cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partisan polarization and corporate lobbying: information, demand, and conflict

How do political environment and organization characteristics combine to impact lobbying behavior? I answer this question using a time series analysis of an original dataset comprised of corporate lobbying disclosure reports, made available through the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. I theorize that polarization will drive increases in lobbying efforts toward Congress in particular, due to the increasing challenges of legislating under such conditions. The findings indicate that polarization does appear to increase lobbying in Congress, while firm wealth, combined with constituency-based connections to members of Congress, decreases lobbying efforts, perhaps due to increased efficacy of efforts (quality over quantity). These findings, when paired with recent evidence regarding the relationship between leadership and non-leadership members of Congress, suggest that lobbyists may be becoming an increasingly integral source of information for members of Congress who do not hold leadership positions.
Faute de frappe : Derrida dactylo

« Je tape tres vite, tres mal, avec beaucoup de fautes », confesse Jacques Derrida dans une entrevue tardive. Suivant cette idee, cet article propose que l’erreur typographique — habituellement percue comme un simple « accident » devant etre corrige ou normalise — puisse en fait etre comprise comme le site operant de lectures et de reflexions deconstructives. En analysant le manuscrit dactylographie du seminaire « Le fantome de l’autre » (1984-1985) a partir duquel sont derives les textes Geschlecht II et Geschlecht III et en m’appuyant sur la suggestion provocatrice de Nietzsche selon laquelle la machine a ecrire « collabore » en quelque sorte a la reflexion, j’examine l’omnipresence des fautes de frappe chez Derrida et son rapport particulier a la machine a ecrire. Je me concentre plus precisement sur les lectures de Heidegger dans ce seminaire afin de situer la pensee derridienne de la frappe (du Schlag), c’est-a-dire du coup, de la marque, de l’empreinte, au coeur de tous les « types » (une autre des nombreuses significations du mot allemand « Geschlecht »). J’affirme ainsi que la faute de frappe dans ce seminaire doit etre consideree comme une condition de possibilite de tout type et qu’elle revele une difference significative entre Derrida et Heidegger.
Chemo-mechanical modeling of static fatigue of high density polyethylene in bleach solution

Abstract High density polyethylene (HDPE) is increasingly used in infrastructure applications with a design service lifetime of several decades. In many cases, the HDPE member is exposed to a corrosive environment, such as in pipes carrying potable water, where the dissolved bleach selectively attacks the loosely packed amorphous phase of the polymer. The failure mechanism of HDPE transitions from a ductile to a brittle mode as the corrosion level increases. This leads to subcritical crack propagation, which deteriorates the load capacity of the structure. In this study, we develop a coupled chemo-mechanical model to simulate stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in HDPE members exposed to a bleach solution. The mechanical response of the polymer is described by a constitutive model that separately considers the individual deformation and damage behaviors of the amorphous and the crystalline phases. The model accounts for the intermolecular deformation and homogeneous void growth in the crystalline and amorphous phases, along with the resistance of the entangled network and craze damage in the amorphous phase. The embrittlement due to corrosion is captured by relating the constitutive parameters of amorphous phase to the molecular weight of the polymer. The diffusion and chemical reaction of bleach are described by a reduced order kinetics model that links the extent of polymer oxidation to the reduction of the molecular weight. The material constitutive model and diffusion–reaction model are combined in a single finite element (FE) code to investigate the SCC behavior of double edge notched HDPE specimens. The simulation yields the stress-life curves and fracture kinetics under different environments. The predicted stress-life curve qualitatively matches the measured stress-life data of polymer pipes. It is shown that the stress-life curve exhibits different regimes corresponding to distinct failure mechanisms, as indicated by the stress and strain distributions in the specimen.
Implications of the Thermodynamic Response of Soil Mineralization, Respiration, and Nitrification on Soil Organic Matter Retention

Considerable research has shown that modifications in global temperature regimes can lead to changes in the interactions between soil respiration and the sequestration of C and N into soil organic matter (SOM). We hypothesized that despite the interconnected nature of respiration, net N mineralization, and nitrification processes, that there would be differences in their thermodynamic responses that would affect the composition of inorganic soil N and the potential for retention of N in SOM. To test this hypothesis, soil respiration, N mineralization and nitrification responses were evaluated during constant temperature incubations at seven temperatures (4 – 42oC) in tilled and no-till soils from two major agroecological zones in Oregon; Willamette Valley, and Pendleton located in the Columbia River Basin. We observed (1) significant thermodynamic differences between the three processes in all soils, (2) a distinctly different thermodynamic profile in Willamette vs. Pendleton, and (3) a dynamic response of Topt (optimal temperature for activity), and Tsmax (temperature of greatest rate response to temperature), and temperature sensitivity (∆Cp‡) over the incubation time course, resulting in shifts in the thermodynamic profiles that could not be adequately explained by changes in process rates. We found that differences in contributions of ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria to nitrification activity across temperature helped to explain the thermodynamic differences of this process between Willamette and Pendleton soils. A two-pool model of SOM utilization demonstrated that the dynamic thermodynamic response of respiration in the soils was due to shifts in utilization of labile and recalcitrant pools of C; and that the respiration response by Pendleton soils was more dependent upon contributions from the recalcitrant C pool resulting in higher Topt and Tsmax than Willamette soils. Interestingly, modeling of N mineralization using the two-pool model suggested that only the recalcitrant pool of SOM was contributing to N mineralization at most temperatures in all soils. The difference in labile and recalcitrant SOM pool utilization between respiration and N mineralization may suggest that these processes may not be as interconnected as previously thought.
A Transfer and Deep Learning-Based Method for Online Frequency Stability Assessment and Control

