cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
QoS and Contention-Aware Multi-Resource Reservation

To provide Quality of Service (QoS) guarantee in distributed services, it is necessary to reserve multiple computing and communication resources for each service session. Meanwhile, techniques have been available for the reservation and enforcement of various types of resources. Therefore, there is a need to create an integrated framework for coordinated multi-resource reservation. One challenge in creating such a framework is the complex relation between the end-to-end application-level QoS and the corresponding end-to-end resource requirement. Furthermore, the goals of (1) providing the best end-to-end QoS for each distributed service session and (2) increasing the overall reservation success rate of all service sessions are in conflict with each other. In this paper, we present a QoS and contention-aware framework of end-to-end multi-resource reservation for distributed services. The framework assumes a reservation-enabled environment, where each type of resource can be reserved. The framework consists of (1) a component-based QoS-Resource Model, (2) a runtime system architecture for coordinated reservation, and (3) a runtime algorithm for the computation of end-to-end multi-resource reservation plans. The algorithm provides a solution to alleviating the conflict between the QoS of an individual service session and the success rate of all service sessions. More specifically, for each service session, the algorithm computes an end-to-end reservation plan, such that it guarantees the highest possible end-to-end QoS level under the current end-to-end resource availability, and requires the lowest percentage of bottleneck resource(s) among all feasible reservation plans. Our simulation results show excellent performance of this algorithm.
Policy Makers or Rubber Stamps? The Challenges Regarding Legislative Independence in East Africa

This review essay considers the evolution of three national legislatures in East Africa since the year 2000 in comparative perspective, with a focus on Uganda. In this period, Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya have all experienced political transformations, including moves towards multi-party democracy in Uganda, a consolidation of power by the executive in Rwanda, and a new constitutional trajectory in Kenya. This essay considers whether these structural changes have moved each of the three countries towards a more powerful parliament which can stand up to and resist powerful executives. These three countries represent an almost perfect continuum in terms of democratic sensibilities, from more democratic (Kenya) to more authoritarian (Rwanda). This essay draws on literature in the field, primary source documents such as the countries’ constitutions, news reports, as well as fieldwork in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda conducted in 2009 and 2010. This paper synthesizes much of the recent literature in the field in an effort to determine if any regional patterns have emerged in three countries that are trade partners, and fellow members of the East African Community. A consensus is developing that the Ugandan parliament is effective and powerful, but constrained and limited by a determined permanent executive. Very little is known about the operations of Rwanda’s parliament, but it does not seem to serve as an effective check on the executive. Parliament has traditionally been a check on the executive in Kenya. With the passage of a new constitution in August 2010, Kenya is on the verge of a political sea change. It is hoped that this paper will help indicate fruitful areas for future research. Abstract will be provided by author.
Thai “injection doctors”: Antibiotic mediators

Abstract Thailand has experienced a proliferation of uncontrolled and unlicensed rural “doctors” who inject antibiotics and do much rural curing in comparison with government physicians or herbal and occult practitioners. Changing attitudes toward medicines, village values about treatment, a gap between villagers and official health personnel, professionalization and urbanization of the modern medical profession, and an open drug market contribute to this phenomenon. This paper discusses general features of the Thai health system, analyzes usage of official facilities and “injection doctors” in one area, and describes two such practitioners.
Characterization of suction and CUSA interaction with brain tissue

Basic and ultrasonic aspirators are the most commonly used surgical devices in neurosurgery. In this study, a tissue removal model was adjusted to experimental results of interaction between ultrasonic aspiration and brain tissue-mimicking material. Tissue grasping with a basic aspirator was also further investigated on fresh calf brain tissue obtained from several animals. Tests were conducted on both grey and white matter. The simulation screenshots, compared with the experimental photos, are presented to demonstrate the results.
An evaluation of the hydrologic relevance of lateral flow in snow at hillslope and catchment scales

Lateral downslope flow in snow during snowmelt and rain-on-snow (ROS) events is a well-known phenomenon, yet its relevance to water redistribution at hillslope and catchment scales is not well understood. We used dye tracers, geophysical methods, and hydrometric measurements to describe the snow properties that promote lateral flow, assess the relative velocities of lateral flow in snow and soil, and estimate volumes of downslope flow. Results demonstrate that rain and melt water can travel tens of metres downslope along layers within the snowpack or at the snowpack base within tens of hours. Lateral flow within the snowpack becomes less likely as the snowpack becomes saturated and stratigraphic boundaries are destroyed. Flow along the base can be prevalent in all snowpack conditions. The net result of lateral flow in snow can be the deposition of water on the soil surface in advanced downslope positions relative to its point of origin, or direct discharge to a stream. Although both melt and ROS events can redistribute water to downslope positions, ROS events produced the most significant volumes of downslope flow. Direct stream contributions through the snowpack during one ROS event produced up to 12% of streamflow during the event. This can help explain rapid delivery of water to streams during ROS events, as well as anomalously high contributions of event water during snowmelt hydrographs. In catchments with a persistent snowpack, lateral redistribution of water within the snowpack should be considered a relevant moisture redistribution mechanism.
Developing evidence-based tools from EHR data.

