cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategic Marketing for Educational Systems.

Abstract The authors argue that the utilization of strategic marketing processes typically associated with the private sector can be of significant value to school systems for developing public confidence and support as well as establishing guidelines for future development. In addition, if the program of ‘school choice’ finds wide acceptance, then the incentive to practice strategic marketing will undoubtedly increase manyfold as it has in numerous industries that have become deregulated. Based on the research literature, the paper defines a strategic marketing model for school systems and articulates the sequence of interrelated research and operational steps that make it up. Special note is made of the fact that many, if not most, of the components of strategic marketing are already carried out in school systems. However, they tend to be carried out in a sporadic, incomplete and uncoordinated fashion in reaction to (rather than anticipating) an invasion of turbulent events.
Bulk formulation of surface fluxes extended to weak-wind stable conditions

The bulk formulation for surface fluxes based on surface-layer similarity theory is found to be a poor approximation for weak-wind stably-stratified conditions. These conditions are often non-stationary, with very weak turbulence, and have often been excluded from analysis. As a consequence of such exclusion and the failure to account for self-correlation in the bulk aerodynamic formula for the surface stress, the validity of the similarity theory has been overestimated for weak-wind stable conditions. Four months of turbulence data from FLOSSII are analysed, in order to generalize the bulk formula to include the influence of the non-stationary mesoscale motions on the generation of turbulence. The generalization of the bulk formula leads to a more systematic variation of the drag coefficient. Excluding cases of significant non-stationarity of the wind field also leads to a more systematic behaviour of the drag coefficient, although it removes most of the very stable cases, thus introducing bias. Additional data are required in order to establish confidence in the generalized bulk formula. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Probabilistic inequalities with applications to machine learning

We propose a new approach for deriving probabilistic inequalities based on bounding likelihood ratios. We demonstrate that this approach is more general and powerful than the classical method frequently used for deriving concentration inequalities such as Chernoff bounds. We discover that the proposed approach is inherently related to statistical concepts such as monotone likelihood ratio, maximum likelihood, and the method of moments for parameter estimation. A connection between the proposed approach and the large deviation theory is also established. We show that, without using moment generating functions, tightest possible concentration inequalities may be readily derived by the proposed approach. The applications of the new probabilistic techniques to statistical machine learning theory are demonstrated.
Increased sensitivity to light-induced damage in a mouse model of autosomal dominant retinal disease.

PURPOSE. To describe a sensitivity to light-induced damage associated with expression of a T17M mutant human rhodopsin (hT17M) transgene in mice, with the goal of minimizing retinal injury during the subretinal delivery of rAAV-mediated gene therapy. METHODS. Mice were bred to express the hT17M rhodopsin transgene in a line that was hemizygous null for wild-type mouse rhodopsin (mrho / ), and the eyes of transgenic mice and nontransgenic littermates were exposed for 2.5 minutes to unilateral illumination with fiber-optic light ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 lux. Funduscopic images were made with a handheld camera (Genesis; Kowa Company, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). Fullfield scotopic electroretinographic analysis (ERG) was performed to measure loss of retinal function. Morphometry in the light microscope was used to measure loss of rod photoreceptors. TUNEL staining and a nucleosome release assay were used to measure levels of apoptosis in retinal specimens. RESULTS. mrho / ;hT17M mice exhibited a sensitivity to lightinduced damage that caused severe loss of a- and b-wave ERG responses. hT17M transgenic mice on the mrho / background were equally sensitive to light-induced damage. Histologic analysis showed a concomitant loss of photoreceptors and TUNEL labeling of fragmented DNA in rod photoreceptor cells, demonstrating that the damage occurred via an apoptotic pathway. Nontransgenic littermate mice were not affected by this exposure to light. Mice expressing an hP23H mutant human rhodopsin transgene were minimally sensitive to lightinduced damage at these intensities, in comparison to hT17M mice. Treating the hT17M mice with an equivalent regimen of exposure to red light was less damaging to the retina, as measured by ERG and histology. CONCLUSIONS. Expression of a human hT17M mutant rhodopsin transgene in mice is associated with photoreceptor apoptosis in response to moderate exposure to light. This phenotype was not observed in nontransgenic littermates or in mice expressing an hP23H mutant human rhodopsin transgene. The results suggest that elimination of the glycosylation site at N15 is associated with increased sensitivity to light-induced damage. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48:1942‐1951) DOI:
Decimated Signal Diagonalization for Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

A nonlinear parameter estimator with frequency-windowing for signal processing, called Decimated Signal Diagonalization (DSD), is presented. This method is used to analyze exponentially damped time signals of arbitrary length corresponding to spectra that are sums of pure Lorentzians. Such time signals typically arise in many experimental measurements, e.g., ion cyclotron resonance (ICR), nuclear magnetic resonance or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, etc. The results are compared with the standard spectral estimator, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). It is shown that the needed absorption spectra can be constructed simply, without any supplementary experimental work or concern about the phase problems that are known to plague FFT. Using a synthesized signal with known parameters, as well as experimentally measured ICR time signals, excellent results are obtained by DSD with significantly shorter acquisition time than that which is needed with FFT. Moreover, for the same signal length, DSD is demonstrated to exhibit a better resolving power than FFT.
A tolerance of DNA heterology in the mammalian targeted gene repair reaction.

