cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of parasitic absorption losses on light trapping in thin silicon solar cells

The effect of parasitic absorption (PA) losses on light trapping in thin silicon cells was investigated. Parasitic absorption refers to an optical absorption process which does not generate an electron/hole pair; it competes with band-to-band absorption to decrease the photocurrent. A simple model for light trapping that includes PA is described for interpretation of experimental data. The sub-bandgap reflectance is shown to be a sensitive and quantitative indicator of PA losses. Minimization of the PA losses is shown to be as important as optimization of the light-trapping geometry for increased photogeneration in light-trapping thin silicon solar cells. >
Adaptive fuzzy logic tracking controller

The membership functions are the critical factors of the system performance for fuzzy logic control. The degree of membership is determined by a membership function, which is defined based on experience or intuition of engineers. In general, it is accepted that membership functions changes several times as the system is tuned to achieve desired responses to given inputs. Once the system is in operation, the membership functions do not change. So the membership functions must be tuned properly to obtain the desired system performance. In this paper, we propose the technique to overcome the tuning difficulties of membership functions by trial and error method. This technique has been applied to the system with parameter uncertainties to investigate the performance.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Persistence of False Memories in List Recall

Roediger and McDermott (1995) recently re-introduced a paradigm to study the creation of false memories. Subjects hear short lists of related words (e.g., thread, pin, eye, sewing, etc.), all of which are associates of a critical nonpresented word (e.g., needle); on a free recall test given immediately after list presentation, subjects often erroneously recall the critical nonpresented word. The experiments reported here explore (a) the effect of test delay on false recall and (b) whether multiple study/test opportunities reduce the proportion of critical items erroneously recalled. In Experiment 1, introduction of a 2-day delay between study and test produced probabilities of false recall that exceeded those of veridical recall. In addition, prior testing of the list enhanced false recall, much like testing enhances later recall of studied items (the testing effect). In Experiment 2, an attempt was made to reduce or eliminate the false recall effect by using a multitrial study/test procedure. Although subjects were able to reduce the proportion of critical nonpresented words erroneously recalled, they were unable to eliminate the false recall effect, even after 5 study-test trials. An interaction occurred between accurate and false recall as a function of retention interval: after a one-day delay, false recall levels rose, whereas accurate recall decreased. Results of both experiments demonstrate the persistence of this memory illusion. q 1996 Academic Press, Inc.
Gallium nitride quantum dots in a silica xerogel matrix

Abstract Controlled oxidation of GaN powders was performed inside xerogel cavities with the objective of demonstrating formation of composites of GaN nanoparticles embedded in a silicate matrix. A 60% reduction in GaN particle size was observed due to the oxidation of bulk particles dispersed inside the xerogel. The microstructure and phase chemistry of the nano-GaN in xerogel composite were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Do chirally invariant confining potentials confine

Abstract If the usual perturbative vacuum is stable, the chiral limit of any potential model of QCD - independent of the type of potential used - allows for no bound states. Consequently, confinement is out of the question.
Decision analysis in evaluation of hypergastrinemia

Hypergastrinemia and gastric acid hypersecretion are the principal laboratory features of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Decision and cost-effectiveness analyses were employed in the present study to compare and contrast the diagnostic strategies of initial gastric analysis followed by secretin infusion test versus secretin infusion test alone in the evaluation of hypergastrinemia in patients suspected of having gastrinoma. The results of this study showed that 59 percent of patients with elevated serum gastrin values were either hypochlorhydric or achlorhydric. Application of decision analysis to either diagnostic strategy demonstrated that gastric analysis followed by secretin infusion test, if indicated, was superior in expected value than secretin infusion test alone. Likewise, in this group of patients, performance of gastric analysis in the outpatient setting prior to secretin infusion testing was financially more advantageous than performance of secretin infusion testing alone. These results also demonstrate the importance of performing gastric analysis prior to anticipated hospitalization for evaluation of suspected gastrinoma. Such testing would obviate unnecessary hospitalization and medical costs.
Efficient Quantification of the Health-Relevant Anthocyanin and Phenolic Acid Profiles in Commercial Cultivars and Breeding Selections of Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)

Anthocyanins and phenolic acids are major secondary metabolites in blueberry with important implications for human health maintenance. An improved protocol was developed for the accurate, efficient, and rapid comparative screening for large blueberry sample sets. Triplicates of six commercial cultivars and four breeding selections were analyzed using the new method. The compound recoveries ranged from 94.2 to 97.5 ± 5.3% when samples were spiked with commercial standards prior to extraction. Eighteen anthocyanins and 4 phenolic acids were quantified in frozen and freeze-dried fruits. Large variations for individual and total anthocyanins, ranging from 201.4 to 402.8 mg/100 g, were assayed in frozen fruits. The total phenolic acid content ranged from 23.6 to 61.7 mg/100 g in frozen fruits. Across all genotypes, freeze-drying resulted in minor reductions in anthocyanin concentration (3.9%) compared to anthocyanins in frozen fruits. However, phenolic acids increased by an average of 1.9-fold (±0.3) in the fr...
Unstable dimension variability and complexity in chaotic systems

