cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bivariate moment methods for simultaneous coagulation, coalescence and breakup

Abstract Aerosol reactors pass through regimes where subsets of the population balance terms are dominant. Initially, mixing, reaction, nucleation and accretional growth dominate. This is generally followed by a regime in which coagulation and coalescence control evolution of the particle population into sintered aggregates. Conventionally, the boundary between regimes where coalescence is or is not important is assumed to be sharp, and the collision–coalescence regime is followed by a regime dominated by coagulation and breakup which controls the growth of loosely bonded agglomerates that grow large enough to be captured in conventional gas–solids separation equipment. When this boundary is not sharp, there can be a regime in which coagulation, coalescence and breakup all occur simultaneously. This paper describes the daughter distributions required to model breakup in a bivariate population, the moment models describing simultaneous collision, coalescence and breakage, and exhibits reconstructed steady-state distributions formed when the rate kernels are size independent. A criterion is developed to guide the choice of when a bivariate formulation is necessary and when it is not.
A multivariate investigation of the reinforcer structure of occupations

Abstract Earlier research based on 81 Occupational Reinforcer Patterns (ORPs) suggested a nine-category classification of occupations. The present research, based on 148 ORPs, investigated the ability of that classificatory system to assimilate new information. Cluster analysis of the 148 ORPs yielded an eight-category classification of occupations in which five of the original occupational clusters appeared virtually unchanged; the other four original clusters were combined into two occupational clusters. One new cluster was identified. Principal factors analysis was employed to study the factor structure of the occupational reinforcers and to highlight the essential nature of the classificatory system. Five reinforcer factors were identified.
Fault in Ducte Voltages on Metallic Fencing Located in the Vicinity of a High Voltage Substation

Elements of public safety must be considered when metallic fencing is installed in the fault induced field of a substation. A formula is developed to estimate induced voltage on metallic fencing located adjacent to high voltage substations. A method is presented to estimate grid potential distribution. Verification is made using a fence model alongside a test grid. And, an example is given of a hazardous voltage which could be induced on metallic fencing during a line to ground fault.
Conquering the Brownfields Frontier through the Enhanced Deployment of Environmental Assessment Technologies

Communities desperately needing economic revitalization are often not benefiting from the nation’s general prosperity and sustained growth. A culprit in this imbalance is perceived environmental contamination that deters public and private investments in redevelopment. Despite the Clinton administration’s commitment to the economic and environmental revitalization of brownfields (properties whose future use is limited because of real or perceived environmental contamination, and which number over 450,000 in the United States), the rate at which brownfields are returning to productive use is disappointing. Delays stem from uncertainties with regard to the extent and nature of contamination. Accelerated deployment of innovative technology could dramatically increase the quantity of brownfields cleaned up over the next 5 years by providing communities with critical scientific information. This strategy would require the national laboratories working in concert with land grant universities, nonprofits, and th...
Moss bags as monitors of organic contamination in the atmosphere.

Moss bags as monitors of organic contamination in the Atmosphere , Moss bags as monitors of organic contamination in the Atmosphere , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
Electrochemical oxidation of tetraalkylhydrazines in the presence of weak acids

Abstract The addition of perchloric acid to a solution of a tetraalkylhydrazine in acetonitrile gives the protonated hydrazine which is very difficult to oxidize. The rate of deprotonation is too slow to give a detectable current for oxidation of the free hydrazine to its radical cation. When weak acids are added, substantial kinetic currents are observed even when a large excess of acid is present. Attempts to study this CE scheme under pseudo-first-order conditions were hampered by the development of an interfering oxidation process when excess conjugate base of the weak acid was added. The interference was less pronounced in dimethyl sulfoxide where a chronoamperometric technique was developed for the CE scheme without excess conjugate base of the weak acid. The technique was applied to the oxidation of tetramethylhydrazine in dimethyl sulfoxide in the presence of excess salicyclic acid. The results were found to conform to the CE scheme with the rate constant for protonation of tetramethylhydrazine by salicyclic acid being 1.9×10 3 M −1 s −1 and that of the reverse reaction 3.2×10 3 M −1 s −1 .
Surface chemistry of precursors for film growth: pentakisdimethylamido tantalum

Abstract The behavior of the tantalum-bearing precursor, pentakisdimethylamido tantalum—Ta(N(CH3)2)5, PKDMATa—has been studied on Ni foil and on thin films derived from PKDMATa. In temperature-programmed desorption following adsorption on Ni at 100 K, molecular PKDMATa appears with a peak at 268 K, H2 with two peaks between 250 and 500 K, and N2 with a peak at 768 K. For multilayers, there are also small desorption peaks between 170 and 260 K tentatively assigned as (CH3)2NN(CH3)2. Ta, N, and C remain after heating to 900 K. C–H bonds begin dissociating below 250 K, C–N and Ta–N bonds are broken by 550 K and C begins diffusing into Ni above 550 K. With the substrates held at elevated temperatures, reaction products that evolve during dosing include H2, N2, CH4, and C2H4. The film composition, TaNxCy, is strongly temperature-dependent.
Foraging for Work and Age‐Based Polyethism: The Roles of Age and Previous Experience on Task Choice in Ants

