cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can we manage Agile in traditional project environments

Agile has gained much attention and controversy as a contemporary project management approach. While many management practitioners and researcher, report great benefits and advantages over traditional execution methods, others experienced disappointments or outright failures with this contemporary process which differs from established principles and standards of conventional project management. - This paper reports the results of a three-year field study into the practices of Agile project management at 37 technology-intensive companies. It shows that the principles of this contemporary technique are applicable to most projects independent of their nature, size or IT-orientation, improving resource effectiveness, project execution time and overall project success. However, the study also shows that for large and highly complex projects, and for most situations outside of software and IT, the Agile methodology must be carefully modified to fit the organizational processes and cultures of the enterprise.
The Utility of the Knowledge Use System in a Higher Education Evaluation Setting

This study uses the Knowledge Use System (KUS) that was developed by Barabba and Zaltman in 1991 to delineate decisionmaker variables and characteristics that may thwart utilization of evaluation results. The KUS was originally developed as a tool enabling corporate market reseatch to overcome "obstacles to implementation." The KUS is a process used to point out decisionmaker biases, preconceived notions and other decisionmaker variables. It facilitates discussion and consensus building about important evaluation issues that, if not recognized, might diminish utilization. The results of this study suggest that the KUS is successfully adaptable to higher education contexts. Its use during evaluation appears to improve the quality of the evaluation and the implementation of results.
Regulatory Arbitrage, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, and Dodd-Frank: The Implications of US Global OTC Derivative Regulation

A review of the Dodd-Frank rulemaking projects suggests that the U.S. has entered into a “race to the top” of over-the-counter derivative regulation. Many of the Dodd-Frank statutes and proposed rules go well beyond the relatively modest objectives agreed to by the G20 countries in 2009. These efforts in the U.S. create a legal environment ripe for regulatory arbitrage and the isolation of U.S. OTC derivative markets. Isolation results from participants simply abandoning U.S. markets because of overly aggressive U.S. regulation. Regulatory arbitrage occurs as both U.S. and non-U.S. persons attempt to structure their trading activities to avoid the extraterritorial reach of Dodd-Frank. This paper will discuss the regulatory arbitrage implications triggered by the Dodd-Frank reforms and concerns surrounding the extraterritorial powers given to the CFTC to enforce these mandates.
Mathematical ratios lead to spurious conclusions regarding age- and sex-related differences in resting metabolic rate

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) data have been normalized by dividing RMR by fat-free mass (FFM) (ie, ratio method), or by using a regression-based approach. We compared both data-normalization procedures on age- and sex-related differences in RMR. The ratio method showed no differences in adjusted RMR between older men (0.084 +/- 0.004 kJ.FFM-1.min-1) and younger men (0.082 +/- 0.003 kJ.FFM-1.min-1), whereas analysis of covariance showed a lower (P < 0.01) adjusted RMR in older men (4.81 +/- 0.04 kJ/min) than in younger men (5.14 +/- 0.04 kJ/min). In another example, the ratio method showed that women had a higher (P < 0.05) adjusted RMR (0.10 +/- 0.004 kJ/min) than did men (0.08 +/- 0.003 kJ/min), whereas analysis of covariance showed a lower (P < 0.01) adjusted RMR in women (4.45 +/- 0.03 kJ/min) than in men (4.62 +/- 0.03 kJ/min). The ratio method provides misleading conclusions regarding sex- and age-related differences in RMR when compared with a regression-based approach.
Viscoelastoplastic Continuum Damage Model Application to Thermal Cracking of Asphalt Concrete

A viscoelastoplastic continuum damage (VEPCD) model has recently been developed and validated under the auspices of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program 9-19 project, entitled “Advanced Mixture Characterization for Superpave Support and Performance Models Management.” The VEPCD model is able to characterize the viscoelastic and viscoplastic responses of asphalt concrete (AC) in addition to microcracking. The primary objective of this paper is to validate the model under thermal loading conditions that are distinctively different from the mechanical loading conditions used in model development and calibration. Viscoplastic (VP) behavior is a typical response in AC at high temperatures; however, based on the t-T superposition principle, it is the slow strain rate observed in thermal cracking that triggers the VP response. Measured responses and fracture parameters from thermal strain restrained specimen tensile (TSRST) strength tests were compared with those predicted using the VEPCD model, th...
Synthesis and selected reactions of a bicyclic sultam having sulfur at the apex position.