We examine the interplay between complexity and unstable periodic orbits in high-dimensional chaotic systems. Argument and numerical evidence are presented suggesting that complexity can arise when the system is severely nonhyperbolic in the sense that periodic orbits with a distinct number of unstable directions coexist and are densely mixed. A quantitative measure is introduced to characterize this unstable dimension variability. @S1063-651X~99!51404-9#
2,3-Butanedione monoxime protects mice against the convulsant effect of picrotoxin by facilitating GABA-activated currents

Abstract While adult mice receiving picrotoxin (PTX) alone responded with clonic and tonic-clonic seizures, this response was greatly suppressed for mice simultaneously injected with 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM). For example, 60% and 10% of the mice convulsed when injected (i.p.) with 3.0 mg/kg PTX alone or PTX plus 205 mg/kg of BDM, respectively. In contrast, a non-oxime analogue of BDM, 2,3-butanedione (BTD), did not have this anticonvulsant effect. In order to explore the basis for the anticonvulsant effect of BDM, we recorded GABA-activated currents ( I GABA ) of frontal cortical as well as ventromedial hypothalamic neurons before, during and after exposure to this oxime. BDM had a biphasic effect on concentrations (100 μM-40 mM) decreased and lower concentrations (0.01 μM–0.001 μM) potentiated I GABA ; these effects of BDM reversed upon washout of the oxime. In contrast, BTD had no effect on I GABA . Finally, when 0.001 μM BDM, 10–30 μM PTX and GABA were co-applied the inhibitory effect of the toxin on I GABA was markedly suppressed. These data suggest that the anticonvulsant effect of oximes involves facilitation of the inhibitory action of GABA.
Beyond optimal escape theory: microhabitats as well as predation risk affect escape and refuge use by the phrynosomatid lizard Sceloporus virgatus

Escape studies often focus on one variable, but tactics and refuge use vary with microhabitats, exposure, distance to refuge, and temperature. We studied these effects and effects of microhabitats and risk factors (distance from refuge, temperature) on flight initiation distance (FID, distance between predator and prey when escape begins) and distance fled (DF) in the lizard Sceloporus virgatus . FID increased as distance to refuge increased and temperature decreased. DF increased as FID increased, supporting the hypothesis that individual differences in boldness are consistent among encounter phases. Refuges were rock crevices, trees, logs, and grass clumps. Interhabitat differences in FID and DF matched those in distance to refuge. FID was longer for lizards on rocks and ground than trees due to proximity to and use of refuge. Lizards on trees rarely changed microhabitats, moving to the far side and unpredictably up or down. Lizards on slopes fled long distances up slopes. Most lizards on rocks entered crevices or switched microhabitats. Lizards on ground usually changed microhabitats. Optimal escape theory accurately predicted effects of risk on FID, but initial microhabitats and final microhabitats and refuges affected tactics, FID and DF. DF was affected by risk, being longer when lizards remained visible.
Campaigning Online: The Internet in U.S. Elections

Campaigning Online: The Internet in U.S. Elections. By Bruce Bimber and Richard Davis. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003. 240p. 17.95 paper.With the advent of graphic browsers for the World Wide Web, users have surged onto the Internet. Jupitermedia's network user address estimates show that the number of U.S. residents online jumped from fewer than 18 million in 1994 to more than 164 million in December 2000 (www.nua.com/surveys/how_many_online/n_america.html). Such rapid change makes the assessment of the Internet's impact on American elections a precarious undertaking.
Postoperative sternal dehiscence in obese patients: Incidence and prevention

Abstract Background Obesity has been identified as the single most important risk factor for postoperative sternal infection in coronary bypass surgery patients. It is also a major risk factor for sternal dehiscence, with or without infection, for any type of cardiac operation. We assessed whether prophylactic measures could prevent this complication. Methods Two studies were conducted. In study A, 3,158 heart surgery patients were analyzed at 3 cardiac units. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) more than 30. Group I (1,253 obese [39.7%]) was compared with group II (1,905 nonobese [60.3%]). Sternal closure was done at the surgeon's preference: (a) plain wires through and through the bone; (b) peristernal figure-of-eight wires; or (c) peristernal method, using stainless-steel cables. In study B, 123 obese patients were prospectively divided into 2 subgroups. Group B-1 (54 patients) underwent lateral prophylactic sternal reinforcement before placement of peristernal wires. Group B-2 (69 patients) had standard sternal closure, as in study A. Results In study A, group I had 81 dehiscences (6.46%); 78 also suffered deep sternal infection and mediastinitis (96%). Despite treatment, dehiscence recurred in 13, and mortality was 38.4%. In group II nonobese patients, 31 dehisced (1.6%, p = 0.000), with no mortality. In study B, group B-1 (54) had 0% dehiscence versus group B-2 (69) with 6 dehiscences (8.7%). Conclusions In our study, the rate of obesity is high (∼ 40%). Sternal dehiscence is real when the BMI is more than 30 (6.46%), and has high morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic sternal reinforcement seems to prevent this complication.
The Molecular Structures and Energetics of Cl2CO, ClCO, Br2CO, and BrCO

