cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Germanization of Lenin

The American school of Lenin interpretation is unable to approach the maker of the November 7 insurrection with any degree of objectivity and therefore much of the American writing on Lenin is distorted.1 One source of this myopia stems from the fate of American liberalism in the 1950's and 1960's and its relation to the Totalitarianism debate. Confronted by the images of Hitler and Stalin and accepting the Totalitarianism argument as put forth by German emigr? scholars to the United States such as Sigmund Neumann and Karl J. Friedrich, American liberal historiography approached Lenin as an expression of Caesarism. According to Neumann and Friedrich, German fascism and Soviet dictatorship were both manifestations of a more universal phenomenon ? political domination by a monolithic party. In essence, all political societies in the 20th century had demonstrated a sus ceptibility to hegemonic rule2, and thus Hitlerian racism and Stalinist Communism were bound together by a common denominator, the autocracy of a single party. The American school of Lenin interpreta tion became a mode of the Whig interpretation history, and thus Lenin was imprisoned within a dictatorial image.3 One consequence of the larger tactic of branding Lenin as the originator of current Kremlin totalitarianism, was to capture him within the narodnik syndrome. By the term narodnik syndrome I refer to that interpretation of Lenin as continuing the 19th-century Russian revolu tionary tradition which was synonymous with elitist conspiracy. An additional term for 19th Century narodnism is Russian Jacobinism, an adjective also applied to Lenin, which was exemplified by Ishutin and Tkachev who advocated conspiratorial political action led by a minority. Another activity of certain sections of the Russian narodniki was political terrorism, and to affirm that Lenin was a Russian Jacobin is to claim that Lenin also condoned terrorist activities.4 The narodnik
On-chip continuous monitoring of motile microorganisms on an ePetri platform

Self-imaging Petri dish platforms with microscopy resolution, which we term ‘ePetri’, can significantly streamline cell cultures and/or other longitudinal biological studies. In this paper, we demonstrate high-resolution imaging and long-term culture of motile microorganisms in a specialized ePetri platform by taking advantage of the inherent motion. By applying a super-resolution algorithm to a set of low-resolution images of the microorganisms as they move across the sensing area of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor chip, we can render an improved-resolution image of the microorganisms. We perform a longitudinal study of Euglena gracilis cultured in an ePetri platform, and image-based analysis on the motion and morphology of the cells. As a miniaturized and automated culture monitoring platform, this ePetri technology can greatly improve studies and experiments with motile microorganisms.
Communists and black freedom movements in South Africa and The US: 1919–1950

This article compares the interactions of the communist parties of South Africa and the United States with the black working class of each country until 1950. It discusses, in particular detail, the influence of internationalist currents of radical syndicalism on the course and destiny of each party. The analysis also focuses on how each communist movement adjusted its tactics in response to indigenous patterns of black migration, white working‐class racism, black radicals' negotiation of recurring tensions between class, nationalist and reformist influences, and the ways in which communist labour activists in each country were limited or empowered by the changing ideological influences of the Communist International. South African and American communists endured periods of sectarian political rigidity and isolation but, ultimately, communist activists' pragmatic and flexible interpretations of working‐class dynamics in each country were more important in shaping each party's relationship with blacks than...
Emerging methods for producing monodisperse graphene dispersions

With the recent burst of activity surrounding the solution-phase production of graphene, comparatively little progress has been made toward the generation of graphene dispersions with tailored thickness, lateral area, and shape. The polydispersity of graphene dispersions, however, can lead to unpredictable or nonideal behavior once they are incorporated into devices since the properties of graphene vary as a function of its structural parameters. In this brief perspective, we overview the problem of graphene polydispersity, the production of graphene dispersions, and the methods under development to produce dispersions of monodisperse graphene.
Effect of noise, order and range in fitting the photopeak region of local, Anger-camera energy spectra

Abstract In order to estimate and correct Compton scattering in nuclear-medicine Anger-camera imaging, we have previously required the least-mean-square error between the locally measured energy spectrum and one dependent on a model. The model assumes a fixed-order polynomial for the spectrum of scatter and fits the data over a specified energy range. In this study, a Monte Carlo simulation program produces spectra at specified locations in a projection image of a 99m Tc “hot” sphere in a “cold” cylinder. Poisson noise is subsequently added to each spectral channel, modelling a given count level within the acceptance window. Tests were done at two pixel locations, one at the center of the sphere and the other near the edge. Without noise, we find that the calculated-to-true ratio for unscattered counts is reasonably close to 1.0 (average 1.03, range 0.85 to 1.16) for all of the 16 order-range combinations that were tested. Tests on experimental data yield comparable results. For comparison, without any Compton-scatter correction the average ratio is 1.39. Optimizing the fitting parameters is difficult because, for example, the best set for location 1 is the worst for location 2. With noisy data, the relative standard deviation, and sometimes the bias for the estimate of direct (i.e. unscattered) counts, increases as the statistical noise increases. The average relative error for the estimate is 10% for the 3 cases measured with about 5000 unscattered counts but increases to 20% if that number decreases to 700.
Polyamines are necessary for maximum in vitro synthesis of globin peptides and play a role in chain initiation.

