bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Voting Machines and Ballot Roll-Off
Authors: Nichols Stephen M. , Strizek Gregory A.
Published: March 2007

Innovations in voting systems raise questions about the electoral effects of such developments. This study examines the impact of a new voting device, electronic voting machines, on ballot roll-off. It is found that electronic machines sharply attenuate roll—off—particularly in lower visibility contests at the bottom of the ballot—even after various other forces related to voter fatigue are taken into consideration. These are surprising results, given that recent studies have attributed only minimal effects to electronic machines. Finally, the electoral and normative implications of widespread use of electronic voting machines are considered.
The President, Congress, and Appropriations, 1951-1985
Authors: Wlezien Christopher
Published: March 2007

In this article, the author develops a model of appropriations behavior that treats appropriations decision making as a two-stage process. At the heart of the model is the conjecture that the historical cooperation between the president and Congress in appropriations conceals strategic congressional behavior that has linked regular and supplemental appropriations. The model implies certain patterns of presidential and congressional behavior in regular appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and impoundments, which are examined using data covering the fiscal years 1951-1985. The results of the analysis not only strongly support the conjecture but shed light on the implications of divided government as well as recent developments in congressional budgetary behavior.
Causal Linkages Between Constituents' Evaluations of Their Federal Legislators
Authors: Born Richard
Published: March 2007

Some of the literature on Congress has suggested that constituents' evaluations of 1 of their 3 federal legislators should be influenced by their opinions of another, but virtually no systematic research has been directed at this topic. Employing LISREL covariance structure analysis, I demonstrate that a number of these interlegislator relationships do exist in 1988 and 1990. The key factor shaping these linkages seems to be relative legislator salience; that is, linkage between officeholders of disparate saliency takes the form of a positively signed effect flowing from the more visible official, whereas any relationship between legislators of approximately equal saliency is more likely to be of a negative kind.
Priming Theory and Ras Models
Authors: Goidel Robert K. , Shields Todd G. , Peffley Mark
Published: March 2007

Contemporary political science research into the effects of the mass media has focused largely on either priming theory or Receive, Accept, and Sample (RAS) models but rarely on both simultaneously. The separation of the two approaches is unfortunate because the predictions generated by the two theoretical perspectives are not mutually exclusive, and research may benefit greatly from a more integrated perspective. In the present study, we demonstrate how each perspective contributes to an understanding of changes in presidential approval during the 1992 presidential elections. We then present evidence demonstrating that both media priming and attitude change occur simultaneously. As such, research focusing solely on priming theory or research focusing solely on attitude change necessarily underestimates the total influence of the mass media on individual-level attitudes.
Economic Interest Group Allocations in Open-Seat Senate Elections
Authors: Gaddie Ronald Keith , Regens James L.
Published: March 2007

Most studies of political action committees (PACs) focus on the incumbent-oriented contribution strategies of PACs, whereas contributions to open-seat candidates remain relatively unexplored. Based on the assumption that open-seat candidates have an insatiable need for campaign money, we model the allocations of PACs to open-seat senate candidates from 1980 to 1994. The results of our analyses indicate that allocations in open-seat senate elections are more partisan than those in incumbent elections, although incumbent-like effects are evident in allocations by corporate, labor, and trade association PACs, which largely support aspirant House of Representatives members who have previously existing connections to monied interests. Unlike the bipartisan behavior exhibited by investor PACs in open house races, labor and investor interests reinforce the partisan divisions in senate contests by engaging in competitive funding of opposing candidates.
Emerging Party Cleavages in the House of Representatives, 1962-1996
Authors: STONECASH JEFFREY M. , LINDSTROM NICOLE R.
Published: March 2007

Income has the potential to divide people politically. Most attempts to assess the impact of income focus on individual-level analyses. Representatives, however, are elected in districts, which have varying compositions of constituents. To assess the connection between income and party in congressional elections, we need to focus on income composition of districts and how partisan outcomes are related to these variations. This analysis assesses that relationship and how it has changed in recent decades. The focus is on U.S. House districts from 1962 to 1996. The relationship of district income and party outcomes is then examined by region. Since 1962, income has emerged as a significant source of political divisions in the South and North, whereas the remainder of the country has not developed a relationship. Finally, we analyze the 1994 and 1996 Congressional elections, and find that the relationship of income to party continues to be significant, but the 1994 election attenuated the relationship.
Enhancing Holism? GPs' Explanations of Their Complementary Practice
Authors: Adams Jon
Published: March 2007

The term holism, often associated with complementary health practice, has been the subject of extensive debate both within and beyond the medical profession. Mean while, an increasing number of general practitioners (GPs) have adjusted to practicing complementary therapies to treat their National Health Service (NHS) patients. Given these developments, this article explores GP therapists' accounts of their complementary therapies and explanations of holistic practice. The analysis identifies how the doctors' descriptions of holism legitimate the use of complemen tary therapies within general practice, and also portray integrative practice as the ultimate form of holistic medicine.
Group Psychological Therapy: An Integral Part of Care for Cancer Patients
Authors: Cunningham Alastair J.
Published: March 2007