Targeted gene repair consists of at least two major steps, the pairing of an oligonucleotide to a site bearing DNA sequence complementarity followed by a nucleotide exchange reaction directed by the oligonucleotide. In this study, oligonucleotides with different structures were designed to target a stably integrated (mutant) enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene and used to direct the repair of a single base mutation. We show that the efficiency of correction is influenced by the degree of DNA sequence homology existing between the oligonucleotide and target gene. Correction is reduced when a heterologous stretch of DNA sequence is placed in the center of the oligonucleotide and the mismatched base pair is then formed near the terminus. The negative impact of heterology is dependent on the type of DNA sequence inserted and on the size of the heterologous region. If the heterologous sequence is palindromic and adopts a secondary structure, the negative impact on the correction frequency is removed...
The Use of the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) to Identify Academically Talented Elementary School Students.

Based on the results of two pilot testing projects, the Secondary School Admission Test appears to be an acceptable instrument for identifying academically talented students of elementary school age. In trials consistent with the Talent Search Identification Model developed at The Johns Hopkins University, an above-level form of the SSAT was administered to two samples of fifth and sixth graders. Mean scores for eighth-and ninth-grade normative samples are recommended as cutoffs for identifying highly able fifth-and sixth- grade students who could benefit from academically challenging programming.
Time series evaluation of radiation portal monitor data for point source discrimination

Time series of data from radiation portal monitors are evaluated for radioactive sources by comparing background to vehicle spectra over time with a “spectral-distance” metric, isolating the contribution of anomalous radiation. This may diminish systematic fluctuations from vehicular background attenuation and allow time-shape filtering for discriminating compact sources. To examine this, a wavelet function similar in size to the expected source profile filters the spectral-distance output. Spectra from chosen isotopes are injected into data from a U.S. port of entry. The resulting data are analyzed with gross-counting, spectral-distance, and spatial algorithms. Combined spectral/spatial filtering is shown to enhance sensitivity and discrimination of compact versus distributed sources.
Plurality preference digraphs realized by trees—I.: necessary and sufficient conditions

In this paper we prove that an oriented graph D of order k is (n, n, k)-realizable by a tree of order n greater than k if and only if D is transitive and contains no induced anti-directed path of length 3 (i.e., D is series-parallel). We also derive some properties of an oriented graph D which is (n, n, n)-realizable by a tree and give a class of oriented graphs which are (n, n, n)-realizable by trees.
Kullback-Leibler divergence for detection of rare haplotype common disease association.

Rare haplotypes may tag rare causal variants of common diseases; hence, detection of such rare haplotypes may also contribute to our understanding of complex disease etiology. Because rare haplotypes frequently result from common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), focusing on rare haplotypes is much more economical compared with using rare single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) from sequencing, as SNPs are available and ‘free’ from already amassed genome-wide studies. Further, associated haplotypes may shed light on the underlying disease causal mechanism, a feat unmatched by SNV-based collapsing methods. In recent years, data mining approaches have been adapted to detect rare haplotype association. However, as they rely on an assumed underlying disease model and require the specification of a null haplotype, results can be erroneous if such assumptions are violated. In this paper, we present a haplotype association method based on Kullback–Leibler divergence (hapKL) for case–control samples. The idea is to compare haplotype frequencies for the cases versus the controls by computing symmetrical divergence measures. An important property of such measures is that both the frequencies and logarithms of the frequencies contribute in parallel, thus balancing the contributions from rare and common, and accommodating both deleterious and protective, haplotypes. A simulation study under various scenarios shows that hapKL has well-controlled type I error rates and good power compared with existing data mining methods. Application of hapKL to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) shows a strong association of the complement factor H (CFH) gene with AMD, identifying several individual rare haplotypes with strong signals.
A time domain method for digital controller design

Abstract A simple and computationally efficient digital controller design method to deal with large sampling periods is presented. The method is based on simultaneously matching both the step response of the controlled system and the derivative of the step response with those of a reference model approximately at the sampling instants. This approach virtually eliminates intersample oscillations. Examples are presented to illustrate the superiority of the method over those based on frequency response matching.
Perinatal regulation of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic enzymes in rabbit liver.

