cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Degradation and Recycling of Unsaturated Polyester Resin-Based Composites

Abstract The increased use of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and their composites are raising demands on proper disposal and recycling of their end-of-life products. Until recently, landfills were used to dispose of the scrap from UPR and composites. But raising environmental concerns demand the need to implement effective recycling strategies to depolymerize the resin based composites. Recycling techniques such as mechanical, thermal, and chemical pathways can be used to depolymerize and recover the composites’ constituents. This chapter gives insight into the various recycling techniques that are being used to recycle UPR and their composites and some of the recent advancements in this field.
Failure to Focus on the Discipline of Black Girls: Encouraging School Leaders to Initiate Conversations.

Although increasing attention has been given to the disproportionate discipline of Black students in general, the specific needs of Black girls have often been overlooked. This article encourages s...
Accuracy of Reporting Primary Care Specialty Status in Medical Research.

Introduction: Family physicians (FPs) are specialty trained and certified and provide most primary care (PC) services in the United States. General practitioners (GPs), a separate group without specialty PC training, are commonly confused with FPs despite differences in demographic characteristics, professional qualifications, and clinical services. Our study documents how often research in major medical journals distinguishes between these 2 groups or combines GPs and FPs together. Methods: We selected 23 US journals on impact factor and relevance to PC. Using a MEDLINE search, we identified all reports published in 2016 through 2017 that met inclusion criteria: original research; done in United States; studying FPs, GPs, and/or PC physicians. Two researchers reviewed each article to determine inclusion and whether it lumped or split FPs and GPs. Results: Search retrieved 409 total studies, with 88 (21.5%) meeting inclusion criteria. Among these, 35 (39.8%) included FPs only, leaving 53 (60.2%) that also included GPs. Among these studies, only 3 (5.7%) separated GPs from FPs. Another 21 (39.6%) combined GPs and FPs together. In 29 (54.7%), the classification of GPs, FPs and others was not described. Conclusions: Most PC research reports combine GPs and FPs into a single group, masking differences between these distinct groups. Most research reports fail to explain how they classify PC clinicians. Research reports need to improve classification of FPs and PC clinicians.
Bioeffects elicited by acoustic cavitation

Ultrasound has been developed as both a diagnostic tool and a potent promoter of beneficial bioeffects for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Ultrasound exposure can induce the release, delivery and enhanced efficacy of lytics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or bioactive gases from echogenic liposomes. Other carriers for cancer therapeutics and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) and genes have also been developed. By encapsulating drugs and bubbles into micron-sized and nano-sized lipid-shelled particles, the therapeutic can be shielded from degradation within the vasculature until delivery is triggered by ultrasound exposure. The endothelial barrier between the bloodstream and vascular tissue presents a significant challenge to drug delivery. Most research on drug delivery from the blood vessel lumen into the tissue bed has been focused on blood-brain barrier disruption. Microbubbles oscillate when exposed to ultrasound and create stresses directly on nearby tissue or induce fluid effects that effect drug penetration into vascular tissue, lyse thrombi or direct drugs to optimal locations for delivery. Insonification accelerates clot breakdown in combination with a lytic and an ultrasound contrast agent, which nucleates sustained bubble activity. Mechanisms for ultrasound enhancement of clot dissolution, bactericide, and drug delivery, with a special emphasis on acoustic cavitation, radiation force and biological responses, will be reviewed.
Capsule Commentary on Aysola et al., Asking the Patient About Patient-Centered Medical Homes: A Qualitative Analysis

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) may be the greatest revolution in care delivery that patients have never heard of. The PCMH care model aims to transform the organization and delivery of primary care by putting patients at the center of a care team that provides coordinated, evidence-based care—care that is delivered when, where and how patients want it.1 Full adoption of the care process has been stymied by pay systems that reward visits and procedures and may have disincentives for providing population-based care.2 However, as Aysola3 and colleagues point out, “patients uniformly lack awareness of PCMH concepts even when their care delivery system is a PCMH.” Why is this so? Aysola provides a clue: the most important aspect of primary care delivery to patients is their relationship with an individual provider, not a health system. Even when care was delivered through systems that highlighted team-based care, patients saw other members of the team as secondary to the interactions they had with their doctor. The intimacy and immediacy of the relationship between a primary care provider and their patient is not likely to be subsumed by redesigning systems to highlight team-based care. Patients consistently demonstrate loyalty, high satisfaction and trust with their primary are provider.4,5 Aysola concludes that practice redesign needs to preserve and build around this relationship.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in Patients with Paradoxical Low-Flow Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis

Aortic valve replacement is recommended in symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) or asymptomatic with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The treatment algorithm of p...
Enhanced Collection of Phenotypic and Engrafting Human Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells at 4°C

