cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional and Nonfunctional Quality in Cloud-Based Collaborative Writing: An Empirical Investigation

Research problem: Collaborative writing has dramatically changed with the use of cloud-based tools, such as Google Docs. System quality-both functional (i.e., what services the system provides) and nonfunctional quality (i.e., how well the system provides the services)-influences user satisfaction with these tools. Research question: Do functional and nonfunctional quality influence user satisfaction in cloud-based systems that support collaborative writing? Literature review: The intersection of literature from collaborative writing and system quality presents the theoretical foundation for this study. The literature on collaborative writing suggests that technology facilitates and constrains collaborative writing, while the literature on cloud computing highlights the challenges in ensuring various aspects of quality. Furthermore, literature on system quality emphasizes the importance of the different facets of quality (i.e., functional and nonfunctional) and their impacts on user satisfaction. Methodology: We conducted a survey of 150 undergraduate students enrolled in an information systems course at a large urban university. Results: The results show that functional and nonfunctional quality play a critical role in shaping user satisfaction with cloud computing and that nonfunctional quality has a stronger impact than functional quality. Implications: To ensure satisfaction with cloud computing, organizations need to provide adequate development and maintenance resources to ensure both types of quality, and they need to recognize that nonfunctional quality plays a key role in shaping user satisfaction with cloud computing.
Asymptomatic Pulmonary Artery Sling: A Rare Congenital Vascular Anomaly

Pulmonary artery sling is a rare congential vascular abnormality that is infrequently diagnosed during adulthood. Herein, we present an unusual case of incidental asymptomatic pulmonary artery sling, describe the pathophysiologic features of this condition, and illustrate its diagnostic radiographic features on cross-sectional imaging.
Electrophysiology of dentate granule cells after kainate-induced synaptic reorganization of the mossy fibers

Abstract Morphological data from humans with temporal lobe epilepsy and from animal models of epilepsy suggest that seizure-induced damage to dentate hilar neurons causes granule cells to sprout new axon collaterals that innervate other granule cells. This aberrant projection has been suggested to be an anatomical substrate for epileptogenesis. This hypothesis was tested in the present study with intra- and extracellular recordings from granule cells in hippocampal slices removed from rats 1–4 months after kainate treatment. In this animal model, hippocampal cell loss leads to sprouting of mossy fiber axons from the granule cells into the inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. Unexpectedly, when slices with mossy fiber sprouting were examined in normal medium, extracellular stimulation of the hilus or perforant path evoked relatively normal responses. However, in the presence of the GABA A -receptor antagonist, bicuculline, low-intensity hilar stimulation evoked delayed bursts of action potentials in about one-quarter of the slices. In one-third of the bicuculline-treated slices with mossy fiber sprouting, spontaneous bursts of synchronous spikes were superimposed on slow negative field potentials. Slices from normal rats or kainate- treated rats without mossy fiber sprouting never showed delayed bursts to weak hilar stimulation or spontaneous bursts in bicuculline. These data suggest that new local excitatory circuits may be suppressed normally, and then emerge functionally when synaptic inhibition is blocked. Therefore, after repeated seizures and excitotoxic damage in the hippocampus, synaptic reorganization of the mossy fibers is consistently associated with normal responses; however, in some preparations, the mossy fibers may form functional recurrent excitatory connections, but synaptic inhibition appears to mask these potentially epileptogenic alterations.
Right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale in right ventricular infarction: Improvement of hypoxemia and hemodynamics with inhaled nitric oxide

Inhaled nitric oxide is a selective pulmonary vasodilator that has been used successfully to treat hemodynamic embarrassment and right-to-left interatrial shunting in acute right heart failure. Previous reports have been in the setting of disorders causing elevated right heart afterload, such as pulmonary embolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Right ventricular infarction is a less common, but important cause of acute right heart failure with which the intensivist should be familiar. We report a patient with right ventricular infarction for whom cardiogenic shock and refractory hypoxemia due to right-to-left interatrial shunting were effectively treated with inhaled nitric oxide. The potential for broader application of inhaled nitric oxide as a therapy for right ventricular infarction is discussed.
Design, operation, and initial results from a series of graphite creep irradiation experiments

