cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clipping or Coiling of Cerebral Aneurysms

Cerebral aneurysms remain a formidable challenge for neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists. It is estimated that approximately 5% to 15% of all stroke cases are secondary to ruptured saccular aneurysms; therefore, it also remains an important health issue in the United States [1]. Although cerebral aneurysms can present with other symptoms related to their mass effect, such as cranial nerve palsies, their most significant sequela is related to the hemorrhage secondary to their rupture. After this hemorrhage, despite recent improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral aneurysms, the resultant aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) retains a mortality rate of 20% to 40% [2–4]. In those patients who survive, up to 50% are left severely disabled [2–4]. Rehemorrhage is associated with a worse prognosis, with 50% to 85% of patients dying [1,5,6]. The poor outcome is largely related to the effects of the hemorrhage; therefore, the prevention of rehemorrhage in ruptured aneurysms and initial hemorrhage in unruptured aneurysms is the primary strategy for lowering the mortality rate. The goal of preventing the hemorrhage or rehemorrhage can only be achieved by successfully excluding the aneurysm from the circulation. Two treatment modalities are now available to exclude the aneurysm from the circulation: microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling. Microsurgical treatment is more invasive and requires a craniotomy, open dissection of the aneurysm, and clipping of the aneurysm. Endovascular coiling is done through a groin puncture, negating the need for a craniotomy, and the aneurysm is excluded from within with microcoils. The surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms is the traditional method and remains the ‘‘gold standard’’ in some centers, whereas endovascular coiling is a more recent technique that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since the middle of the 1990s. The availability of the two modalities has generated a large amount of controversy and debate with regard to the best treatment of aneurysms. The superiority of either of the treatment options has not been defined, but data are now available with regard to the safety and efficacy of each modality and can be used to decide what is best for individual patients. This decision needs to be made with knowledge of the safety and efficacy data and combined with other important variables, such as the patient’s expected longevity, aneurysm factors (eg, size, aneurysm configuration, aneurysm location), and the operator’s experience. In addition, it is equally important to consider whether the aneurysm is unruptured or ruptured. This complex decision requires entertaining all the variables, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate care. This article first addresses the safety and efficacy data and most of the variables that need to be considered and then discusses the management of patients with unruptured and ruptured cerebral aneurysms with respect to clipping or coiling the aneurysm.
Anti-Luck Epistemologies and Necessary Truths

That believing truly as a matter of luck does not generally constitute knowing has become epistemic commonplace. Accounts of knowledge incorporating this anti-luck idea frequently rely on one or another of a safety or sensitivity condition. Sensitivity-based accounts of knowledge have a well-known problem with necessary truths, to wit, that any believed necessary truth trivially counts as knowledge on such accounts. In this paper, we argue that safety-based accounts similarly trivialize knowledge of necessary truths and that two ways of responding to this problem for safety, issuing from work by Williamson and Pritchard, are of dubious success.
Platinum(II) triamine complexes: cis-[PtCl(NH3)2(C10H13N5O5)]NO3.2H2O and [PtCl(C2H8N2)(C4H6N2)]NO3

The structures of cis-diamminechloro(guanosine-N 7 )platinum(II) nitrate dihydrate, cis-[PtCl(NH 3 ) 2 (C 10 H 13 N 5 O 5 )]NO 3 .2H 2 O, (1), and chloro(ethylenediamine)(1-methylimidazole-N 3 )platinum(II) nitrate, [Pt(C 2 H 8 N 2 )(C 4 H 6 N 2 )Cl]NO 3 , [PtCl(en)(1-MeIm)]NO 3 , (II), were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The former complex crystallized in the orthorhombic system and the latter in the monoclinic system. In compound (I), water molecules were found to connect the metal complex with the nitrate counter ions via hydrogen bonding
Coherent and incoherent phonon thermal transport in isotopically modified graphene superlattices

Abstract Understanding the nature of phonon transport is of both fundamental and technological importance. In this paper, we demonstrate unambiguous coherent and incoherent phonon transport in 12C/13C graphene superlattices using large-scale molecular dynamics simulations. Coherent phonon modes preserve their phases as they propagate through multiple interfaces. For these phonons, the superlattice can be treated as a homogeneous material with its own unit cell and phonon dispersion. We observe length-dependent thermal conductivity of the 12C/13C graphene superlattices, which indicates the existence of coherent phonons that transport ballistically over large distances. By changing the period length of the superlattices and thus the interface density, we observe a minimum in thermal conductivity, which implies the crossover from incoherent to coherent phonon transport. The thermal conductivity of the superlattices can be further decreased as we disrupt the coherence of phonons by manipulating and randomizing the superlattice structure. Our results show that graphene – a two-dimensional material with intrinsically weak anharmonic phonon scattering – is an ideal platform for studying the nature of phonons. The ability of manipulating thermal conductivity using superlattice-based two-dimensional materials can also potentially open up opportunities for thermoelectric applications given existing reports on their high thermoelectric power factors.
A novel, stereoselective synthesis of cis,4a (S), 8a(R)-decahydro-6(2H)-isoquinolones from meroquinene esters

