cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Getting What You Paid For— Paying For What You Get Proposals for the Next Transportation Reauthorization

When Congress passed the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, it gave the Bureau of Public Roads a clear mission: oversee construction of a safe, high-speed Interstate Highway System. As that system neared completion in the 1980s, the mission of the Department of Transportation became increasingly murky. Now the department is supposed to reduce congestion; attract people out of their automobiles; clean the air; promote economic development; improve livability; create a sense of community: and accomplish a variety of other often conflicting goals — most of which are not easily quantifiable. As the mission became muddied, each surface transportation reauthorization since 1982 has included an increasing number of earmarks, divided revenues among more and more different funds, and added lengthy rules for how those funds may be spent. Each earmark, apportionment, and rule has made transportation spending incrementally less efficient. This increasing politicization of something that began life as a fairly efficient program is the predictable result of government involvement in what is essentially a private economic activity. The inevitability of such decline is a good argument for abolishing the U.S. Department of Transportation and devolving federal transportation programs to the states.Short of that, Congress should make every effort to return to a system where people get what they pay for — that is, transportation user fees are dedicated to systems that benefit the people who paid those fees — and people pay for what they get — that is, people pay the full cost of the facilities they use.As a second-best solution to abolishing the Department of Transportation, this paper offers eight proposals essential for the 2009 reauthorization to achieve these goals. These proposals include:1) Apportion funds to states based on population, land area, and user fees; 2) Require that short-term plans be efficient or cost efficient; 3) Create a citizen-enforcement process that will ensure efficiency and cost efficiency; 4) Eliminate long-range transportation planning; 5) Allow unlimited use of road tolls; 6) Eliminate clean-air mandates; 7) Avoid earmarks; 8) Remove employee protective arrangements from transit law.
Does Golyadkin Really Have a Double? Dostoevsky Debunks the Mental Capacity and Insane Delusion Doctrines

In Dostoevsky's "The Double," one of the great, but lesser known Russian novels, protagonist Golyadkin suddenly meets his identical twin, who ostensibly wreaks havoc on his life.While "The Double" appears to have nothing to do with the law of wills and trusts and has not been redacted into any law school case book, I now suggest what might irritate some staunch traditionalists -- namely that Dostoyevsky should claim an entire chapter on the mental capacity doctrine. It is this article's narrow thesis that "The Double" debunks, or, at least sheds doubt, on some basic mental capacity and insane delusion concepts. On a broader level, this article, diveded into four parts, explores Dostoevsky's proposition that in many cases, we (as lawyers or mere mortals) are incapable of determining unsound mind and insane delusions.Part II focuses on wills and trusts because it boasts of having a sacrosanct policy in favor of testamentary freedom. Despite that policy's stronghold, courts have in some cases limited or eradicated a decedent's ability to direct the disposition of property upon death. One instance is where contestants argue lack of mental capacity or use a doctrine called "insane delusion" or "monomania" to invalidate estate plans that either omit them entirely or slight them as beneficiaries. Although in wills' law, sound mind and insane delusion are legal constructs, this article, borrowing from the psychiatric definitions of "bizarre" and "non-bizarre" delusions, cordons them to Dostoevsky's message in "The Double." Part III, shifting from law to literature, summarizes the story in "The Double" and the raging debate over not just the novel's meaning, but also Golyadkin's mental condition. This part suggests that the controversy surrounding this novel belies the fact that in "The Double" we cannot ascertain what is real and what is hallucination. This part, linking Dostoevsky's thesis to the current mental capacity doctrines, suggests that Golyadkin, like many testators, would baffle our courts if his psyche were under the will-contest microscope. In fact, the uncertainty in "The Double" resembles the disquieting dubiousness of such contests, particularly in litigation in which individuals are alleged to have "non-bizarre" delusions. This part goes further than just complaining, however, but, taking a stab at a solution, proposes the sort of doctrinal revamping, which would heed Dostoevsky's wise admonition. Part IV concludes by revisiting the one (or two Golyadkins) who disclose(s) the most deleterious effect of our current capacity law and demonstrates why it is so crucial to make change.
Source Coding with Mismatched Distortion Measures

We consider the problem of lossy source coding with a mismatched distortion measure. That is, we investigate what distortion guarantees can be made with respect to distortion measure $\tilde{\rho}$, for a source code designed such that it achieves distortion less than $D$ with respect to distortion measure $\rho$. We find a single-letter characterization of this mismatch distortion and study properties of this quantity. These results give insight into the robustness of lossy source coding with respect to modeling errors in the distortion measure. They also provide guidelines on how to choose a good tractable approximation of an intractable distortion measure.
Catching whales and minnows using WiFiNet: deconstructing non-WiFi interference using WiFi hardware

