cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Warrant Canaries and Disclosure by Design: The Real Threat to National Security Letter Gag Orders

Since the 1980s, the FBI has issued documents referred to as National Security Letters (NSLs), which demand data from companies — including financial institution records and the customer records of telephone companies and communications service providers — for foreign intelligence investigations. The use of the letters increased dramatically after the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the USA PATRIOT Act’s expansion of the FBI’s statutory NSL authority. But these letters were rarely publicized or publically challenged. They often include gag orders that require recipients not to reveal the contents of the letter, or even its existence. After the leak of classified information by Edward Snowden in 2013, however, numerous corporations were criticized for turning over user data to the government. Communications service providers suddenly became more vocal about challenging the gag orders that accompany NSLs. This Essay summarizes the legal challenges to NSL gags currently underway in the courts and recommends that legal scholars shift focus to extrajudicial measures that communications service providers are adopting unilaterally to cabin the scope of the government’s NSL gag authority. The Essay argues that these extrajudicial measures reframe the legal issues that NSLs raise, and could make ongoing legal challenges to NSL gags obsolete before courts have a chance to decide them.
Electrochemical Hierarchical Composites

Composites with hierarchical structures are considered to be one of the most prevailing materials for various electrochemical applications as they constitute a complex architecture that provides a large internal surface area and enables synergistic effects for electrochemical reactions at the interface. Considering novel nanoscale properties with large-scale processability and affordable cost, hierarchically structured composites could potentially provide the new and transformative approaches to meet the challenges for the modern society: enabling powerful electrochemical devices for renewable energy conversion and storage and environmental monitoring. This chapter reviews the applications of hierarchically structured composites for energy storage, energy conversion, and environmental monitoring. In the section of energy storage, supercapacitors and batteries are intensively reviewed with emphasis on the design, synthesis, and performance evaluation of the hierarchically structured composites; in the section of energy conversion, photoelectrochemical cells and fuel cells are introduced; and in the section of environmental monitoring, we introduce some sensing devices based on the hierarchically structured composites. The fundamental understanding of the structure–property relationship between these hierarchically structured materials and their performances in electrochemical devices will further promote the design of new electrochemical materials with unprecedented properties.
WHY DID “OPERATION CREMATE MONSANTO” FAIL?

ABSTRACT Though promoted by the Government of India, and endorsed by dominant international organizations concerned with agriculture, biotechnology has produced fierce resistance and divisions. “Operation Cremate Monsanto” combined nationalist appeals, opposition to multinational capital, and rejection of genetic engineering in one integrated critique. The movement failed; Monsanto's technology spread rapidly and widely in India. The movement illustrated a larger problematic of understanding interests under conditions of rapid and complex technological change. Science continually presents new challenges to the way interests are understood by citizens and political classes that control states; the sea change in redefinitions of interests — of both individuals and states — introduced by, for example, the atmospheric science of ozone holes and climate change is archetypal, as are the internationally contentious battles in trade and property of “genetically modified organisms.” Interests in biotechnology are ...
Recent Studies in Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle (2001–2010)

AbstractResearch on Margaret Cavendish has developed into a significant and sophisticated body of work. Whereas past scholarship focused substantially on her utopia The Blazing World, her play The Convent of Pleasure, and Cavendish's personal history, it now reaches across disciplines and genres. Cavendish's scientific and philosophical writings have garnered the most attention, often in paired analyses with her fictional or autobiographical texts. This has led to increased interest in all of Cavendish's publications. Much remains to be done: collective exploration of all of her scientific writings, initial exploratory study of her other plays, and critical analysis of her biographical writings and those implementing autobiographical forms or stylistics. Because of its increased complexity and interdisciplinary quality, Cavendish studies also calls for modern, critical editions of her work. (W. S. W.)
Synthesis of R- and S- Fluoxetine, Norfluoxetine and Related Compounds from Styrene Oxide

Abstract A facile, high yield synthesis of R—or S—fluoxetine and norfluoxetine is described. This synthetic route utilizes readily available starting materials.
ANEURYSM OF THE CRANIAL MESENTERIC ARTERY IN A COW

Exploratory laparotomy of an adult dairy cow, examined because of acute signs of persistent abdominal pain, revealed a firm pulsatile mass with associated fremitus just distal to the origin of the cranial mesenteric artery. The cow died acutely 2.5 days after surgery. A dilated, thin-walled, sacculated aneurysm, which had ruptured, was located along the proximal portion of the cranial mesenteric artery. It was postulated that the aneurysm developed secondary to structural defects in the arterial wall, but caused no clinical signs until enlargement and local tissue stretching or circulatory disturbances caused intestinal ischemia, resulting in abdominal pain. Aneurysms of visceral arteries in cattle should be considered as another differential diagnosis for signs of abdominal pain after more common causes such as severe bloat, mesenteric root volvulus, intussusception, cecal dilatation/volvulus, and uterine torsion have been excluded.
A computational system for investigating chemotaxis-based cell aggregation