A practical synthesis of the bicyclic dienyl sultam 9 has been developed. The viable route involved several key steps. Of these, ring-closing metathesis represented by the conversion of 19 to 20 had to be implemented in advance of the assembly of other rings such as is present in 15. Product 20 was used as the template for more advanced framework construction, as in 16. The second double bond was best introduced by a bromination−dehydrobromination sequence, the 2-fold loss of HBr being achieved most reliably by the use of tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride in CH2Cl2 or DMSO. The direct irradiation of 9 gave rise to the endo-oriented cyclobutene derivative 30. The title diene is not a ready participant in Diels−Alder reactions. When heated with endo-bornyltriazolinedione in ethyl acetate solution, conversion to a 1:1 mixture of 33 and its diastereomer occurred as confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. From the mechanistic perspective, this transformation constitutes an interesting example of a stereocon...
Tongue lesions in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of pediatric tongue lesions treated surgically at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center from January 1990 to December 1999.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective case-series at the pediatric hospital of a tertiary care, academic medical center.RESULTS: Seventeen patients were identified. Their ages ranged from 1 to 132 months (median, 7 months). Eight lesions were located anteriorly: mucous cyst (1), polyp (1), chronic inflammatory mass (1), hamartoma (1), squamous papilloma (2), cavernous hemangioma (1), and vascular malformation (1). Four lesions were located posteriorly: teratoma (1), glial choristoma (1), osseous choristoma (1), and benign epithelial cyst (1). Finally, there were 5 diffuse lesions including macroglossia (4) and massively infiltrating congenital lymphatic malformation (1). Symptoms included respiratory distress (3) and dysarthria (3); all other children were asymptomatic.CONCLUSIONS: This series revealed an interesting spectrum of rare solid tumors; ...
Synthesis and Tribology of Micro-Carbon Sphere Additives for Enhanced Lubrication

Poor or inefficient lubrication often gives rise to high friction and wear losses in machine components, which adversely affect their performance, efficiency, and durability. Many approaches are being explored to enhance the antifriction and antiwear properties of sliding machine components. In this study, the antifriction and antiwear properties of carbon spheres, synthesized from plastic waste by an autogenic process, were investigated as an additive to a poly-alpha-olefin (PAO-4 grade) oil. When dispersed at 1 wt% concentration, the carbon spheres reduced both friction and wear under boundary-lubricated sliding conditions. In particular, the reduction in wear was quite dramatic and appeared to be enabled by the formation of a fairly thick (≈200 nm) carbon-rich boundary film, the formation of which is attributed to tribochemical interactions between the carbon particles and sliding contact surfaces.
Synthesis of Y−Ba−Cu−O superconductors from Y2O3, BaO2, and Cu2O: the optional oxygen treatment

Abstract YBa2Cu3Ox superconductors were synthesized from mixed powders of Y2O3, BaO2, and Cu2O under oxygen, air, and argon atmospheres. All samples were superconductive at the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, indicating the oxygen treatment is optional for this powder synthesis method.
Interest in an online smoking cessation program and effective recruitment strategies: Results from Project Quit

BACKGROUND: The Internet is a promising venue for delivering smoking cessation treatment, either as a stand-alone program or as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy. However, there is little data to indicate what percent of smokers are interested in receiving online smoking cessation services or how best to recruit smokers to Internet-based programs. OBJECTIVE: Using a defined recruitment sample, this study aimed to identify the percentage of smokers who expressed interest in or enrolled in Project Quit, a tailored, online, cognitive-behavioral support program offered with adjunctive nicotine replacement therapy patches. In addition, we examined the effectiveness of several individual-level versus population-level recruitment strategies. METHODS: Members from two large health care organizations in the United States were invited to participate in Project Quit. Recruitment efforts included proactive invitation letters mailed to 34533 likely smokers and reactive population-level study advertisements targeted to all health plan members (> 560000 adults, including an estimated 98000 smokers across both health care organizations). RESULTS: An estimated 1.6% and 2.5% of adult smokers from each health care organization enrolled in Project Quit. Among likely smokers who received proactive study invitations, 7% visited the Project Quit website (n = 2260) and 4% (n = 1273) were eligible and enrolled. Response rates were similar across sites, despite using different sources to assemble the invitation mailing list. Proactive individual-level recruitment was more effective than other forms of recruitment, accounting for 69% of website visitors and 68% of enrollees. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers were interested in receiving online smoking cessation support, even though they had access to other forms of treatment through their health insurance. Uptake rates for this program were comparable to those seen when smokers are advised to quit and are referred to other forms of smoking cessation treatment. In this sample, proactive mailings were the best method for recruiting smokers to Project Quit. [J Med Internet Res 2006;8(3):e14]
A New Optimized Fluorescent Lamp and Ballast for Low- Energy General Lighting Applications

A new fluorescent lamp and ballast system has been developed which minimizes system input power while maintaining light output close to values provided by conventional lamps and ballasts. The 28-WT-12 lamp designed for the new system utilizes a redesigned electrode structure which allows the lamp to be started in the rapid start manner but operated in an instant start mode to maximize the discharge efficacy (lumens/watt) while reducing lamp cathode power requirements. A matching two-lamp ballast incorporates a solid-state switching device to turn off the cathode heating circuit automatically once the lamps have started. Both lamps and ballasts are physically interchangeable with conventional equipment so that existing luminaires can be converted without luminaire, lampholder, and wiring modifications. This new lamp/ballast system can achieve efficacy values exceeding 80 Im/W?more than 25 percent better than the performance of conventional fluorescent systems of the early 1970's?along with the excellent life and reliability characteristics typical of electromagnetically ballasted systems. Economic analyses indicate that the new system is appropriate for many new commercial general lighting installations, although it is particularly suitable as a retrofit system for installations where power reductions are essential but where conversion costs must be minimized and illumination levels preserved.
Simulations of cyclic normal indentation of crystal surfaces using the bubble-raft model

