cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can We Measure the Quality of Causal Research in Education

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces the notions of causality, control, and experimentation. Although, it is true that all dictionary definitions are circular, it is rare for this circularity to reveal itself so quickly and clearly. This implies that the construct “causality” is very abstract. Questions of causality are best addressed through experiments. The chapter reviews the roles of few researchers in shaping the perceptions of what constitutes good experimental research. Given that a study's quality greatly affects the degree of confidence that can be placed in its results, it is not surprising that there have been attempts to develop systematic strategies for assessing how effectively a study's design and implementation permit drawing causal inferences. Most of this work has occurred in medicine. The Study DIAD is meant to be a consensual based, multidimensional, transparent instrument for assessing the strength of causal inferences that can be drawn from a study. It is not perfect, partly because some issues in experimental design lack consensual answers regarding their impact on quality and partly because choices need to be made regarding what issues are most important to address. The chapter concludes on the note that greater attention to the issues embodied in the Study DIAD will result in improved information becoming available to policy makers, administrators, teachers, and parents as they make evidence-based decisions about the education of children.
Complete enumeration and properties of binary pseudo-Youden designs PYD(9,6,6)

Abstract A binary pseudo-Youden design PYD ( 9 , 6 , 6 ) is a 6 × 6 array in which each cell contains 1 element from the set V = { 1 , 2 , … , 9 } , and each element from V occurs 4 times. Every row of the array contains distinct elements and every column contains distinct elements. The rows and columns, when taken together, are pairwise balanced and form a ( 9 , 12 , 8 , 6 , 5 ) -BIBD. In Preece [1968. Balanced 6 × 6 designs for 9 treatments. Sankhyā Ser. B 30, 443–446; 1976. A second domain of balanced 6 × 6 designs for nine equally-replicated treatments. Sankhyā Ser. B 38 (part 2) 192–194] a total of 345 species of binary PYD ( 9 , 6 , 6 ) were found. Here we complete this enumeration and find 348 species of binary PYD ( 9 , 6 , 6 ) . Thus we find 3 new species. We give a complete set of invariants for these species based upon the numbers of intercalates and anti-intercalates that they contain; and discuss some of their properties. We also show that there are 696 non-isomorphic binary PYD ( 9 , 6 , 6 ) , and give a complete set of invariants for these arrays.
DNA biosynthesis in nuclei. I. Characterization of DNA synthesis by isolated rat liver nuclei using endogenous DNA as primer.

Abstract 1. A DNA biosynthetic system consisting of isolated nuclei using endogenous DNA as primer has been characterized. The nuclei are capable of incorporating [ 3 H] dTTP into DNA linearly for 2 h, and incorporation is proportional to protein concentration up to 2 mg/ml. 2. Preincubation at 37 °C greatly enhances incorporation, but heating for 4 min at 65 °C destroys activity. The pH optimum is 8.0 with Tris-HCl and 9.0 with glycine-NaOH buffer. The system requires Mg 2+ and is stimulated by ATP, KCl, sucrose and glycerol; but deoxyribonuclease, polyamines, Na 4 P 2 O 7 , actinomycin D, ethidium bromide and acriflavin inhibit incorporation. 3. Addition of native DNA to the reaction stimulates incorporation 5-fold. DNA synthesis by endogenously and exogenously primed nuclei has been compared. CsCl density gradient centrifugation indicates that endogenously primed reactions synthesize rat liver DNA, but addition of exogenous DNA causes inhibition of endogenous DNA synthesis in favor of the exogenous DNA.
Incorporating Expert Judgment in Economic Forecasts: The Case of the U.S. Economy in 1992

Professional and academic economists employ a variety of techniques and commit significant amounts of time and financial resources for the purpose of producing macroeconomic forecasts. This chapter illustrates the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process in forecasting. It integrates macroeconomic theory, historical evidence (as reflected, for example, in formal forecasting models) and expert judgment. Importantly, in the context of current efforts to forecast the future course of the U.S. economy, expert judgment facilitates the incorporation of structural changes into such forecasts.
Hatching mechanism and accelerated hatching of the eggs of a sac-spawning euphausiid Nematoscelis difficilis