In social insects, colonies commonly show temporal polyethism in worker behavior, such that a worker follows a predictable pattern of changes between tasks as it ages. This pattern usually leads from workers first doing a safe task like brood care, to ending their lives doing the most dangerous tasks like foraging. Two mechanisms could potentially underlie this pattern: (1) age-based task allocation, where the aging process itself predisposes workers to switch to more dangerous tasks; and (2) foraging for work, where ants switch to tasks that need doing from tasks which have too many associated workers. We tested the relative influence of these mechanisms by establishing nests of Camponotus floridanus with predetermined combinations of workers of known age and previous task specialization. The results supported both mechanisms. Nests composed of entirely brood-tending workers had the oldest workers preferentially switching to foraging. However, in nests initially composed entirely of foragers, the final distribution of tenders and foragers was not different from random task-switching and therefore supportive of foraging for work. Thus, it appears that in C. floridanus there is directionality to the mechanisms of task allocation. Switching to more dangerous tasks is age-influenced, but switching to less dangerous tasks is age-independent. The results also suggest that older workers are more flexible in their task choice behavior. Younger workers are more biased towards choosing within-nest tasks. Finally, there are effects of previous experience that tend to keep ants in familiar tasks. Task allocation based on several mechanisms may balance between: (1) concentrating the most worn workers into the most dangerous tasks; (2) increasing task performance levels; and (3) maintaining behavioral flexibility to respond to demographic perturbations. The degree to which behavior is flexible may correlate to the frequency of such perturbations in a species.
Interpretation of hyperfine shift patterns in ferricytochromes b5 in terms of angular position of the heme: a sensitive probe for peripheral heme protein interactions

Abstract The 1H-NMR hyperfine shift pattern of the heme in a variety of low-spin ferricytochromes b5 has been analyzed in terms of the angular position of the prosthetic group within a structurally and magnetically-conserved protein matrix. A simple model is presented in which the changes in the spread of the predominantly contact shifted methyl and predominantly dipolar shifted meso-H signals of the heme, as well as shift trends for individual signals, provide sensitive indicators of the orientation of the heme relative to the orbital hole (singly-occupied d orbital), which in turn is related to the rhombic magnetic axes. The invariance of the axial His and non-coordinated residue hyperfine shifts show that it is the heme within a relatively rigid protein matrix, rather than the magnetic coordinate system, which is displaced angularly about the heme normal in order to accommodate variations in the polypeptide, orientation of the heme about the α,γ-meso axis, and length of heme carboxylate chains. Native heme shows increased counterclockwise rotation about the heme normal in the order rat → beef → chicken ferricytochrome b5, which is attributed largely to increased bulk of a variable sequence hydrophobic cluster consisting of residues 23, 25 and 32. The two alternate heme orientations about the α,γ-meso axis are shown to also differ by rotation about the heme normal. A semiquantitative estimate of the degree of angular accommodation based on the spread of the meso-H rhombic dipolar shifts indicate rotations of 2–10°. Possible functional consequences of such angular accommodation in relation to the role of these proteins in electron transfer are discussed.
Primary care approach to dysphonia

Abstract Objective To understand how primary care physicians manage patients with dysphonia and the barriers they face when evaluating patients for voice problems. Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Primary care community. Subjects and Methods A total of 933 internal and family medicine physicians were randomly selected from a database of physicians in a referral basin of a tertiary care medical center and mailed a questionnaire. Questions concerned physician comfort level in recognizing an abnormal voice, their view of the quality of life impact of dysphonia, frequency of evaluating patients for voice problems, barriers to the evaluation of voice problems, reasons for referral, and common treatments prior to referral. Results A total of 271 physicians responded, for a response rate of 29.0 percent. Of those who responded, 36.5 percent routinely evaluate their patients for voice problems. Reasons for not evaluating patients for voice problems were patients not complaining about hoarseness, more pressing issues, not feeling comfortable assessing patients for voice problems, and time constraints. Chronic voice changes and not being able to understand patients' speech were the most common reasons for referral. Reflux and allergy treatment were common treatment modalities prior to referral. A total of 67.5 percent of respondents were interested in learning more about voice problems. Conclusion Primary care physicians face limitations with respect to evaluating patients for voice problems. Otolaryngologists must continue outreach efforts and collaboration with primary care colleagues in order to enhance the screening for voice problems.
The Joy of Writing My History: Ethnic Identity and Education Through My Mother