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) numbers collected in cord blood (CB) at the birth of a baby is a limiting factor for efficacious use of CB in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We now demonstrate that collecting and processing of human CB at 4°C within minutes of the baby's birth results in significantly enhanced numbers of rigorously defined phenotypic HSC and self-renewing NSG immune-deficient mouse engrafting and SCID-repopulating cells. This was associated with decreased numbers of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), as noted previously for hypoxia collected/processed cells blocking ambient air induced differentiation of HSC to HPC. We have thus defined a simple, cost-effective, means to collect increased numbers of CB HSC, of potential use for clinical CB HCT.
Efferent-induced shifts in synchronized-spontaneous-otoacoustic-emission magnitude and frequency

Synchronized-spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SSOAEs) present as slow-decaying emission energy that persists after the transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE). SSOAEs possess high amplitudes and signal-to-noise ratios, making them potentially ideal candidates to assay the medial-olivocochlear reflex (MOCR). The current work quantified MOCR-induced changes to SSOAEs over a 36-dB stimulus level range and compared MOCR effects between TEOAE- and SSOAE-based assays. Otoacoustic emissions were evoked using band limited clicks from 52 to 88 dB peak sound pressure level (pSPL) with and without contralateral-acoustic stimulation (CAS) in 25 normal-hearing, female adults. The CAS was 50-dB sound pressure level (SPL) broadband noise and served to activate the MOCR. The number of SSOAEs increased with the stimulus level through approximately 70 dB pSPL. The presentation of CAS resulted in fewer SSOAEs. SSOAEs exhibited compressive growth and approached saturation for stimulus levels of 70 dB pSPL. The primary effects of CAS were a reduction in the SSOAE magnitude and an upward shift in the SSOAE frequency. These changes were not strongly affected by the stimulus level. Time-domain analysis of the SSOAE revealed an increase in the CAS-induced magnitude shift during the decay portion of the SSOAE. Compared to CAS-induced TEOAE magnitude shifts, SSOAE magnitude shifts were typically 2–3 dB larger. Findings support SSOAEs as a means to assay the MOCR.
Telematic connections: sensing, feeling, being in space together

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and current era of social distancing, video conferencing platforms have taken on a new importance as virtual gathering spaces in lieu of face-to-face interactio...
Evaluating poly(ether ether ketone) powder recyclability for selective laser sintering applications

Abstract Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is increasingly used in selective laser sintering (SLS) due to its superior mechanical and thermal properties and biocompatibility. It is well known that the properties of selective laser sintering (SLS) powder govern the processability and quality of the parts. The SLS printing process exposes the PEEK bed/feedstock to variable elevated temperatures (above 300 °C) for a prolonged time. The effect of this thermal history on the part quality is unknown. This work evaluates the changes that occur in thermally treated PEEK powder through spectroscopic, morphological, and rheological characterizations. It was found that crystallinity increased marginally within the first two hours, but particle size and shape remained virtually unchanged. The thermal treatment also resulted in a significant increase in the melt viscosity of the PEEK powder, and its flowability slightly improved. Understanding these changes could help to reduce waste through recycling of some portion of PEEK powders used in SLS printing.
The Impact of Renal Dysfunction in Mechanical Circulatory Support Device Patients on Post-Heart Transplant Outcomes

Purpose Patients with severe heart failure who have undergone placement of a mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device do develop renal dysfunction. This renal dysfunction is not severe enough to necessitate the use of combined heart transplantation (HTx) and kidney transplantation. However, it has not been firmly established whether kidney dysfunction does add to increased morbidity or mortality after HTx in these device patients. Methods Between 2012 and 2019, we assessed 79 patients who have undergone MCS, either with total artificial heart (n=22) or left ventricular assist device (n=53). Baseline creatinine/glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured and patients were divided into GFR categories which include 30-39 mL/min, 40-49 mL/min, 50-59 mL/min, and greater than or equal to 60 mL/min. All patients underwent HTx alone. The need for temporary dialysis was recorded, as well as peak creatinine in the first 3 months after HTx and serum creatinine at 1 year compared to baseline. Further outcomes include subsequent 1-year survival, freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV, stenosis ≥30%), and freedom from non-fatal major adverse cardiac event (NF-MACE: myocardial infarction, new congestive heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, implantable cardioverter defibrillator/pacemaker implant, stroke). Results There was no significant difference in 1-year survival, CAV, and NF-MACE or the need for temporary dialysis amongst all groups. Furthermore, no patient in any group needed chronic dialysis. In the GFR 40-49 group compared to the other groups, there was a trend for higher creatinine at 1 year but the baseline was high. Conclusion Baseline lower GFRs between 30-39 and 40-49 mL/min in MCS patients do not appear to be a predictor of poorer outcomes after HTx in patients. These patients do not appear to require combined heart and kidney transplantation.
Electrokinetic Perfusion Through Three-Dimensional Culture Reduces Cell Mortality.

