodevelopmental insults associated with increased schizophrenia risk. We hypothesize that cytokine-mediated neuronal injury during development may contribute to schizophrenia pathophysiology, causing subtle alterations in neuronal number and density. Methods: We examined cytokine regulation of neuronal number in embryonic day 18 rat cortical cultures using MAP-2 immunohistochemistry. Mixed cultures derived from frontal cortex were fixed and stained after 48-hour exposure to the proinflammatory interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 0, 10, 100, or 1000 units/mL). Results: IL-1β (maximum effect 35%) and IL-6 (maximum effect 29%) produced dose-dependent decreases in the number of cells (neurons) immunoreactive for MAP-2 antibody, suggesting decreased neuronal survival. TNF-α also tended to decrease MAP-2 immunostaining at the highest dose tested. Conclusions: Our data suggest a role for cytokines in the modulation of neuronal survival during neurodevelopment, a finding potentially relevant to schizophrenia pathophysiology. If cytokine-mediated neuronal injury proves to be a common response to gestational insults associated with increased schizophrenia risk, the pharmacologic modulation of these molecules may have clinical utility.
Nash Equilibrium Search for the Best Alternative

In a recent paper, Weitzman (Econometrica 47 (1979) 641–654) described a policy of “optimal search for the best alternative.” The present paper is concerned with the development and characterization of a policy of “Nash equilibrium search for the best alternative.” Specifically, it is shown that, under certain monotonicity assumptions, and under the assumption that firms have incomplete information regarding the results of rivals' search behavior, a Nash equilibrium search policy exists and has the same form as Weitzman's optimal search policy.
The number of total joint replacements in the United States.

By comparing estimates from several sources an assessment can be made of the number of total joint replacement procedures performed annually in the United States. Approximately 80,000 hips and 40,000 knee joints were replaced in the U.S. during 1976. Total hip replacement has been accepted by the orthopedic community as an efficacious mode of treatment of the many painful and disabling forms of arthritis. A substantial patient population could benefit from perfection of designs for treating joints other than the hip.
Quitline Services for Smokers with Mental Illness

Introduction: State smoking-cessation telephone Quitlines have become an integral part of the United States' public health strategy for helping smokers quit. It is unclear whether these Quitlines meet the needs of smokers with a mental illness, who have unique challenges during the quitting process and may benefit from more intensive treatment. We conducted a needs assessment survey of U.S. state Quitlines (N = 51, including Washington, D.C.) to learn how they work with mentally ill callers. Methods: Quitline representatives were asked whether they have or perform six services chosen to represent basic elements of treatment access, process, and structure for mentally ill smokers. Results: We had a 96 percent response rate to our inquiries. All surveyed Quitlines accept calls from mentally ill smokers, and all either train their counselors in mental health or their counselors have past mental health training. In addition, all Quitlines encourage mentally ill callers to discuss quitting with their usual car...
Factors influencing surface quality and impurity distribution in silicon ribbons grown by the capillary action shaping technique (CAST)

Abstract Parameters such as die top geometry, die channel geometry, and die composition are found to have significant effects upon surface quality, crystallographic perfection, and impurity characteristics of CAST grown silicon ribbons. Die designs which allow a high melt meniscus (0.5–0.8 mm) produce optimum ribbon properties. Such designs are presented. The natures of ribbon surface particles, surface films, surface striations and surface crystallographic characteristics are described and related to growth parameters. Ribbons have been grown in widths up to 100 mm and have been used to make solar cells with efficiencies up to 12%.
So you don't like your boss...!

Abstract There are problems that are common to all levels of the hospital hierarchy. This article deals with just one of these. It is a problem that is not discussed very often, but occurs all too frequently. It can hamper productivity and severely lower morale. But it can also be identified and solved if you're an administrator with years of experience or a nurse dedicated to patient care, or even an individual just entering the health care workforce. You may want to base one of your periodic training sessions on this article. You could tack it on your bulletin board, or you could simply deal with those persons who are affected. In any case, we would suggest that the problem not be ignored.
Reporting central tendencies of chamber measured surface emission and oxidation.