The heats of formation of ClCO, Cl2CO, BrCO, and Br2CO have been calculated at high levels of ab initio molecular orbital theory. Geometries and frequencies for the two closed shell molecules were calculated at the MP2 level. The geometries of the two radicals were calculated at the level of coupled cluster theory with single and double excitations including a perturbative treatment of the connected triple excitations (CCSD(T)) with the augmented correlation consistent triple-ζ basis set (aug-cc-pVTZ). Extrapolation of the total energies (aug-double, aug-triple, aug-quadruple) to the complete 1-particle basis set limit was performed to further reduce the basis set truncation error. Additional improvements in the atomization energy were achieved by applying corrections for core/valence correlation, scalar relativistic effects, and spin−orbit coupling. Zero point energies were based on MP2 calculated values. Using restricted open shell treatments for the atoms, we find the following heats of formation (kcal...
Simian varicella virus DNA is present and transcribed months after experimental infection of adult African green monkeys.

To study the pathogenesis of simian varicella virus (SVV) infection in its natural primate host, we inoculated adult SVV-seronegative African green monkeys intratracheally with 103–104 PFU of SVV, sacrificed them 11 days, 2, 5, 10, and 12 months postinfection (p.i.), and examined lung, liver, and ganglia for SVV DNA and RNA. PCR analysis revealed SVV DNA in ganglia and viscera at 11 days and 2, 5, and 10 months p.i. Similarly, SVV transcripts corresponding to immediate early (IE), putative early (E), and late (L) SVV open-reading frames (ORFs) were found in liver, lung, and ganglia of most monkeys at multiple intervals for the 12-month study period. SVV-specific antigens were detected in ganglia and liver during acute varicella, but not in ganglia 12 monthsp.i. Analysis of control tissue (ganglia, lung, and liver) from uninfected SVV-seronegative adult African green monkeys did not reveal SVV DNA, SVV RNA, SVV-specific antigen, or varicella-specific pathological changes. Overall, intratracheal inoculation of SVV in African green monkeys resulted in the presence of viral DNA and transcription of multiple viral genes in many tissues for months after experimental infection.
Spatial Acuity of the Body Surface over the Life Span

Spatial acuity over 13 regions of the body was assessed cross-sectionally in 122 male and female subjects between 8 and 87 years of age. Of two measures, the primary one was a threshold for detecting a gap between two points (a refinement of the conventional two-point threshold). The secondary one was a threshold of point localization in 7 of these 13 body regions. The two measures yielded similar pictures of body acuity and age-related changes in acuity, and they agreed in essentials with an early acuity map dating back to Weber in 1835, as cited and confirmed experimentally by Weinstein (1968). To this acuity map, the present study added the dimension of age. The main finding was that aging is much harder on some body regions than on others. Declining acuity with age was found to characterize all regions to one degree or another, but the hands and feet turned out to be far more vulnerable than the more central regions, including the very acute lip and tongue. Deterioration of acuity in the great toe (averaging 400% between youth and advanced age) and fingertip (averaging 130%) may adversely affect such diverse activities as braille reading, grasping, and maintaining balance. The acuity map determined by gap discrimination was essentially the same for males and females; however, males gave significantly smaller localization thresholds than females. In two body regions tested (fingertip and upper lip), children significantly outperformed young adults at gap discrimination.
Dispersal rates affect species composition in metacommunities of Sarracenia purpurea inquilines.

Abstract: Dispersal among local communities can have a variety of effects on species composition and diversity at local and regional scales. Local conditions (e.g., resource and predator densities) can have independent effects, as well as interact with dispersal, to alter these patterns. Based on metacommunity models, we predicted that local diversity would show a unimodal relationship with dispersal frequency. We manipulated dispersal frequencies, resource levels, and the presence of predators (mosquito larvae) among communities found in the water‐filled leaves of the pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea. Diversity and abundance of species of the middle trophic level, protozoa and rotifers, were measured. Increased dispersal frequencies significantly increased regional species richness and protozoan abundance while decreasing the variance among local communities. Dispersal frequency interacted with predation at the local community scale to produce patterns of diversity consistent with the model. When predat...
REM Sleep, Dreams, and Attachment Themes Across a Single Night of Sleep: A Pilot Study

REM has been linked with consolidation of emotional memories and therefore may influence attachment processes. We tested the hypothesis that content of EEG verified REM sleep dreams would change over the course of a single night as a function of attachment orientation, whereas content of NREM dreams would not. After a habituation night in the sleep lab, a convenience sample of 11 healthy volunteers, whose attachment orientations were measured, were awoken once every hour and then reported any dream experienced. Dreams were then analyzed for content. Content analyses revealed progressively greater interactions between dreamer and other characters and greater spatial proximity between dreamer and other characters but not greater emotional intensity across the night in REM but not NREM dreams. Measures of dream length did not differ between REM and NREM dreams. While REM-dependent intimacy content tended to increase for all 3-attachment orientations, the rate of increase was slower for the avoidant group relative to both the secure or the preoccupied groups. Attachment content in dreams becomes more prominent in REM but not NREM dreams over the course of night. Future research should determine whether REM dreams merely reflect current attachment status or play a role in formation and regulation of attachment orientation-specifically comfort with closeness to others.
Caring and coercive aspects of the psychoanalytic situation.