This three-part article addresses the role of identity as transmitted by my mother and the influences on my life first as a teacher and then as researcher. This ethnography is based on interviews of my mother about her life as a political prisoner in Cuba and her influences on my identity. This article is divided into three acts that address specific ideas of identity. Act 1 discusses the politically charged landscape where it becomes hard to distinguish between the fact and fiction of post-1959 Cuban history. Act 2 recounts the tale of my mother, one of many women who asserted their independence as radicals within their communities. Act 3 connects cultural identity and political strife that led to immigration and exile and ultimately opened the door for women like my mother. I attempt to see how ethnicity and identity are constructed in the home, how they are lived within schools, and how we negotiate them in life.
The Separation of the Element Chlorine into Normal Chlorine and Meta-Chlorine, and the Positive Electron.

THE very important letter of Dr. Aston in NATURE of December 18, 1919, gives much evidence in favour of a theory of the structure and composition of the nuclei of complex atoms as published by me five years ago and in a number of more recent papers. This theory led me to the idea, as published at that time (Journal of the American Chemical Society, xxxvii., pp. 1367–96, especially pp. 1390, 1391, and 1387), that among the light elements magnesium, silicon, and chlorine, in addition to neon (as found by Thomson), are mixtures of isotopes. The atomic weights of the normal isotopes were given as 24 for magnesium, 28 for silicon, and 35 for chlorine. It was also stated that nickel, copper, zinc, and practically all the other elements between atomic numbers 28 and 80, the latter being mercury, are mixtures of isotopes; while radio-active evidence shows that elements 81 (thallium) to 92 (uranium) exist in isotopic forms. This theory was recently summarised in a paper sent to the Physical Review in May and November, 1919. This paper, as well as the others, should be consulted for the details of the theory.
Construct Validity of the Need to Belong Scale: Mapping the Nomological Network

Nine studies examined the construct validity of the Need to Belong Scale. The desire for acceptance and belonging correlated with, but was distinct from, variables that involve a desire for social contact, such as extraversion and affiliation motivation. Furthermore, need to belong scores were not related to insecure attachment or unfulfilled needs for acceptance. Need to belong was positively correlated with extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism and with having an identity that is defined in terms of social attributes. Need to belong was associated with emotional reactions to rejection, values involving interpersonal relationships, and subclinical manifestations of certain personality disorders.
Upstream Movement of Juvenile Coho Salmon in Relation to Environmental Conditions in a Culvert Test Bed

Abstract We measured the upstream passage success of juvenile coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in relation to select experimental factors in a culvert test bed at a salmon rearing facility on the Skookumchuk River in western Washington State. Passage success, the term used for the response variable, was defined as the number of fish in the headwater tank at the end of the test divided by the number of fish released in the tailwater pool at the beginning of the test (2- to 17-h test periods). Passage success was higher for large (139 mm fork length [FL]) than small (55 mm FL) fish, was higher at night than during the day, was not affected by shading, decreased as tailwater pool depth increased (22.9–53.3 cm), and did not differ significantly among the fish densities tested in the tailwater pool (35–141 fish/m3). There was a clear, negative exponential trend in the response relationship between transformed (arcsine of the square root) passage success and culvert discharge (0.028–0.099 m3/s; mean velocities,...
Ontogeny of a sexually dimorphic nucleus in the preoptic area of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The nucleus preoptics medianus (POMn) is sexually dimorphic nucleus in Japanese (Coturnix japonica) that is critically involved in the hormonal activation of male copulatory behavior. The larger volume apparent in males appears to depend upon circulating testosterone [Brain Res., 416 (1987) 56–68; J. Comp. Neurol., 303 (1991) 443–456]. The present study determined when during normal development this nucleus becomes dimorphic. POMn and a control nucleus, the nucleus commissurae pallii (nCPa), were traced from Nissl-stained coronal sections (40 μm) from animals sacrificed at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 weeks of age. Areas were measured and used to calculate volume. POMn volumes were not significantly different in males and females through 5 weeks of age. The dimorphism in POMn volume then became apparent at 6 weeks of age as a function of an increase in male POMn volume between 5 and 6 weeks of age. No significant differences were apparent at any developmental age in nCPa volume. The appearance of a sexual dimorphism in POMn volume is coincident with the pubertal surge in testosterone that occurs between 5 and 6 weeks of age [Horm. Behav., 11 (1978) 175–182], and is also coincident with behavioral sexual maturity.
Durability Analysis of Nafion/Hydrophilic Pretreated PTFE Membranes for PEMFCs