Fast and accurate prediction and control of power system dynamic frequency after disturbance is essential to enhance power system stability. Machine learning methods have great potential in harnessing data for online application with accurate predictions. This paper proposes a two-stage novel transfer and deep learning-based method to predict power system dynamic frequency after disturbance and provide optimal event-based load shedding strategy to maintain system frequency. The proposed deep learning model combines convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) network to harness both spatial and temporal measurements in the input data, through a four-dimensional (4-D) tensor input construction process including, 1) capture system network topology information and critical measurements from different time intervals; 2) compute a multi-dimensional electric distance matrix and reduce to a 2-D plane which can describe the system nodal distribution; 3) construct 3-D tensors based on state variables at different sample times; and 4) integrate into 4-D tensor inputs. Moreover, a transfer learning process is employed to overcome the challenge of insufficient data and operating condition changes in real power systems for new prediction tasks. Simulation results in IEEE 118-bus system verify that the CNN-LSTM method not only greatly improves the timeliness of online frequency control, but also presents good accuracy and effectiveness. Test cases in the New England 39-bus system and the South Carolina 500-bus system validate that the transfer learning process can provide accurate results even with insufficient training data.
Efficient algorithm for high fidelity collisional charged particle beam dynamics

High fidelity charged particle beam dynamics, especially if collisional, require specialized numerical methods. The challenges include the ability to deal with very large particle numbers, long-range electromagnetic forces, and vast spatial and timescales. We developed a novel algorithm to address these challenges. The main characteristics of the algorithm are Strang splitting to separate near and far forces, the fast multipole method to lower the computational cost of the far region, and the Sim\`o integrator to capture all close encounters efficiently in the near region. The algorithm is fully adaptive both in space and time, while maintaining symplecticity to machine precision. Its performance is illustrated with two challenging examples from nonlinear multiparticle beam dynamics, including the first electron cooling simulations based on first principles.
Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp detection rate of water exchange, Endocuff, and cap colonoscopy: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P) may contribute to interval cancer. In a recent meta-analysis, water exchange (WE) was shown to be superior to Endocuff and cap colonoscopy at adenoma and advanced adenoma detection. The strong positive correlation between adenoma detection rate (ADR), advanced adenoma detection rate (AADR), and sessile serrated adenoma/polyp detection rate (SSA/PDR) prompted us to hypothesize that WE could significantly improve SSA/PDR compared with Endocuff and cap colonoscopy. METHODS The literature was searched for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported SSA/PDR as an outcome and included the keywords colonoscopy, and water exchange, Endocuff, or cap. We performed traditional network meta-analyses with random effect models comparing SSA/PDR of each method using air insufflation as the control and reported the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Performances were ranked based on P-score. RESULTS A total of 531 articles resulted from initial keywords search. Eleven RCTs were included in the analysis. A total of 7856 patients underwent air insufflation, WE, Endocuff, or cap colonoscopy. WE significantly increased SSA/PDR (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.33-3.13). Endocuff (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.94-1.41) and cap (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.42-2.74) did not significantly impact SSA/P detection. P-scores for WE (0.96), Endocuff (0.49), cap (0.37), and air insufflation (0.17) suggested that WE had the highest SSA/PDR. The results did not change after adjusting for mean withdrawal time and indication for colonoscopy. CONCLUSION Water exchange significantly increases SSA/PDR and is superior to Endocuff and cap colonoscopy at detecting SSA/P.
Pretreatment Immune Parameters Predict for Overall Survival and Toxicity in Early-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy.