We have developed a software system that simulates chemotaxis-based cell aggregation in 2D. The model implemented within the system consists of such cell behaviors as chemical diffusion/detection, motility, proliferation, adhesion and life cycle stages. Each virtual cell detects the state of the environment, and responds to the environment based on a pre-defined "program" and its own internal state. Cells are discrete units that are located on a grid, exist in discrete states (e.g. active or dying) and perform discrete tasks (e.g. divide and attach), but they also contain and are affected by continuous quantities (e.g. chemoattractant concentrations, gradients, age and velocities). This paper provides an overview of our chemotaxis-based aggregation model and details the algorithms required to perform chemotaxis-based cell aggregation simulation. A number of biological studies are being conducted with the system. They include fine-tuning the model parameters to reproduce in vitro PC12 cell aggregation experiments and parametric studies that demonstrate the effect that the model's components have on cell aggregation dynamics.
Meiotic Recombination Pathways

Reciprocal recombination between homologous chromosomes in meiosis plays a critical role in promoting accurate reductional chromosome regulation. Meiotic recombination is highly regulated to ensure that at least one reciprocal crossover event occurs between each pair of homologous chromosomes. Keywords: recombination; meiosis; synaptonemal complex
A microRNA-based diagnostic assay distinguishes squamous from non-squamous non small-cell lung carcinoma

A42 Recent advances in developing targeted therapies for lung cancer require greater accuracy in the sub-classification of NSCLC. Therapies such as VEGF inhibitors can be a source of high risk for adverse response in cases of squamous cell carcinoma. Variability and the lack of specific, standardized assays is an impediment to adequately identify patients for such treatments. MicroRNAs are a family of small non-coding RNAs that have a wide impact on gene expression. MicroRNAs are highly tissue-specific, involved in tumorigenesis and well-preserved in various clinical samples including archival FFPE samples, making them promising biomarkers for molecular diagnostics. We applied high-throughput profiling to identify microRNA biomarkers for the differentiatial diagnosis of squamous from non-squamous lung carcinoma, and used microarrays to measure microRNA expression levels in over 100 adenocarcinoma and squamous NSCLC samples. A single microRNA was identified and further validated by qRT-PCR as a highly specific marker for squamous cell lung carcinoma. Based on this finding, a microRNA-based qRT-PCR diagnostic assay that measures expression of this microRNA was developed with dozens of additional NSCLC FFPE samples. The assay was tested and validated on an independent blinded cohort of more than 70 NSCLC FFPE samples, reaching accuracy greater than 90% in identification of squamous cell lung carcinomas. The microRNA-based assay we describe is the first standardized diagnostic assay that can provide highly accurate sub-classification of NSCLC cases.
Inner-shell spectroscopy: An atomic view

Abstract The motivation behind the development of inner-shell electron spectroscopies is to provide techniques for microelemental analysis. This requires that the ionization edges are atomic in form and that atomic cross-sections can be used. The basic atomic theory for inner-shell ionization by fast electrons is reviewed and applied to the calculation of edge shapes in electron energy loss spectroscopy as well as to calculation of partial and total cross-sections for quantitative analysis. The use of purely atomic theories to describe white line features due to excitation to unfilled bound states is also discussed. Finally a brief outline is given of those areas in which the atomic view fails, due to either diffraction effects of the fast electron or scattering of the low-energy ejected electron.
A hardware implementation of realloc function

Abstract The memory intensive nature of object-oriented languages such as C++ and Java has created the need of a high-performance dynamic memory management. Object-oriented applications often generate higher memory intensity in the heap region. Thus, high-performance memory manager is needed to cope with such applications. As today's VLSI technology advances, it becomes more and more attractive to map basic software algorithms such as malloc( ) , free( ) , and realloc( ) into hardware. This paper presents a hardware design of realloc function that fully utilizes the advantage of combinational logic. There are two steps needed to complete a reallocation process: (a) try to reallocate on the original memory block and (b) if (a) failed, allocate another memory block and copy the contents of the original block to this new location. In our scheme, (a) can be done in constant time. For (b), the allocation of new memory block and the deallocation of original block are done in constant time. The hardware complexity of proposed scheme (i.e. X-unit , RS-unit , and ESG-unit ) is O ( n ), where n represents the size of bit-map.
Oxidation and reduction of membrane-bound cytochrome c in Hemophilus parainfluenzae. Reaction with oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and nitrate