Abstract The evolution of contact-induced deformation on the nanoscopic scale is of considerable interest in terms of both the scientific understanding of defect nucleation and the practical concern of contact damage resistance of a wide range of surfaces in engineering applications. Currently, experimental tools such as nanoindentation, atomic force microscopy, and atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy allow quantification of nanoscale deformation and damage induced by contact at surfaces. However, none of these methods allows for in-situ visualization of atomic-level deformation during contact loading. Recently, we have employed the Bragg-Nye bubble raft to study in situ the conditions governing defect nucleation in fcc crystals subjected to nanoindentation. Although there are inherent limitations to this two-dimensional model, we have found useful parallels to the mechanisms of homogeneous defect nucleation and deformation in three-dimensional fcc crystals. Such observations have the poten...
Overview of Selected Measurement Techniques for Aerodynamics Testing in the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

An overview is given of selected measurement techniques used in the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of aerospace vehicles operating at supersonic speeds. A broad definition of a measurement technique is adopted in this paper and is any qualitative or quantitative experimental approach that provides information leading to the improved understanding of the supersonic aerodynamic characteristics. On surface and off-surface measurement techniques used to obtain discrete (point) and global (field) measurements and planar and global flow visualizations are described, and examples of all methods are included. The discussion is limited to recent experiences in the UPWT and is. therefore, not an exhaustive review of existing experimental techniques. The diversity and high quality of the measurement techniques and the resultant data illustrate the capabilities of a around-based experimental facility and the key role that it plays in the advancement of our understanding, prediction, and control of supersonic aerodynamics.
Cleavage of Mammalian Ova inhibited by Visible Light

AMONG workers in the field of mammalian embryo culture the suspicion has existed that ova exposed to visible light lose some of their capacity for cleavage. In the interest of clarification the following investigations were undertaken.
Psychotherapy in the Age of the Computer: The Debate Concerning Computer Addiction

The emergence of the World Wide Web and its explosive growth has affected every part of the human condition, and psychotherapy is no exception. Each day millions are visiting websites devoted to any topic imaginable. Particularly popular are websites known for chatrooms and self-help groups. While these websites may provide support and opportunity for interaction, some people find themselves engaged in online behavior to an excessive degree. While some clinicians are specializing in the treatment of computer addiction and regard it as a disorder others view the discussion as nothing more than a current fad. Is a potentially new psychiatric diagnosis emerging, which is called by such various names as Internet Addiction, Pathological Internet Use, and Compulsive Internet Disorder? This paper will explore the various components of the debate. Both potentially harmful as well as positive aspects of computer use will be discussed as well as criteria that can be useful during the assessment of a client who pres...
A comparison of theoretical and experimental L and M cross sections

Abstract Quantitative microanalysis using the EELS technique requires the knowledge of partial scattering cross sections to relate the measured edge intensities to the concentrations in the compounds. Experimental data are now available not only for L 2, 3 edges, but also for M 4, 5 edges, and can be used to test the quantification procedure by comparison of cross section ratios with calculations derived from a Hartree-Slater model. The deviations between theory and experiment range from about 5% in the case of S, Ca, La and Gd to about 50% for Cu, Zn and Ho to Yb.
Water permeability of polyunsaturated lipid membranes measured by 17O NMR.

Diffusion-controlled water permeation across bilayers of polyunsaturated phospholipids was measured by 17O nuclear magnetic resonance. In 100-nm extruded liposomes containing 50 mM MnCl2, water exchange between internal and external solutions was monitored via changes in the linewidth of the 17O water resonance of external water. Liposome size and shape were characterized by light scattering methods and determination of liposome trapped volume. At 25 degrees C, the following water permeability coefficients were determined: 18:0–18:1n-9 PC, 155 +/- 24 microns/s; 18:0–18:3n-3 PC, 330 +/- 88 microns/s; and 18:0–22:6n-3 PC, 412 +/- 91 microns/s. The addition of 1 M ethanol reduced permeability coefficients to 66 +/- 15 microns/s for 18:0–18:1n-9 PC and to 239 +/- 67 microns/s for 18:0–22:6n-3 PC. Furthermore, the addition of 50 mol% 18:1n-9–18:1n-9 PE reduced the water permeability from 122 +/- 21 microns/s for pure 18:1n-9–18:1n-9 PC to 74 +/- 15 microns/s for the mixture. The significant increase in water permeation for membranes with polyunsaturated hydrocarbon chains correlates with looser packing of polyunsaturated lipids at the lipid-water interface and the suggested deeper penetration of water into these bilayers. Ethanol may block water diffusion pathways by occupying points of water entry into bilayers at the interface. The addition of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine increases lipid packing density and, consequently, reduces permeation rates.
Bioassay of Four Entomophthoralean Fungi (Entomophthorales) Against Diuraphis noxia and Metopolophium dirhodum (Homoptera: Aphididae)