Cell proliferation and survival are dependent on mass transfer. In vivo, fluid flow promotes mass transfer through the vasculature and interstitial space, providing a continuous supply of nutrients...
KISS: The Value of Simplicity in Online Education

Keeping diversity and inclusion in mind throughout the process of online course design and delivery can be daunting to instructors, course developers, and content creators. These concepts, along with access equity and legal compliance, can seem distant from the principal objective of content presentation and instruction. Recent public health circumstances resulted in much of higher education’s move to remote learning. This reveals the need for quality online education that seeks to remove barriers and create challenging and engaging opportunities for all learners. This article presents research-based and established best practices and universal standards to help educators create accessible, usable, and inclusive online learning environments in a way that simplifies the process, meets rigorous standards, and improves the experience for all learners.
Multi scale diffeomorphic metric mapping of spatial transcriptomics datasets

Spatially resolved transcriptomic imaging is a family of promising new technologies that can produce a series of images that quantify gene expression at every pixel. These technologies, such as multiplex error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH) which is the focus of this work, produce data that is inherently multi scale. They describe molecules at nanometer resolution, cell types at micron resolution, and tissue types at millimeter resolution. To harness the potential of these techniques, new mathematical and computational tools are required to quantify similarities and differences between images across experimental conditions. In this work we demonstrate the application of multi scale diffeomorphic metric mapping to MERFISH images. This recently developed framework uses varifold measures on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces to describe shape and signal across spatial scales, and computes distances between samples in a Riemannian setting. Using experimental data from serial sections of the mouse preoptic hypothalamus, we use this technique to compute optimal nonrigid alignments between neighboring sections. This approach will ultimately be extended to 3D reconstruction and alignment to common coordinates of a brain atlas.
Photodissociation and Infrared Spectroscopy of Uranium-Nitrogen Cation Complexes.

Laser vaporization of uranium in a pulsed supersonic expansion of nitrogen is used to produce complexes of the form U+(N2)n (n = 1-8). These ions are mass selected in a reflectron time-of-flight spectrometer and studied with visible and UV laser fixed-frequency photodissociation and with tunable infrared laser photodissociation spectroscopy. The dissociation patterns and spectroscopy of U+(N2)n indicate that N2 ligands are intact molecules and that there is no insertion chemistry resulting in UN+ or NUN+. Fixed frequency photodissociation at 532 and 355 nm indicate that the U+-N2 bond dissociation energy varies little with changing coordination. The photon energy and the number of ligands eliminated allow an estimate of the average U+-N2 dissociation energy of 12 kcal/mol. Infrared bands are observed for these complexes near the N-N stretch vibration via elimination of N2 molecules. These resonances are observed to be shifted about 130 cm-1 to the red from the free-N2 frequency for complexes with n = 3-8. Density functional theory indicates that U+ is most stable in the sextet state in these complexes and that N2 molecules bind in end-on configurations. The fully coordinated complex is predicted to be U+(N2)8, which has a cubic structure. The vibrational frequencies predicted by theory are consistently lower than those in the experiment, independent of the isomeric structure or spin state of the complexes. Despite its failure to reproduce the infrared spectra, theory provides an average U+-N2 dissociation energy of 11.8 ± 0.5 kcal/mol, in good agreement with the value from the experiments.
An estimation of elastic–plastic strain and stress ahead of a fatigue crack in Mode I

Abstract In this paper a simple analytical method is proposed to estimate an elastic–plastic strain and stress in the plastic zone ahead of the tip of a stable growing fatigue crack. Analytical estimations are compared with experimental results from digital image correlations (DIC) and integrated finite element (FE) analyses taken from literature. A fairly good agreement is demonstrated between the proposed analytical method and the DIC and FE data.
Bus I/O register intensive user-configurable microprocessor peripheral

A CMOS erasable programmable logic device (EPLD) optimized for microprocessor peripheral and bus control applications is described. In addition to a general-purpose EPLD core and 52 user-configurable registers, the dedicated peripheral I/O logic can be programmed by the control macrocells to interface directly to all known microprocessor families. An I/O bus port with 24-mA drive capability allows direct connection to a microprocessor bus. >
Zircon growth in (U)HP quartzo‐feldspathic host gneisses exhumed in the Woodlark Rift of Papua New Guinea