We present WiFiNet--a system to detect, localize, and quantify the interference impact of various non-WiFi interference sources on WiFi traffic using commodity WiFi hardware alone. While there are numerous specialized solutions today that can detect the presence of non-WiFi devices in the unlicensed spectrum, the unique aspects of WiFiNet are four-fold: First, WiFiNet quantifies the actual interference impact of each non-WiFi device on specific WLAN traffic in real-time, which can vary from being a whale -- a device that currently causes a significant reduction in WiFi throughput -- to being a minnow -- a device that currently has minimal impact. WiFiNet continuously monitors changes in a device's impact that depend on many spatio-temporal factors. Second, it can accurately discern an individual device's impact in presence of multiple and simultaneously operating non-WiFi devices, even if the devices are of the exact same type. Third, it can pin-point the location of these non-WiFi interference sources in the physical space. Finally, and most importantly, WiFiNet meets all these objectives not by using sophisticated and high resolution spectrum sensors, but by using emerging off-the-shelf WiFi cards that provide coarse-grained energy samples per sub-carrier. Our deployment and evaluation of WiFiNet demonstrates its high accuracy--interference estimates are within ±10% of the ground truth and the median localization error is ≤ 4 meters. We believe a system such as WiFiNet can empower existing WiFi clients and APs to adapt against non-WiFi interference in ways that have not been possible before.
A variational principle for time of arrival of null geodesics

We show how to construct a generating family for the singularities of the null surface that is obtained by following null geodesics normal to a spacelike closed two-surface. The construction is based on the priciple of least time of arrival of light signals from a source to a localized observer.
Catalysis of homologous DNA pairing by yeast Rad51 and Rad54 proteins

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD51 and RAD54 genes are both required for the occurrence of homologous recombination and for the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks1. Previous studies have indicated that Rad51 protein, together with the single-stranded DNA-binding factor replication protein A (RPA), can promote the formation of heteroduplex DNA2,3,4, which is a key intermediate in homologous recombination1. Here we report the purification of the Rad54 protein to near homogeneity and the biochemical testing of its molecular function. We find that Rad54 protein possesses a double-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase activity, and that it interacts with the Rad51 protein. Addition of Rad54 protein to reactions containing Rad51 strongly stimulates the rate of pairing between homologous single-stranded and double-stranded DNA molecules. We conclude that Rad54 acts to overcome kinetic impediments that would limit homologous DNA pairing between recombining chromosomes in vivo.
Catabolic pathways for glucose in the cichlid fish, Cichlasoma bimaculatum.

1. 1. The pathways responsible for the degradation of glucose in the cichlid fish, Cichlasoma binaculatum, were identified by comparing the rate and extent of production of respiratory 14CO2 from specifically labeled carbon atoms of glucose, acetate, gluconate and glucuronate. 2. 2. Within 24 hr, 53, 47, 66 and 56 per cent of the injected radio-activity was recovered in respiratory CO2 from glucose labeled on C-1, C-2, C-3(4) and C-6 atoms. 3. 3. Radioactivity recovered in respiratory CO2 from C-1 of acetate was 98 per cent and from C-2 of acetate, 70 per cent; from gluconate-114C, 47 per cent, and from glucuronate-6-14C, 89 per cent in 24 hr. 4. 4.Glucose was metabolized via three pathways: Glycolysis and the TCA cycle accounted approximately for 66 per cent; the pentose pathway for 19 cent, and the glucoronate pathway for 22 per cent.
Do anticoagulation with heparin and protamine reversal alter thrombogenicity of coated and noncoated pulmonary artery catheters

Objective: To clarify the role of anticoagulation with heparin and protamine reversal on the effectiveness of heparin bonding or coating of pulmonary artery catheters in preventing thrombus formation in the Rhesus monkey. Design: A controlled, unblinded, open-labeled study. Setting: A research laboratory at Tulane School of Medicine (New Orleans, LA). Participants: Twenty-four anesthetized Rhesus monkeys. Interventions: The monkeys were assigned to one of four groups. In the first group (group A), non-heparin-coated catheters were inserted into a femoral vein through an incision, advanced proximally for a distance of 30 cm, and left in place for 1 hour. In the second group (group B), heparin-coated catheters were placed and evaluated in the same manner as in group A. In the third group (group C), the primates received 3 mg/kg of heparin intravenously (IV) before insertion of a non-heparin-coated pulmonary artery catheter. After the catheter had been in place for 1 hour, protamine, 3 mg/kg IV, was administered, and the catheter was left in place for an additional hour. In the final group (group D), the primates received 3 mg/kg of heparin IV before insertion of a heparin-coated pulmonary artery catheter. After the catheter had been in place for 1 hour, protamine, 3 mg/kg IV, was administered, and the catheter was left in place for an additional hour. In each group, the catheter was withdrawn with the balloon inflated to minimize any stripping of thrombus from the surface of the catheter. Thrombus was removed from the catheter through a femoral vein cutdown and weighed. Laboratory values were determined for each animal, and clot formation was evaluated in each group. After completion of the study, the animals were returned to the primate breeding colony. Measurements and Main Results: There were no significant differences in hematocrit, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, or platelet levels among the four groups; therefore, the data were pooled. Clots were observed on five of six catheters in both groups A and C; however, clot formation was seen in one of six catheters in group B and three of six catheters in group D. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) in mean clot weight in group A (265 ± 68 mg; range, 0 to 447 mg) compared with 13 ± 13 mg in group B (range, 0 to 80 mg). There was no significant difference in mean clot weight in group C (104 ± 35 mg; range, 0 to 202 mg) compared with group D (24 ± 16 mg, range, 0 to 98 mg). Additionally, in group C, the mean clot weight was significantly less than in group A. Conclusion: Anticoagulation of primates with heparin before catheter insertion imparts some protection to non-coated catheters, and protamine reversal of anticoagulation with heparin may partially negate the protective effect seen with heparin-coated pulmonary artery catheters.
Transmission of polyimide during pulsed ultraviolet laser irradiation