Abstract A series of irradiation tests was designed to evaluate the creep characteristics at elevated temperatures and to high fast fluences of various graphites of interest to HTGR designers. The series encompasses the irradiation of 28 specimens, each 15.24 mm (0.6 in.) diam × 25.4 mm (1 in.) long, at 900°C to incremental exposures of 1,2,4, and 8 × 10 21 neutrons/cm 2 ( E > 0.18 MeV ); 28 similar specimens at 600°C to the same exposures; and 28 other similar specimens at 1250°C under the same conditions. A compressive stress of 13.79 MPa (2000 psi) is applied to 20 of the specimens in each test by means of a metal bellows expanded by gas pressure against the specimen columns. Eight of the stacked specimens in each test are stressed to 20.68 MPa (3000 psi) by a reduction in diameter. Special features of the capsules are described which include (1) movable center-line thermocouples which measure the temperature profile along the axis of the capsule, (2) linear variable differential transformer type load cells to monitor the applied load, and (3) computerized temperature control designed to achieve accurate longitudinal temperatures over the 0.508 m (20 in.) length of the test specimen columns. The operational characteristics of the first capsule, which is currently being irradiated and is one of a total of twelve in the series to be irradiated over a four-year period, are presented. The performance of the Oak Ridge Research Reactor Data Acquisition and Control System (ORRDACS) is briefly described.
Inhibition of T cell superantigen responses following treatment with the κ-opioid agonist U50,488H

Previous work in our laboratory has shown that cytokine production by primary murine macrophages, and macrophage cell lines, is inhibited following treatment with the κ-opioid agonist U50,488H. Furthermore, we have found that the participation of both accessory cells and T cells in an antibody response is suppressed by this compound. We have utilized the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) to further examine the effects of U50,488H on accessory and T cell function. The results showed that the proliferative response of lymph node T cells to SEB presented by activated macrophages was significantly inhibited by the κ-opioid agonist at concentrations as low as 100 nM. However, suppression of the T cell response to SEB presented by resting macrophages required 100 times the concentration of U50,488H. On the other hand, the production of IL-2 in response to lymph node T cell stimulation with SEB was not altered by the opioid treatment. Additional experiments utilizing the opiate antagonist naloxone and the κ-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (norBNI) were performed in order to further characterize the opioid receptor involved in the suppressive activity of U50,488H. Results showed that both naloxone and norBNI were able to block the inhibitory activity of U50,488H. Further analysis showed that the proliferative response of thymic T cells was more sensitive to the effects of U50,488H, and the response with both activated and resting macrophages was suppressed. In addition, the production of IL-2 by the thymic T cells was also inhibited by the opioid treatment. The mechanism of suppression of superantigen-induced T cell responses is discussed.
Nonadiabatic Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Reactions: Impact of Donor−Acceptor Vibrations, Reorganization Energies, and Couplings on Dynamics and Rates

Fundamental aspects of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions in solution are analyzed with molecular dynamics simulations for a series of model systems. The analysis addresses the impact of the solvent reorganization energy, the proton donor−acceptor mode vibrational frequency, and the distance dependence of the nonadiabatic coupling on the dynamics of the reaction and the magnitude of the rate. The rate for nonadiabatic PCET is expressed in terms of a time-dependent probability flux correlation function. The time dependence of the probability flux correlation function is determined mainly by the solvent reorganization energy and is not significantly influenced by the proton donor−acceptor frequency or the distance dependence of the nonadiabatic coupling. The magnitude of the PCET rate becomes greater as the solvent reorganization energy decreases, the proton donor−acceptor frequency decreases, and the distance dependence of the nonadiabatic coupling increases. The approximations underlying a ...
Genetic Determinants for Enzymatic Digestion of Lignocellulosic Biomass are Independent of Those for Lignin abundance in a maize Recombinant Inbred population

Biotechnological approaches to reduce or modify lignin in biomass crops are predicated on the assumption that it is the principal determinant of the recalcitrance of biomass to enzymatic digestion for biofuels production. We defined quantitative trait loci (QTL) in the Intermated B73 × Mo17 recombinant inbred maize (Zea mays) population using pyrolysis molecular-beam mass spectrometry to establish stem lignin content and an enzymatic hydrolysis assay to measure glucose and xylose yield. Among five multiyear QTL for lignin abundance, two for 4-vinylphenol abundance, and four for glucose and/or xylose yield, not a single QTL for aromatic abundance and sugar yield was shared. A genome-wide association study for lignin abundance and sugar yield of the 282-member maize association panel provided candidate genes in the 11 QTL of the B73 and Mo17 parents but showed that many other alleles impacting these traits exist among this broader pool of maize genetic diversity. B73 and Mo17 genotypes exhibited large differences in gene expression in developing stem tissues independent of allelic variation. Combining these complementary genetic approaches provides a narrowed list of candidate genes. A cluster of SCARECROW-LIKE9 and SCARECROW-LIKE14 transcription factor genes provides exceptionally strong candidate genes emerging from the genome-wide association study. In addition to these and genes associated with cell wall metabolism, candidates include several other transcription factors associated with vascularization and fiber formation and components of cellular signaling pathways. These results provide new insights and strategies beyond the modification of lignin to enhance yields of biofuels from genetically modified biomass.
A COMPARISON OF AGAR AND ACRYLAMIDE GEL MICROIMMUNOELECTROPHORETIC TECHNIQUES FOR THE SEPARATION OF URINARY COLLOIDS.