A spore shower technique was used to test four species of aphid-derived entomophthoralean fungi, Pandora neoaphidis (Remaudiere & Hennebert) Humber, Zoophthora radicans (Brefeld) Batko, Conidiobolus thromboides Drechsler, and Conidiobolus coronatus (Constantin) Batko, against the cereal aphids, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) and Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker). Six endemic and five foreign isolates of the four fungal species were tested. There was variability in virulence among different isolates and species of the fungi and in susceptibility between the two aphid species. Low LC50's (i.e., high virulence) were produced with two C. coronatus isolates (2.2–4.0 spores/mm2), three C. thromboides isolates (2.3–13.2 spores/mm2), and two P. neoaphidis isolates (1.4–8.1 spores/mm2). Two Z. radicans isolates exhibited moderate virulence with LC50's ranging from 25.1 to 46.8 spores/mm2. Two isolates of C. thromboides that had been in long-term storage displayed relatively low virulence. Aphid colonies on leaves were more suitable for bioassays than aphids confined in wire mesh inoculation chambers. The latter were disadvantageous. because the aphid movement within the chamber adversely affected the determination of fungal inoculum exposure rates. These conditions also often induced the production of resting spores instead of primary conidia.
Parenting and Adult Criminality: An Examination of Direct and Indirect Effects by Race

Parenting practices are among the strongest predictors of juvenile delinquency identified in the criminological literature and have been intimately connected to adult offending.The prior research connecting early parenting experiences with crime, however, has not systematically assessed the long-term effect of parenting style on adult criminal offending, or the processes linking the parenting and crime, by race. In this study, we explore the extent to which experiences associated with minority status influence the nature of the relationship between parenting style and adult criminal offending as well as the mediating processes of adult social bonds and emotional self-concepts involved. Using two waves of a contemporary longitudinal sample of youth, the results show that parenting styles lacking in demandingness show significant and positive effects on adult criminal offending among the Black sample, but parenting styles exert little long-term effects on criminal offending among the White sample. Furthermore, negative emotionality, namely anger, significantly mediates the relationship between uninvolved parenting and adult criminality among the Black and White samples, but depression is also a mediator for the Whites. In this sample, adult social bonds do not mediate the relationship between parenting during childhood and adult criminality.
Non-Abelian flux tubes in 3D

From Monte Carlo calculations of plaquette--Wilson-loop correlations for three-dimensional SU(2) lattice gauge theory, we give unambiguous graphic demonstrations of the formation of non-Abelian chromoelectric flux tubes with constant energy density in the region between a pair of static {ital q{bar q}} sources. We also determine the thickness of the flux tube and discuss other features of the energy densities. A direct calculation of the string tension is also presented.
Control groups appropriate for surgical interventions: ethical and practical issues

Surgical trials differ in several critical aspects from pharmaceutic trials because they are invasive and the procedure itself may carry a significant risk. The surgical procedure cannot be fully specified in advance; although the general approach may be the same, the exact methods used during surgery may differ. Surgeons may have different levels of skill and experience with the techniques; experience is known to affect success rates. Sham surgeries are difficult to justify ethically, yet they have been successful in showing that accepted surgical procedures were not efficacious. Double masking participants in a surgical trial may be difficult; for example, we cannot mask the surgeon. There is also a need to minimize or avoid bias. Therefore, greater flexibility is needed in the design of surgical trials than in the design of pharmaceutic trials. Some of this flexibility is possible through the use of more sophisticated statistical designs. At times, it is necessary to separate the provider of the treatment (the surgeon) from the evaluator of the success of the treatment (a different physician, research nurse, or study coordinator).
IBUPROFEN ATTENUATES ACUTE LUNG INJURY IN RAT ENDOTOXEMIA BY A NITRIC OXIDE MEDIATED MECHANISM. † 276

IBUPROFEN ATTENUATES ACUTE LUNG INJURY IN RAT ENDOTOXEMIA BY A NITRIC OXIDE MEDIATED MECHANISM. † 276
Trends in compliance with bronchodilator inhaler use between follow-up visits in a clinical trial.