Observation of the sac-spawning euphausiid Nematoscelis difficilis Hansen during shipboard laboratory incubations showed that its embryos usually hatch as pseudometanauplius (PMN) or metanauplius (MN). The eggs, which have a minute perivitelline space, are spherical at spawning and become elliptical after the nauplius 1 develops. When ready to hatch, the PMN or MN embryos extend and contract their first and second antennae in a swimming movement, breaking the chorion into almost equal halves joined by one small section in the anterior part of the chorion. The mandibles play a secondary role in cutting the chorion. Then the embryo pushes itself backwards with the first and second antennae to escape from the chorion. This is known as ‘push-off’ hatching. The embryos always hatch progressively from the distal end towards the proximal end of the ovigerous sac. The time between hatching of the first and last embryo may reflect the time the females require to lay a clutch of eggs (<2.1 h). Development time to the PMN stage at 10 � C was � 55‐ 60 h and to MN stage � 84 h. Eggs of one brood of N. difficilis hatched backwards at 47 h as nauplius 2 (N2) rather than as PMN or MN. This is the second observation of early hatching by any sac-spawning euphausiid species. Therefore, a morphological description is provided of the freeswimming N. difficilis N2. It is expected that N. difficilis N2 could be found in the ocean, a taxonomic complication for the identification of nauplii, and therefore a comparison is made with N2 stages of three of the most abundant broadcast-spawning euphausiid species (Euphausia pacifica, Thysanoessa spinifera and Thysanoessa inspinata) in the same geographical range. This is also the first description of the N2 for T. inspinata. Both sac-spawning and broadcastspawning strategies in euphausiids have shown high flexibility in the hatching schedule. However, early hatching in sac-spawners and late hatching in broadcast-spawners are usually associated with low embryo hatching success.
Recent Developments in US Copyright Law – Part II, Caselaw: Exclusive Rights on the Ebb?

The 1976 Act announces broad exclusive rights, offset by a myriad of specific exemptions, and one wide exception for "fair use." In words and intent, the exclusive rights are capacious, but new technologies may have caused some of the general phrases to become more constraining than might have been expected from a text whose drafters took pains to make forward-looking. Thus, the scope of the reproduction right turns on the meaning of "copy;" the reach of the distribution right on "distribute copies" and "transfer of ownership;" the range of the public performance right on "public" and "perform." Entrepreneurs and users of new technological means of exploiting copyrighted works have urged narrow constructions of each of these terms, arguing that broad interpretations will chill future innovation (and suppress present markets for copyright-exploiting devices or services). Copyright owners, concerned that unfettered new uses will supplant traditional copyright-controlled markets, have contended that the literal language, or, failing that, congressional intent, encompass the contested use. In addition, new technologies have called into question the identification of the person who "does" the copyright-implicating acts. Who makes a copy when the act is decomposed into steps taken by different actors? Who performs or displays a work when the work resides on one person's server, but the public perceives it through another person's website?Several US courts have narrowly construed the reach of the exclusive rights of reproduction, distribution, public performance and public display, thus putting into doubt their efficacy in the digital environment. In particular, the Second Circuit's recent decision in Cartoon Networks v. CSC Holdings, if followed, could substantially eviscerate the reproduction and public performance rights. The growing number of decisions rejecting a "making available" right attests to some difficulties in adapting the distribution right to online exploitation. By contrast, one bright spot for authors appears in the area of moral rights, in which digital media may provide a means to make at least some authors' attribution interests enforceable. Because the decisions emanate from lower courts, including first-level courts, it is too soon to discern whether US copyright law is adopting a constricted conception of the scope of the economic rights under copyright, and if so, whether the decisions betoken an evolving (if often unarticulated) determination that copyright prerogatives should yield to technological preferences. In either event, the analyses and results contrast with solutions adopted in the European Union, and, in some instances, may be in tension with the US' international obligations.
The peripheral bipolar junction transistor and its relation to predictability in device modeling

Abstract In advanced bipolar junction transistors, the peripheral transistor at the sidewall of the emitter junction may conduct a significant portion of the total collector current. Because the dopant profiles and carrier transport in this peripheral region are poorly defined, the device- and circuit-level performance of the peripheral transistor are not predictive. We investigate an approach for modeling the peripheral collector current (and base current) to be used in an arbitrary circuit model. This approach is shown to be consistent with two-dimensional numerical device simulation. The ratio of peripheral-to-intrinsic collector current at one bias point is extrapolated from that at an earlier bias point and the variation in emitter debiasing across the intrinsic base resistor. The problem of predictability arises when comparing the above approach with experimental data. Although the approach is consistent with numerical device simulation, the results from the numerical simulations are themselves in disagreement with the measured data. The device simulator and circuit model have to be “tuned” by fitting experimental data for a minimum of two devices and two bias conditions (one low and one high) for a given technology. This allows the correct Gummel number and current gain of the peripheral transistor to be determined and, hence, the definition of other model parameters.
RANDOM URINE PROTEIN-OSMOLALITY RATIO IS A GOOD PREDICTOR OF 24-h URINARY PROTEIN EXCRETION. 2129

RANDOM URINE PROTEIN-OSMOLALITY RATIO IS A GOOD PREDICTOR OF 24-h URINARY PROTEIN EXCRETION. 2129
Binding and orientation of fibronectin to silanated glass surfaces using immobilized bacterial adhesin-related peptides