Experiments that demonstrate quantitatively the importance of laser absorption dynamics for ultraviolet laser ablation of organic materials are presented. Laser pulse transmission measurements have been performed on 0.1 μm spin-coated polyimide films at three ultraviolet wavelengths (193 nm, 248 nm, and 355 nm) over the fluence range 10−3 −10 J/cm2. Target transmission is observed to increase with increasing fluence by a factor of ∼5 at 193 nm, and a factor of ∼10 at 248 nm. In contrast, transmission decreases by approximately one half during 355 nm target irradiation. These results are analyzed theoretically with a two-level model of chromophore absorption. This theory is also applied to reported pulsed UV-laser polyimide ablation data. It is shown that an accurate description of the fluence-dependent film absorption leads to a prediction of the etch depth versus pulse fluence relationship in good agreement with experimental data.
Connection and Regulation at Home and in School Predicting Growth in Achievement for Adolescents

Qualities of adolescent-adult relationships across home and school environments are examined as predictors of academic growth in mathematics. An ethnically diverse sample of adolescents was drawn from the National Educational Longitudinal Study, 1988. In separate analyses, adolescents’perceptions of (a) connection with parents and teachers and (b) regulation from parents and teachers uniquely predicted academic growth in math from 8th to 12th grade. Thus, assets across home and school were additive. No evidence supported a compensatory process in which less connection or regulation at home was compensated by the presence of these experiences in school. Within school, teacher connection was the strongest predictor for all adolescents, but a combination of connection and regulation, making up an authoritative teaching style, predicted even greater academic growth in math for adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
The influence of selection test type on applicant reactions to employment testing

The impact of employment selection devices on the reactions of simulated applicants was investigated. In Study 1, 141 subjects were “failed” on either a biographical inventory, a cognitive ability test, a trainability test or a work sample test. Subjects rejected on the basis of biographical inventory scores perceived the test as less difficult, coped more adaptively, and had better moods than subjects tested with the other instruments. The biographical inventory was also seen as more fakable, but less amenable to improvement through feedback or training than the other devices. We hypothesized that differences among tests in cognitive demand is a primary cause of differences in applicant reaction. In Study 2 (N=151) the comparison of the effects of two biographical inventories to two cognitive ability tests supported our hypothesis, and replicated the findings of Study 1 across failure and success conditions.
Correlation of time-temperature indicator response with microbial growth in pasteurized milk.

Commercially obtained pasteurized whole milk was stored at three constant temperatures (0°C, 5°C, and 10°C), and one variable temperature condition (cyclic exposure of 0°C for 14 days and 10°C for 2 days). Daily analyses were conducted to enumerate the growth of total bacteria, coliforms, psychrotrophs, and spore forming organisms in samples from each storage treatment. Microbial growth was correlated with the response of the I-POINT and LifeLine full-history time-temperature indicators. Response of the I-POINT model 2140 was strongly related to germination of the psychrotrophic bacteria, and significant correlations (r > 0.95) were found between total count enumeration and the LifeLine model 57 indicator.
Fenbendazole‐related drug residues in milk from treated dairy cows

Oral administration of [14C] fenbendazole (FBZ) at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg leads to the presence of radiolabel in the milk of lactating dairy cows. However, the maximum mean concentration of total FBZ equivalents quantitated to one-third of the recommended safe concentration in milk (1.67 micrograms/mL). The label is equally distributed to the fat and aqueous portions of the milk. The maximum level, in general, is attained approximately 24-36 h after drug administration, with the highest levels ranging from 24 to 48 h after administration. The residues rapidly deplete, attaining levels of 10-20 ng/mL by day 5, and are essentially undetectable by radiolabel monitoring by day 6. Extraction of the milk by matrix solid phase dispersion indicated that the label was distributed between traces of the parent drug, FBZ, and predominantly, the FBZ sulphoxide (SO) and sulphone (SO2) metabolites. No other radiolabelled peaks were observed. Based on these data the metabolites of FBZ, FBZ-sulphone and FBZ-sulphoxide, could be used as marker residues for monitoring the administration of FBZ to lactating dairy cows.
Interventions to Increase Physician Participation in a Voluntary Reporting System: The Rhode Island Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Project