Abstract Introduction We determined whether pretreatment immunologic parameters could predict the outcomes and toxicity in early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Patients and Methods The pretreatment leukocyte, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts, serum albumin levels, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR,) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were evaluated to determine the association with locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related toxicity. The survival rates were estimated with Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results The data from 118 patients with a median follow-up period of 28.9 months were assessed. The 3-year local control, regional control, and DMFS rates were 97%, 87%, and 92%, respectively. The 3-year OS and DSS rates were 77% and 85%, respectively. On univariate analysis, none of the pretreatment immune parameters predicted for disease control. A higher NLR ( P = .008), PLR ( P = .002), neutrophil count ( P = .059), and the presence of lymphocytopenia ( P = .032) independently prognosticated for poor OS. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found NLRs > 2.18 and PLRs > 187.27 optimally predicted for poor 3-year OS ( P = .0262 and P = .0089, respectively). A higher NLR predicted against the development of any symptomatic toxicity and against the development of symptomatic (grade ≥ 2) radiation pneumonitis on univariate analysis, and a higher serum albumin level independently predicted for the development of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis ( P = .0491). Conclusion In the setting of SBRT, an elevated pretreatment NLR, PLR, and neutrophil count and the presence of lymphocytopenia independently predicted for poor OS. Patients who presented with higher NLRs and lower serum albumin levels experienced less treatment-related symptomatic toxicity.
Military and veteran's health integration across missions: how a college of nursing "joined forces".

Abstract Background To address the unique needs of our returning military and veterans, the White House initiated the Joining Forces campaign and has encouraged colleges of nursing throughout the nation to support this mission. Methods At the University of South Florida College of Nursing, we have implemented a multifaceted approach that addresses education, research, and employment. These military-related programs have been unified under our RESTORE LIVES (Research and Education to Rehabilitate and Restore the Lives of Veterans, Services Members and their Families) initiative. Results To accomplish this mission, we enhanced our curriculum to include veteran health care issues, developed research that addresses veteran wellness, launched an accelerated program to enable veterans and military personnel with medical experience to obtain their baccalaureate in nursing, and encouraged a culture within the college that is supportive of military-based health care and employment needs. Conclusions We have shared our experiences through webinars and presentations and by hosting a national conference.
An 8b 150 MSample/s serial ADC

An 8 b bipolar ADC demonstrates a serial-ripple architecture that has several advantages over a traditional flash architecture. The typical 8 b flash ADC has 255 comparators which results in high input capacitance, large die size, and high power dissipation. The converter described here achieves a 150 MSample/s conversion rate with only 12 comparators and 350 mW power dissipation. At the input to the converter is a master/slave (M/S) track-and-hold amplifier (T/H), used to give the serial converter a full clock period to settle. The converter consists of five serially-connected folding amplifiers (called magnitude amplifiers, or magamps) and one 3 b flash. Each magamp accepts a differential analog input, resolves one bit of data using an internal comparator, and produces a folded differential analog output signal for the next stage. The converter is fabricated in a 1 /spl mu/m 8 GHz BiCMOS process. This prototype uses only 780 bipolar transistors and dissipates 350 mW from a single 5 V supply. Power dissipation is essentially independent of encode rate and input frequency.
Hepatic Sulfite Oxidase CONGRUENCY IN MITOCHONDRIA OF PROSTHETIC GROUPS AND ACTIVITY

Rat liver sulfite oxidase (EC 1.8.3.1) has been localized, both by activity measurement and by prosthetic group analyses, to the intermembrane space of mitochondria. The apparent activation of sulfite-dependent cytochrome c reduction by liver homogenates in the presence of detergents was not duplicated with either ferricyanide or oxygen as electron acceptor. This is presumably due to the inaccessibility of sulfite oxidase in its mitochondrial compartment to exogenous cytochrome c. Sulfite-cytochrome c reductase of rat liver mitochondria was found to have an identity different from either the rotenone-insensitive DPNH-cytochrome c reductase or succinate-cytochrome c reductase. Examination of rat liver mitochondria at -100° by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed the EPR signal at g = 1.97, deriving from pentavalent molybdenum. The characteristic effect of pH on the shape of this signal identified it as that of the molybdenum center of sulfite oxidase. When rat liver mitochondria were treated with digitonin or dialyzed in hypotonic media the EPR signal was no longer observed. The signal was, however, restored by the addition of either sulfite or DPNH to the treated mitochondria. The enzyme was released into the nonparticulate aqueous phase by each of these treatments. The above observations have also been made with sulfite oxidase of chicken liver. Under anaerobiosis the cytochromes of rat liver mitochondria were reduced by sulfite to the same extent as by succinate. Addition of sulfite to digitonin solubilized aqueous extracts of mitochondria generated a cytochrome b5-like spectrum with features similar to that generated by sulfite on purified sulfite oxidase. Such a spectrum was not elicited by sulfite from particulate preparations corresponding to the inner and outer membranes of mitochondria. Aerobically, the oxidation of sulfite by hepatic mitochondria resulted in the esterification of inorganic phosphate with the ATP-sulfite ratio approaching unity and sulfite-O2 ratio of 2.
Catalogue of Legal Authority Addressing the Federal Definition of Tax Partnership

This Catalogue of Legal Authority presents a summary of 112 statutes, cases, regulations, and rulings that address the federal definition of tax partnership. It also lists 113 additional statutes, cases, regulations, and rulings that the summarized legal authority appears to cite as support for analyeses and conclusions regarding the federal definition of tax partnership. The document summarizes the tax significance of tax partnership classification and the ten tests used to define tax partnerhip.
An Undergraduate Macro Practice Learning Guarantee