Previously, we have demonstrated the suitability of bacterial adhesin-related peptides, directly immobilized on polystyrene surfaces, to bind and orient fibronectin (FN). For these studies a method to bind the large protein FN in a desired orientation on a solid substratum was developed which utilizes a bacterial adhesin-related peptide (designated BRP-A), which is known to bind specifically to the NH3-terminus end of FN. Glass substrata was first coated with an amine-terminated silane, followed by streptavidin (SA), which was used as an intermediate tether to bind the biotinylated bacterial adhesin-related peptide. The BRP-A peptide, used for these studies was synthesized with a terminal biotin to assure irreversible coupling of the BRP-A to the streptavidin. The biotinylated BRP-A was next immobilized on the SA-silanated glass surfaces. 125I-FN was used to quantify the amount of FN binding to the (BRP-A):SA-silanated glass surface. Monoclonal antibodies, which react with specific epitopes at either the NH3- or -COOH-termini of FN, were used to quantify the binding and orientation of FN. The results of these studies indicated: (1) FN bound to the BRP-A:SA-silanated glass surface; and (2) the bound FN was oriented such that NH2-terminal region of FN was bound towards the glass surface and the COOH-terminus was oriented away from the glass surface. These studies demonstrate that small peptides can be used to specifically bind and orient large proteins such as FN on the surfaces.
The Competitiveness of Ready Made Garments Industry of Bangladesh in Post MFA Era: How Does the Industry Behave to Face the Competitive Challenge?

The challenges that originate from changes in the global trade regime and the relative competitive environment in the global markets are reasons for deep concern for Bangladesh. Because of quota system abolition many of the less efficient suppliers will lose quota rents and market shares as they are forced to compete with more efficient suppliers among developing countries. Since 1974, Bangladesh was enjoying a quota free access of garments under the Multi- Fibre Arrangement (MFA). But the phase out of the Multi- Fibre Arrangement (MFA) has completed in 2005 under the Uruguay round of GATT (General Agreement for Tariffs and Trade) in 1994. The freeing of trade in textiles and clothing has created a formidable challenge to the Bangladesh Ready Made Garments (RMG) Industry. The phase-out of the MFA, emergence of competitors such as China, India, Vietnam, Turkey, Mexico and African nations have negatively impacted on the fortunes of Bangladesh RMG sector. Dependence on imported raw materials, political instability, turbulent economy, high bank interest rates, lack of government incentives, poor knowledge of international marketing, port problem, poor infrastructure and labor union are some of the internal problems of Bangladesh RMG. This sector is being incrementally faced with the burden of obligations imposed by the developed countries in the guise of compliance issues. There are two types of views about the future of Bangladesh Ready Made Garments (RMG) Industry after MFA era. The optimistic view
Left Atrial Function: Doppler and Strain

The left atrium modulates left ventricular filling with its reservoir, conduit, and contractile functions. There is growing literature on the importance of a detailed assessment of left atrial function. This review article discusses the echocardiographic assessment of left atrial function by conventional parameters such as atrial size measurements, transmitral and pulmonary Doppler flow, mitral annular tissue velocities, as well as newer techniques such as regional strain and strain rate imaging by color tissue Doppler imaging and two-dimensional speckle tracking techniques. The clinical applications of these techniques in various conditions are discussed.
Development of a real-time closed-loop dual wavelength optical polarimeter for glucose monitoring

Over the last decade, noninvasive glucose sensors based on optical polarimetry have been proposed to probe the anterior chamber of the eye. Such sensors would ultimately be used to measure the aqueous humor glucose concentration which is correlated with blood glucose concentration. Although the effect of other chiral components in the eye has been minimized, the time-variant corneal birefringence due to motion artifact is still a limiting factor which needs to be resolved for realization of such a device. Here we present the development of a real-time dual wavelength optical polarimetric system employing a classical three-term feedback controller. Our dual wavelength system utilizes real-time closed-loop feedback based on proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, which effectively reduced the time taken by the system to stabilize to less than 300 ms while minimizing the effect of motion artifact, which appears as common noise source for both wavelengths. Measurements in the presence of time-variant test cell birefringence demonstrate the sensitivity of the current system to measure glucose within the range of 0-600 mg/dl with a standard error of less than 13 mg/dl using the dual wavelength information.
The human pancreatic lipase-encoding gene: structure and conservation of an Alu sequence in the lipase gene family

The isolation and characterization of the human gene (hPL) encoding pancreatic lipase is reported. The gene has 13 exons dispersed in about 20 kb of genomic DNA. A pseudogene of hPL was also partially characterized. An Alu sequence is conserved in the homologous introns of hPL and the lipoprotein lipase-encoding gene.
Using cache line coloring to perform aggressive procedure inlining

Memory hierarchy performance has always been an important issue in computer architecture design. The likelihood of a bottleneck in the memory hierarchy is increasing, as improvements in microprocessor performance continue to outpace those made in the memory system. As a result, effective utilization of cache memories is essential in today's architectures.The nature of procedural software poses visibility problems when attempting to perform program optimization. One approach to increasing visibility in procedural design is to perform procedure inlining. The main downside of using inlining is that inlined procedures can place excess pressure on the instruction cache.To address this issue we attempt to perform code reordering. By combining reordering with aggressive inlining, a larger executable image produced through inlining can be effectively remapped onto the cache address space, while not noticeably increasing the instruction cache miss rate.In this paper, we evaluate our ability to perform aggressive inlining by employing cache line coloring. We have implemented three variations of our coloring algorithm in the Alto toolset and compare them against Alto's aggressive basic block reordering algorithms. Alto allows us to generate optimized executables, that can be run on hardware to generate results. We find that by using our algorithms, we can achieve up a 21% reduction is execution runtime over the base Compaq optimizing compiler, and a 6.4% reduction when compared to Alto's interprocedural basic block reordering algorithm.
Effect of corn quality on bioethanol production