Abstract Methane emissions, concentrations, and oxidation were measured on eleven MSW landfills in eleven states spanning from California to Pennsylvania during the three year study. The flux measurements were performed using a static chamber technique. Initial concentration samples were collected immediately after placement of the flux chamber. Oxidation of the emitted methane was evaluated using stable isotope techniques. When reporting overall surface emissions and percent oxidation for a landfill cover, central tendencies are typically used to report “averages” of the collected data. The objective of this study was to determine the best way to determine and report central tendencies. Results showed that 89% of the data sets of collected surface flux have lognormal distributions, 83% of the surface concentration data sets are also lognormal. Sixty seven percent (67%) of the isotope measured percent oxidation data sets are normally distributed. The distribution of data for all eleven landfills provides insight of the central tendencies of emissions, concentrations, and percent oxidation. When reporting the “average” measurement for both flux and concentration data collected at the surface of a landfill, statistical analyses provided insight supporting the use of the geometric mean. But the arithmetic mean can accurately represent the percent oxidation, as measured with the stable isotope technique. We examined correlations between surface CH4 emissions and surface air CH4 concentrations. Correlation of the concentration and flux values using the geometric mean proved to be a good fit (R2 = 0.86), indicating that surface scans are a good way of identifying locations of high emissions.
Rapid purification of DNA from agarose gels by centrifugation through a disposable plastic column

A simple and rapid method for purifying DNA from agarose gels is described. Agarose slices containing DNA are placed in a disposable plastic column and the DNA is separated from the agarose by centrifugation in a microfuge. Recoveries averaging 25% are obtained for DNA of 14 kb or less. The recovered DNA can be labeled to high specific activity, cleaved with restriction endonucleases, and ligated efficiently using standard cloning vectors.
A Phase 2 Study of Yttrium-90 Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (Zevalin) in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Background Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with radio-labeled monoclonal antibodies to CD20 produce a high response rate in patients with relapsed lymphoma. Use of this modality in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been hampered by the extensive marrow involvement seen in patients with CLL, which would produce a high risk for marrow aplasia after treatment with RIT. Patients with lymphoma and marrow involvement have been treated with RIT if involved marrow was less than 25% of the total marrow. Thus, we adapted this approach as consolidation therapy in patients with CLL responding to chemoimmunotherapy. Methods Fourteen patients with relapsed CLL either in partial remission or in complete remission but with disease documented by flow cytometry were treated with (90)Y ibritumomab tiuxetan. Results One patient responded and achieved a complete remission but with residual disease detected by flow cytometry. Of note was that grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicity was seen in 12 of the 13 (92%) evaluable patients, with grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia noted in 11 (85%) of the patients. In addition, myelosuppression was prolonged with a median duration of grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia of 37 days. Five patients had persistent thrombocytopenia 3 months post-therapy. Conclusions Even in patients with CLL and limited marrow involvement, the use of RIT results in unacceptable hematologic toxicity.
Band-structure parameters of a series of tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene [(TMTSF) 2 X] compounds

Using semiempirical molecular-orbital calculations, we have obtained the principal transfer integrals which parametrize the band structure of tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene salts [${(\mathrm{TMTSF})}_{2}X$] [$X=\mathrm{Cl}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}, \mathrm{Re}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}, \mathrm{FS}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}, \mathrm{P}{\mathrm{F}}_{6} (300 \mathrm{and} 4 \mathrm{K}), \mathrm{and} \mathrm{As}{\mathrm{F}}_{6}$]. Contrary to what has generally been believed, we find the most important interaction determining interchain bandwidth dispersion to be between third-nearest-neighbor TMTSF cations with respect to Se-Se contact distances. Moreover, we find this interaction to yield a transverse bandwidth of order 47-52 meV for all values of the anion $X$ we considered. This band-width is large enough to sustain quasi-two-dimensional coherent transport behavior well above the metal-insulator transition and possibly at room temperature as well, but of not sufficient magnitude to create a closed Fermi surface within the first Brillouin zone. In addition, we determine the strain components for the major transfer integrals. From these we conclude that the experimental temperature and pressure behavior of the conductivity cannot arise solely from a simple effective-mass dependence on the ${(\mathrm{TMTSF})}_{2}X$ transfer integrals.
PHOENIX: A Scoring Function for Affinity Prediction Derived Using High-Resolution Crystal Structures and Calorimetry Measurements

Binding affinity prediction is one of the most critical components to computer-aided structure-based drug design. Despite advances in first-principle methods for predicting binding affinity, empirical scoring functions that are fast and only relatively accurate are still widely used in structure-based drug design. With the increasing availability of X-ray crystallographic structures in the Protein Data Bank and continuing application of biophysical methods such as isothermal titration calorimetry to measure thermodynamic parameters contributing to binding free energy, sufficient experimental data exists that scoring functions can now be derived by separating enthalpic (ΔH) and entropic (TΔS) contributions to binding free energy (ΔG). PHOENIX, a scoring function to predict binding affinities of protein−ligand complexes, utilizes the increasing availability of experimental data to improve binding affinity predictions by the following: model training and testing using high-resolution crystallographic data to...
Randomized trial of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate versus theophylline for moderate asthma during pregnancy