To understand zircon behavior as a function of bulk composition and metamorphic grade in the world's youngest (U)HP terrane, we report U-Pb SIMS spot-mode and depth-profiling analyses for quartzo-feldspathic gneisses. Zircons from two gneisses contain Cretaceous inherited cores, with μm sized metamorphic rims requiring depth profiling for reliable dating. Linear regression of the common-Pb uncorrected data for rims yield 206Pb/238U ages of 2.89 ± 0.29 Ma and 2.77 ± 0.99 Ma (concordia intercept ages at 95% confidence). The older age is within two-sigma error of previously reported 206Pb/238U ages on zircons from mafic eclogite within the gneiss, indicating that rims formed on inherited cores within host gneisses during eclogite facies metamorphism. At the (U)HP locality zircons from host gneiss lack inheritance and yield a 206Pb/238U age of 3.66 ± 0.13 Ma. These results are younger than previously reported 206Pb/238U ages on zircons from coesite eclogite within the gneiss, but are within error of the youngest reported LA-ICP-MS 206Pb/238U zircon ages on retrogressed mafic eclogite. We also report intragrain geochemical heterogeneity, indicated by zircon Hf, Y, and Ti variations in depth profiles which suggest chemical disequilibrium over the interval of zircon growth. Collectively, these results indicate that zircon recrystallization and new growth of zircon rims on relict grains occurred during eclogite facies metamorphism and during subsequent retrogression, but not at (U)HP conditions. Comparison between results from PNG and other (U)HP terranes bolsters previous suggestions that the PNG (U)HP terrane evolved rapidly.
Fair Trade Coffee In a Global Economy

As conscientious shoppers, the fair trade label we see on the coffee we drink from Starbucks and the bananas we buy at the natural food market often assure us of our ethical consumer choices. We should, however, question the accuracy of this marketing to find out where the products we buy actually come from. Are these goods truly traded fairly? Do these products provide equitable wages to farmers and their families in the Southern Hemisphere? This paper will inspect the current state of the fair trade industry as well as offer suggestions for improvement. The positive outcomes of true fair trade are discussed and the role of the Fair Trade Labeling Organization, or FLO, is examined. Additionally, the supposedly eliminated “middleman” is studied to reveal the flaws of the system. Lastly, various perspectives on fair trade are surveyed to develop a broader understanding of how fair trade functions. If properly implemented, fair trade has the ability to significantly reduce the gap between the rich and the poor in the developing world. In closing, suggestions are offered to redesign the fair trade system in order for the purported benefits of equitable trade to become reality.
Control and Governance of Transmission Organizations in the Restructured Electricity Industry

The electricity industry, the nation's largest, is in the process of restructuring itself, replacing vertically integrated state-specific regulated monopolies with independent firms competing in regional markets. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has wisely chosen leadership over command for its role in this restructuring. In a broad restructuring regulation, it directed the industry and state regulators to develop new industry designs. These designs must meld competitive generation and marketing segments with a necessarily monopolistic bulk transmission segment. FERC is now engaged in the process of facilitating the development of independent, regional transmission organizations (RTOs). This article examines alternatives for the structure and governance of those organizations. It supports FERC's choice of a regional approach and confirms FERC's authority to order regional organizations, if necessary. It discusses the choice between investor owned and independent models, finding that the independent model offers several advantages and presents fewer dangers than for-profit RTOs. It suggests RTO governance designs, which will be sensitive to the various stakeholders, regulators (federal, state and local), and the other segments of the electricity industry. Lastly, it urges special attention to the design of the dispute resolution processes which will handle the conflicts inherent in a disaggregated electricity industry. Among other things, it suggests that FERC play a leading role in developing ADR processes, including the creation of an independent pool of private ALJs who are expert in the electricity industry.
Testosterone, Smiling, and Facial Appearance

In a study of possible links between testosterone and dominance, 119 men and 114 women provided saliva samples for testosterone assay and posed smiling and not smiling for portrait photographs. Expert judges viewing the photographs found smaller smiles among high than low testosterone men, with less zygomatic major (raising the corners of the mouth) and orbicularis oculi (raising the cheeks and crinkling around the corners of the eyes) muscle activity. Naive judges viewing individual photographs gave higher potency ratings to smiling high testosterone men than smiling low testosterone men. Naive judges viewing photographs grouped into high and low testosterone sets gave higher potency and lower goodness ratings to high than to low testosterone men, regardless of whether they were smiling. Among women, judges found only slight relationships between testosterone and facial appearance. The pattern among men of less smiling with higher testosterone levels fits with research linking testosterone to face-to-face dominance.
Diversification in a small oil exporting economy

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine Kuwaiti industrial development and, in particular, several Dutch disease factors — the impact of the movements in the real exchange rate and the relative rates of sectoral inflation on the country's pattern of development. The Dutch disease was found to be particularly strong in the years immediately prior to the oil price declines in 1982. However, even before the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, and based on oil market forecasts at the time, analysis suggests that devaluation of the country's currency would not necessarily have resulted in a major expansion of industrial output.
Laser-Mössbauer Spectroscopy as a New Tool for Nuclear Transitions

New spectroscopic technique based on modification of Mossbauer spectra via optical coherent driving of atomic transitions is suggested. Possible experimental realizations are discussed.
Does Weather Confound or Modify the Association of Particulate Air Pollution with Mortality?: An Analysis of the Philadelphia Data, 1973–1980

