cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluator Collaboration across Diverse AIDS-Related Education Programs.

The discipline of program evaluation demands careful examination, measurement, and consideration of alternative explanations for results. Focused evaluation requires distance, and “distance breeds suspicion” (Green & Lewis, 1986). Furthermore, an evaluation report is rarely viewed as a neutral document (Berk & Rossi, 1990). Thus, program evaluators, even when they work closely with program planners and implementers, often function in isolation-separated by focus, by a critical stance, and by the political climate generated by real or perceived judgmental assessments (Rossi & Freeman, 1993). This paper offers a description of the events and activities that brought independent evaluators together to address common problems and issues with the goal of problem solving and improving site specific evaluative activities. The usual pattern of isolated work was broken when the evaluators of twelve independent AIDS-related programs came together and formed a working group which supported an on-going dialogue and exchange of ideas among various projects across the United States. The efforts of this working group served to significantly influence the final evaluation strategies adopted by the individual programs. It provided opportunities for the exchange of information and encouraged cooperation in the development of data collection formats, instruments, and assessments across twelve programs. The focus of discussion here is on the development and accomplishments of a collaborative effort undertaken by a working group of evaluators of separate AIDS education and training programs funded by the National Institute of Mental Health
Microcomputer manipulation and graphic display of molecular structures—II display

Abstract A microcomputer implementation of a program to draw orthographic projections of the three-dimensional structures of molecules on an X—Y recorder is presented. Only limited spatial transformations are allowed. Because of this limited functions, the program is relatively fast. However, arbitrary rotations of the molecule in space may be calculated in order to maximize the structural information imparted by the drawings. The implementation described can be used to display molecules containing up to sixty-four atoms. The hardware environment of the system consists of a microcomputer, with associated peripherals, and an X—Y recorder. As such the system described represents a relatively inexpensive means of graphic display of molecular structures.
Computing and communication quality of service for distributed time-scaled simulation in heterarchical manufacturing control

The authors present experimental results and empirical models that characterize the computing and communication workload for distributed time-scaled simulation used for distributed arrival time control (DATC) algorithms. In DATC application, real-time discrete event scheduling is achieved in a highly distributed manner by part entities (work pieces) that continuously control their arrival times at the queues for various resources based on feedback obtained from fast time-scaled distributed simulation. This study focuses on a range of systems of up to 180 parts and 16 machines. It focuses on real-time scheduling in heterarchical manufacturing systems using time-scaled distributed simulation. The quality (nearness to optimality) of schedules of such a system is limited by the speed and accuracy of the distributed simulations. In this paper designed experiments are used to characterize the Quality of Service (QoS). Based on experiments with time-scaled simulation for DATC algorithms, a regression model is built and is used to predict the latency and jitter on the network. The experimental results and regression model will enable systematic assessment of the QoS requirements and design of computing and communication architectures for the next generation of distributed manufacturing control systems.
The Strategy of Political Liberalization: A Comparative View of Gorbachev's Reforms

This article examines three Western European cases from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and shows that political liberalization does not necessarily require a reformer's commitment to democracy. Under the right circumstances, even conservative politicians may find liberalization to be a rational and acceptable means to secure their power and to defeat powerful opponents, despite the risk of future upheavals. Such circumstances were present in the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, when Mikhail Gorbachev and his supporters used the strategy of political liberalization to remove the threat posed by their rivals in the party apparatus.
Characterization of the supplementary motor area syndrome and seizure outcome after medial frontal lobe resections in pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Background In adults, resection of the medial frontal lobe has been shown to result in supplementary motor area (SMA) syndrome, a disorder characterized by transient motor impairment. Studies examining the development of SMA syndrome in children, however, are wanting. Objective To characterize the development of SMA syndrome and to analyze seizure outcomes after surgery in the medial frontal lobe for medically intractable epilepsy. Methods Thirty-nine patients with medically intractable epilepsy who underwent surgery in the medial frontal lobe were reviewed retrospectively. The progression of neurological impairment and seizure outcome after surgery was recorded, and the extent of cortex resected was analyzed. Results After resection in the region of the SMA, 23 patients (59%) developed postoperative neurological impairment; 17 (74%) were identified as SMA syndrome. No neurological impairment was found after surgery in 16 patients (41%). Six patients (15%) experienced permanent neurological impairment. The majority of patients (82%) who developed SMA syndrome had resolution of their symptoms by 1 month postoperatively. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging finding of lesional cases was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of developing SMA syndrome (P = .02). Seizure outcome was favorable after surgery in most patients. Conclusion Surgery for medically intractable epilepsy in the region of the medial frontal cortex is effective and associated with reversible neurological impairment in children. All patients had resolution of their SMA syndrome by 6 months postoperatively.
Fabrication of elastin-like polypeptide nanoparticles for drug delivery by electrospraying.

