cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PRAGMATIC CONVENTIONS: A Frame for a Theory of Action and Interaction

In this article, I recommend pragmatic conventions, combining G. H. Mead's philosophy of meaning and ongoing reconstruction of the self with Lewis's model of conventions, as a frame for sociological theory. Convention can be understood as a formal model of negotiated order. The frame is evaluated in terms of its consistency with neurophysiological evidence. Giddens's claim to have eliminated the tension between agency and social structure in his structuration theory is disputed. Elements of structuration theory are found to be inconsistent with empirical evidence and to be unintelligible as a result of crucial internal contradictions. Implications of the argument for rational choice theory are briefly indicated. Although grounded in its specific intellectual milieu, the agency/structure debate links sociological theory to one of the most profound and oldest moot philosophical questions about the nature of our societies and our species. For more than two millennia, most Western social thought has been grounded in the premise that human conduct reflects the operation of agency. The contrary notion-that human conduct is determined by external forces-is equally old. Pre-Socratic fragments from the fourth century BCE include an academic dispute contrasting the determinism of Democritus and Epicurus's doctrine of free will. "To propose oneself a slave of destiny, he said, was worse than believing the old myths about the Gods" (Guthrie 1962, p. 18). The belief poles in this debate, of course, have not changed a whit in two millennia nor have they become more subject to reason. Either one chooses to believe in free will or one is caused to believe in determinism. Many philosophical doctrines are possible and such value as each has, lies otherwhere than the theorists' belief polar commitments. The devil's in the details. The term "social structure" in modern sociology has referred descriptively to regularities of human conduct to which explanatory power is often attributed as external constraining or coercive forces in society. The empirical successes of sociology consist primarily of establishing lawlike regularities of conduct, some with considerable predictive power within their social frames. These regularities, and the belief of some theorists that general regularities that transcend particular social frames could also be
HAARP Facility in Alaska

With respect to the News & Comment article “Ionosphere research lab sparks fears in Alaska” by Lisa Busch (21 Feb., p. 1060), I would like to make two points. First, the anti-HAARP (High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program) activists overestimated the power of the Gakona, Alaska, facility by a factor of more than a million and then used statements in patents (1) to fuel speculations on the part of the public about possible effects such as weather manipulations, mind warping, and communication disruptions. This incorrect information has been refuted in hearings in the Alaska legislature, in a video prepared by Senator Frank H. Murkowski (R-AK) for airing in Alaska, and at open-house sessions at the site for interested visitors. Second, the Gakona site is now intended to be a world-class facility for studying the upper atmosphere, although the function has evolved from an over-the-horizon radar (never constructed), to a high-frequency facility (under construction) to generate ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) radio waves in the ionosphere, to a major center for upper atmosphere studies using a variety of diagnostics (some in place) with a powerful incoherent scatter radar (ISR) as the core instrument (to be constructed). The core instrument will join with existing ISRs at Svalbard and Tromso in Norway; Sondrestrom, Greenland; and Boston, Massachusetts, and with the proposed ISR at Resolute Bay, Canada, to form an Arctic network of radars to observe virtually the whole Polar Cap and to track disturbances produced by solar inputs in the form of waves and particles. The network will be a remarkable additon to the tools available to the atmospheric science community with applications to space weather, Arctic and satellite communications, and electric power-grid problems. In the early days of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico there were concerns expressed about the facility, but these have long since been replaced by satisfaction with the scientific outcomes and the benefits to the local economy. The residents of Alaska will find similar benefits.
Corporate Management and Orthopraxis — Is Synergy Possible?

“Synergy” in the title of this article is used in the root generic sense of “work together”. I am not really looking for something greater than the parts to emerge from the conjunction of corporate management and orthopraxis — although I would be delighted if it were to come about. In point of sober realism, I would settle for functional co‐existence of business process and serious concern for social justice. Put baldly, the title question could be rephrased to read:
TWO MEASURES OF LATERALITY IN HANDEDNESS: THE EDINBURGH HANDEDNESS INVENTORY AND THE PURDUE PEGBOARD TEST OF MANUAL DEXTERITY

This study investigated the relationship between a paper-and-pencil measure of laterality in handedness, the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, and a test of manual dexterity, the Purdue Pegboard test...
Akom: The Ultimate Mediumship Experience Among the Akan

Research on African mediumistic experiences is usually subsumed under "possessions," with no distinction made to differentiate the various degrees and categories of mediumship experiences. This paper makes one such distinction that mediumship experiences among the Akan are aptly described as alighting or alightment. After years of austere training, Akan mediums or Akomfo learn to control, discipline, and refine their initial uncontrolled "insane" experiences. The evidence shows, that the Akomfo are clergy wholly, deriving their vocational authority from a continuum of priests, mediums, doctors, etc., making them essential to Akan religious practices. Entrusted with sacred rites, the Akomfo preserve and protect for posterity the religious and cultural traditions of their ancestors in order to insure ritual continuity and sameness. Focusing on the clergy from three communities in the Central Region of Ghana, the paper follows them from the time that they are "called" to their ordinations as Akomfo, and observes mediumistic practices.
Modulation of learned helplessness by 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotides.