Extract: The control of postnatal development of the activities of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial malate dehydrogenases and of the purely mitochondrial enzyme, cytochrom oxidase, has been studied in rabbit liver. Each of the three enzymes increased 1.6–1.8-fold in activity during the first 2 days of life. Delivery of animals at varying stages of maturation demonstrated (table II) that the increase in all cases occurred when delivery was effected and was a result of some aspect of the process of birth itself. Maturation affects cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (MDH) differently than the two mitochondrial enzymes. Cytoplasmic MDH is relatively constant in activity in utero and increases approximately 80% whenever delivery is effected (table II, figure 1). In contrast, both the mitochondrial (20–40%) following premature delivery is considerably smaller than the large (1.5-fold) increase following postmature delivery. Using the artificial feeding procedure developed for this study, newborn animals were maintained for 48 h in an hypoxic environment. Preliminary results suggested that development of enzyme activity was affected by hypoxia. Speculation: Normal alterations in perinatal enzyme activity are probably a result of various aspects of maturation and the birth process. Varying the time of delivery and the extrauterine environment makes possible experimental study of the physiologic control of this and other perinatal processes.
Medical futility decisions and physicians' legal defensiveness: the impact of anticipated conflict on thresholds for end-of-life treatment.

Abstract Does legal defensiveness significantly influence physicians' assessments of medical futility, in ways that may adversely affect the rights of patients and their family members to make their own health care decisions at the end of life? This exploratory study addresses that question with attitudinal data from a survey of 301 physicians practicing in academic medical centers in Texas. The majority of respondents indicated that the probability of success defining futile treatment should hypothetically be lower for patients with potential to benefit more from life-sustaining medical intervention (e.g. typically patients who are sentient), and higher for patients with less potential to benefit (e.g. patients in a persistent vegetative state). That is to say, physicians normally perceive longer odds to be worth pursuing for greater potential gain—a position that seems logically consonant with patients' rational self-interest. However, physicians with an attitude of extreme legal defensiveness did not fit this pattern. Rather, they tended to define futility in a manner that would maximize the physician's latitude to justifiably oppose patient preferences for end-of-life treatment abatement. These findings suggest that some physicians assume an adversarial position in their consideration of medical futility issues—an attitude that anticipates conflict with terminally-ill patients or their surrogates. The analysis presented here is not definitive, but at least raises the question of whether some physicians may inappropriately use their prerogative over medical futility as a means to guard their professional autonomy against perceived threats.
Sedimentation of algae flocculated using naturally-available, magnesium-based flocculants

Abstract Algal flocculation using naturally-available ions in brackish water was evaluated as a technique to rapidly settle algae while minimizing flocculant costs. Basicity-induced flocculation using naturally-available ions with NaOH addition was used as surrogate for an autoflocculation process at photosynthetically-elevated pH. Flocculation was attempted with a variety of precipitating ions, including Mg 2 + , Ca 2 + , and CO 3 2 − . Satisfactory flocculation was only achieved in the presence of Mg 2 + , while extensive CaCO 3 precipitation yielded only partial, presumably sweep, flocculation. The flocculation was characterized by the settling-rate distribution, measured via light attenuation. Using Mg 2 + -dependent flocculation, an optimum pH was observed at which rapid settling was achieved with minimal precipitation. Further base addition caused extensive Mg(OH) 2 precipitation, formation of loose macroflocs, and a reduction of settling rate. Experiments demonstrated that both increased Mg 2 + concentration during growth and the presence of extracellular organic matter necessitated a higher flocculation pH and greater Mg 2 + depletion. A proof-of-concept flocculation was demonstrated in surrogate media previously developed to mimic brackish waters of the southwestern United States (Barclay et al., 1987). These flocculations achieved median settling rates of at least 100 cm/h, more than 100-fold greater than the settling rate of unflocculated cells.
Flexible Terahertz Metamaterials On Polyimide Substrates

Flexible resonant terahertz metamaterials built on ultrathin highly flexible polyimide substrates have been designed, fabricated and measured. Our results provide a path forward for creating multi-layer non-planar metamaterials at terahertz frequencies.
Soil water deficits and asparagus: I. Shoot, root, and bud growth during two seasons

Abstract Although considered to be drought tolerant, asparagus has been shown to respond to supplemental irrigation. Asparagus plants were dried to soil water potentials (SWP) of −0.05, −0.3 or −0.5 MPa before irrigating during two seasons in a greenhouse. SWP were applied for four months and then crowns were stored to simulate dormancy. After storage, crown re-growth was assessed, followed by re-initiation of the SWP. In the second year, the −0.05, −0.3, and −0.5 MPa treatments were nested in the first year's SWP (total nine SWP treatments) to test the response of asparagus growth to prior SWP history. In both years, during the SWP period, whole plant harvests were made monthly and growth evaluated. In the first year, as SWP decreased, fern number and dry weight, storage root number and dry weight and bud numbers decreased linearly regardless of the harvest date. Storage had no effect on storage root number, though total root dry weight decreased during storage in all SWP. In the second year, fern, storage root, and bud numbers and root dry weight corresponded to the 1988 SWP regardless of the 1989 SWP early in the year. However, as the second growing season progressed, storage root and bud numbers and plant dry weights decreased linearly as SWP decreased and reflected the influence of the 1989 SWP. When supplied with adequate irrigation in the year after low SWP, asparagus growth improves and does not appear to have a long term negative effect on plant performance.
Classification and evolution of the Central American beetle genus Colyphus (Cleridae)