Abstract The salt wash fraction removed from rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes with 0.5 m KCl contains dialyzable components required for maximum in vitro synthesis of globin peptides. The active substances were identified as spermidine and spermine. Rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes contain spermine and spermidine in a 1:3 ratio of which about 75% is removed in the 0.5 m KCl wash fraction. Dialyzed salt wash can be reactivated for in vitro protein synthesis by addition of either spermine, spermidine, or Mg 2+ ion. A twofold higher leucine incorporation into protein was obtained with the optimum concentration of either polyamine than with Mg 2+ . Spermidine is effective in lowering the Mg 2+ requirement for initiation of phenylalanine peptides in the poly(U)-directed system, apparently by formation of an initiation complex. Also, spermidine competitively interferes with edeine inhibition of globin chain initiation. These results indicate that spermidine may play a special role in peptide initiation.
Relative Cost-Effectiveness of Treatments for Adolescent Depression: 36-Week Results From the TADS Randomized Trial

Objective: The cost-effectiveness of three active interventions for major depression in adolescents was compared after 36 weeks of treatment in the Treatment of Adolescents with Depression Study. Method: Outpatients aged 12 to 18 years with a primary diagnosis of major depression participated in a randomized controlled trial conducted at 13 U.S. academic and community clinics from 2000 to 2004. Three hundred twenty-seven participants randomized to 1 of 3 active treatment arms, fluoxetine alone (n = 109), cognitive-behavioral therapy (n = 111) alone, or their combination (n = 107), were evaluated for a 3-month acute treatment and a 6-month continuation/maintenance treatment period. Costs of services received for the 36 weeks were estimated and examined in relation to the number of depression-free days and quality-adjusted life-years. Costeffectiveness acceptability curves were also generated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess treatment differences on the quality-adjusted life-years and cost-effectiveness measures. Results: Cognitive-behavioral therapy was the most costly treatment component (mean $1,787 [in monotherapy] and $1,833 [in combination therapy], median $1,923 [for both]). Reflecting higher direct and indirect costs associated with psychiatric hospital use, the costs of services received outside Treatment of Adolescents with Depression Study in fluoxetine-treated patients (mean $5,382, median $2,341) were significantly higher than those in participants treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (mean $3,102, median $1,373) or combination (mean $2,705, median $927). Accordingly, cost-effectiveness acceptability curves indicate that combination treatment is highly likely (990%) to be more cost-effective than fluoxetine alone at 36 weeks. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is not likely to be more cost-effective than fluoxetine. Conclusions: These findings support the use of combination treatment in adolescents with depression over monotherapy. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 2009;48(7):711Y720. Key Words: depression, cost-effectiveness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, antidepressants. Clinical trial registration informationVTreatment for Adolescents With Depression Study (TADS). URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00006286.
The large bowel carcinogenic effects of hydrazines and related compounds occurring in nature and in the environment.

Five substituted hydrazines that induce large bowel and other types of cancer in laboratory animals are described. Two of these compounds, which originate in nature, are 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, a tobacco ingredient, and methylhydrazine, formed from a chemical present in the edible wild mushroom Gyromitra esculenta. The human population is therefore exposed to them considerably. In addition, both compounds are manufactured and used in rocket fuel. The other three chemicals, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride, 1-methyl-2-butylhydrazine dihydrochloride and trimethylhydrazine hydrochloride, are manufactured synthetically only and apparently are not found in substantial quantities in the environment.
Leadership: a skill, not a role

The ever-changing healthcare landscape demands leaders who can help navigate through the turbulence. At a time when the demand for leaders in healthcare continues to grow, many wonder whether there is a pending leadership shortage. This perception is fostered by the confusion about how leaders are defined. For many the definition of a leader is synonymous with a job title or role, such as a Manager or Director. Leadership, however, is not a job description; rather, it is influencing others to contribute to a positive outcome. All clinicians, particularly advanced practice nurses, must take the responsibility of finding solutions to the current challenges in healthcare and work through others to achieve a better outcome. In this article leadership is defined by skill sets, not job title, and offers specific strategies to enhance advanced practice nurses' leadership skills.
Validation of a Hospital-Based Joint Registry: Quantification of Errors and Maximizing Utility