The durability of a novel Nafion/poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) composite membrane was evaluated using an accelerated stress test. The composite membrane was embedded with a porous PTFE layer and was prepared by the solution-casting method using 5% Nafion solution. The porous PTFE layer was treated chemically to improve its hydrophilicity before incorporating it within the membrane. The goal of the hydrophilic treatment was to improve the interfacial bonding between the Nafion polymer and the PTFE fibers resulting in improved strength and durability. The accelerated degradation testing was performed by the wet/dry gas cycling method. The chemical and mechanical stability of the membrane was evaluated by measuring the polarization curve, hydrogen crossover, and proton resistance during wet/dry cycles. Cross-sections of the composite membrane were examined after failure by a scanning electron microscope. The results show that the degradation rate of the composite fuel cell membrane incorporating the PTFE layer with hydrophilic pretreatment was lower than the degradation rate of the membrane with untreated PTFE. Tensile testing revealed that the composite membrane with pretreated PTFE has higher mechanical strength compared to both the composite membrane with untreated PTFE, and a commercial Nafion membrane.
Influence of slip velocity at a membrane surface on ultrafiltration performance—I. Channel flow system

Abstract The effect of slip velocity at a membrane surface is studied in detail for a tubular membrane system. A second-order perturbation solution of the equations of motion is found to be very satisfactory. The results are compared with those of the channel flow system reported earlier. As in the case of channel flow system, the effect of slip coefficient on concentration polarization is identical to that of Peclet number—it augments diffusive transport of solute molecules from the membrane surface to the bulk solution.
Optical tip clearance sensor for aircraft engine controls

Aircraft gas turbine performance and efficiency are related to airfoil tip clearance. The possibility has been considered to obtain optimum performance and efficiency by reducing clearance to a safe minimum with the aid of a closed-loop tip clearance control system, which utilizes a tip clearance sensor. The use of optical sensing methods appears to represent a potential solution to the tip clearance measurement problem. Principles of sensor operation are discussed along with dimensional considerations and diffraction limitations. A description is presented of the study of the feasibility of a certain sensor, taking into account the test rig system, the optical components, and the mounting tube. Attention is also given to the operation of the feasibility-study sensor, performance estimations, the optical fiber bundle, light beam refraction, and aspects of aircraft engine implementation.
Nitrogen Concentration in Mountain Pine Beetle Larvae Reflects Nitrogen Status of the Tree Host and Two Fungal Associates

ABSTRACT Individual lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta) were fertilized with urea at nitrogen (N) inputs equivalent to 0, 315, or 630 kg/ha. Four months after application of the fertilizer, inner bark tissue N concentrations were significantly higher in the trees that had received the low dose (315 kg/ha) fertilization treatment than in the control trees; trees that had received the high-dose treatment (630 kg/ha) were intermediate and not significantly different from either of the other treatments. There was a significant positive correlation between N concentration in inner bark tissue and larval mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). In vitro studies on synthetic growth media examined effects of temperature and N concentration on N concentration of two common fungal associates of the mountain pine beetle (Ophiostoma clavigerum and Ophiostoma montium). Increasing N concentration in growth media significantly increased fungal N concentrations in both O. clavig...
956-118 Expanding Indications for Thrombolytic Therapy Improves Acute Myocardial Infarction Outcome

In order to determine whether expanding use of thrombolytic therapy (TT) has influenced overall acute myocardial infarction (AMI) outcome, we evaluated 1205 consecutive AMI patients (pts) with ST segment elevation who presented from 1989 to 1993. Baseline characteristics of age (64 ± 13 years), gender (70% male), and TT contraindications (38%) did not vary from year to year. Characteristics of pts treated with TT by year are shown. 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 P TT treated % (n) 42 (87) 45(113) 45(104) 63(156) 65(175) 0.0001 Mean age (yrs) 58 ± 11 58 ± 11 57 ± 13 60 ± 11 60 ± 13 0190 Age g 76(%) 2.3 1.0 1.9 7.7 9.1 0003 Male (%) 75 75 85 73 71 0150 Symptom duration. min 0010 mean ± SD 87 ± 57 106 ± 96 108 ± 104 119 ± 97 135 ± 112 range 12-307 17–676 15–657 12-740 16–609 median 69 80 80 94 103 AMI mortality (%) TT treated pts 83 7.1 53 7.7 4.6 0350 No IT pts 21.8 16.2 15.2 139 208 0.447 All pts 160 12.0 109 10.0 10.3 0.050 Utilization of TT increased significantly by treating more pts g 76 years and those with longer symptom duration. Trend analysis demonstrates that mortality in AMI pts treated with TT did not change significantly from year to year. Overall AMI mortality, however, decreased significantly with expanding use of TT. Thus, use of TT can be increased by treating more elderly pts and those with longer symptom duration. Expanding use of TT is associated with reduction in overall AMI mortality.
Structuring an information flow for autonomous systems