Summary The differences in the immunoreaction in both gels are small, especially if one knows their origin. Polyacrylamide has the general advantage of being technically easier to handle and quicker than agar gel. The minor expenditure of working time, the shorter running time, the higher elasticity, especially preferable for solid samples, overcome the disadvantage of the longer time required for the immunoreaction. And it is especially important and useful that with pqlyacrylamide gel you can examine several protein solutions simultaneously on one plate under equivalent conditions. This is very convenient for investigation of optimal antigen-antibody concentrations and for testing of unknown antisera.
A scent marking response associated with the ventral sebaceous gland of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Abstract The Mongolian gerbil regularly marks objects in an open field by rubbing them with a midventral sebaceous scent gland. A method and apparatus useful for the study of this response are described. The marking and gland size are sexually dimorphic, with the male marking about twice as frequently as the female and possessing a gland roughly twice the size. Ventral marking in males is positively correlated with urination and defecation, and it is suggested that all three of these activities may in some situations be territorial scent marking responses.
Active Control of Store-Induced Flutter in Incompressible Flow

An active method for enhancing the performance and improving the robustness of a decoupler pylon-mounted store flutter suppression system is presented. The proposed active decoupler pylon involves the use of a piezoceramic wafer strut as an actuator that acts as a soft spring between the wing and the store. A two degree-of-freedom typical section of an airfoil is used to represent the structural model of the wing. The circulatory component of the incompressible aerodynamic loads is modeled using an approximation to the Theodorsen function. The GBU-8/B store configuration of an F-16 aircraft is used for the analysis. A classical robust control algorithm called the loop transfer recovery method is applied to design a controller for the linear wing/store model. Some simulations are presented using singular-value Bode plots for robust stability and nominal performance analysis.
Multi-modal netted sensor fence for homeland security

Potential terrorists/adversaries can exploit a wide range of airborne threats against civilian and military targets. Currently there is no effective, low-cost solution to robustly and reliably detect and identify low observable airborne vehicles such as small, low-flying aircraft or cruise missiles that might be carrying chemical, biological or even nuclear weapons in realistic environments. This paper describes the development of a forward-based fence that contains a multi-modal mix of various low cost, low power, netted sensors including unsophisticated radar, acoustic and optical (Infrared and visible) cameras to detect, track and discriminate such threats. Candidate target (Cessna, Beech Craft, crop duster, and cruise missile) signature phenomenologies are studied in detail through either theoretical, numerical simulation or field experiment. Assessments for all three modalities (Radar, acoustic and IR) indicate reasonable detectability and detection range. A multi-modal kinematic tracker is employed to predict the location, the speed and the heading of the target. Results from a notional, template based classification approach reveal reasonable discrimination between different aircraft tested in the field experiments.
Relationship between lysosomal membrane destabilization and chemical body burden in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from Galveston Bay, Texas, USA

Lysosomal destabilization was measured by using hemocytes of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) collected along a chemical concentration gradient in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA. Results of the lysosomal response were compared to concentrations of organic compounds and trace elements in oyster tissue. Concentrations (on a dry-wt basis) ranged from 288 to 2,390 ng/g for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 38 to 877 ng Sn/g for tri-n-butyltin (TBT), 60 to 562 ng/g for polyclorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 7 to 71 ng/g for total DDT. Trace element concentrations (on a dry-wt basis) ranged from 1.1 to 4.0 μg/g for Cd, 105 to 229 μg/g for Cu, 212 to 868 μg/g for Al, and 1,200 to 8,180 μg/g for Zn. The percentage of destabilized lysosomes ranged from 34 to 81%. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between lysosomal destabilization and body burden of organic compounds (PAHs, PCBs, TBT, and chlorinated pesticides). No significant correlation was found between metal concentrations and lysosomal destabilization. Based on lysosomal destabilization, the study sites in Galveston Bay can be placed in one of three groups: healthy (Hanna Reef and Confederate Bay), moderately damaged (Offats Bayou and Todd's Dump), and highly damaged (Yacht Club and Ship Channel). Lysosomal destabilization that is consistent with toxic chemical body burdens supports previous observations that lysosomal membranes are damaged by toxic chemicals and indicates that this method can serve as an early screening tool to assess overall ecosystem health by using oysters.
USING MONEY TO MAKE MONEY

Investing money can be extremely easy, but most of us shy away from making financial decisions that smack of risk, even though we are perfectly willing to buy a house with a mortgage or buy everyday items with credit cards. According to Gloria Dinerman, a former Wall Street analyst and now President of Library Co‐Op, librarians are even more conservative than the rest of the population, and although they search for investment information for their clients, they seldom spend time gathering information on avenues for library investing.
New ultrastructure of rat RPE cells: basal intracytoplasmic tubules