Data quality standards for multicenter arthroplasty registries have been previously established. However, no studies have assessed a hospital-based arthroplasty registry. A total of 6912 hip and knee procedures were queried in a hospital-based arthroplasty registry (HJR) and an administrative research database (Research Patient Data Registry). The HJR demonstrated a 93.8% capture rate. Four hundred seventy-seven cases contained data errors, with 65.7% occurring in the HJR. Most of these conflicts were attributable to random error. Systematic miscoding of procedures was observed in both databases and was most likely due to unclear definitions of procedural classifications. Our results confirm the validity of data in the HJR and suggest that using automated data capture systems and establishing a clear consensus on procedural terminology can improve the quality of data registries.
Characteristics and immediate outcome of childhood meningitis treated in the pediatric intensive care unit

To describe patient characteristics, use of technology and mortality in children with meningitis admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Retrospective cohort study. Fifteen US PICUs. All admissions with a diagnosis of meningitis between 1995 and 2000 in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Evaluations (PICUEs) database. Of 559 patients with meningitis, 58% were male. The median age was 19 months and the median length of PICU stay was 2 days. The crude PICU mortality rate was 7%. Three hundred thirty-four (60%) patients had bacterial meningitis. Non-survivors had significantly higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III scores and also constituted a larger proportion of the patients with bacterial meningitis, coma and shock upon PICU admission. The use of invasive devices was higher among non-survivors, patients with bacterial meningitis or those who were in coma or shock upon PICU admission. There was significant variation in the use of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors by coma status and by institution. In multivariate analysis, patients had 1.26 higher odds of mortality for each unit increase in PRISM III score (odds ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.19–1.34), while adjusting for other variables. In a large cohort of children admitted to the PICU with meningitis, severity of illness, particularly the presence of shock or coma, was significantly associated with both the higher use of invasive medical devices and higher mortality. There was significant variation in the use of ICP monitors among the various PICUs without statistical association with survival.
THE BROMINATION OF VINYLBORONIC ACIDS ON ALUMINA

Abstract The reaction of a series of vinylboronic acids with Br 2 on alumina has been examined. A mixture of ( E )- and ( Z )-vinyl bromides was formed in every case by competing mechanisms: (1) S E 2 reaction of the surface-complexed vinylboronic acid with Br 2 to form the E isomer and (2) anti-elimination of B(OH) 3 and Br from the surface-complexed adduct arising by the reaction of vinylboronic acid and Br 2 in solution, which affords the Z isomer. As was the case with the comparable iodination reactions, the bromination of the vinylboronic acids synthesized from phenylacetylene and 3,3-dimethyl-1-butyne gave inordinately large amounts of ( E )-vinyl halides. Because of steric factors in these examples the anti elimination described above is retarded and a syn elimination occurs preferentially. Experiments were performed to test the mechanisms.
Low back injury risks during construction with prefabricated (panelised) walls: effects of task and design factors

New technology designed to increase productivity in residential construction may exacerbate the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among residential construction workers. Of interest here are panelised (prefabricated) wall systems (or panels) and facilitating an ongoing effort to provide proactive control of ergonomic exposures and risks among workers using panels. This study, which included 24 participants, estimated WMSD risks using five methods during common panel erection tasks and the influences of panel mass (sheathed vs. unsheathed) and size (wall length). WMSD risks were fairly high overall; e.g. 34% and 77% of trials exceeded the 'action limits' for spinal compressive and shear forces, respectively. Heavier (sheathed) panels significantly increased risks, although the magnitude of this effect differed with panel size and between tasks. Higher levels of risk were found in tasks originating from ground vs. knuckle height. Several practical recommendations based on the results are discussed. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Panelised wall systems have the potential to increase productivity in residential construction, but may result in increased worker injury risks. Results from this study can be used to generate future panel design and construction processes that can proactively address WMSD risks.
3D FDTD simulation of nonlinear ferroelectric materials in rectangular waveguide

Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) have numerous applications in the communications and defense industries due to their ability to form and propagate short duration, ultra wide band pulses. This paper simulates a short duration Gaussian transient exciting low order TE m, 0 modes in a nonlinear ferroelectric filled conducting waveguide. A three dimensional FDTD simulation is employed in the analysis and the ferroelectric filled waveguide model based on a nonlinear polarization relationship extrapolated from measurements. A small portion of the frequency band operates in the saturation polarization region. These terms will propagate at higher velocity than lower amplitude components and this effect counteracts dispersion and results in compression of the pulses into solitons as they propagate.
Patterned condensation figures as optical diffraction gratings