AbstractThe voluntary reporting system for adverse drug reactions, operated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is an important component of the postmarketing surveillance process. Despite this, the system is under-used by the physicians upon whom it depends. The FDA contracted with the Rhode Island Department of Health in 1985 to conduct a pilot reporting project to investigate how physician participation in the voluntary reporting system could be increased. A variety of different educational interventions were directed at the Rhode Island physician community. By the end of a two year study period, reports had increased 17-fold. Evaluation of the interventions through a survey of Rhode Island physicians indicated that hospital presentations, a project newsletter and mailings were the most effective educational interventions. Conversely, journal articles, advertisements and articles in hospital newsletters were identified as the least effective interventions. This assessment of project intervent...
Determination of halothane distribution in the rat head using 19F NMR technique.

The distribution of halothane in the rat head was examined with 19F NMR rotatingframe zuegmatography and 2DFT 19F NMR imaging. The rotating frame experiments were conducted at varying times following anesthesia to assess the time dependence of the halothane distribution. The results of these experiments demonstrate that halothane and halothane metabolite are unequally partitioned through the rat tissues examined. 19F spin-echo imaging experiments were conducted immediately following anesthesia. The results of these experiments are compared with those of the spectroscopic technique. © 1989 Academic Press, Inc.
Effect of Folate-Targeted Nanoparticle Size on Their Rates of Penetration into Solid Tumors

Targeted therapies are emerging as a preferred strategy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. To evaluate the impact of a high affinity targeting ligand on the rate and extent of tumor penetration of different sized nanomedicines, we have used intravital multiphoton microscopy to quantitate the kinetics of tumor accumulation of a homologous series of folate-PEG-rhodamine conjugates prepared with polyethylene glycols (PEG) of different molecular weights. We demonstrate that increasing the size of the folate-PEG-rhodamine conjugates results in both longer circulation times and slower tumor penetration rates. Although a "binding site barrier" is observed with the folate-linked polymers in folate receptor expressing tumors, ligand targeting eventually leads to increased tumor accumulation, with endocytosis of the targeted nanocarriers contributing to their enhanced tumor retention. Because the effects of nanocarrier size, shape, chemistry, and targeting ligand are interconnected and complex, we suggest that these parameters must be carefully optimized for each nanocarrier to ensure optimal drug delivery in vivo.
Finite-size scaling of the Ising model in four dimensions.

The four-dimensional Ising model is studied to probe the possibility of observing in Monte Carlo simulations the logarithmic corrections to the mean-field theory near criticality. The finite-size-scaling behavior for the correlation length is proposed. The scaling forms of the finite-size renormalized coupling, susceptibility, and fourth field derivative at the renormalized tree-level approximation are derived. These results are used to analyze simulation data of the simple hypercubic lattices of sizes 4\ensuremath{\le}L\ensuremath{\le}14, near criticality. Our simulation results are in agreement with the presence of logarithmic corrections and recent field-theoretical calculations of the specific heat. The approach to the nonscattering theory is observed and is consistent with the predicted logarithmic finite-size dependence.
Pharmacologic profile of diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Various hemoglobin compounds have been evaluated as potential oxygen-carrying, blood volume expanders, but toxicity has prevented clinical application. Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb) represents a modified hemoglobin compound that is derived from human red blood cells and maintained in a tetrameric configuration by cross-linkages between the two alpha chains of the hemoglobin molecule. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind, cross-over trial, DCLHb's safety and pharmacologic parameters were evaluated in 18 subjects receiving chronic hemodialytic therapy. A 30-minute infusion of 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg DCLHb or placebo was given at the start of routine hemodialysis. One week later, the alternate treatment (placebo or DCLHb) was administered. Maximum plasma hemoglobin concentrations and terminal half-life values were calculated for each dosage group. Dialysate was collected and assayed for hemoglobin. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline and the volume of hypertonic saline administered for treatment of hypotension during hemodialysis were measured. The maximum plasma hemoglobin concentrations increased with DCLHb dose and occurred at the end of DCLHb infusion. The mean (±SD) terminal half-life ranged from 2.1 ± 1.0 hours in the 25 mg/kg DCLHb group to 4.3 ± 1.4 hours in the 100 mg/kg group, but did not differ significantly between groups. Mean baseline plasma hemoglobin connected areas under the plasma concentration-time curves increased from 89 to 1,136 mg/hr/dL across the fourfold dose range. Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin was not dialyzable as none was detected in dialysate. The maximum increase in systolic blood pressure from baseline increased significantly with DCLHb dose compared with placebo ( P
Super Yang-Mills theory at weak, intermediate, and strong coupling