Adjuvant psychological therapy can help cancer patients in 2 main ways. It has, first, a well-documented capacity to alleviate distress and thus improve quality of life. However, if this kind of assistance is to be made available to the majority of cancer patients, a number of problems need to be solved: administrators need to become aware of the evidence for efficacy of psychosocial care for cancer patients; the treatment needs to be advocated in a manner that would benefit patients rather than being left to the patient to request it; and, for reasons of economy, large, classroom-style, psychoeducational classes may need to be offered in place of small support groups. Furthermore, to allow for individual differ ences in preferences and abilities, a variety of modes of help should ideally be made available. The author discusses how the provision of coping strategies can be organized in a progressive way to encourage development of greater coping skills. An example of such a stepwise program is given, all aspects of which have been researched and made available in manuals over some 20 years. The possibility of prolonging life with this kind of therapy is still controversial. While ran domized controlled trials have become the method of choice to investigate this question, reasons are given for strongly preferring more exploratory modes of research at the pres ent early stage of knowledge. The central task is seen as understanding the states of mind that promote healing or longer life, something that cross-sectional, psychometric research has not been able to accomplish. As an alternative, prospective, longitudinal designs are needed, with detailed interview-style analyses of patients' mental attributes. An example is given of one such study. Furthermore, it is suggested that we consider much more intensive therapies of this kind, since the impact of mind on body will logically be related to the extent of psychological change experienced.
Effects of Aerobic Treadmill Training on Gait Velocity, Cadence, and Gait Symmetry in Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Silver Kenneth H.C. , Macko Richard F. , Forrester Larry W. , Goldberg Andrew P. , Smith Gerald V.
Published: March 2007

It is widely assumed that only limited improvement in functional mobility is pos sible beyond the subacute period following ischemic stroke. Contrary to this notion, we studied "neurologically plateaued" stroke patients with chronic hemiparesis to as sess whether a "task-oriented" treadmill-training regimen would improve walking speed, cadence, and gait cycle symmetry on a modified "Get-Up and Go" task. Five male patients with a mean age of 60.4 ± 2.7 years (mean ± S.D.) status post ischemic stroke (> 6 months prior) participated in this nonrandomized low-intensity tread mill exercise pilot study three times/week for 3 months. All patients had mild to mod erate gait asymmetries due to residual hemiparesis. Patients were videotaped before and after 3 months of treadmill aerobic exercise (AEX) while performing a functional task consisting of arising from a chair, walking 3.1 m without an assistive device as fast as safely possible, and returning to sit. Gait events were timed using a 2-D Peak Motus™ video analysis system. After 3 months AEX training, times for the overall "get-up and return-to-sit" (GURS) task and the "straight-away walk" (SAW) segment decreased from 8.2 ± 1.4 sec to 6.5 ± 0.8 sec (mean ± SEM) (p < 0.05), and from 3.7 ± 1 sec to 2.8 ± 0.7 sec (p < 0.05), respectively. These data represent improve ments of 21% and 24% for the GURS and 'SAW segments, respectively. Mean veloc ity increased from 0.9 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.21 m/sec, a 33% improvement (p < 0.01). Mean cadence (steps/min) increased from 89 ± 9 to 97 ± 8, a 9% increase (p < 0.05). Mean stance and swing duration diminished for both paretic (P) and nonparetic (NP) limbs, and the intralimb stance/swing ratio values moved toward normal for both the paretic and nonparetic limbs. However, these latter changes reached significance only for the P limb. Interlimb stance symmetry was unchanged. The more impaired subjects experienced the greatest gains in gait velocity and temporal measures. Collectively, these findings indicate that treadmill exercise improves functional overground mo bility in individuals with chronic, stable hemiparesis. Key Words: Cerebrovascular disease—Hemiplegia—Exercise—Gait.
A New Clear Blown Film Produced From Butadiene-Styrene Copolymer
Authors: Detter Clyde
Published: March 2007

This paper describes the technique to produce a crystal clear, high gloss blown film from structured butadiene-styrene copolymer (K-Resin®). It also covers the effect of important extrusion variables on film properties. Equipment and processing condi tions are discussed in detail.
Investigation Into the Production of Polyamide Film to Achieve Required Properties of PA/PE Laminate
Authors: Kuzia Andrzej
Published: March 2007

Polyamide (PA) films made with nylon 6 for lamination—to polyethylene (PE) films, for example—require enhanced spherulite growth to prevent deformation of the flat film during removal of solvents in the drier. Several factors were considered in designing and performing tests which resulted in developing correlation equations for two of these factors—chill roll temperatures and film speed—for the test machine used to produce film suitable for use in packaging.
Plastic Film Winding Technology as Practiced in North America
Authors: Lounsbury Donn C.
Published: March 2007