The development of environmentally responsive drug carriers requires new methods for assembling stimuli-responsive nanoparticulates. This communication describes a novel application of electrospray to construct bioresponsive peptide-based particulates, which can encapsulate drugs. These particles are composed from genetically engineered elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs), a biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioresponsive polymer. To generate nanoparticles (300−400 nm in diameter), ELPs and drugs are codissolved in organic solvent, accelerated across a voltage gradient, dried by evaporation during transit, and collected from a target surface. These findings indicate that particle diameter, polydispersity, and morphology are strong functions of the solvent concentration, spraying voltage, and polymer molecular weight. Surprisingly, the loading of drug at 20 w/w% did not influence particle morphology; furthermore, drug release from these particles correlated with the pH-dependent solubility of the parent ELPs....
A Review of Transformations, Approaches to College Science Teaching

Review of : Transformations, Approaches to College Science Teaching; Deborah Allen and Kimberly D. Tanner; (2009). W. H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, CA. 284 pages.
Learning chronobiology by improving Wikipedia.

Although chronobiology is of growing interest to scientists, physicians, and the general public, access to recent discoveries and historical perspectives is limited. Wikipedia is an online, user-wr...
Hypnotic susceptibility as a function of the prestige of the hypnotist.

Abstract 40 undergraduates were administered the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A of Shor and Orne (1962) by their instructor. On the basis of the hypnotic susceptibility scores, the sample was divided into 20 “better” and 20 “poorer” Ss. A week later Ss were re-hypnotized by a tape-recording of the above induction procedure. On the second induction, half of the Ss (10 better and 10 poorer) were told that the hypnotist on the tape was an expert; the other half were told the hypnotist was a novice. The results indicated that only the better Ss given novice instructions showed a change (decrement) in hypnotic susceptibility.
Chromosome segregation: seeing is believing.

For chromosome segregation in mitosis, each centromere directs assembly of a complex, proteinaceous structure — the kinetochore, which connects the chromosome to microtubules of the mitotic spindle. A recent study has provided important new insights into the mechanism by which kinetochores capture spindle microtubules.
Studies of the Cerebral Circulation and Metabolism in Congestive Heart Failure

In a study of the cerebral circulation and metabolism in congestive heart failure, using Kety's nitrous oxide technic, it was found that no significant alterations of the cerebral circulation were present when the quantities measured were compared with values determined for a control group. A decrease in cerebral blood flow and oxygen consumption below values established for normal young individuals was demonstrated to be secondary to the presence of arteriosclerosis and not to cardiac decompensation as had previously been concluded. It was also found that in the series studied the increased venous and cerebrospinal fluid pressures were not of sufficient magnitude to affect the cerebral circulation. The factor of a decreased arterial carbon dioxide tension as a cause for diminished cerebral blood flow in cardiac decompensation was similarly considered and dismissed.
The effect of internal heat transfer in cavities on the overall thermal conductivity

Abstract Based on an analytical model, degradation of the overall thermal conductivity is studied in this paper to account for the internal mechanism of heat transfer between the solid medium and the fluid inside cavities. The cavity is assumed to randomly distribute in the solid with its density measured by the volume fraction. The model is capable of characterizing the effect of internal heat transfer such as conductive and convective heat transfer across the surfaces of cavities. In the case involving the convection mode, the Biot number has been identified to be the modulus dominating the overall thermal conductivity, while in the case involving the conduction mode, the ratio of the thermal conductivity of the solid medium to that of the fluid inside cavities is the major influencing factor. The effect of interfacial conduction and convection is found to be pronounced when the volume fraction of pores in the solid exceeds 15%. The large deviation from the experimental result by considering insulated cavities is redeemed by considering heat balance of heat conduction or convection across the cavity surface.
The effect of information technology investment on firm-level performance in the health care industry.

Background: The return on investment for information technology (IT) has been the subject of much debate throughout the history of management information systems research. Often referred to as the productivity paradox, increased IT investments have not been consistently associated with increased productivity. Understand individual IT factors that directly contribute to business value should provide insight into the productivity paradox. Purpose: The effects of 3 different firm-level IT characteristics on financial performance in the health care industry are studied. Specifically, the effects of IT budget, IT outsourcing, and the relative number of IT personnel on firm-level financial performance are analyzed. Methods: Regression analysis of archival survey data for 914 Integrated Healthcare Delivery Systems is performed. Results: IT budgetary expenditures and the number of IT services outsourced are associated with increases in the profitability of Integrated Healthcare Delivery Systems, whereas increases in IT personnel are not significantly associated with increased profitability. Each one tenth of a percentage increase in IT expenditures is associated with approximately $950,000 in increased profit for an average-sized Integrated Healthcare Delivery System. Implications: To increase profitability, IT administrators should increase IT budgetary expenditures along with IT outsourcing levels. IT administrators in the health care industry can use such findings during budgeting cycles to justify increased investments in IT personnel as being budget neutral while increasing organizational capacity.
Measurement of visceral fat on preoperative computed tomography predicts complications after sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease.