Heterogeneous, patterned surfaces comprising well-defined hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions and having micrometer-scale periodicities were prepared by patterning the adsorption of ω-functionalized alkanethiolates in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. Condensation of water on such surfaces resulted in drops that followed the patterns in the SAMs. These patterned condensation figures (CFs) acted as optical diffraction gratings for reflected (or transmitted) light from a helium-neon laser (wavelength of 632.8 nanometers). Under an atmosphere of constant relative humidity, the development of the condensation figure was monitored quantitatively, as the temperature of the surface was lowered, by following the change in intensity of a first-order diffraction spot. This experimental technique may be useful in the development of new types of optical sensors that respond to their environment by changing the reflectivity of patterned regions and for studying phenomena such as drop nucleation, contact angle hysteresis, and spontaneous dewetting and break-up of thin liquid films.
The dnaA protein complex with the E. coli chromosomal replication origin (oriC) and other DNA sites

Specific binding of dnaA protein to the E. coli origin of replication (oriC) is essential for initiation of chromosomal replication. Based on binding of plasmid DNA fragments, dnaA protein recognizes in addition to oriC a number of specific sites: within or near the replication origins of pSC101, pBR322, and ColE1; within the regulatory regions of the dnaA and "X-protein" genes; and in IRL-Tn5. All strong binding sites share a common 9 bp sequence, 5'-TTATCACACAA, repeated at four conserved positions within oriC. As shown by DNAase I footprinting, dnaA protein binding is highly cooperative, covering 250 bp at oriC and 100 bp at single 9 bp sequence sites. Consistent with filter-binding and nuclease-protection studies, complexes of 20 to 30 dnaA monomers are visualized at oriC and other sites by electron microscopy. The functions of dnaA complexes and 9 bp sequences at these sites are discussed.
Refactoring network infrastructure to improve manageability: a case study of home networking

Managing a home network is challenging because the underlying infrastructure is so complex. Existing interfaces either hide or expose the network's underlying complexity, but in both cases, the information that is shown does not necessarily allow a user to complete desired tasks. Recent advances in software defined networking, however, permit a redesign of the underlying network and protocols, potentially allowing designers to move complexity further from the user and, in some cases, eliminating it entirely. In this paper, we explore whether the choices of what to make visible to the user in the design of today's home network infrastructure, performance, and policies make sense. We also examine whether new capabilities for refactoring the network infrastructure - changing the underlying system without compromising existing functionality - should cause us to revisit some of these choices. Our work represents a case study of how co-designing an interface and its underlying infrastructure could ultimately improve interfaces for that infrastructure.
Does intraspecific hybridization contribute to the evolution of invasiveness?: an experimental test

One of the major objectives of research on invasive species is to determine the relative importance of different evolutionary and ecological forces in the invasion process. It was recently suggested that post-introduction intraspecific hybridization between previously isolated genotypes could produce novel and/or heterotic progeny that might express enhanced invasiveness. We tested this hypothesis with Silene latifolia, a European native that has successfully invaded North America and has previously been shown to have undergone genetic change since its introduction. In a common garden experiment we compared the performance of plants derived from within and between population crosses from eight European and 18 North American populations. Results showed that there was no significant effect of crossing distance on progeny phenotype. Furthermore, progeny from within or between population crosses did not differ in size, reproductive output or survival. Collectively, these results suggest that the invasive phenotype of S. latifolia is likely the result of natural selection and/or genetic drift rather than intraspecific hybridization.
Supraventricular tachycardia during pediatric anesthesia: a case series and qualitative analysis

Abstract Study Objective To perform a qualitative analysis of noncardiac patients who developed suspected intraoperative supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) during general anesthesia. Design Retrospective database analysis and chart review. Setting Operating room of a university-affiliated children's hospital. Measurements The records of children without cardiac disease who received general anesthesia at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from July 1998 through June 2011 were reviewed. Patients with heart rate values above 180 beats per minute were identified, as were specific medications or key words in the free-text fields of the anesthesia records that would be indicative of a tachyarrhythmia. Each case was reviewed by at least two authors; each patient was assigned a diagnosis classification of "highly suspicious" or "unlikely" SVT. The highly suspicious SVT cases were examined in detail to determine the specific aims. Main Results 36 subjects out of a total of 285,353 anesthetics administered during the study period were suspected by the anesthesia care team to have had an episode of intraoperative SVT: 22 were "highly suspicious" events, and 14 were "unlikely" events. The highly suspicious SVT events occurred in all phases of anesthesia, and none led to any hemodynamic instability. Effective treatments included vagal maneuvers, pharmacologic antiarrhythmics, or no treatment if the event resolved spontaneously before treatment. Six patients had outpatient follow-up and three received antiarrhythmic medications to control ongoing SVT. Conclusions SVT during the intraoperative period in noncardiac pediatric patients was uncommon. When it occurred, it was not associated with clinically significant patient morbidity. For some patients, the anesthesia unmasked a predisposition for re-entrant SVT and those patients remained on maintenance antiarrhythmic therapy following discharge home.
Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy Applied to Hazardous Waste: I - Preliminary Test of Material Analysis for Improvement of Personal Protection Strategies