We consider three dimensional $\mathrm{SU}(N) \mathcal{N}=1$ super-Yang-Mills theory compactified on the space-time $\mathbf{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{S}^{1}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{S}^{1}$. In particular, we compactify the light-cone coordinate ${x}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ on a light-like circle via DLCQ, and wrap the remaining transverse coordinate ${x}^{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ on a spatial circle. By retaining only the first few excited modes in the transverse direction, we are able to solve for bound state wave functions and masses numerically by diagonalizing the discretized light-cone supercharge. This regularization of the theory is shown to preserve supersymmetry. We plot bound state masses as a function of the coupling, showing the transition in particle masses as we move from a weakly to a strongly coupled theory. We analyze both numerically and analytically massless states which exist only in the limit of strong or weak gauge coupling. In addition, we find massless states that persist for all values of the gauge coupling. An analytical treatment of these massless states is provided. Interestingly, in the strong coupling limit, these massless states become string-like.
Quantum field theory for the multi-variable Alexander-Conway polynomial

Abstract We investigate in this paper the quantum field theory description of the multi-variable Alexander polynomial (Δ). We first study the WZW model on the GL(1, 1). It presents a number of interesting features including non-compactness, non-simplicity, 1/ k 2 quantum corrections, and logarithms in the current blocks. We compute the four-point functions, determine the scalar product of current blocks and make contact with the U q gl(1, 1) quantum group. We then discuss the gl(1,1) Chern-Simons model and recover the eight relations that uniquely determine Δ, as shown recently by Murakami. We discuss also how Δ can be computed by link surgery. The analysis runs into some difficulties due to the facts that Δ is zero in the braid group approach unless a strand is open, and that Δ vanishes for a split link. We propose some formal solutions to these. In appendices we give the full set of U q gl(1, 1) 6 j coefficients, we deal with details of the free field representations of gl(1, 1) (1) , and we explain how the Burau matrix can be computed via monodromy and contour representation of a link, establishing the connection between quantum field theory and a recent paper by Moody.
Preparation and characterization of bio-nanocomposite films based on soy protein isolate and montmorillonite using melt extrusion

The non-biodegradable and non-renewable nature of plastic packaging has led to a renewed interest in packaging materials based on bio-nanocomposites (biopolymer matrix reinforced with nanoparticles such as layered silicates). Bio-nanocomposite films based on soy protein isolate (SPI) and montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared using melt extrusion. Effects of the pH of film forming solution, MMT content, and extrusion processing parameters (screw speed and barrel temperature distribution) on the structure and properties of SPI–MMT bio-nanocomposite films were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for structural characterization of the films. Properties of the films were determined by tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and water vapor barrier measurement. The arrangement of MMT in the soy protein matrix ranged from exfoliated at lower MMT content (5%) to intercalated at higher MMT content (15%). There was a significant improvement in mechanical (tensile strength and percent elongation at break) and dynamic mechanical properties (glass transition temperature and storage modulus), thermal stability, and water vapor permeability of the films with the addition of MMT. The results presented in this study show the feasibility of using bio-nanocomposite technology to improve the properties of biopolymer films based on SPI.
Intakes of most nutrients remain at acceptable levels during a weight management program using the food exchange system

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if the food exchange system allows subjects' nutrient intake to remain at recommended levels during a weight-loss program. Design Subjects in an intervention were prescribed an energy-restriction diet and exercise program lasting 32 weeks, and nutrient intake was measured prestudy and after 12, 16, and 32 weeks. Subjects/setting Healthy but overweight and obese premenopausal women (n=219) were recruited at 6 university sites into community-based weight loss programs. One hundred fifteen women completed all aspects of the study. Intervention Energy intake was set at 0.8×resting metabolic rate (RMR) for weeks 1 through 12, 1.0×RMR for weeks 13 through 20, and 1.2×RMR for weeks 21 through 32. Energy intake was based on food exchange tables, with the number of food exchanges adjusted to encourage a distribution of 55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 15% protein. Subjects increased their daily walking distance to 3.2km above prestudy levels. Main outcome measures Nutrient intake was measured from four 3-day food records. Statistical analyses performed Repeated measures analysis of variance, with specific time point changes assessed from paired t tests adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results Body mass decreased by a mean±SD of 6.7±3.2kg at week 12 and 7.8±6.2kg by week 32. Walking distance increased by an average of 17.2±10.0km/week during the first 12 weeks, and 12.4±12.4km/week during the last 20 weeks. Despite a 23% to 36% reduction in energy intake during the study, intake of most nutrients was maintained. Intake of vitamin E, calcium, iron, and zinc decreased significantly from prestudy levels during the first 16 weeks of the intervention, but not at week 32. Applications/conclusions Intake of most nutrients can remain at recommended levels when overweight and obese women follow the American Diabetes Association/American Dietetic Association food exchange system during a community-based weight-loss program. Introduction. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101;554–558, 561 .
Single Session Simulations: The Effectiveness of Short Congressional Simulations in Introductory American Government Classes.