Abstract Corn quality affects dry grind ethanol yields. Average loss in ethanol yield due to grain quality can range from 3 to 23%. Corn quality factors (kernel composition, test weight, endosperm hardness, planting location, crop year and mycotoxins) affected or controlled by genetics, environment and postharvest practices were evaluated for dry grind ethanol yield. Significant effects of kernel composition, endosperm hardness, crop year, planting location, harvest moisture content and drying air temperature were observed on ethanol yields. However, effect of alfatoxin B1 (mycotoxins) or Stenocarpella maydis (fungus) on ethanol yield was not significant.
Ian Paisley: Evangelism and confrontation in Northern Ireland

This essay examines the role of the rhetoric of the Protestant extremist, Ian Paisley, in the inception of the civil unrest in Northern Ireland. Specifically, two of Paisley's rhetorical strategies, political evangelism and confrontation, are examined. Paisley himself is identified as a preacher in the tradition of the right‐wing fundamentalists in the United States.
Improvements in mixing time and mixing uniformity in devices designed for studies of protein folding kinetics.

Using a microfluidic laminar flow mixer designed for studies of protein folding kinetics, we demonstrate a mixing time of 1 ± 1 μs with sample consumption on the order of femtomoles. We recognize two limitations of previously proposed designs: (1) size and shape of the mixing region, which limits mixing uniformity and (2) the formation of Dean vortices at high flow rates, which limits the mixing time. We address these limitations by using a narrow shape-optimized nozzle and by reducing the bend of the side channel streamlines. The final design, which combines both of these features, achieves the best performance. We quantified the mixing performance of the different designs by numerical simulation of coupled Navier−Stokes and convection−diffusion equations and experiments using fluorescence resonance energy-transfer (FRET)-labeled DNA.
Effectiveness of social and nonsocial rein forcers in a probability learning task

Research in recent years has shown that performance reinforcers become more effective than person reinforcers as a person grows older and that, at least with children, social reinforcement is more effective than nonsocial in motor and probability learning tasks. This study tested the maturity hypothesis, examined social vs nonsocial reinforcement in probability learning, and investigated order of presentation of both social and nonsocial reinforcers. Results were: (1) person reinforcers are equally as effective as performance reinforcers, (2) social reinforcement is more effective than nonsocial in probability learning, and (3) order of presentation in social-nonsocial reinforcement is crucial.
Hydrogen performance of precipitation-strengthened stainless steels based on A-286

Eleven alloys similar to commercial A-286 but with small variations in chemistry were tested to assess whether the performance of this type of stainless steel, which shows a ductility (RA) loss of about 48 pct when hydrogen charged, could be improved. It was found that removal of Mn resulted in anRA loss of only 15 pct; low Mn plus a 5 pct increase in Ni gave further improvement to 11 pctRA loss. Reductions in C, Si and B had little effect on theseRA losses. None of the above changes had significant effect on strength. Other chemistry changes were unsuccessful: additions of Al, Ti, Ti + Mo, or decreases in Ni, increased the ductility loss. Extensive examination of thin foils permitted a structural rationale for behavior in hydrogen in terms of the effects of second-phase particles on ductile fracture, particularly as affected by the misfit between the austenite and the γ’ precipitates. This rationale was consistent with fractographic observations.
Explaining Cyberloafing through a Theoretical Integration of Theory of Interpersonal Behavior and Theory of Organizational Justice

Cyberloafing is an issue of growing concern for contemporary organizations. This paper develops an integrated research model which combines the Theory of Interpersonal Behavior and Organizational Justice to provide a holistic examination for cyberloafing behavior. Data was collected from working respondents via on-line questionnaire to test the research model. The results of this study found that the metaphor of the ledger from the organizational justice model was a significant predictor of intent to cyberloaf, while the four types of organizational justice were not significant predictors of the metaphor of the ledger. The effects of constructs from the Theory of Interpersonal Behavior performed as expected with the exception of the direct relationship between facilitating conditions and cyberloafing behavior. Overall, the results suggest that combining these two models provides a rich explanation of antecedents to cyberloafing.
Lidocaine and the inhibition of postoperative pain in coronary artery bypass patients.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate whether a continuous low-dose lidocaine infusion reduces postoperative pain and anxiety in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to retrospectively examine time to extubation, intensive care unit stay (ICU), and hospital length of stay. Design: A double-blinded, randomized, and prospective approach. Setting: Hospital patients undergoing first-time CABG. Participants: After informed consent, 100 patients were enrolled in this study. Interventions: Lidocaine infusion or placebo substitute was begun after induction of anesthesia. The fentanyl/midazolam infusion was discontinued on ICU admission; lidocaine or placebo continued until ICU discharge. Supplemental fentanyl, midazolam, or propranolol was administered for pain, anxiety, or hemodynamic stress. Measurements and Main Results: Drug dosages were compared between groups. Postoperative assessment included visual analog pain score, hemodynamics, sedation score, and nursing assessment. Mean total dosages of fentanyl, midazolam, and propranolol between the lidocaine and placebo groups were 620.40 ± 815.74 μg versus 689.16 ± 692.99 μg, p = 0.244; 0.54 ± 1.13 mg versus 1.20 ± 2.44 mg, p = 0.465; 0.11 ± 0.75 mg versus 3.56 ± 17.2 mg, p = 0.564, respectively. Times to extubation, ICU length of stay, and hospital stay did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusions: Continuous infusion of low-dose lidocaine did not significantly decrease supplemental fentanyl, midazolam, or propranolol requirement postoperatively. Similarly, a lidocaine infusion does not result in reduced time to extubation, ICU stay, or hospital length of stay.
Spectral Domain OCT and Optical Coherence Phase Microscopy