The neotropical genus Colyphus (= Cleronomus and Clerosoma) is redefined to include sixteen species in four species-groups as follows: beltoides-group, beltoides sp.n., strongylioides spa., rasilis sp.n.; signaticollis- group, signaticollis Spinola, gracilis Gorham (ex Clerosoma), echinatus spn., prolatus sp.n., devexus sp.n., stramineus sp.n.; cylindricus-group, cylindricus (Gorham) (ex Enoclems), irazu sp.n., artus spa., guptai sp.n.; copiipictus group, copiipictus sp.n., hispidus sp.n., varius (Gorham) (ex Placoptents). A neotype is designated for signaticollis. Also included are a discussion of natural history, key and descriptions of species groups and species, distributional maps, table of character analysis, and a diagram of the inferred phylogeny of the species groups. Species level discussions of phylogeny and zoogeography are presented in accordance with available data.
Neuropsychological aspects of lack of insight in bipolar disorder: A preliminary report

In 16 inpatients with acute mania, neuropsychological evaluation revealed a trend toward correlation between less insight (lower scores on the Insight and Treatment Attitudes Questionnaire, ITAQ) and improved delayed visual recall. This result may either reflect the absence of a relationship between neuropsychological abnormalities and lack of insight in bipolar disorder, or it may represent an indirect expression of frontal lobe dysfunction. Also, an association was found between increased number of previous hospitalizations and greater insight. Since the neuropsychological result noted above was limited to patients with more than six previous hospitalizations, an interaction may exist between number of previous hospitalizations and neuropsychological abnormalities in the development of insight.
The impact of US tax depreciation law on asset location and ownership decisions

The decision of whether to manufacture products within the US, manufacture internationally or to outsource production depends critically upon a thorough understanding of the costs and benefits of each option. In this paper, we contribute to such an understanding by considering the impact of US tax depreciation rules, which differ depending upon whether a US corporation locates its assets at domestic or foreign branches. Our analysis and illustrative examples demonstrate that US depreciation law can indeed have a non-trivial impact on location and sourcing decisions, with direct ownership of foreign assets appearing relatively less attractive once depreciation law is taken into account. More broadly, our results demonstrate that comprehensive asset location and ownership decisions require a detailed understanding of international tax law, rather than just a simple recognition of differences in tax rates among countries.
NTB-A Receptor Crystal Structure: Insights into Homophilic Interactions in the Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Receptor Family.

The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family includes homophilic and heterophilic receptors that regulate both innate and adaptive immunity. The ectodomains of most SLAM family members are composed of an N-terminal IgV domain and a C-terminal IgC2 domain. NK-T-B-antigen (NTB-A) is a homophilic receptor that stimulates cytotoxicity in natural killer (NK) cells, regulates bactericidal activities in neutrophils, and potentiates T helper 2 (Th2) responses. The 3.0 A crystal structure of the complete NTB-A ectodomain revealed a rod-like monomer that self-associates to form a highly kinked dimer spanning an end-to-end distance of approximately 100 A. The NTB-A homophilic and CD2-CD58 heterophilic dimers show overall structural similarities but differ in detailed organization and physicochemical properties of their respective interfaces. The NTB-A structure suggests a mechanism responsible for binding specificity within the SLAM family and imposes physical constraints relevant to the colocalization of SLAM-family proteins with other signaling molecules in the immunological synapse.
Theoretical studies of stereoselectivities of intramolecular aldol cyclizations catalyzed by amino acids.

The effects of different amino acid catalysts and substrate substituents on the stereoselectivity of the title reactions have been studied with the aid of density functional theory methods. Experimental data available in the literature have been compiled. B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations match the general experimental trends and provide useful insights into the origins of the variations in stereoselectivities. Acyclic primary amino acids allow a greater conformational flexibility in the aldol transition states compared with proline. This makes them poorer enantioselective catalysts with triketone substrates with a methyl ketone side chain. The steric repulsion upon substitution at the terminal methyl group increases the energy difference between anti- and syn-chairs with primary amino acid catalysts and, consequently, the stereoselectivities. Proline, in contrast, is a poor catalyst for the latter reactions because the substituent's steric bulkiness raises the activation energy of the favored C−C bond-forming ...
Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) system for remote detection of explosives, chemicals, and special nuclear materials