Abstract Cytochromes of the a-, b-, c- and d-type become reduced when intact cells of Hemophilus parainfluenzae have become anaerobic following respiration with substrates such as formate or succinate, as shown previously (J. Biol. Chem. (1970) 254, 5096–5100). In the presence of formate after depletion of O2, there is an unusual two-step time course of reduction of the membrane-bound cytochrome c. The proportion of the cytochrome c which is reduced during the second stage is oxidizable by either nitrate or H2O2 and is reduced again when the nitrate or H2O2 have been depleted. We conclude that the observed two-stage reduction of cytochrome c results from the presence of an oxidant, probably H2O2, produced by reaction of formate dehydrogenase with O2. This was shown by the effects of cyanide, catalase and O2. In addition, no evidence for the production of the oxidant is seen when succinate is the substrate oxidized. Although measurements of absorption spectra indicated only one species of cytochrome c, kinetic evidence is presented for some separation of the cytochrome c into more than one electron transport pathway.
Effect of saltating sediment on flow resistance and bed roughness in overland flow

The acceleration of saltating grains by overland flow causes momentum to be transferred from the flow to the grains, thereby increasing flow resistance and bed roughness. To assess the impact of saltating sediment on overland flow hydraulics, velocity profiles in transitional and turbulent flows on a fixed sand-covered bed were measured using hot-film anemometry. Five discharges were studied. At each discharge, three flows were measured: one free of sediment, one with a relatively low sediment load, and one with a relatively high sediment load. In these flows from 83 to 90 per cent of the sediment was travelling by saltation. As a result, in the sediment-laden flows the near-bed velocities were smaller and the velocity profiles steeper than those in the equivalent sediment-free flows. Sediment loads ranged up to 87·0 per cent of transport capacity and accounted for as much as 20·8 per cent of flow resistance (measured by the friction factor) and 89·7 per cent of bed roughness (measured by the ratio of the roughness length to median grain diameter). It is concluded that saltating sediment has a considerable impact on overland flow hydraulics, at least on fixed granular beds. Saltation is likely to have a relatively smaller effect on overland flow on natural hillslopes and agricultural fields where form and wave resistance dominate. Still, saltation is generally of greater significance in overland flow than in river flow, and for this reason its effect on overland flow hydraulics is deserving of further study. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free radicals, chemokines, and cell injury in HIV-1 and SIV infections and alcoholic hepatitis.

Oxidative stress has been observed in HIV-1 infection and alcoholic liver disease. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to cell injury through apoptosis and/or necrosis and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The major sources of ROS and chemokines are the Kupffer cells. During chronic ethanol consumption they are primed and activated for enhanced formation of pro-inflammatory factors, probably as a result of ethanol-induced translocation of gut-derived endotoxin into the circulation. Pro-inflammatory factors produced in the liver stimulate neutrophilic and/or lymphocytic infiltration to this organ. The presence of inflammatory cells in the liver may compromise the hepatocytes to injury by releasing cytotoxic factors, i.e., ROS, cytolytic proteases. Kupffer cells also interact with the glycoprotein 120 of SIV and HIV-1, which can induce oxidative stress and chemokine release. CD4+ lymphocytes that are infected with the virus generate intracellular ROS, which in turn leads to apoptosis and cell death. Downregulation of CD4+ cells contributes to immunodeficiency, while enhanced sequestration of inflammatory cells in the liver during chronic ethanol use with or without HIV-1/SIV may result in hepatocyte injury and exacerbation of alcoholic liver disease.
Lidar for calibration/validation of microwave sounding instruments

Several lidar campaigns have been performed in support of calibration/validation of DMSP SSM/T-2 microwave water vapor sensors. Calibration capabilities were demonstrated by performing radiative transfer calculations based on water vapor profiles measured by lidar. The calculations agreed with collocated SSM/T-2 atmospheric channel measurements to better than 1K RMS, whereas discrepancies were frequently greater than 2 K for radiative transfer based on conventional AIR and Vaisala radiosonde profiles. The improved capability is attributed to the new ability to measure water vapor from 8 to 14 km altitude. Conventional radiosondes tend to be unresponsive to water vapor at the low temperatures typical of altitudes above 8 km.
Some Factors Influencing the Male Hormone Content of Cow Manure

Summary and Conclusions 1. Manure from cows of the Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey breeds during various physiological states has been, dried at 45° C. and assayed biologically for its content of male (androgenie) hormone. 2. It was observed that sexually mature non-pregnant heifers excrete male hormone at a level comparable to those of mature cows. 3. During the first two-thirds of pregnancy, no tendency for a rise in androgen excretion was observed. There was evidence of a preparturient rise in androgens. 4. With the advance of lactation, no change in androgen excretion was noted except when associated with the approach of the subsequent parturition. 5. Dried cow manure from the Guernsey and Holstein breeds appeared comparable in biological activity; the Jersey cows appeared to excrete slightly more male hormone. 6. It is suggested that the preparturient rise in androgen may be related to the marked rise in estrogen at the same time. 7. It is possible that androgens as well as estrogens play roles in the stimulation of the secretion of the lactogenic hormone by the pituitary at the time of parturition.
Prospective study of coronary heart disease vs. HDL2, HDL3, and other lipoproteins in Gofman's Livermore Cohort.