Abstract Serotonergic systems have been implicated in the pathogenesis of major depression in humans as well as in learned helplessness (LH), an animal model of depression. To understand the significance of neuronal responses in depression and LH that are mediated by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) receptors, we used intracerebroventricular injections to introduce a unique antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to the 5HT 2A receptor and determined its effect on LH behavior in Sprague-Dawley rats as determined by an escape-avoidance strategy. Of the rats injected with the 5HT 2A receptor ASO, 816 rats met criteria for LH. By contrast, only 115 of the control group injected with 5HT 2A sense oligonucleotide (SO) met criteria for LH. Quantitative receptor autoradiography revealed significant differences in 5HT 2A receptor density between ASO and control sense oligonucleotides (SO), in close proximity to the injection site. Significant decreases in 5HT 2A receptor density caused by oligonucleotide blockade were found in the CA3 hippocampal region. These data support the view that central 5HT, mediated by the 5HT 2A receptor, participates in regulating behaviors that are affected by inescapable stress, and that the induction of behavioral depression may be specifically regulated via serotonergic pathways that terminate in this hippocampal subfield.
LARGE ARTERY OCCLUSIVE DISEASE

Large artery occlusive disease refers to those disorders, usually caused by atherosclerosis, that affect the upper and lower extremities and can cause various degrees of ischemia. Large artery occlusive disease can also occur because of trauma, arterial entrapment, atheromatous emboli, arterial embolism, acute arterial thrombosis, and vasculitis. The term peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is used in this article to describe large artery occlusive disease when referring to the atherosclerotic plaques, arterial stenoses, or occlusions that limit blood flow to the extremities. Other terms, including atherosclerotic occlusive disease, chronic occlusive arterial disease, occlusive peripheral arterial disease, and obliterative arteriosclerosis have been used in the literature.
The nature of surplus value in the "new solution"

Abstract The “new solution” to the transformation problem in Marx’s labor theory of value rests on treating two aspects differently than in the traditional formulation: net value is used instead of gross value to avoid double counting, and the division of new value into variable capital and surplus value is determined at the point of production by the wages paid to the workers, instead of by the bundle of goods they subsequently select with their consumption decision. Campbell [Review of Radical Political Economics 29 (3) (1997) 59] developed a simple but formal presentation of the first of these issues. This paper addresses as the other crucial issue in the new solution approach, the issue of determining variable capital and surplus value. The role of the money wage in the process is highlighted. Comparison to the treatment of these issues in the traditional formulation is included for the purpose of better understanding the nature of the new solution.
Initial surface topography changes during divalent dissolution of silicon electrodes

The changes of the surface topography of float zone (FZ) n-Si(1 1 1) upon conditioning of the electrodes at potentials slightly anodic of the rest potential are monitored with atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the contact mode. The influence of the composition of the used 0.1 and 0.2 M NH4F electrolyte at pH 4, of the potential and of the charge passed on the topography is investigated. The dissolution charges Qdiss ranged from 0.28 to 10.6 mC cm−2 corresponding to ∼0.5 and ∼21 bilayers (BL), respectively. The root mean square roughness Rq changes from Rq=0.2 nm for the H-terminated surface to 2.9 nm for a charge passed of 10.6 mC cm−2 at an electrode potential of 0.1 V positive of the rest potential. The evaluation of height, deflection and line scan AFM data shows pitting to originate at edges of 〈112〉 oriented steps which separate atomically smooth terraces. Upon increased dissolution charge, island-type smooth and rather circular features form. Only for the highest Qdiss, these islands are beginning to show corrosion. An exponential relation between Rq and Qdiss is found by evaluation of the three-dimensional roughness. The slope, i.e. the increase of ln Rq with Qdiss depends on the composition of the electrolyte and is higher for the 0.1 M NH4F solution. From these data, a branching of the dissolution reaction between charge going into terrace removal or pit formation is obtained. Synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy (SRPES) is used to identify chemical products of the dissolution process. Comparison of data obtained at 0.15 V anodic of the electrode rest potential with an elaborate model of Gerischer and coworkers (which, however, only describes terrace dissolution) yields partial agreement with the predictions.
An optimal tool selection procedure for the initial design phase of a flexible manufacturing system

Abstract An important preliminary design issue or long term planning consideration for flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is the optimal tool selection. The FMS designer has to determine the optimal number of tools of each tool type required for an efficient operation of the manufacturing system over a planning horizon. In this paper a two-level hierarchical decision scheme for the problem is described. At a first level an appropriate long-term operations assignment policy to machines is specified. At the second level the optimal tooling decision is made. Theoretical results supporting the validity of such a hierarchical procedure are presented.
What new mothers need to know: perspectives from women and providers in Georgia.