This paper describes a practical photoacoustic spectroscopy technique applied to remote sensing of chemicals in an open environment. A laboratory system that consists of a high-power CO2 laser and an open-field acoustic resonator is described. The acoustic resonator is a combination of a parabolic reflector and a narrow-band cylindrical acoustic resonator that resonates at the laser modulation frequency. The performance of the resonator is theoretically analyzed and experimentally verified. Significant improvement in signal-to-noise ratio has been achieved. Detection of gas-phase photoacoustic signals was demonstrated at a remote distance of several meters from the target. Potential applications to the detection of condensed-phase chemicals are discussed; the detection of the photoacoustic spectrum of trinitrotoluene (TNT) in an open environment is presented.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vibrational stretch—bend coupling and the adiabatic approximation

Abstract Two different adiabatic methods are applied to the calculation of energy levels for a two-dimensional system modeling an anharmonic XH stretch and an associated harmonic bend coupled through centrifugal stretching. The two methods are compared in their ability to yield accurate eigenvalues for the first several overtones and combination bands, and are both shown to be easily extendible to handle cases of Fermi resonance.
CRT-162 Hybrid Approach of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Followed by Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery for Patients with Concomitant Coronary Artery and Valvular Heart Disease and Severely Reduced Left Ventricular Systolic Function

The subset of patients with severely reduced left ventricular systolic function requiring coronary revascularization and valve surgery are at increased risk for adverse post-operative outcomes. They may benefit from a hybrid approach of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) followed by minimally
Some electrical and photovoltaic properties of p‐GaAs–n‐ZnSe diodes

The I–U characteristics, junction capacitance and optical collection efficiency of p-GaAs–n-ZnSe diodes prepared by GaAs liquid phase epitaxy from Sn solutions have been measured. Preliminary results show that space charge limited currents in the ZnSe dominate the I–U characteristics and recombination of photoexcited carriers at heterojunction interface states is negligible. Die Strom–Spannungskennlinien, die Ubergangskapazitanz und der optische Sammelwirkungsgrad von p-GaAs–n-ZnSe-Dioden wurden gemessen, die mit GaAs durch Epitaxie aus der flussigen phase von Sn-Losungen hergestellt wurden. Vorlaufige Ergebnisse zeigen, das die raumladungsbegrenzten Strome in ZnSe die Strom–Spannungskennlinien bestimmen und die Rekombination der angeregten Trager an Zwischenflachenzustanden des Heteroobergangs unbedeutend ist.
On system parameter identifiability

This paper establishes two concepts of identifiability for the unknown parameters of linear, constant, stable, discrete-time dynamic systems. Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for the system parameters to be identifiable in the deterministic sense (Theorems 1-2) and stochastically identifiable (Theorem 3). These conditions are shown to be significant in studying the asymptotic properties of maximum likelihood estimators (Corollary 3.1). Generalizations of these concepts to include the identification of the system's initial state are also discussed (Theorems 2a and 3a).
Learning from failure: the teachings of Petroski.

You need not have any familiarity with clinical engineering to page through an issue of BIT he wants us—his students and his readers—to be informed by the case studies taken from the history of engineering.9 The messages are universal and reach well beyond engineering. After all, not all design is done by engineers: Given the faults of human nature, coupled with the complexity of the design of everything, from lectures to bridges, it behooves us to beware of the lure of success and listen to the lessons of failure.10
In utero contiguity to males does not influence morphology, behavioral sensitivity to testosterone, or hypothalamic androgen binding in CF-1 female mice.

Abstract Physiological and behavioral systems presumably influenced by prenatal exposure to testosterone (T) were compared in CF-1 female mice from known uterine positions. Anogenital distance did not differ among females that developed in utero between two females (OM), adjacent to one male (1M), or between two males (2M) at birth, at weaning on Day 21, or on Day 60 postpartum. The age of vaginal opening and mean estrous cycle length also were similar among the groups. When ovariectomized and implanted with a T-containing silastic capsule, the mean number of days of treatment required to activate male-like aggressive behavior also did not differ among the three positional classifications. Finally, androgen binding in combined hypothalamic-preoptic-septal cytosol was assessed after 8 days of T treatment, and no systematic variation in [3H]DHT binding related to uterine position was found. These results indicate that contiguity to male fetuses did not induce variation among CF-1 females in morphological, behavioral, or biochemical systems thought to be influenced by prenatal exposure to T.
Prevalence of Lead Poisoning in an Urban Cohort of Infants With High Socioeconomic Status

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of lead poisoning in an urban cohort of infants with high socioeconomic status and to determine the usefulness of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) questionnaire in predicting lead poisoning. The CDC questionnaire was administered to consecutive parents of infants, beginning with their 6-month well-child visit. All infants had a venous lead level by 12 months of age. The 165 infants were between 5.9 and 12 months (mean = 9.4 months). The majority (67%) lived in a major city, had parents who were college graduates (67%), and had private medical insurance (85%). The overall prevalence of lead poisoning (Pb > or = 10 micrograms/dL [0.483 mumol/L]) was 29%. The relative risk of lead poisoning, given exposure as defined by the CDC instrument, was 0.99 (95% CI = .81 to 1.21). The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire were 40% and 60%, respectively. We conclude that the prevalence of lead toxicity and the poor sensitivity of the CDC questionnaire in this cohort of urban infants with high socioeconomic status support the 1991 CDC recommendation for universal lead screening in this region.
Amino acid release by isolated perfused cirrhotic livers.