Early in our nursing school journey, we all faced the daunting task of learning how to document patient care. We learned that documentation is important for team communication and serves as a legal document if needed. Despite these important functions, documentation is often seen by nurses as a required, yet time-consuming, task that isn't generally a highly valued part of patient care. Nurses would much rather spend time with their patients. However, with the advent of the electronic health record (EHR), documentation has taken on a new meaning and holds extended value. Data, documented by the clinical team and retrieved electronically, provide the content for quality measurement and research. As more evidence-based assessment tools are translated into practice, nurse managers and their staff members are uniquely positioned to lead or join the effort to make a difference with nursing documentation and EHR design. We have an opportunity to leverage the daily task of documentation into an activity that yields valuable practice evidence, decision support, and communication tools. As an example, our research team is using nursing documentation to build decision support for an important and common process—discharge planning and care coordination. With our 20-year history of using EHR data to build decision support for discharge referral decision making, our story yields valuable insights and lessons learned for nurse managers looking to leverage the EHR to derive evidence-based tools and position nurses to make a difference through documentation.
Cephaloidophora carpilodei n. sp. and C. pinguis n. sp., Gregarines of a Xanthid Crab in Hawaii*†

SYNOPSIS. Carpilodes rugatus from Coconut Island, off the windward side of Oahu, was infected to the extent of 65% with intestinal gregarines. Infection was frequently heavy, especially with the intracellular stages. Two new species of Cephaloidophora are described. C. carpilodei n. sp. showed multiple infections in single host cells; as many as three fully developed trophozoites were found in one intestinal epithelial cell of the mid-gut. C. pinguis n. sp. was markedly different morphologically from C. carpilodei. In both species, intracellular development was prolonged with eventual production of septate trophozoites larger than the host cell. The gregariousness of the hosts was believed to facilitate intraspecific infection. Although other species of Xanthid crabs from the immediate vicinity were examined for gregarines, the other host species either were not parasitized or they contained gregarines belonging to species different from those found in C. rugatus. This was true even of host species placed in the same genus. Failure of these parasites of C. rugatus to become established in other species of Xanthids living in such close proximity is evidently due to biochemical or physiological barriers in the latter forms.
A serologic marker for the Ars-C family of anti-Arsonate antibodies

Summary Attempts are being made to define, at the serologic, structural and genetic levels, the anti-arsonate repertoire. We previously identified three families of anti-arsonate antibodies based on the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain V regions. The present report establishes the serologic correlates of one of these families, the Ars-C family. The determinants defining this family are expressed by anti-Ar molecules displaying the A/J minor idiotype or the BALB/c major idiotype; these determinants are also expressed on molecules of different specificity, notably by the DNP-binding myelomas, MOPC-460 and MOPC -315. All strains tested employed the Ars-C family in the response to arsonate.
Propafenone-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Propafenone hydrochloride, a class IC antiarrhyth­ mic drug, is used in the treatment of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. Herein we describe a patient with episodic jabbing and crushing pain in his hands and feet, aching in his forearms, and hyperesthesias of his extremities. He had been taking propafenone for 1 year because of ventricular arrhythmias. Results of a nerve conduction velocity test were abnormal. Electron microscopic findings on a sural nerve biopsy specimen represented distal small fiber neuropathy. Findings on a thermoregulatory sweat test and on autonomic tests were abnormal, compatible with a distal small tiber neuropathy. To our knowledge, peripheral neuropathy has not previously been reported to occur with use of propafenone. In this patient, propafenone seemed to be responsible for the development of peripheral neuropathy, which resolved after use of the drug had been discontinued.
Metal Coordination and Isomerization of a Hydrazone Switch

Metal coordination and isomerization of a hydrazone-based molecular switch (1) was investigated with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Three equilibria—initial binding, ligand redistribution, and isomerization (1→1′)—are required to characterize the interaction of metal ions with the molecular switch. The stoichiometry of the initial complex and the relative magnitudes of the three equilibria constants depend on the size and Lewis acidity of the metal ion and competition from the counterion. Strongly coordinating anions (e.g., Cl−) suppress the formation of the initial metal–switch complex and isomerization. The thermodynamics for the equilibrium M2++2 1⇌M(1′)22+ have been determined for Zn2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+ from the ITC data.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis: Novel organism causing cochlear implant infection