Objective To assess the relationship of lipoprotein subfractions to coronary heart disease (CHD).
Endocrine Control of Physiological Functions

Abstract INTRODUCTION IT WAS realized during the planning stages of this review that a complete survey of the subject would require the discussion of hundreds of references. To prevent this paper from becoming unwieldy the decision was made to review only material which might be of the greatest interest to the readers and which is not commonly included in recent text-books and reviews. Work which seemed to be based on inadequate data was usually omitted as were solitary contributions which were in opposition to the bulk of the papers on that subject, although in some instances, when the minority seemed to have the better evidence, the arguments of both sides were included. In cases in which many papers dealt with the same subject only the latest contribution or the one dealing with the subject most exhaustively was cited. In the early days of endocrinology the concept was established that a gland . . .
Using polymer chemistry to modulate the delivery of neurotrophic factors from degradable microspheres: delivery of BDNF.

Purpose Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neuroprotection and repair, but long-term delivery from polymer systems has been challenging. We investigated the role the chemistry of the polymer played in loading and delivery of BDNF via microspheres, which are suitable for minimally invasive administration.
Campaigns for Campaigners: a Review Essay:

ECENT elections to the Congress of the United States have been marked by a dramatic increase in the money raised and spent on congressional campaigns. As shown in Table 1, the average total contributions made to House candidates in 1972 of $51,752 more than quadrupled by 1984 to $215,238. But another item on the campaign ledger presented in the table has not increased: the number of competitive House races. In 1972, 72 percent of winners in incumbent and open seat races received 60 percent of the vote or more, while in 1984, 77 percent of the victors in those races garnered similar percentages. In other words, across the decade less than one-third of House races can be categorized as competitive. During the same time frame, scholarly research has documented how little congressional voters knew about the candidates, especially challengers to members of Congress, the issues of the campaign, and specific activities members undertook in office (Mann and Wolfinger 1980). There is such a dearth of information about the candidacies of those opposing incumbents that many studies conclude that voters select incumbents by default, because their opponents lack the money, experience, and party support to wage credible campaigns (Hinckley 1980: Jacobson 1980; Ragsdale 1981). Thus, the increasing amounts of money spent on congressional campaigns have led to neither an increase in competitiveness of the races, nor an increase in information needed by voters to judge the candidates. Why then has the campaign money expanded? Is it simply because the high cost of campaigning is going even higher?1 Or it is perhaps a matter of rising benefits rather than rising cost? Greater numbers of organized groups and politically active individuals may perceive advantages to pur-
Design and optimization of printed spiral coils in wireless power transfer for biomedical implants

Biomedical implants are highly desired by the medical community. Their applications are ranging from monitoring, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. The functionality and the performance of biomedical implants are largely constrained by their power consumption. Delivering enough electrical power to implants wirelessly is one of the critical challenges that implant developers are facing nowadays. The wireless power transfer (WPT) using rotating magnets has demonstrate its capability to supply a large amount of electrical power to implants. The printed spiral coils (PSC) have the advantage of the batch-fabrication over the coils that are made of filaments. Previous design principles of filament coils are not sufficient to optimize all aspects of PSC due to the technology constraints. In this project, we develop a comprehensive theories on design and optimization of PSC to achieve maximum power delivery efficiency at a given size. Several PSC are fabricated using commercially-availabe printed circuit board technology. The measurement results validates the developed theories.
A Method of Automatic Data Path Synthesis

A method of automatically synthesizing data paths from a behavioral description has been developed. An initial implementation of this method, which is integrated into the Carnegie-Mellon University Design Automation system, is presented in this paper. Its principles of operation are explained and an evaluation of its performance is given. This method of automatic synthesis surpasses the performance of previous CMU-DA approaches. Further, a designer can use it in a semi-automatic fashion and complement its abilities with his expert insight.
Investigation of the black solid formed on reaction of uranium metal with hydrochloric acid

Abstract The oxidation state of uranium in the black solid formed by reaction of uranium metal with 6 N HCl in an atmosphere of nitrogen has been found to be 2·7 ± 0·1 by direct analysis. This was substantiated by an indirect method based on measurements of the hydrogen evolved and the uranium in solution. Only a trace of chloride was found in the solid. An oxidation state of 2·67 corresponds to an oxide, U3O4. X-ray analysis showed no uranium metal present. Lines of UO2 were visible, as would be expected because of the ease of oxidation of the substance, and lines were present that cannot be assigned to any known oxide of uranium.
DosR-regulon genes induction in Mycobacterium bovis BCG under aerobic conditions