Abstract Livers of normal and cirrhotic rats were perfused in vitro with and without amino acid substrates (2.3 mM ornithine, 10 mM glutamine or 20 mM alanine) in order to assess urea formation and amino acid release. The rates of urea production were lower in the livers of cirrhotic rats when compared to those of controls only in perfusions with added substrates. The release of several amino acids by livers of cirrhotic rats was higher than that of controls although the pattern of amino acids in the perfusate was different from that reported in plasma during hepatic insufficiency.
Providing technology orientation for new faculty and staff

Technology Orientation is offered to new faculty and staff at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In this increasingly electronic environment, representatives of each department within Information Technology collectively provide new community members an immediate opportunity for face-to-face contact and assistance. This paper details the program development and the orientation content.
Photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy for evaluation of an ABS as an automotive interior material

Abstract Photoacoustic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (PAS-FTIR) has been demonstrated to be a chemical diagnostic tool to track the degradation of a commercial, fully formulated, molded acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene material without special sample preparation. Samples obtained from plaques undergoing standard, natural and accelerated exposure as part of an on-going engineering study were examined. Additionally, a series of xenon are exposed samples with exposures according to the SAE J-1885 protocol were also examined to follow the relative rates of reaction for the changes observed above. Five days of xenon are exposure was approximately equal to 12 months exposure in Florida for this material. The decomposition process resulted in the formation of a brittle top layer similar to that seen in exterior exposure of this material. Photochemical oxidation was the cause of the decomposition and not heat. The decomposition was color independent for the three colors examined. A pigmented paint layer was found to protect the material from the photochemical process.
Adsorptive stripping voltammetry of trace manganese in the presence of 2-(5′-bromo-2′-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (5-Br-PADAP)

Trace levels of manganese can be determined by voltammetry after controlled adsorptive accumulation of the manganese-2-(5'-bromo-2'-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (5-Br-PADAP) complex on a hanging mercury drop electrode. Optimal conditions include an ammonia buffer solution (pH 8.8) containing 1 x 10(-5)M 5-Br-PADAP and an accumulation potential of -1.20 V. The technique offers enhanced sensitivity over analogous measurements of the manganese-Eriochrome Black T chelate. The detection limit is 0.2 mug/1 with 1 min accumulation. The new adsorptive approach is characterized with new selectivity dimensions (compared to the Eriochrome Black T scheme), and is not affected by large excess of commonly coexisting calcium and magnesium cations (which severely interfere in the Eriochrome Black T procedure).
RELIABILITY OF A CORRELATIONAL SIMILARITY MATRIX

The new methodological revision (cf. Stone & Coles, 1970a, 1970b; Stone, Coles, & Lindem, 1970)= of the multidimensional scaling method-model (similarity analysis) originally described by Ekman (1954) proposes that similarity estimauons (which Ekman factor analyzes) should be considered only as averaged (across k judges) raw judgmental data. With the Stone-Coles revision each column, in a similarity marrlx, can be considered as a column vector of v row elements ( v = number of stimuli). Product-moment correlations are then computed between all such column vectors of such a matrix. In other words, similarity correlations are computed from the mean similarity ratings which each stimulus shared with all of the other stimuli in the group-set. It is the resultant correlational similarity matrices which are factor analyzed with the Stone-Coles method-model. [The several advantages of such an approach are clearly spelled-out in the Stone, Coles, and Lindem (1970) monograph.] Since the key statistical construct, with the Stone-Coles method-model, is that of correlational similarity, it was wondered whether a logic for estimating the reliability of such could be formulated. W e have succeeded (or so we believe) in devising a scheme whereby the reliability of any set (a matrix) of correlational similarities can be estimated. The accomplishment of such an estimation is rather simple and straightforward. A correlational similarity matrix is computed based only on the similarity estimations pertaining to even numbered stimulus comparisons (even-numbered elements in each of the u column vectors of the mean similarity matrix). Another correlational similarity matrix is computed based only on the scimulus estimations pertaining to odd-numbered stimulus comparisons (odd-numbered elements in each column vector). The correlation between these two resultant correlational matrices is computed and provides a "split-half" reliability estimate. The df associated with such a reliability estimation are ([v(v-1)]/2)-2. All indications are that such a reliability estimation approach is conservative. First, all data points used in the calculation of correlational similarities are reasonably stable mean values; and second, the problem of "correlated error," which usually influences a split-half estimate, is not expected to be present.
Transmission of West Nile virus by organ transplantation.