Identifying the educational and resource needs of new mothers is of paramount importance in developing programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the educational needs of new mothers and identify opportunities to enhance healthcare providers’ current educational efforts. A two-part methodology was utilized to qualitatively explore the topic of parenting information needs for new mothers in Georgia. Data collection included information from 11 focus groups with 92 first-time, new mothers and 20 interviews with healthcare providers who serve new mothers. Discussions with both new mothers and providers clearly indicated that new mothers face a significant informational deficit, especially regarding very basic, daily infant care information and health literacy challenges. Educational materials already exist; however, mothers report difficulty accessing and understanding this information. For this reason, both the mothers and the providers stressed a focus on developing programs or interventions that allow in-person education and/or alternative modalities to access information, as opposed to development of new written materials solely. Information from the focus group and interviews provided important insight regarding what improvements need to be made to help new mothers and their families during the early stages of parenthood. By improving the education of new mothers and their families, it is proposed that maternal and infant health status could be improved.
A hunger for company

Civilizations, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy tells us, pass through three phases summed up as: How can we eat? Why do we eat? And where shall we have lunch? Not far off, if Martin Jones's new book Feast is anything to go by. Jones detects an important role for the evolution of socialized food preparation and consumption in human society. And his comparison of diners at a University of Cambridge banquet with Jane Goodall's apes raises the question of whether we are really that different from other primates in our food sharing habits.
Separation of homologous series of 2,4-dinitrophenylosazones by column partition chromatography

Abstract Ethanolamine-benzene systems are described for the partition chromatography of the 2,4-dinitrophenylosazone derivatives of homologous series of α-keto-aldehydes and 2,3-diketones. Each class produces a different vivid color on the chromatogram facilitating differentiation and permitting very small amounts of derivative to be followed visually down the column. A special system is also described for the chromatography of the 2,4-dinitrophenylosazone of glyoxal, the only saturated vicinal dialdehyde.
Malign Neglect: Evidence That Delay Has Become the Primary Method of Defeating Presidential Appointments

This analysis shows that the lengthening of the confirmation process for presidential nominations to major judicial and executive branch offices from 1965–2008 is due to a purposeful strategy to defeat presidential nominees by preventing them from getting a vote. These changes are most apparent for judicial nominations, but they are also evident to a lesser extent for executive branch nominations. We argue that party polarization of the 1990s precipitated this process.
Alternatives to Pyrethroids for Managing Corn Earworm in Sweet Corn, Seed Corn, Tomatoes and Peppers

To date, there are no reports of widespread failures of pyrethroid insecticides to control the corn earworm in midwestern North America. However, H. zea resistance to pyrethroids is a potential pro...
Astressin, a novel and potent CRF antagonist, is neuroprotective in the hippocampus when administered after a seizure

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), the principle hypothalamic regulator of the adrenocortical axis, also functions as a neurotransmitter. In this latter role, CRF causes electrophysiological activation and epileptiform activity in various brain regions. That finding, coupled with the observation that CRF mRNA is induced in endangered brain regions following necrotic insults, suggests that the peptide might contribute to necrotic neuron loss. Supporting that, a number of studies have shown that CRF antagonists decrease ischemic or excitotoxic damage to neurons. In the present report, we demonstrate the considerable neuroprotective potential of a novel and potent CRF antagonist, astressin, against kainic acid-induced excitotoxic seizures. Intracerebroventricular infusion of the peptide both 30 min before and 10 min after seizures decreased damage in some hippocampal cell fields by as much as 84%, a magnitude of protection greater than reported for other CRF antagonists against other models of necrotic neuronal injury. Administration of astressin was done against both local microinfusion (0.035 microgram) or systemic infusion (10 mg/kg body weight) of the excitotoxin; furthermore, the peptide protected even if administered only 10 min following excitotoxin exposure. This fulfills a critical prerequisite for any eventual therapeutic use of CRF antagonists, namely that they need not be administered in anticipation of a neurological insult.
The development of the nucleolus of the ovarian nurse cell of Drosophila melanogaster

A description is given of the development of the nucleoli of the ovarian nurse cells of Drosophila melanogaster during stages 7 through 10 of oogenesis. This developmental period lasts about a day, and during it the volumes of the nurse cell nucleolus, nucleus and cytoplasm all double once every 4–5 hours. The nucleolar bodies within the endopolyploid nurse cell nucleus grow until they form a thick network that is shaped like a shell whose outer boundary lies close to the inner surface of the nuclear envelope. RNA of nucleolar origin continually enters the cytoplasm. The nuclei of the nurse cells directly connected to the oocyte are most active in terms of DNA replication and RNA transcription. The nurse cells empty their cytoplasm into the oocyte which doubles its volume every 2 hours. The ribosomes stored in the ooplasm are derived almost exclusively from the nurse cell. The doubling time for the rDNA of the nurse cells is about 9 hours, and about 1,000 rRNA molecules are transcribed per rDNA cistron per hour during vitellogenesis.
Nearshore Sediments of the Illinois Shore of Lake Michigan