Study objective To assess objectively measured, long-term trends in compliance with physician-prescribed metered-dose inhaler (MDI) use during a clinical trial. Design A prospective study. Setting The Lung Health Study, a 5-year clinical trial to determine the effect of special intervention with an intensive smoking cessation program and bronchodilator therapy in cigarette smokers 35 to 60 years of age with minimal to moderate airflow limitation due to COPD. Participants Two hundred thirty-one participants who were issued an MDI with an attached Nebulizer Chronolog (NC) (Forefront Technologies Inc; Lakewood, Colo) which electronically records the date and time of each MDI actuation. One hundred two participants were not informed of the recording capabilities of the attached NC, while 129 participants were aware of the NC's monitoring function. Intervention Following an initial 12-week period of counseling, participants returned to the clinic every 4 months. Measurements and results Analysis of the data from the NC collected over a period of 2 years indicates that compliance with the prescribed medication regimen was best immediately following each follow-up visit and gradually declined during the interval between follow-up visits. The level of compliance after each visit was lower for each successive follow-up. These trends could not be observed from self-report or weighing the medication canisters at follow-up visits. The participants who were informed of the NC's function and who were provided with detailed feedback about their inhaler use generally showed better compliance.
Nucleate boiling in thermally developing and fully developed laminar falling water films

This paper reports an experimental investigation of nucleate boiling in thin water films falling down the outside of a cylindrical heated tube. A mathematical model for the convective (nonboiling) heat transfer coefficient in the laminar thermal entry length was developed and used as a comparison to the experimental boiling heat transfer coefficients. A heat transfer correlation based on mechanistic arguments is presented and is shown to represent the experimental data fairly well. The experimental data were also compared with existing heat transfer data in the literature. The flow rates utilized in this study corresponded to a Reynolds number range from 670 and 4300 and the heat flux range was 6 to 70 kWm/sup 2/.
Utilities derived from visual analog scale scores in patients with HIV/AIDS

Background.Visual analog scale (VAS) scores are used as global quality-of-life indicators and, unlike true utilities (which assess the desirability of health states v. an external metric), are often collected in HIV-related clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to derive and evaluate transformations relating aggregate VAS scores to utilities for current health in patients with HIV/AIDS.Methods.HIV-specific transformations were developed using linear and nonlinear regression to attain models that best fit mean VAS and standard gamble (SG) utility values directly derived from 299 patients with HIV/AIDS participating in a multicenter study of health values. The authors evaluated the transformations using VAS and SG utility values derived directly from patients in other HIV/AIDS studies. Derived transformations were also compared with published transformations.Results.A simple linear transformation was derived (u = 0.44v + 0.49), as was the exponent for a curvilinear model (u = 1-[1- v]1.6), where u ...
A new flow co-culture system for studying mechanobiology effects of pulse flow waves

Artery stiffening is known as an important pathological change that precedes small vessel dysfunction, but underlying cellular mechanisms are still elusive. This paper reports the development of a flow co-culture system that imposes a range of arterial-like pulse flow waves, with similar mean flow rate but varied pulsatility controlled by upstream stiffness, onto a 3-D endothelial-smooth muscle cell co-culture. Computational fluid dynamics results identified a uniform flow area critical for cell mechanobiology studies. For validation, experimentally measured flow profiles were compared to computationally simulated flow profiles, which revealed percentage difference in the maximum flow to be <10, <5, or <1% for a high, medium, or low pulse flow wave, respectively. This comparison indicated that the computational model accurately demonstrated experimental conditions. The results from endothelial expression of proinflammatory genes and from determination of proliferating smooth muscle cell percentage both showed that cell activities did not vary within the identified uniform flow region, but were upregulated by high pulse flow compared to steady flow. The flow system developed and characterized here provides an important tool to enhance the understanding of vascular cell remodeling under flow environments regulated by stiffening.
General recipe for designing photonic crystal cavities.

We describe a general recipe for designing high-quality factor (Q) photonic crystal cavities with small mode volumes. We first derive a simple expression for out-of-plane losses in terms of the k-space distribution of the cavity mode. Using this, we select a field that will result in a high Q. We then derive an analytical relation between the cavity field and the dielectric constant along a high symmetry direction, and use it to confine our desired mode. By employing this inverse problem approach, we are able to design photonic crystal cavities with Q > 4 ∙ 106 and mode volumes V ~ (λ/n)3. Our approach completely eliminates parameter space searches in photonic crystal cavity design, and allows rapid optimization of a large range of photonic crystal cavities. Finally, we study the limit of the out-of-plane cavity Q and mode volume ratio.
Raman Spectrum of PbZrO3

Laser-induced Raman spectra were obtained for powders and multidomain single crystals of PbZrO3 at room temperature. Factor-group analysis was used to interpret the spectra on the basis of the space group C2v8-Pba 2. Raman spectra were also observed for single crystals of PbZrO3 at several other temperatures between 76° and 520°K and related to crystal structural changes. No first-order Raman bands were noted above the Curie temperature, indicating a phase transformation to a cubic zirconate structure. The interpretation of Raman spectra for thermally decomposed PbZrO3 is discussed.
EFFECT OF GAUSSIAN WHITE NOISE ON THE DYNAMICAL BEHAVIORS OF AN EXTENDED DUFFING–VAN DER POL OSCILLATOR