ABSTRACT Simulations are widely viewed to be effective pedagogical tools; however, evidence concerning their effects on student learning has been largely anecdotal or unsystematic in nature. In addition, most of the literature focuses on fairly complex simulations that require more class time and demand more of students than may be possible in many circumstances, particularly in introductory level classes. In the fall of 2004, I conducted a quasi experiment in order to better understand the potential effectiveness of short and simple legislative simulations in introductory level classes. The conditions under which students in both classes were taught were very similar, with the exception of the simulation, which was only used in one of the classes. Results of a pretest indicated that the classes were not significantly different in either their knowledge of legislative processes or a variety of other potentially relevant characteristics. Analysis of a posttest given to both of the classes after the simulat...
Follow-up After Curative Resection of Colorectal Cancer

Of the 13.7 million cancer survivors living in the United States as of January 2012, 1.2 million, or 9 %, were colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Determining an optimal surveillance for CRC survivors is necessary because of the significant burden follow-up poses to patients, physicians, and the health care system. Currently, there is no consensus regarding optimal follow-up in CRC patients. Current literature and published guidelines related to CRC follow-up were reviewed to examine the evidence for the surveillance strategies and specific tools demonstrated to improve outcome after curative CRC resection. An intensive surveillance strategy results in increased identification of recurrences amenable to curative resection but does not result in reduced overall or CRC-specific mortality. Patients most likely to benefit from surveillance include younger patients, those with earlier tumors, locoregional recurrences, longer time to recurrence, lower carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels before reoperation, and those with isolated recurrence. Complete resection of recurrence is the only factor consistently associated with improved survival. CEA, colonoscopy, and liver-focused imaging surveillance appear to have the greatest impact on mortality after curative CRC resection. A CRC surveillance strategy is recommended that includes tumor risk stratification, that provides a focus on identifying recurrences amenable to complete resection, and that utilizes those modalities demonstrated to be most effective at improving outcome after CRC resection.
The Ranking of Masters Programs in International Business – Comment

The recent article by Lee Nehrt on "The Ranking of Masters Programs in International Business" in the Fall 1987 issue of JIBS, aims to remedy the perceived inadequacies of the 1984 Ball and McCulloch ranking of "leading" International Business programs in the U.S., based on opinions of members of the Academy of International Business, by developing a ranking of these schools, based on "facts." Nehrt did indeed set himself a formidable task attempting to collect such information in view not only of the growing number of schools introducing international business programs, and the variety of "data" which might be collected, but also the complexity of the ranking task. Nehrt cites the Gourman Report (unreferenced) as developing rankings of business school programs based on:
MAX as an overall control mechanism for multidiscipline installation art

Abstract Installation art aims to establish a self-defining artistic universe, a landscape of the imagination, enclosed within a self-contained sculptural space which the audience enters, and by the act of entering, becomes, themselves, a part of it. This paper deals with the use of MAX as an overall control mechanism for the coordination of the various musical elements involved in an installation piece.
The proper use of adrenal hormonal drugs in pediatric practice.

Summary The most specific application of the adrenocortical hormonal drugs is as replacement therapy in adrenocortical insufficiency: Addison's disease and the adrenogenital syndrome. However, the most widespread utility of these substances at present is as pharmacologic agents in a variety of diseases wherein the nonspecific antiphologistic benefits are to be sought. These large doses produce many metabolic effects which are undersirable, only some of which have been eliminated by the several newly synthesized analogues of cortisone. Indiscriminate prescription of adrenocortical hormones in pediatric disease, wherein the diagnosis has not been established is to be decried. But their use under welldefined circumstances has proved of value for the present, although it is hoped that the elucidation of the etiology of disease will eventually permit more specific therapy. The pediatrician should clearly understand the actions and possible complications of treatment and should observe the precautions and measures for dealing with the complications.
Extinction and recovery patterns of scleractinian corals at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary

Abstract The extinction and recovery of scleractinian corals at the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) boundary was analyzed based on a global database of taxonomically revised late Campanian to Paleocene coral collections. In contrast to earlier statements, our results indicate that extinction rates of corals were only moderate in comparison to other marine invertebrates. We have calculated a 30% extinction rate for Maastrichtian coral genera occurring in more than one stratigraphic stage and more than one geographic region. Reverse rarefaction suggests that some 45% of all coral species became extinct. Photosymbiotic (zooxanthellate) corals were significantly more affected by the extinction than azooxanthellate corals; colonial forms were hit harder than solitary forms, and among colonial forms an elevated integration of corallites raised extinction risk. Abundance, as measured by the number of taxonomic occurrences, had apparently no influence on survivorship, but a wide geographic distribution significantly reduced extinction risk. As in bivalves and echinoids neither species richness within genera nor larval type had an effect on survivorship. An indistinct latitudinal gradient is visible in the extinction, but this is exclusively due to a higher proportion of extinction-resistant azooxanthellate corals in higher-latitude assemblages. No significant geographic hotspot could be recognized, neither in overall extinction rates nor in the extinction of endemic clades. More clades than previously recognized passed through the K–T boundary only to become extinct within the Danian. These failed survivors were apparently limited to regions outside the Americas. Recovery as defined by the proportional increase of newly evolved genera, was more rapid for zooxanthellate corals than previously assumed and less uniform geographically than the extinction. Although newly evolved Danian azooxanthellate genera were significantly more common than new zooxanthellate genera, the difference nearly disappeared by the late Paleocene suggesting a more rapid recovery of zooxanthellate corals in comparison to previous analyses. New Paleocene genera were apparently concentrated in low latitudes, suggesting that the tropics formed a source of evolutionary novelty in the recovery phase.
Surface mechanical properties - effects of ion implantation

