cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standardization & Justification: Do Aad Scales Measure Up?

Abstract Several previous reviews of Aad have noted that progress in understanding advertising's effects is hampered by the lack of a shared view of attitude structure. This study builds upon those reviews by focusing on two additional problems: measure standardization and justification. Examination of a decade-and-a-half's worth of research found 75 multi-item measures of Aad involving 53 different semantic differentials. A cluster analysis indicated that while three different groups of scales could be identified there was a low amount of standardization within clusters. Further, it was rare for authors to provide justification for their scales. Practical recommendations are provided about how these shortcomings can be addressed.
Reproduction, Law, Wrongful Birth, and Wrongful Life Actions

Introduction Clinical Circumstances Giving Rise to Wrongful Life and Wrongful Birth Claims Legal History of Wrongful Life Legal History of Wrongful Birth Philosophical and Public Policy Issues Keywords: reproduction; law
Sodium-calcium exchange initiated by the Ca2+ transient: an arrhythmia trigger within pulmonary veins.

Objectives The hypothesis that an increased or prolonged Ca 2+ transient during an abbreviated action potential can give rise to early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and triggered arrhythmia by enhanced forward sodium-calcium (Na-Ca) exchange was examined. Background Because pulmonary veins have the shortest action potential of any cardiac tissue, we examined this hypothesis in canine pulmonary vein sleeves during interventions further shortening the action potential and increasing the calcium transient. Methods Extracellular bipolar electrode, intracellular microelectrode, and isometric force (a surrogate marker for the Ca 2+ transient) recordings were obtained from superfused canine pulmonary veins. Results An elevation and prolongation of the terminal phase of repolarization (EADs) were observed during interventions increasing contractile force; isoproterenol or norepinephrine (3.2 × 10 −11 to 3.2 × 10 −7 M), hypothermia, and pacing (post-extrasystolic potentiation, post-pacing pause). The EAD formation was prevented by ryanodine (10 μM) or reversed by transiently increasing [Ca 2+ ] o from 1.35 to 5 mM (inhibition of forward Na-Ca exchange). Pacing-induced EADs were enhanced by re-introduction of normal Tyrode solution (Na + = 130 mM) after substitution of 30 mM NaCl with 30 mM LiCl (stimulation of forward Na-Ca exchange). With norepinephrine or isoproterenol (3.2 × 10 −8 M) + acetylcholine (10 −7 M) (to enhance the Ca 2+ transient and further shorten the abbreviated action potential, respectively), tachycardia-pause initiated arrhythmia (1,132 ± 153 beats/min) lasting >1 s was observed. Rapid firing was prevented by either suppression of the Ca 2+ transient (ryanodine) or transiently increasing [Ca 2+ ] o . Conclusions The data show EAD formation in superfused canine pulmonary veins, enhanced by an increased Ca 2+ transient and increased Na-Ca exchange current. With subsequent shortening of the action potential with acetylcholine, tachycardia-pause triggers rapid firing within the PV sleeve.
Accumulation and Depletion of Zinc in Rat Liver and Kidney Metallothioneins

The accumulations of zinc in liver and kidneys of rats fed various dietary levels of this element was investigated. Zinc started to accumulate in rat liver when 1,000 ppm or higher levels of this element were fed in the diet, but not when the dietary zinc level was 500 ppm less. Almost all of the accumulated zinc in the soluble fraction was found to be present in the metallothionein (MT) fractions. When rats were fed a diet supplemented with 2,000 ppm, zinc, the metal rapidly accumulated in MT in the liver and kidneys. The accumulated zinc was, however, depleted to the pre-supplementation level after only 3 days of feeding a zinc deficient diet. While rats were fed the zinc deficient diet, in which the element was simultaneously depleted from MT, significant increased excretion of the metal occurred in the feces urine. No evidence was found to indicate that zinc was excreted in the bile in association with MT. It was therefore concluded that MT is probably, as one of its possible biological roles, more involved in accumulation of excessive zinc rather than in storage of the metal for later utilization.
Using Yeast Genetics to Study Splicing Mechanisms

Pre-mRNA splicing is a critical step in eukaryotic gene expression, which involves removal of noncoding intron sequences from pre-mRNA and ligation of the remaining exon sequences to make a mature message. Splicing is carried out by a large ribonucleoprotein complex called the spliceosome. Since the first description of the pre-mRNA splicing reaction in the 1970s, elegant genetic and biochemical studies have revealed that the enzyme that catalyzes the reaction, the spliceosome, is an exquisitely dynamic macromolecular machine, and its RNA and protein components undergo highly ordered, tightly coordinated rearrangements in order to carry out intron recognition and splicing catalysis. Studies using the genetically tractable unicellular eukaryote budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) have played an instrumental role in deciphering splicing mechanisms. In this chapter, we discuss how yeast genetics has been used to deepen our understanding of the mechanism of splicing and explore the potential for future mechanistic insights using S. cerevisiae as an experimental tool.
Principles and Practices to Enhance Compliance and Enforcement of the Personal Income Tax