Many chemicals, when mixed, can produce potentially hazardous effects which are harmful to human health and to the environment such as heat, pressure, fire, explosion, violent reaction, and toxic dusts, mists, fumes, and/or gases. Waste chemicals handled on a remedial action site are analyzed by simple chemical methods for compatibility. Because it is difficult to base worker and community protection programs on this limited knowledge of material content, extreme precautions must be taken to ensure safety to all working on or living near hazardous waste remedial action sites. The approach used in this study involved the application of Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) to the analysis of samples taken from the Chem-Dyne remedial action hazardous waste site. The data generated are compared to the results obtained using compatibility and GC-MS analysis procedures. Illustrations are given of improved personal protection strategies, based on drum material composition obtainable by FTIR. The requi...
Resampling methods for variable selection in robust regression

With the inundation of large data sets requiring analysis and empirical model building, outliers have become commonplace. Fortunately, several standard statistical software packages have allowed practitioners to use robust regression estimators to easily fit data sets that are contaminated with outliers. However, little guidance is available for selecting the best subset of the predictor variables when using these robust estimators. We initially consider cross-validation and bootstrap resampling methods that have performed well for least-squares variable selection. It turns out that these variable selection methods cannot be directly applied to contaminated data sets using a robust estimation scheme. The prediction errors, inflated by the outliers, are not reliable measures of how well the robust model fits the data.As a result, new resampling variable selection methods are proposed by introducing alternative estimates of prediction error in the contaminated model. We demonstrate that, although robust estimation and resampling variable selection are computationally complex procedures, we can combine both techniques for superior results using modest computational resources. Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the proposed variable selection procedures against alternatives through a designed experiment approach. The experiment factors include percentage of outliers, outlier geometry, bootstrap sample size, number of bootstrap samples, and cross-validation assessment size. The results are summarized and recommendations for use are provided.
Work Zone Safety Analysis and Modeling: A State-of-the-Art Review

Objective: Work zone safety is one of the top priorities for transportation agencies. In recent years, a considerable volume of research has sought to determine work zone crash characteristics and causal factors. Unlike other non–work zone–related safety studies (on both crash frequency and severity), there has not yet been a comprehensive review and assessment of methodological approaches for work zone safety. To address this deficit, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the existing extensive research efforts focused on work zone crash-related analysis and modeling, in the hopes of providing researchers and practitioners with a complete overview.Methods: Relevant literature published in the last 5 decades was retrieved from the National Work Zone Crash Information Clearinghouse and the Transport Research International Documentation database and other public digital libraries and search engines. Both peer-reviewed publications and research reports were obtained. Each study was carefully...
Cross-and Downstream Variability of Static Stability in the Gulf Stream

Abstract The spatial distribution of static stability in the Gulf Stream was studied using cross-and downstream XBT sections taken between Cape Hatteras and 70°W. The cross-stream sections revealed large variations in static stability, even over small spatial scales (∼10 km). In the downstream direction, following isopycnal Swallow floats, changes occur more gradually and are clearly correlated with the curvature of the float trajectory. With curvature effects removed, the residual down-stream or Lagrangian variance is just 15% of that in the cross-stream direction. The variability of the cross-stream sections which sample different water parcels, compared to that of the downstream sections which follow a single parcel, suggests that the balance of the constituent terms of potential vorticity varies from one fluid parcel to another, reflecting their different origins.
Surprisingly long-lived ascorbyl radicals in acetonitrile: concerted proton-electron transfer reactions and thermochemistry.

Proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions and thermochemistry of 5,6-isopropylidene ascorbate (iAscH−) have been examined in acetonitrile solvent. iAscH− is oxidized by 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2O• and by excess TEMPO• to give the corresponding 5,6-isopropylidene ascorbyl radical anion (iAsc•−), which persists for hours at 298 K in dry MeCN solution. The stability of iAsc•− is surprising in light of the transience of the ascorbyl radical in aqueous solutions and is due to the lack of the protons needed for radical disproportionation. A concerted proton−electron transfer (CPET) mechanism is indicated for the reactions of iAscH−. Redox potential, pKa and equilibrium measurements define the thermochemical landscape for 5,6-isopropylidene ascorbic acid and its derivatives in MeCN. These measurements give an O−H bond dissociation free energy (BDFE) for iAscH− of 65.4 ± 1.5 kcal mol−1 in MeCN. Similar studies on underivatized ascorbate indicate a BDFE of 67.8 ± 1.2 kcal mol−1. These values are much lower than the a...
Using Food Science Demonstrations to Engage Students of All Ages in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Abstract: The overarching goal of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Initiative is to foster effective STEM teaching and learning throughout the educational system at the local, state, and national levels, thereby producing science literate citizens and a capable STEM workforce. To contribute to achieving this goal, we have assembled six food science demonstrations for use at all educational levels and have presented these lessons to students at the elementary through higher education levels. The focus of this article is to share these food science demonstrations and our experiences using them so that others can use them for engaging students in STEM disciplines, through food science, at any educational level. Featured demonstrations include: (1) liquid nitrogen ice cream: a matter of changing phases, (2) seeing our senses work together, (3) whipping up the cream, (4) milk versus dark: what is the difference?, (5) counting calories by burning them, and (6) culinary spherification: the wonders of cross-linking. Overall, our experience with using these demonstrations has been very positive. Students appear engaged in the learning process and love to consume the demonstration end products. Downloadable handouts containing demonstration details for each demonstration are available as supporting information.
Process-technology fit and its implications for manufacturing performance