In vivo structural and functional imaging of the human retina with Spectral domain OCT and OFDI will be presented, as well as Optical Coherence Phase Microscopy for imaging cell structure and nerve bundle function
Patient complicance and the “usefulness product” of timolol

Abstract The practical value of any therapy depends upon a combination of effectiveness of the agent (or procedure) and the extent to which the patient complies in its proper administration. Thus, it might be said that the multiple of effectiveness times compliance equals the “usefulness product”. Among the various glaucoma therapies, this product seems to range from about 30%–90%. Timolol's effectiveness in lowering intraocular pressure combined with its low incidence of side effects yields a high usefulness product, and this may decrease the incidence of surgery required for the treatment of the open-angle glaucomas.
Evolution of fission-gas-bubble-size distribution in recrystallized U–10Mo nuclear fuel

Abstract An analytical model for the nucleation and growth of intra and intergranular fission-gas bubbles, used to characterize fission-gas bubble development in U–Mo alloy fuel with burnup limited to less than 10 at.% U in order to capture the fuel swelling stage prior to irradiation-induced recrystallization, is extended to recrystallized fuel at a burnup of ∼16 at.% U. During recrystallization the grain size is transformed from micron to sub-micron sizes. The intergranular bubble-size distribution post-recrystallization is found to evolve with similar kinetics and morphology to that pre-recrystallization with any differences primarily due to gas content and initial and/or boundary conditions (e.g., fuel microstructure). The predictions of the theory are compared with measured bubble-size distributions in pre and post recrystallized U–10Mo alloy fuel.
Global bifurcations and chaos in the forced oscillations of buckled structures

We study the sinusoidally forced vibrations of a buckled beam. Experimental work indicates that the beam's response is 'chaotic', being a nonperiodic motion which contains appreciable energy at all frequencies. The governing nonlinear partial differential equation is shown to generate a dynamical system on a suitable function space and, since the excitation is periodic, a global Poincare map, P?, can be defined and the problem recast as one involving bifurcations of this map. We study the behavior as physical parameters such as force amplitude, ?, are varied. We argue that much of the behavior can be captured by a single degree of freedom nonlinear oscillator, the Poincare map of which is a diffeomorphism of the plane, and we indicate the importance of homoclinic orbits arising in global bifurcations of this map.
Nonlinear dynamic matrix control for high‐purity distillation columns

The performance of Dynamic Matrix Control (DMC) for different product purity distillation columns is studied and compared with a conventional multiloop proportional-integral control structure (LV). The load-rejection capability (regulatory response) of DMC becomes worse than that of the conventional structure as product purity increases. Large load disturbances take the highly nonlinear system away from the nominal linear model, adversely affecting the performance of DMC. The LV structure is less sensitive to process nonlinearities. However, simple nonlinear output transformations suggested by the fundamental design equations of the process give models that are quite insensitive to nonlinearities of the process. This results in a nonlinear version of DMC that has better performance than the standard DMC and it is much simpler than the gain and time constant scheduling DMC or adaptive DMC. The complexity of DMC when it is applied on systems with very large time constants is also addressed. Suggestions to overcome this problem are proposed.
Gene- and tissue-specificity of mutation in Big Blue rats treated with the hepatocarcinogen N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene.