The article covers the basic tension, power, and control concepts involved in plastic film winders. An explanation of the differences between center and surface type winding is provided. Situations in which each of these two winding techniques have advantages are outlined.
Multilayer Calendering of Coextruded Sheets
Authors: Hannachi Ahmed , Mitsoulis Evan
Published: March 2007

Coextruded multilayer plastic sheets used in the packaging industry are usually calendered between two rolls to reduce the original sheet thickness coming from the die. To meet certain thickness criteria for each layer as well as for the calendered sheet, the operating parameters, such as roll speeds, size, temperatures and minimum gap width, have to be specified. Due to the intractability of the prob lem by analytical methods, numerical methods have to be used. The Lubrication Ap proximation Theory (LAT) is employed and the solution is achieved by using a Newton-Raphson iterative scheme which determines both the unknown a priori flow domain and the interface locations for a combination of layers. The analysis provides the pressure distribution, separating force, torque, power consumption and tempera ture rise. Several cases of 2-, 3- and 9-layer calendering are presented and a design criterion of equal interfacial viscosities is put forward to determine the operating temperatures in the process
Implications of the Melt Elasticity of Ldpe in the Film Blowing Process
Authors: Plochocki A.P. , Czarnecki L.
Published: March 2007

The rate and temperature dependence of the extrudate swelling func tion, approximated by the least squares logarithmic parabola equation, was evaluated for five branched low density polyethylenes (LDPE) which differed significantly in processability. Assigning rheological significance to the parameters of the approxima tion equation, an explicit measure of processability of LDPE into film was demon strated in the form of the Universal Swelling Coefficient, A ∞ The derived character istic relaxation times for shear and elongation flows (τ12 and τ 11 , respectively) were subsequently employed in estimating the Deborah (De) and Brinkman (Br) criterial numbers, which are useful in designing the extrusion film blowing process on the basis of the LDPE melt elasticity function.
Numerical Analysis of Multilayer Forward Roll Coating: Power-Law Fluids
Authors: Hannachi A. , Mitsoulis E.
Published: March 2007

Roll coating is at the heart of production of films which can be composed of many layers. The fluids may be Newtonian or shear-thinning, usu ally described by a power law. The fluids' rheology along with operating param eters, such as roll speeds, their size and minimum gap width, must be con sidered in order to achieve a desirable coating thickness. Numerical studies are undertaken based on the Lubrication Approximation Theory (LAT) for the isothermal analysis of forward roll coating of multilayer sheets, which are con sidered as slightly shear-thinning fluids (power-law indices > 0.6). The solu tion process is based on an iterative Newton-Raphson scheme. It provides the unknown a priori flow domain, interface locations for different layer combina tions, layer thicknesses after splitting, pressure and stress distributions, torque and power consumption. A parametric study based on power-law index ratios and consistency index ratios for double-layer sheets is presented. A case of a 3-layer roll-coated sheet is also examined.
Ethylene Incorporation in Polypropylene: . Effect On Thermal-Related Properties
Authors: Davis Donna S.
Published: March 2007

Polypropylene (PP) samples with ethylene randomly distributed at levels up to nine weight percent were analyzed. At these levels, there is no major indication of "blockiness" in the incorporation, i.e., the level is not high enough to deliteriously influence the effectiveness of chain disruption by the comonomer. The DSC melting point drops about 4.4 ° C for each percent of eth ylene incorporated. Similarly, the crystallization peak temperature drops about 3.6°C for each percent of ethylene incorporated. Finally, the glass transi tion temperature ( Tg) drops almost 2 ° C for each percent of ethylene.
Polypropylene Surface Characteristics After Exposure To Hydrogen Peroxide and Heat Processing
Authors: Caudill Vance E. , Halek George W.
Published: March 2007

Polypropylene cups exposed to a range of aseptic packaging ster ilization conditions were examined for alterations in surface properties. The main mechanisms that affected the behavior of isotactic polypropylene contain ers in this sterilization system were the annealing of the inner layer due to heat and an increase in surface polarity possibly induced by both heat and peroxide oxidation. ATR-FTIR scans were not able to measure increases in the formation of carbonyls at a thickness of one micron. Contact angle measure ments which interact directly with the container surface did show significant surface differences. The container surface became more polar as the tempera ture increased or with exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the polypropylene surface had been physically altered and the contour changed.
Illuminating Meanings of `the Private' in Sociological Thought: A Response to Joe Bailey
Authors: McCarthy Jane Ribbens , Edwards Rosalind
Published: March 2007