The influence induced by random noise on dynamical behaviors is a classical yet challenging subject. This paper discusses the influence of Gaussian white noise on the dynamics of a self-excited triple well extended Duffing–Van der Pol oscillator already subjected to harmonic excitation. Firstly, the condition for the rise of hom/heteroclinic chaos is derived by random Melnikov's technique under its corresponding mean-square criterion and the result indicates that the threshold amplitude of harmonic excitation is lowered by the appearance of Gaussian white noise. Moreover, the threshold is decreased as the noise intensity increases. Since the Melnikov's criterion is only a necessary condition for the occurrence of chaotic motion, this prediction is tested against numerical simulations of the basins of attraction and the Lyapunov exponents. By vanishing the largest Lyapunov exponents, another criterion for the onset of chaos is obtained which is accorded with the theoretical one. Finally, how the noise effects the structure of periodic or chaotic attractor is investigated by simulating Poincare maps of the original system and rich transition states displayed by the considered extended Duffing–Van der Pol oscillator are observed.
Injuries of the retroperitoneal portions of the colon and rectum

Experience with 66 penetrating injuries of the retroperitoneal colon and rectum is reviewed. These injuries usually affect the intraperitoneal anterior and the retroperitoneal posterior walls. The bare areas of the colon have to be inspected when only one intraperitoneal hole is found or whenever the wound is in the flank or back. There is an increasing tendency toward primary suture rather than exteriorization unless there are multiple severe intra-abodominal injuries, gross contamination, or poor general condition of the patient. Rectal injuries require careful repair, diverting colostomy, irrigation of the excluded rectum and presacral drainage. For suspected bowel injuries, antibiotics should be started preoperatively
The Student $t$-Distribution for Odd Degrees of Freedom is Infinitely Divisible

values of n and conjectured that this is always the case. This conjecture is proved here by a twofold application of Bernstein's theorem and the use of some special properties of the zeros of the Bessel polynomials. The same conclusion follows for Yk = (Xk2)-l' where Xk2 is a chi-square variable with k degrees of freedom.
Evaluation of sugar content in potatoes using NIR reflectance and wavelength selection techniques

Near-infrared(NIR)diffusereflectancehasbeenextensivelyandsuccessfullyappliedonqualityassurance for fruits, vegetables, and food products. This study is principally aimed to extract the primary wavelengths related to the prediction of glucose and sucrose for potato tubers (of Frito Lay 1879 (FL), a chipping cultivar, and Russet Norkotah (RN), a table use cultivar, and investigating the potential of classification of potatoes based on sugar levels important to the frying industry. Whole tubers, as well as 12.7mm slices,werescanned usingaNIRreflectancespectroscopicsystem(900-1685nm).Toextractthe most influential wavelength in the studied range, interval partial least squares (IPLS), and genetic algorithm (GA) were utilized. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was applied for building prediction models. Prediction models for RN showed stronger correlation than FL with r(RPD) (correlation coefficient (ratio of reference standard deviation to root mean square error of the model)) values for whole tubers for glucose being as high as 0.81(1.70), and 0.97(3.91) for FL and RN; in the case of sliced samples the values were 0.74(1.49) and 0.94(2.73) for FL and RN. Lower correlation was obtained for sucrose with r(RPD) for whole tubers as high as 0.75(1.52), 0.92(2.57) for FL and RN; and the values for sliced samples were 0.67(1.31) and 0.75(1.41) for FL and RN respectively. Classification of potatoes based on sugar levels was conducted and training models were built using different classifiers (linear discriminant analysis (LDA), K-nearest neighbor (Knn), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA), and artificial neural network (ANN)), in addition to classifier fusion. To obtain more robust classification models for the training data, 4-fold cross validation was used and results were tested using separate sets of data. Classification rates of the testing set for whole tubers, based on glucose, were as high as 81% and 100% for FL and RN. For sliced samples, the rates were 83% and 81% for FL and RN. Generally, lower classification rates were obtained based on sucrose with values of whole tubers of 71%, and79% forFL andRN,andforslicedsamples therates were75%,and82% whichfollowsasimilartrendas PLSR results. This study presents a potential of using selected wavelengths and NIR reflectance spectroscopy to effectively evaluate the sugar content of potatoes and classify potatoes based on thresholds that are crucial for the frying industry.
Cures That Harm: Unanticipated Outcomes of Crime Prevention Programs:

This review highlights the importance of recognizing the possibility for doing harm when intentions are good. It describes several examples showing that well-planned and adequately executed programs provide no guarantee for safety or efficacy. The author concludes with recommendations for scientifically credible evaluations to promote progress in the field of crime prevention.
Regional mobility of economists: An extension