Retinal pigment epithelial cells have prominent basal folds facing Bruch's membrane. In addition to folds I have observed intracytoplasmic tubules 60-90 nm in diameter in the basal cytoplasm of rat pigment epithelial cells. The tubules arise from the basal plasma membrane and open to the extracellular space. The tubules are most evident when intravenous horseradish peroxidase is used as a tracer. The tracer leaks out of the fenestrated choriocapillaris, into the extracellular space of the pigment epithelium and into the tubules. Electron microscopy at 1000 KV (High Voltage Electron Microscopy) confirms the tubular nature of these structures and their continuity with folds or the plasma membrane facing Bruch's membrane. The tubules are also observed in tissue not infiltrated with peroxidase. Morphometry shows that the tubules occupy about 21% of the surface area of the basal plasma membrane. Tubules appear plentiful where folds are reduced, and reduced where folds are plentiful; the tubules may be a different conformation of the normally slit-like fold extracellular space. The tubules are observed in all quadrants of the retina; centrally and peripherally; in young and adult rats and in pigmented and albino rats. The tubule's function may be linked to that of the folds, from which many of them arise.
Asset replacement: A Risk and Criticality Approach

This presentation will described how a risk and criticality approach is used to determine short, medium and long term replacement requirements consistent with sustainable business practice for the National Grid high voltage electricity network in the UK. (18 pages)
Dimethyl sulfoxide stimulates the catalytic activity of de novo DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) in vitro

Mammalian DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a is required for de novo methylation of CpG dinucleotides in genomic DNA. While DNA methyltransferase inhibitors have been extensively utilized both in vitro and in vivo, no stimulator of catalytic activity has been identified thus far. Here we show that the methyltransfer activity of Dnmt3a is stimulated by the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the reaction solution in vitro. Enzymatic analysis of initial reaction velocity suggests that the DMSO stimulation effect depends on the interaction between DMSO and the reaction substrates (DNA and AdoMet), but not the enzyme itself.
PURIFICATION OF THYMINE GLYCOL DNA AND NUCLEOSIDES BY USE OF BORONATE CHROMATOGRAPHY

Boronate columns can be used to purify DNAs containingcis-thymine glycol residues and can also be used to purifycis-thymine glycol nucleosides. The boronate group can form a reversible complex with thecis-diol of the thymine glycol but not with the urea residue which is formed by alkaline hydrolysis of the thymine glycol. This method is rapid and appears applicable to a range of nucleic acids. In addition to the purifications of DNAs and nucleosides demonstrated here boronate chromatography may be applicable to assaying the extent and sites of oxidative damage to DNAs.
From single core to multi-core: preparing for a new exponential

In the past, processor design trends were dominated by increasingly complex feature sets, higher clock speeds, growing thermal envelopes and increasing power dissipation. Recently, clock speeds have tapered and thermal and power dissipation envelopes have remained flat. However, the demand for increasing performance continues which has fueled the move to integrated multiple processor (multi-core) designs. This paper discusses this trend towards multi-core processor designs, the design challenges that accompany it and a view of the research required to support it.
Consciousness and introspection: How we get to know the inner world

We can in fact obtain scientific information about the contents of consciousness by the methods of introspectionist psychology. An example comes from the author's work on the stroboscopic patterns and from the way psychedelic drugs alter color perception.
Potential future roles for large-scale demineralization in South Florida

Abstract Future planning to assure adequate and consistent water supplies for south Florida has progressed to the point where a range of alternative systems has now been defined and partially evaluated. Conventional approaches to retain surface water supplies (such as in Lake Okeechobee and the Water Conservation Areas) have potential, as well as more advanced concepts involving demineralization, deep aquifer storage and various degrees of wastewater reuse. It is feasible, based on planning and demonstrations due to date (e.g. for the Yuma desalt facility) to consider similar large scale desalting operations in south Florida. The high water quality standards in Florida will require that the broadest range of alternative treatment techniques be assessed to provide for maximum water resource protection at the minimum cost. For example, Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the U.S. is impacted by numerous inflows which carry large amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The reduction of these nutrients is a high priority goal of managing South Florida's water resources in the future. The placement of a large scale desalination plant, which has demonstrated the capability to remove these types of nutrients, at a strategic point prior to the water's input to Lake Okeechobee could provide a reduction potential which would allow the various standards to be met. In addition, multiple or dual use of water produced by such a plant could serve surrounding agricultural areas and nearby urbanizing communities with both potable and reduced - salt agricultural water supplies. This concept is investigated and reported in this paper, along with other potential considerations for larger scale applications in south Florida.
Organic salts, liquid at room temperature, as mobile phases in liquid chromatography

Abstract The synthesis of six alkylammonium salts of the general formula Rn—a NH+a X−, where R = ethyl, propyl, butyl or sec.−butyl, X− = nitrate or thiocyanate, n It was concluded that the alkylammonium nitrate the thiocyanate salts could be used as mobile phases in liquid chromatography when mixed with a second solvent of low viscosity. Suitable equations are given to predict the viscosity of mixtures of alkylammonium nitrate and thiocyanate salts in all volume proportions with water, methanol, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran and dichloromethane. The liquid organic salts form immiscible solvent pairs with non-polar organic solvents and should also be suitable for use in liquid—liquid chromatography and liquid—liquid extraction.
Endolithic Blue-Green Algae in the Dry Valleys: Primary Producers in the Antarctic Desert Ecosystem