A majority of cochlear implant infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Reported here is a pediatric patient with a cochlear implant infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus lugdunensis, a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus that has only recently been determined to be clinically relevant (1988). Unlike other coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, it is more aggressive, carrying a greater potential for tissue destruction. In pediatrics, the organism is uncommon, poorly described, and generally pan-susceptible. Described herein is the presentation and management of this unusual organism in a pediatric setting.
Eddy Diffusivity/Mass Flux and Shallow Cumulus Boundary Layer: An Updraft PDF Multiple Mass Flux Scheme

AbstractIn this study, the eddy diffusivity/mass flux (EDMF) approach is used to combine parameterizations of nonprecipitating moist convection and boundary layer turbulence. The novel aspect of this EDMF version is the use of a probability density function (PDF) to describe the moist updraft characteristics. A single bulk dry updraft is initialized at the surface and integrated vertically. At each model level, the possibility of condensation within the updraft is considered based on the PDF of updraft moist conserved variables. If the updraft partially condenses, it is split into moist and dry updrafts, which are henceforth integrated separately. The procedure is repeated at each of the model levels above. The single bulk updraft ends up branching into numerous moist and dry updrafts. With this new approach, the need to define a cloud-base closure is circumvented. This new version of EDMF is implemented in a single-column model (SCM) and evaluated using large-eddy simulation (LES) results for the Barbado...
Glial dysfunction in abstinent methamphetamine abusers

Persistent neurochemical abnormalities in frontal brain structures are believed to result from methamphetamine use. We developed a localized (13)C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) assay on a conventional MR scanner, to quantify selectively glial metabolic flux rate in frontal brain of normal subjects and a cohort of recovering abstinent methamphetamine abusers. Steady-state bicarbonate concentrations were similar, between 11 and 15 mmol/L in mixed gray-white matter of frontal brain of normal volunteers and recovering methamphetamine-abusing subjects (P>0.1). However, glial (13)C-bicarbonate production rate from [1-(13)C]acetate, equating with glial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle rate, was significantly reduced in frontal brain of abstinent methamphetamine-addicted women (methamphetamine 0.04 micromol/g per min (N=5) versus controls 0.11 micromol/g per min (N=5), P=0.001). This is equivalent to 36% of the normal glial TCA cycle rate. Severe reduction in glial TCA cycle rate that normally comprises 10% of total cerebral metabolic rate may impact operation of the neuronal glial glutamate cycle and result in accumulation of frontal brain glutamate, as observed in these recovering methamphetamine abusers. Although these are the first studies to define directly an abnormality in glial metabolism in human methamphetamine abuse, sequential studies using analogous (13)C MRS methods may determine 'cause and effect' between glial failure and neuronal injury.
Evaluating the Venture Capital Fund Agreement

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how probabilistic simulation can be used to assist prospective general partners (GP) and limited partners (LP) of a venture capital limited partnership fund to evaluate alternative investment strategies for the proposed fund. The model presented in the paper is based upon observed characteristics of the venture capital market reported in the finance, economics, and management science literature. The body of the paper is organized as follows. In Section II we review the structural characteristics of the model. In Section III we present the results, in terms of ending wealth, obtained from simulating the fund's operations over its life under selected alternative investment strategies. In Section IV we show evaluations of the fund's simulated results under expected return, mean/variance and four moment approaches. In Section V, we present conclusions and implications of the results for financial management.
Spectral component geologic modeling: A novel approach for integrating seismic data into geologic models

Geologic models of hydrocarbon reservoirs are routinely used in the petroleum industry for volumetric calculation, well planning, and flow-performance prediction. A geologic model is a computer-based representation of the reservoir's architecture and properties. Properties such as porosity and lithofacies are estimated at each cell in a geologic model using various estimation methods; the most common are geostatistical simulation, such as sequential-Gaussian simulation and sequential-indicator simulation (Goovaerts, 1997), which take into account the spatial continuity of the property and also honor its heterogeneity.
On the time series support vector machine using dynamic time warping kernel for brain activity classification

A new data mining technique used to classify normal and pre-seizure electroencephalograms is proposed. The technique is based on a dynamic time warping kernel combined with support vector machines (SVMs). The experimental results show that the technique is superior to the standard SVM and improves the brain activity classification.
The superconducting transition behavior of ternary alloys of titanium

The feasibility of increasing T/sub c/, of Ti--Nb alloys by adding a ternary element (Mo or Al) to Ti/sub y/(Nb/sub a/X/sub 1-a/,)/sub 1-y/ was inves tigated. T/sub c/ vs electron: atom ratio plots show that Mo depresses T/sub c/ and that alloys containing 5 to 10 at.% Al show sharp transitions, and 20 to 25 at.% Al show broad and double transitions. Results show that the electron: atom ratio is not a sufficient criterion for predicting T/sub c/ in multicomponent alloys. (DLC) ture are in reasonable agreement with the single-particle tun
Statistical significance of error-corrupted IC measurements