Abstract Background Visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat parameters have been associated with worse surgical outcomes in colorectal cancer but have not been investigated in diverticulitis. Methods Volumetric fat parameters were measured on preoperative computed tomography scans from 211 diverticulitis patients. Primary outcome was a serious postoperative complication (Clavien-Dindo grades 2-4). Variables including age, disease duration, American Society of Anesthesiology score, ostomy, immunosuppression, body mass index, and volumetric fat parameters were examined. SPSS was used for statistics. Results The serious postoperative complication rate was 12.7%. On univariate analysis, several factors including older age ( P = .0001), ostomy creation ( P = .02), higher visceral fat (VF, P = .01), emergent surgery ( P = .05), and higher American Society of Anesthesiology score ( P = .05) were associated with complications. On multivariate regression analysis, only VF was independently associated with complications. Conclusions Diverticulitis patients with high VF are more likely to develop complications after sigmoidectomy. VF measurement may potentially be used as a tool to assist in surgical decision making and prediction of outcomes.
Evolutionary diversification of pigment pattern in Danio fishes: differential fms dependence and stripe loss in D. albolineatus

The developmental bases for species differences in adult phenotypes remain largely unknown. An emerging system for studying such variation is the adult pigment pattern expressed by Danio fishes. These patterns result from several classes of pigment cells including black melanophores and yellow xanthophores, which differentiate during metamorphosis from latent stem cells of presumptive neural crest origin. In the zebrafish D. rerio, alternating light and dark horizontal stripes develop, in part, owing to interactions between melanophores and cells of the xanthophore lineage that depend on the fms receptor tyrosine kinase; zebrafish fms mutants lack xanthophores and have disrupted melanophore stripes. By contrast, the closely related species D. albolineatus exhibits a uniform pattern of melanophores, and previous interspecific complementation tests identified fms as a potential contributor to this difference between species. Here, we survey additional species and demonstrate marked variation in the fms-dependence of hybrid pigment patterns, suggesting interspecific variation in the fms pathway or fms requirements during pigment pattern formation. We next examine the cellular bases for the evolutionary loss of stripes in D. albolineatus and test the simplest model to explain this transformation, a loss of fms activity in D. albolineatus relative to D. rerio. Within D. albolineatus, we demonstrate increased rates of melanophore death and decreased melanophore migration, different from wild-type D. rerio but similar to fms mutant D. rerio. Yet, we also find persistent fms expression in D. albolineatus and enhanced xanthophore development compared with wild-type D. rerio, and in stark contrast to fms mutant D. rerio. These findings exclude the simplest model in which stripe loss in D. albolineatus results from a loss of fms-dependent xanthophores and their interactions with melanophores. Rather, our results suggest an alternative model in which evolutionary changes in pigment cell interactions themselves have contributed to stripe loss, and we test this model by manipulating melanophore numbers in interspecific hybrids. Together, these data suggest evolutionary changes in the fms pathway or fms requirements, and identify changes in cellular interactions as a likely mechanism of evolutionary change in Danio pigment patterns.
The production and properties of TiN-Ni nanostructure films by filtered vacuum arc deposition

Abstract Nanostructure films, consisting of TiN and Ni, were obtained by filtered vacuum arc deposition. The TiN-Ni nanostructure film is expected to have superior mechanical properties. In this method, Ti metal ions and Ni metal ions were alternately introduced to the substrate along a magnetic field sustained in the quarter-torus. The nanoparticle structure and the multilayer structure could be obtained. The TED pattern indicated that the crystallographic orientations of TiN and Ni were aligned, TiN(111) //Ni(111), TiN(100) //Ni (100). The thermal stability of the nanostructure and the film hardness were investigated up to 1053 K. It was confirmed that the nanostructure and the film hardness were stable up to 973 K. The nanostructure was effective for improvement of hardness.
Automatic pulse parameter determination with the computer augmented oscilloscope system

The Computer Augumented Oscilloscope System (CAOS) is a special computer terminal facility intended for laboratory experiments involving waveforms and their interpretation. The system provides digital acquisition of waveform data, system control and calibration, data analysis, and graphic and alphanumeric display. Pulse parameter determination requires the use of all system capabilities since a) hardware and software options must be chosen or controlled, b) the pulse waveform must be digitized, c) the appropriate analytical algorithms must be applied to the data and d) the results of analysis must be displayed. Specific attention is given to the algorithms required for pulse parameter determination and a new procedure for determining base and top magnitude of a pulse waveform is presented.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Impairs Thumb Opposition and Circumduction Motion