Abstract Intramolecular cyclization of N-acylated meroquinene t-butyl esters in cold H2SO4 cleanly afforded cis-4a(S), 8a(R)-decahydro-6(2H)-isoquinolones with cmnplete stereocontrol in ⪢95% yield. Formation of the meroquinene esters from cinchona alkaloid autoxidation using an improved Doering protocol was accomplished in three steps with 85% overall yield.
Light intensity effects on early life stages of black sea bass, Centropristis striata (Linnaeus 1758)

The effects of four light intensities on growth and survival of first-feeding stage black sea bass larvae Centropristis striata were investigated in a controlled-environment laboratory. Fertilized eggs, obtained from LHRHa-induced spawning of captive broodstock, were stocked (72 eggs L−1) into twenty 15 L black tanks under light intensities of 100, 500, 1000 and 1500 lx, with five replicate tanks per treatment. The photoperiod was 12L:12D, the temperature was 20°C and the salinity was 35 g L−1. Larvae were fed rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis from day 2 post-hatching (d 2ph) at 5–10 rotifers mL−1. Microalgae Nannochloropis oculata and Isochrysis sp. were added (1:1) daily to maintain a density of 300 000 cells mL−1. Hatching success and larval growth and survival from d 2ph through d 15ph were monitored. Hatching success was 28–38% under all light intensities, and notochord length at hatching ranged from 2.8 to 3.0 mm, with no significant differences among treatments. By d 15ph, growth (mg wet weight) was significantly higher in the 1000 lx (0.914) and 1500 lx treatments (0.892) than in 100 lx (0.483), and a highly significant trend (P<0.01) towards increased survival with increasing light intensities was observed, from 1.3% at 100 lx to 13.9% at 1500 lx. Higher light intensities within the range of 100–1500 lx improved growth and survival of early larval black sea bass, suggesting that even higher light intensities may improve culture performance. This is consistent with conditions in shallow, near-shore locations where eggs and larvae are distributed in nature.
The effects of firm performance on corporate governance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of prior firm performance on board composition and governance structure.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 90 companies listed on National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations were used for this study. Hypotheses were tested using both general linear regression and logit regression analyses.Findings – The results showed that prior negative change in firm performance was significantly related to a decrease in the overall number of directors and a decrease in the number of outside directors.Research limitations/implications – The sample size used in this study was relatively small and the focus was on small to medium‐sized firms, so the results found here may not apply to firms larger than those used in our sample.Practical implications – Directors may want to consider the implications for governance practices found in this study, specifically, whether smaller boards with fewer outsiders are appropriate following perio...
Post-operative complications following primary ACL reconstruction using allogenic and autogenic soft tissue grafts: Increased relative morbidity risk is associated with increased graft diameter

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to compare the risk of peri-operative complication events associated with allogenic and autogenic grafts during routine follow-up for six months after primary arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Methods A retrospective cohort study identified patients that underwent ACL reconstruction via an arthroscopically assisted single tunnel technique. Fixation was primarily cortical suspension (endobutton) from the femora and bicortical fixation (Washer-loc) in the tibia. Patients were monitored for six months following surgery. Morbidity was defined as complications during this period requiring medical or surgical intervention. Risk of complications was compared according to tissue type and patient characteristics. The Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel method was applied to estimate risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) as the measure of association between graft type and morbidity risk. Results The cohort included 413 eligible patients. Sixty six percent received allograft tissue, while the remainder received autograft tissue. Morbidity risk was 7.0% among patients receiving allograft tissue and 2.8% among patients receiving autograft tissue. Allograft demonstrated elevated risk of complication versus autograft (RR = 2.3 (95% CI: 0.9–7.2)), though the data are of borderline significance (p = 0.11). Complications were associated with larger graft diameter in comparison to patients who experienced no complication (9.0 +/− 1.2 mm v. 8.4 +/− 1.0 mm, p = 0.005). Conclusion The relative morbidity risk was about two-fold greater among patients receiving allograft tissue. Regardless of tissue type, graft size was larger among patients who experienced a complication. Level of evidence Level III.
Magnetic soil properties at two arid to semi-arid sites in the Western United States