In this report we demonstrated that under aerobic conditions, Mycobacterium bovis BCG expressing an hsp60-driven second copy of the hypoxia-related transcriptional regulator DosR increased 2-fold or greater the expression of 38 out of the 48 genes belonging to the DosR regulon, including the latency antigens Rv1733c, Rv2029, Rv2627, and Rv2628. Expression of DosR under these conditions slightly delayed in vitro growth, but did not promote a non-replicating state as opposed to microaerobic and hypoxic adaptation. Our results suggest BCG producing DosR can be cultured under standard in vitro conditions, allowing evaluation of this strain as a latency-specific vaccine candidate.
Four-level and two-qubit systems, subalgebras, and unitary integration

Four-level systems in quantum optics, and for representing two qubits in quantum computing, are difficult to solve for general time-dependent Hamiltonians. A systematic procedure is presented which combines analytical handling of the algebraic operator aspects with simple solutions of classical, first-order differential equations. In particular, by exploiting su(2)+su(2) and su(2)+su(2)+u(1) subalgebras of the full SU(4) dynamical group of the system, the nontrivial part of the final calculation is reduced to a single Riccati (first-order, quadratically nonlinear) equation, itself simply solved. Examples are provided of two-qubit problems from the recent literature, including implementation of two-qubit gates with Josephson junctions.
Case Report: Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma in Multiple Spinal Levels Without Skin Changes

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor of childhood that is locally aggressive but has little metastatic potential and by itself is not known to be lethal. It most commonly presents as a superficial or deep soft tissue mass with associated cutaneous lesions. Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, a condition characterized by profound thrombocytopenia and life-threatening hemorrhage, often is associated with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. Six cases of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma have been reported in bone, two of which were located in extracraniofacial bones. We report a diagnostically challenging case of a 6-year-old girl with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma of the thoracolumbar spine without Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon or cutaneous lesions.
Glucocorticoid Receptor β: View I

Since the human glucocorticoid receptor (GR) cDNA and gene sequences were reported, the existence of two highly homologous GR isoforms was predicted. These were the classic human ligand-binding GRalpha, and a slightly smaller protein, termed GRbeta. Although the mechanism of action of GRbeta has been studied extensively, the role of GRbeta in the modulation of glucocorticoid actions remains uncertain.
The use of adapters to support interoperability of components for reusability

Abstract Interoperability of heterogeneous applications is defined as the ability for multiple software applications written in different programming languages running on different platforms with different operating systems to communicate and interact with one another over different computer networks. The emerging middleware technologies, including CORBA, COM/DCOM, and Enterprise JavaBeans offer an industrial defacto standard communication infrastructure to support the interoperability of heterogeneous applications in components. However, the implementation of a component suffers from high interaction complexities in the component that seriously degrades the application independence. Software components should be built to be independent of the context in which they are used, allowing them to be reused in many different computing environments. In this paper, we are presenting an adapter to isolate, encapsulate, and manage a component's interactions outside the component. The dynamic interface binding was designed to allow an adapter to examine the signature of the requested services at runtime such as operation names, parameters orders, parameters types, and parameters sizes. The interfaces of interconnecting components are bound at runtime. In addition, the interface language mapping allows an interface in a specific programming language to be automatically generated from an IDL interface. The use of adapters increases the reusability of components and also simplifies the integration of the components to an application.
Stimuli previously associated with reinforcement: Reinforcing or frustrating to the mentally retarded? ☆

Abstract Behavioral effects of stimuli paired with reinforcement were investigations in a complex FI chain schedule with six mentally retarded S s. The chain schedule permitted the assessment of increments in responding in the presence of an S D for briefly presented stimuli previously paired with candy reinforcement as well as changes in responding subsequent to stimulus presentation. Consistent response rate increases failed to emerge in the presence of the S D associated with stimuli paired with reinforcement. Responding for all S s increased immediately subsequent to briefly presented paired stimuli. Results were consistent with an increased emotionality or frustration interpretation.
Shift invariance and the neocognitron

Abstract We investigate the ability of the neocognitron to perform shift-invariant pattern recognition. Both an intuitive analysis and a more formal investigation show that the performance of the neocognitron is not intrinsically shift invariant, and that certain model parameters must be chosen appropriately to obtain approximate shift invariance. It is shown how these parameters should be chosen to reach a compromise between invariance and classification sensitivity.
Performance Modeling of Micropost Wicks for Micro Heat Pipes at Low Heat Fluxes