In July, 2011, the Budgetary Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress convened an international symposium on reform of China’s Personal Income Tax (PIT) system. Currently about 30 years old, the Chinese PIT system very roughly resembles the U.S. PIT system at a similar age (prior to changes effected during World War II). This symposium paper describes general principles and specific practices to improve compliance and enforcement of the PIT, based on the U.S. experience with that tax. Support for the symposium was also provided by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), an enterprise of the German government that supports international cooperation for sustainable development.
Synthesis and configurational assignment of optically active 1-hydroxyindolizidines

Abstract The four diastereomers of 1-hydroxyindolizidine have been prepared in high optical purity (>98%) by NaBH4 reduction of the (+) and (-) 3-bromocamphor-8-sulfonic acid salts of 1-oxoindolizidine followed by separation of the resulting diastereomeric alcohols by ion-exchange chromatography.
EMPACT: A detector for high-pT physics at the SSC

Abstract EMPACT is a high-transverse-momentum physics detector for the SSC. It aims for a precise measurement of electrons, muons, jets and missing transverse energy using a superior calorimeter surrounded by air-core toroidal magnets forming a precision muon spectrometer. The baseline design of EMPACT is described.
Curiously modern DNA for a "250 million-year-old" bacterium.

Studies of ancient DNA have attracted considerable attention in scientific journals and the popular press. Several of the more extreme claims for ancient DNA have been questioned on biochemical grounds (i.e., DNA surviving longer than expected) and evolutionary grounds (i.e., nucleotide substitution patterns not matching theoretical expectations for ancient DNA). A recent letter to Nature from Vreeland et al. (2000), however, tops all others with respect to age and condition of the specimen. These researchers extracted and cultured a bacterium from an inclusion body from what they claim is a 250 million-year (Myr)-old salt crystal. If substantiated, this observation could fundamentally alter views about bacterial physiology, ecology and evolution. Here we report on molecular evolutionary analyses of the 16S rDNA from this specimen. We find that 2-9-3 differs from a modern halophile, Salibacillus marismortui, by just 3 unambiguous bp in 16S rDNA, versus the ∼59 bp that would be expected if these bacteria evolved at the same rate as other bacteria. We show, using a Poisson distribution, that unless it can be shown that S. marismortui evolves 5 to 10 times more slowly than other bacteria for which 16S rDNA substitution rates have been established, Vreeland et al.'s claim would be rejected at the 0.05 level. Also, a molecular clock test and a relative rates test fail to substantiate Vreeland et al.'s claim that strain 2-9-3 is a 250-Myr-old bacterium. The report of Vreeland et al. thus falls into a long series of suspect ancient DNA studies.
THE ROLE OF WATER IN METHANOL SYNTHESIS

Abstract This work focuses on the influence of water in determining the rate of methanol synthesis over CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts. The experimental investigations were conducted in a 1-L slurry reactor based on the novel liquid phase methanol synthesis process. The liquid medium used was a blend of paraffinic and naphthenic mineral oils with a mean molecular mass of 250. It was found that the methanol rates attained a maximum at an optimal water content which was dependent on the reaction temperature. The catalytic activity was found to decline with time at lower temperatures in the presence of a relatively large excess of water. The influence of water was also found to be firmly linked to the corresponding carbon dioxide content in the reactor feed. The experimental data bear additional significance because this was the first such study to be performed on the liquid phase process. Emphasis was therefore placed on the use of a CO-rich syngas in order to simulate anticipated process conditions.
A proliferative glomerulonephritis secondary to a monoclonal IgA.

A distinct entity mimicking immune-complex–mediated glomerulonephritis characterized by a proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposits recently was described. We now report a case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with sudden onset of edema, proteinuria, hematuria, and hypertension. Renal biopsy showed diffuse endocapillary proliferation, mesangial cellularity, and amorphous material in the mesangium. Immunofluorescence examination showed mesangial and capillary wall staining for IgA (2 + ), C3 (2 + ), fibrinogen (2 + ), and λ (2 + ). Congo red stain was negative. Electron microscopy showed mesangial and subendothelial deposits with a paracrystalline lattice-like substructure forming parallel linear arrays. Extensive laboratory evaluation showed a small population of monoclonal plasma cells with λ restriction. The present case suggests that monoclonal IgA deposits also can cause proliferative glomerulonephritis. However, the presence of paracrystalline deposits in association with monoclonal IgA deposits has not been described previously.
Oxygen and carbon isotope analysis of the Mooreville Chalk and late Santonian-early Campanian sea level and sea surface temperature changes, northeastern Gulf of Mexico, U.S.A.