Abstract Objective This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate to oral theophylline for the prevention of asthma exacerbation(s) requiring medical intervention. Study design A prospective, double-blind, double placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of pregnant women with moderate asthma was performed. Results There was no significant difference ( P =.554) in the proportion of asthma exacerbations among the 194 women in the beclomethasone cohort (18.0%) versus the 191 in the theophylline cohort (20.4%; risk ratio [RR]=0.9, 95% CI=0.6-1.3). The beclomethasone cohort had significantly lower incidences of discontinuing study medications caused by side effects (RR=0.3, 95% CI=0.1-0.9; P =.016), and proportion of study visits with forced expiratory volume expired in 1 second (FEV1) less than 80% predicted (0.284±0.331 vs 0.284±0.221, P =.039). There were no significant differences in treatment failure, compliance, or proportion of peak expiratory flow rate less than 80% predicted. There were no significant differences in maternal or perinatal outcomes. Conclusion The treatment of moderate asthma with inhaled beclomethasone versus oral theophylline resulted in similar rates of asthma exacerbations and similar obstetric and perinatal outcomes. These results favor the use of inhaled corticosteroids for moderate asthma during pregnancy because of the improved FEV1 and because theophylline had more side effects and requires serum monitoring.
Cultural and serological comparison of ten strains of Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius.

Ten strains ofAspergillus fumigatusFresenius, isolated from human or animal sources, were compared for cultural and serologic characteristics when grown on neopeptone dialysate medium. All strains grew well and antigenic similarities were noted among the strains. Best antigen production occurred after 6 weeks' incubation.
The roles of role strain, economic resources and time demands in explaining mothers' life satisfaction

Time diary and questionnaire data from mothers who are full-time homemakers, members of dual-earner households, and heads of single-parent households are analyzed to determine the influence of family structure, economic resources, and time demands on their life satisfaction. The multivariate analysis reveals that family structure is moderately related to mothers' satisfaction with progress in life but not to satisfaction with life as a whole. Mothers' satisfaction with life as a whole does vary with their life cycle stage, economic situation, and their use of time.
Ageing of Neurospora Crassa. IX. Microviscosity properties of mitochondrial membranes during normal and abnormal growth and development of an inositol auxotroph

Abstract Microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes of an inositol auxotroph of Neurospora was measured by the method of Shinitzky, employing the fluorescent probe diphenylhexatriene. With high concentrations of inositol, growth, morphogenesis, and cellular and biochemical phenotypes of the auxotroph are normal; whereas with low concentrations, these characteristics become abnormal and cellular and clonal senescence ensue. During normal growth and development, the critical temperatures of phase transition, the energies and volumes of fusion (Δ E , V ), and the microviscosities ( n ) at low and high temperatures changed in a cyclical “gaussian” manner; whereas the microviscosity at 25 °C remained constant. The normal developmental changes of the microviscosity properties were consistent with Brody's molecular packaging hypothesis, whereby the biochemical properties of conidia are pre-determined in conidiogenic hyphae. The microviscosity properties and their developmental change were closely correlated with other biochemical and biological properties such as the critical extremities of growth temperature, activity of membrane-bound cytochrome oxidase, and the stages of cellular differentiation. The thermodynamic properties of the membrane microviscosity support the genetic hypothesis that conidia and conidiogenic hyphae are more highly differentiated than growing hyphae. During abnormal growth and development, Δ E and V of the liquid-crystalline phase underwent a precocious, but otherwise normal change at an early age; whereas subsequent cellular and mitochondrial senescence was accompanied by an abnormal increase of microviscosity and abnormally small Δ E and V . With the results of other experiments and by analogy to proposed structural determinants of microviscosity properties of other biological membranes, a tentative interpretation of the molecular basis of the microviscosity properties and their normal
Forest wildfire, fuel reduction treatments, and landscape carbon stocks: A sensitivity analysis