Abstract Sediment sampling and a bathymetric survey of the near-shore zone of Lake Michigan between Waukegan and Zion, Illinois, provided a detailed description of the area and a basis for comparison to models of textural variation in nearshore zones. The survey, made 15-30 June 1973, yielded evidence that the breaker zone along this shoreline extends to depths of about 6 m (20 ft), that waves significantly affect the bottom to depths of 6 to 8 m (20 to 25 ft), and that some agent, probably wave action,is able to move silt and clay-sized sediment at the greatest depths of this study (15 m or 50 ft). Although the field area is composed dominantly of fine, well-sorted sands, an area of bedforms composed of coarser, more poorly-sorted sediments was found within the area. Sediments on the crests of these bedforms, now at depths of 12 to 15 m (40 to 50 ft), have characteristics in common with sediments forming the crests of longshore bars, and may represent deposits of a lower-than present lake level.
Experimental Study of Softening and Melting Properties on Indonesia Vanadium-Titanium Sinters

As a raw material, Indonesia vanadium-titanium sinters are being applied to the blast furnace process for iron making in the typical iron and steel plant. In order to keep the health running of blast furnace process, in this work we have investigated the softening and melting properties of Indonesia vanadium-titanium sinters. We found that the content of vanadium-titanium magnetite in sinter is correlated with the softening and melting ranges for those sinters considered here. With the increasing of the vanadium-titanium magnetite in sinter, the starting softening temperature increases gradually and the final softening temperature increases as well, thereby the softening range becomes narrow. Both starting and final melting temperatures begin to ascent, and the variation of melting range is not obvious. In addition, we also found that the coke is wetted by the molten slag and iron. From the viewpoint of blast furnace process, the softening and melting zone has to move downward. In this zone of blast furnace the contact area of solid-liquid phase will get larger because of the close contract among the molten slag, iron and coke. On one hand, this kind of behavior can definitely speed up the reduction of iron oxide. On the other hand, it simultaneously worse the ventilation properties and affect the normal running of air flow, because a lot of iron and slag can not be got smoothly into the hearth through coke layer.
Recorded sounds associated with feeding did not affect feeding behavior of lambs

Abstract This study was designed to determine whether periodic exposure to pre-recorded sound associated with feed delivery and consumption would alter feed intake or feeding pattern of lambs provided with fresh feed once daily. Thirty cross-bred lambs were randomly assigned to 6 pens. The trial lasted 44 days (30 July to 11 September 1982) and consisted of a 4-day acclimation to test facilities, and then cycles of 4 days without sound stimulation followed by 4 days with sound stimulation. Sound stimulation consisted of 6-min broadcasts, every 3 h, of sounds associated with feed delivery and eating. Lambs were observed continuously for 24 h on 3 days when lambs were subjected to sound stimulation and 3 days when they were not. The recorded sound stimulation affected neither feed intake nor feeding behavior. Lambs largely ignored the recorded sounds, and total feed intakes during 20 sound-stimulated vs. 20 non-sound-stimulated days were 1234 vs. 1240 kg, respectively. There was a rhythmic feeding pattern at 1–2-h intervals, synchronously throughout the barn, and this was not affected by the 6 min of sound stimulation at 3-h intervals. There were no major peaks in feeding activity except after the offering of fresh feed in the morning. Feeding activity did not change with sunrise or sunset, and peaks of eating activity were distributed at even time-intervals throughout the 24 h. The overall means per lamb for the total time spent eating, the number of eating bouts (separate eating incidents), the average time eating per bout and the number of drinking episodes across the 6 observation days were 118.8 min, 22.6 times, 5.5 min and 9.6 times, respectively.
Object imaging with a multiplexed piezoelectric polymer tactile sensor

A two-dimensional, electrically multiplexed robotic tactile sensor fabricated by coupling a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymeric film to a monolithic silicon integrated circuit (IC) is discussed. The integrated circuit incorporates 25 sensor electrodes arranged in a symmetrical 5*5 matrix. Each electrode occupies a 600- mu m by 600- mu m square area. A 25- mu m-thick PVDF film was attached to the electrode array with a nonconductive adhesive. The response of the tactile sensor is essentially linear for loads spanning 0.8 to 60 grams of force (GMF). The response bandwidth is 33 Hz, the hysteresis level is very small, and taxel crosstalk is not a significant problem. A precharge bias scheme has been implemented to stabilize the pre- and post-load sensor response. A simple tactile object image measurement process was evaluated to recognize the shapes of circular, rectangular, toroidal, and hexagonal loads. >
Tea Consumption is a Determinant of Flavonoid Intake Among US Adults