Abstract Oxygen and carbon isotope profiles for strata of the Mooreville Chalk (upper Santonian-lower Campanian) of the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain, U.S.A., show correlations with published curves for these isotopes. The δ18O curve exhibits a strong similarity to the Exmouth Plateau δ18O curve from ODP drilling sites offshore northwestern Australia, and the δ13C curve can be correlated with the δ13C curve from the English Chalk Trunch section. A thermal maximum probably occurred in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico during the latest Santonian (∼83.8 Ma), as evidenced by the minimum δ18O values in the lower Mooreville beds. A δ13C positive excursion occurs at the same stratigraphic level, which has been recognized as the “Santonian/Campanian boundary event” worldwide. After this event, ocean surface water temperature decreased throughout the early Campanian. This carbon isotope excursion is followed by a plateau in δ13C values with a peak value occurring in a condensed section (∼80 Ma), which has been correlated to a downlap or maximum flooding surface on seismic data from offshore Alabama. The section characterized by increasing δ13C values corresponds to a marine transgression. The interval characterized by decreasing δ13C values corresponds to regression and progradation. The maximum flooding event occurred ∼0.8 Ma later than the thermal maximum event. The Mooreville chalk/marl cycles are most likely a product of fluctuations in siliciclastic sediment influx into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico modulated by the precession band of the Earth's orbital cycles. Higher carbon isotope values occur in the marl beds indicating that these beds were formed in a more anoxic/dysoxic environment characterized by higher clay, silt input and higher organic carbon accumulation.
Inclusive B-meson decays into charm.

We have measured the B-meson decay fractions into D/sup 0/, D/sup +/, and D/sup *//sup +/ mesons to be 0.39 +- 0.05 +- 0.04, 0.17 +- 0.04 +- 0.04, and 0.22 +- 0.04/sub -0.04//sup +0.07/, respectively, if we use the D/sup 0/..-->..K/sup -/..pi../sup +/ and D/sup +/..-->..K/sup -/..pi../sup +/..pi../sup +/ branching ratios determined by the Mark III Collaboration. These results suggest that B decay to noncharm final states is substantial. We also find that B decay to spin-1 D/sup */ mesons dominates over direct decay to spin-0 D mesons and that the ratio (D/sup 0/+D/sup *//sup 0/)/(D/sup +/+D/sup *//sup +/) is consistent with unity.
Achieving policy objectives to increase the value of the seafood industry in the United States: the technical feasibility and associated constraints

Abstract The paper first conceptualizes a program to triple the current value of aquaculture in the United States by 2025 to achieve production-driven policy objectives set by the Department of Commerce for the national industry. The program quantifies arbitrary targets for fish and shellfish, and outlines technical approaches. It discusses its spatial impact on the marine environment, concluding it is small compared with the number and magnitude of Marine Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas in federal and state waters. It discusses the magnitude of the task, concluding it is challenging but technologically feasible given an immediate start. Secondly, the paper identifies and explains many non-technical constraints. These include increasing per capita consumption of seafood, marketing seafood products, security of tenure and legislation, the availability of capital for investment, the need for aquafeeds, and changing economic and social attitudes. Each includes a description of efforts by the public and private sectors to overcome them, and where appropriate offers some solutions and directions for research.
Truncation of IGF-I yields two mitogens for retinal Müller glial cells

Abstract In the CNS only a truncated form of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is detected. Although truncated IGF-I (t-IGF-I) retains mitogenicity, growth promoting activities have not been detected for the tripeptide that is cleaved from IGF-I during truncation. Here, we asked whether the tripeptide is itself a growth factor. Using cultured Muller glial cells from the adult human retina, we found that the cleaved tripeptide, glycine-proline-glutamate, stimulated the proliferation of these cells. Pharmacological experiments indicated that this proliferative effect involves activation ofN-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors. In addition, t-IGF-I was also mitogenic in our culture system and had an EC50 markedly less than that for IGF-I. Thus, truncation of IGF-I may be a mechanism to augment the mitogenic effect of this gene product by creating a more potent variant and a cleaved tripeptide that is itself a mitogen.
Transient and persistent increases in protein phosphatase activity during long-term depression in the adult hippocampus in vivo

Abstract The neural substrates of learning and memory most likely involve activity-dependent long-term changes in synaptic strength, including long-term potentiation and long-term depression. 3 , 18 A critical element in the cascade of events hypothesized to underlie such changes in synaptic function is modification of protein phosphorylation. 17 , 28 , 29 Long-term depression is thought to involve decreases in protein phosphorylation, which could result from reduction in protein kinase activity [12] and/or enhancement in protein phosphatase activity. 22 , 23 We present here direct evidence that long-term depression in the hippocampus in vivo is associated with an increase in the activity of the serine/threonine phosphatases 1 and 2A. The increase in activity of phosphatase 1 was transient, whereas that of phosphatase 2A lasted >65 min after the induction of long-term depression. Blockade of long-term depression prevented the observed increases in phosphatase activity, as did selective inhibition of phosphatase 1 and 2A. Induction of long-term depression had no effect on the level of either phosphatase, which suggests that our results reflect increases in the intrinsic activity of these two enzymes. Our findings are consistent with a model of synaptic plasticity 16 , 17 , 18 , 22 , 23 that implicates protein dephosphorylation by serine/threonine phosphatases in the early maintenance and/or expression of long-term depression of synaptic strength.
Intrapulmonary and Systemic Pharmacokinetics of Aerosolized Pentamidine Used for Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in Patients Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