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with sensory and motor impairments resulting from the compressed and malfunctioning median nerve. The thumb is critical to hand function, yet the pathokinematics of the thumb associated with carpal tunnel syndrome are not well understood.
Amplified fragment length polymorphisms as a tool for DNA fingerprinting sunflower germplasm : genetic diversity among oilseed inbred lines

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis is a rapid and efficient method for producing DNA fingerprints. The AFLP diversity of sunflower has not been described, and much of the public germ plasm of sunflower has not yet been fingerprinted. Our objectives were to: (1) estimate genetic similarities, polymorphism rates, and polymorphic information contents (PICs) for AFLP markers among elite public oilseed inbred lines, and (2) assess the genetic diversity of inbred lines using genetic similarities estimated from AFLP fingerprints. We produced fingerprints for 24 public inbred lines of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) using six AFLP primer combinations. These primers produced a total of 359 AFLP markers or about 60 markers per primer combination. Genetic similarities ranged from 0.70 to 0.91, polymorphism rates ranged from 7 to 24%, and PICs ranged from 0.0 to 0.5. Genetic similarities were lower overall for maintainer (B)×restorer (R) crosses than for B×B or R×R crosses. Principal-coordinate and cluster analyses separated lines into two groups, one for B-lines and another for R-lines. These groupings illustrate the breeding history and basic heterotic pattern (B×R) of sunflower and the widespread practice of using B×B and R×R crosses to develop new lines. There were, nevertheless, distinct subgroups within these groups. These subgroups may represent unique heterotic groups and create a basis for formally describing heterotic patterns in sunflower.
Review: Cognitive radio technology: From distributed spectrum coordination to adaptive network collaboration

This paper presents an integrated view of cognitive radio technologies for efficient wireless services in dense spectrum environments. The rationale for cognitive radio based systems is discussed, leading to an identification of the available design space that ranges from reactive interference avoidance to spectrum etiquette and eventually network collaboration. After reviewing prior work in the dynamic spectrum area, a specific distributed spectrum etiquette protocol called ''common spectrum coordination channel (CSCC)'' is introduced. Performance gains achieved with CSCC relative to simpler reactive time/frequency/power control algorithms are evaluated for example in WiFi/Bluetooth and WiFi/WiMax co-existence scenarios. The next level of system performance can be achieved through opportunistic collaboration between radios to form ad hoc multi-hop networks in which neighboring nodes associate with each other at high bit-rate and low power. Adaptive wireless networks of this type will require new protocol architectures which integrate flexible PHY/MAC and cross-layer capabilities with ad hoc network discovery and multi-hop routing. A specific ''CogNet'' protocol architecture based on the concept of a ''global control plane (GCP)'' is described. Major CogNet protocol modules for bootstrapping, discovery, data path setup and naming/addressing are outlined, and representative ns-2 simulation results are provided for validation. In conclusion, the paper gives a preview of the network-centric WiNC2R prototype under development at WINLAB as an experimental cognitive radio platform.
The inlet layer in the flow of viscoelastic fluids

Abstract In this paper we use the method of matched asymptotic expansions to study the effect of a small elasticity on the stress inlet boundary conditions in the flow of Maxwell-like fluids. Renardy's conditions on the normal stresses are discussed in this context and conclusions about some other boundary conditions and models are made.
Peer mentoring for tenure-track faculty

Four tenure-track nursing faculty members at a large, research-intensive university came together to help each other learn the role of faculty scholar and to provide discipline, critique, and collegiality for each other with the goal of building research careers. Peer mentoring is usually construed more as senior faculty mentoring newer faculty. In this model, new faculty members mentor each other based on the knowledge gained in their doctoral programs and through sharing experiences with their own mentors. The value of this strategy includes building relationships among diverse faculty members, creating opportunities for collaboration on research projects, and developing camaraderie among members that might not otherwise develop. One year after implementing this innovative strategy for faculty peer mentoring, group members report success in individual and collective scholarship productivity, more research collaboration, improved mutual expertise, and stronger relationships with each other.
CSNET — The computer science research network: History, status, and future plans

Abstract we have described characteristics of the CSNET project. This project is unique in its attempt to build a communications environment which will link an entire research community. By the end of 1983, a full range of network services will be available to the computer research community. In addition, it is expected that CSNET technical specifications will be utilized by other communities to build networks for their use.
Indocyanine green fluorescent dye during bowel surgery: Are the blood supply “guessing days” over?