Abstract Ion implantation has been used to modify the mechanical properties of a wide range of metals and alloys. The affected properties which have been studied include friction and wear, erosion and fatigue. Both BCC and FCC systems have been examined, with the major effort being directed at the former, due to the strong influence of interstitial implantants on mechanical properties of BCC and because of the industrial utility of these alloys. In seeking the microstructural origins of these sometimes dramatic effects, researchers have employed numerous surface analysis techniques, including backscattering and electron spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, X-ray and Mossbauer analysis and internal friction measurements. The interactions of surface dislocation structures with implantation-induced imperfections, surface alloying, and precipitation phenomena are discussed. A review is given of the current status of activities as represented by a number of research groups.
High-resolution x- and γ-ray detection using 4H-SiC n-type epitaxial layer

Schottky barrier diode (SBD) radiation detectors on n-type 4H-SiC epitaxial layer have been fabricated and evaluated for low energy x- and γ-rays detection. The detectors were highly sensitive to soft x-rays in the 50 eV to few keV range and showed 2.1% resolution in detecting low energy y-rays of 59.6 keV from 241Am x/γ ray source. The detector's response to soft x-rays was significantly higher than that of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) SiC UV photodiode. The devices have been characterized by current-voltage (I-V) measurements in the 94-700 K range, thermally stimulated current (TSC) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD) rocking curve measurements, and defect delineating chemical etching. I-V characteristics of the detectors at 500 K showed low leakage current (<; 2 nA at 200 V) revealing a possibility of high temperature operation. XRD rocking curve measurements revealed high quality of the epitaxial layer exhibiting full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the rocking curve - 3.6 arc sec. TSC studies in wide temperature range of 94 - 550 K revealed relatively shallow levels (0.25 eV) in the epi bulk with the density ~7×1013 cm-3 related to AI and B impurities and deeper levels located near the metal-semiconductor interface only. Our measurements showed no effect of charge trapping on detector's responsivity in the low energy x-ray range.
Spatial, seasonal, and diel forest floor moisture dynamics in Jeffrey pine-white fir forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin, USA

Abstract Variation in consumption of forest floor fuels in temperate coniferous forests have been linked to variation in fire effects, including mineral soil heating, tree mortality, and erosion. Moisture content of forest floor fuels influences consumption and therefore is a primary predictor of fire behavior and effects. To better understand spatial and temporal variability in forest floor moisture, we collected fuels from each forest floor horizon, cones, and woody fuels in four long-unburned Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) – white fir (Abies concolor) stands within the Lake Tahoe Basin, USA. To isolate the effects of spatial position within a stand, fuel moisture was measured at the base of trees, beneath the crown drip line, and beyond the crown in open gaps across a fire season. We compared spatial moisture dynamics at the m2, ha, and Basin scales and temporal dynamics at the day (one 24-h sampling period), month, and year scales (one site was measured in 2009 and 2010). Duff moisture varied spatially within stands, whereas moisture in litter, cones, and woody fuels did not. Forest floor moisture differed between years while woody fuel moisture did not. The variability in field results underscore the importance of measuring duff moisture content, as well as 10-h woody fuel moisture. A better understanding of the complexity of forest fuels will help land managers manage fire in Tahoe Basin forests and inform the understanding of fuels dynamics in other temperate coniferous forests.
Service Learning as a Mechanism for Change in Attitudes and Perceptions of Human Services Students Toward Substance-Dependent Mothers

The purpose of the study was to explore the potential effectiveness of service learning as a pedagogical technique for providing substance abuse education to human services/social work students. Using a quasi-experimental design, the authors assigned 38 human services undergraduate students to experimental and comparison groups on the basis of their availability to attend a service-learning project in substance abuse. The service learning consisted of a 30-min educational presentation followed by a visit to a residential substance abuse treatment facility for women. Results indicated that service learning in substance abuse had a positive effect on the general knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of human services students toward substance-dependent mothers and their children. The findings from this exploratory study support future research in this area.
Icosahedral and related phase formation in rapidly quenched Ti-Zr-Fe alloys