Currently we are witnessing a substantial diffusion of mathematical modelling methods from the so-called hard sciences to the socio-economic and life sciences. The general thesis that more mathematical modelling is appropriate for the study of organization is shared by many authors. In this paper an attempt has been made to show how mathematical tools can be used in the analysis of an information flow in the functioning of autonomous groups. Such analysis helps us to understand the role of certain parameters describing group external and internal environments in an information flow evaluation. The analysts presented is descriptive in nature and provides some useful IF …THEN … rules describing group functioning in various decision situations. The rules obtained are in conformity with our intuition, they account for some facts observed in real life, and can be used to support decision-making in the process of structuring an information flow between a group and its external environment, as well as informatio...
Minocycline Synergizes with N-Acetylcysteine and Improves Cognition and Memory Following Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats

Background There are no drugs presently available to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI). A variety of single drugs have failed clinical trials suggesting a role for drug combinations. Drug combinations acting synergistically often provide the greatest combination of potency and safety. The drugs examined (minocycline (MINO), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), simvastatin, cyclosporine A, and progesterone) had FDA-approval for uses other than TBI and limited brain injury in experimental TBI models. Methodology/Principal Findings Drugs were dosed one hour after injury using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) TBI model in adult rats. One week later, drugs were tested for efficacy and drug combinations tested for synergy on a hierarchy of behavioral tests that included active place avoidance testing. As monotherapy, only MINO improved acquisition of the massed version of active place avoidance that required memory lasting less than two hours. MINO-treated animals, however, were impaired during the spaced version of the same avoidance task that required 24-hour memory retention. Co-administration of NAC with MINO synergistically improved spaced learning. Examination of brain histology 2 weeks after injury suggested that MINO plus NAC preserved white, but not grey matter, since lesion volume was unaffected, yet myelin loss was attenuated. When dosed 3 hours before injury, MINO plus NAC as single drugs had no effect on interleukin-1 formation; together they synergistically lowered interleukin-1 levels. This effect on interleukin-1 was not observed when the drugs were dosed one hour after injury. Conclusions/Significance These observations suggest a potentially valuable role for MINO plus NAC to treat TBI.
The muscular variant of Pompe's disease

A patient with the muscular variant of Pompe's disease is presented. Premortem studies showed normal leukocyte α-1, 4 glucosidase activity. Muscle and liver α-1, 4 glucosidase activity was absent. A review of the literature on this variant is presented, and a therapeutic approach is discussed.
Adaptive Input Estimation Methods for High Bandwidth Microgyros

The vibratory microgyro senses the angular motion by detecting the Coriolis force acting on a vibratory structure when the supporting frame is undergoing angular motion. Two unique circumstances arise. First, the input to the governing equation of motion is a product of a time periodic function and the angular input. Consequently, the detection of the angular motion involves a demodulation process. Second, force actuators are required to generate the “energizing” vibratory motion; however, force actuators that can be implemented through microfabrication mostly have very small force output. Therefore, mechanical resonance is used to achieve desired amplitude in the driven-mode. These special circumstances lead to poor sensor dynamic characteristics such as the narrow bandwidth. In this paper, we present adaptive input estimation methods to achieve high bandwidth of microgyros. Specifically, we present an adaptive observer-based technique to estimate the angular motion by providing the Coriolis force as the input to the adaptive observer. In this paper, we consider two methods, namely, the open-loop method and the closed-loop method. While the closed-loop method can allow for uncertainties in the parameters it requires an additional actuator when compared to the open-loop method. The results of these techniques will be compared with that of the demodulation input estimation method.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
HEAT TRANSFER IN THE THERMAL ENTRY LENGTH WITH LAMINAR FLOW IN AN ANNULUS

Abstract The solution to the Graetz problem in an annulus with a heated core and an insulated outer wall is presented. Both uniform temperature and uniform heat input on the inside wall are considered for a number of arbitrarily chosen radius ratios. The case of parallel plates with one side insulated is included for comparison. The solution is extended to certain cases of axial variation of the core heat input and to the case in which heat is transferred at uniform but unequal rates at both walls.
Studies on H(+)-ATPase in cultured rabbit nonpigmented ciliary epithelium.

Studies were conducted to examine the influence of the H+-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 on cultured rabbit nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells (NPE). Cytoplasmic pH and sodium concentrations were measured by digital fluorescence microscopy using BCECF and SBFI respectively. In some experiments, cell sodium content was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Added alone, bafilomycin A1 (100 nm) failed to change cytoplasmic pH but it caused an increase of cytoplasmic sodium concentration which occurred within 10 min. It is likely that the rise of cytoplasmic sodium concentration was responsible for the stimulation of active sodium-potassium transport which occurred in bafilomycin A1-treated cells as judged by a 50% increase of ouabain sensitive potassium (86Rb) uptake. In bafilomycin A1-treated cells, but not in control cells, dimethylamiloride (DMA) inhibited ouabain-sensitive potassium (86Rb) uptake in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of ∼2 μm. DMA (10 μm) also prevented the increase of cytoplasmic sodium caused by bafilomycin A1. Added alone, DMA (10 μm) failed to change cytoplasmic sodium content but reduced cytoplasmic pH by ∼0.4 pH units. In cells that first received 10 μm DMA, the subsequent addition of bafilomycin A1 (100 nm) caused a further cytoplasmic pH reduction of ∼0.3 pH units. Taken together, the results suggest H+-ATPase might contribute to the regulation of basal cytoplasmic pH in cultured NPE. In the presence of bafilomycin A1, Na-H exchanger activity appears to be stimulated, so stabilizing cytoplasmic pH but resulting in an increase of cytoplasmic sodium concentration and consequent stimulation of active sodium-potassium transport.
Clinical outcomes after intravenous fibrinolysis in cryptogenic strokes with or without patent foramen ovale.