Abstract This study investigates the issue of fit between process environment and advanced manufacturing technology, and its impact on manufacturing and business performance. We find that different process environments tend to align advanced manufacturing technology investments in distinct profiles, which are associated with superior performance. Deviations from these ‘ideal’ profiles are shown to have a negative impact on manufacturing performance. The findings also suggest that firms are not fully exploiting the potential afforded by AMT investments to compete in off-diagonal positions in the Hayes–Wheelwright framework.
Improving Space Efficiency With Path Length Prediction for Finding $k$ Shortest Simple Paths

Finding ${\mbi {k}}$ shortest simple paths in a directed graph is a fundamental problem in many engineering applications. Most existing algorithms such as Yen’s algorithm and its variants have polynomial worst-case time complexity, but their average-case running time is very high. The heuristic algorithm MPS can run significantly faster in practice. However, it requires an excessive amount of memory space. In this paper, we provide a new heuristic algorithm that achieves high space efficiency while maintaining similar average-case running time. We first propose a sidetrack representation of path, with which a path can be stored in ${\mbi {O}}{\bf (1)}$ space. We then show how to categorize a candidate path as either partial or complete, and restrict the number of paths added to the queue. In addition, we provide an empirical equation that can very accurately predict the ${\mbi {k}}$ th shortest path length, provided that a much smaller number of shortest paths have been found. Extensive experiments prove that our algorithm can achieve an ${\mbi {O(n)}}$ speedup in practice over Yen’s algorithm. In comparison with MPS, it runs up to three times faster and uses less space by an order of magnitude.
Teaching for Transformative Experiences and Conceptual Change: A Case Study and Evaluation of a High School Biology Teacher's Experience.

The Teaching for Transformative Experiences in Science (TTES) model is designed to foster transformative experiences (e.g., experiences with science content involving the application of that content in ways that expand perception and value in everyday experience). This study presents a case study of a high school biology teacher learning to implement the TTES model in conjunction with a conceptual change model and evaluates the impact of these models on students’ learning and engagement. In collaboration with the authors, the teacher created three instructional conditions: (a) control (2 classes, 40 students), (b) cognitive conflict (CC, 2 classes, 42 students), and (c) combined TTES and cognitive conflict (TE, 2 classes, 44 students). Descriptive data illustrate how the teacher implemented the models, particular challenges that arose, how the teacher's prior beliefs and goals shaped the implementation, and how experience with the models altered the teacher's beliefs and engagement with the content. Compa...
Sidelining safety--the FDA's inadequate response to the IOM.

In a 2006 report, the Institute of Medicine implored the FDA to “embrace a culture of safety” by increasing the priority accorded to the safety of patients. Sheila Weiss Smith writes that the FDA's response to the IOM report demonstrates a lack of understanding of the magnitude of the changes required to create a culture of safety.
Interlibrary loan and commercial document supply: Finding the right fit

Abstract This study examined the cost and performance of six commercial document suppliers accessible via OCLC, and comapared their service to that of traditional interlibrary loan (ILL). Results indicated that, while commercial firms cannot be recommended as a wholesale replacement for ILL, they can add much-needed flexibility to a library's overall plan for document delivery.
Numerical Simulation of Topographically Forced Mesoscale Variability in a Well-Mixed Marine Layer

A simple nonlinear numerical model of a well-mixed marine layer is employed to examine topographically forced mesoscale variability off coastal California. This model is utilized to simulate a persistent wind maximum observed near Point Conception during northwesterly winds. The model solves for the two horizontal components of the marine-layer height and the marine-layer wind.
ϕ Meson Production in π - p and K - p Interactions from 3 to 6 GeV/c

Cross sections and density-matrix elements for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\phi}n$ have been measured for - $\ensuremath{-}t\ensuremath{\lesssim}1.5$ ${\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$ at 3, 4, 5, and 6 GeV/c, using the Argonne effective-mass spectrometer to observe the decay $\ensuremath{\phi}(1019)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{+}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. This is the first observation of the reaction in this energy range. The remarkably flat differential cross section at 4 GeV/c and the strong energy dependence suggest a production mechanism not normally seen at these energies. Data on ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\phi}\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ and ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\phi}{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0}$ from the same experiment are also presented.
The giant molecular cloud Monoceros R2. 1: Shell structure