In this paper we present the results of recent field and laboratory studies of the mineralogy and magnetic properties of young and/or weakly developed soils in Montana and California. The Chevallier Ranch UXO site in Montana is characterized by a basaltic plug and radiating feeder dikes, which is found surrounded by shales of the Spokane Formation. The site in California consists of an offset alluvial fan soil chronosequence of Little Rock Creek along the Mojave section of the San Andreas fault. The fan sediments include significant amounts of mafic material. The fan ages range from 16 to 413 thousand years. The results of magnetic susceptibility measurements and laboratory analysis of mineralogy demonstrate that the magnetic susceptibility in these soils is predominantly correlated with parent material and less with age or landscape position. Slow rates of soil forming processes lead to relatively low frequency dependence in magnetic susceptibility as compared to similar-age soils in tropical environments. The magnetic character of the soils can be accurately predicted with a previously developed model.
Radial evolution of density structure in the solar corona

White-light measurements by the SOHO LASCO coronagraph and HAO Mauna Loa Mk III K-coronameter are used to follow density structure in the solar corona as it evolves from 1.15 to 5.5 Ro.
Image segmentation by syntactic method

Abstract A syntactic approach to image segmentation is proposed. Edge, line (curve), and corners are identified as image primitives. A set of ideal edges, lines and corners are used to infer a tree grammar. A weighted structure-preserved error correcting tree automaton algorithm is used to find the best match between ideal primitives and actual primitives in the image. Finally, an edge-linking procedure is used to link the edge-pixels.
Quantitative measurement of cutaneous fluorescein fluorescence as indicator of the capillary circulation.

Summary1. A quantitative method for measuring cutaneous fluorescein fluorescence is described.2. The intensity of cutaneous fluroescein fluorescence is shown to parallel the expected capillary responses to various concentrations of vasoactive drugs.3. The procedure described can be used to obtain in physiologically intact, unanesthetized experimental animals and probably human beings, a quantitative, sensitive and objective estimate of the cutaneous capillary circulation under a variety of experimental conditions.The author acknowledges his indebtedness to Mr. Carl Griesmeyer for the Skillful and intelligent construction of the apparatus described in this paper.
Detection of iron-deficiency anemia in hospitalized patients by zinc protoporphyrin

The diagnostic value of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) as an indicator of iron-deficient anemia (IDA) in hospitalized patients is assessed in this study. ZPP was measured using an AVIV hematofluorometer with a coefficient of variation (CV) less than 5% and a recovery of greater than 97%. A reference range of 53-70 mu mol/mol heme was determined for ZPP in non-anemic patients in a hospital population. Hospitalized patients (221) with low hemoglobin ( 170 mu mol/mol heme, ZPP has a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 90%. In addition, ZPP is also elevated in normocytic patients (MCV = 80-98 fl) with low ferritin values, who may have iron depletion. From these data, it is proposed that ZPP may be used as a screening tool for IDA in hospitalized patients.
Evolution of the NIGMS Protein Structure Initiative

I thank many structural biology colleagues for valuable discussions, in particular, Jim Berger, Juliette Lecomte, Chuck Sanders, Bill Weis, and Erik Zuiderweg.
Effects of low level salinity concentrations on the growth of Cyclotella meneghinianaKütz. (Bacillariophyta)

Summary Cyclotella meneghiniana was grown at salinity levels ranging from 18–4,000 mg Cl 1−1. Growth rates were significantly greater at the highest salinity treatments, averaging about 1.15 to 1.17 divisions per day. Four possibilities are proposed as an explanation for this. Additionally, morphological variability was examined for the different treatments. More robust valves predominated at the lower salinity treatments. These valves had well-developed costae and spines, as well as numerous siliceous granules along the valve mantle. Cells from higher salinities had thin valves with poorly developed costae and spines, and lacked siliceous granules along the valve mantle. The results of particulate silica analysis confirmed that valves from the higher salinities contained less silica.
Percutaneous management of lymphoceles after renal transplantation.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. In the United States, between 1988-1994 and 2005-2010, the overall prevalence estimate for CKD, defined by an estimation of glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min per 1.73m2 or a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g, rose from 12.3 to 14.0%. In 2010, overall per person per year costs for patients with CKD reached $22,323 for Medicare patients ≥65 years and older, and the overall Medicare expenditure for CKD was $41.0 billion, which consisted of 17% of the total Medicare dollars allocated.1 Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease and should be discussed with patients with advanced CKD preparing for renal replacement therapy.2 The annual number of kidney transplants in the United States extends beyond 17,000 patients (deceased donors to living donors), and potential candidates should be referred promptly to a transplant center. Graft dysfunction arising after renal transplant can be divided into urologic (urine leaks or obstruction), vascular, perirenal fluid collections, and infectious complications. Perirenal transplant fluid collections can develop in the immediate postoperative period or over several months. The differential diagnosis of a perirenal fluid collection immediately after surgery includes seroma, hematoma, and urinoma, and fluid collections that develop in a subacute fashion include abscess or lymphoceles. Lymphoceles are a common and well-documented complication in renal transplant recipients, occurring in up to 26% of patients.3 Usually they are found incidentally on routine ultrasonography and require no additional management; however, a small number are symptomatic due to mass effect and require further definitive treatment. Treatment options include laparoscopic/open surgical or percutaneous therapies with each having different profiles of efficacy and complications. At my institution, we commonly use less invasive percutaneous therapies initially, with surgical management reserved for percutaneous treatment failure. Potential current options for the interventional radiologist include simple aspiration, catheter drainage, and sclerotherapy. In a recent systematic review of 52 retrospective case series (1113 cases of primary lymphocele), treatment efficacy was evaluated and demonstrated recurrence rates of 59% (141 cases; n = 218), 50% (100 cases; n = 195), and 31% (41 cases; n = 155) with aspiration, catheter drainage, and sclerotherapy, respectively.4
Assessing the temporal stability of the ecotourism evaluation scale: testing the role and value of replication studies as a reliable management tool