Endolithic unicellular blue-green algae occur under the surface of orthoquartzite rocks in the dry valleys of southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. This report of primary producers in the Antarctic desert ecosystem suggests that, in future efforts to detect life in extraterrestrial (for example, martian) environments, scientists should consider the possible existence of endolithic life forms.
Adapting to students' social and health needs: suggested framework for building inclusive models of practice.

Objective: This article builds on earlier discussions about college health research. The author suggests a 5-step framework that research practitioners can use to build models of practice that accurately address the needs of diverse campus populations. Methods: The author provides 3 illustrations, drawn from published research examining college women with eating-related concerns, making the case for the importance of the Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified Diagnosis; examining African American students' social adjustment, making the case for an innovative model of needs; and examining minority sexual orientation students' identity development, making the case for a specialized developmental model. Conclusions: Following the illustrations, the author offers implications for practice and limitations of the proposed framework.
Functional characterization and mutation analysis of human ATP:Cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase

ATP:cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase catalyzes the final step in the conversion of vitamin B 12 into the active coenzyme, adenosylcobalamin. Inherited defects in the gene for the human adenosyltransferase (hATR) result in methylmalonyl aciduria (MMA), a rare but life-threatening illness. In this study, we conducted a random mutagenesis of the hATR coding sequence. An ATR-deficient strain of Salmonella was used as a surrogate host to screen for mutations that impaired hATR activity in vivo. Fifty-seven missense mutations were isolated. These mapped to 30 positions of the hATR, 25 of which had not previously been shown to impair enzyme activity. Kinetic analysis and in vivo tests for enzyme activity were performed on the hATR variants, and mutations were mapped onto a hATR structural model. These studies functionally defined the hATR active site and tentatively implicated three amino acid residues in facilitating the reduction of cob(II)alamin to cob(I)alamin which is a prerequisite to adenosylation.
Estimated environmental loads of alpha-amylase from transgenic high-amylase maize

Abstract Environmental exposure of plants bioengineered to improve efficiencies of biofuel production is an important consideration for their adoption. High-amylase maize genetically engineered to produce thermostable alpha-amylase in seed endosperm is currently in development, and its successful adoption will entail >1000 km2 of annual production in the USA. Environmental exposure of thermostable amylase will occur in production fields from preharvest and harvest dropped grain, with minor additional contributions from stover and root biomass. Mass loadings of thermostable alpha-amylase are projected to be 16 kg km−2 and represent a potential source of increased alpha-amylase activity in receiving soils. An understanding of the degradation, persistence, accumulation, and activity of thermostable alpha-amylase introduced from transgenic high-amylase maize will be necessary in order to effectively manage transgenic crop systems intended or biofeedstock production.
The poetry of mycological accomplishment and challenge

Abstract Adaptation is the evolutionary process that has given us the remarkable diversity of fungi and I cannot think of a theme better suited to bringing together the wide variety of topics at this congress: pathogenicity, cell biology, genomics, evolution and ecology. It is also a timely theme because the latest biological innovation, genomics, has stimulated new thinking about the types of genetic variation and subsequent selection that enable adaptation. For more than half a century the Modern Synthesis of natural selection and genetics has provided the framework for evolutionary inquiry as reviewed by Kutschera and Niklas (2004) . The Modern Synthesis is focused on point mutations as the mode of genetic variation, but genomics has emphasized the role of gene loss and gene gain by duplication or horizontal transfer in generating genetic variation. Likely, the Modern Synthesis can be stretched to accommodate these new processes, as it was to accommodate neutral evolution ( Pigliucci, 2007 ). However, there are those who are calling for a new synthesis and I encourage mycologists to take a look at these proposals because fungi may be the organisms of choice in testing these ideas ( Koonin, 2009a , Koonin, 2009b ).
Sensitivity Analysis of Biomolecular Simulations using Symbolic Models

Performance and scaling of biomolecular simulations frameworks largely depends on not only the workload characteristics of the simulations but also the design of underlying processor architecture and interconnection networks. Because construction of Teraflops and Petaflops scale prototype systems for evaluation alone is impractical and cost-prohibitive, architects use analytical models of workloads and architecture simulators to guide their design decisions and tradeoffs. To address the problem of providing scalable yet precise input for network simulators, we have developed a technique to model symbolically the communication patterns of production-level scientific applications to study workload growth rates and to carry out sensitivity analysis. We apply our symbolic modeling scheme to the particle mesh ewald (PME) implementation in the sander package of the AMBER framework and demonstrate how the increase in computation, memory and communication requirements impact the performance and scaling of the PME method on the next-generation massively-parallel systems.
Personality Styles and Psychopathy.