Certain ambivalent reactions to undergoing analysis add content and intensity to the analysand's transference and to some extent to the analyst's countertransference. A significant share of these reactions may be attributed to the structure of the psychoanalytic situation. Among other things, analysands' reactions feature fantasized and sometimes realistic experiences of being coerced by their analyst's counte r-transferences. However, to achieve a clear view of these coercive experiences, they must be considered in relation to another, equally weighty structural feature: ambivalent reactions to the analyst's concerned care. Observation suggests that an intervention can be experienced, simultaneously or sequentially, as both coercive and caring, and that, when analyzed, each of these experiences is usually found to be saturated with mixed feelings.
Degree structures: local and global investigations

The occasion of a retiring presidential address seems like a time to look back, take stock and perhaps look ahead. Institutionally, it was an honor to serve as President of the Association and I want to thank my teachers and predecessors for guidance and advice and my fellow officers and our publisher for their work and support. To all of the members who answered my calls to chair or serve on this or that committee, I offer my thanks as well. Your work was both needed and appreciated. A major component of the efforts of the Association is devoted to our publications. My first important task as President was to deal with the need to reorganize the reviews section of the JSL and eventually to move it to the BSL. Appropriately enough, my first administrative job for the Association, some thirty years ago, was to serve on a committee to plan a reorganization of the reviews. I thank all those who helped with this transition and who took over the task of running the new reviews section. I hope that it will be another thirty years before further major changes are needed in this area and that someone else will be making them.
Presence of antibodies in the sera of patients with Graves' disease recognizing a 23 kilodalton fibroblast protein.

We examined whether antibodies (present in sera from patients with Graves' disease) might be directed against a connective tissue cellular component of the anatomical regions affected in the peripheral manifestations of that disease. Accordingly, we performed immunoblot analyses of cultured retroocular and pretibial fibroblasts. Retroocular connective tissue was obtained during orbital decompression surgery (n = 7) and at autopsy from normal individuals (n = 2). Pretibial skin biopsies were obtained from patients with pretibial dermopathy (n = 3) and at autopsy (n = 2). In addition, biopsies from other regions [extraocular muscle (n = 6), thyroid (n = 2), and abdominal skin (n = 3)] were also collected at surgery or autopsy. Serum samples were obtained from patients with severe Graves' ophthalmopathy (n = 31), hyperthyroid Graves' disease without overt ophthalmopathy (n = 13), nodular thyroid disease (n = 7), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (n = 7), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 5), and systemic lupus erythematosus (...
Spatio-Temporal Safety Analysis of Construction Site Operations Using GPS Data

Recording the continuous location of equipment and workers with Global Positioning System (GPS) units can contribute in the analysis of how safely a construction site operates. Automated data gathering and analysis for safety become even more valuable when reliable methods exist that record and report events that otherwise would not be recorded because they are labor intensive in observation or prone to human error in judgment. This paper presents a new safety approach that features automated analysis of continuously collected proximity data between construction workers, heavy construction equipment, and hazardous construction spaces in outdoor construction environment. We recorded field data using small GPS units that were mounted on construction helmets or attached to construction equipment. This paper first evaluates the performance of the technology that was used to gather continuous location data to construction resources (workers and equipment). It then explains how the generated spatio-temporal information can be communicated to decision makers so it improves the safety performance of workers near equipment or other hazards. The results that are presented include a case study to outdoor construction environment. It demonstrates how potential users can measure the safety performance of construction resources (workers, equipment) automatically and use the generated information as new knowledge in safety training and education.
Influence of Physico-Chemical Properties of Different Biochars on Landfill Methane Adsorption

Landfill cover systems can be tailored to achieve effective methane adsorption as well as oxidation by adding organic materials such as biochars. In this study, a comprehensive investigation is performed to determine the influence of different physico-chemical properties of biochars on their respective methane adsorption characteristics so as to aid the selection of suitable biochar types for field application. Seven different types of wood-based biochars were characterized for their methane adsorption as well as physico-chemical properties. The experimental maximum adsorption capacity values for the biochars ranged between 0.04 and 0.18 mol/Kg. Overall, the methane adsorption capacity of biochars specific to this study increased with increasing porosity and surface area and decreased with increasing particle size, carbon content (total and fixed) and moisture content. Selected biochars are found to have ability to increase the adsorptive capacity of methane when used as a cover soil amendment.
Analysis of input-polarization-induced phase noise in interferometric fiber-optic sensors and its reduction using polarization scrambling

The dependence of the phase shift of an interferometric fiber sensor on the input state of polarization is analyzed, and it is shown that fluctuations in the input polarization to a fiber interferometer can lead to the generation of excess phase noise. The relationship between this effect and the variation in visibility with input polarization is described and theoretically confirmed. The use of depolarized source light to eliminate input-polarization-induced excess phase noise is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated. >
Comparative study of endoscopy vs. transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in the management of gastric variceal bleeding.