ABSTRACT Although undergraduate social work education requires that macro methods be included as part of generalist practice, providing opportunities for hands-on macro experiences has been an ongoing dilemma for social work educators. This paper presents the educational components of a macro practice course which links the learning of large systems change theory to a required macro project in a student's field placement. To explain this approach to teaching macro practice, the authors include: (1) the curriculum arrangements to accommodate the macro project in either a block or concurrent filed placement; (2) the activities at the filed placement site to establish and complete the macro project, including termination; and (3) the learning components, integration process and evaluation procedures utilized in the macro methods course.
Matching Perturbative and Non-Perturbative Physics With Power Accuracy in Heavy-Quark Effective Theory

I discuss a scheme to match perturbative and non-perturbative physics with power accuracy in the heavy-quark effective theory. I elaborate on two important aspects of the scheme: 1) a multi-loop subtraction of soft contributions from the perturbation series in the pole mass, 2) a perturbative regularization of the linearly-divergent heavy-quark self-energy in the lattice formulation of the heavy-quark effective theory.
Peritoneal dialysis in cats with acute kidney injury: 22 cases (2001-2006).

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been described for use in animals with acute kidney injury refractory to fluid therapy. However, no study has examined the use of PD in a large group of cats. Hypothesis: PD is an important adjunctive therapy to treat acute kidney injury in cats. Animals: The medical records of 22 cats with acute kidney injury that had received PD were examined. Animals were excluded if acute uremia was a result of postrenal causes such as uroabdomen or urethral obstruction. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for the following: indication for PD, outcome, number of cycles performed, survival time, and predialysis and postdialysis results for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, potassium, chloride, sodium, phosphorus, total protein, and albumin concentrations, and urine output. Results: Indications for PD include acute-on-chronic kidney injury, acute kidney injury caused by toxins, bilateral ureteroliths, bilateral ureteral ligation as a complication of ovariohysterectomy, and unknown causes. The median survival time for all cats on PD was 4 days, although the median survival time for the cats that were discharged was 774 days. The most common complications were dialysate retention and sequestration of dialysate SC. There was a significant (P< .05) decrease between predialysis and postdialysis results for BUN, creatinine, potassium, phosphorus, total protein, and albumin concentrations. There was a significant (P< .05) difference in survival times between sexes. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: PD is an effective option for treatment of cats with acute kidney injury refractory to fluid therapy.
Carbohydrate Metabolism During Ascospore Development in Yeast

Carbohydrate metabolism, under sporulation conditions, was compared in sporulating and non-sporulating diploids of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Total carbohydrate was fractionated into trehalose, glycogen, mannan, and an alkali-insoluble fraction composed of glucan and insoluble glycogen. The behavior of three fractions was essentially the same in both sporulating and non-sporulating strains; trehalose, mannan, and the insoluble fraction were all synthesized to about the same extent regardless of a strain's ability to undergo meiosis or sporulation. In contrast, aspects of soluble glycogen metabolism depended on sporulation. Although glycogen synthesis took place in both sporulating and non-sporulating strains, only sporulating strains exhibited a period of glycogen degradation, which coincided with the final maturation of ascospores. We also determined the carbohydrate composition of spores isolated from mature asci. Spores contained all components present in vegetative cells, but in different proportions. In cells, the most abundant carbohydrate was mannan, followed by glycogen, then trehalose, and finally the alkali-insoluble fraction; in spores, trehalose was most abundant, followed by the alkali-insoluble fraction, glycogen, and mannan in that order.
Cavity accelerated superradiant systems and optical pulse area transitors

Summary form only given. The radiative behavior of an ensemble of correlated atoms can be dramatically different from that of a single atom. Correlation, for example, can give rise to sub- or superradiant emission. Experimental studies of the fascinating correlative effects expected have been severely constrained by difficulties in creating suitably correlated media and by propagation effects that perturb correlation during emission. We have found that optical cavities of moderate reflectivity and very short ring-down time can be employed to "accelerate" the superradiant process and bring it to dominance in media sufficiently dilute so that propagation effects both in excitation and emission are absent. For the first time, it is possible to observe strong optical superradiance under the pure and simple conditions that were originally envisioned. Note that superradiance here does not refer to the emission of initially inverted atomic samples (i.e. superfluorescence), but to cooperative emission from samples of atoms prepared in correlated superposition states. Moreover, the cavity accelerated superradiant system is found to display heretofore unknown nonlinear behavior in terms of its effect on the "area" of injected optical pulses.
The Precompetitive Interest in Intellectual Property Law