Administered the Multivariate Personality Inventory (MPI) and established measures of psychopathy to students (N = 71) to determine the relationship between the Character Disorder Style subscale of the MPI and psychopathy. Results clearly showed the independence of the Character Disorder Style subscale and psychopathy. Additionally, the Manic Style subscale was shown to be independent from both psychopathy and the Character Disorder Style subscale.
Mass and heat transfer to drops in a mixer-settler

Abstract This paper reports an experimental study of heat and mass transfer in a mixer-settler. Transport took place from a continuous phase of highly refine kerosene to water drops dispersed therein by a pump-mix impeller. In the case of mass transfer, the water drops extracted 2-ethylbutyric acid from the organic phase. Temperatures were measured by thermistors and concentrations by chemical analysis. Fritted-glass and porous Kel-F filters were employed to selectively sample a single phase from the two-phase dispersion. Also described is a drop counter developed for determining average drop size. Experimental measurements indicated that virtually all transfer took place to drops moving through continuous organic phase of essentially uniform concentration and temperature; end effects were apparently negligible. Film coefficients for heat and mass transfer were developed from the experimental information and estimated drop lifetime and velocity. The experimental values were compared with the predictions of several theories. In general, experimental results agree better with the models based on eddy diffusion in a vibrating drop than those models which postulate a stagnant or circulating drop.
Thermionic diode materials selection and performance for fusion reactor power applications

Abstract Materials selection and performance for thermionic diode application in fusion reactor systems is examined. The volumetric heating, atom displacement damage and He production due to neutron attenuation in four diode designs are calculated with ANISN-W and relevant kerma factors. The preferred design includes a graphite or silicon carbide first wall/susceptor, a refractory metal emitter and refractory metal collector.
A Slender-Body Theory for a Rigid Pile Under Static or Low-Frequency Axial Loading

Etablissement d'une theorie systematique des contraintes dans un pieu charge axialement dans un demi-espace elastique. Application de celle-ci au calcul de la pression des pores dans un sol marin sous l'action de charge a basse frequence du pieu
Cognitive reserve as a moderator of responsiveness to an online problem-solving intervention for adolescents with complicated mild-to-severe traumatic brain injury

Children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience behavior difficulties that may arise from problem-solving deficits and impaired self-regulation. However, little is known about the relationship of neurocognitive ability to post-TBI behavioral recovery. To address this question, we examined whether verbal intelligence, as estimated by Vocabulary scores from the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, predicted improvements in behavior and executive functioning following a problem-solving intervention for adolescents with TBI. One hundred and thirty-two adolescents with complicated mild-to-severe TBI were randomly assigned to a six-month Web-based problem-solving intervention (CAPS; n = 65) or to an Internet resource comparison (IRC; n = 67) group. Vocabulary moderated the association between treatment group and improvements in metacognitive abilities. Examination of the mean estimates indicated that for those with lower Vocabulary scores, pre-intervention Metacognition Index scores from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) did not differ between the groups, but post-intervention scores were significantly lower (more improved) for those in the CAPS group. These findings suggest that low verbal intelligence was associated with greater improvements in executive functioning following the CAPS intervention and that verbal intelligence may have an important role in response to intervention for TBI. Understanding predictors of responsiveness to interventions allows clinicians to tailor treatments to individuals, thus improving efficacy.
Numerical Simulation for Distribution of Void Fraction in Water Model of Continuous Casting Mold

According to the distribution of void fraction in water model of continuous casting mold, the influences of bubble size, water flow rate, and air flow rate on distribution of void fraction were studied by quasi single-phase model. The results indicated the distribution of void fraction generally showed a garlic shape. Both of the bubble diameter and the water flow rate have great influence on the distribution range of void fraction. Specifically the distribution range of void fraction increased with water flow rate and decreased with bubble diameter. And the gas flow rate has little effect on the distribution range of void fraction. The experiment results verified the authors model.
Web-Based Self-Paced Virtual Prototyping Tutorials

By permitting designers to realistically, accurately and quantitatively prototype and test multiple intermediate models within virtual environment, Virtual Prototyping (VP), also known as Simulation-Based Design (SBD), has rapidly gained popularity and become a crucial part of most engineering design processes. While there is a significant demand from industry for students trained in this methodology, currently there is not much room in engineering curriculum to permit widespread adoption in the lecture-based classroom. In this paper, we describe the rationale and the stages in the development of a series of web-based and self-paced VP tutorials targeted at students of a course in machine and mechanism design. These undergraduate seniors are permitted to: (1) interactively explore the process of creating engineering analysis models in integrated VP environment; (2) develop skills for interactive SBD of models; and (3) develop their engineering judgment by interactive exploration of a spectrum of examples. The outcome of a phased introduction of these exercises and our experience based on the first successful course offering are also discussed.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Is population screening for colorectal cancer cost-effective?