METHODS AND MATERIALS: We matched the recently released flavonoid contents of the USDA Flavonoid Databases with dietary intake data from the most recent consumption figures representative of the total US population from NHANES of 1999-2002. Participants (8,809 adults, aged 19 years) were divided into two groups according to tea consumption based on 24-hr dietary recalls as tea consumers vs. tea nonconsumers.
KISA% index: a quantitative videokeratography algorithm embodying minimal topographic criteria for diagnosing keratoconus

Abstract Purpose To formulate and test an algorithm using minimal topographic criteria for accurately diagnosing clinical keratoconus. Setting Subspecialty cornea practice and Keratoconus Genetic Research Project. Methods Both eyes of 86 keratoconic patients who had never worn contact lenses and 195 normal participants were studied with the TMS-1 videokeratoscope to evaluate the KISA% index, an algorithm that topographically quantifies the phenotypic features of keratoconus. The diagnostic efficacy of the KISA% index was compared with that of the modified Rabinowitz/McDonnell (K- and I–S values) and the Maeda/Klyce (KCI% and KPI) indices. The same indices were calculated for an additional 8 eyes with keratoconus-suspect topography and 12 eyes with early keratoconus. Results The mean KISA% was significantly greater in the keratoconus group (10 382%) than in the normal control group (20.44%) with minimal overlap. At a cutoff point for KISA% of 100, 280 of 281 participants (99.6%) were correctly classified. In contrast, the correct classification rate for the other indices were KCI%, 274 of 281 (97.5%); KPI, 249 of 281 (88.6%); K, 272 of 281 (96.8%); I–S, 269 of 281 (95.7%). Six of the 8 eyes with keratoconus-suspect topography had a KISA% between 60% and 100%, and 11 of the 12 eyes with early keratoconus had a KISA% greater than 100%. Conclusions The KISA% index set at 100 was highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing keratoconus; a range of 60% to 100% may be useful for designating suspects. This index is more useful than any of the other currently available tools for classifying patients with keratoconus for computerized segregation analysis and for distinguishing eyes with keratoconus from normal eyes in topographic screening of refractive surgical candidates.
Nutrition self-efficacy assessment: development of a questionnaire and evaluation of reliability in African-American and Latino children.

Background We aimed to develop tools that could be reliably used to evaluate self-efficacy for consuming vegetables and low-sugar foods and beverages for African American and Latino children living in inner-city communities. Methods A total of 112 children, aged 8–11 years, identified by a parent as being either African-American or Latino, were recruited and administered questionnaires. Internal consistency, a measure of reliability, was assessed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha of test scores. Results Cronbach's alpha exceeded the threshold of acceptability of 0.70 for the Authors' Vegetables Self-Efficacy Index, and all three Low-Sugar Self-Efficacy Indices, including the Reference Index, the Authors' Low-Sugar Food and Beverage Index, and the Low-Sugar Beverages Index. Conclusions We present internally consistent tools that could be reliably used to evaluate self-efficacy for consuming vegetables and low-sugar foods and beverages in 8–11-year-old African-American and Latino children from low socio-economic communities.
Autonomous recovery for link failure based on tie-sets in information networks

This study proposes an autonomous distributed control method for single link failure based on loops in a network. This method focuses on the concept of tie-sets defined by graph theory in order to divide a network into a string of logical loops. A tie-set denotes a set of links that constitutes a loop. If tie-sets are used as local management units, high-speed and stable fail-over can be realized by taking advantage of ring-based restoration. This paper first introduces the notion of tie-sets, and then describes the distributed algorithms for link failure. Experimental results comparing the proposed method with RSTP suggest that our method alleviates the influence of failure in terms of route switching points, adverse effect in communications, and recovery time with a modest increase in state information of a node.
Psychosocial Factors in Arthritis

Psychosocial factors play an important role in the etiology and course of rheumatic diseases. In this chapter, we introduce concepts that may aid the reader in understanding the relationship. Psychosocial challenges and physiological mechanisms involved in rheumatic disease manifestations may be best understood within the conceptual framework of stress and the individual response to stress. It has become increasingly evident that psychosocial factors are essential to understanding who is most affected by illness and other stressors, as well as when they are most vulnerable. We end the chapter with a discussion of resilience, as it important to acknowledge the capacities of individuals to cope successfully with their illness.
A screening sequence for vasculogenic impotence