A study was conducted to determine the intrapulmonary and systemic pharmacokinetics of aerosolized pentamidine prophylaxis (APP) in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 151 patients received high-dose (300 mg twice a month or 600 mg once a month) APP as part of a previously published clinical trial, and 29 additional patients received standard-dose (300 mg once a month) APP. Serial blood samples were obtained from the first cohort: 577 samples were obtained from 76 patients in the group given 600 mg once a month, and 554 blood samples were obtained from 75 patients in the group given 300 mg twice a month. In 9 of the 151 patients, bronchoscopy and tri-lobar (right upper, middle, and lower lobe) bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed 6 and 12 months after initiation of APP. Unilobar (right middle lobe) BAL was performed in the 29 patients infected with HIV who underwent bronchoscopy for diagnostic purposes. Pentamidine was measured using a chromatographic (HPLC) assay. The concentrations (mean ± SD) of pentamidine in plasma in the groups given 300 mg twice a month and 600 mg once a month were 5.3 ± 6.1 ng/mL and 8.8 ± 9.6 ng/mL, respectively, and accumulation did not occur. The BAL supernatant and alveolar cell pentamidine concentrations were not significantly different in the 3 lobes and ranged from 16.5 ± 7.7 ng/mL to 29.2 ± 19.5 ng/mL and 1255 ± 1142 ng/mg protein to 1572 ± 1161 ng/mg protein in the group gien 300 mg twice a month; and from 5.5 ± 2.9 ng/mL to 9.4 ± 7.7 ng/mL and 339 ± 201 ng/mg protein to 571 ± 681 ng/mg protein in the group given 600 mg once a month. The intrapulmonary concentrations of pentamidine at 6 and 12 months were not significantly different. In 18 of the 29 patients who received 1 to 7 prior monthly doses of standard APP, drug concentrations in BAL increased linearly (y = 2.05x) with the number of doses administered before bronchoscopy. These data indicate that intrapulmonary drug concentrations continue to increase for approximately 6 months after the initiation of APP, at which time steady state is achieved, and that administration of high dose APP is probably safe.
Sports related mild traumatic brain injury in adolescents.

While head injuries are not common in youth sports, they may have catastrophic results. Concussion is also referred to as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Although the occurrence of head injuries has been studied more extensively in American football, the findings have wider application for any MTBI. Recently, more attention has been directed at other sports in which both boys and girls participate. The diagnosis of MTBI is based on subjective findings and subtle changes in mental status. Other cerebral injuries requiring emergent or urgent neurosurgical attention should be ruled out. Objective tests such as CT scans and Magnetic Resonsance Imaging (MRI) are usually without significant findings in MTBI. Neuropsychological testing may demonstrate areas of deficiencies, however, results may be difficult to interpret because of confounding factors. Complications following MTBI have been known to occur. The most catastrophic of these is second impact syndrome. There are a variety of guidelines for return to play following a concussion, which have been designed in an effort to avoid problems such as second impact syndrome. These guidelines are based more on clinical experience than on scientific evidence. Education, good training and coaching techniques, improved equipment, and rule changes and enforcement, can all help in curbing the sports related head injuries in adolescents.
International Diversification: Effects on Innovation and Firm Performance in Product-Diversified Firms

Theory suggests and results show that firm performance is initially positive but eventually levels off and becomes negative as international diversification increases. Product diversification moder...
STRAIN DIFFERENCES IN THE EXPRESSION OF THE EPA‐1‐RESTRICTING ELEMENT

SUMMARY Epa-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) lyse epidermal cells (EC) of different Epa-l+ H-2 strains, such as AKR, CBA, C58, and RF, at different levels. We used an H-2Kk-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) to test the hypothesis that this phenomenon is due to differences in the H-2-restricting element. Initially, we established the specificity of this mAb for the Epa-lrestricting element by demonstrating its capacity to inhibit the lysis of CBA EC by Epa-1-specific CTL. We then used it as the probe in a cellular radioimmunoassay to quantify the expression of the restricting element by EC of different H-2k strains. We found that C58 and RF EC bound significantly less of the mAb than did CBA EC. Although AKR also bound less of the mAb than did CBA EC, the difference was not statistically significant. To examine the generality of this phenomenon, we quantified the expression of Kk antigens on spleen cells (SC) of the same four strains. We found that RF SC, but not AKR or C58 SC, bound significantly less of the Kk mAb than did CBA SC. Thus, the differential CTL lysis of Epa-l+ EC of different strains probably reflects differences in expression of the H-2-restricting element rather than of the nominal antigen.
A statewide metasearch service using OAI‐PMH and Z39.50