Because weather has the potential to confound or modify the pollution–mortality relationship, researchers have developed several approaches for controlling it in estimating the independent effect of air pollution on mortality. This report considers the consequences of using alternative approaches to controlling for weather and explores modification of air pollution effects by weather, as weather patterns could plausibly alter air pollution's effect on health. We analyzed 1973–1980 total mortality data for Philadelphia using four weather models and compared estimates of the effects of TSP and SO2on mortality using a Poisson regression model. Two synoptic categories developed by Kalkstein were selected—the Temporal Synoptic Index (TSI) and the Spatial Synoptic Classification (SSC)—and compared with (1) descriptive models developed by Schwartz and Dockery (S-D); and (2) LOESS, a nonparametric function of the previous day's temperature and dew point. We considered model fit using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and changes in the estimated effects of TSP and SO2. In the full-year analysis, S-D is better than LOESS at prediciting mortality, and S-D and LOESS are better than TSI, as measured by AIC. When TSP or SO2was fit alone, the results were qualitatively similar, regardless of how weather was controlled; when TSP and SO2were fit simultaneously, the S-D and LOESS models give qualitatively different results than TSI, which attributes more of the pollution effect to SO2than to TSP. Model fit is substantially poorer with TSI. This pattern was repeated in analyses of summer and winter months, which included SSC. In summary, using synoptic weather categories in regression models does not meaningfully change the association between mortality and air pollution indexes. We also found little evidence that weather conditions modified the effect of pollution, regardless of the approach used to represent weather.
Ultrasound-guided thoracic facet injections: description of a technique.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe a technique using ultrasound guidance to perform thoracic facet joint injections. Methods A single examiner used ultrasound to localize paired thoracic facet joints from T1-2 through T10-11 on a fresh frozen cadaveric specimen. This was done using a 2- to 5-MHz curvilinear transducer over the target facet in the sagittal plain with the cadaver in the prone position. Target facets were identified using the most inferior rib as a starting point and scanning medially toward its axial attachment and further medially and slightly superior over the most caudal thoracic facet (T11-12). Subsequent ipsilateral facet joints were identified by simply moving the transducer superiorly in the sagittal plain until the next cephalad facet was encountered. After identification, injections were performed using a long-axis or “in-line” approach with continual visualization of the needle into each facet joint. After needle placement, computed images were obtained from a fluoroscopy machine capable of 3-dimensional reconstruction to assess the location of the needle tips. After this, 0.5 mL of an iodinated contrast agent was injected, and another 3-dimensional reconstruction was performed to assess the location of the injected agent. A senior radiology resident reviewed the computed images in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes. Accuracy was determined in terms of contrast location, graded as either intra-articular or extra-articular. Results Sixteen (80%) of 20 injections performed showed intra-articular contrast spread. Conclusions We describe a relatively feasible technique for performing thoracic facet joint injections using ultrasound guidance. Further verification of this technique, and modification if applicable, should be performed before directly applying this technique in a clinical practice setting.
L. J. Shrum (Ed.), The Psychology of Entertainment Media: Blurring the Lines Between Entertainment and Persuasion (2nd Ed.)

An evolving digital landscape necessitates an explication of the theoretical processes that underlie how viewers experience and are affected by entertainment media. In The Psychology of Entertainment Media: Blurring the Lines Between Entertainment and Persuasion, editor L. J. Shrum compiles a second series of essays (following up a first edition published in 2003) that discusses the changes to—and the stability of— psychological processing of these messages.
Calcium Elevation in Astrocytes Causes an NMDA Receptor-Dependent Increase in the Frequency of Miniature Synaptic Currents in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

Astrocytes exhibit a form of excitability and communication on the basis of intracellular Ca2+ variations (Cornell-Bell et al., 1990; Charles et al., 1991) that can be initiated by neuronal activity (Dani et al., 1992; Porter and McCarthy, 1996). A Ca2+ elevation in astrocytes induces the release of glutamate (Parpura et al., 1994; Pasti et al., 1997; Araque et al., 1998;Bezzi et al., 1998), which evokes a slow inward current in neurons and modulates action potential-evoked synaptic transmission between cultured hippocampal cells (Araque et al., 1998), suggesting that astrocytes and neurons may function as a network with bidirectional communication. Here we show that a Ca2+ elevation in astrocytes increases the frequency of excitatory as well as inhibitory miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs), without modifying their amplitudes. Thapsigargin incubation, microinjection of the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA, and photolysis of the Ca2+ cage NP-EGTA demonstrate that a Ca2+ elevation in astrocytes is both necessary and sufficient to modulate spontaneous transmitter release. This Ca2+-dependent release of glutamate from astrocytes enhances mPSC frequency by acting on NMDA glutamate receptors, because it is antagonized by D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5) or extracellular Mg2+. These NMDA receptors are located extrasynaptically, because blockage specifically of synaptic NMDA receptors by synaptic activation in the presence of the open channel blocker MK-801 did not impair the AP5-sensitive astrocyte-induced increase of mPSC frequency. Therefore, astrocytes modulate spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission by increasing the probability of transmitter release via the activation of NMDA receptors.
Fault Location in SF 6 Insulated Conductors Using Direct Fluxgate Magnetometry