Background Pivotal clinical trials suggest that intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) benefits stroke patients regardless of the underlying etiology. Paradoxical strokes, presumed to be caused by fibrin-rich clots originating in the venous circulation, may respond better to fibrinolysis than other ischemic stroke subtypes. In this study, we compared the response with IV rt-PA in paradoxical stroke patients and other stroke subtypes. Methods In total, 486 patients treated with IV rt-PA at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Adjudication of stroke mechanism was based on chart review. Five major stroke mechanisms—cardioembolic, artery-to-artery emboli, lacunar, cryptogenic, and paradoxical—were identified by final diagnosis from chart reviews. Mimics, undefined etiology, and defined etiology not falling into the major mechanisms were excluded. Analysis of variance and general linear model were used to assess the differences between groups. Results A total of 323 patients were analyzed. We found significant differences in clinical outcome between stroke mechanisms, including discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ( P = .007), discharge Rankin ( P = .011), discharge disposition ( P = .000), and infarct volume ( P = .007). Post hoc analysis showed that cardioembolic patients had the worst outcomes (discharge NIHSS score 11.12 ± 12.26), whereas paradoxical strokes had the best outcomes (discharge NIHSS score 3.67 ± 4.90), but these did not approach statistical significance. However, regression analysis showed that 4 variables—congestive heart failure, admission NIHSS, age, and mean infarct volume—rather than stroke mechanism were the true predictors of poor outcome. Conclusions Paradoxical strokes had better outcomes after IV fibrinolysis than other ischemic stroke subtypes, but this difference is attributable to younger age and milder stroke severity on presentation.
Reduced nitric oxide production and iNOS mRNA expression in IFN-γ-stimulated chicken macrophages transfected with iNOS siRNAs

Abstract Utilizing RNA interference technology with siRNA in the HD11 macrophage cell line, we determined how the inhibition or knock-down of the iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) gene affected IFN-γ-induced macrophage production of nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA expression of genes involved in this biological pathway in the chicken. Chicken macrophages produce NO when stimulated with recombinant chicken IFN-γ, however, when transfected with iNOS siRNAs, the production of NO is significantly decreased. We observed a 14–28% reduction in NO production by IFN-γ-stimulated HD11 cells at 48 h after initial siRNA transfection compared to non-transfected IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages. Significant knock-down of iNOS mRNA expression (15 to 50-fold lower) was observed for each of four iNOS siRNAs, when compared to non-transfected IFN-γ-stimulated macrophages and to those treated with a negative control siRNA. The IFN-γ-stimulated chicken macrophages transfected with iNOS siRNAs did not show altered levels of mRNA expression for genes involved in IFN-γ signaling and iNOS pathways (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, TGF-β4, or SOCS-3) suggesting that the observed decrease in NO production is a direct result of siRNA mediated knock-down of iNOS, rather than IFN-γ-induced changes in the other genes tested.
Modifications in the format of the mixed standard scale

Abstract Blanz and Ghiselli (1972) proposed the mixed standard scale (MSS) as a format for reducing leniency and halo in ratings. They contended that the randomization of scale items to disguise the dimensions prevents raters from distorting their ratings. Another feature of the MSS format that is disguised from raters is its ability to count the number of illogical response patterns committed by a rater. In the present research, the original MSS format was compared to three modifications: (a) a format that did not disguise dimensions; (b) a format that informed raters that their ratings could be evaluated for logic; and (c) a combination of the undisguised and logical formats. The original format and the three modifications along with a behaviorally anchored rating format were used by 833 college students to evaluate their instructors. Analyses indicated no significant differences between the MSS formats in leniency and halo. Further, the MSS formats did not differ in numbers of illogical response patterns. All formats suggested that raters who committed more illogical responses also showed more leniency and halo in their ratings. Finally, a multitrait-multimethod analysis indicated that the MSS formats did not differ in convergent and discriminant validities between themselves and in comparison to the anchored format. In sum, the randomization of items in order to disguise dimensions from the raters is not necessary in order to achieve the desirable properties of the MSS format.
The academic impact of multi-track year-round school calendars: A response to school overcrowding☆