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the Illinois LSTA grant‐funded project, “Yellow Brick Roads: Building a Digital Shortcut to Statewide Information”. The project investigated the feasibility of unified searching across library holdings, digitization projects, and online state government information through use of the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI‐PMH) in tandem with the Z39.50 protocol through application of the Z39.50/OAI Gateway Profile.Design/methodology/approach – The project proceeded through the construction of a metasearch service model based on the Z39.50/OAI Gateway Profile. Technical obstacles encountered during the construction of this demonstration service were noted, as were potential solutions. The evaluation of the Z39.50/OAI harvesting component of the Gateway Profile was conducted by means of a questionnaire of vendors providing Z39.50 servers to the Illinois Regional Library Systems.Findings – The established technology platform provided ...
Enhancement of comedogenic substances by ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet radiation enhanced the capacity of human sebum, sulphur, cocoa butter, squalene, and coal tar to produce comedones in the external ear canals of rabbits. An enhancement of the comedogenicity of coal tar and squalene was similarly demonstrated in man. We conjecture that in occasional patients sunbathing may aggravate acne by augmenting the comedogenicity of sebum.
Geothermal double-flash plant with interstage reheating: An updated and expanded thermal and exergetic analysis and optimization

Abstract The concept of a double-flash geothermal power plant with an interstage reheater is updated and extended. The conceptual plant holds a thermodynamic performance advantage over a conventional double-flash plant over the range of reservoir temperatures studied from 220 to 320 °C, with the advantage increasing as the temperature increases. An exergy assessment is performed on the whole plant with a detailed examination of the reheater. The effect on performance of the terminal temperature difference in the reheater is found to be small. The trend in performance of the new plant is determined as a function of rising wellhead quality in the event that the reservoir begins to “dry out” yielding higher steam fractions at the wellhead. The potential for silica scaling in the lower-temperature components is examined and found to be of concern. The exact optimized separator and flash temperatures are compared to the simple rule-of-thumb, the “equal-temperature-split” rule, which turns out to be quite accurate. A conventional double-flash plant using a turbine designed to remove moisture after each stage is also examined and found to be theoretically roughly equal to the conceptual plant in terms of power performance. The extra power that can be generated by a reheat plant is monetized to compare with the extra cost involved in the more complex plant relative to a conventional double-flash plant. The projected payback is relatively short indicating that the proposed plant should be both thermodynamically and economically worthwhile on condition that some means of controlling silica precipitation is adopted.
Determinants of consumer interest in fuel economy : Lessons for strengthening the conservation argument

With an outlook for higher global energy prices and concomitant increase of agricultural resources for the pursuit of fuel, consumers are expected to seek more fuel-economic transportation alternatives. This paper examines factors that influence the importance consumers place on fuel economy, with attention given to differences between American and European consumers. In a survey conducted simultaneously in the United States (U.S.) and Belgium in the fall of 2006, respondents in both countries ranked fuel economy high among characteristics considered when purchasing a new vehicle. Overall, respondents in the U.S. placed greater emphasis on fuel economy as a new-vehicle characteristic. Respondents' budgetary concerns carried a large weight when purchasing a new vehicle as reflected in their consideration of a fuel's relative price (e.g. gasoline vs. diesel vs. biofuel) and associated car repair and maintenance costs. On the other hand, high-income Americans displayed a lack of concern over fuel economy. Concern over the environment also played a role since consumers who felt empowered to affect the environment with their purchasing decisions (buying low and clean emission technology and fuels) placed greater importance on fuel economy. No statistically significant effects on fuel economy rankings were found related to vehicle performance, socio-demographic parameters of age, gender or education. Importantly, the tradeoff between using agricultural inputs for energy rather than for food, feed and fiber had no impact on concerns over fuel economy. Finally, contrary to expectations, U.S. respondents who valued domestically produced renewable fuels did not tend to value fuel economy.
Single-Step Formation of Structurally Defined Bicyclic Peptides via SNAr Cyclization

A solid-phase methodology for macrocyclization via an SNAr reaction has been developed for the unambiguous formation of bicyclic peptidic compounds in a single cyclization step. The cyclization strategy involves the reaction of a 3,5-dihydroxybenzoyl group with two nitrofluorobenzoyl moieties. The symmetry of the dihydroxy aromatic ring results in a single product, and the remaining nitro groups are subsequently reduced to anilines and acylated.
SU-FF-T-67: Comparison of Linac Based Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy and Tomotherapy for Treatment of Skull-Base Tumors