In a recent article in Sociology, Joe Bailey maps out some important recent developments in sociological theorising, which he represents as `the private'. In this he seeks to use `the private' for one particular sociological purpose, but may be in danger of obscuring other purposes that may also be important. In his discussions he largely neglects the considerable body of feminist literature around public and private, drawing very heavily instead on recent writings by some prominent male sociological theorists. Most significantly, he subsumes family life within his category of intimacy, but this may obliterate some ideas about `families'. Furthermore, parent-child relationships are about a great deal more than intimacy, not least because there are real issues of power involved. Our own concerns with the concepts of public and private have been to illuminate different ways of being that are associated with different sorts of social spaces. We outline four main tensions that may become overlaid to create extensive differences in ways of being, including a tension around differing understandings of the individual. In particular, we point out the significance of childhood and children in these tensions around public and private social spaces, and their associated practices and orientations.
Improved Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis After 48 Weeks of Treatment With the Ppar–γ Ligand Rosiglitazone
Authors: Neuschwander-Tetri Brent A. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Wehmeier Kent R. , Oliver Dana , Bacon Bruce R.
Published: March 2007

Insulin resistance (IR) commonly is associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). To establish whether IR causes NASH, this study was undertaken to determine if improving IR would improve the histologic features that define NASH. Thirty adults with prior biopsy evidence of NASH were enrolled to receive rosiglitazone, 4 mg twice daily for 48 weeks. All patients were overweight (body mass index [BMI] > 25 kg/m2) and 23% were severely obese (BMI > 35 kg/m2); 50% had impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Liver biopsy specimens were obtained before beginning treatment and at treatment completion. Twenty–six patients had posttreatment biopsies; of these, 22 had initial protocol liver biopsies that met published criteria for NASH on subsequent blinded evaluation. Within this initial NASH group, the mean global necroinflammatory score significantly improved with treatment and biopsies of 10 patients (45%) no longer met published criteria for NASH after treatment. Significant improvement in hepatocellular ballooning and zone 3 perisinusoidal fibrosis also occurred. Five patients withdrew early; the 25 patients completing 48 weeks of treatment had significantly improved insulin sensitivity and mean serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (104 initially, 42 U/L at the end of treatment). Adverse effects led to withdrawal of 3 patients (10%). Weight gain occurred in 67% of patients and the median weight increase was 7.3%. Within 6 months of completing treatment, liver enzyme levels had increased to near pretreatment levels. In conclusion, improving insulin sensitivity with rosiglitazone resulted in improved histologic markers of NASH, an observation suggesting that insulin resistance contributes to its development and that improving insulin sensitivity may be important in treating this liver disease.
Survival in Patients Undergoing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt: Eptfe–Covered Stentgrafts Versus Bare Stents
Authors: Angermayr Bernhard , Cejna Manfred , Koenig Franz , Karnel Franz , Hackl Franz , Gangl Alfred , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus
Published: March 2007

In patients with liver cirrhosis, implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic shunt (TIPS) leads to reduction of portal pressure, but not of mortality compared with other therapies. The high stenosis rates of conventional bare stents causes high reintervention rates and costs and may be correlated with poor survival. ePTFE–covered stentgrafts provide much improved patency rates, but their impact on survival is unclear. All suitable patients receiving either bare TIPS (419/466) or undergoing implantation of ePTFE endoprostheses (89/100) in several centers in Austria up to 2002 were included in this retrospective analysis. Both patient groups were compared regarding survival with Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis. Unmatched and 1:1–matched survival analyses were performed. Patients undergoing ePTFE stentgraft implantation had significantly higher survival rates in all analyses. The 3–month, 1–year, and 2–year survival rates were 93%, 88%, and 76% for the ePTFE–group and 83%, 73%, and 62% for conventional TIPS patients, respectively. The matched survival analyses validated these findings. The model of the stent, patient age, and Child–Pugh Class (CPC) were independent predictors of survival. In conclusion, patients undergoing ePTFE–endoprosthesis implantation had higher survival rates within 2 years after TIPS–implantation. This may be the result of improved patency rates after correct placement (up to the inferior caval vein [ICV]) of the ePTFE stentgraft. These data should be validated in a prospective series. (Hepatology 2003;38:1043-1050).
Polycystic disease of the liver
Authors: Everson Gregory T. , Taylor Matthew R. G. , Doctor Brian R.
Published: March 2007