We have obtained a 45 sec resolution, Nyquist-sampled map in CO J = 1-0 covering approximately a 3 deg x 3 deg region of the giant molecular cloud Monoceros R2. The map consists of 167,000 spectra observed with the 15 element focal-plane array system on the FCRAO 14 m telescope. The data reveal that the large-scale structure of Mon R2 is dominated by a is approximately 30 pc diameter largely hemispherical shell containing approximately 4 x 10(exp 4) solar mass of molecular material and expanding at approximately 3-4 km s(exp -1) with symmetric axis roughly along the line of sight. The dynamical timescale of the shell is estimated to be approximately 4 x 10(exp 6) yr, which is consistent with the age of main-sequence stars powering the clusters of reflection nebulea in this region. There is no evidence for a redshifted shell on the far side of the interior 'bubble,' which is largely devoid of molecular material. Distortions of the shell are obvious, suggesting inhomogeneity of the cloud and possible presence of a magnetic field prior to its formation. Dense clumps in Mon R2, including the main core and the GGD 12-15 core, appear to be condensations located on the large shell. The reflection nebulea with their illuminating stars as well as embedded IRAS sources suggest that triggered star formation has taken place over a large part of the Mon R2 shell.
Geochemical Analysis of Crassostrea virginica as a Method to Determine Season of Capture

Abstract A group of American oysters ( Crassostrea virginica ), collected monthly for 1 year, was incrementally analysed via laser ablation mass spectrometry and reflected light microscopy in order to create a method of determining season of capture. Environmental data taken at the collection site (Altamaha Sound, GA) are compared to these incremental analyses. Causal factors in growth band development are defined and related to seasonal growth. Biannual growth bands are visually distinct and consist of alternating dark and light layers in cross-sections of the chondrophore. Variation in water temperature is the principle mechanism producing this variation, with secondary stressors, such as salinity, creating less regular overprints on these layers. Incremental analyses of δ 18 O indicate that dark bands are usually precipitated during cool months and light bands during warm months. Notable exceptions to this pattern occur during flood events and extreme heat that may cause precipitation of dark bands at any time. These patterns will vary according to local climate and latitude. Absolute values of δ 13 C and δ 18 O and time of increment formation vary between individuals of the same bed, therefore isotopic and visual analyses should be performed on large populations. The pattern of isotope variation through ontogeny differentiates between seasonal banding and banding caused by secondary stressors. Visual analysis alone cannot detect such irregular variation, thus the regular patterns of isotope distributions must be employed in conjunction with visual analysis and local comparative collections in large samples to determine seasonality.
Laser selective microablation of sensitized intracellular components within auditory receptor cells

A laser system can be coupled to a light microscope for laser microbeam ablation and trapping of single cells in vitro. We have extended this technology by sensitization of target structures with vital dyes to provide selective ablation of specific subcellular components. Isolated auditory receptor cells (outer hair cells, OHCs) are known to elongate and contract in response to electrical, chemical and mechanical stimulation. Various intracellular structures are candidate components mediating motility of OHCs, but the exact mechanism(s) is currently unknown. In ongoing studies of OHC motility, we have used the microbeam for selective ablation of lateral wall components and of an axial cytoskeletal core that extends from the nucleus to the cell apex. Both the area beneath the subsurface cistemae of the lateral wall and the core are rich in mitochondria. OHCs isolated from guinea pig cochlea are suspended in L- 15 medium containing 2.0 (mu) M Rhodamine 123, a porphyrin with an affinity for mitochondria. A spark-pumped nitrogen laser pumping a dye cell (Coumarin 500) was aligned on the optical axis of a Nikon Optiphot-2 to produce a 3 ns, 0.5 - 10 micrometers spot (diameter above ablation threshold w/50X water immersion, N.A. 0.8), and energy at the target approximately equals 10 (mu) J/pulse. At short incubation times in Rh123 irradiation caused local blebbing or bulging of cytoplastic membrane and thus loss of the OHC's cylindrical shape. At longer Rh123 incubation times when the central axis of the cell was targeted we observed cytoplasmic clearing, immediate cell elongation (approximately equals 5%) and clumping of core material at nuclear and apical attachments. Experiments are underway to examine the significance of these preliminary observations.
Photogrammetric calibration and colorization of the SwissRanger SR-3100 3-D range imaging sensor