Developing scales is a critical step in monitoring and evaluating ecotourism to ensure sustainability. Replicating studies to test if scales are enduring in evaluating visitors’ assessments of ecotourism is also essential to ensure reliability and credibility, and to track changes. This paper reports on a sample of 404 international visitors in Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area, undertaken in 2012, to test for scale stability and change from a 2006 survey. The original scale was cross-validated by confirmatory factor analysis, and then mean-level change and rank-order stability of scale items were reported. There was strong support for the original factor model in the new sample; all items were loaded on a single construct; their loadings were statistically significant, the root-mean-square error of approximation was .076, the comparative fit index was .993, and the non-normed fit index was .987. Although a statistically significant decrease in the mean of scale items was found, the items’ rank-ordering...
The Eye Of The Beholder: Hotel Company CEO Perceptions Of Threats And Opportunities

The chief executive officers (CEOs) of 96 multisite, U.S.-based hotel owner/operator companies were interviewed and asked to describe the dominant upcoming threats and opportunities they perceived ...
Therapy of pruritus

Importance of the field: Pruritus is the predominant symptom of skin disease. Owing to the poorly understood pathophysiology, the development of effective treatment modalities for pruritus has proven to be particularly difficult. At present, there is no universally accepted therapy for itch. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the treatment of pruritus.Areas covered in this review: An overview of current, emerging and possible future therapies for pruritus is provided.What the reader will gain: Insights into possible treatment regimes for pruritus in different clinical scenarios.Take home message: The therapy of pruritus is challenging and at present takes on an individualistic approach. Recent advancements in the mechanisms that underlie this distressing symptom have identified new targets for future therapy.
Secure Web services for low-cost devices

This paper describes how to use XML Web services and public key cryptography on small devices in consumer settings to achieve a high level of interoperation and security. This is done while maintaining the strict performance requirements that are expected from low-cost devices operating with limited energy and other resources.
Chemical Attachment of Organic Functional Groups to Single-walled Carbon Nanotube Material

We have subjected single-walled carbon nanotube materials (SWNTM’s) to a variety of organic functionalization reactions. These reactions include radioactive photolabeling studies using diradical and nitrene sources, and treatment with dichlorocarbene and Birch reduction conditions. All of the reactions provide evidence for chemical attachment to the SWNTM’s, but because of the impure nature of the staring materials, we are unable to ascertain the site of reaction. In the case of dichlorocarbene we are able to show the presence of chlorine in the SWNT bundles, but as a result of the large amount of amorphous carbon that is attached to the tube walls, we cannot distinguish between attachment of dichlorocarbene to the walls of the SWNT’s and reaction with the amorphous carbon.
The effect of an educational program on transfusion practices in a regional blood program.

With the increased complexity of blood component therapy, it is important to be able to modify physician behavior with reliable educational programs. A standardized educational program on the use of red blood cells and whole blood was tested in 22 hospitals in a regional blood program using medical audit and computer monitoring to evaluate effectiveness. Most hospitals were eager to take advantage of the education program but were unwilling to use the audit-education cycle. At the same time, computer monitoring of individual hospital ordering and transfusion practices demonstrated an increased utilization of red blood cells in 64 per cent of hospitals with an overall improvement of 8 per cent. The improved use of red blood cells was appreciated within the month of the program and then sustained for six to twelve months at the new level.
Influence of estradiol on cortisol secretion in ovariectomized cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