Autosomal dominant polycystic disease is genetically heterogeneous with mutations in two distinct genes predisposing to the combination of renal and liver cysts (AD-PKD1 and AD-PKD2) and mutations in a third gene yielding isolated liver cysts (the polycystic liver disease gene). Transcription and translation of the PKD1 gene produces polycystin-1, an integral membrane protein that may serve as an extracellular receptor. Mutations occur throughout the PKD1 gene, but more severe disease is associated with N-terminal mutations. The PKD2 gene product, polycystin-2, is an integral membrane protein with molecular characteristics of a calcium-permeant cation channel. Mutations occur throughout the PKD2 gene, and severity of disease may vary with site of mutation in PKD2 and the functional consequence on the resultant polycystin-2 protein. Polycystic liver disease is genetically linked to protein kinase C substrate 80K-H (PRKCSH). The PRKCSH gene encodes hepatocystin, a protein that moderates glycosylation and fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling. More prominent in women, hepatic cysts emerge after the onset of puberty and dramatically increase in number and size through the child-bearing years of early and middle adult life. Although liver failure or complications of advanced liver disease are rare, some patients develop massive hepatic cystic disease and become clinically symptomatic. There is no effective medical therapy. Interventional and surgical options include cyst aspiration and sclerosis, open or laparoscopic cyst fenestration, hepatic resection, and liver transplantation. (Hepatology 2004;40:774-782.).
Ex Vivo transduced liver progenitor cells as a platform for gene therapy in mice
Authors: Song Sihong , Witek Rafal P. , Lu Yuanqing , Choi Young-Kook , Zheng Donghang , Jorgensen Marda , Li Chengwen , Flotte Terence R. , Petersen Byron E.
Published: March 2007

Allogeneic stem cell-based transplants may be limited by allograft rejection, as is seen with conventional organ transplantation. One way to avert such a response is to use autologous stem cells, but that may carry the risk of recurrence of the original disease, particularly in the context of a genetic defect. We investigated the potential for gene modification of autologous stem cells to avoid both problems, using recombinant adenoassociated virus vector expressing human α1-antitrypsin in murine liver progenitor cells. We showed that recombinant adenoassociated virus 1 was the most efficient vector for liver progenitor cell transduction among five different serotypes of recombinant adenoassociated virus vectors. Ex vivo infected green fluorescent protein-positive liver progenitor cells from C57BL/6 mice with recombinant adenoassociated virus 1-vector-expressing human α1 antitrypsin were transplanted into the liver of monocrotaline-treated and partial-hepatectomized C57BL/6 recipients. Using green fluorescent protein as a donor marker, we were able to determine that at 18 weeks after transplantation, approximately 40% to 50% of the regenerated liver was green fluorescent protein positive. In addition, transgene expression (serum human α1-antitrypsin) was sustained for the length of the study (18 weeks after transplantation). Immunostaining revealed approximately 5% to 10% of repopulating liver cells expressing human α1-antitrypsin. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the feasibility of long-term engraftment and stability of transgene expression form genetically modified liver progenitor cells with a recombinant adenoassociated virus vector and implies a novel approach to gene therapy for treatment of liver diseases, such as α1-antitrypsin deficiency. (Hepatology 2004;40:918-924).
Genetic factors influence ethanol-induced uroporphyria in Hfe (—/—) mice
Authors: Gorman Nadia , Trask Heidi W. , Bement William J. , Szakacs Juliana G. , Elder George H. , Balestra Dominic , Jacobs Nicholas J. , Jacobs Judith M. , Sinclair Jacqueline F. , Gerhard Glenn S. , Sinclair Peter R.
Published: March 2007

Two major risk factors for porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are alcohol consumption and homozygosity for the C282Y mutation in the hereditary hemochromatosis gene (HFE). We recently described an animal model for alcohol-induced uroporphyria, using Hfe(-/-) mice. In the present study we show that this effect is dependent on genetic background and ethanol dose. In the 129S6/SvEvTac (129) strain, treatment with 15% ethanol in the drinking water for 6.5 months produced an accumulation of hepatic uroporphyrin (URO) 4-fold higher than that observed with 10% ethanol, a 90% decrease in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase activity (UROD), and further increased the activities of hepatic 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) and CYP1A2. Hepatic nonheme iron (NHFe) and hepatocyte iron staining were not further increased by 15% compared to 10% ethanol. Treatment of C57BL/6 Hfe(-/-) mice with 15% ethanol for 6.5 months did not increase hepatic URO. Although NHFe was increased by ethanol, the resulting level was only half that of ethanol-treated 129 Hfe(-/-) mice. ALAS induction was similar in both Hfe(-/-) strains. In wild-type 129 mice treated with ethanol for 6 to 7 months, administration of iron dextran increased hepatic URO accumulation and decreased UROD activity. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a strong effect of genetic background on ethanol-induced uroporphyria, which is probably due to a greater effect of ethanol on iron metabolism in the susceptible strain. (Hepatology 2004;40:942-950).
Comparison of calculated and experimental NMR spectral broadening for lung tissue
Authors: Christman Rebecca A. , Ailion David C. , Case Thomas A. , Durney Carl H. , Cutillo Antonio G. , Shioya Sumie , Goodrich K. Craig , Morris Alan H.
Published: March 2007