Fuel reduction treatments prescribed in fire-suppressed forests of western North America pose an apparent paradox with respect to terrestrial carbon management. Such treatments have the immediate effect of reducing forest carbon stocks but likely reduce future carbon losses through the combustion and mortality caused by high-severity wildfires. Assessing the long-term impact of fuel treatment on the carbon balance of fire-prone forests has been difficult because of uncertainties regarding treatment and wildfire impacts on any given landscape. In this study we attempt to remove some of the confusion surrounding this subject by performing a sensitivity analysis wherein long-term, landscape-wide carbon stocks are simulated under a wide range of treatment efficacy, treatment lifespan, fire impacts, forest recovery rates, forest decay rates, and the longevity of wood products. Our results indicate a surprising insensitivity of long-term carbon stocks to both management and biological variables. After 80 years, a 1600% change in either forest growth or decomposition resulted in only a 40% change in total system carbon, and a 1600% change in either treatment application rate or efficacy in arresting fire spread resulted in only a 10% change in total system carbon. This insensitivity of long-term carbon stocks is due in part by the infrequency of treatmentewildfire interaction and in part by the controls imposed by maximum forest biomass. None of the fuel treatment simulation scenarios resulted in increased system carbon.
Instructional design as game design

Games have made their way into the classroom in a multitude of ways to attract and retain students. The academic community has made great strides incorporating games into academic study. Although some have suggested formal links, little work has been done on formalizing how game design can inform instructional design. We explore this avenue by showing existing overlaps between the disciplines and areas where game design and instructional design can inform each other. Examples from a series of introductory programming courses will demonstrate the connections and suggest future development.
Atherosclerotic vascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus and related disorders

Atherosclerosis is a common cause of death and disability, even in premenopausal women, in systemic lupus erythematosus. The additional risk in SLE (and other related disorders) cannot be explained by levels of “classic” risk factors. There is evidence that SLE itself, its effects on atherosclerosis risk factors and the effect of the drugs used to threat SLE may all play a role in accelerating atherosclerosis in SLE. Even though “classic” risk factors do not explain all of the vascular risk in SLE, it is still vitally important that they be vigorously treated.
Process Technologies Enabling Future Memory Platforms

The dramatic market demand for flash memory in the past decade has vigorously driven technology evolution. Traditional memory scaling is facing huge lithographic barriers resulting in the inevitable pursuit of non-planar solutions. In this paper, we discuss the process technologies that are enabling us to overcome the challenges of extending the current planar platform while transitioning into future three-dimensional architectures.
A study on the efficient wireless sensor networks for operation monitoring and control in smart grid applications

Low cost and collaborative nature of wireless sensor network makes it promising reliable, secure and self-healing two-way communication for monitoring and controlling of the equipment in the smart grid. But for time critical applications like grid fault isolation and recovery, demand response, wide area situational awareness demand low latency enabled faster communication network infrastructure. The grid can be really smart enough when we can control the grid in real time without any potential blackout. To meet this challenge this paper evaluates the performance of IEEE standard 802.15.4 wireless sensor networks with varying network sizes. NS2 (Network Simulator 2) has been employed to evaluate the performance of the wireless sensor networks using various ad-hoc routing protocols. The paper then analyzes the results and finally reaches to a conclusion about the potential areas where wireless sensor network can be deployed for efficient operation monitoring and control of the smart grid.
Somites in zebrafish doubly mutant for knypek and trilobite form without internal mesenchymal cells or compaction

Abstract In vertebrates, paraxial mesoderm is partitioned into repeating units called somites. It is thought that the mechanical forces arising from compaction of the presumptive internal cells of prospective somites cause them to detach from the unsegmented presomitic mesoderm [1–3]. To determine how prospective somites physically segregate from each other, we used time-lapse microscopy to analyze the mechanics underlying early somitogenesis in wild-type zebrafish and in the mutants trilobite m209 ( tri ), knypek m119 ( kny ), and kny ; tri , which are defective in convergent extension during gastrulation. Formation of somite boundaries in all of these embryos involved segregation, local alignment, and cell-shape changes of presumptive epitheloid border cells along nascent intersomitic boundaries. Although kny;tri somites formed without convergence of the presomitic mesoderm and were composed of only two cells in their anteroposterior (AP) dimension, they still exhibited AP intrasegmental polarity. Furthermore, morphogenesis of somite boundaries in these embryos proceeded in a manner similar to that in wild-type embryos. Thus, intersomitic boundary formation in zebrafish involves short-range movements of presumptive border cells that do not require mechanical forces generated by internal cells or compaction of the presomitic mesoderm.
Protease ihibitors suppress enterotoxin B formation by Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract : Certain protease inhibitors depress enterotoxin B production without diminishing growth of the organism. Enterotoxin synthesis by concentrated, resting cells is also decreased by the same inhibitors. The results suggest that a protealytic cleavage step is obligatory for the release of extracellular toxin. (Author)
DOES GNP HAVE A UNIT ROOT