The impact of measurement errors on the statistical significance of data collected from an IC manufacturing facility is discussed. On the assumption that the errors are not systematic, are normally distributed, and have known variances, estimators are introduced for the formal evaluation of this impact. These estimators can be used to calculate confidence intervals, to test equivalence hypotheses, and to predict the required sample size so that a desired level of confidence is maintained in the presence of these measurement errors. The aforementioned concepts are illustrated through an example in which critical decisions concerning the status of an NMOS process are based on error-corrupted measurements. >
Field exposure based durability assessment of FRP column wrap systems

Abstract The durability of two fiber reinforced polymer column wrap systems is assessed through the exposure of representative specimens to field environments by placement of specimens adjacent to actual bridge columns wrapped using the systems. Characterization of specimens is conducted through NOL-ring burst testing, short-beam-shear tests, moisture absorption tests, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and optical microscopy. It is seen that degradation mechanisms differ by system with the adhesively bonded system showing degradation to be dominated by exposure effects on the adhesive and bond-line, whereas the wet lay-up system shows resin and interface dominated deterioration mechanisms. Failure modes can be correlated well with laboratory based water and freeze–thaw exposures. Field wrapping is seen to be a rapid and effective method but is more expensive than the steel jacket alternative.
Scent Marking in Voles: A Reassessment of Over Marking, Counter Marking, and Self‐Advertisement

We conducted a series of experiments to discern among the counter-marking, over-marking, and self-advertisement hypotheses for secondary marking in male prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster, and meadow voles, M. pennsylvanicus. Secondary scent marks (those placed in an area that has already been marked by a conspecific) were not significantly greater than initial marks placed on clean substrate (a substrate without any previous scent marks) for either species and thus did not support a counter-marking hypothesis. Similarly, overlapping of initial scent marks with secondary marks occurred less often than expected by chance and did not support an over-marking hypothesis. Secondary marks tended to avoid overlap with scent marks previously deposited by a potential competitor. Our results suggest that secondary scent marking functions to self-advertise by maximizing individual identity and avoiding masking or blending with previous donors. Future studies on secondary marking should be designed to quantify the observed and expected frequency and placement of original and secondary marks to discern among alternative hypotheses for the adaptive significance of secondary marking.
In-use study of potential bacterial contamination of ophthalmic moxifloxacin

Purpose To determine the contamination rate of topical moxifloxacin 0.5% (Vigamox) after clinical use for preoperative and postoperative prophylaxis for cataract surgery. Setting Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, USA. Methods A total of 61 bottles of moxifloxacin were collected in a 2-month time period after use preoperatively by patients (n = 21, mean 2.2 days), postoperatively by patients (n = 16, mean 7.2 days), or by nurses in the operating room (n = 24). For each bottle, cultures of the cap, tip, external thread, and solution were inoculated onto chocolate agar plates and incubated at 35 degrees for 7 days. A total of 13 bottles of benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-preserved gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution (Zymar) were also cultured in a similar manner for comparison. Results No organisms were found by cultures of the cap, tip, or solution from any bottle in the study. One colony of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was recovered from the thread of 1 Vigamox bottle. This bottle had negative cultures from its cap, tip, and solution. Conclusions The only contaminant found in this study was cultured from the bottle thread. This is a location with a high rate of skin contact and minimal solution contact. The remaining cultures from this bottle were negative, showing the solution's ability to self-preserve. These data demonstrate that BAC-free Vigamox can be treated no differently than BAC-preserved solutions by patients and medical staff, without concern for solution contamination.
Gender differences in social support for socially anxious individuals.

Given that social anxiety disorder is a common, chronic, debilitating disorder and socially anxious women appear to have different experiences related to social development and social support than men, it is essential that the gender differences in social anxiety and social support be understood. The present study examined perceived social support quantity and satisfaction in 23 women and 28 men seeking treatment for social anxiety disorder. Contrary to expectations, men and women did not differ on measures of social support. However, younger, unmarried women reported having smaller social support networks and less satisfaction with their social support networks than older, married women. Analyses of socially anxious men did not reveal such a pattern. The current study provides preliminary evidence that younger, single women have social support networks that are less satisfying than the social support networks of older, married women. Inclusion of social support modules within a cognitive behavioral treat...
Determinants of nonindustrial private forest landowner willingness to accept price offers for woody biomass

Abstract Nonindustrial private forests (NIPF) of the southern U.S., containing large quantities of small diameter trees are often viewed as the potential sources of woody biomass for future bioenergy production. Use of logging residues and non-marketable small diameter trees available in these forests, are thought to create economic opportunities for NIPF owners and contribute in maintaining healthy forest systems. However, in the absence of a well-defined market, it is difficult to predict the willingness of landowners for supplying biomass from their forests. This study uses multinomial logit models to understand landowners' willingness/unwillingness to supply biomass at hypothetical price levels and examines landowner, forest, and demographic characteristics underlying these decisions. The results indicate significant association between landowners' bid acceptance decisions and factors such as, forest tract size, size of trees in the forest, distance of landowners' residence from the forest, landowners' age, previous harvesting experience, price of timber, and forest management objectives.
Threat Assessment and Conservation Prioritization of the Herpetofauna of El Salvador