Assessing the blood supply of the bowel is a difficult task even for experienced surgeons. Laser-assisted indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent dye angiography provides intraoperative visual assessment of blood flow to the bowel wall and surrounding tissues, allowing for modification to the surgical plan, which can reduce the risk of postoperative complications. ICG angiography was prospectively performed in a single center during a 1-year period for small bowel ischemia and left colorectal resections. ICG angiography played a major role in the intraoperative decision making in 4 of 160 patients, whose clinical and operative details are here reported. In case of acute small intestine ischemia, resection is not warranted unless absolute perfusion units are below 19 (relative 21%). When evaluating blood supply to the left colon prior to anastomosing, resection is recommended with absolute units lower than 18 (relative 31%) even if the bowel appears macroscopically perfused.
Diffusion cloud chamber operation and the background gas effect

Key design and operational aspects for thermal diffusion cloud chamber (TDCC) applications are discussed in the context of a two-dimensional solution to the mass and energy balances describing diffusion through a stagnant background gas. The important issue of buoyancy-driven convective disturbances and their impact upon nucleation measurements made using a diffusion cloud chamber are discussed. A new derivation of the relation that predicts the upper limit of total pressure allowed for stable (the absence of buoyancy-driven convective disturbances) operation of the diffusion cloud chamber is presented. For the first time, this limit of stable operation can be predicted prior to making experimental measurements. Nucleation data obtained in our laboratory are examined in the context of this predicted limit of stable operation. New nucleation data are presented for 1-pentanol using helium as a background gas. Only data corresponding to stable operation in the cloud chamber is used in the analysis. The effect of background gas on nucleation we have reported previously is confirmed for 1-pentanol, as well as for all the other alcohols that have been investigated in our laboratory.
Electron diffraction from cylindrical nanotubes

Electron diffraction intensities from cylindrical objects can be conveniently analyzed using Bessel functions. Analytic formulas and geometry of the diffraction patterns from cylindrical carbon nanotubes are presented in general forms in terms of structural parameters, such as the pitch angle and the radius of a tubule. As an example the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern from a graphitic tubule of structure [18,2] has been simulated to illustrate the characteristics of such diffraction patterns. The validity of the projection approximation is also discussed.
Government influence on pesticide use in developing countries

Chemical pesticide technology has spread much more quickly in the developing world than has the capability to ensure its effective and safe use. Use of pesticides in developing countries is rapidly increasing, and pesticide exporters from the industrialized nations are increasing their sales to the developing countries. Many pesticides considered too dangerous for unrestricted use in the western nations are being exported from these nations to the developing world. Yet under current law it is perfectly legal for companies to export them. Some developing countries have not enacted legislation to govern the importation, domestic use and disposal of these or other pesticide materials. Even with the laws, the governments frequently lack the infrastructures required to enforce them. Further, the developing countries seldom have the medical personnel and facilities required for diagnosing and treating cases of pesticide poisoning, and programmes to train farmers on the correct use of pesticides and alternative methods are often inadequate. This paper discusses ways that governments at national and international levels influence the spread and use of pesticides in the developing countries through legal action, policies on export and import, aid, research and extension, pest control programmes, and other means.
The Language Policy of the East India Company and the Asiatic Society of Bengal.

La lingva politiko de la Orientindia Kompanio kaj la Azia Societo de BengalioLa referajo traktas la lingvan politikon de la Orientindia Kompanio, kiel tio fontis el la administra politiko de la unua generate gubernatoro de Bengalio, Warren Hastings, kaj la fondigo de la Azia Societo de Bengalio kaj la Kolegio de Fort William. Celante regi Hindion, Hastings komencis per klopodo kompreni la hindan popolon kaj ties lingvan kaj kulturan bazon. Staris antaǔ li elekto: au uzi okcidentecan aliron, kiel poste faris la Lordoj Cornwallis kaj Macaulay, trudante sur hindan teron fremdajn instituciojn, au labori ene de la ekzistanta indigena kulturo. Li sage elektis la duan vojon.Lin helpis sindedicaj orientalistoj kiel, interalie, Charles Wilkins, Jonathan Duncan, Francis Gladwin, Sir William Jones, Henry Thomas Colebrooke, John Gilchrist kaj James Prinsep. La fondigo de la societo en 1784 kaj de la kolegio en 1800 montrigis gravaj impulsoj en la disvastigo inter kleruloj de hindaj indigenaj lingvoj, kiel ekzemple la bengala, la hindia au hindustana (la urdua), persa, araba kaj sanskrita. Instruado per indigenaj lingvoj en bengaliaj lernejoj pretigis la vojon por la Baptistaj misiistoj de la Misio Serampore kaj la "Evangelia" kristanigo de hindoj. Tio okazis antau tiam kiam Okcidenta scienca kaj literatura edukado pere de la angla esence frostigis la planojn de Hastings. Strange, tio kondukis al tiu angligo de Hindio fare de Macaulay kaj aliaj utilistoj, kio malhelpis la hindigadon, kiun markis la rego de la Orientindia Kompanio. La celoj de la du skoloj - hindigo de la brita administracio kaj okcidentigo de Hindio - estis preskaŭ identaj, sed la periloj malsimilis. Tiel la sanceliĝo inter partnereco kaj patroneco en la politiko de la Kompanio rilate la hindajn lingvojn daŭre restis temo de postaj literaturaj kaj lingvaj esploroj.
New epoxy‐terminated oligoesters: Precursors to totally biodegradable networks