Background and Aim: Gastric varices are associated with high mortality. There have been conflicting reports on whether endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate or the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is more effective in the treatment of gastric varices. We compared the outcomes of patients treated with cyanoacrylate glue or TIPS for the management of acute gastric variceal bleeding. Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing either TIPS or endoscopic treatment with cyanoacrylate for acute gastric variceal bleeding at our institution from 2001 to 2011. Primary compared to studied between the two treatment modalities were the short-term treatment outcomes, including re-bleeding within 30 days, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 169 patients were included in the analysis. The TIPS arm contained 140 patients and the cyanoacrylate arm contained 29 patients. There was no evidence to suggest any significant differences in demographics or disease severity. There were no differences between the TIPS arm and the cyanoacrylate armtwo groups in treatment outcomes including re-bleeding within 30 days (17.4% vs. 17.2%; P = 0.98), median length of stay in the hospital (4.5 days vs. 6.0 days; P = 0.35) or in-hospital mortality (9.0% vs. 11.1%; P = 0.74). In-hospital mortality was evaluated for 149 patients and lower albumin (P = 0.015), higher MELD score (P < 0.001), higher CTP score (P = 0.005) and bleeding (P = 0.008) were all significantly associated with in-hospital death. Conclusion: These findings suggest that both treatments are equally effective. Cyanoacrylate offers a safe, effective alternative to TIPS for gastric varices, and physician may choose the best therapy for each patient, factoring in the availability of TIPS or cyanoacrylate, the individual patient’s presentation, and cost.
Reconciling the Past

Reconciling the Past: Two Basketry Ka'ai and the Legendary Liloa and Lonoikamakahiki. Roger G. Rose. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1992. ix. 56pp. 16 illustrations, appendix, bibliography.
Interaction of the ΦHSIC Virus with Its Host: Lysogeny or Pseudolysogeny?

The marine phage PhiHSIC has been previously reported to enter into a lysogenic relationship with its host, HSIC, identified as Listonella pelagia. This phage produces a variety of plaques on its host, including turbid and haloed plaques, from which lysogens were previously isolated. These lysogens were unstable during long-term storage at -80( degrees ) C and were lost. When HSIC was reinfected with phage PhiHSIC, pseudolysogen-like interactions between the phage and its host were observed. The cells (termed HSIC-2 or HSIC-2e) produced high viral titers (10(11) ml(-1)) in the absence of inoculating phage and yet reached culture densities of nearly 10(9) ml(-1). Prophages were not induced by mitomycin C or the polyaromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene in cells harboring such infections. However, such cells were homoimmune to superinfection. Colonies hybridized strongly with a gene probe from a 100-bp fragment of the PhiHSIC genome, while the host did not. Analysis of chromosomal DNA preparations suggested the presence of a chromosomally integrated prophage. Phage adsorption experiments suggested that HSIC-2 was adsorption impaired. Because of the chromosomal prophage integration and homoimmunity, we interpret these results to indicate that PhiHSIC establishes a lysogenic relationship with its host that involves an extremely high level of spontaneous induction. This could be caused by a weak repressor of phage production. Additionally, poor phage adsorption of HSIC-2 compared to the wild type probably helped maintain this pseudolysogen-like relationship. In many ways, pseudolysogenic phage-host interactions may provide a paradigm for phage-host interactions in the marine environment.
Interpersonal Determinants of Helping and the Transgression-Compliance Relationship

Abstract Hypotheses derived from a self-presentation analysis of the increments in helping following transgression were examined. Subjects (N = 63) present when a confederate spilled a box of computer cards were asked to volunteer to assist in an unrelated experiment. Prior to the solicitation of help, confederates either did nor did not confess to having spilled the cards. Help was solicited under either public or anonymous conditions. The prediction that subjects would be more willing to help under public than anonymous conditions was supported. Subjects under public conditions were more willing to help when confederates had confessed. The prediction that the mere occurrence of the accident would increase helping was not supported. Results are consistent with the self-presentation analysis but call into question the reliability of the transgression-compliance relationship.
Political principals: efficiency, effectiveness, and the political dynamics of school administration