Abstract The Nelson–Plosser finding of a unit root in real U.S. GNP is re-examined using additional data sets and a new statistical test The new statistical test carries out a non-parametric correction for serial correlation.
Effects of source radiation patterns on the phase S670P beneath the Tonga subduction zone

SUMMARY Observations of short-period S-P converted phases from the 670 km discontinuity (S670P) provide unique constraints on the nature of the discontinuity and the seismic structure of deep subducted slabs. Because this is a subtle phase in the P codas from deep earthquakes, great care is necessary in its identification. In past work we identified S670P phases from a large number of deep events beneath Tonga primarily by showing that the arrival times for S670P had the correct dependence upon hypocentral depth. Here we offer further confirmation of our interpretation of this S-P converted phase by showing that the occurrence of the phase is a predictable consequence of the earthquake source mechanism. We show this in two ways: (1) independently determined moment tensor solutions for the earthquakes generally predict relatively high-amplitude S-P conversions where they are observed; and (2) the observed amplitudes of S670P, ScP, PP, and P arrivals vary systematically in a way which confirms that S670P, is generated with large amplitude when the S-wave energy pattern is optimal. Comparison of ScP observations with moment tensor solutions also suggests that much of the S-wave energy results from the non-double-couple or, for CMT solutions, linear vector dipole (LVD) part of the source mechanism for the northern part of the Tonga subduction zone, where we observe the strongest S670P, phases. Because these LVD components tend to be directed along fault planes inferred from deep seismicity patterns, we suggest that they may be caused by rupture propagation directivity. We conclude that the occurrence of S670P, is primarily controlled by the source radiation pattern in a way that is consistent with our previous interpretation, thus confirming that S670P, is an S-P conversion from an almost undeformed phase change boundary at about 670 km depth.
The Solicitor General and the United States Supreme Court: Executive Branch Influence and Judicial Decisions

1. The Solicitor General and the Supreme Court 2. The Office of the Solicitor General: the finest law firm in the country 3. Explanations for Solicitor General success 4. Solicitor General influence and agenda setting 5. Solicitor General influence and merits outcomes 6. Solicitor General influence and briefs 7. Solicitor General influence and legal doctrine 8. Conclusion 9. Appendices.
Recovery bed planning in cardiovascular surgery: a simulation case study

Recovery beds for cardiovascular surgical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and progressive care unit (PCU) are costly hospital resources that require effective management. This case study reports on the development and use of a discrete-event simulation model used to predict minimum bed needs to achieve the high patient service level demanded at Mayo Clinic. In addition to bed predictions that incorporate surgery growth and new recovery protocols, the model was used to explore the effects of smoothing surgery schedules and transferring long-stay patients from the ICU. The model projected bed needs that were 30 % lower than the traditional bed-planning approach and the options explored by the practice could substantially reduce the number of beds required.
Factors governing the binding and recognition of foreign and self-peptides by MHC class II.

One striking aspect of many autoimmune diseases is their association with particular HLA class II alleles. A high frequency of certain major histocompatibility class II alleles has been found in both T cell-mediated and autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. In certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, there is association with two or more MHC class II alleles. Examination of the amino acid sequences of autoimmune disease-associated class II molecules has revealed that they share or are identical in those polymorphic residues which govern the binding of immunogenic peptides'. Thus it seems reasonable to postulate that the underlying basis for disease association is the preferential binding of autoantigenic peptides by the disease-associated class II allele and their presentation to autoreactive T cells.
A reduced complexity adaptive near-far resistant receiver for DS-CDMA

In order to minimize multiple access interference (MAI) the standard receiver for direct-sequence code-division multiple access (DS-CDMA) systems relies on power control and good partial cross-correlation properties of the code waveforms. The MAI is especially serious in a near-far situation where the received powers from the different users are very dissimilar, as the case might be for a cellular or personal communications system. Several near-far resistant receivers have been proposed. Most of these receivers require considerable complexity and rely on accurate side-information, such as: code and bit synchronization, knowledge of the number of users, each user's code waveform, received power and relative time-delay. In this paper we propose a new single-user single-bit receiver with relatively low complexity and which only requires chip timing information. >
Processing a large number of continuous preference top-k queries