Abstract Using detailed longitudinal data for the state of California, this paper studies the effect of multi-track year-round school calendars on academic performance. This particular type of year-round calendar allows for schools to house more students within the same facility than other calendars and is often motivated by its potential to alleviate overcrowding as well as to save costs relative to new school construction. This paper finds that these financial savings “come at a cost” in terms of the quality of education produced, as measured by a school’s national percentile rank on standardized tests. Being on a multi-track year-round calendar results in a drop of 1–2 percentile points relative to a traditional calendar in national rank on reading, math and language scores. The policy implications are especially relevant to the current condition of the US education system, where many states are facing overcrowding problems and have implemented or are seriously considering implementation of multi-track year-round calendars as a remedy.
A novel EWSR1-CREB3L1 fusion transcript in a case of small cell osteosarcoma.

Cellular morphology of small cell osteosarcoma, an aggressive variant of osteosarcoma, is similar to Ewing sarcoma, but its molecular pathogenesis is largely unknown. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with multifocal small cell osteosarcoma positive for the Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) gene rearrangement by interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization and negative for EWSR1-FLI1, EWSR1-ERG, and EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts by reverse transcriptase PCR. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends revealed exon 6 of the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3-like 1 gene (CREB3L1, also known as “OASIS,” NM_52854.2) fused in-frame to the EWSR1 exon 11, consistent with the EWSR1-CREB3L1 fusion transcript expressed in tumor tissue. The corresponding chimeric gene was confirmed by amplification and subsequent sequencing of the genomic breakpoint between introns 11 and 5 of EWSR1 and CREB3L1, respectively. An ∼70 kDa product in the tumor tissue lysate reacted with the CREB3L1 carboxyterminal antibody, consistent with a 656-amino acid predicted chimeric protein. Immunohistochemistry with the same antibody showed signal translocation from the physiologic perinuclear compartment observed in glia and unrelated osteoblasts to nuclei of tumor cells, consistent with the likely function of EWSR1-CREB3L1 as a transcriptional regulator predicted by its structure. This is the first report of a fusion transcript in osteogenic sarcoma; it demonstrates a relation between molecular mechanisms of small cell osteogenic and Ewing sarcomas. The 3′-end partner and the inferred structure of EWSR1-CREB3L1, however, are different from those of Ewing sarcoma, suggesting different targets of the new oncogene. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effectiveness of Computerized Multimedia as a Teaching Tool in Medical Nutrition Therapy

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe the efficacy of computerized multimedia as a teaching tool for selected topics in a medical nutrition therapy course. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of multimedia as a teaching tool with traditional teaching methods in a medical nutrition therapy course. Lectures covering renal and liver diseases were presented using a traditional approach (lecture + overhead projector) and computer-based multimedia. Students were divided into two groups (n=18 and n=12) and each group was exposed to both multimedia-enhanced and traditional instruction in a crossover design. Students' in class participation and interactions were documented by an objective onlooker. Retention and understanding of material was measured with a knowledge exam given at the end of each unit; students' satisfaction with the units was measured using an evaluation form. Overall, exam scores from units presented with multimedia were significantly higher than scores from units presented in the traditional manner (p
Unrealistic weight loss expectations in candidates for bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Unrealistic expectations of weight loss are prevalent in obese patients and can negatively affect their adherence to dietary and health goals. We sought to examine the expectations and perceived notions about weight loss in candidates for bariatric surgery. Methods A total of 284 consecutive and prospective bariatric patients were surveyed using a validated Goals and Relative Weights questionnaire before an educational seminar. The participants categorized their weight loss expectations as "dream," "happy," "acceptable," and "disappointed" and rated the effect of surgically-induced weight loss on 21 indicators of health, quality of life, social functioning, and self-image on a 1–10 scale. The data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation. Results Of the 284 patients, 230 were women and 54 were men (age 45 ± 10 years; body mass index 50 ± 8 kg/m 2 ). These patients stated that their "dream" weight would be 89% ± 8% excess body weight loss and that 77% ± 9%, 67% ± 10%, 49% ± 14% excess body weight loss would be their "happy," "acceptable," and "disappointed" weight, respectively. Participants ranked health, fitness, body image, work performance, and self-confidence as the most important benefits of bariatric surgery. Women had greater "happy" and "acceptable" weight loss expectations and put more emphasis on physical presence ( r = .17–.33, P r = .15–.19, P Conclusion The results of our study have shown that although the candidates for bariatric surgery understand its benefits, they have unrealistic expectations of weight loss. In our study, the patients' most modest weight loss expectation, the "disappointed" weight, was equivalent to what providers would consider a successful weight loss outcome after bariatric surgery. Setting realistic expectations is an important aspect of the preoperative evaluation and education, especially for younger women.
The interface: computers and human resource management