This paper examines the dynamics of “efficiency” and “effectiveness” for elementary school administrators in light of the internal politics of the public school. Based on extensive interviews with 12 principals, the paper examines three dimensions of efficiency [organizing, coordinating, and rational decision making] and three dimensions of effectiveness [articulating goals, evaluating performance, and promoting improvement] in order to show how principals accommodate, persuade, and bargain with classroom teachers. A brief critique of orthodox bureaucratic theory, efficiency, and effectiveness is provided in the conclusion.
Feulgen Microspectrophotometry of Oral Cancer and Leukoplakia

Feulgen microspectrophotometry was performed using the two wavelength method on 33 lesions and showed that five of ten carcinomas and 12 of 16 leukoplakias had diploid cell lines. This correlates well with similar findings in cervical cancer and dysplasia suggesting that changes in nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid content occur quite early in the evolution of cancer.
Thermographic Inspection of Cavity-Wall Insulation Retrofits

A national demonstration of the effectiveness of an optimal weatherization program for low-income families was conducted by the Community Services Administration and the National Bureau of Standards. In this demonstration 101 family dwellings in 12 cities in the continental United States were retrofitted and inspected by using thermographic equipment. The weatherization techniques included air infiltration reducing measures such as caulking and weatherstripping, additional attic insulation, storm windows, cavity-wall insulation, basement or crawl-space insulation, and modification or replacement of the heating systems. In order to assess the quality of the workmanship of the weatherization techniques applied to the building envelope, and in particular the quality of the installation of the cavity wall insulation, thermographic surveys were performed after the completion of the weatherization work. It was not uncommon to find large wall areas still uninsulated, ceiling insulation improperly installed, heat losses around door and window frames, excessive heat losses from eaves and soffits due to bypassing of the insulation, shrinkage and fissures in the foam insulation, areas where the loose fill insulation was not installed to proper density, and air penetration into the interior of cavities. Examples of such defects are presented and summary statistics showing the frequency of occurrence ofmore » these defects in the weatherized dwellings and the percentage of wall area not insulated are given.« less
Cognitive Tempo and Cognitive Level Relationships among Mentally Retarded Children.

The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain predictive relationships between and within cognitive tempo and cognitive level characteristics of 33 moderately retarded junior high school children. The Matching Familiar Figures Test was used to establish cognitive tempo characteristics and the Essential Math and Language Skills Inventory was used to determine cognitive level characteristics. A multiple regression analysis indicated no significant predictive relationship from elements of cognitive tempo to elements of cognitive level. Elements of cognitive level, however, could predict elements of cognitive tempo. Implications for future research were discussed. Cross-validation on a larger sample is required.
Silicon-based micromachined packages for discrete components

A novel approach has been taken to develop low cost, high frequency (Ka-band), electronic packages. An existing thick film package for a phase shifter chip has been redesigned using silicon as the base material. This paper reports on the fabrication techniques and the measurement improvement found by coupling silicon micromachining techniques with standard IC processing.
Assessing the Monophyly of Alectra and Its Relationship to Melasma (Orobanchaceae).

Abstract Alectra (Orobanchaceae) consists of primarily hemiparasitic herbaceous species distributed mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, with two species native to tropical America, and two widespread species extending out of Africa into India and China. Despite containing an economically important noxious agricultural weed, Alectra has never been the subject of a phylogenetic analysis. The monophyly of Alectra was assessed using DNA sequences from the nuclear (internal transcribed spacer) and chloroplast (rpl16, trnT-L) genomes, including 11 of 12 species. One of two holoparasitic species, Alectra alba, was placed outside of Alectra, supported as sister to a lineage containing the Asian holoparasitic genera Aeginetia + Christisonia. Two highly supported lineages of Melasma were revealed: one containing the two included African species, and the other comprising the tropical American Melasma rhinanthoides and the single accession of the tropical American Escobedia. The placement of the Madagascan endemic Alectra ...
Medium-range structure and glass forming ability in Zr–Cu–Al bulk metallic glasses

Abstract Fluctuation electron microscopy experiments combined with hybrid reverse Monte Carlo modeling show a correlation between medium-range structure at the nanometer scale and glass forming ability in two Zr–Cu–Al bulk metallic glass (BMG) alloys. Both Zr 50 Cu 35 Al 15 and Zr 50 Cu 45 Al 5 exhibit two nanoscale structure types, one icosahedral and the other more crystal-like. In Zr 50 Cu 35 Al 15 , the poorer glass former, the crystal-like structure is more stable under annealing below the glass transition temperature, T g , than in Zr 50 Cu 45 Al 5 . Variable resolution fluctuation microscopy of the MRO clusters show that in Zr 50 Cu 35 Al 15 on sub- T g annealing, the crystal-like clusters shrink even as they grow more ordered, while icosahedral-like clusters grow. Overall, the results suggest that achieving better glass forming ability in this alloy system may depend more on destabilizing crystal-like structures than enhancing non-crystalline structures.
New Technologies for Repairing Aging Cables in Nuclear Power Plants