In a previous study, we found that treating transgenic Big Blue® rats with the hepatocarcinogen N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (N-OH-AAF) produced the same major DNA adduct in the target liver and the nontarget spleen lymphocytes and bone marrow cells, induced lacI mutants in the liver, and induced much lower frequencies of lacI and hprt mutants in spleen lymphocytes. In the present study, sequence analysis was conducted on lacI DNA and hprt cDNA from the mutants, to determine the mutational specificity of N-OH-AAF in the rat. All the mutation spectra from N-OH-AAF–treated rats differed significantly from corresponding mutation profiles from untreated animals (P = 0.02 to P < 0.0001). Although there were similarities among the mutational patterns derived from N-OH-AAF–treated rats (e.g., G:C T:A transversion was the most common mutation in all mutation sets), there were significant differences in the patterns of basepair substitution and frameshift mutation between the liver and spleen lymphocyte lacI mutants (P = 0.02) and between the spleen lymphocyte lacI and hprt mutants (P = 0.04). Also, multiplex PCR analysis of genomic DNA from the hprt mutants indicated that 12% of mutants from treated rats had major deletions in the hprt gene; no corresponding incidence of large deletions was evident among lacI mutations. All the mutation profiles reflect the general mutational specificity of the major DNA adduct formed by N-OH-AAF. The differences between N-OH-AAF mutation in the endogenous gene and transgene can be partially explained by the structures of the two genes. The tissue-specificity of the mutation spectra may contribute to targeting tumor formation to the liver. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 37:203–214, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Selective stimulation of endothelial cell proliferation with inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation by fibroblast growth factor-1 plus heparin delivered from fibrin glue suspensions*

Background. Pretreatment of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts with fibrin glue (FG) containing fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) (10 ng/ml) and heparin (50 units/ml) has been shown to induce a transmural angiogenesis with proliferation of both endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in dogs. To induce EC without SMC proliferation, we studied the effects of different FGF-1 :heparin ratios within FG in vitro. Methods. First passage human umbilical vein ECs factor VIII+) or primary canine carotid artery SMCs (α-actin +) were seeded onto 96-well plates coated with FG containing 10 ng/ml FGF-1 and 0, 5, 50, or 500 units/ml heparin. Control wells were coated with FG without FGF-1 or heparin. Cells were fed standard growth medium without soluble FGF-1 or heparin. Tritiated thymidine (1 μCi/well) was added after 1, 2, or 3 days, and proliferation was assayed by scintillation counting 48 hours later. Results. For both ECs and SMCs, proliferation on FG containing FGF-1 but no heparin was not different from control. EC proliferation on FG containing FGF-1 was significantly increased by addition of 5, 50, or 500 units/ml heparin (+68%, +99%, and +106%, respectively ; p < 0.0001 for all), reflecting the synergism of FGF-1 by heparin. SMC proliferation was also significantly increased by the addition of 5 or 50 units/ml heparin (+85 % and +66%, respectively ; p < 0.0001 for both). However, SMC proliferation with 500 units/ml heparin was significantly decreased from control (-12% ; p = 0.014), reflecting heparin's SMC growth inhibitory activity. Conclusions. FG containing 10 ng/ml FGF-1 and 500 units/ml heparin stimulates EC proliferation while inhibiting SMC proliferation in vitro. Application of this modified FG to vascular grafts or to arteries after direct or transcutaneous interventions may promote endothelialization without intimal hyperplasia.
Algorithms for optimal orientations of a unicyclic graph

Let (G, R) denote the directed graph obtained from undirected graph G by an acyclic orientation R so that (G, R) contains no directed cycle. We consider acyclic orientations R of a unicyclic graph G which maximizes/minimizes the number of ordered pairs of non-adjacent vertices with directed paths in (G, R). These orientations are referred as optimal orientations. We present algorithms to determine optimal orientations of a unicyclic graph.
Generation X: acceptance of others and teamwork implications

Purpose – Seeks to conduct serious academic study of the Generation X phenomenon.Design/methodology/approach – Considers how the literature (primarily the popular press) has viewed the contrast between Generation X and its predecessor, the Baby Boomer generation. Uses Fey's acceptance of others scale to consider what differences may exist between these individuals and those who preceded them.Findings – The popular literature and anecdotal evidence from practicing managers hold that the impact of a new, radically different generation, often referred to as Generation X, is just now beginning to be felt in US organizations as well as in society as a whole. Many observations and informal reports from practicing managers describe how different the “new breed” of employees is and how difficult they are to manage. Finds that issues of trust and independence surface repeatedly. Interprets the results as providing some evidence that generational differences may exist.Research limitations/implications – Considerabl...
Evaluation and management of patients after surgical repair of congenital heart diseases

A N ESTIMATED 25,000 babies are born each year with congenital heart disease in the United States.’ Until the last decade, the great majority of patients who reached adulthood had either mild abnormalities or had undergone successful surgery for a single, usually simple defect. These individuals were virtually all hemodynamically normal, and rarely developed late complications which would require further management. In the past 10 yr however, technical advances and remarkable surgical accomplishments have led to physiologic correction of a large number of patients who hitherto would not have reached maturity. Thus, among the present generation of children who have been operated upon for congenital heart disease, many will emerge into adulthood with “repaired” complex lesions, and some will present to the adult cardiologist and internist with a number of new diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The purpose of this review is to provide physicians with information regarding potential late complications and the management of the postoperative patient after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. Special problems associated with repair of specific defects will be outlined, and questions will be considered regarding the eventual clinical effects of mild residual anatomic, hemodynamic, and electrocardiographic abnormalities.
Characteristics of Several Minor-Protein Fractions Isolated from Bovine Milk