In an investigation of cortisol secretion in fully mature, ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), we compared monkeys that were given either placebo (OVX, n = 26) or 17beta estradiol (E(2 )) (EST, n = 26) in a daily oral dose. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured prior to the experimental manipulation and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following initiation of treatment. Pretreatment cortisol values did not differ between groups. Assessment of the treatment period values revealed that cortisol concentrations were significantly higher ( approximately 10%) in the EST than in the OVX monkeys. Cortisol also varied significantly across periods of sampling. This time-dependent variation was attributable to elevations in months 6 and 9 (when daylight was generally long), relative to months 3 and 12 (when daylight was relatively short). The modest stimulatory effect of estrogen on corticosteroid production observed in this study is consistent with what has been seen in women, and contrasts with the more robust effects observed in New World monkeys. The possible relationship between season and cortisol secretion observed here has not been previously described in monkeys.
Expanding the prion disease repertoire

In 1982, Stanley Prusiner proposed that the infectious agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), a group of relatively rare neurodegenerative disorders that includes Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and scrapie, lacks replicating nucleic acids and instead is composed primarily of a misfolded conformation of the prion protein, which he termed PrPSc (1). Originally, the “prion” hypothesis was met with considerable skepticism because it was difficult to envision how an infectious agent could replicate without a nucleic acid genome. However, a variety of biochemical and genetic experiments subsequently demonstrated the existence of infectious prions (2), eventually fulfilling Koch’s postulates (3). It is now generally accepted that infectious prions replicate through the autocatalytic misfolding of a normal host protein (PrPC) into the PrPSc conformation. In PNAS, Prusiner et al. (4) report findings suggesting that another molecule, α-synuclein, might also act as a prion in a human disease.
Monopolistic competition and trade, revisited: testing the model without testing for gravity

Abstract In this paper, I show that the increasing similarity in GDPs among OECD country pairs leads to higher bilateral trade to GDP ratios. This finding provides some support for the prediction of Helpman [J. Jpn. Int. Econ. 1 (1987) 62], whose model explains intra-industry trade that is prevalent among developed countries. I also show that Helpman's prediction is rejected for non-OECD countries, among which intra-industry trade is not critical. This result contrasts with the findings of Hummels–Levinsohn [Q. J. Econ. 110 (1995) 799], which play an important role in the debate about whether or not New Trade Theory explains international trade patterns at the country level.
Identification of Diet-Derived Constituents as Potent Inhibitors of Intestinal Glucuronidation

Drug-metabolizing enzymes within enterocytes constitute a key barrier to xenobiotic entry into the systemic circulation. Furanocoumarins in grapefruit juice are cornerstone examples of diet-derived xenobiotics that perpetrate interactions with drugs via mechanism-based inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4. Relative to intestinal CYP3A4-mediated inhibition, alternate mechanisms underlying dietary substance–drug interactions remain understudied. A working systematic framework was applied to a panel of structurally diverse diet-derived constituents/extracts (n = 15) as inhibitors of intestinal UDP-glucuronosyl transferases (UGTs) to identify and characterize additional perpetrators of dietary substance–drug interactions. Using a screening assay involving the nonspecific UGT probe substrate 4-methylumbelliferone, human intestinal microsomes, and human embryonic kidney cell lysates overexpressing gut-relevant UGT1A isoforms, 14 diet-derived constituents/extracts inhibited UGT activity by >50% in at least one enzyme source, prompting IC50 determination. The IC50 values of 13 constituents/extracts (≤10 μM with at least one enzyme source) were well below intestinal tissue concentrations or concentrations in relevant juices, suggesting that these diet-derived substances can inhibit intestinal UGTs at clinically achievable concentrations. Evaluation of the effect of inhibitor depletion on IC50 determination demonstrated substantial impact (up to 2.8-fold shift) using silybin A and silybin B, two key flavonolignans from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) as exemplar inhibitors, highlighting an important consideration for interpretation of UGT inhibition in vitro. Results from this work will help refine a working systematic framework to identify dietary substance–drug interactions that warrant advanced modeling and simulation to inform clinical assessment.
A short motif in the C‐terminus of mouse bestrophin 4 inhibits its activation as a Cl channel

Bestrophins are a new family of anion channels. Here, we examined the Cl channel activity of mBest4. Surprisingly, wild type mouse bestrophin-4 (mBest4) did not induce functional Cl channels when over-expressed in HEK293 cells. However, deletion of part of the C-terminus (residues 353-669) produced large Cl currents, suggesting the presence of a C-terminal motif that inhibited Cl channel function. Deletion of a short motif (356-364) or substitution of certain residues in this motif with alanines also resulted in expression of robust Cl currents. The channel activity of the mBest4 protein lacking the C-terminus (residues 353-669) was specifically inhibited by co-expression of C-terminal fragments of mBest4 having the inhibitory motif, suggesting that the C-terminal motif blocked mBest4 channel activity probably by interacting with the channel pore.
"I wouldn't ask professors questions!" Women Engineering Students' Learning Experiences in Japan