We extend Davis and Patterson’s analysis of the incidence and determinants of regional mobility of Ph.D. economists. By exploiting previously collected data, we identify the patterns of regional mobility not only at the point of entry into the labor market for economists who received their doctoral degree in 1968 but also the net mobility of these economists over a 25-year period. The net effects of regional mobility decisions made between graduation in 1968 and year-25 employment in 1993, and between initial professional employment in 1969 and year-25 employment in 1993, are analyzed. Our results suggest that many economists demonstrate a propensity to“nest“ in their degree and first-job regions of employment and that those employed in government service and those with a greater diversity of work experience are more likely to migrate across regions during their careers.
Fuzzy multi-level minimum cost flow problems

Both multiple objectives and multiple hierarchies minimum cost flow problems with fuzzy costs and fuzzy capacities in the arcs are investigated. To reduce the complexity, a possibility programming is used to handle the vagueness in the parameters. Fuzzy approach can considerably simplify the problem and thus a fairly general multi-level problem can be solved reasonably easily in spite of the fact that the multi-level problem is NP-hard and very difficult to solve. Several numerical examples are considered to illustrate the approach.
The toxicity of high-dose superoxide dismutase suggests that superoxide can both initiate and terminate lipid peroxidation in the reperfused heart

Recently, we described an anomalous bell-shaped dose-response curve for the protection of the reoxygenated isolated myocardium by superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is dramatically protective up to a point (5 micrograms/ml in the perfusate) beyond which it loses its ability to protect and, at very high doses (50 micrograms/ml), exacerbates the injury. We proposed that O2-. may serve as both initiator and terminator of lipid peroxidation, such that over scavenging the radical may increase net lipid peroxidation via increased chain length. We examined the ability of U74389F, a lipid peroxidation inhibitor, to ameliorate the toxicity of high-dose SOD in the isolated perfused rabbit heart preparation. The results show a significant improvement in the percent recovery of developed tension of hearts treated with U74389F and overdosed with MnSOD, as well as a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.
Towards an understanding of the geopolitics of cyberspace: Learning, re‐learning and un‐learning

Spiegel classifies the world's states as high‐tech, nationalistic, or transitional in character, along with some fluidity. His thesis is that ‘traditional geography’ has declined in importance in international politics and has been replaced by information and communications technologies (ICT). He seems unaware of recent developments in political geography, especially to the manner in which geographers consider space, cyberspace and ICT. Territory is one element of political space; others include identities, networks, regionalism, transboundary processes and non‐state actors in regional and global politics.
Population structure of the wreckfish Polyprion americanus determined with microsatellite genetic markers

We examined population structure in the wreckfish, Polyprion americanus, by assaying six microsatellite loci in 422 individuals collected throughout the geographic range. Eighteen hapuku, P. oxygeneios, were assayed at the same loci for use as an outgroup. Expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.49 to 0.88 and averaged 0.66. Allele-frequency distributions at those loci indicated that samples from the eastern North Atlantic, western North Atlantic and the Mediterranean were genetically similar, confirming the pattern seen in a previous analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Both mtDNA and microsatellite studies differentiated northern and southern wreckfish stocks. However, in contrast to the mtDNA studies, allelic variation at microsatellite loci clearly differentiated wreckfish from two Southern Hemisphere locations, Brazil and the South Pacific. Far more genetic variation was observed at microsatellite loci than with mtDNA RFLPs (haplotype diversity averaged 0.01), and we saw more evidence of population structure with the microsatellite loci. The differentiation between southern and northern wreckfish supports the distribution records, which indicate that wreckfish do not occur in the tropics. Temperature profiles and current patterns throughout the southern oceans apparently also prevent significant gene flow between the South Pacific and Brazilian samples.
Evaluation of the vertical holding appliance in treatment of high-angle patients

Controlling the vertical dimension of high-angle patients without the benefit of compliance can be a challenging aspect of orthodontic treatment. This retrospective study examines the skeletal and dental effects of a modified transpalatal bar, dubbed the vertical holding appliance (VHA), which was used in an attempt to control the vertical dimension of high-angle patients. Two cephalometrically similar groups of high-angle patients (16 patients each) were compared to determine advantages from using the VHA. Group I (n = 16, pretreatment age 13.4 +/- 1.6 years) was treated with 4 premolar extractions in conjunction with the VHA cemented in place for 17.4 +/- 6.1 months. Group II (n = 16, pretreatment age 13.4 +/- 1.9 years), which was matched for age and pretreatment skeletal pattern, was treated with the Tweed technique and 4 premolar extractions. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before the placement of the VHA, as well as at the end of treatment. The results showed that although y-axis increased significantly in group II (P <.05), it remained the same in group I. Within group I, the Frankfort mandibular plane angle and gonion gnathion/sella nasion angle decreased, whereas both of these values increased in group II. However, these changes were statistically insignificant. Lower anterior face height increased more in group II than in group I (P <. 05). The percentage of lower anterior face height to total anterior face height decreased in group I, whereas it increased in group II. The difference between the 2 groups was determined to be significant (P <.01). Eruption of the maxillary first molar within group I was less than in group II. No significant differences were found between groups I and II for changes in overbite.
Relict oysters on the United States Atlantic continental shelf: A reconsideration of their usefulness in understanding late Quaternary sea-level history: Discussion and reply