Gas insulated substations (GIS) are becoming more popular for substation design largely due to reduced space requirements as well as environmental benefits. Isolated phase designs generally consist of a single cylindrical conductor enclosed in a coaxial aluminum tank (or sheath). Pressurized SF6 is usually used for electrical insulation. For increased reliability, instrumentation methods have been developed to detect the location of power arcs which occur within the enclosed containers. Under EPRI funding, we have developed a new technique in which the location of a fault is detected by directly measuring the axial component of the 60 Hz magnetic field which appears outside the sheath during the flashover. The instrument is a specialized form of "fluxgate" magnetometer modified to allow long life using inexpensive batteries. The magnetometer output is coupled directly to a switching circuit which operates a "magnetic disc" indicator. When a fault is registered, the disc indicator exhibits a bright color which can be easily read from a distance of 10-15m. The instrument is proposed for use at areas within the substation which are more prone to flashovers, especially near dielectric spacers which support the inner conductor every few meters. Flashover measurements indicate that the sensor reliably detects a fault current of 4 kA or larger under typical substation conditions. This sensor is attractive for retrofitting existing gas-insulated systems in that installation does not require shutting down the system.
Dental Identification of Hitler’s Deputy Martin Bormann

At the end of World War II, a Berlin dentist gave information to the American Forces on the dental treatment records of many Nazi leaders, among them Martin Bormann. According to recent reports Bormann escaped to Italy and then to Argentina between 1945 and 1948. At the Nuremberg trial, he was sentenced in absentia to be hanged. The diagrams and descriptive information about Bormann’s dental status in 1945, and the treatment that was probably necessary since then, might lead to his identification.
Fragmented QRS complexes not typical of a bundle branch block: a marker of greater myocardial perfusion tomography abnormalities in coronary artery disease.

Fragmented QRS (FQRS) complexes, not typical of a bundle branch block, are a marker of regional myocardial injury. The extent of stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) abnormalities with FQRS patterns is not known. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) in 501 patients undergoing stress MPI were studied. FQRS was defined as a QRS duration of 120 milliseconds or less, with notches or slurs of QRS complexes, on 2 contiguous leads of a coronary artery territory. Abnormal MPI was defined as a regional summed stress score (SSS) and summed rest score (SRS) of 3 or greater based on a 17-segment model. Patients with a typical bundle (n=26), paced rhythm (n=2), and Q waves (n=64) were excluded. Of the remaining 409 patients (mean age, 58±13 years; 52% male), 155 (38%) had FQRS on the ECG. FQRS patients had a higher mean SSS, SRS, and global summed difference score and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (all P<.001), as well as greater regional stress MPI scar (69% vs 11%, P<.001), FQRS pattern sensitivity was 75% and specificity was 94% for a corresponding regional MPI scar. On logistic regression, SSS, SRS, summed difference score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and regional scar were univariate predictors of the FQRS pattern on the ECG (all P<.01), and any regional scar (odds ratio, 32; P<.001) was a multivariate predictor. FQRS complexes on an ECG are a marker of higher stress MPI perfusion and functional abnormalities. Regional FQRS patterns denote the presence of a greater corresponding focal regional myocardial scar on stress MPI
From knemometry to final adult height: Inhaled corticosteroids and their effect on growth in childhood

Growth impairment in children with asthma, as a consequence of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), is a major issue. Adverse systemic effects of ICS have been reviewed extensively, but no clinically relevant effects are reported if they are used in an appropriate dose as advocated in most guidelines. Growth studies can be divided into knemometry studies, intermediate term studies, and long term studies up to final adult height. These different studies provide different information. Knemometry demonstrates a dose dependent systemic effect, while all intermediate term studies demonstrate growth reduction of approximately one cm after one year of treatment. Most reassuring is that this delay seems to be temporary. The one study with a follow-up to final height shows no differences between the ICS and non-ICS treated children. The studies suggest that the use of ICS with respect to growth is safe if these drugs are used in a low to medium dose.
Blend hard and soft skills to fast-track a management career

Purpose – Highlights the importance of top people in an organization having both hard and soft skills. Design/methodology/approach – Connects hard and soft skills with left and right-brain respectively. Distinguishes between book-smart and street-smart. Findings – Argues that leaders with hard and soft skills are more likely to enjoy career success and to achieve organizational excellence. Practical implications – Observes how successful leaders treat others as partners rather than as subordinates. Originality/value – Demonstrates how leaders with soft skills along with hard skills handle knowledge workers who crave partnership rather than traditional command-and-control management.
Transient behaviour in quantum tunneling: time-dependent approach to alpha decay