Delineation of neural, arterial, and venous components contributing to penile erectile failure is critical to proper patient selection for surgical interventions, particularly for a subset of men with impotence as the sole manifestation of pelvic arterial disease. In addition to obtaining a history and physical examination specific for disordered erectile function and vascular risk factors, we developed a sequence of testing to include noninvasive estimates of penile perfusion, pulse volume recording (PVR), and penile/brachial blood pressure indices (PBPI); somatosensory evoked potentials from dorsal penile (PEP) and posterior tibial nerve stimulation (SEP) and bulbocavernosus reflex time (BCR); stimulation of artificial erection with injection of papaverine (AE); and selective hypogastric-pudendal arteriography with patients under epidural anesthesia, and corpus cavernosography with AE. Three hundred fifty-three men complaining of impotence were screened by PVR and PBPI; among these 42 impotent men and 20 additional concurrent potent control subjects had evoked potentials and BCR measurements, and 55 men received one or more AE injections. On the basis of these results, angiographic investigation was recommended. Age and risk factors were similar in the two groups. Abnormal penile blood perfusion was associated significantly only with cigarette smoking (p less than 0.0001) or overt large vessel disease. Impotent men with (138) or without perfusion abnormalities (215) averaged 54 and 56 years of age, respectively; impotent men with normal flow patterns most commonly had treated hypertension or diabetes (79 of 215 men). Covert neurologic abnormalities were detected in 28 of 42 impotent men. Abnormal penile perfusion plus failure of AE predicted isolated ischiopudendal trunk or pudendal artery disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Optical, Fluorescent, and (Photo)conductive Properties of High-Performance Functionalized Pentacene and Anthradithiophene Derivatives

The optical, fluorescent, and photoconductive properties of solution-processable functionalized pentacene and anthradithiophene (ADT) derivatives are presented. Considerable fluorescence quantum yields of ∼70-75% and ∼40-50% were observed in several ADT derivatives in toluene solutions and in thin films, respectively. No electric field-induced fluorescence quenching was observed in films at applied electric fields of up to at least 2 × 10 5 V/cm. Strong temperature dependence of fluorescence quantum yields was observed in all ADT films but not solutions, which emphasizes importance of intermolecular interactions in these materials. All films exhibited fast charge carrier photogeneration upon 100 fs 400 nm excitation and power-law decay dynamics of the transient photocurrent over many orders of magnitude in time. In solution-deposited ADT thin films, effective charge carrier mobilities calculated from the space-charge-limited currents reached ∼0.1 cm 2 /V ·s. In the same films, bulk photoconductive gains of up to 130 were observed at 532 nm continuous wave excitation with light intensity of 0.58 mW/cm 2 at the applied electric field of 4 × 10 4 V/cm.
A 5 db noise figure backward-wave amplifier at X-band

The Backward-Wave Amplifier is a very useful pre-amplifier for microwave receivers. Its selectivity, crystal protection and low noise figure offer advantages in various communication and radar systems. An X-band BWA has been developed which has produced minimum noise figures of 4.5" db. These tubes operate with the following characteristics over the 8.5 - 9.5 kMc frequency range: gain 20 db, noise figure less than 5.5 db with minimum of 4.5 db, bandwidth 12 mc \pm 2 mc, 6.5 mc/volt tuning rate. The important parameters which determine these characteristics will be described. The tube is encapsulated in a novel waveguide package that uses semicircular waveguide. This package provides waveguide input and output terminations in a minimum cross-sectional area.
From There to Here: Punctuated Equilibrium to the General Punctuation Thesis to a Theory of Government Information Processing

In this introduction to the Policy Study Journal’s special issue on punctuated equilibrium, we provide an overview of the approach, how it evolved, some of the major critiques directed at it, and some of the major developments it has spawned. We argue that the most important aspect of a theory or framework is not whether it is right or wrong, but the extent to which it is fruitful; that is, the extent to which it stimulated further research. Finally, we review the articles in this issue and put them in context. We are very pleased that the editors of the Policy Studies Journal chose to highlight Punctuated Equilibrium Theory (PET) in this special issue. We hope that the quality and the intellectual and empirical breadth of these articles validate their decision. In this introductory essay, we provide an overview of PET, how it evolved, some of the criticisms of the approach (which themselves stimulated more work), and some of the major developments it has spawned. Perhaps the most important aspect of a theory or framework (see Ostrom, PSJ special issue on Institutional Analysis and Development [IAD] for a discussion of the distinctions) is not whether it is right or wrong, or even whether it organizes research around a theme. We think it centers on the extent to which the idea is fruitful, by which we mean the extent to which it stimulates further research that itself raised more new questions. Nothing is settled in scientific inquiry, nor should it be. Indeed, the success of the concept may lie in its future obsolescence because new ways of thinking should be able to incorporate PET more or less seamlessly. Punctuated Equilibrium Theory (PET) was born of our unhappiness with policy process models that emphasized stability, rules, incremental adjustment, and “gridlock” whereas we saw policy change as oftentimes disjoint, episodic, and not always predictable. In the first generation policy process models, developed mostly in the 1950s and 1960s, decision making was thought of as incremental, subsystems seemed eternal, and the political order was stable. Minor adjustments from the status quo were achieved via heuristic rules worked out among the participants (Wildavsky version: Wildavsky, 1964) or via “mutual partisan adjustment” (Lindblom version:
Boards of Directors in Nonprofit Organizations: Composition, Activities, and Organizational Outcomes:

Analyses of survey responses from the executive directors of 184 human service organizations examined the relationships of board characteristics to board activities, and of board activities to orga...
Conduct of multisite clinical studies by professional organizations.