We applied the IUCN Red List method for threat assessment to the amphibians and reptiles of El Salvador, the smallest Central American country. Seventy-six out of 130 species were found to be threatened or endangered at the national level. In general, most threatened taxa were aquatic organisms in lowland habitats or cloud-forest specialists in highland areas. The IUCN method was biased by collecting effort and was unable to classify 25 species that were categorized as ȁ8data deficientȁ9. We used the number and distribution of threatened species and a complementarity analysis to identify departments in El Salvador that require higher priority for conservation action. We applied a method for evaluating inventory completeness to our data set, and used species from reasonably well-surveyed taxonomic groups (Anura and Sauria) to carryout the complementarity analysis. The anurans (frogs) and saurians (lizards) had been inventoried relatively completely in 10 of 14 departments. The department with the most threatened species (35 of 76 threatened amphibians and reptiles) is Santa Ana, where many threatened species occur in pine-oak and cloud forest in Montecristo National Park.
The effect of acclimation on physiological responses to temperature in the snakes, thamnophis proximus and natrix rhombifera

Abstract 1. 1. The critical thermal minimum of Thamnophis proximus was lower than that of Natrix rhombifera. 2. 2. The critical thermal maximum of N. rhombifera was higher than that of T. proximus at 15°C acclimation and lower at 30°C acclimation. 3. 3. There were significant differences in heart rate and oxygen consumption between species and acclimation groups at both high and low temperatures.
Owning a Virus: The Rhetoric of Scientific Discovery Accounts

(1992). Owning a virus: The rhetoric of scientific discovery accounts. Rhetoric Review: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 321-336.
Rising sea level may cause decline of fringing coral reefs

[1] Coral reefs are major marine ecosystems and critical resources for marine diversity and fisheries. These ecosystems are widely recognized to be at risk from a number of stressors, and added to those in the past several decades is climate change due to anthropogenically driven increases in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Most threatening to most coral reefs are elevated sea surface temperatures and increased ocean acidity [e.g., Kleypas et al., 1999; Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2007], but sea level rise, another consequence of climate change, is also likely to increase sedimentary processes that potentially interfere with photosynthesis, feeding, recruitment, and other key physiological processes (Figure 1). Anderson et al. [2010] argue compellingly that potential hazardous impacts to coastlines from 21st-century sea level rise are greatly underestimated, particularly because of the rapid rate of rise. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that sea level will rise in the coming century (1990–2090) by 2.2–4.4 millimeters per year, when projected with little contribution from melting ice [Meehl et al., 2007]. New studies indicate that rapid melting of land ice could substantially increase the rate of sea level rise [Grinsted et al., 2009; Milne et al., 2009].
Qualitative response models and the estimation of energy savings from utility conservation programs

Abstract Reducing uncertainty in the measurement of energy-saving effects of conservation retrofit programs is the focus of this paper. Measuring the actual quantity of energy savings is an elusive goal. The goal of an evaluation of energy savings is to measure the difference between energy consumption of participant households and that of the same households in the absence of the program. Because the program exists, this difference can only be estimated. We present methodologies which can be used to approximate participant usage in the absence of a program. The first two models are currently applied in evaluating these conservation programs. The last are innovative models using qualitative choice techniques designed to correct for self-selection bias.
Dynamics of Seasonal and Intraseasonal Variability in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific

Abstract Time series measurements from surface moored buoys in the eastern equatorial Pacific are analyzed for the period 1983–86. The data, collected as part of the EPOCS and TROPIC HEAT programs, consist of currents, temperatures, and winds on the equator at 110°, 124.5° and 140°W. The purpose is to examine the dynamics of seasonal and intraseasonal variability in the upper 250 m from a diagnosis of the depth integrated zonal momentum (i.e., transport) equation. The principal conclusions of this paper are that 1) there is an approximate balance between mean zonal wind stress and depth integrated pressure gradient; nonlinear advection is significantly nonzero however and leads to an enhancement of eastward transport along the equator, 2) there is an interannual change in zonal wind stress and pressure gradient in which both approximately double over the record length; 3) at the annual cycle, zonal wind stress and depth integrated pressure gradient tend to balance, though the uncertainties are large and o...
The internal structure of word-initial consonant clusters☆