Given a set of objects, each with multiple numeric attributes, a (preference) top-k query retrieves the k objects with the highest scores according to a user preference, defined as a linear combination of attribute values. We consider the problem of processing a large number of continuous top-k queries, each with its own preference. When objects or user preferences change, the query results must be updated. We present a dynamic index that supports the reverse top k query, which is of independent interest. Combining this index with another one for top-k queries, we develop a scalable solution for processing many continuous top-k queries that exploits the clusteredness in user preferences. We also define an approximate version of the problem and present a solution significantly more efficient than the exact one with little loss in accuracy.
Research in online and blended learning in the business disciplines: Key findings and possible future directions

article i nfo In this literature review, we examine and assess the state of research of online and blended learning in the business disciplines with the intent of assessing the state of the field and identifying opportunities for meaningful future research. We review research from business disciplines such as Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems (IS), Management, Marketing, and Operations/Supply Chain Management. We found that the volume and quality of research in online and blended business education has increased dramatically during the past decade. However, the rate of progress is somewhat uneven across disciplines. IS, Management, and multi-disciplinary studies have the highest volumes of research activity, with markedly less activity in Finance and Economics. Furthermore, scholars of online and blended business education predominantly publish in learning and education journals of the business disciplines rather than also publishing in journals that focus on technology-mediated learning, thereby missing an opportunity to inform scholars in other disciplines about their work. The most common research streams across disciplines were outcome comparison studies with classroom-based learning and studies examining potential predictors of course outcomes. Results from the comparison studies suggest generally that online courses are at least comparable to classroom-based courses in achieving desired learning outcomes, while there is divergence in findings of comparisons of other course aspects. Collectively, the range of untested conceptual frameworks, the lack of discipline-specific theories, and the relative absence of a critical mass of researchers focused on the topic suggest ample opportunities for business scholars seeking to enter this research community.
Toward communicating simple sentences using pictorial representations

This paper addresses and evaluates the hypothesis that pictorial representations can be used to effectively convey simple sentences across language barriers. The paper makes two main contributions. First, it proposes an approach to augmenting dictionaries with illustrative images using volunteer contributions over the Web. The paper describes the PicNet illustrated dictionary, and evaluates the quality and quantity of the contributions collected through several online activities. Second, starting with this illustrated dictionary, the paper describes a system for the automatic construction of pictorial representations for simple sentences. Comparative evaluations show that a considerable amount of understanding can be achieved using visual descriptions of information, with evaluation figures within a comparable range of those obtained with linguistic representations produced by an automatic machine translation system.
NRCS and the Acequia Community—A Lifestyle of Family Farming

NRCS and the Acequia community--a lifestyle of family farming. DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v27i6_barnes
Autonomous Lunar Orbit Determination using Star Occultation Measurements

†A method has been developed for performing autonomous Lunar orbit determination based on measurements of the times at which stars set behind or rise above the Lunar limb. This system is being developed as a possible technology for use in the Lunar exploration initiative because it enables increased autonomy of operations near the Moon. The system consists of a specially modified star camera and an extended Kalman filter. The star camera keeps track of known stars in its field of view and reports the times when stars suddenly appear or disappear without crossing the edge of the field of view. These are times that the known line-of-sight vectors to the stars cross the Lunar limb, and this knowledge translates into position information. The Kalman filter uses a series of star occultation/rising times and an orbital dynamics model to estimate the spacecraft’s position and velocity. An observability analysis shows that this system is strongly observable, and a truth-model simulation has demonstrated an absolute position accuracy of 70 m per axis and an absolute velocity accuracy of 0.045 m/s per axis when using a Lunar topographic map with an RMS altitude accuracy of 100 m and a Lunar gravity model with an RMS accuracy of 1x10 -5 m/s 2 .
Viologens as charge carriers in a polymer-based battery anode.

Viologens, either as anions in solution or as pendant substituents to pyrrole, were incorporated as dopants to electrodeposited films of polypyrrole. The resulting polymer films exhibited redox activity at −0.5 V vs Ag/AgCl. The film consisting of polypyrrole with pendant viologens exhibited the best charge–discharge behavior with a maximum capacity of 55 mAh/g at a discharge current of 0.25 mA/cm2. An anode consisting of polypyrrole (pPy) doped with viologen (V) was coupled to a cathode consisting of pPy doped with 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) to yield a polymer-based battery with a cell electromotive force (emf) of 1.0 V, maximum capacity of 16 mAh/g, and energy density of 15 Wh/kg.
A Microfabricated Device for the Characterization of Biological Entities