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Professional organizations are embracing collaborative multisite research and research utilization projects. This report describes the strategies undertaken and lessons learned from SPN's first multisite study. CONCLUSIONS. Infrastructure concerns (e.g., vision, communication, dissemination of results, resources, and human rights protections) and methodological issues specific to multisite research must be addressed to ensure a successful study. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Multisite studies are an effective mechanism for more rapidly advancing nursing theory and evidence-based nursing practice.
Postischemic Cerebrovascular E-Selectin Expression Mediates Tissue Injury in Murine Stroke

Background and Purpose—Although the deleterious role of several proinflammatory mediators, including P-selectin, in reperfused stroke is well established, the role of E-selectin has not been fully characterized. Methods—E-selectin mRNA expression was studied at 4, 10, and 24 hours after reperfusion with reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction in mice (n=18) subjected to transient intraluminal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Mice received intravenous injection with anti–E-selectin monoclonal antibody (10, 35, or 50 μg), nonimmune IgG, or vehicle immediately before MCAO and 90 minutes later (n=85). Others received anti–E-selectin antibody 3 or 6 hours after MCAO (n=32). Myeloperoxidase activity was measured in sham-operated mice and after 10 hours of reperfusion in saline-, nonimmune IgG–, or anti–E-selectin IgG–treated cohorts (n=17). Serial cerebral blood flow was measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry, and outcomes were assessed by neurological deficits and infarct volumes with the us...
Fusing intrusion data for detection and containment

Fusing information from diverse detectors remains a challenge in the field of intrusion detection. We apply data fusion techniques to fuse alerts generated by different detectors that signal the potential presence of an intrusion. Data fusion has been shown to result in a decrease in false positives while achieving an improved level of detection. By combining detections from fusers on distributed hosts, a system can also detect and track the spread of an intrusion. We proceed to analyze the response time requirements of such a distributed containment system by including an explicit containment parameter in the spreading formulation.
GTO and IGBT traction three phase inverter drives

Power electronic traction drives over the past three decades have become increasingly more complex due to the developments of high power and high speed semiconductors (GTO, IGBT), microprocessor control and three phase inverter drives. This has given the ability to operate 3 phase induction motor drives with traction electric multiple unit and locomotive. The induction motor three phase drive provides an increase in the overall performance of electric traction equipment. With the ability to increase the level of the installed power, the train operator has been able to improve train operating times, the speed of the traction unit and the demand on the power supply system. With the introduction of inverter drives it has become necessary to complete systems approach to ensure the safe operation of existing railway electrification infrastructure, and the safety critical areas of train signalling, and telecommunications.
The Minority Group Teacher: An Endangered Species.

The proportion of teachers who are minority group members decreased because of low teacher status and salary, alternate career possibilities, desegregation, retrenchments, and other reasons.
The evaluation of decision-aiding systems: Guidelines and methods

Abstract Few decision-aiding systems, such as Expert or Decision Support Systems, are formally evaluated. Yet when used to aid a decision making process, there is an assumption that an organization receives a return on the investment inherent in developing (or purchasing) and implementing the system. This return is generated by more effective, more efficient, or delegated (and hence cheaper) decision making. This paper considers the conceptual problems in evaluating decision-aiding systems. It proposes nine guidelines to which an evaluation method should adhere. Three general methods for evaluation are then discussed: control group experiments, attitude scales, and multiple-criteria models. Each is reviewed in the light of the conceptual requirements for evaluation, as represented by the nine guidelines. A general multiple-criteria method that fits the nine guidelines is then presented.
Phase-locking in electrically coupled spiking neurons: the influence of intrinsic properties of neurons

Electrical coupling between groups of inhibitory interneurons appears to be ubiquitous in the cortex. Because inhibitory interneurons are thought to play a fundamental role in generating cortical oscillations, phase-locking dynamics of electrical coupled interneurons has received considerable interest. A recent experimental study showed that electrically coupled neocortical interneurons have the ability to robustly synchronize over a broad range of frequencies and an inability to phase-lock in anti-phase [1]. How electrical coupling interacts with the intrinsic properties of neurons to generate stable phase-locked states remains unclear. Using the theory of weakly coupled oscillators and phase-response curves (PRC) from both real and model interneurons, I identify some of the intrinsic properties of neurons that determine the stability of phase-locked states and describe the underlying dynamical mechanisms. In the real and model interneurons that are examined, wide spikes and shallow action potential afterhyperpolarizations promote synchronous behavior; however, this property depends critically on the shape of the PRC. I discuss the combinations of PRC shapes and membrane potential time-courses required for stable synchrony and for stable anti-phase activity. I then use these results as a framework to examine how specific ionic conductances alter stability of phase-locked states.
Mechanisms of exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle.