Abstract The representation of word-initial consonant clusters is explored by examining speech errors that involve a cluster made up of two consonants, such as /pr/ of pray. Spontaneous speech errors and four studies of experimentally induced speech errors yielded similar results. The first member of a cluster is less likely to be lost, added, or mispronounced than the second member of the cluster. In addition, the first member of the cluster is more similar to a singleton consonant than the second member. Simple activation-based explanations cannot account for this data. We argue that clusters must contain two distinct types of syllable positions: a C1 position (also found with singleton consonants) and a C2 position (found only in clusters).
The Mesquite ‘MicroSociety’ school: identifying organizational factors that facilitate successful adoption of an innovative program

A ‘MicroSociety w ’ School includes time during all or most days for students to take on roles in developing and operating a miniature society, including, for example, such ‘institutions’ as businesses, consumers, elected officials, a money system, a tax collection system, police and courts. This case study, conducted by the first author, looks in detail at Mesquite, a school with a highly effective MicroSociety program, to discover the organizational factors and processes that appear to account for its success. This case is part of a larger, formative evaluation project, sponsored by MICROSOCIETY, Inc., the national organization that provides support for individual MicroSociety programs. The case took place in the context of the first author’s multiyear relationship as a type of ‘developmental evaluator’ for MICROSOCIETY, Inc., combining both evaluation and organizational consultation functions. The findings of the case study and the potentials and challenges of the author’s developmental evaluation role are described and discussed. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
High-Incidence Airfoil Lift and Drag Estimates

VARIOUS numerical tools are available to predict the lift and drag behavior of airfoils for preliminary design purposes. To be representative, these codes are typically limited to maximum incidence values close to stall [1,2]. For most applications, these predictions are satisfactory. However, with the large scale interest in and implementation of wind turbines, predictions far beyond stall are required. The need for such estimates are driven by the major numerical tools used for turbine performance estimates, e.g., Aerodyne, WTPerf, etc. [3,4]. These methods implement blade element momentum (BEM) theory, which requires two-dimensional (sectional) airfoil data. BEM analysis may, however, require airfoil data for incidences from 180 to 180 deg. Inaccurate airfoil force coefficient data are generally considered to contribute the largest error in BEM turbine power estimation. To meet the need for highincidence force coefficient estimation, various methodologies have been devised, e.g., those of Viterna and Janetzke [5], Spera [6], and Lindenburg [7]. These methods are all fully empirical with essentially little/no flow physics or theory underpinning their formulation. They are based on large scale experimental observations of the limited data available for high-incidence airfoil and plate testing. The methods are generally composed of an equation set that is implemented using statements conditional upon specified airfoil incidence, etc. Note that this is not implied as a criticism, but an indication of the complexity of the problem. It would be valuable to the aeronautics (rotorcraft) and renewable energy community to have an estimation method that consists of a single (as opposed to piecemeal) expression to estimate airfoil lift and drag from low to extreme incidence. Additionally, using a single unified equation would negate the requirement for tabular lookup data as well as interpolation within this data, as required for many BEM codes. This would greatly simplify the BEM input files and potentially improve accuracy, but would require some recoding of these applications. Consequently, such an approach is presented in this Note. The developed method combines established theory with empirical observation to yield performance estimates. It is not implied that the present method is not empirical; the inherent complication and variability of the flows to be modeled virtually necessitate empiricism. The approach is not suggested to provide exact solutions, but suitable engineering approximations for wind turbine power modeling or high-incidence airfoil aerodynamics. As such it is seen as complementary to the existent methods [5–7]. Following development, the method is compared with experimental data for validation.
Synthesis of a pyroxene containing trivalent titanium

Synthesis of NaTiSi2O6 at high pressure and temperature (65 kbar and 1550° C) results in transparent, light-green crystals when quenched to ambient conditions. These crystals have a pyroxene structure and belong to the series NaRSi2O6 where R is (in order of increasing ionic radius) Al, Cr, Fe, Ti, Sc, and In. X-ray diffraction patterns and a diffuse reflectance spectrum help to characterize this material which is one of the few oxides known containing Ti3+.
Interactions of liposomes with the reticuloendothelial system effects of reticuloendothelial blockade on the clearance of large unilamellar vesicles

Large unilamellar liposomes (also called reversed phase vesicles or REVs) composed of DPPC and cholesterol are cleared from the circulation of the rat by a process which closely resembles the clearance of colloidal particles by the reticuloendothelial system. Thus, increasing the total amount of REVs administered by giving a loading dose of unlabelled REVs slows the clearance of a test dose of radioactively labelled REVs. This resembles the reticuloendothelial 'blockade' induced by large doses of colloids. Administration of other types of particles known to induce reticuloendothelial blockade, such as latex beads and xenogeneic red cells, also slows the clearance of radioactively labelled REVs. Administration of small unilamellar liposomes (SUVs) can also cause blockade of REV clearance, but the onset of blockade is delayed until a substantial fraction of the SUVs have been removed from the circulation. Blockade caused by the administration of large doses of REVs seems to result from a direct action on reticuloendothelial cells rather than from depletion of opsonic factors in the blood. Partial blockade of REV clearance produces a modest alteration of the tissue distribution of REVs, with enhanced uptake in the lungs. These results suggest that both REVs and SUVs are taken up by the reticuloendothelial system via a process which closely resembles the clearance of other types of colloids.
Defining Zoledronate’s Duration of Action and Optimal Dosing Interval for an Effective Therapy

Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate with a long skeletal half-life that is administered annually by intravenous (IV) infusion. In the Horizon trial, ZA significantly reduced the risk of vertebral fracture by 70%, the risk of hip fracture by 40%, and the risk of nonvertebral fracture by 20% [1]. ZA also reduced the risk of clinical fracture by 35% and decreased mortality by 28% after hip fracture in the Recurrent Fracture Trial [2]. A combination of antifracture efficacy, low rate of adverse events, and infrequent dosing make it a desirable agent for the future.
Hedging On U.S. Export Pricing: An Exchange Rate Pass-Through Analysis

This paper investigates the impact of hedging activities on U.S. export pricing. A theoretical framework of export pricing model with a hedging component was derived to test the hypothesis via exchange rate pass-through. The hypothesis is that a firm with a high (low) hedging engagement would have a low (normal) degree of exchange rate pass-through, ceteris paribus. Two measurements of the hedging engagement are the hedging amount and the hedging dummy. The result tested with the hedging amount on pass-through supports the hypothesis and suggests the importance of hedging involvement in preventing any uncertainty from exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, the coefficient estimate of the foreign demand elasticity interacting with one-year-lagged exchange rate is significant at one percent. However, the differential effects of different levels of hedging activities on the size of pass-through with the hedging dummy are inconclusive.
Is the liberal use of preoperative 3-dimensional imaging and presternotomy femoral cutdown beneficial in reoperative adult congenital heart surgery?

Objective Patients with congenital heart disease frequently survive into adulthood, and many of them will require repeat surgery. Often, the unique anatomy can make reoperative sternotomy and the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass challenging. We evaluated the utility of preoperative 3-dimensional imaging and presternotomy femoral cutdown in reoperative adult congenital heart disease surgery. Methods We retrospectively studied 205 adult patients, who had undergone reoperative cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease from 2006 to 2011. Using the operative history and 3-dimensional preoperative imaging findings, an algorithm was created to determine whether femoral cutdown or cannulation should be performed before sternal reentry. Analyses were performed to determine the benefits of this strategy. In addition, analyses were performed to identify adverse outcomes related to this strategy. Results Presternotomy femoral intervention was performed in 112 of 205 patients (55%)—femoral cutdown alone in 69 (34%) and femoral cutdown, cannulation, and institution of cardiopulmonary bypass in 43 (21%). Of the 19 patients (9%) with a cardiac injury, femoral cutdown had already been performed in 17, of whom 10 had also undergone cannulation. Only 2 patients required urgent femoral cutdown or cannulation. A strong correlation was found between the site of injury predicted by the preoperative algorithm and the actual site of cardiac injury (88%). In both univariate and multivariate models, the risk factors for cardiac injury included a history of cardiac injury during sternal reentry (18% vs 1%, P = .0001), proximity of the right ventricular outflow tract to the posterior chest wall (35% vs 14%, P = .04), and increased reoperative sternotomy incidence ( P = .01). In 31 patients, despite safe reentry, the femoral vessels were used as a preferential site of venous (n = 6), arterial (n = 9), or venous and arterial cannulation (n = 16) because of anatomic constraints within the chest cavity. Three patients experienced groin complications (pseudoaneurysm, abscess, ischemia) requiring surgery. Conclusions Cardiac injury during reoperative surgery in adults with congenital heart disease is not uncommon. The preoperative history and imaging findings could be predictive of certain cardiac injury patterns. Using the preoperative history and 3-dimensional imaging findings, a more selective algorithm for presternotomy femoral intervention might be warranted.
On nonparametric estimation of mean functionals

Cheng (1990, 1994) considered a missing data problem in which data comes in two forms, one in which a covariate X is observed, and the other in which both X and a response Y are observed. If the missing data probabilities are independent of X then the distribution of X is the same in the two populations. The goal is to estimate the marginal distribution of Y, and more specifically its mean. Cheng based his estimates on the regression of Y on X in the first population, using parametric and nonparametric regression, and showed that the two methods were roughly comparable in asymptotic efficiency. Motivated by a currently ongoing study, we consider a different problem, namely one in which the two populations are physically distinct in such a way that the distribution of X differs between the populations. We show that the nonparametric modification of Cheng's method appropriate to this situation has zero asymptotic efficiency relative to the parametric approach in a wide class of problems.
Widespread bullous fixed drug eruption mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis.