Summary Four minor-protein fractions were isolated from the same source of skimmilk by methods similar to those reported by Rowland for proteose-peptone, by Aschaffenberg for σ -proteose, by Jenness for milk component 5, and by Weinstein for the minor-protein fraction. A fifth fraction, the soluble membrane-protein, a constituent of the fat/plasma interfacial layer, was isolated from washed cream. These fractions were characteristically low in nitrogen (10-14%), high in ash (3-7%) and phosphorus (0.6-1.5%), and contained hexose sugars. Free-boundary electrophoretic patterns demonstrated variable multicomponent systems containing what appeared to be a common major component. Sedimentation velocity diagrams of the skimmilk fractions revealed two apparently common boundaries, whereas the diagrams for soluble membrane-proteins showed more heterogeneity, suggesting that the constituent components differed from those of the skimmilk proteose-peptones. The proteose-peptone, σ -proteose, and minor-protein fractions were rennin substrates. Heating (90° C.-30min.) 1% solutions of milk component 5 concentrate and the soluble membrane-protein, two fractions obtained from raw milk without employing a heat-treatment step in the isolation procedure, produced changes in both the electrophoretic and sedimentation patterns. Further, heated milk component 5 concentrate was more susceptible to the action of rennin than its unheated counterpart. The membrane fraction was unaffected by rennin.
Features of airway remodeling and eosinophilic inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis: is the histopathology similar to asthma?

Abstract Background Asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) coexist clinically in >50% of patients with CRS. Although epithelial damage and basement membrane thickening are well-known features of airway remodeling in asthma, they have not been described in CRS. Objective In this study, we tested the hypothesis that histopathologic features of asthma, namely, the chronic eosinophilic inflammation, epithelial damage, and basement membrane thickening of the airway mucosa, are also present in sinonasal specimens from patients with CRS. Methods We examined histologic specimens from 22 randomly selected patients with refractory CRS undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery and 4 healthy control subjects. The shedding of the epithelium and basement membrane thickening were evaluated by 3 independent observers' scores of hematoxylin-and-eosin staining. Eosinophilic inflammation was monitored with immunohistochemistry for eosinophil major basic protein. A novel, computerized method objectively analyzed confocal microscopic images of major basic protein immunofluorescence to determine areas with the least and most inflammation per specimen. Results Specimens from all patients with CRS (22/22) revealed epithelial damage (shedding) and basement membrane thickening. Strikingly heterogeneous eosinophilic inflammation, which did not differ between allergic and nonallergic patients, was detected in all patients with CRS and was absent in all healthy control subjects. Conclusion The histopathologic findings of asthma, namely, heterogeneous eosinophilic inflammation and features of airway remodeling, are also present in CRS. These findings, coupled with the common clinical coexistence of both diseases, suggest that the same pathologic disease process is manifest as CRS in the sinonasal tissue and as asthma in the lower airway.
Clinical study of fetal mesencephalic intracerebral transplants for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

This study reports our findings from 22 patients (ages ranging from 42 to 73 yr; mean = 55.2) with recalcitrant idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) who received implants of fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue using an MRI-guided stereotactic procedure and who have been followed for at least 6 mo postoperatively, employing the guidelines established by the Core Assessment Program for Intracerebral Transplantations. Evaluations were video-taped and were performed both on and off levodopa medications. To date, we have seven patients with 24 mo, three with 18 mo, three with 12 mo, and nine with 6 mo of post-surgical assessments. Comparing surgical outcomes to levels prior to fetal transplants we found: 1) mean levodopa levels were reduced 46% at 6 mo, 12% at 12 mo, 20% at 18 mo, and 54% at 24 mo; 2) Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores with patients on levodopa were improved by an average of 38% (6 mo), 50.2% (12 mo), 69.3% (18 mo), and 73.9% (24 mo), while off medication scores showed reductions ranging from 24.7% at 6 mo to 55.1% at 24 mo. Other measures, including Hoehn-Yahr staging, Activities of Daily Living, and dyskinesia rating scales, were also significantly improved following fetal transplants. Timed motor tasks (finger dexterity, supination-pronation, foot tapping, and Stand-Walk-Sit) performance also demonstrated highly significant improvements. Patient's self-rating scores indicated that the patients typically perceived substantial improvements in their condition. However, substantial variability in the improvements following surgery still persists and range from nominal improvements in performance to significant changes that can be classified as altering the overall lifestyle of the patients. To date, 4 of the 22 subjects were considered by the physicians to be nonresponders; that is, there were no clinically relevant improvements in these patients' conditions.
Alleviation of Migraines with Therapeutic Vitamin D and Calcium

Two postmenopausal migraineurs who developed frequent and excruciating migraine headaches (one following estrogen replacement therapy and the other following a stroke) were treated with combination vitamin D and calcium. Therapeutic replacement with vitamin D and calcium resulted in a dramatic reduction in the frequency and duration of their migraine headaches.
Optimal Placement of Fixture Clamps: Minimizing the Maximum Clamping Forces