Many robotic and industrial systems require 3-D range-sensing capabilities for mapping, localization, navigation, and obstacle avoidance. Laser-scanning systems that mechanically trace a range-sensing beam over a raster or similar pattern can produce highly accurate models but tend to be bulky and slow when acquiring a significant field of view at useful resolutions. Stereo cameras can provide video-rate range images over significant fields of view but tend to have difficulty with scenes containing low or confusing textures. A new generation of active light, time-of-flight range sensors use a 2-D array of sensor elements to produce a 3-D range image at video rates. These sensors pose unique calibration challenges, requiring both the usual calibration of lens distortion (intrinsic calibration) and calibration of the time-of-flight range measurement (3-D calibration). We present our application of a photogrammetric calibration approach using inexpensive printed optical targets and off-the-shelf software to solve both intrinsic and range calibrations for the MESA Imaging SwissRanger SR-3100 range imaging sensor. Specific calibration issues stemming from this sensor's correlation of reflectivity with measured range are identified. We further present the integration of this otherwise grayscale 3-D sensor with an optical camera, providing a full-color, video-rate 3-D sensing solution.
Transmittance Band Model For Atmospheric Nitrous Oxide In The Infrared

The problem of numerically determining the parameters which describe an analytical transmission function for gaseous molecular absorption over an infrared band is addressed. A double exponential described by three absorber parameters and one spectral parameter is proposed as the transmission function. Four numerical methods for the determination of the parameters are briefly discussed, and applied to line-by-line and measured spectra for nitrous oxide (N20) over its three principal infrared bands. A discussion is also presented on a comparison between the line-by-line and the laboratory measured spectra. The model developed with the recommended method reproduced the original data with an overall rms deviation of 1.49%, which is an improvement over a previously reported model. The model parameters at 5 cm -1 intervals for 20 cm-1 resolution transmitt ance calculations throughout the bands, are available upon request in a form compatible with the LOWTRAN code.
Using source separation methods for endmember selection

We develop a method for automatic end-member selection in hyperspectral images. The method models a hyperspectral pixel as a linear mixture of an unknown number of materials. In contrast to many end-member selection methods, the new method selects end-members based on the statistics of large numbers of pixels rather than attempting to identify a small number of the purest pixels. The method is based on maximizing the independence of material abundances at each pixel. We show how independent component analysis algorithms can be adapted for use with this problem. We show properties of the method by application to synthetic hyperspectral data.
Exercise Tolerance and the Post Exercise Diastolic Filling Pattern in Patients With the Resting Impaired Relaxation

Background: In patients with normal LV systolic function, cardiac output increases with exercise mediated by increased stroke volume early in exercise and an increase in heart rate later in exercise. Despite normal LV systolic function, patients who display an impaired relaxation pattern may have a reduced exercise tolerance. We hypothesized that the resting impaired relaxation pattern that persists during exercise results in reduced LV filling volume and reduced exercise tolerance. Methods: We evaluated consecutive exercise echocardiograms performed at Harper Hospital from 1998-2000 for patients with sinus rhythm, normal resting wall motion and ejection fraction (> 55%), evidence of resting impaired relaxation, and a negative exercise echocardiogram. There were 49 patients fitting the above criteria who were compared with a group of age and sex matched patients (43 patients) with a normal rest and exercise echocardiogram with normal resting transmitral Doppler. Rest and post exercise echocardiography and Doppler parameters were obtained. Results: Patients in the impaired relaxation group demonstrated shorter exercise times as compared to the normal control group (8.8 ± 1.6 versus 9.7 ± 2.0 minutes, P < 0.001). In patients with normal resting transmitral diastolic filling, there was an increased the extent of atrial contribution to LV filling volume post exercise associated with shortening of isovolumic relaxation. Two patterns were seen in the impaired relaxation group post exercise. In 1 subgroup in which E/A ratio decreased post exercise, exercise duration was reduced (7.4 ± 1.3 minutes, P < 0.001) as compared to the subgroup with E/A increase (9.6 ± 1.2 minutes) post exercise which was similar to normal controls. Forward stepwise regression indicated that exercise time was primarily related to E/A change post exercise for all patient groups (r = 0.625, P = 0.0008). Specifically, this was true for patients with E/A reversal at rest (r = 0.584, P = 0.0028). However, for patients with normal diastolic filling at rest, the diastolic velocity integral was the major predictor (r = 0.695, P < 0.0084). Conclusion: We conclude that the transmitral Doppler pattern post exercise provides insight into the mechanism of reduced exercise tolerance in some patients with the resting impaired relaxation pattern. Preservation of this pattern post exercise is associated with reduced exercise tolerance. Cardiol Res. 2011;2(4):139-149 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr71w
Drink Boiled Water: A Cultural Analysis of a Health Education Message

How are public health messages interpreted by people in developing countries? Messages that fail to take the lay health culture into consideration are open to misinterpretation, compartmentalization and desensitization to priority issues. My purpose is not to preach the importance of a cultural perspective in health education since the literature is riddled with this sermon. But I would like to present a case to illustrate the point. The example concerns the most basic of health messages, ‘boil drinking water’.