Screening for colorectal cancer is effective in preventing a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Before implementing organized screening programs, however, policymakers must consider its value relative to other health-related and nonhealth-related needs. One way of doing so is cost-effectiveness analysis. This Viewpoint highlights some key issues surrounding such analysis and suggests areas for further research.
Taxes and transfers: their effects on the decision to end a marriage

Abstract The transfer system typically has large marriage disincentives, while the income tax system is likely to subsidize marriage for many low-income families. In other words, the tax system may offset an increase in transfer benefits associated with marital separation. The interaction of the transfer system with the income tax system has largely been overlooked. The income tax system has become more relevant for low-income families with the recent expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit, which filers may be eligible for even if their tax liability is zero. This paper uses family level measures of the change in transfer benefits and tax liability associated with a change in family structure to consider the effect of these financial incentives on separation decisions.
The Clinical Presentation and Surgical Management of Adnexal Torsion in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Abstract Study Objective To determine the history, clinical presentation, physical exam, and laboratory findings of ovarian and/or tubal torsion in the pediatric and adolescent population and to examine the surgical management of adnexal torsion. Design Descriptive, retrospective chart review. Setting Academic children’s hospital. Participants Children and adolescents, aged 3–21 years, with the surgical diagnosis of ovarian and/or tubal torsion. Main Outcome Measures Pain, physical exam, and laboratory characteristics and surgical outcomes. Results Of the 82 cases, there was a higher rate of right-sided adnexal torsion (64%). The most commonly reported duration of pain was 24 hours. Most (91%) stated the pain has sudden onset and 69% qualified the pain as severe. Eighty-three percent complained of nausea and 67% had vomiting. There was a higher rate of tachycardia in younger patients (P = 0.003). On exam, 91% of subjects presented with tenderness, usually in the right lower quadrant (61%). A longer duration of pain was associated with a higher rate of oophorectomy and/or salpingectomy. There was no difference in the rates of the removal of adnexal structures between gynecologists and pediatric surgeons. Conclusions Most pediatric or adolescent patients with adnexal torsion present with acute onset of severe, intermittent pain lasting for 24 hours. Nausea and vomiting, as well as abdominal tenderness were common. Our findings will facilitate the accurate diagnosis of adnexal torsion and may contribute to more expedient surgical management.
Impact of Interpersonal Traits and Gender-Role Compliance on Interpersonal Resource Exchange among Dating and Engaged/Married Couples:

The following hypotheses regarding interpersonal resource exchange among (a) dating couples (n = 206 couples) and (b) engaged/married couples (n = 103 couples) were tested: (1) levels of affectionate behavior are reciprocated (i.e. paths are bidirectional) among couples; (2) levels of respectful behavior are reciprocated among couples; (3) individuals' reported affectionate and respectful behaviors are correlated positively; (4) individuals' affection-giving traits are better as positive predictors of individuals' affectionate behavior among engaged/married couples than among dating couples; (5) individuals' respect-giving traits are better as positive predictors of individuals' respectful behavior among engaged/married couples than among dating couples; (6) individuals' gender-role compliance is better as a negative predictor of individuals' affectionate behavior among dating couples than among engaged/married couples; and (7) individuals' gender-role compliance is better as a negative predictor of indiv...
Partial argentation resin chromatography (PARC): I. Effect of percent silver on elution and separation of methyl octadecadienoate isomers

Partial argentation resin chromatography (PARC) for the separation of octadecadienoate ester isomers was investigated. In comparison to saturated silver resin chromatography, the time necessary to elute methylcis,cis-octadecadienaotes was dramatically shortened when columns containing sulfonic acid ion exchange resin silvered in the range of 60~90% of theoretical (meaning 60~90% of the sulfonic acid protons in the resin were replaced by silver ions) were used. Methods for preparation and silvering of the resin are discussed. The XN1010 resin (Rohm and Haas) was analyzed for total sulfonic acid groups and the amount of silver that can be incorporated by one or 2 treatments with silver nitrate was determined. A series of partially silvered resin columns was prepared and samples of methyl linoleate were eluted to study the effect of the percentage silvering on elution volumes and peak shapes. Twenty-gram samples of mixtures ofcis,trans- andtrans,trans- and oftrans,cis- andcis,cis-methyl 12,15-octadecadienoates were separated on a 91% PARC (91% silvered) column.
Importance of stenosis morphology in the estimation of restenosis risk after elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Abstract To determine the importance of predilatation stenosis morphology on the risk of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 500 procedures were randomly chosen for analysis from 3,839 consecutive successful PTCA procedures. Angiographic follow-up was available for 308 patients (62%) at a mean of 7.3 ± 3.4 months after PTCA. One dilated site was randomly chosen per procedure. One hundred and one sites had documented restenosis (≥50% mean diameter stenosis from multiple projections) by quantitative angiography (33% of all sites restudied and 20% of all sites dilated). Twenty-eight morphologic variables and 20 other angiographic, clinical and procedural variables were analyzed by an observer blinded to clinical outcome. Univariate analysis found post-PTCA percent stenosis >30% (p = 0.005), bend point location (p = 0.01), post-PTCA gradient > 15 mm Hg (p = 0.02), angina class III to IV (p = 0.03), age (p = 0.04) and the absence of dissection (p = 0.04) to predict restenosis. Multivariate analysis found only 2 significant (p 30% and bend point location. Restenosis occurred in 41% of lesions located at an end-diastolic vessel angle ≥45 ° compared with 28% in lesions on lesser bends. Thus, only 1 predilatation morphologic characteristic, stenosis location at a bend point, was an important independent predictor of restenosis, and should be considered when assessing patients for PTCA.
Chemical defense in ascidians of the didemnidae family.