Purpose: To compare and evaluate Tomotherapy and linac based fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) techniques in the treatment of lesions located in the base of skull. Method and Materials: Five patients with skull-base tumors, originally planned for optical guided FSRT to prescribed doses of 50.4 to 54Gy were replanned using TomoTherapy treatment planning software. All original CT scans, MR-CT fusion defined contours for target and normal structures, and PTV margins were used for Tomotherapy planning. Linac based plans utilized one of the following FSRT planning techniques: non-coplanar or coplanar intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), multiple non-coplanar conformal arcs, and non-coplanar conformal radiation therapy (CRT). These plans were used as the gold standard to which the Tomotherapy plans were compared. Results: Use of both linac based FSRT and helical tomotherapy generated highly conformal treatment plans. Criteria used for comparison included prescription isodose to target volume (PITV) ratios, inhomogeneity index (II), equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for PTV's, mean normalized total doses (NTDmean) for critical structures, and size of 10, 20, and 30Gy isodose volumes. Non-coplanar linac based plans exhibited a 23% to 50% decrease in PITV ratios, increased II, similar EUD, and generally comparable to improved NTDmean for critical structures when compared to helical tomotherapy, which are coplanar by nature. Use of non-coplanar field arrangements also resulted in a 14% to 72% reduction of these low dose isodose volumes when compared Tomotherapy. All criteria except for the II, which was much improved with Tomotherapy, were found to be similar when coplanar linac based plans were compared to helical tomotherapy plans. Conclusion: Results show a distinct advantage in using non-coplanar beam arrangements for treatment of skull-base tumors. In the case where disease spreads far inferiorly, limiting the ability to use non-coplanar arrangements, Tomotherapy can be used to generate a comparable treatment plan.
Exit and Voice: Organizational Loyalty and Dispute Resolution Strategies.

This study compares workplace dispute resolution strategies (exit, voice and toleration) in matched pairs of conventional and worker-owned cooperative organizations operating in three industries - coal mining, taxicab driving and organic food distribution. Building on Hirschman's classic exit, voice and loyalty thesis, this research demonstrates how the degree of loyalty that workers hold affects how they approach workplace problems. I find that workers with greater loyalty are more likely to embrace "voice" as a way to address their problems. Although the "exit" patterns do not mirror the classic "exit-voice framework," the data support Hirschman's broader thesis, which incorporates examination of emotional involvement, and entry and exit costs. While previous scholars have studied Hirschman's exit, voice and loyalty thesis in the workplace, few have explored workplace loyalty as an orientation that affects voice and exit as Hirschman envisioned it (Dowding, John, Mergoupis, and Vugt 2000). Hirschman asserted that, when confronting workplace problems, people's two courses of action were to (1) leave the organization, "exit," or (2) stay and express their displeasure, "voice." Some scholars read Hirschman as offering "loyalty" as a third option, while others see loyalty as a contingency that shapes whether people will exit or voice. This paper takes the latter definition. Whereas both exit and voice behaviors can send a similar message to the organization, causing it to improve, voice is the more difficult option (Hirschman 1970). When will people stay and "fight," and when will they "cut bait" and leave? Hirschman says the key to understanding this decision is the loyalty of the members. Those with greater loyalty are more likely to stay and try to change the organization from within. This is particularly true if they believe that their efforts have the power to influence the organization (Hodson 2001). Entry costs further heighten the likelihood of choosing voice rather than exit; those who have endured difficulty in joining the organization will be less likely to discard their membership lightly (Hirschman 1970). Some research suggests that members of worker cooperatives - businesses that are co- managed and co-owned by their workers - will have greater loyalty than workers in conventional businesses (e.g., Cornforth, Thomas, Lewis and Spear 1988; Rothschild and Whitt 1986). Members of worker cooperatives often have ideological attachments to their workplace. Sometimes they specifically sought jobs in worker cooperatives; other times they simply happened upon these jobs and became converted to the cooperative workplace ideology. Moreover, some worker cooperatives require that their members pay an amount of money to buy into the cooperative before they may begin working. Thus, members of worker
Comorbidity independently predicted death in older prostate cancer patients, more of whom died with than from their disease.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the proportion of men who died from prostate cancer (PrCa) vs. with PrCa and assess the comorbid conditions associated with other-cause deaths. Study design and setting We identified all male decedents aged ⩾65 years in Jefferson County, AL, in 1993–1995. By crosslinking three databases (death certificate, Medicare, and Veteran's Administration), we identified men whose deaths might have been caused by PrCa. We abstracted and reviewed medical records to rate comorbid conditions and determine whether or not death was due to PrCa. Results Of 561 men with a premortem diagnosis of PrCa, 42% died from PrCa and 53% died with PrCA; 50.2% of blacks died from PrCa vs. 36.9% of Whites. Other factors related to dying with PrCa included older age at death and a serious, or very serious, comorbid condition. Treatment did not have an independent effect on cause of death (i.e., death with vs. from PrCa). Conclusions Comorbidity was an independent predictor of dying with PrCa, even after adjustment for ethnicity, age, and treatment. Given the as yet unproven benefit of PrCa screening, our results extend the body of information relevant to the screening decision; among men dying with a diagnosis of PrCa, only about 1/3 to 1/2 died from the disease.
LISP on a reduced-instruction-set-processor

Abstract : We ported the Portable Standard Lisp compiler to MIPS-X, a reduced-instruction-set processor. In this paper we report on a number of profiling measurements made on a set of 11 LISP programs. The measurements give information on two levels. Because the instruction set of MIPS-X contains only very simple, basic instructions the profiling information is at avery low level. In a second group of measurements, we determine how much time each program spends on most common primitive LISP operations. Because MIPS-X executes all machine instructions in a single cycle, it is possible to get very accurate timing measurements by instruction counts. (Author)
Evaluation of a new aerosol model with a Brownian diffusion technique