The goal of this project is to demonstrate a proof-of-concept for a technique to repair aging cables that have been subjected to degradation associated with long-term thermal and radiation exposure in nuclear power plants. The physical degradation of the aging cables manifests itself primarily as cracking and increased brittleness of the polymeric electrical insulation. Therefore, the proposed cable-repair concept comprises development of techniques to impart a softening agent within the deteriorated polymer insulation jacket so as to regain the ability of the insulation to stretch without failing and possibly to heal existing cracks in the insulation. Our approach is to use commercially available ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) as the relevant test material, demonstrate the adsorption of chemical treatments in the EPR and quantify changes in resulting physical and mechanical properties. EPR cable samples have been thermally treated in air to produce specimens corresponding to the full range of cable age-performance points from new (>350% elongation at break) to end-of-life (<50% elongation at break). The current focus is on two chemical treatments selected as candidates for restoring age-related cable elasticity loss: a rubber plasticizer and a reactive silane molecule. EPR specimens of 200, 150, 100, and 50% elongation at break have beenmore » soaked in the candidate chemical treatments and the kinetics of chemical uptake, measured by change in mass of the samples, has been determined. Mechanical properties as a function of aging and chemical treatment have been measured including ultimate tensile strength, tensile modulus at 50% strain, elongation at break, and storage modulus. Dimensional changes with treatment and changes in glass transition temperature were also investigated. These ongoing experiments are expected to provide insight into the physical-chemical nature of the effect of thermal degradation on EPR rejuvenation limits and to advance novel methods for restoring the ability of degraded EPR to be compliant and resist fracture. The results of this research reveal that absorption of chemical treatments can lower the glass transition temperature and modulus of EPR. Chemical treatments pursued thus far have proven ineffective at restoring EPR strength and elongation at break. Future work will combine the plasticizer modalities found to successfully increase the volume of the EPR, reduce EPR glass transition temperature and reduce EPR modulus with promising chemistries that will repair the damage of the polymer, potentially using the plasticizer as a host for the new chemistry.« less
Understanding Structural and Optical Properties of Nanoscale CdSe Magic-Size Quantum Dots: Insight from Computational Prediction

Structure and properties of small quantum dots are of fundamental and practical interest due to a broad range of applications that exploit their optical tunability. Although previous experimental and theoretical investigation of very small semiconductor quantum dots have shown relative stability for clusters that deviate from the bulk, these materials have not been systematically characterized. In this work, structures of (CdSe)n (n = 1−37) clusters were studied using a combination of structure enumeration, Monte Carlo search, and local optimization. Binding energy (En and relative binding energy, ΔEn = n(En+1 − En), per CdSe unit) calculations using density functional theory (DFT) were carried out to identify the so-called magic size (MS, ΔEn > 0) quantum dots. (CdSe)n with n = 9, 12, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32, 33, 35, and 36 were found to have high relative stability. MS structural motifs were investigated further for clusters up to (CdSe)54. In addition, time-dependent DFT calculations of one-photon absor...
When Chinese Central Orders and Promotion Criteria Conflict Implementation Decisions on the Destitute in Poor versus Prosperous Cities

The 1999 relief plan for China’s Minimum Livelihood Guarantee (called, for short, the dibao)—originally designed to assist all of the urban poor—changed by the mid-2000s, emphasizing employment, not handouts, for the able-bodied impecunious. Also, the center ordered that cities should subsidize just the most ill and needy. We find that only some Chinese cities—the less well-endowed and politically less prominent—responded to this shift by cutting back their percentage of merely unemployed recipients and increasing the percentage of the truly needy among their dibao beneficiaries. We suggest that two factors could account for this disparity: politicians in wealthier cities have greater autonomy; and they are closer to fulfilling a momentous career goal—stepping up to a post in the central government, and are thus more ambitious. It could be that in prosperous cities—where politicians have control over their budgets and where their trajectories have already positioned them near the peak of the mobility chan...
Probing Surface Saturation Conditions in Alternating Layer Growth of CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots

We monitor effective band gap energy shifts and free reagent concentration during the formation of CdS shells on CdSe nanocrystals to test the hypothesis that alternating addition of stoichiometric...
Direct Screening of Blood by PCR and Pyrosequencing for a 16S rRNA Gene Target from Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit Patients Being Evaluated for Bloodstream Infection