Fluorescent analogues (DB1 and TA1) of the secondary metabolites didemnin B (DB) and tamandarin A (TA) were synthesized to investigate the potential chemical defense mechanisms of tunicates in the family Didemnidae. These compounds were found to alter predator−prey relations. Five species of freshwater fish and one marine fish, the damselfish Amphiprion ocellaris, were acclimated to a diet of mosquito larvae. Fish showed an immediate, negative reaction to mosquito larvae treated with ≥5 ng of DB1 or TA1, with consumption of larvae resulting in regurgitation. Both freshwater and marine fish learned to avoid tainted prey by associating species of larvae with “distaste”. Distaste for a given organism also arose when depsipeptides DB1 or TA1 were transferred to the fish from the surrounding medium. Fluorescence microscopy in fish indicated that a similar processing and localization followed ingestion and absorption of DB1 or TA1. Fluorescent labeling of DB or TA provided an ideal tool to conduct short-term st...
Methods for Decreasing Risk of Aspiration Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients

Background: Pneumonia is a significant clinical concern in critically ill hospitalized patients, leading to increase in the use of antibiotics, length of hospital stay, and the risk of mortality. Pneumonia caused by aspiration of gastric contents is of particular concern in patients who need mechanical ventilation and feeding through a nasogastric tube. Therefore, methods for decreasing the risk of aspiration are very important. Methods: This review article summarizes factors that might influence the development of aspiration pneumonia, such as the position of the patient's body or type of hospital bed, methods of feeding, medications administered, suctioning of subglottic secretions, and bacterial decontamination. Results: Elevating the head of the bed (45°), continuous subglottic suctioning, and oral decontamination seem to be effective in the prevention of aspiration pneumonia. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 26:S58-S61, 2002)
Unexpected Complexity in the Thermal [π2 + σ2 + σ2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Quadricyclane: Theory and Isotope Effects

A combined computational and experimental study has been performed on the thermal [π2s + σ2s + σ2s] cycloaddition reactions of quadricyclane with acetylene, ethylene, dicyanoacetylene, and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD). The energy surfaces for the reactions were obtained using hybrid density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. All attempts to locate concerted pathways for the reactions failed, since the putative transition structures for these processes correspond to second-order saddle points. Nonconcerted pathways, proceeding via biradical intermediates, were found for these reactions using unrestricted B3LYP/6-31G(d) theory. Intramolecular secondary kinetic isotope effects (SKIEs) were determined experimentally for the reaction of quadricyclane-1-d1 and quadricyclane-1,5-d2 with DMAD in benzene at 95 °C. The results were compared with the intermolecular SKIE for the reaction of quadricyclane-1,5,6,7-d4 with DMAD under the same conditions. The kH/kD1 and kH/kD2 values are in quite go...
Comparative Study of Maternal and Paternal Disciplinary Strategies

Parents (109 mothers, 109 fathers) of 109 middle-class preschool-age children were interviewed separately in individual taperecorded home interviews to assess whether either parent was prone to use assertion of power or inductive reasoning as disciplinary strategies. Fathers reported using more power-assertive disciplining strategies with their preschool-age children than mothers.
Modular workcells: modern methods for laboratory automation

Laboratory automation is beginning to become an indispensable survival tool for laboratories facing difficult market competition. However, estimates suggest that only 8% of laboratories will be able to afford total laboratory automation systems. Therefore, automation vendors have developed alternative hardware configurations called 'modular automation', to fit the smaller laboratory. Modular automation consists of consolidated analyzers, integrated analyzers, modular workcells, and pre- and post-analytical automation. These terms will be defined in this paper. Using a modular automation model, the automated core laboratory will become a site where laboratory data is evaluated by trained professionals to provide diagnostic information to practising physicians. Modem software information management and process control tools will complement modular hardware. Proper standardization that will allow vendor-independent modular configurations will assure success of this revolutionary new technology.