This qualitative study examines the experiences that Japanese women have as engineering undergraduates while interacting with departmental faculty. It accomplishes this by using interview data from 32 final-year students at two universities in Japan. The theory of ‘role as resource’ (Baker & Faulkner, 1991; Callero, 1994) is used as the theoretical framework. Findings suggest that the women’s feelings of alienation in engineering classes were due to instructors’ poor teaching and aloofness, which influenced both their lack of engagement in learning (in and outside the classroom) and the difficulties they perceived in approaching instructors with academic questions. The women students used various strategies when they decided to approach departmental faculty, based on their level of understanding of the subject matter and the extent to which they felt comfortable initiating contact. Availability of peer assistance also determined whether students asked questions of instructors. Despite satisfactory encounters, participants typically did not develop ease with the departmental faculty. Only a few participants overcame initial difficulties, utilized the role of student as resource well, and acquired additional resources (i.e., a better understanding of the subject matter and a meaningful relationship with the faculty). From these findings, practical implications for improving women students’ learning experiences in engineering, which is important for reducing their attrition from the field after college, are offered.
Graphite Morphology in Cast Irons

Graphite structures formed during the cooling of molten cast irons and during their solidification were examined in alloys as a function of composition, treatment (magnesium and/or rare earths) and inoculation. The effect of cooling rate and solidification conditions on the morphology of the resultant graphite was investigated using a variety of techniques (optical and scanning electron microscopy, etching procedures, etc.) to reveal the growth characteristics of this phase and its relationship to other phases developing during the solidification process. These graphite forms have been classified according to their morphology and the factors affecting their development. Examples of these graphite forms are presented and their growth conditions and charateristics analyzed. Kish graphite is shown to form, not as a result of internal development in a melt and subsequent flotation to the surface, but by a surface growth mechanism forming extensive graphite plates. Proeutectic graphite also forms in the melt just prior to the appearance of the eutectic, however, its growth in the absence of austenite is shown to be limited. While a variety of graphite morphologies have been identified in eutectic solidification, it is shown that these graphite shapes may develop from the same nucleation sites, that growth conditions determine the graphite morphology, and that as the growth conditions are altered the morphology of the resultant graphite is correspondingly affected. The transition between graphite shapes such as flake, compacted, spheroidal, exploded, etc. is depicted in various microstructures. In addition, the relationship between certain compounds (e.g., titanium carbo-nitride, etc.) and graphite growth is demonstrated and discussed.
Consumer affective responses to direct mail messages: The effect of gratitude and obligation

The research opens new ways of utilizing emotional content in direct mail messages. The study considered the capacity of gratitude (e.g. to personnel for services received) and obligation (e.g. to make a purchase) to act as separate affective influences upon consumer purchase intent and attitudes toward the company. Participants (N = 120) were exposed to direct mail copy text in mock postcards sent from a hypothetical winery to its visitors. A total of six postcards were used (two gratitude-inducing, two obligation-inducing, and two neutral controls). The study offers strong evidence that gratitude and obligation operate differently in their impact on consumer attitudes and behaviors. Gratitude exerts a more positive influence than does obligation. Communicating through gratitude, and even neutral, messages was found to be more persuasive than those messages conveying obligation.
Paleo‐stress estimates on ancient seismogenic faults based on frictional heating of coal

[1] Faulted coals from eastern Kentucky and Montana (USA), and the south Wales coalfield (UK) show fault-related vitrinite reflectance anomalies interpreted as due to frictional heating during seismic slip. The vitrinite reflectance anomalies are converted to temperature using kinetic-based software (Easy%R) for post-seismic cooling rates. Shear stresses are calculated using Lachenbruch's [1986] piezometer, which depends only on the area under the thermal anomaly and fault displacement. For maximum displacements of 1–3 meters, the minimum shear stresses are 13–64 MPa, and overlap with seismological estimates of stress drops during modern earthquakes. The calculated local mean normal stress is ∼100 MPa, resulting in coefficients of friction of 0.1–0.6 (thrust) and 0.2–0.4 (normal faults), which are lower than laboratory-based values.
Main cycle controls for the AGS Booster synchrotron

The AGS (Alternating Gradient Synchrotron) Booster is a separated function synchrotron with the main excitation coils of the dipoles and quadrupoles connected electrically in series. This circuit is driven by a complex modular power supply with current and voltage reference functions to obtain the desired magnetic fields as a function of time. The dipole cycle is defined by algebraic functions specifying the desired field profile as a function of time. These functions are processed through successive phases to convert to the signals needed to provide the power supply with one current and six voltage references. The user interface and algorithms to derive the control variables are described. >
Evolving role of biomarkers in acute cerebrovascular disease