Background In August 2002, fever and mental-status changes developed in recipients of organs from a common donor. Transmission of West Nile virus through organ transplantation was suspected. Methods We reviewed medical records, conducted interviews, and collected blood and tissue samples for testing with a variety of assays. Persons who donated blood to the organ donor and associated blood components were identified and tested for West Nile virus. Results We identified West Nile virus infection in the organ donor and in all four organ recipients. Encephalitis developed in three of the organ recipients, and febrile illness developed in one. Three recipients became seropositive for West Nile virus IgM antibody; the fourth recipient had brain tissue that was positive for West Nile virus by isolation and nucleic acid and antigen assays. Serum specimens obtained from the organ donor before and immediately after blood transfusions showed no evidence of West Nile virus; however, serum and plasma samples obtained at the time of organ recovery were positive on viral nucleic acid testing and viral culture. The organ donor had received blood transfusions from 63 donors. A review of blood donors and follow-up testing identified one donor who had viremia at the time of donation and who became seropositive for West Nile virus IgM antibodies during the next two months. Conclusions Our investigation of this cluster documents the transmission of West Nile virus by organ transplantation. Organ recipients receiving immunosuppressive drugs may be at high risk for severe disease after West Nile virus infection. Blood transfusion was the probable source of the West Nile virus viremia in the organ donor. (N Engl J Med 2003;348:2196–2203).
Patterns of hospitalisation in a paediatric diabetes clinic in Sydney

Abstract The hospital notes of all children with diabetes admitted to the Children's Hospital (both newly diagnosed and subsequent admissions) for the period 1985–1987 were examined. The information collected included basic demographic data, number of bed-days per admission, and reasons for admission. The direct cost of a bed-day and an admission for diabetes in this hospital were calculated. The median duration of an admission at diagnosis was 12 days, and of a subsequent admission 7 days. The proportion of total admissions to the Children's Hospital in 1987 which were due to diabetes (post diagnosis) was eight times the prevalence of IDDM in the 0–14-year population. In 1987, 5.5% of the diabetic patients (excluding new cases) aged 0–19 years and registered with this Diabetes Unit were admitted to hospital. Most of these admissions were for poor control, and were thus potentially preventable. The age group most at risk for admission due to ketoacidosis was the 10–14-year group. The cost of a diabetic bed-day was $ Aust 295, average cost of an admission at diagnosis $ Aust 3660, and of a post-diagnosis admission $ Aust 2680. Thus, even in this young age group there is considerable morbidity due to diabetes, most of which can probably be prevented.
Source optimization for three-dimensional image designs through film stacks

In this paper, we will outline the approach for optimizing the illumination conditions to print three-dimensional images in resist stacks of varying sensitivity in a single exposure. The algorithmic approach for acheiving both optimal common and weakest window is presented. Results will be presented which demonstrate the ability of the technique to create threedimensional structures. The performance of the common and weakest window formulation will be explored using this approach. Additionally, due to physical restrictions there are limitations to the type of patterns that can be printed with a single exposure in this manner, thus the abilities of such a technique will be explored.
Stepwise sequential and parallel photoinduced charge separation in a porphyrin-triquinone tetrad

A molecular tetrad consisting of a free base porphyrin (P) linked to a triquinone moiety consisting of a naphthoquinone bearing two benzoquinones (NQ−BQ2) has been synthesized and its photochemistry has been investigated using time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. Excitation of the porphyrin chromophore of the P−NQ−BQ2 tetrad in benzonitrile solution is followed by photoinduced electron transfer with a rate constant of 8.3 × 1010 s-1 to produce an initial P•+−NQ•-−BQ2 state with a quantum yield of unity. A charge shift reaction gives a final P•+−NQ−(BQ•-BQ) charge-separated state, which decays to the ground state with a rate constant of 1.9 × 1010 s-1. The tetrad features both sequential and parallel multistep electron-transfer pathways. No evidence was found for significant involvement of direct electron transfer from the porphyrin first excited singlet state to a benzoquinone.
Residual Stresses in a Composite with Continuously Varying Young's Modulus in the Fiber/Matrix Interphase

The incorporation of a realistic interphasial region into the micromechani cal analyses of composite systems is critical to the understanding of composite behavior. The interphase is usually modeled as a homogeneous region, despite the fact that it may have spatial property variations. A representative volume element with three cylinders (concentric cylinder assemblage) is considered here for the determination of local thermal stresses in a composite. Three different expressions are used to simulate the Young's modulus variations in the interphase, while the Poisson's ratio and coefficient of thermal expansion of the interphase region are chosen to be constant. The governing field equa tions in terms of displacements are solved in closed form. It is found that, though the solu tion is "dilute," the Young's modulus variations have a distinct effect on the local thermal stresses.
Corporate planning in the U.S. regional airline industry

This article is based on the author's doctoral research into corporate planning practice in the United States regional airline industry. The research results are organized around five key areas of concern: management's approach to planning, the organization for planning, the planning process, the areas for which plans are prepared, and planning obstacles and benefits. The principal finding is that, as expected, corporate planning is accepted as part of top management's responsibility, and has been receiving more time and attention, especially during the past 3 years.
Roles of heterochromatin and telomere proteins in regulation of fission yeast telomere recombination and telomerase recruitment.