Two types of novel biodegradable epoxy resins, carrying cycloaliphatic-epoxy and glycidyl ester end-groups, have been synthesized from hydroxy-telechelic oligoesters. The cycloaliphatic-epoxy end-groups were based on either methyl cis-4-cyclohexene-2-(carboxylic acid)-1-carboxylate or 3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid. These compounds were reacted with hydroxy-telechelic poly(e-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) oligoesters, yielding cycloaliphatic-olefin-terminated oligomers. Conversion of the olefin to the epoxide groups was achieved using a phase transfer epoxidation with an inorganic peracid derived from the reaction of phosphoric acid, sodium tungstate, and hydrogen peroxide. Aliquat 336, a quaternary ammonium salt, acted as the phase transfer catalyst. Nearly theoretical conversion of hydroxy to epoxy end-groups was achieved in only one case, however, alternative variations of this method of synthesis show promise. To prepare glycidyl ester-terminated prepolymers, hydroxy-telechelic poly(e-caprolactone) oligoesters were reacted with succinic anhydride, in 1,2-dichloroethane with 1-methylimidazole as catalyst, resulting in (carboxylic acid)-terminated oligomers. After conversion of the end-groups to the potassium carboxylate salt by titration with methanolic KOH, the isolated salt was dried and reacted with epibromohydrin in acetonitrile at reflux, using an 18-C-6 crown ether as the phase transfer catalyst, thus preparing the (glycidyl ester)-telechelic prepolymer. Epoxide equivalent weights differed by 2.7–7.1% from the theoretical values. These cycloaliphatic-epoxide and glycidyl ester-terminated prepolymers may be crosslinked with anhydrides or amines, respectively, to produce totally bioabsorbable networks. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of congenital heart disease and intrauterine growth restriction: a case-control study.

Purpose To determine the prevalence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in cases of congenital heart disease (CHD) and to evaluate whether the prenatal diagnosis of isolated CHD was a significant risk factor for IUGR. Methods We conducted a retrospective case–control study of prenatally detected CHD with delivery at ≥20 weeks' gestation between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2001. Four groups were analyzed: (1) all cases with CHD, (2) after exclusion of abnormal karyotype, (3) after exclusion of abnormal karyotype and prenatally diagnosed extracardiac anomaly, and (4) after exclusion of abnormal karyotype and prenatally and postnatally diagnosed extracardiac anomaly. The prevalence of IUGR was determined in each of the 4 study groups and was compared with controls. Results There were 13,395 deliveries at ≥20 weeks' gestation. Of the 180 cases of CHD, 22.8% were associated with IUGR compared with 11.6% of controls (p < 0.01). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of IUGR in the 140 cases of isolated CHD compared with controls (12.9% versus 10.0%). Conclusion The prenatal detection of isolated CHD does not seem to be associated with IUGR. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
High Performance Computing with the Array Package for Java: A Case Study using Data Mining

This paper discusses several techniques used in developing a parallel, production quality data mining application in Java. We started by developing three sequential versions of a product recommendation data mining application: (i) a Fortran 90 version used as a performance reference, (ii) a plain Java implementation that only uses the primitive array structures from the language, and (iii) a baseline Java implementation that uses our Array package for Java. This Array package provides parallelism at the level of individual Array and BLAS operations. Using this Array package, we also developed two parallel Java versions of the data mining application: one that relies entirely on the implicit parallelism provided by the Array package, and another that is explicitly parallel at the application level. We discuss the design of the Array package, as well as the design of the data mining application. We compare the trade-offs between performance and the abstraction level the different Java versions present to the application programmer. Our studies show that, although a plain Java implementation performs poorly, the Java implementation with the Array package is quite competitive in performance with Fortran. We achieve a single processor performance of 109 Mflops, or 91% of Fortran performance, on a 332 MHz PowerPC 604e processor. Both the implicitly and explicitly parallel forms of our Java implementations also parallelize well. On an SMP with four of those PowerPC processors, the implicitly parallel form achieves 290 Mflops with no effort from the application programmer, while the explicitly parallel form achieves 340 Mflops.
Developmental Genetics of the 2c-D Region of the Drosophila X Chromosome