Measurements in Alaska in sub-polar night conditions have indicated that the size distribution of atmospheric aerosols varies significantly and systematically depending upon the type of air mass. Atmospheric aerosol particles are small and numerous in warm Pacific marine air mass systems and large and sparse in cold, Arctic-derived air mass systems. In a previous paper this was hypothesized to be associated with the progressive loss of the smallest particles by attachment to cloud droplets under the driving influence of thermal Brownian motion. A theory involving two parameters, r (mean particle radius), and n0 (aerosol number concentration) was developed to describe the process. In the previous paper, the relationship r ∞ n0ν where ν is the Junge power law exponent (ν ≌ 3) was derived and has recently been confirmed to acceptable accuracy with the use of a simple experiment which employed diffusive separation. The diffusion experiment has also allowed us to estimate that the fraction of time, φ, that the aerosol-laden polar air masses coexist in the presence of cloud is ≌0.01 < φ < 0.1. The submicron aerosol particles in Arctic-derived air masses flowing into central Alaska are deduced to have residence times on the order of ∼10 days.
Gender differences in general surgical careers: results of a post-residency survey.

Abstract Background This study’s purpose was to gain perspective regarding general surgery career choices while examining gender differences. Methods Graduates of a general surgery residency (n = 189) received surveys addressing fellowship training, practice type, case composition, work hours, academic involvement, income, residency, and career satisfaction. Results Several gender differences were identified. Most men (64%) listed general surgery as their primary work type, whereas women most commonly reported breast surgery (38%, P P = .049). There was no gender difference in income for fellowship-trained surgeons, but a disparity in income >$200,000 favored non–fellowship-trained men (74% versus 36%, P = .0031). Both genders reduced work hours. Women reduced them exclusively for personal/family demands. Both genders reported satisfaction with their surgical careers (93%). Conclusions Some gender differences in surgery were identified. However, both genders maintain a high level of satisfaction with their career choice.
An Analysis of the Modes of Operation of a Simple Transistor Oscillator

A simple transistor oscillator circuit is analyzed in an illuminating way. The analysis predicts oscillation in either of two modes and provides a means of determining the maximum frequency of oscillation in each. The two modes are identified as "three-terminal" or "two-terminal" according to whether RF current is required in the base lead to produce the oscillations. The relationship between these modes is developed and visualized in a "frequency portrait" for the transistor which serves to unify the principal results of the paper.
ETHICS AND POLITICS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

The problems of carrying out field research and analyzing social processes observed in revolutionary contexts are discussed in relation to the speaker's experiences in Bolivia and in historical perspective.
Myocardial Uptake and Redistribution of 99mTc-N-NOET in Dogs With Either Sustained Coronary Low Flow or Transient Coronary Occlusion Comparison With 201Tl and Myocardial Blood Flow

Background 99mTc-N-NOET (NOET) is a new myocardial perfusion imaging agent that redistributes over time. We sought to better define the redistribution kinetics of NOET using open-chest canine models of sustained low coronary flow (protocol 1) and transient coronary occlusion followed by reflow (protocol 2). Methods and Results In protocol 1 (n=10), NOET and 201Tl were injected during low flow in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) that was sustained for 2 hours. Protocol 2 dogs (n=6) were injected with NOET during 20 minutes of LAD occlusion followed by 2 hours of reflow. In both protocols, serial NOET planar images were acquired, and myocardial flow and 2-hour tracer activities were determined by gamma-well counting. Defect resolution was observed on images in both protocols. Initial defect count ratios, reflecting flow disparity at injection (0.66±0.03 and 0.57±0.04, respectively), increased over 2 hours (0.73±0.02 and 0.75±0.04, respectively; P <.001 versus initial). Quantitative imaging showed that NOET redistribution resulted from greater clearance from normal areas versus low-flow or transiently occluded areas. In protocol 1, 2-hour NOET and 201Tl stenotic-to-normal tissue activity ratios were similar (0.76±0.06 versus 0.73±0.04, P =NS) and higher than injection flow ratios (0.52±0.06 and 0.56±0.07, respectively, P <.001), consistent with tracer redistribution. In protocol 2, NOET redistributed to an even greater extent (injection flow ratio, 0.27±0.04; 2-hour tissue activity ratio, 0.84±0.03, P <.001). Conclusions NOET is the first 99mTc-labeled myocardial imaging agent with kinetics similar to 201Tl in experimental models, permitting redistribution imaging. NOET appears to be a promising agent for assessing patients with coronary artery disease.
MANAGEMENT OF COLLEGE STUDENT RECRUITING ACTIVITIES USING GOAL PROGRAMMING