Abstract We report the formation of the icosahderal phase (i-phase) in some rapidly quenched Tix, Zry, Fez, (45 ≤ × ≤ 70; 5 ≤ y ≤ 25; 20 ≤ z ≤ 30) alloys. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies show that unlike the Ti-Zr-Ni i-phase, i(TiZrFe) is strongly disordered, showing strong spot anisotropy and intense localized diffuse scattering. These features, and a smaller quasilattice constant for i(TiZrFe) (a 0 = 4.85A) than for i(TiZrNi) (a 0 = 5.12), indicate that i(TiZrFe) is more closely related to the icosahedral phases found in Ti-3d transition metal-Si alloys. TEM studies also reveal many related crystalline phases dominated by local polytetrahedral order, including α(TiZrFe), a bcc phase that is a 1/1 approximant to the i-phase, the λ-phase, an orthorhombic phase that appears to be an approximant to a decagonal phase, a Laves phase of the hexagonal MgZn2-type, and a Ti2Ni-type fcc phase. Evidence for ordering in the α(TiZrFe) and bcc solid solution phases is presented.
High field NMR, a powerful new analytical tool

Abstract The use of high fields in NMR spectroscopy can result in extra fine structure in the spectrum as a consequence of alignment of the molecules by the magnetic field of the spectrometer. The new information available provides a powerful tool in the analysis of structure and interactions of molecules in liquid solution.
Intertrial movements during distributed shock-escape conditioning

A factorial experiment employed 40 rats in a 2-choice shock-escape situation. Reversal theta was nonsignificantly lower following amphetamine than saline, and significantly lower with a 180 sec. than with a 20 sec. intertriai interval. Since intertriai movements were more frequent with amphetamine and with the 180 sec. interval, it is suggested that the number of intertriai movements be controlled in studies of distribution and successive reversals.
Droplet Combustion, Microexplosion, and Sooting Characteristics of Several Energetic Liquid Propellants

The combustion characteristics of droplets of four newly synthesized energetic fuels, namely, 1 ) 1,4dimethyl ester cubane (which is a solid slightly soluble in conventional liquid fuels ), 2) dihydrobenzvalene, 3) phenyl azide, and 4 ) carborane (which are all liquids ), were experimentally identie ed and quantie ed. Results show that the gradual concentration and eventual condensation of dimethyl ester cubane dissolved in benzene can lead to strong droplet microexplosion; that the three liquid fuels all soot profusely, with the sooting propensity, when compared with other fuels, being in the following order: JP-10 < benzene ’ dihydrobenzvalene < phenyl azide < carborane; and that phenyl azide additionally exhibits fast gasie cation rates, advanced microexplosion events, and sensitivity to halide addition. It is emphasized that a high-energy-density fuel does not automatically imply that it is fast burning, and that it must also possess desirable combustion characteristics, especially minimal sooting formation, before it can be considered for use as a jet fuel or jet fuel additive.
The preplacement evaluation.

The preplacement evaluation remains one of the most common examinations in occupational medicine practice but is still often misunderstood and poorly performed. It is likely to be conducted by a primary care physician rather than a board-certified occupational specialist. There has been a trend in recent years of preplacement physical assessments being increasingly done by nonphysician providers, including physician assistants and nurse clinicians. The lack of occupational medicine training among primary care physicians performing preplacement evaluations can result in various medical, ethical, and legal dilemmas. 22 Family physicians may experience considerable anxiety caused by a sense of divided loyalty to the employer and the patient-employee. 29 Some authors have even contended that primary care physicians performing employment-related examinations often compromise principles of medical ethics, such as confidentiality, truth telling, and beneficence. 21,35 The preplacement evaluation may be requested by a private employer or mandated by a government entity, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Consequently, the content of these evaluations varies considerably. The most common format consists of a self-administered health questionnaire (often outdated), a cursory physical examination, and a few laboratory studies (e.g., urine drug screen). Critical information regarding essential job tasks and workplace exposures is often not available to the examining physician. These so-called form exams leave much to be desired.
Photochemistry of small molecules

Article de synthese par les photolyses de NO, de H 2 O 2 , et de la decomposition de H 2 en presence de Hg (6 3 P 1 ). Mecanismes
Acute adjustment of thermal tolerance in vertebrate ectotherms following exposure to critical thermal maxima

Abstract 1. 1.|Heat hardening in a transitory increase in heat tolerance following a sublethal exposure to lethal high temperatures. 2. 2.|Within 1–2 h of an initial exposure to the critical thermal maximum (CTM), the CTM of two species of amphibians and two species of fish had increased significantly above the initial level and then decreased to the initial level within 24 h. 3. 3.|Experiments with exposure to sub-CTM temperatures and multiple exposures to the CTM indicated that hardening requires exposure to the CTM and may be the maximum CTM attainable by the animal. 4. 4.|Diel and seasonal variation had significant effects on hardening ability. 5. 5.|Field evidence suggests that heat hardening is adaptive in that it provides an acute means of adjustment to extreme fluctuations in diurnal temperatures.