This paper addresses the problem of synthesizing robust optimal clamping schemes on three-dimensional parts with planar faces, with and without friction. Given a work part with a pre-defined deterministic 3-2-1 location scheme, a set of polygonal convex regions on its faces are defined as areas of admissible clamp positions. A known set of external disturbing wrenches is also given. The frictionless case is considered first, and a new linear program is formulated to provide clamp locations that minimize the maximum clamping force. A transformation of the solution is presented that permits the extraction of both, the optimal positions of the clamps and the magnitude of the corresponding maximum clamping force. Friction is introduced next, and a linear program is presented that minimizes the maximum normal clamping force. We also extend the earlier formulations to support the case of frictionless clamping contacts on cylindrical faces. The result is a nonlinear (but convex) optimization problem that can be easily solved. Finally, we discuss a linear algebraic technique to find the directions, and associated relative motion rates, along which the clamps can be moved while maintaining the clamping forces constant. These lines of constant clamping force, as we name them, identify an equivalence set of clamping schemes (such that the maximum clamping force, given a set of disturbing wrenches, stays invariant).
Countercurrent extraction separation of some platinum group metals

Abstract Distribution coefficients were determined for the partitioning of the chloro-complexes of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and iridium between tributyl phosphate and various concentrations of hydrochloriic acid. Theoretical calculations based on the experimentally determined distribution coefficients indicated that a seventeen stage countercurrent extraction apparatus would resolve mixtures of platinum and palladium, platinum and rhodium, and rhodium and iridium. Mixtures of platinum and palladium, and platinum and rhodium were resolved in a fashion predicted by theory. Mixtures of rhodium and iridium were not completely resolved.
Photo-initiation rate behavior of weathered coatings: ESR-nitroxide decay assay

Abstract A procedure is described to extend the nitroxide decay assay measurement of coating photo-initiation rates to weathered coatings. The procedure involves post-cure doping of coatings with 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyloxy free radical in the presence of CH 2 Cl 2 /CH 3 OH vapor at 60°C. The photo-initiation rates of three acrylic-melamine coatings have been followed as a function of ‘QUV-light only’ accelerated exposure. For each of these coatings, the photo-initiation rate drops during the first 10–20 h of exposure and then remains constant at a level indicative of their weatherability for the duration of the exposure. No evidence is found for autoxidation in these coatings.
Pemphigus vulgaris: the other half of the story

Pemphigus vulgaris pathogenesis had been considered well understood and was in danger of being “finished,” as was physics at the end of the 19th century. With the publication in this issue of a paper by Nguyen and colleagues (1), the understanding of pemphigus pathogenesis must undergo a major revision. This turning point brings with it the promise of a more complete picture, as well as new therapeutic approaches for this serious disease.
Comparative endocrinology of cycling and non-cycling Asian (Elephas maximus) and African (Loxodonta africana) elephants

Abstract Up to 14% of Asian and 29% of African elephants in captivity are not cycling normally or exhibit irregular cycles based on progestin profiles. To determine if ovarian acyclicity is related to other disruptions in endocrine activity, serum pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian hormones in weekly samples collected for 6–25 months were compared between normal cycling ( n =22 each species) and non-cycling ( n =6 Asian; n =30 African) elephants. A subset of cycling females ( n =4 Asian, 7 African) also were blood sampled daily during the follicular phase to characterize the peri-ovulatory period. In normal cycling females, two leutinizing hormone (LH) surges were observed 3 weeks apart during a normal follicular phase, with the second inducing ovulation (ovLH). Serum FSH concentrations were highest at the beginning of the non-luteal phase, declining to nadir concentrations within 4 days of the ovLH surge. FSH remained low until after the ovLH surge and then increased during the luteal phase. A species difference was noted in prolactin secretion. In the African elephant, prolactin was increased during the follicular phase, but in Asian elephants concentrations remained stable throughout the cycle. Patterns of thyroid hormones (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH; free and total thyroxine, T4; free and total triiodothyronine, T3) and cortisol secretion were not affected by estrous cycle stage or season in cycling elephants. In non-cycling elephants, there were no fluctuating patterns of LH, FSH, or prolactin secretion. Overall mean concentrations of all hormones were similar to those in cycling animals, with the exception of FSH, prolactin, and estradiol. Mean serum FSH concentrations were lower due to females not exhibiting normal cyclic increases, whereas serum estradiol was higher overall in most acyclic females. Prolactin concentrations were significantly increased in 11 of 30 non-cycling females, all of which were African elephants. In sum, while there were no consistent endocrine anomalies associated with ovarian acyclicity, hyperprolactinemia may be one cause of ovarian dysfunction. The finding of elevated estrogens in some acyclic females also deserves further investigation, especially determining how it relates to reproductive tract pathologies.
Changes in School Enrollment Patterns After the First-Time Release of School-Level Test Scores in Milwaukee’s School Voucher Program A First Look

Since 1990, the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) has enabled low and middle-income parents to attend private Milwaukee schools at state expense. In 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Public ...