A shrinking pool of potential students, due to a declining birthrate as well as uncertain economic times, is creating the need for more effective recruiting of college students. One approach using a goal programming model has been developed and is currently being used to manage recruitment activities in a small four-year college in Nebraska. The model identifies both the type and number of activities that must be completed each quarter in order to reach an enrollment goal for a given year. Factors such as budget, time, manpower, and marketing strategies are highlighted in the model. The results of the goal programming model encouraged more field activities in the first two quarters with emphasis on new-candidate identification. The third-quarter recruiting strategy is more balanced while the fourth-quarter emphasis is placed on follow-up activities that occur chiefly in the office. Use of this model will enable recruiters to meet enrollments while managing recruiting resources and activities in order to remain within the recruiting budget.
The Impact of a Brief Expectation Survey on Parental Satisfaction in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Objectives To determine the effect of physician knowledge of parental expectations on satisfaction with emergency department (ED) care. Methods This was a prospective, controlled, interventional trial involving parents of children presenting to a children's hospital ED. Parents completed an expectation survey on arrival, which was either immediately placed back in the enrollment envelope (control) or shown to the physician caring for the child (intervention). The physician was instructed to initial the expectation survey to acknowledge receipt of the survey. Parents then completed a satisfaction survey at discharge. The primary outcomes were differences in satisfaction with physician review of the expectation survey, as measured by 1) parental ratings of overall care and 2) their willingness to recommend the ED to others. A third (baseline) group completed only a satisfaction survey at discharge. Results A total of 614 (66%) of the 930 enrolled parents completed the study. Intention-to-treat analysis did not show a significant increase in parental satisfaction ratings for either overall care or recommend the ED; however, only 42% of the intervention group surveys had documented physician review. When these initialed surveys were compared with the control group in a per-protocol analysis, there was a significant improvement in parental satisfaction. There were no differences between the control and baseline groups, indicating no effect of the expectation survey completion on satisfaction. Conclusions Physician knowledge of written parental expectations may improve parental satisfaction during an ED visit. Further work is needed to overcome the barriers to physician review of the expectation survey to maximize parent satisfaction.
Testing Techniques for Mechanical Characterization of Nanostructured Materials

Testing methods are reviewed that can be applied to the small sample sizes which result from many of the processing routes for preparation of nanocrystalline materials. These include the measurement of elastic properties on small samples; hardness, with emphasis on nanoindentation methods; the miniaturized disk bend test (MDBT); the automated ball indentation test (ABI); the shear punch test; and the use of subsize compression and tensile samples.
Distribution of the Bundle-Forming Pilus Structural Gene (bfpA) among Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) express an inducible bundle-forming pilus (BFP) associated with the presence of the EPEC adherence factor (EAF) plasmid and localized adherence (LA) on HEp-2 cells. The cloned structural gene (bfpA) encoding BFP was found to be specific for EPEC, as homologous sequences were found only in EPEC and not in other enteropathogens. The bfpA probe was slightly more sensitive than the EAF probe; among EPEC strains with LA, the bfpA and EAF probes hybridized with 99% and 96% of the strains, respectively. Immunoblotting of whole cell lysates of BFP-positive, EAF-positive or -negative, and LA-positive or -negative EPEC strains revealed variations in the size (18,500-21,000) of the expressed structural subunit of BFP, suggesting differences in processing that may account for discrepancies between the bfpA, EAF, and LA. Because the bfpA probe consists primarily of sequences encoding an important EPEC virulence factor, in contrast to the unknown function of sequences contained in the EAF probe, the bfpA probe may be useful in epidemiologic studies to detect EPEC.
Beamshaping and polarization control properties of flexible hollow metallic rectangular pipes in the midinfrared

Radiation patterns of midinfrared (MIF) lead-salt tunable diode lasers (TDL) after transmission through a flexible hollow rectangular metallic pipe are studied. Near 100 percent transmission efficiency and polarization control properties are observed, leading to possible TDL waveguide encapsulation as an MIF source assembly with well-defined far-field radiation pattern and polarization.
Microstructure evolution and nonequilibrium phase diagram for Ni-Hf binary alloy produced by laser cladding

Abstract Synthesis of nonequilibrium Ni-Hf binary alloys were carried out using laser cladding technique. In this process mixed powder in the ratio of Ni-26 wt% Hf was delivered using a screw feeder into a melt pool of the substrate, generated by a high power continuous wave CO2 laser beam. The microstructure of the claddings thus produced were investigated using optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis techniques. Due to the inherent rapid cooling rate associated with the process of laser cladding process, some nonequilibrium hereto unreported phases formed in the claddings. There is also an extension in the solid solubility of Hf in the terminal α phase as compared to the equilibrium Ni-Hf binary phase diagram. This paper investigates this solid solubility extension, the evolution of the microstructure in the claddings in the system and also characterizes the metastable phases formed in terms of crystal structure and microchemistry. A nonequilibrium phase diagram for Ni-Hf binary alloy is recommended based on the micro-chemistry and differential thermal analysis data.
Polarization Instability in Thin Ferroelectric Films

An experimental study of critical phenomena in thin ferroelectric films is presented which, for the first time, conclusively demonstrates that the polarization in thin films is drastically reduced as a result of depolarization effects. Other causes, like impurities, structural defects, and domain formation, which can lead to reduction of polarization, are ruled out.