Acute exercise initiates rapid cellular signals, leading to the subsequent activation of proteins that increase gene transcription. The result is a higher level of mRNA expression, often observed d...
High throughput methodology for carbon nanomaterials discovery and optimization

The application of high throughput methodology in the discovery of catalyst formulations and novel nanomaterials is expected to impact a wide range of applications. Carbon nanomaterials such as nanotubes, nanofibers, and diamond-like carbon are promising candidate materials for use in a wide variety of electrical, optical and mechanical applications. Therefore, the application of combinatorial methodologies to the discovery and optimization of carbon nanomaterials and catalyst formulations to produce them will accelerate the advancement of nanoscale science and technology. Here, we present an overview of the various combinatorial methodologies employed in the search for carbon nanotubes and related structures. It is hoped that continued innovations in high throughput methodology, especially for nanomaterials development, would be adapted to the many challenges facing nanotechnology.
The Characterization Of Chemical Bath Deposited Cds On Single Crystal InP Substrates

We have investigated CdS thin films as possible passivating window layers for InP. The films were deposited on single crystal InP by chemical bath deposition (CBD). The film thickness, as optically determined by ellipsometry, was varied from 500 to 840A. The film morphology was investigated by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas the film microstructure was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Most of the films were fine-grained polycrystalline CdS, with some deposition conditions resulting in epitaxial growth. Cross-sectional TEM examination revealed the presence of interface contaminants. The effect of such contaminants on the film morphology and microstructure was studied, and various approaches for InP surface cleaning/treatment were investigated. The epitaxial films were determined to be hexagonal on both the (111) and (100) InP substrates; however, they were heavily faulted.
Differences in correlates of condom use between young adults and adults attending sexually transmitted infection clinics.

Despite developmental differences between young adults and adults, studies of condom use have not typically considered young adults as a distinct age group. This study sought to examine how condom use and its correlates differed between high-risk young adults and adults. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic patients (n = 763) reported STI history, contraception, negative condom attitudes, fear of partner reaction to condom use and risky behaviours. Past 3-month condom use was examined as unprotected vaginal sex (UVS) acts, proportional condom use and consistent condom use. Regression models tested associations of age group and potential correlates with each condom use outcome. Interaction models tested whether associations differed by age group. Proportional condom use was greater in young adults than adults (mean 0.55 vs. 0.47); UVS and consistent condom use were similar between age groups. Young adults with a recent STI reported less condom use, whereas for older adults, a distant STI was associated with less condom use, compared to others in their age groups. Negative condom attitudes were more strongly linked to UVS acts for younger versus older adults. STI prevention efforts for younger adults may be improved by intensifying counselling about condom use immediately following STI diagnosis and targeting negative condom attitudes.
Immunochemical Characterization of a Lysergyl Derivative Incorporated into Protein

A derivative of d -lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), lysergyl der , previously shown to be covalently coupled to secreted low molecular weight peptides, was shown during incubation in vitro of immune lymphoid cells with LSD to possess structural features closely resembling the parent molecule. Binding studies of LSD and lysergyl der ligands with antibodies directed against both lysergic acid and lysergyl der suggested that both antibodies possessed similar specificity. [ 3 H]LSD and [ 3 H]lysergyl der were bound by anti-lysergyl antibody with average intrinsic association constants ( K 0 ) of 3.5 x 10 5 M -1 and 7.8 x 10 5 M -1 , respectively. Both ligands were bound by anti-lysergyl der antibody with K 0 values of 1-2 x 10 5 M -1 . Single-point equilibrium dialysis experiments indicated that both antibody populations bound the derivative in preference to LSD. Mild alkaline hydrolysis of LSD was shown to generate a molecular species which was bound by anti-1ysergyl der antibody with the same energy as lysergyl der . Alkaline hydrolysis had no effect on lysergyl der . These data suggest generation of a demethylated derivative of LSD during incubation of LSD in vitro .
Indicators Of Managers‟ Motivations For Issuing Forecasts Of Revenue And Earnings

This paper examines potential motivations for managers to include a revenue forecast with their earnings forecast by studying the characteristics of firms that make an earnings forecast with or without a revenue forecast and the news of the earnings forecasts. The main test is a multivariate logit regression analysis that is performed on a large sample of firms that issue earnings forecasts, some of which are accompanied by a revenue forecast. In accordance with hypotheses, firms that forecast both earnings and revenue are smaller, have more external financing needs, are more likely to be from a high technology industry, and disclose earnings forecasts with better news than firms that forecast earnings only. On the other hand, in contrast to what is hypothesized, there is no significant difference between those two groups of firms with respect to industry concentration. Initially, firms that forecast both earnings and revenue are found to be younger and have higher earnings volatility. However, further analysis shows these potential determinants to be subsumed by other firm characteristics.