An interface is the common boundary of two spaces. This paper discusses two very different interfaces. The first section focuses on the interface between the computer and the computer user. Emerging trends in human-computer interface research, including input/output devices, intelligent agents, extended reality, nomadic computing, and ubiquitous computing, are briefly reviewed. The remainder of this paper focuses on a second interface – the interface between computer technology and the human side of an organisation. In this section, the potential impact of computer technology on job design and analysis, performance appraisal, selection, training, careers, disabilities, and work/family conflict is discussed. Although emerging computer technologies impact every aspect of human resource management, research tends to focus on the technological and engineering aspects of the computer interface, rather than on the human resource impacts. This paper concludes by recommending areas for future research for those whose focus is on the organisation's human resources.
Toward laser pulse waveform analysis for scene interpretation

Laser based sensing for scene interpretation and obstacle detection is challenged by partially viewed targets, wiry structures, and porous objects. We propose to address such problems by looking at the laser pulse waveform. We designed a new laser sensor with off-the-shelf components. We report on the design and the evaluation of this low cost and compact sensor, suitable for mobile robot application. We determine classical parameters such as operation range, repeatability, accuracy, resolution, but we also analyze laser pulse waveforms modes and mode shape in order to extract additional information on the scene.
Connection cube and interleaved optical backplane for a multiprocessor data bus

We investigate the potential improvement to existing bus interconnect systems using electro optic interfaces. This is accomplished by comparing commercially available electro optic devices to electrical interface transceivers. Next we present two free space optical interconnect schemes for implementing single and multiple bus backplanes.
The unusual fluorescence intensity enhancement of poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) polymer separated from the silver nanocube surface by H-bonded LbL shells

The fluorescence intensity of poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) (PPE) polymer separated from the surface of plasmonic silver nanocubes (47 nm AgNCs) is measured by varying the number of layers of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVPON) and polymethyl acrylic acid (PMAA), n. The shell thickness is sensitive to the solvent due to the formation of a solvent-sensitive hydrogen bonding network. The fluorescent behavior of the PPE on the core–shell PPE-(PVPON-PMAA)n–AgNCs structures fabricated here was evaluated as a function of n as well as the nature of the surrounding solvent. Surprisingly, the fluorescence intensity of the outer PPE shell is found to increase dramatically (by more than an order of magnitude) as its separation from the nanoparticle surface increases and then decreases at a distance that depends upon the swelling behavior of the polymer shells. The distance for the highest fluorescence enhancement was found to be 20.0 nm and 24.0 nm, in water and ethanol respectively. The observed change in the fluorescence intensity of the PPE polymer with increasing its separation from the plasmonic surface is proposed to result from the interplay between a short range quenching mechanism and a relatively long-range plasmonic fluorescence enhancing mechanism. DDA calculations gave support to the significant contribution of the latter mechanism.
Software Defined Match Control Circuit Integrated With a Planar Inverted F Antenna

A planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) is integrated with a software-defined match control (SDMC) circuit in order to create an impedance match for a diverse set of frequency standards. The individual PIFA achieves better than 10 dB reflection coefficient for a 13.6% bandwidth at 2.45 GHz. The SDMC is a microstrip circuit with tuning diodes that are adjusted to tune the input impedance of the antenna and to select a targeted frequency range of operation. It is both an antenna impedance tuner and tunable filter. This paper discusses the design approach for the system and presents simulated and measured results. The results show that the combined antenna and SDMC can be tuned to operate at many worldwide frequency ranges even when the individual PIFA is not specifically matched to the frequencies.
M1: a small computer system synthesis tool

A particular instance of system-level synthesis, designing small computers using off-the-shelf components, is discussed. M1 is the synthesis tool in Micon, an integrated collection of tools for rapid prototyping of small computer systems. M1 uses components in a library to build a design that satisfies high-level specifications. Input to M1 consists of requirements on functionality (processor name and speed, amount of memory, and number of serial ports) and constraints (maximum board area and power dissipation). Output from M1 consists of a complete list of parts and a netlist indicating interconnections between the parts. M1 uses a knowledge-based approach to design with a unique architecture that is based on a general and flexible hierarchical design model and supports automated knowledge acquisition. M1 has been successfully used to generate several designs based on four microprocessor families; knowledge of these designs was acquired by an automated knowledge acquisition tool. >
Dynamics of electrons and nuclei

This paper presents the theory of Electron Nuclear Dynamics (END), which was developed and applied over the past 20 years or so in collaboration with a group of talented graduate students and postdoctoral associates. The Introduction presents the gist of this theoretical and computational approach to the study of molecular transformations. The next section outlines the major achievements of this time-dependent, direct, and non-adiabatic theory to the study of chemical change.