Abstract The alpha decay of quasi-stationary states in 212Po was calculated by solving numerically the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. The decay rate λ was found to be time dependent. In particular there is a transient time of the order of 10−21 s before the asymptotic limit (exponential regime) is reached. The tunneling time can be defined by the delay in attaining this limit at the outer side of the barrier as compared with the inner side. The method of preparing the initial quasi-stationary state influences neither the transient behaviour of λ nor its asymptotic value while the energy of this state influences both the transient and the asymptotic regimes. Finally, the asymptotic values were used to test the Gamow formula. A relatively good agreement was found and a deeper understanding of this formula was achieved.
Transitioning to teaching online: factors that can help or hinder the process

This paper consists of an inquiry into the factors that help and hinder experienced instructors in transitioning to teaching online. These factors include intrinsic personality characteristics, job support and training to acquire online teaching skills.
Coastal Features and River Plumes as Seen with the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO)

The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) is now operating on the International Space Station. Here we review the processing of HICO data and its application to study coastal features and river plumes.
Spin state of manganese in monolayer films of Mn arachidate

Abstract Using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, we have determined from the Mn 3s multiplet splitting that the spin state of Mn in monolayers of Mn arachidate is S = 5 2 .
Investigation of optimal kVp settings for CT mammography using a flat-panel imager

Detection of lesions in planar mammograms is a difficult task, predominantly due to the masking effect of superimposed parenchymal breast patterns. Tomographic imaging of the breast can provide image slices through the breast, possibly reducing this masking effect. In recent years, there has been interest in developing CT mammography using flat-panel digital detectors in a truncated cone-beam geometry. In this study, we have developed a framework for determining optimal design and acquisition parameters for such a CT mammographic system. The ideal observer SNR is used as a figure-of-merit, under the assumptions that the imaging system is linear and shift-invariant, and that the noise is stationary. The ideal observer calculation uses mathematical models of signal and noise propagation through the flat-panel detector, and realistic models of the lesion detection task in breast imaging. It is used to investigate optimal kVp settings of a tungsten anode spectra for CT imaging of the uncompressed breast, given the constraint of an average glandular dose approximately equivalent to that of a two-view planar mammography study. It is observed that modeling a realistic mammographic background structure into the detection task can affect the optimal kVp settings suggested by the ideal observer SNR. Since the exposure/view in flat-panel CT mammography is considerably lower than for planar mammography, it is observed that electronic additive noise can also affect the optimal kVp setting. In general, the optimal kVp settings for the tungsten anode spectra studied here were in the range of 30-50 kVp.
Classification System for English Language Learners: Issues and Recommendations

High-stakes decisions for the instruction and assessment of English language learner (ELL) students are made based on the premise that ELL classification is a valid dichotomy that distinguishes between those who are proficient in the use of the English language and those who are not. However, recent research findings draw a vague picture of the term “ELL” and call for a more valid classification system for ELL students. Thus, the purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to reveal issues concerning the validity of the current ELL classification system based on the results of several empirical studies, and (2) to initiate a discussion on ways to improve the validity of the ELL classification system by proposing a system that uses existing multiple criteria in a stepwise manner. While the suggested system has its own limitations and controversies, we hope this discussion stimulates thoughts and brings much needed attention to this very important national issue.
Risk Factors for ARDS in the United States: Analysis of the 1993 National Mortality Followback Study

Objective To identify specific comorbid factors that are present in US decedents with ARDS. Design We searched the 1993 National Mortality Followback Study for all decedents who had a code for ARDS mentioned on their death certificate. We also searched for comorbid conditions both on the death certificates (sepsis, medical or surgical misadventures, cirrhosis) and in the study database (current or former smoking, use of alcohol at least 3 d/wk, race, gender, and age). We calculated proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) for these risk factors. Results Of the 19,003 decedents for whom data were available, 252 decedents, representing an estimated 19,460 US decedents, had ARDS listed on their death certificate. PMRs among decedents with ARDS were significantly increased for medical or surgical misadventures (PMR, 11.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8 to 36.7), sepsis (PMR, 5.6; 95% CI, 2.0 to 16.0), nonwhite race (PMR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 5.0), and cirrhosis (PMR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.6). PMRs were increased but not statistically significant for current smokers (PMR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.5 to 3.0) or former smokers (PMR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.7 to 4.3) compared to never smokers, and drinking alcohol on ≥≥ 3 d/wk in the year prior to death, when compared to drinking alcohol less than Conclusions The results of this study confirm the positive associations between ARDS mortality and the presence of sepsis and cirrhosis, and suggest possible new relationships between ARDS mortality and nonwhite individuals and patients with medical or surgical misadventures.
A comprehensive national minority intervention in tobacco control