Well defined wick microstructures comprised of hexagonally packed cylindrical posts with varying solid fraction (.227–.534) are analyzed for heat transfer performance for heat pipe applications. The equilibrium free fluid surface profile under the influence of surface tension is calculated for each wick structure wetted with water. The fluid geometry is analyzed using a numerical solver so that the thermal performance (defined as a heat transfer coefficient) of the wick evaporator can be determined. Conduction through both the solid wick and liquid are considered and resistance to evaporation at the liquid-vapor interface is included. The analysis is compared to the results of a heat transfer experiment using water with a super-hydrophilic micro-manufactured copper post array. The equilibrium meniscus assumption is shown to be valid for heat fluxes less than ∼ 30 W/cm2 . For low contact angles, ∼50% of the heat transfer is shown to occur within the region where fluid layer thickness is less than 2um. Heat transfer performance is shown to be a strong function of contact angle, especially for well wetting fluids. Solid fraction is shown to not be a good predictor of thermal performance. A non-dimensional normalized thin film area is presented and is a strong indicator of thermal performance. Evaporator heat transfer coefficients greater than 20 W/cm2 K are predicted for large values of normalized thin film area. The modeling methods presented can be used as a design and analysis tool for predicting the effects of microscale geometry and topology on the heat transfer performance of microstructured wicks operating at low heat fluxes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Stakeholder-Based Evaluation and Value Judgments:

The nature of values in stakeholder-based evaluations is discussed. One key value judgment involves the selection of stakeholder groups for participation. In the first major section of this article, the role of values in such selection is emphasized by considering two dimensions on which stakeholder groups may vary—power and legitimacy. It is shown that the selection of stakeholder groups can be based on a rationale for stakeholder-based evaluation; however, the choice of a rationale for stakeholder participation is itself a value judgment, implicitly or explicitly. Further, in implementing a rationale, value judgments are required, particularly if the rationale involves empowerment and democratization. In a second section, the consequences of stakeholder par ticipation are discussed. Although numerous commentaries imply positive effects, much is not known, such as the type or level of stakeholder involvement required for effective participation. Further, stakeholder participation may serve as a means of ...
Early Adolescent Peer Foundations of Late Adolescent and Young Adult Psychological Adjustment.

The long-term impacts of failing to establish autonomy and relatedness within close friendships are poorly understood. Adolescent behaviors undermining autonomy and relatedness in friendships at 13 were examined as predictors of friendship competence at 18 and depressive symptoms and social withdrawal at 21. A diverse community sample of 184 adolescents participated in self, peer, and observational assessments. Teens' inability to establish autonomy and connection with friends at 13 predicted decreases in friendship competence at 18 (s=-.20, p=.02). Direct links to increases in depressive symptoms (s=.34, p<.001) and social withdrawal (s=.18, p=.03) were observed, with friendship competence partially mediating these relations. Results highlight the importance of problematic adolescent peer relationships as risk factors for the development of young adult internalizing symptoms.
Spreadsheets-based modelling for financial analysis ratios

These researches discuss the importance of spreadsheets for modelling financial analysis ratios, and then describe the efficient way to convert the mathematical form for the financial analysis ratio to Visual Basic Code. Using Visual Basic programming can generate different models which have been selected for different financial analysis aspects. Recent research has highlighted the use of customised Excel spreadsheets to support financial statement analysis processes using the user-defined function in an attempt to reduce the incidence of such user design function errors. In addition I support each model by using the macro technique to add a description to each model to provide the user with enhanced meaning. The research methodology is that spreadsheets today contain built-in analytical capabilities previously unavailable in a single package. The real power of spreadsheets becomes obvious when formulas are used. Formulas will enable us to convert the data that we have entered into useful information.
Comparison of clinical, hematological, and virological findings in alpacas (Lama pacos) inoculated with bovine viral diarrhea virus isolates of alpaca or bovine origin

Clinical evidence demonstrates that alpacas may contract and propagate bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The objective of this research was to compare and characterize clinical signs, hematological findings, viremia, and seroconversion resulting from intranasal inoculation of alpacas with BVDV 1b and BVDV 2 isolates from cattle and a BVDV 1b isolate of alpaca origin. Three groups of six alpacas were intranasally inoculated with a different isolate (Group 1: BVDV 1b of bovine origin; Group 2: BVDV 2 of bovine origin; Group 3: BVDV 1b of alpaca origin). Following inoculation, all three genotypes induced viremia, nasal shedding and seroconversion in naive alpacas. The onset of viral detection in serum was significantly different among groups; the median onset was 4, 2, and 7 days for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Onset of viral detection in white blood cells was significantly different with median onset at 3, 2, and 4 days, and median cessation at 13, 9, and 13 days, respectively. The median onset of viral nasal shedding was 8 days and was not significantly different between groups. Virus was detected after inoculation until a median of 8 days in nasal secretions, 10 days in serum, and 12 days in white blood cells. A reduction in mean total leukocytes was observed in all three groups when compared to pre-inoculation leukograms. Results demonstrate that BVDV 1b and 2 strains cause alpacas to exhibit viremia and nasal shedding of virus in a temporal pattern that is similar to the outcome of acute infection of cattle.
Grain boundary control in colloidal self-assembly with dynamic programming