The conventional wisdom that antitrust is less tolerant of monopoly than is intellectual property (IP) law is sometimes true, but there is another side of the coin that is less frequently commented upon and that deserves further scrutiny. On occasion, IP law condemns conduct on the part of IP owners - or excuses otherwise infringing activity on the part of IP defendants - expressly for the purpose of promoting competition, even though antitrust law (if it were to apply at all) would not find anticompetitive harm absent a more thorough analysis of whether the antitrust defendant possesses power over a well-defined market. Salient examples include the misuse doctrines in patent and copyright law; some applications of merger and fair use in copyright; and trademark law's functionality doctrine. In this paper, I develop an explanation for this divergence between antitrust and IP. Specifically, I argue that in some limited contexts the expected social costs (including error costs) of ruling for IP defendants are relatively low in comparison with the expected anticompetitive harm from ruling for IP plaintiffs. As a result, it is sometimes welfare-enhancing for IP courts to be less concerned than antitrust courts about the expected costs of "false positives," that is, cases wrongly decided against the party defending the allegedly anticompetitive conduct. Thus, in an appropriate case courts should deploy IP doctrine to prevent harms that would be deemed unduly speculative, or not cognizable at all, in the analogous antitrust context, including (1) harms stemming from the exercise of small-scale, transitory, or localized market power; (2) harms that are individually of little competitive significance, but which in the aggregate threaten a substantial reduction in consumer welfare; (3) threats to dynamic efficiency stemming from the reduction of competition in innovation markets; and (4) potential reductions in expressive output that, for reasons rooted in the First Amendment, may be qualitatively, but not quantitatively, significant. I further contend, however, that such cases probably are more common in the copyright than in the patent law context, and that even in copyright contexts courts should be cautious about casually inferring anticompetitive harm; but that the analysis provides a rationale for a relatively expansive definition of trademark functionality.
Specific and Nonspecific Cell-Mediated Resistance to Influenza Virus in Mice

Abstract We found that influenza virus had the capacity to replicate in the peritoneal macrophages of normal mice, as revealed by the development of hemadsorption and the appearance intracellularly of S and V antigens. Cell-mediated resistance was studied in mice infected with influenza virus or a bacterial sytem of induction-elicitation. In the homologous system, mice were injected intraperitoneally or exposed by aerosol to a sublethal dose of an egg-adapted swine strain of influenza virus. In the heterologous system, they were infected repeatedly with Staphylococcus aureus and elicited by subcutaneous or aerosol administration of staphylococcal antigens. The peritoneal macrophages from mice specifically or nonspecifically immunized were significantly more resistant than those from normal mice. Also longer survival to in vivo challenge by the mouse-adapted virus, as compared with normal mice, was indicated in bacterially stimulated mice.
Multipotent progenitor cells can be isolated from postnatal murine bone marrow, muscle, and brain

Abstract Objective Recent studies have shown that cells from bone marrow (BM), muscle, and brain may have greater plasticity than previously known. We have identified multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) in postnatal human and rodent BM that copurify with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). BM MAPC proliferate without senescence and differentiate into mesodermal, neuroectodermal, and endodermal cell types. We hypothesized that cells with characteristics similar to BM MAPC can be selected and cultured from tissues other than BM. Materials and Methods BM, whole brain, and whole muscle tissue was obtained from mice. Cells were plated on Dulbecco modified Eagle medium supplemented with 2% fetal calf serum and 10 ng/mL epidermal growth factor (EGF), 10 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB), and 1000 units/mL leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) for more than 6 months. Cells were maintained between 0.5 and 1.5 × 10 3 cells/cm 2 . At variable time points, we tested cell phenotype by FACS and evaluated their differentiation into endothelial cells, neuroectodermal cells, and endodermal cells in vitro. We also compared the expressed gene profile in BM, muscle, and brain MAPC by Affimetrix gene array analysis. Results Cells could be cultured from BM, muscle, and brain that proliferated for more than 70 population doublings (PDs) and were negative for CD44, CD45, major histocompatibility complex class I and II, and c-kit. Cells from the three tissues differentiated to cells with morphologic and phenotypic characteristics of endothelium, neurons, glia, and hepatocytes. The expressed gene profile of cells derived from the three tissues was identical (r 2 > 0.975). Conclusions This study shows that cells with MAPC characteristics can be isolated not only from BM, but also from brain and muscle tissue. Whether MAPC originally derived from BM are circulating or all organs contain stem cells with MAPC characteristics currently is being studied. Presence of MAPC in multiple tissues may help explain the "plasticity" found in multiple adult tissues.
Wind-tunnel modelling of convection of heat between air and broad leaves of plants

Abstract A method is described for calculating convection coefficients for thin broad leaves of arbitrary shape, using existing equations for rectangular flat plates. Electrically-heated models placed in a wind tunnel provide experimental support for the method. Effective dimensions for several real and idealized leaf shapes are presented. Experimental data from long, narrow leaf models show that convection in flow perpendicular to the leaf surface may be almost double the value for parallel flow. Three examples are discussed.
Building a human factors “knowledge shelf” as a collaborative information tool for designers