Tobacco use is a major cancer risk among minorities, as evidenced by their high cancer mortality rates compared with white populations. Prior public health prevention efforts have concentrated on affecting individual behavior change through education and smoking-cessation techniques. The American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST) project, which is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, is a 7-year research and applications project designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of coalition-based policy interventions on smoking prevention and cessation. ASSIST places major emphasis on the involvement of minority populations in this project as well as all women and youth. Minority involvement is evident through 1) representation and leadership on all levels of ASSIST policy development and administration; 2) inclusion of minority components in all national ASSIST conferences, including minority recruitment, coalition development, and sustainability design; 3) provision of specialized technical assistance and training to the 17 states by the ASSIST Coordinating Center; and 4) incorporation of minority specific activities in the various ASSIST states. Outcome evaluation of the effectiveness of the ASSIST approach will be conducted after the project's completion in 1998. However, early indicators show a marked increase in minority participation. Between 1994 and 1996, there has been an almost four-fold increase in proposed activities to reach underserved and minority communities. Most ASSIST states have formed multicultural coalitions. These results show that 1) intervention models emphasizing community-based policy activities in cancer prevention can address multicultural concerns successfully, 2) linkages with groups with similar multicultural interests increase the likelihood and success of joint cancer control efforts, and 3) policy-based interventions are more likely to have a pronounced effect on decreasing smoking and cancer prevalence than education programs or individual smoking-cessation efforts alone. Cancer 1998;83:1793-1795. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Speed control: cogs and gears that drive the circadian clock

In most organisms, an intrinsic circadian (∼24-h) timekeeping system drives rhythms of physiology and behavior. Within cells that contain a circadian clock, specific transcriptional activators and repressors reciprocally regulate each other to generate a basic molecular oscillator. A mismatch of the period generated by this oscillator with the external environment creates circadian disruption, which can have adverse effects on neural function. Although several clock genes have been extensively characterized, a fundamental question remains: how do these genes work together to generate a ∼24-h period? Period-altering mutations in clock genes can affect any of multiple regulated steps in the molecular oscillator. In this review, we examine the regulatory mechanisms that contribute to setting the pace of the circadian oscillator.
Surface Energy and Radiation Balance Systems: General Description and Improvements

Abstract Surface evaluation of sensible and latent heat flux densities and the components of the radiation balance were desired for various vegetative surfaces during the ASCOT84 experiment to compare with modeled results and to relate these values to drainage winds. Five battery operated data systems equipped with sensors to determine the above values were operated for 105 station days during the ASCOT84 experiment. The Bowen ratio energy balance technique was used to partition the available energy into the sensible and latent heat flux densities. A description of the sensors and battery operated equipment used to collect and process the data is presented. In addition, improvements and modifications made since the 1984 experiments are given. Details of calculations of soil heat flow at the surface and an alternate method to calculate sensible and latent heat flux densities are provided.
mRNA decay during herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections: mutations that affect translation of an mRNA influence the sites at which it is cleaved by the HSV virion host shutoff (Vhs) protein

During lytic infections, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) virion host shutoff (Vhs) endoribonuclease degrades many host and viral mRNAs. Within infected cells it cuts mRNAs at preferred sites, including some in regions of translation initiation. Vhs binds the translation initiation factors eIF4H, eIF4AI, and eIF4AII, suggesting that its mRNA degradative function is somehow linked to translation. To explore how Vhs is targeted to preferred sites, we examined the in vitro degradation of a target mRNA in rabbit reticulocyte lysates containing in vitro-translated Vhs. Vhs caused rapid degradation of mRNAs beginning with cleavages at sites in the first 250 nucleotides, including a number near the start codon and in the 5' untranslated region. Ligation of the ends to form a circular mRNA inhibited Vhs cleavage at the same sites at which it cuts capped linear molecules. This was not due to an inability to cut any circular RNA, since Vhs cuts circular mRNAs containing an encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES) at the same sites as linear molecules with the IRES. Cutting linear mRNAs at preferred sites was augmented by the presence of a 5' cap. Moreover, mutations that altered the 5' proximal AUG abolished Vhs cleavage at nearby sites, while mutations that changed sequences surrounding the AUG to improve their match to the Kozak consensus sequence enhanced Vhs cutting near the start codon. The results indicate that mutations in an mRNA that affect its translation affect the sites at which it is cut by Vhs and suggest that Vhs is directed to its preferred cut sites during translation initiation.
Effects of inert cosolvents on hydrogen bonding between nitroxide radicals and proton donors

Abstract The effects of inert (non-hydrogen donor) cosolvents on transient complex formation between a nitroxide radical and two hydrogen donors are examined by EPR methods. For both C 6 H 5 OH and CF 3 CH 2 OH the complex association constants are lower and the radical-donor hyperfine coupling constants are higher in more polar cosolvents. The results are interpreted by using a model based on donor acidity and the role of the cosolvent in solvating each of the species in solution.