The development of a clinically validated biomarker of acute cerebral ischemia would have the potential to facilitate the use of time-sensitive reperfusion strategies, allow for individualization of patient care by predicting relative risk of hemorrhage and volume of penumbral tissue, and add valuable prognostic information for patients presenting with acute stroke. Additionally, a stroke biomarker might benefit early stage clinical research by serving as a surrogate measure of ischemic injury. Although at present there are no clinically validated biomarkers of acute stroke, previous studies have focused on markers associated with different components of the ischemic cascade, including microglial activation, inflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal injury, hemostasis, and endothelial dysfunction. Evolving technologies have provided high throughput approaches to investigate potential gene and protein signatures, and methods to measure newly discovered markers of cell death and immune responses. Prior to defining the clinical utility of stroke biomarkers, it is critical to understand the inherent limitations of a biomarker-based approach and define its potential value for providing adjunctive diagnostic and prognostic information. The identification and validation of a clinically relevant biomarker, or panel of markers, of stroke will ultimately require incorporation of both stringent research design and assessment in the clinical context in which the marker will be used.
Using Audacity and One Classroom Computer to Experiment With Timbre

One computer, one class, and one educator can be an effective combination to engage students as a group in music composition, performance, and analysis. Having one desktop computer and a television monitor in the music classroom is not an uncommon or new scenario, especially in a time when many school budgets are being cut. This article investigates the creative applications of inexpensive software, such as Audacity, that students can use to analyze and create music individually or as a group. Audacity provides many tools to manipulate the musical elements of pitch, tempo, dynamics, and timbre. Analysis tools allow students to visualize sound waves and to experiment with the relationship of overtones to the sound of unique instrumental and vocal timbres. The manipulation of timbres provides one example of using a simple audio editing computer application to engage students in group instruction and experimentation. Several other strategies for using Audacity with students are included in a table. Teachers ...
Twenty years of balloon-borne tropospheric aerosol measurements at Laramie, Wyoming

The paper examines the tropospheric aerosol record obtained over the period 1971 to 1990, during which high-altitude balloons with optical particle counters were launched at Laramie, Wyoming, in a long-term study of the stratospheric sulfate aerosol layer. All aerosol particle size ranges display pronounced seasonal variations, with the condensation nuclei concentration and the optically active component showing a summer maximum throughout the troposphere. Mass estimates, assuming spherical sulfate particles, indicate an average column mass between altitudes of 2.5 and 10 km of about 4 and 16 mg/sq m in winter and summer, respectively. Calculated optical depths vary between 0.01 and 0.04 from winter to summer; the estimated mass scattering cross section is about 3 sq m/g throughout the troposphere. There is evidence for a decreasing trend of 1.6-1.8 percent/yr in the optically active tropospheric aerosol over the past 20 yr, which may be related to a similar reduction in SO2 emission in the U.S. over this period.
Effect of Molecular Weight on Hydrated Morphologies of the Short-Side-Chain Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membrane

We have carried out dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations in an attempt to better understand how molecular weight (MW) affects the hydrated morphology of the short-side-chain (SSC) perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) fuel cell membrane. Previously, we demonstrated that such coarse-grained simulations are capable of revealing differences in the morphology of PFSA membranes when either the length of the side chain or equivalent weight (EW) of the ionomer is changed [Wu et al. Energy Environ. Sci. 2008, 1, 284−293]. In the present investigation, the SSC ionomer was modeled using macromolecules of the ionomer with EWs of 753, 798 and 849, each at three distinct MWs. The morphological structures were then investigated as a function of EW, MW and degree of hydration (with water contents corresponding to λ = 5, 7, 9, 11, and 16 H2Os/SO3H). Water contour plots reveal that the isolated water clusters present at lower water contents increase in size with increasing levels of hydration, and eventually form conti...
Moss diversity: New look at old numbers

Moss names published since 1801 and subsequently adjusted by monographic, floristic and molecular work provide a benchmark to review and estimate moss diversity. Information about these names is stored in the TROPICOS data base an on-line, interactive community resource. Nomenclatural data along with associated Web based floristic, monographic and bibliographic projects, provide one view of moss diversity based on the history of moss nomenclature and associated natural history information linked to the names.
Cost-effectiveness of workplace closure and travel restriction for mitigating influenza outbreaks: a network-based simulation