NMR lineshapes were calculated for a model of lung, and NMR proton spectra were measured for individual voxels in an excised inflated rat lung. NMR lines for parenchymal lung regions containing alveoli, alveolar ducts, and capillaries were calculated using a computer simulation of the NMR signal from a three‐dimensional honeycomb‐like structure, a collection of modified Wigner‐Seitz cells. These cells were modified by rounding the comers and increasing the thickness of the boundaries to model various degrees of lung inflation and lung water. NMR lineshapes were also calculated for the central or nonparenchymal lung regions containing bronchi and large blood vessels. A comparison of theoretical lineshapes with those measured in individual voxels both in the parenchymal and in the central (largely nonparenchymal) regions in excised rat lungs at an inflation pressure of 30 cm of water shows excellent agreement These results indicate that the NMR lineshape reflects the underlying lung geometry. This research constitutes the first calculations and measurements of NMR lineshapes in lung. The appendix describes a new method for calculating the magnetic field inside a weakly diamagnetic material of arbitrary shape placed in an otherwise uniform external magnetic field. This new method does not require either solution of simultaneous equations or evaluation of integral expressions.
T1 and T2 of ferritin solutions: Effect of loading factor
Authors: Vymazal Josef , Zak Olga , Bulte Jeff W. M. , Aisen Philip , Brooks Rodney A.
Published: March 2007

Proton magnetic relaxation times T1 and T2 were measured at field strengths from 0.05 T to 1.5 T in solutions of ferritin with loading factors from 90 to 3600 iron atoms per molecule. 1/T2 increased linearly with field strength, as previously observed, and the slope per unit iron was approximately the same in all samples. This latter finding indicates that the field dependence of T2 may be used as a measure of ferritin‐bound iron, regardless of loading factor. A possible explanation is presented, based on the presumed antiferromagnetic structure of the ferritin core and the linear dependence of 1/T2 on core magnetization. A nonzero contribution to 1/T2 in the limit of low field and a contribution to 1/T1 were also found, both of which increase linearly with loading factor for constant protein concentration; these effects represent quantum mechanical dipole‐dipole relaxation of water protons either by iron atoms on the surface of the core or by the iron core itself. Finally, the extrapolated intercept at LF = 0 for both 1/T1 and 1/T2 indicates a contribution from a small number of iron ions bound to the protein shell. These results may help in the use of MRI to measure brain iron and possibly even ferritin loading factor.
Perfusion imaging of the human brain at 1.5 T using a single‐shot EPI spin tagging approach
Authors: Ye Frank Q. , Pekar James J. , Jezzard Peter , Duyn Jeff , Frank Joseph A. , McLaughlin Alan C.
Published: March 2007

Single‐shot echo planar imaging (EPI) techniques have been applied, in conjunction with arterial spin tagging approaches, to obtain images of cerebral blood flow in a single axial slice in the human brain. Serial studies demonstrate that cerebral blood flow images acquired in 8 min are reproducible, with a statistical precision of approximately ±10 cc/100 g/min. The average value of cerebral blood flow in the slice is 51 ±11 cc/100 g/min for six normal subjects. The cerebral blood flow images contain two types of artifact, probably due to arterial and venous blood volume contributions, which must be overcome before the arterial spin tagging approach can be used for routine clinical studies.
The Gatekeepers: A Multivariate Study of Accepted and Rejected Adult Education Research Conference Abstracts (1978-80)
Authors: Pipke Ingrid
Published: March 2007

This study, part of an emerging meta-research tradition in adult education, examined characteristics of and variables associated with the acceptance of abstracts submitted to the Adult Education Research Conference in 1978, 1979, and 1980. A 41-item instrument was used to assess "internal" characteristics concerned with the content, the research processes, and the "composition" of the abstract. Expert judges attested to the content validity of the instrument. For test-retest purposes, 97 abstracts were coded twice and 20 coded three times to yield a mean item stability-across-time coefficient of r = .68. Five judges coded nine randomly selected abstracts to establish inter-judge reliability. There was a high degree of agreement among judges and between the researcher and the judges. The instrument was used to code 329 accepted and rejected A.E.R.C. abstracts on 39 variables. To identify configurations of variables associated with acceptance, those with significant t-values were entered into discriminant function equations for each year. Variables associated with acceptance did not remain the same for each year. Judges appear to assign varying "weights" to each variable; no variable was significantly associated with acceptance in all three years. However, discriminant function equations consisting of internal variables successfully classified 81 percent of abstracts in 1978, 71 percent in 1979, and 78 percent in 1980. It appears that abstract characteristics and not extraneous variables are associated with acceptance. Judges however have considerable influence.
A Methodology for the Analysis of the Psychosocial Profiles of Low Literate Adults
Authors: Boyd Robert D. , Martin Larry G.
Published: March 2007

This research reports the development and testing of a practical instrument-the Self-Description Questionnaire (ABE/ASE form)-that can readily be used by teachers to identify the psychosocial factors which may be major contributors to the learning problems experienced by low-literate adults. The instrument, which was developed from a methodology based on the epigenetic theory of Erik Erikson, gives psychosocial profiles of individuals. The study reports on the reliability and validity of the instrument. The report also provides some concrete examples to demonstrate how teachers can make use of the framework and the data obtained from the instrument.
Assessment of Learning Activity Level in a Group of Black Aged
Authors: Heisel Marsel A.
Published: March 2007

A learning activity level (LAL) scale was developed to assess the learning efforts of older persons with minimal formal education. Learning was broadly defined to include all purposeful attempts to acquire knowledge and information. The scale consisted of three components: reading, educational use of television and radio, and formal and informal learning endeavors in the recent past. The alpha reliability coefficient for the scale was .8 1.