A micro-fabricated pore is constructed and tested so that it can be used to characterize biological entities. The pore is prepared by bulk micro-machining of a silicon wafer. An oxide coated silicon diaphragm with the pore is placed between two chambers containing ionic buffer solutions to mimic a bilayer system. If a voltage is applied across the pore, electrophoretic passage of charged entities can be electrically detected through changes in the ionic current flow. When the entities traverse the pore, the ionic current is blocked and a decrease in the current can be observed. As an initial test case, negatively charged polystyrene beads which were 2.38μm in diameter, were electrophoretically driven across the pore. Then the bacterium Listeria innocua, suspended in Tris-glycine buffer, was also electrophoretically driven through the pore and its effective mobility was extracted. The device can also be used to study the interactions between organisms and the micro-fabricated surfaces. Work is continuing to scale the pore to the sub-100A range to be used for characterization and possible sequencing of single molecules such as DNA.
Respirator Impact on Work Task Performance

Objective: Respirators are used to maintain work performance and protect against inhaled toxins. The study compared the effects of two commonly used respirator classes—dual cartridge half face mask (HFM) and filtering face piece (N95)—upon work productivity. Methods: 107 volunteers performed eight simulated work tasks when using the HFM and N95 respirators. Tasks included several body positions, exertion levels, and concentration requirements. Objective measures of accuracy and speed were developed for each task. Scores for each task were based on the subject's rank among all subjects. Results: All subjects were capable of performing the tasks. There were no statistically significant differences between respirator types in either task performance metric. Conclusions: Productivity impact can be measured effectively and should be considered as part of respirator design testing and when selecting the optimal respirator for a worker.
The extraction and determination of formaldehyde in dried bean milk cream

To seek the method of the extraction and determination of formaldehyde in the dried bean milk cream. Under the situation of phosphonic acid, the extraction of formaldehyde in dried bean milk cream was carried out by distilling and the formaldehyde was determined by acetyl acetone spectrophotograhy. The selecting tests of determining conditions and coloring conditions were developed. The regress equation of linearity y=0.2319x+0.0263(R2=0.9994) was obtained. The sample recovery rates were in the range of 92.0%～94.4%. The method is stable, accurate and simple.
High rates of venous thromboembolic events in patients undergoing systemic therapy for urothelial carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Patients undergoing systemic therapy for urothelial carcinoma (UC) are at increased risk for venous thromboembolic (VTE) events. The objective of the current study was to determine the rate of VTE events in patients undergoing systemic therapy for UC and assess factors affecting this rate. Methods This study was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42015025774). We searched Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Web of Science libraries through August 2014. As per PRISMA guidelines, 2 reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts. Disagreements were arbitrated by a third reviewer. After full text review, data were abstracted and pooled using a random effects model. Authors were contacted for clarification of data. To determine VTE risk factors, subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted. Results We identified 3,635 publications in the initial search, of which 410 met inclusion criteria for full text review. Of these, we were able to obtain data on the outcome of interest for 62 publications. A total of 5,082 patients, of which 77% were male, underwent systemic therapy for UC, with 373 VTE events. The proportion of patients who had had prior surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation was 55%, 25%, and 9%, respectively. Fixed effects and random effects models were used to estimate the VTE rate, yielding event rates of 6.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Conclusions VTE occurs frequently in patients undergoing systemic therapy for UC. The VTE rate was affected by the country of origin, history of radiation, as well as by the systemic treatment class. The study was limited by the incomplete reporting of all variables of interest.
Long-Term Results of Renal Transplantation into the Valve Bladder

Between 1970 and 1990 renal transplantation was performed in 16 patients with a history of posterior urethral valves. While 10 patients had undergone supravesical urinary diversion before the development of end stage renal disease, all but 1 transplant were drained to the unaugmented native bladder. The 2 and 5-year graft survival rates were 70% and 59%, respectively. Of the 15 surviving patients 11 have allografts that are functioning at a mean of 86 months after transplantation with a mean serum creatinine of 2.0 mg./dl. Urological complications occurred in 19% of the transplants. No detrimental effect of the valve bladder on long-term allograft survival or function was apparent. With appropriate treatment of vesical dysfunction, these patients can be expected to have graft function comparable to the general transplant population despite use of the unaugmented native bladder.
The Influence of Photoperiod on the Flight Activity of Honeybees

SummaryHoneybees in controlled-environment rooms developed flight activity patterns in response to the cycles of light and dark. As the photophase was lengthened, flight activity per unit time decreased, and in continuous light the diurnal rhythm faded. By altering the timing of the photophase, bees could be conditioned to high flight activity at times other than their “normal” peak flight period in the afternoon.
‘The Maze of Variation’: Johnson’s Philosophy of Language in the Plan and Preface to The Dictionary