We propose a Markov decision based dynamic programming method to manipulate the self-assembly of a quadrupole colloidal system for grain-boundary-free two-dimensional crystals. To construct the optimal control policy, we developed a Markov chain model, based on information extracted from a Langevin dynamics simulation model, which originated from a more complicated Brownian dynamics model. An infinite-horizon Markov decision process is defined, and the optimal control policy is solved with dynamic programming using policy iteration. Both the Markov chain Monte Carlo and the Langevin dynamics simulation results demonstrate that the control strategy is able to significantly accelerate the crystallization of a SiO 2 colloidal self-assembly process for a grain-boundary-free, highly ordered crystal. Future work will focus on implementation of the control policy on the Brownian dynamics simulation and the experiments.
901–49 Second Harmonic Imaging of Echocardiographic Contrast Agents: Unique Features and Promising Characteristics

Echocardiographic contrast microbubbles expand and contract rhythmically when ultrasound energy is applied to them. These oscillations generate sound waves not only at the primary or input frequency, but also at higher harmonic frequencies. Solid tissues do not generally produce strong harmonic signals, thus the detection of higher harmonic frequencies is relatively specific for echocardiographic contrast agents. We therefore examined the imaging characteristics of various contrast agents using a novel echocardiographic system producing images from second harmonic signals (Contrast Specific Imaging, Acuson). As anticipated, unenhanced tissues were poorly seen in this imaging mode, while contrast containing structures were clearly visualized. Agent-specific differences in image appearance and signal strength following contrast administration were identified. Second harmonic imaging improved detection of small concentrations of contrast. Small contrast containing structures were more clearly resolved than with conventional imaging. Intracavitary blood flow patterns were observed. Time intensity curves generated during administration of contrast media were similar for conventional and second harmonic imaging. Cardiac cycle-dependent changes in second harmonic signal intensity were noted. Conclusions Second harmonic imaging provides excellent visualization of structures containing ultrasonic contrast agents. The intensity and appearance of the contrast effect observed with the Contrast Specific Imaging system is dependent upon the size and composition of the microbubbles. Tuning of the second harmonic imaging system to the specific contrast agent may be useful to optimize contrast detection.
Investigation of modified cottonseed protein adhesives for wood composites

Abstract Several modified cottonseed protein isolates were studied and compared to corresponding soy protein isolates for their adhesive properties when bonded to wood composites. Modifications included treatments with alkali, guanidine hydrochloride, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and urea. Wood composites bonded with cottonseed protein exhibited higher shear strength relative to modified or unmodified soy proteins. Cottonseed protein with SDS treatment gave comparable or better shear strength than unmodified cottonseed protein. Wood composites bonded with unmodified or SDS-modified cottonseed protein also showed superior retained strengths on a hot water test. Thus, a cottonseed protein adhesive (with or without SDS modification) seems to be a viable alternative to soy protein adhesives for wood composites.
MO-B-L100F-01: Technical Advances of Fluoroscopy with Special Interests in Automatic Dose Rate Control Logic of Cardiovascular Angiography Systems

In the past decade, the fluoroscopic systems equipped with image intensifiers had benefited from various technical advances in x‐ray tubes, x‐ray generator design, and application of spectral shaping filter. While the photoconductor (or, phosphor plate) x‐ray detectors and signal capture thin‐film‐ transistor (TFT) arrays and charged couple detector(CCD)devices are analog in nature, not until the advent of flat panel image receptor (FPIR), the fluoroscopy procedures would become a totally digital process through out the entire imaging chain. However, irrespective of the fluoroscopic image receptor; i.e., whether it is the image intensifier (I.I.) or a flat panel image receptor (FPIR), and whether the image signals are “analog” or “digital” in nature, the entire imaging system is under the command of the automatic dose rate control (ADRC) system. In fact, the ADRC is the command center of the fluoroscopic operation (Fluoroscopy Mode), and the image acquisition operation (Acquisition Mode). For the present day ADRC to function properly, there were three relatively important technical innovations that needed to be “in place”. They are (1) high heat capacity x‐ray tube, (2) the medium frequency inverter type generator with high performance switching capability, and (3) the patient dose reduction spectral shaping filter. These three underlying technologies were tied together through the ADRC logic, installed first on cardiovascular angiography systems, so that the patients receiving cardiovascular angiography procedures can benefit from “lower patient dose” with “high image quality” with optimal contrast. In the center of the ADRC logic is the “fluoroscopy curves” which determine the exact behavior of the fluoroscopyimaging chain. Examples of how the “fluoroscopy curves” can be reconstructed from the experimental arrangement and the data sets obtained from the same will be demonstrated. It will be shown that a given cardiovascular imaging system functions and responds as a totally different imaging system depending on the fluoroscopy curve that is loaded as the default system curve. In this presentation, the focus is on the “fluoroscopic mode” of the ADRC, and the advances in the ADRC design is reviewed starting with the early models of automatic brightness control (ABC) and automatic gain control (AGC) equipped fluoroscopy, and leading to the present day ADRC design. Thus, the main thrust of this presentation is to reveal and evaluate the details of the ADRC logic as seen from equipment operation and fluoroscopists' point of views, and to show how the ADRC can be evaluated to understand the challenges of various clinical applications are met with different “fluoroscopy curves”. Educational Objectives: 1. To understand the basic ABC and ADRC system design. 2. To understand why the present day ADRC is able to reduce patient air kerma and yet still provide “high” contrastimages. 3. To understand the importance of “fluoroscopy curves” in the application of clinical procedures.
The effect of topography, latitude, and lithology on rock glacier distribution in the Lemhi Range, central Idaho, USA