Here we compared the results of PCR/pyrosequencing to those of culture for detecting bacteria directly from blood. DNA was extracted from 1,130 blood samples from 913 patients suspected of bacteremia (enrollment criteria were physician-ordered blood culture and complete blood count [CBC]), and 102 controls (healthy blood donors). Real-time PCR assays for beta-globin and Universal 16S rRNA gene targets were performed on all 1,232 extracts. Specimens identified by Universal 16S rRNA gene PCR/pyrosequencing as containing staphylococci, streptococci, or enteric Gram-negative rods had target-specific PCR/pyrosequencing performed. Amplifiable beta-globin (melting temperature [Tm], 87.2°C ± 0.2°C) occurred in 99.1% (1,120/1,130) of patient extracts and 100% (102/102) of controls. Concordance between PCR/pyrosequencing and culture was 96.9% (1,085/1,120) for Universal 16S rRNA gene targets, with positivity rates of 9.4% (105/1,120) and 11.3% (126/1,120), respectively. Bacteria cultured included staphylococci (59/126, 46.8%), Gram-negative rods (34/126, 27%), streptococci (32/126, 25.4%), and a Gram-positive rod (1/126, 0.8%). All controls screened negative by PCR/pyrosequencing. Clinical performance characteristics (95% confidence interval [CI]) for Universal 16S rRNA gene PCR/pyrosequencing included sensitivity of 77.8% (69.5 to 84.7), specificity of 99.3% (98.6 to 99.7), positive predictive value (PPV) of 93.3% (86.8 to 97.3), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.2% (96.0 to 98.2). Bacteria were accurately identified in 77.8% (98/126) of culture-confirmed sepsis samples with Universal 16S PCR/pyrosequencing and in 76.4% (96/126) with follow-up target-specific PCR/pyrosequencing. The initial PCR/pyrosequencing took ∼5.5 h to complete or ∼7.5 h when including target-specific PCR/pyrosequencing compared to 27.9 ± 13.6 h for Gram stain or 81.6 ± 24.0 h for phenotypic identification. In summary, this molecular approach detected the causative bacteria in over three-quarters of all culture-confirmed cases of bacteremia directly from blood in significantly less time than standard culture but cannot be used to rule out infection.
308 CYCLIC SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH GASTROPARESIS: DIFFERENCES FROM NONCYCLIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING GASTRIC ELECTRIC STIMULATION.

Introduction Whereas most patients with the symptoms of gastroparesis (GP) have chronic symptoms, others have symptoms that are cyclic in nature. We investigated patients presenting with the symptoms of GP, most of whom underwent eventual placement of gastric electrical stimulation (GES), to see if patients with cyclic symptoms differed from those with No cyclic symptoms. Patients From a database of 345 consecutive patients seen, 48 patients (8 M, 40 F, mean age 41.5 years)-with the following diagnoses: 18 idiopathic, 27 diabetes mellitus, and 3 postsurgical disorders-presented with the symptoms of GP. Most patients were drug refractory and referred for possible GES. Patients were 35 (3 M, 32 F) with cyclic symptoms (Cyc) and 13 (1 M, 12 F) with no cyclic symptoms (NoCyc). Thirty-eight of 48 patients (25 Cyc and 13 NoCyc) underwent implantation of permanent GES, mean of 33 months. Results were compared by paired t-tests, baseline versus latest for GES patients, reported as mean ± SE. Results Cyc patients were similar to NoCyc patients with the exception of solid gastric emptying and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), both of which were more impaired in Cyc versus NoCyc patients. After GES placement (mean mo), the percentage improvement in all parameters (symptoms, GET, and HRQOL) was greater in Cyc than in NoCyc patients (Table). Conclusions Based on this sample, GP patients with cyclic symptoms respond better to GES than those with no cyclic symptoms. These preliminary results need confirmation in larger, prospective trials.
Hemoglobins and heredity. I.

Discovery of electrophoretic mobility of hemoglobins in 1949 ushered in the era of molecular disease. Two unequal pairs of polypeptide chains make up hemoglobin molecules. The α-chain contains 141 amino acids and the β-chain, 146 amino acids, and substitution of one amino acid for another will produce clinical disease.
Frontal Lobe and Psychopathy

This research paper presents an analysis of the functions of the frontal lobe and how damage to the frontal lobe correlates to psychopathy. Initially, it will look at how damage to the frontal lobe obstructs frontal lobe functions. The decrease in executive function, due to a reduction of blood flow to the frontal lobe following a subarachnoid hemorrhage, is explored. The correlation between cortical thickness and impulsiveness in adolescence is examined. Subsequently, the issue is then examined through the observation of groups with psychopathy and how the diagnosis relates to their frontal lobes. One study compares individuals with psychopathy to individuals who suffered lesions to their frontal cortex. Another study discusses the correlation between cortical thickness and frontal information processing; it also compares the location of where the information processing occurs for individuals with psychopathy versus non-psychopathic individuals. Lastly, the functions of the frontal lobe are compared with the characteristics of psychopathy to further understand their correlation.
Government Effectiveness in the Face of Debt

The fundamental claim of O’Connor’s Fiscal Crisis of the State is that when the governments are deprived of financial resources, they are unable to fulfill their natural function of reproducing capitalism. This argument seemed very foreign to O’Connor’s American leftist readers of the early 1970s. The United States was the dominant superpower of the world. “Big Government” was aggressively addressing social problems, notably racial discrimination and urban decay. Federal support for university and scientific funding was flush. Keynesian stimulation of demand was largely effective. The prediction that the American state could lack the fiscal ability to support capitalism seemed implausible.