ABSTRACT: This paper is written to heighten awareness of the presence of the most severe form of fixed drug eruption. Two patients with a widespread bullous form of fixed drug eruption (FDE) were initially given the diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Both gave a history of a previous widespread eruption from the responsible drug, each had biopsies consistent with fixed drug eruption, and most importantly, both had an uncomplicated course, with complete cutaneous reepithelialization within 10 days. These observations suggest that widespread bullous fixed drug eruption may portend a more favorable prognosis than TEN, thus stressing the potential importance of distinguishing the two diseases. A review of fixed drug eruption and possible means of differentiating the widespread bullous form from TEN are discussed.
Psychological Characteristics of Applicants to the Jesuit Order

This study summarizes the test results of 89 applicants to the Society of Jesus, a religious order of Roman Catholic priests and brothers. Applicants were above average in intelligence and educational attainment. Applicants’ highest vocational theme score was Social, with subtest profiles most strongly suggesting interests in the areas of Religious Activity and Teaching. Applicants obtained MMPI profiles generally indicative of healthy psychological adjustment. Test scores did not clearly predict whether applicants remained in any of the training periods for the priesthood or the priesthood itself. This paper identified four psychological characteristics, defined by clusters of MMPI scores, which may be useful in screening applicants to the Jesuit Order.
Block Booking Migrates to Television The Rise and Fall of the International Output Deal

This article examines the recent Hollywood studio practice of distributing international television programming via a bundling strategy, labeled an output deal, and situates the practice as a further iteration of the early Hollywood system of “block booking” feature films. Using Germany as a case study, the authors looks at how Hollywood compelled German distributors and broadcasters to take on large packages of television programming that combined highly desirable blockbuster motion pictures with far less valuable television series. Just as the original practice of block booking exerted financial pressure on theater owners, the burdensome practice of television programming output deals led to a major upheaval in Germany’s entertainment industry, driving the second largest German media company into bankruptcy. The international television output deal persists, however, because transnational media regulations cannot hope to marshal the enforcement powers of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade...
Reuse of silver-palladium ceramic metal

The effect of various percentages of reused silver-palladium alloy on the bond strength of porcelain was considered. All-new metal and once-cast alloy with the addition of 50% new metal produced the highest bond values. Once-cast alloy with less than 50% new metal produced bond strength values that were significantly lower. When using this silver-palladium alloy, 50% new alloy should be added to each casting button, and buttons with questionable casting history should not be used.
Endoscopic biopsy technique in the diagnosis of celiac disease: one bite or two?

Background The diagnosis of celiac disease is dependent on the quality of biopsy specimens obtained at EGD. Endoscopists may obtain a single- or double-biopsy specimen with each pass of the forceps. Objective To compare the quality of biopsy specimens obtained with the single-biopsy and double-biopsy techniques. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting U.S. tertiary-care university hospital. Patients Patients undergoing upper endoscopy with confirmed, suspected, or unknown celiac disease status. Interventions Four biopsy specimens from the second portion of the duodenum: 2 by using the single-biopsy technique (1 bite per pass of the forceps) and an additional 2 by using the double-biopsy technique (2 bites per pass of the forceps). Specimens were blindly reviewed to determine orientation, consecutive crypt-to-villous units, and Marsh score. Main Outcome Measurements Proportion of well-oriented biopsy specimens. Results Patients (N = 86) were enrolled, 47% with known celiac disease, 36% with suspected celiac disease, and 17% with an unknown celiac disease status. Well-oriented biopsy specimens were noted in 66% of patients with the single-biopsy technique and 42% of patients with the double-biopsy technique ( P P P = .02), villous atrophy ( P = .02), and a final diagnosis of celiac disease ( P Limitations A single-center trial. Conclusion The single-biopsy technique improves the yield of well-oriented duodenal biopsy specimens. Endoscopists should consider taking only 1 biopsy specimen per pass of the forceps in patients undergoing biopsies of the duodenal mucosa.
N-nitrosohydroxylamines I. Acetolysis and acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of N,O-dibenzyl-N-nitrosohydroxylamines. Reaction with potassium t-butoxide

Abstract The major products of the hydrolysis of N,O-dibenzyl-N-nitrosohydroxylamines (3) are the denitrosated parent hydroxylamines (6); under more forcing conditions, products of the further hydrolysis of 6 are obtained. Acetolysis in acetic acid gives the benzyl acetates derived from both N- and O-substituents. With potassium tert-butoxide, the major path is abstraction of an O-benzyl hydrogen followed by fragmentation to the aldehyde and the benzyldiazotate ion. Possible mechanisms for the formation of the products are discussed.
Thermal Change During Dental Polishing

Average handpiece speed and load values with nine commonly used instruments were compiled for polishing of silver amalgams. In vitro thermal effect of these instruments was recorded with and without air coolant. Temperature rise in dental pulps was less when air coolant was used.