No Abstract Available. The article discussed was published in the Bulletin , v. 89, p. 277–282.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY STRUCTURE AND ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR: PARENTAL COHABITATION AND BLENDED HOUSEHOLDS

In the last several decades, the American family has undergone considerable change, with less than half of all adolescents residing with two married biological parents. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, we construct an elaborate measure of family structure and find considerable heterogeneity in the risk of antisocial and delinquent behavior among groups of youth who reside in what are traditionally dichotomized as intact and nonintact families. In particular, we find that youth in “intact” families differ in important ways depending on whether the two biological parents are married or cohabiting and on whether they have children from a previous relationship. In addition, we find that youth who reside with a single biological parent who cohabits with a nonbiological partner exhibit an unusually high rate of antisocial behavior, especially if the custodial parent is the biological father.
Internal-External Control and Ideology

It was hypothesized that internal Ss would agree more with ideologies which emphasize the importance of self-determination of behavior, whereas external Ss would agree more with ideologies which emphasize the importance of social determination of behavior. Internals scored significantly higher on the traditional American ideology scale, whereas externals scored significantly higher on the New Left scale and one assessing a political philosophy of conservatism. These significant results (p < .02) for college students supported the hypothesis. The implications for perception and understanding social problems were discussed.
Comparison of Workplace Protection Factors for Different Biological Contaminants

This study compared workplace protection factors (WPFs) for five different contaminants (endotoxin, fungal spores, (1→3)-β-D-glucan, total particle mass, and total particle number) provided by an N95 elastomeric respirator (ER) and an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR). We previously reported size-selective WPFs for total particle numbers for the ER and FFR, whereas the current article is focused on WPFs for bioaerosols and total particle mass. Farm workers (n = 25) wore the ER and FFR while performing activities at eight locations representing horse farms, pig barns, and grain handling facilities. For the determination of WPFs, particles were collected on filters simultaneously inside and outside the respirator during the first and last 15 min of a 60-min experiment. One field blank per subject was collected without actual sampling. A reporting limit (RL) was established for each contaminant based on geometric means (GMs) of the field blanks as the lowest possible measurable values. Depending on th...
Determination of Degradation Products and Pathways of Mancozeb and Ethylenethiourea (ETU) in Solutions Due to Ozone and Chlorine Dioxide Treatments

The objective of the present study was to determine the degradation products of mancozeb and ethylenethiourea (ETU) and elucidate the possible degradation pathways in solution as a result of chemical oxidation using ozone and chlorine dioxide. This study was developed in a solution at 100 ppm of mancozeb and ETU concentration over the course of 60 min. Two different oxidizing agents used in this study were (1) ozone at 3 ppm and (2) chlorine dioxide at 20 ppm. Ozone was continuously provided throughout the course of the reaction. Degradation products were detected with high-resolution GC-MS. The total analysis time was 4 min per sample combined with rapid GC separation and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). Hydrolysis of mancozeb led to m/z 144 ion fragmentation, which is 5-imidazoledithiocarboxylic acid, as a major degradation product. ETU showed M+ 102, which corresponds to its mass, indicating this compound was stable in distilled water and did not undergo hydrolysis during 60 min. The average r...
Scanned optical fiber confocal microscope

The size and weight of conventional optical microscopes often makes them inconvenient for use on the human body or for in-situ examination during materials processing. We describe a new fiber-optic scanning confocal optical microscope which could have a total outside diameter as small as 1 mm, and should lend itself to applications in endoscopy or to optical in vivo histology. The first experimental device utilizes a single-mode optical fiber for illumination and detection. The scanning element is a mechanically resonant fused silica cantilever 1.5 cm long and 0.8 mm across, with a micromachined two-phase zone plate objective mounted at one end. The cantilever is electrostatically scanned near resonance in two dimensions, generating a Lissajous pattern which is scan converted to conventional video for real time display or digitization. The objective lens has N.A. equals 0.25 at (lambda) equals 0.6328 micrometers , with a measured spot size of 1.8 micrometers FWHM.
Beyond Conspiracy Theory: Patterns of High Crime in American Government

This article explores the conceptual, methodological, and practical implications of research on state crimes against democracy (SCADs). In contrast to conspiracy theories, which speculate about each suspicious event in isolation, the SCAD construct delineates a general category of criminality and calls for crimes that fit this category to be examined comparatively. Using this approach, an analysis of post—World War II SCADs and suspected SCADs highlights a number of commonalities in SCAD targets, timing, and policy consequences. SCADs often appear where presidential politics and foreign policy intersect. SCADs differ from earlier forms of political corruption in that they frequently involve political, military, and/or economic elites at the very highest levels of the social and political order.The article concludes by suggesting statutory and constitutional reforms to improve SCAD prevention and detection.