We have conducted a genetic and developmental analysis of genes within the 2C-D area of the X chromosome. Phenotypes of 33 mutations representing nine adjacent complementation groups including eight recessive lethals and one visible homeotic mutation (polyhomeotic) are described. Germline clonal analysis of the eight zygotic lethals has revealed three types of gene requirements: (1) normal activity at two pupal lethal loci (corkscrew and C204) and one larval lethal locus (ultraspiracle) is required for normal embryogenesis; (2) normal activity at three larval lethal loci (DF967, VE651 and Pgd) is required for normal oogenesis; and (3) activity at only one locus (EA82), a larval lethal, appears to have no maternal requirement. Ambiguous results were obtained for the GF316 lethal complementation group. Analysis of mitotic figures of the pupal lethals indicates that C204 disrupts an essential mitotic function. This result correlates with the preblastoderm arrest observed among embryos derived from germline clones of C204. Embryos derived from germline clones of corkscrew (csw) exhibit a "twisted" phenotype. The recessive lethal ultraspiracle (usp) disrupts the organization of the posterior tip of the larva both zygotically and maternally: second instar usp/Y larvae derived from heterozygous usp/+ mothers possess an extra set of spiracles, whereas usp/Y embryos derived from females possessing a germline clone (usp/usp) exhibit a localized ventral defect in the ninth or posterior eighth abdominal segment. Analysis of the phenotypes of deficiency-hemizygous embryos indicates the presence of an embryonic zygotic lethal locus, as yet unidentified, which produces central nervous system and ventral hypoderm degeneration. Additional information on the genetic organization of loci within the adjacent 2E area are also described. The implications of this analysis to our understanding of the maternal of zygotic lethal loci in development are discussed.
Quality-based payment: six case examples

Introduction. The logic of paying more for high-quality care and less for low-quality resonates. Increasingly health system leaders worldwide acknowledge that payment reforms are needed to do just that, prompted no doubt by the growing body of evidence indicating that quality is not what it should be. Purpose. This review was undertaken to explore contexts in which quality-based payment appears feasible. The ultimate intent is to provoke thoughtful debate about whether and how quality-based payment might fit within a particular developing country’s framework of policies to ensure and promote quality of care. Methods. With guidance from key informants with first-hand knowledge of international quality-based payment schemes, a purposive sample of six quality-based payment schemes was assembled. Schemes were examined to identify environmental contexts and design features. Results. Examples illustrate a variety of approaches and a breadth of contexts in which quality-based payment has been implemented. Contrary to what might be expected, implementation does not appear to be constrained to private-sector purchasers, private-sector providers, hospital settings, nor to any particular type of underlying payment system. Further, quality-based payment pioneers are using a variety of incentive structures, and are tapping a rich mix of structural, process, and outcome standards to benchmark quality. Conclusion. Despite significant operational challenges, quality-based payment has been implemented in developing as well as developed countries, albeit not frequently in either instance. What we do not know—what the literature is nearly silent on—relates to the sustainability and ultimate impact of alternative incentive schemes.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Lowering in 2013 by Nonstatin Agents: The Discovery and Development of Promising Novel Targeted Therapies

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has significantly reduced the risk of death and other major cardiovascular events, and statins remain the therapy of choice. However, as some patients are limited by the side effects of statins, cannot achieve their target LDL on statin therapy, or have other abnormalities in their lipid profile, alternative agents are being developed. In this review, we highlight the major classes of novel nonstatin LDL-lowering agents that are currently in various stages of development. Although many hold great promise, the results of large Phase III trials will be needed to definitely establish the efficacy, safety, and clinical utility of these agents in the general population.
The Origins of Legal Language

This paper examines the origins of legal language. It begins with a discussion of language in the civil law system, which originated in Rome, was refined in Byzantium, rediscovered in Italy, codified in Prussia and France, and ultimately spread throughout most of Europe and, via colonialism, to many other parts of the world. The common law, which developed in England, was heavily influenced by Anglo-Saxon invaders, Latin-speaking missionaries, and French-speaking Normans. Its language also took root in much of the world via the British empire. Finally, we discuss what might be called mixed legal systems, and we conclude by speculating on the possible effects of globalization on the languages of law.
The Motorola 68060 microprocessor

The Motorola 68060, the fourth-generation microprocessor of the M68000 family, is described. Using object code compatible with previous family members, it delivers 3 to 3.5 times the performance of the previous generation processor in this family, the 68040. Performance features include a superscalar integer unit, a high-performance floating point unit, dual 8-kbyte on-chip caches, a branch cache, and on-chip memory management units. A streamlined design enables high-performance techniques to achieve a high level of parallel instruction execution. Improved performance at a low cost makes the 68060 an ideal processor for the mid to high range of desktop computing applications, and compatibility features enable it to easily upgrade the performance of existing 68040-based systems. The operation of the 68060 is described. >
ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF TRAFFIC INFORMATION MESSAGES ON ROUTE SELECTION

In this study, the effect of various traffic information message types on driver routing decisions was evaluated. Results suggest that messages including both an advisory and a descriptive component promote situation awareness and rapid decision making.
FIELD MEASUREMENTS OF DIRECT AND REARVIEW-MIRROR GLARE FROM LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS

This study measured direct and rearview mirror glare illuminances produced by low-beam headlamps in a sample of 22 passenger vehicles. The glare illuminances were measured for 12 common glare situations that were defined by a full factorial combination of three scenarios (oncoming driver, center rearview mirror of a preceding driver, or driver-side mirror of a preceding driver one lane to the right), two longitudinal distances (25 m or 50 m), and two vertical locations [glared vehicle being either a car or a light truck/van/sport utility vehicle (SUV)]. The measurements were made outdoors at night on asphalt pavement. The median illuminances ranged from 0.5 lux for an oncoming driver of a light truck/van/SUV at a distance of 50 m, to 3.4 lux at the driver-side mirror of a preceding car at 25 m one lane to the right. (These values do not take into account window transmittance or mirror reflectance.) The ratios of the maxima and the minima measured for each of the 12 glare situations were large, ranging from about 5:1 to 36:1. The median actual illuminances were compared to the median expected illuminances based on a recent, laboratory-measured, representative sample of U.S. low-beam patterns, taking into account the possible effects of dirt, voltage, misaim, and pavement reflectance. This analysis indicates that the actual illuminances could be very well modeled using the laboratory-measured beam patterns and assuming a linear relationship between the light output of clean and dirty headlamps. Additional analyses evaluated the relationships between headlamp mounting height and glare illuminance.
Out of the Loop? A Comment on David Reingold’s Analysis of Inner-City Employment

David Reingold’s analysis of hiring patterns makes creative use of imperfect data to expand our understanding of inner-city employment. Reingold reports that employers in poor neighborhoods recruit more selectively, but these recruitment practices do not seem to influence how many local residents they hire. The author’s comment notes some technical concerns about Reingold’s analysis. She suspects that employers are excluding local applicants more then Reingold’s work suggests. Instead of resulting in a nonlocal workforce, these exclusionary practices may result in a very highly selected workforce of “acceptable” inner-city workers.
Regional Security in East Asia: ASEAN’s Value Added and Limitations

This paper considers ASEAN’s value added and limitations as regards its ability to play a meaningful and practical security role in East Asia and the Asia Pacific. It argues that ASEAN’s contributions to regional security and within ASEAN-plus arrangements are not uniform. Instead, they vary depending on the relationship and the arrangement. This paper gives particular attention to two sets of relations: 1) ASEAN’s relations with major powers; and 2) major power relations with one another. It argues that the latter has proven most challenging in terms of both practical changes to the regional security environment and growing questions about the appropriateness and capacity of ASEAN to “lead” institutional arrangements, but that such challenges may also vary depending on which major power relationship or regional institution is in question. It further argues that ASEAN’s challenges are also conditioned by security contributions that are often understated, though dissatisfactions from both inside and outside the organization are likely to remain persistent challenges to ASEAN ability to defend its current role.
School-based childhood sexual abuse prevention programs: an integrative review

One prevention strategy for childhood sexual abuse (CSA) involves educational programs delivered to children in the school environment. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to determine the state of the science on school-based CSA prevention programs. The authors extracted data from 26 articles that fit inclusion criteria to answer research questions on types of programs, methods used to evaluate programs, and program success. Analysis of the extracted data led to the identification of seven categories of teaching learning content. Delivery methods included films, plays, discussion, and role play. Most authors used an untreated or placebo control group pretest/posttest design for evaluation. According to the child outcome measures chosen, the majority of programs were successful. The review also found school nurses rarely involved in these programs. Although not a traditional aspect of their responsibilities, information from this review can help school nurses implement a school-based CSA prevention program.
Osmoregulatory defect in adult mice associated with deficient prenatal expression of six2.

Suboptimal kidney development resulting from a genetic deficit in nephron number can have lifelong consequences that may lead to cardiorenal complications upon exposure to secondary insults in late...
MU2A--reconciling the genome and transcriptome to determine the effects of base substitutions.

Motivation: Next-generation sequencing technologies enable the identification of sequence variation in the genome and transcriptome. Differences between the reference genome and transcript libraries complicate the determination of the effect of genomic sequence variants on protein products; similarly, these differences complicate the mapping of sequence variants found in transcripts to their respective genomic position. We have developed MU2A, a publicly available web service for variant annotation that reconciles differences between the genome and transcriptome, enabling the rapid and accurate determination of the effects of genomic variants on protein products, and the mapping of variants detected in transcripts to genomic coordinates. The MU2A web service is available at http://krauthammerlab.med.yale.edu/mu2a. We have released MU2A as open source, available at http://code.google.com/p/mu2a/. Contact: ude.elay@remmahtuark.leahcim Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Wakeful “Type a” Student

Eight type A students and eight that were type B slept in the laboratory for three consecutive nights. Type As showed more fragmented sleep, i.e., more spontaneous awakenings from sleep. No difference in REM pressure between As and Bs could be demonstrated, contradicting the hypothesis that both the personality traits of type A individuals and their coronary-proneness might be explained by chronic REM deprivation of type A individuals.