Human factors professionals have long been challenged with finding an effective way of communicating critical human factors design information to product designers. The authors have created a tool called a “Knowledge Shelf” for providing human factors information to designers in a very easy to use manner. The Knowledge Shelf is an interactive virtual library of information on human factors methodologies and data relevant to the specific product development needs of designers. Available through the Motorola Intranet, the Knowledge Shelf is designed to make human factors design information easily accessible. Providing these types of information to designers positively impacts the product development process, by facilitating more user-centered design practices.
The effects of the peso devaluation on cross‐border retailing

Abstract Retailers in South Texas border cities were surveyed to determine the impact of the December 1994 Mexican peso devaluation on their sales and retailing mix strategies. Results indicate that sales consequences are strong, averaging a 41.8 percent decline, but vary by city, store type, distance from the border, and relative domestic market size. Adjustments to the retailing mix were primarily defensive in nature, aimed predominantely at reducing costs and conserving cash. Proactive changes to retain or increase business were limited. Reducing prices was the dominant aggressive tactic employed. Public policy initiatives are consistently seen as having a positive impact on the situation. Research results provide limited support for Clark's (1994) theory describing the impact of national boundaries on firm marketing strategies. The importance of relative distance from the border and relative market size is confirmed. The hypothesized consequences for firm level marketing strategies were not observed, ...
Current Concepts of Therapy for Otitis Media.

The therapy for acute otitis media is currently a topic in evolution. What was once a straightforward approach of matching middle ear pathogens to appropriate antibiotics has become a complex calculus that attempts to balance multiple terms such as spontaneous cure, emergence of resistance, pharmacokinetics-dynamics, antibiotic therapeutic efficacy, suppurative complications, and cost. This review highlights new developments in our understanding of this complex interaction of the issues surrounding a physician’s decision to begin antibiotic therapy for acute otitis media.
Providing scalable Web services using multicast communication

The recent growth in use of the World-Wide Web in the Internet has caused a significant increase in the demand placed on Web servers. This increased load results in noticeably longer response times for users. We propose an approach to using multicast in the delivery of Web resources that reduces the load on servers as well as the networks that connect them. We analyze the issues involved in using multicast in the Web, especially those related to routing and addressing, and present an alternative approach to multicast routing that is appropriate for this application. We also describe the design and implementation of a system based on the existing WWW client and server architecture and the multicast support provided within IP. Experimental results from this implementation are presented.
Endoluminal Aortic Grafting: A Preliminary Animal Study of Graft Healing

Abstract Our purpose was to evaluate the placement, long term performance, and healing of a transluminally delivered endoluminal graft and attachment system, in an animal model using large adult sheep. Nineteen sheep in the weight range of 105–125 kg were entered into this study. Under fluoroscopic guidance in anesthetized animals, an endoluminal delivery system was inserted through a common femoral arteriotomy into the infrarenal aorta, and the graft and attachment system were deployed. Fixation of the proximal and distal ends of the graft to the aortic wall was achieved by hooks on the self expanding attachment system, and seated by balloon expansion. Explantation of the prosthesis was performed prior to euthanasia at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals. Aortograms were obtained before and after implantation and before explantation for evaluation of placement, patency, anastomotic seal, migration, and graft infolding. In situ gross examination of the prosthesis under anesthesia prior to sacrifice was performed in all animals. Histologic sections were obtained from both attachment sites (“anastomoses”), from the midgraft and hook insertion sites, and from normal aorta inferior and superior to the endoluminal prosthesis. Scanning electron microscopy was performed randomly on specimens derived from the superior and inferior anastomotic sites at each time point. Selected intervals of healing were 1 month ( N = 5), 3 months ( N = 5), and 6 months ( N = 8). One sheep was euthanized at 1 week due to paraplegia. At all intervals, all prostheses were patent, were well incorporated at the aortic wall-anastomotic sites, and were without mural thrombus. The attachment hooks penetrated the aortic adventitia in all animals. There was no graft migration. At one month, initial pannus formation covered the anastomoses and the entire luminal graft, yet the endothelial-like surface coverage was incomplete. At 3 months and at 6 months, the anastomoses and luminal surfaces displayed more uniform pannus and endothelial-like surface coverage. We conclude that this endoluminal delivery system, passed through a femoral arteriotomy, can effectively deploy an endoluminal graft with self expanding attachment system having consistent patency, secure fixation, and incorporation of the anastomoses with the aortic wall in this animal model.
Asbestos and Glass-Fiber Magnet-Wire Insulation

MAGNET WIRE may be divided into class O, class A, class B, and class C, on the basis of the AIEE temperature ratings.1 Many types of class O or class A magnet-wire insulations are in common use. The variety of class B magnet wire insulations is, for obvious reasons, much more limited. Different types are listed in table I.
On efficient calculation of complex chemical equilibria