When the telomerase catalytic subunit (Trt1/TERT) is deleted, a majority of fission yeast cells survives by circularizing chromosomes. Alternatively, a small minority survives by maintaining telomeric repeats through recombination among telomeres. The recombination-based telomere maintenance in trt1Δ cells is inhibited by the telomere protein Taz1. In addition, catalytically inactive full-length Trt1 (Trt1-CI) and truncated Trt1 lacking the T-motif and reverse transcriptase (RT) domain (Trt1-ΔT/RT) can strongly inhibit recombination-based survival. Here, we investigated the effects of deleting the heterochromatin proteins Swi6 (HP1 ortholog) and Clr4 (Suv39 family of histone methyltransferases) and the telomere capping complex subunits Poz1 and Ccq1 on Taz1- and Trt1-dependent telomere recombination inhibition. The ability of Taz1 to inhibit telomere recombination did not require Swi6, Clr4, Poz1, or Ccq1. Although Swi6, Clr4, and Poz1 were dispensable for the inhibition of telomere recombination by Trt1-CI, Ccq1 was required for efficient telomere recruitment of Trt1 and Trt1-CI-dependent inhibition of telomere recombination. We also found that Swi6, Clr4, Ccq1, the checkpoint kinase Rad3 (ATR ortholog), and the telomerase regulatory subunit Est1 are all required for Trt1-ΔT/RT to inhibit telomere recombination. However, because loss of Swi6, Clr4, Rad3, Ccq1, or Est1 did not significantly alter the recruitment efficiency of Trt1-ΔT/RT to telomeres, these factors are likely to enhance the ability of Trt1-ΔT/RT to inhibit recombination-based survival by contributing to the negative regulation of telomere recombination.
Nicotine delays tendon-to-bone healing in a rat shoulder model.

Background Many studies have shown that nicotine negatively impacts fracture healing and bone fusion processes. However, very little is known about its effect on tendon and ligament healing. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of nicotine on tendon-to-bone healing. Methods Supraspinatus tendons in both shoulders of seventy-two rats were transected and repaired to the humeral head. Osmotic pumps were implanted subcutaneously, and nicotine or saline solution was delivered for ten, twenty-eight, or fifty-six days. Cell morphology was evaluated with use of histologic sections. Cells were counted, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry was performed to assess cellular proliferation. In situ hybridization was performed to measure type-I collagen mRNA expression. Biomechanical and geometric properties were assessed. Results Inflammation persisted longer in the nicotine group than in the saline solution group. Cellular proliferation was higher in the saline solution group than in the nicotine group at the early time-points. Type-I collagen expression was higher in the saline solution group at twenty-eight days. Mechanical properties increased over time in both groups. Maximum stress was significantly lower in the nicotine group than in the saline solution group at ten days. Maximum force was significantly lower in the nicotine group than in the saline solution group at twenty-eight days. Maximum force was significantly higher in the nicotine group than in the saline solution group at fifty-six days. Stiffness was not different between the groups at any time-point. Conclusions Nicotine caused a delay in tendon-to-bone healing in a rat rotator cuff animal model. Mechanical properties increased over time in both groups, but the properties in the nicotine group lagged behind those in the saline solution group. Chronic inflammation and decreased cell proliferation may partly explain the inferior biomechanical properties in the nicotine group as compared with the saline solution group. Clinical relevance Failure of rotator cuff repair is a major clinical problem. The adverse effect of nicotine on rotator cuff healing noted in this clinically appropriate animal model may be an important clinical consideration.
Analyzing Your Data

This chapter is an introduction to data analysis for surgeon-scientists beginning their academic careers. It is not meant to provide an in-depth review of all possible biostatistical methodologies. Rather, it is designed to assist surgeons in becoming informed users of biostatistics. The chapter will cover study design and analysis hand-in-hand, as the outcome of any study is critically dependent on both factors. If a study is poorly designed, no amount of statistical analysis will compensate. Likewise, a well-designed study can produce irrelevant results if it is not properly analyzed. Consult with a statistician early and often throughout the course of any study to prevent critical errors in design and analysis. Formal training in basic biostatistics is also recommended, not so that you can perform your own data analysis, but so you can use your clinical knowledge to guide the statistician and interpret the results of the analyses.