Abstract Statistical analysis of rock glaciers in the Lemhi Range demonstrates that their development and preservation is controlled primarily by annual insolation and lithology. We inspected 171 alpine valleys in the Lemhi Range using optical remote sensing techniques, digital topographic analysis, and field examination. In those valleys, we identified 48 rock glaciers and examined them for lichen cover, evidence of ice presence, specific evidence of movement, and distinctive morphological features. In addition to recording the presence or absence of a rock glacier in each alpine valley, existing rock glaciers were classified according to their morphology. Factors such as topographic shading, lithology, relief, aspect, and elevation determine the development and preservation of rock glaciers. Analysis of these factors in the Lemhi Range shows that elevation > 2600 m, a north-facing aspect (300–60°), and Multivariate statistical analysis of controlling parameters demonstrates that annual insolation and latitude influence rock glacier occurrence most strongly. Whereas duration of insolation is a logical controlling factor, latitude is more enigmatic. Additional statistical analysis indicates that the latitude factor is likely a reflection of lithologic changes with latitude along the range. Lithology may affect rock glacier distribution through its effects on hydrology or air ventilation. Moreover, statistical analysis shows that rock glacier occurrence correlates with protalus lobe occurrence, suggesting that protalus lobes play a role in the genesis of rock glaciers in the Lemhi Range. Separate analysis of the classification systems shows that each morphologic class, inferred to correlate with rock glacier activity, is statistically significant and distinguishable from other classes. In addition to the effect of insolation, statistical analysis of the classification system also shows that latitude influences distribution of existing rock glacier classes independent of lithology.
Using the Conservation Reserve to Reduce Program Crop Plantings

This paper examines the policy instrument by which a land retirement program designed primarily for conservation purposes attempts to reduce surplus commodity production as well. A simple model incorporating the cropland allocation effects of entry into the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is developed to estimate the reduction in aggregate crop acreage brought about under two program alternatives: (1) the "base bite," which requires a reduction in a farm's commodity base as a condition of CRP entry (the current law) and (2) no base bite, which for planting reduction purposes would rely upon a "displacement" of acreage actually available for planting. Data from the first eight rounds of CRP bidding (through February 1989) show that the base bite reduces CRP entrants' aggregate annual program crop plantings by 14.9 million acres under 1987 program rules, while displacement would have reduced plantings by 13.1 million acres. Under "1990 rules" (no set-aside required for participation), the base bite provision would reduce plantings by 19.6 million acres. Displacement is unaffected by set-aside levels. If the base bite were removed, the concomitant lower opportunity costs of entry would result in either an increase in CRP acreage or a decrease in budget outlays, depending upon program administration.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: fact or fiction?

Nearly every physician is familiar with the concept that patients with diabetes mellitus have a heightened cardiovascular mortality rate.1 Cardiovascular complications are now the leading cause of diabetes related morbidity and mortality.2 It is generally appreciated that the major cardiac complications of diabetes mellitus include the large conduit arteries, epicardial coronary arteries, and the microvasculature. It is also now widely appreciated that the mortality of acute myocardial infarction is greater in patients with diabetes mellitus,3 both at 30 days and one year after infarction. Stress hyperglycaemia with and without diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction.4 What is less appreciated by physicians and still considered somewhat controversial by some cardiologists is the concept that diabetes mellitus affects cardiac structure and function independent of blood pressure or coronary artery disease. There are now considerable experimental, pathological, epidemiological, and clinical data to support the existence of “diabetic cardiomyopathy”. Since the incidence of diabetes mellitus is growing rapidly and is so strongly associated with the development of heart failure,5 it is timely to consider the evidence regarding the concept of “diabetic cardiomyopathy”, since its initial description nearly 30 years ago.6 A …