Abstract Techniques recently developed for solving sparse sets of equations are applied to the linear atom-balance and generally nonlinear mass-action relations of gaseous reaction equilibria. A convergence criterion for choosing the component basis is derived. A new ′tearing′ algorithm which takes advantage of small subsets of equations that can be solved directly is shown to be useful in reducing the number of compositions which must be guessed and iterated. In some cases spectacular reductions can be found, as illustrated by solution procedures derived for a hydrocarbon combustion system and a volcanic gas system. In the former a potential improvement on the already impressive Carter—Altman scheme is uncovered.
Variation with interplanetary sector of the total magnetic field measured at the OGO 2, 4 and 6 satellites

Variations in the scalar magnetic field (delta B) from the polar orbiting OGO 2, 4, and 6 spacecraft are examined as a function of altitude for times when the interplanetary magnetic field is toward the sun and for times when the interplanetary magnetic field away from the sun. This morphology is basically the same as that found when all data, irrespective of interplanetary magnetic sector, are averaged together. Differences in delta B occur, both between sectors and between seasons, which are similar in nature to variations in the surface delta Z found by Langel (1973c). The altitude variation of delta B at sunlit local times, together with delta Z at the earth's surface, demonstrates that the delta Z and delta B which varies with sector has an ionospheric source. Langel (1973b) showed that the positive delta B region in the dark portion of the hemisphere is due to at least two sources, the westward electrojet and an unidentified non-ionospheric source(s). Comparison of magnetic variations between season/sector at the surface and at the satellite, in the dark portion of the hemisphere, indicates that these variations are caused by variations in the latitudinally narrow electrojet currents and not by variations in the non-ionospheric source of delta B.
Problems of Culture Change in the Indian Village

A village woman of Noniya caste squatted near the door rubbing her jaw. She said that she knew why her teeth were aching. An evil spirit was troubling her. The village shaman had told her so and she was performing ceremonies to placate the spirit under the shaman's direction.
Studies of Parasite-Host Interaction. II. Reproductive and Developmental Response of the Parasite Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) to Strains of the House Fly Host, Musca domestica,

House fly, Musca domestica L., populations from New York and Florida were used to study host strain effects on the reproductive success of the parasite Nasonia vitripennis Walker. Standardized parasites reared on a neutral host, Phaenicia scricata (Meigen), were supplied house fly pupae from either strain, for oviposition. The differences in numbers of eggs per host and lst-stage larvae per host between the host strains were not significant. During the larval period, parasites developing on pupae of the New York strain showed 20% greater mortality than those developing on pupae of the Florida strain. Out of 50 pupae of each strain exposed to 10 female parasites for 24 hr, 20.4 New York pupae and 37.9 Florida pupae produced parasite progeny. The average number of parasite progeny produced per replicate was 146.6 and 389.4 for the New York and Florida strains, respectively. These results demonstrate that variation in the nutritive qualities of the host resulting from possible genetic differences assert profound effects on the dynamics of attacking parasite populations. Such differences in response to host strains with which parasites had no prior contact, suggest that the genetics of the local host population is an important variable to be considered in introductions for biological control programs.
Motility and intraluminal pressure of the ileocolonic junctional zone and adjacent bowel in a canine model

The exact role of the ileocecal valve (ICV) at the junction of small and large bowel is not well understood. Bowel segments used for the construction of urinary reservoirs incorporate the ICV. In the Indiana pouch its natural continence is used as one principle for achieving continence of the efferent limb. Motor activity and pressure in the ICV, the ileum and colon were registered in eight dogs. Myogenic activity of the bowel consisted of slow weves, irregular spontaneous contractions and superimposed spikes. Pressures of 7.2±0.3 cmH2O were recorded in the ileum and of 5.6±0.4 cmH2O in the colon. The pressure in the ICV was 12.7±0.4 cmH2O rising to 26.4±2.2 cmH2O during spontaneous depolarization. Balloon dilatation of the ileum resulted in relaxation of the ICV in 76% of experiments, whereas colonic distension was followed by a pressure increase in the ICV region in 80% of experiments. In 16% of cases a relaxation of the ICV area and a weaker response after repeated dilatation was noted. These findings make the ICV an unreliable continence mechanism as its long-term continence can not be predicted despite intraoperative evaluation. Additional measures to ensure consistent continence at the ICV (e.g. electric stimulation) need to be studied.
Bioavailability and reversible metabolism of prednisone and prednisolone in man