The sample consisted of 132 urban, black men and women, aged 60 to 94, with mean educational attainment of 6 grades. Results of a multiple regression analysis showed that sex, age, educational attainment, having participated in organized adult education, self-perceived reading ability, health and life satisfaction accounted for over forty percent of the variance associated with LAL scores, with sex and self-perceived reading ability emerging as the most significant predictors.
Adult Education and Social Science: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Nordhaug Odd
Published: March 2007

The article assesses the state of theory in the field of adult education and calls for more systematic efforts in developing related theories. Borrowing concepts and theories from established social sciences, mainly sociology and economics, is recommended as a strategy for development. An integrated theoretical framework is presented and discussed. In addition to being a means for organizing knowledge and research into main areas, the framework may be used as a basis to outline theoretical and empirical interrelations between different parts of the research field. Its basic elements are macro-level structures, supply and demand, recruitment and participation, individual outcomes, and collective outcomes. Relevant research questions generating from the framework are presented, and possible approaches to studies of each of the elements and their interrelations are suggested.
Post-Freirean Adult Education: A Question of Empowerment and Power
Authors: Zacharakis-Jutz Jeff
Published: March 2007

The oppressors, who oppress, exploit, and rape by virtue of their power, cannot find in this power the strength to liberate either the oppressed or themselves. Only power that springs from the weakness of the oppressed will be sufficiently strong to free both.

(Freire, 1970, p. 28)

I would like to underline the fact that the state's power (and that's one of the reasons for its strength) is both an individualizing and a totalizing form of power. Never, I think, in the history of human societies-even the old Chinese society-has there been such a tricky combination in techniques, and of totalization procedures.

(Foucault, 1982, p. 213)
Socioeconomic Outcomes From Adult Education
Authors: Gooderham Paul N.
Published: March 2007

The study takes as its starting point recent structural changes in the Norwegian labor market resulting in older people and women in general increasingly reseeking career entry. For adults with no more than compulsory education, Higher Secondary Education for adults is one possible first step towards acquiring career entry. Applying a Status Attainment approach, the article assesses the degree to which career-related adult education promotes social mobility and the degree to which gender and age modify outcomes for a sample of Norwegian adults. It is emphasized that although reentry education is rapidly increasing, paradoxically there is a dearth of studies of outcomes in terms of subsequent occupational status. Hence the need to introduce the Status Attainment approach to adult education.
Religion Among Ethnic and Racial Minorities
Authors: Lee J. Oscar
Published: March 2007

Churches of racial and ethnic minorities have developed and exist to serve the religious and social needs of these groups. This function has been shaped and reinforced by practices of racial and ethnic discrimination in American society. The goals and programs of racial and ethnic churches are affected by such factors as the movement toward desegregation and integration, the aspiration to full participation in community life, mobility, urbanization, and changes in socio-economic status. Although ethnic churches for persons of European background have virtually disappeared in America, churches of other ethnic and racial minority groups—Negro, Puerto Rican, Spanish-speaking people of the Southwest, American Indian, Chinese American, and Japanese American— continue to exist as significant institutions. Both the Protestant and the Roman Catholic churches recognize that discrimination and segregation contradict their basic beliefs and teachings. There has been a movement toward desegregation and integration within the life of the churches themselves. Because the pattern of ethnic and racial segregation in the churches is related to the pattern of ethnic and racial segregation in society, the churches have had to concern themselves with the elimination of policies and practices of discrimination and segregation in all areas of community life.
For Good or Ill, Users Influence Transportation
Authors: Plowman E. Grosvenor
Published: March 2007

A few decades ago, common-carrier enterprises dominated the American transportation scene; today, though vital and indispensable, they are losing their position of relative importance. Transportation has become a buyer's market ; users dominate and influence transportation, for good or ill, whether they choose their transportation randomly or on the basis of comparative cost. There currently exists an ill-defined boundary between legitimate use and unauthorized use of privately owned, not for-hire means of transportation. A developing concept of business logistics influences shippers in their analysis and choice of transportation in relation to other aspects of making a product and getting it to the market. Logistical thinking, in the past, has generally fostered the use of company-operated private carriage, but there is no inherent reason why common carriers cannot offer comparable or even greater logistical advantages to users. From mergers, as they are necessary, common carriers can gain increased ability to compete with private carriage. Also, common carriers can and should adjust their services to the needs of available freight, not vice versa. In transportation, common carriers are everybody's stand-by service. Adjustments by common carriers to meet user requirements and over-all equitable regulation among the various modes and types of transportation are indicated for the benefit of users and carriers alike.
The Overseas Image of American Democracy
Authors: Allen George V.
Published: March 2007