Willard Van Orman Quine once held that the activity of the lexicographer ‘is just as formal in spirit’ as that of the ‘grammarian’.1 By itself, this observation cannot explain what, in Quine’s own words, is ‘formal’ about the lexicographer’s practice, but it is valuable in drawing attention to the systematic, theoretical dimension of his labours. This applies with particular cogency to the case of Samuel Johnson, since surprisingly little has been written about the theoretical assumptions behind his Plan and Preface to The Dictionary. There are of course aspects of Johnson’s lexicography that have been scrutinized, including, most significantly, the traditional view that he was a linguistic authoritarian whose overriding aim was to fix the language.2 We are now much more likely to see Johnson as a disillusioned realist who, though he felt a deep emotional attachment to the ideal of correctness, nonetheless came to recognize the impossibility of such an ideal and hence the necessity of subordinating it to the imperatives of custom and usage.3 But to compress Johnson’s ideas on language solely to this aspect is to fail to appreciate the subtlety of the theory of language embodied in the Plan and Preface. Only by approaching these texts from a double perspective, at once broadly semiotic (regarding signs in general and the place of Johnson’s ideas about language within semiosis at large) and synthetic (seeking to reduce Johnson’s ideas to a coherent system) can their complexity be grasped and with it the influence that they exerted as a central constitutive element in the great project they seek to justify and explain.4
“Vo Glubine Sibirskikh Rud”: Siberia and the Myth of Exile

Siberia in the nineteenth-century Russian literary imagination is in large part shaped by the historical reality of imprisonment and exile. The image of Siberia as a place of punishment appears in works by and about the Decembrists, in the writings of political prisoners and exiles from the middle and later parts of the century—for example—Dostoevsky and Korolenko, and in such travelogues as Chekhov’s “Iz Sibiri” (“From Siberia”). But at the same time, Siberia serves as a blank slate for European Russians, who inscribe it with many different visions of themselves and their culture. These representations of Siberia reflect the major currents of Russian literature and thought of the time.
Reduction of energy consumption of virtual synchronous machine using supplementary adaptive dynamic programming

Due to fast responses and low inertia in photovoltaic systems, frequency stability problems arise in grids with large photovoltaic systems. Virtual inertia can be added by using energy storage systems with power electronics converters and proper control algorithm called virtual synchronous machines. A virtual synchronous machine consumes energy from the energy storage systems to emulate virtual inertia. This paper proposes a novel technique to reduce the energy consumption of virtual synchronous machines using an online supplementary adaptive dynamic programming learning controller. This controller supplements the performance of an existing controller and reduces the energy consumption of a virtual synchronous machine. Reducing the energy consumption can also reduce the overall cost of a virtual synchronous machine.
Beyond comorbidity: Toward a dimensional and hierarchical approach to understanding psychopathology across the life span

We propose a novel developmentally informed framework to push research beyond a focus on comorbidity between discrete diagnostic categories and to move toward research based on the well-validated dimensional and hierarchical structure of psychopathology. For example, a large body of research speaks to the validity and utility of the internalizing and externalizing spectra as organizing constructs for research on common forms of psychopathology. The internalizing and externalizing spectra act as powerful explanatory variables that channel the psychopathological effects of genetic and environmental risk factors, predict adaptive functioning, and account for the likelihood of disorder-level manifestations of psychopathology. As such, our proposed theoretical framework uses the internalizing and externalizing spectra as central constructs to guide future psychopathology research across the life span. The framework is particularly flexible, because any of the facets or factors from the dimensional and hierarchical structure of psychopathology can form the focus of research. We describe the utility and strengths of this framework for developmental psychopathology in particular and explore avenues for future research.
FLAWED ITEMS IN COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING1,2

A (multiple-choice) test item is identified as flawed if it has no single best answer. In spite of extensive quality control procedures, the administration of flawed items to test-takers is inevitable. Common strategies for dealing with flawed items in conventional testing, grounded in the principle of fairness to test-takers, are reexamined in the context of adaptive testing. An additional strategy, available for adaptive testing, of retesting from a pool cleansed of flawed items, is compared to the existing strategies. Retesting was found to be no practical improvement over current strategies.
On-demand single photon emission based on quantum feedback control of a microcavity

We propose a scheme for generating and releasing photons from an ultrahigh Q microcavity to optimally drive it towards a single-photon state at a pre-determined time to achieve on-demand emission.