The pharmacokinetics of prednisone and prednisolone was examined in 12 healthy male subjects to assess the bioavailability and the parameters of reversible metabolism between the two steroids. After an oral prednisone dose of 0.8 mg kg-1 and an intravenous prednisolone dose of 0.66 mg kg-1, the bioavailability was found to be about 62%. The fraction of the dose recovered in the urine as the hydroxylated metabolites of prednisone and prednisolone was lower after the oral prednisone dose, suggesting that poor absorption of prednisone was the main cause of the low bioavailability. There was a high degree of interconversion between prednisone and prednisolone with 76% of the dose being recycled. The formation clearance of prednisolone from prednisone is much greater than the formation clearance of prednisone from prednisolone or the irreversible elimination clearances of the two steroids. The possible dose dependences of bioavailability and interconversion may be important factors in prednisolone therapy.
The Flvr-encoded murine oligoadenylate synthetase 1b (Oas1b) suppresses 2-5A synthesis in intact cells

Resistance to flavivirus-induced disease in mice is conferred by the autosomal gene Flv, identified as 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase 1b (Oas1b). Resistant mice express a full-length Oas1b protein while susceptible mice express the truncated Oas1btr. In this study, Oas1b was shown to be an inactive synthetase. Although the Oas/RNase L pathway was previously shown to have an antiviral role during flavivirus infections, Oas1b protein inhibited Oas1a in vitro synthetase activity in a dose-dependent manner and reduced 2-5A production in vivo in response to poly(I:C). These findings suggest that negative regulation of 2-5A by inactive Oas1 proteins may fine tune the RNase L response that if not tightly controlled could cause significant damage in cells. The results also indicate that flavivirus resistance conferred by Oas1b is not mediated by 2-5A. Instead, Oas1b inhibits flavivirus replication by an alternative mechanism that overrides the proviral effect of reducing 2-5A accumulation and RNase L activation.
Narrative hypertext, on the level

This essay discusses whether the standard narratological duality of syuzhet and fabula applies to narrative hypertext, and concludes that the hypertext writing complicates the use of those dual concepts.
Relative utility of sphenoidal and temporal surface electrodes for localization of ictal onset in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Abstract Objectives : To compare localization of ictal onsets in patients with possible temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using true temporal electrodes (TE), at positions T1 and T2, and sphenoidal electrodes (SpE). Methods : A total of 101 ictal tracings in 31 patients with possible TLE were independently reviewed by two readers and graded as meeting (TE+, SpE+) or not meeting (TE−, SpE−) strictly-defined mesial temporal onset criteria. TE and SpE were reviewed in separate montages, with ad lib adjustment of filters and sensitivity. Discrepancies between TE and SpE were noted, with inter-reader disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Results : All seizures scored as SpE+ were also scored as TE+, with one exception. The sole SpE+/TE− seizure did not add incremental useful information in that patient, who had other, similar seizures which were TE+. Five seizures in 4 patients were scored as TE+ and SpE−, most due malfunction of SpE prior to seizure onset. One of these seizures was scored TE+/SpE− in a patient believed to have neocortical epilepsy. Conclusions : In this series, SpE were unnecessary to detect seizures which meet strict mesial temporal onset criteria and did not yield useful information for surgical evaluation beyond that provided by TE. It remains unclear if SpE are more helpful than TE in distinguishing lateral from mesial ictal onset. Digital review of ictal tracings may resolve discrepancies between TE and SpE.
Harmonic power implications on free electron laser mirror design

Abstract Calculations of the coherent-spontaneous radiation at the harmonic frequencies of a 1 μm free electron laser employing a tapered wiggler with a prebuncher have been performed utilizing a transverse-averaged cavity-mode code. The relative harmonic power adsorbed per unit area has been calculated for three possible metal mirror candidates and shown to be a small fraction of the total power density absorbed by the mirror.
Large sample inference for conditional exponential families with applications to nonlinear time series

Abstract Let { Y t }, t =0, ±1, ±2,…, be a stationary ergodic Markov process taking values on the real line and such that the transition density function belongs to a conditional exponential family. In this paper, we establish the local asymptotic normality (LAN) of the log-likelihood ratio for this model. The LAN property leads to asymptotically optimal estimators and tests for the model parameters. The results are then applied to a class of nonlinear time series which includes viz. the random coefficient exponential and the random coefficient threshold autoregressive models.
Rapid displacement chromatography of melittin on micropellicular octadecyl-silica

Rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis and displacement purification of melittin and its variants were carried out by reversed-phase chromatography. High speed of separation was achieved by the use of columns packed with a micropellicular stationary phase consisting of a thin C18 hydrocarbonaceous layer on the surface of 2-microns fluid-impervious silica microspheres at elevated temperature. In the case of melittin from bee venom or its synthetic variants the plots of the logarithmic retention factor against acetonitrile concentration in the eluent were straight lines whereas the van't Hoff plots in the temperature range from 20 to 80 degrees C were non-linear. Purification of melittins by displacement was carried out with benzyldimethylhexadecyl ammonium chloride as the displacer. In a 20-min displacement run at 40 degrees C about 5 mg of highly pure melittin were isolated from 10 mg of synthetic mixture by using a 105 x 4.6 mm column. The results demonstrate that columns packed with micropellicular sorbents not only facilitate rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis but are also suitable for fast peptide purification with high recovery.