At times, Americans show too much sensitivity to their image abroad, giving the impression that their primary concern is how they appear to others. Nevertheless, their con cern for world opinion is in keeping with the American tradi tion. The United States image is a mixture of saint and sinner. Have-nots are bitter against the haves. They regard Ameri cans as antirevolutionary and look to Moscow and Peking for support. Other foreigners simply dislike Americans in general. Some are concerned lest Americans are creating a twentieth- century empire through spheres of influence. Many foreigners, however, are genuinely appreciative of American assistance, and all who cherish freedom look to us as defenders of national and individual liberty. Democracy can be compared to a stool of three legs—liberty, equality, and fraternity. To produce stability, the three legs must be of approximately equal length. Liberty alone means the right of the strong and the clever to overpower the weak and the less clever. Equality alone pro duces the equality of the prison. Social strife results from the contest between libertarians and equalitarians. The saving factor is fraternity—a sense of the oneness of humanity. If the United States succeeds in producing a society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity, its image will shine in every corner of the world.
The (F)Utility of Knowledge?: The Relation of Social Science to Public Policy toward Drugs
Authors: Gusfield Joseph R.
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses the ambiguities and levels of public policy, with emphasis on the consequences of the visibility of policy statements. The symbolic aspects of public policy are analyzed, and the character of meanings other than those attributed by scientific experts is discussed. Impli cations of "drugs" as related to youth and cultural change help to explain limitations on the use of knowledge in public policy. A distinction is drawn between visible policy and the policy of day-to-day action. Several ways in which knowledge does contribute to policy are then specified.
International Exchange in the Arts
Authors: Joshi Joan H.
Published: March 2007

Artists through history have needed and benefitted from the stimulation of cultures new to them, and, indeed, their art has been influenced by the milieu in which it was created. The great centers in which artists of a similar persuasion have gathered have provided the special stimulus of competition as well as the opportunity to share technique. The creative and performing arts are presented as inherently international despite efforts of nationalists to promote the dis tinction of their own culture and even to bend it to particular political or religious beliefs. The choices facing would-be patrons of the arts and the type of programs abroad best suited to the artist are considered, followed by a review of the Institute of International Education's recent activities in the cultural area. Finally, a call is made to the international corporate community to shoulder its share of the funding burden.
Political Finance and Participation in Congressional Elections
Authors: Dawson Paul A. , Zinser James E.
Published: March 2007

Citizens participate in the electoral process both to enjoy intrinsic benefits and in the hope of future bene fits. Factors affecting the strength of these consumption and investment motives therefore will affect registration and turnout rates, levels of campaign contributions, and electoral margins. To some extent, the strength of these motives is fixed by relatively static factors: levels of district per capita income, the degree of income inequality, the partisan division of registered voters. However, both motives also are affected by factors more apt to vary: for example, statutory arrangements, the activities of political parties, levels and types of campaign expenditures. In particular, statutory arrangements and the activities of parties which reduce costs can increase participation. Moreover, substan tial efforts to alter the partisan division of registered voters can increase campaign contributions. Also, campaign expenditures channel motivations in partisan directions, stim ulate partisan turnout, and affect electoral margins. Results reported here suggest the likelihood of bipartisan support for policies facilitating registration and voting, challenge assumptions about the effects of incumbency on campaign contributions, raise doubts about legislated ceilings on cam paign expenditures, and weaken the case for public financing of congressional elections.
The United States and the World
Authors: Oliver Covey T.
Published: March 2007

Most experts on America's dealings with other nations would agree that we have a unique, complicated, energy-depleting system of law for allocating authority to govern our official conduct offshore. The U.S. state and federal constitutions incorporate some version of separation of powers with checks and balances, requiring the inter related independence of 3 branches of government. At the constitutional level, this system allocates action and commit ment ability related to foreign affairs between the Execu tive and Legislative branches, but so far the courts have not ventured far into resolution of conflicts between them. The Constitution says the president has executive power and Congress does not have express, general power to legislate or manage in foreign affairs. It does not resolve the question of who is master in foreign policy. A number of problem cases influencing the shaping of our external relations are military policy, control of expenditures, and arms control and disarmament. The possibility of a transnational government, citizen participation in policy decisions, America's good faith in international agreements, and the constitutional revision for foreign affairs are also important questions concerning America and the world. And in this complex it may be that for the first time in the nation's history the people have to live with unrelieved separation of powers, while Congress increasingly asserts a will to participate in foreign affairs.