Background: Social distancing strategies, such as workplace closure and travel restriction, have been widely considered as alternative measures to contain influenza viruses, particularly when vaccines and antiviral drugs are under development. However, their cost-effectiveness in large urbanized populations is poorly understood.Method: To fill this knowledge gap, this research builds a spatially-explicit network-based model to simulate influenza transmission, mitigation strategies, and their associated costs. This model represents a spatio-temporal network of individuals' daily contacts, which enables the simulation of local infection and long-distance dispersion of influenza. The workplace closure and travel restriction strategies, as well as their combinations with antiviral prophylaxis, are incorporated into this model to estimate their cost-effectiveness in mitigating seasonal flu and pandemic flu. The metropolitan area of Buffalo, NY, USA, with a population about 1 million, is selected as the study area.Results: Without any intervention, the seasonal flu and pandemic flu cost $234.1 million and $331.1 million, respectively. The closure of 30% affected workplace is the most cost-effective single strategy with $12.9K per case averted for seasonal flu and $34.9K for pandemic flu. The travel restriction is not cost-effective if applied alone, but a 50% travel restriction in combination with antiviral prophylaxis and workplace closure forms the best strategy, which only costs $10.6K per cases averted for seasonal flu and $13.5K for pandemic flu.Conclusions: For a large urbanized area, the closure of affected workplaces could be an effective and cost-saving strategy to mitigate influenza outbreaks, while the highest cost-effectiveness can be achieved by combining the travel restriction with antiviral prophylaxis and workplace closure.
Lactose Crystallization in Ice Cream. II. Factors affecting Rate and Quantity

Summary A polarimetric procedure was described to measure the rate and quantity of lactose crystallizing in ice cream. By use of this method the effects of MSNF level, presence of nuclei, and mutarotation rate were studied. Quantitative data obtained showed that none of these was controlling the crystallization rate at −10° F. Between −10° F. and 2° F. was a critical zone. At 2° F. the factor limiting lactose crystallization was the development of crystal nuclei. At this temperature and above, crystallization proceeded as rapidly as the mutarotation rate allowed, once crystal nuclei were present.
Origin of Protons in Californium-252 Fission

Protons from /sup 252/Cf fission have been studied to determine their origin by using a ..delta..E, E detector particle telescope. Both fission- and nonfission-related events are discussed as possible sources of the observed proton energy spectrum. The increased yield of low-energy protons, which peak at approximately 3.2 MeV, seems to be due mainly to background (..cap alpha..,p) reactions. Evidence of polar proton emission is discussed and gives an estimated polar proton emission yield of 2.83 +- 0.18 x 10/sup -5/ per fission, with a most probable energy of 10.0 +- 0.2 MeV and full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 7.6 +- 0.2 MeV. The yield of tripartition fission-related protons was then estimated to be 3.50 +- 0.20 x 10/sup -5/ per fission, with a most probable energy of 6.6 +- 0.2 MeV and an FWHM of 7.0 +- 0.2 MeV.
Heteroduplexes in mixed-template amplifications: formation, consequence and elimination by ‘reconditioning PCR’

Although it has been recognized that PCR amplification of mixed templates may generate sequence artifacts, the mechanisms of their formation, frequency and potential elimination have not been fully elucidated. Here evidence is presented for heteroduplexes as a major source of artifacts in mixed-template PCR. Nearly equal proportions of homoduplexes and heteroduplexes were observed after co-amplifying 16S rDNA from three bacterial genomes and analyzing products by constant denaturing capillary electrophoresis (CDCE). Heteroduplexes became increasingly prevalent as primers became limiting and/or template diversity was increased. A model exploring the fate of cloned heteroduplexes during MutHLS-mediated mismatch repair in the Escherichia coli host demonstrates that the diversity of artifactual sequences increases exponentially with the number of both variable nucleotides and of original sequence variants. Our model illustrates how minimization of heteroduplex molecules before cloning may reduce artificial genetic diversity detected during sequence analysis by clone screening. Thus, we developed a method to eliminate heteroduplexes from mixed-template PCR products by subjecting them to 'reconditioning PCR', a low cycle number re-amplification of a 10-fold diluted mixed-template PCR product. This simple modification to the protocol may ensure that sequence richness encountered in clone libraries more closely reflects genetic diversity in the original sample.
An Optimized Finite Difference Computing Engine on FPGAs

Time domain or frequency domain Finite Difference (FD) methods are one of the most popular numerical modelling techniques in the solution of scientific and engineering problems. However, these simulations are still time-consuming and cannot be used routinely except in institutes that can afford the high cost of running and maintaining supercomputers or large PC-cluster systems. In this paper, we present an efficient implementation of FPGA-based FD computing engine using acoustic wave modeling problems as an example. Instead of following the formal high-order FD expressions with standard IEEE-754 compliant floating-point multipliers and adders, we propose a new class of optimized FD schemes, whose FD coefficients are optimized to be only a few binary bits so that much fewer Logic Cell (LC) resources or on-chip multipliers are needed without deteriorating numerical accuracy criterions. Furthermore, we simplify the implementation of following floatingpoint summations by group-alignment technology. A floating-point/fixed-point hybrid accumulator with similar relative and absolute rounding errors now replaces the conventional costly floating-point adder tree.