cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peer Evaluation of Position Papers

Considering the amount of instructor time devoted to evaluating and grading of essay examinations, one is surprised at the paucity, as well as the relative recency, of research concerned with student involvement in this type of evaluation. Ellis (1950) found among 11 students who were given a pop essay quiz a high correlation (rho^+.Q?) between the stu dents' ratings and his own ratings. His method required that 10 students (all but the one whose question was being rated) con tributed to the rating of each question. Similarly, Nealey (1969), using the combined ratings of groups of 4 or 5 students, wTas able to arrive at a similar correlation (rho=+.92) between student versus instructor ratings on 11 short answer essay ques tions. In both instances, class time was taken to present the instructor's conception of the ideal answer and for the inde pendent evaluation by each team member of the question as signed to him. Peer evaluations have been known to cast doubt on certain time honored practices. Eisenberg (1965), for example, found that peers of graduate students in psychology were able to pre dict with considerable accuracy (rho = +.89) the results of the latter's comprehensive examinations against criterion data ob tained a short time later. Addressing himself to peer and self-evaluation as they relate to grades, Burke (1969) found that by using instructor grades as the criterion, college students were "unable to assign their own grades objectively and realistically" (p. 448). Too, he found that agreement between peer ratings and instructor ratings was greater than between self-evaluations and instructor ratings.
R&D Project Selection and Manpower Allocation with Integer Nonlinear Goal Programming

A number of recent research efforts in the area of research and development planning have indicated the necessity that the R&D project selection process be viewed as a multi-criteria decision-making problem. As a result, linear 0-1 goal programming, because of its ability to encompass multiple objectives, has been employed on several occasions as a project selection model. However, in these goal programming models the relationships between resource utilization and project outcomes or between various resource utilizations have been expressed linearly when, in reality, they are often non-linear. For example, as the resources allocated to a project are increased the probability of project success will also increase but at a decreasing rate. In this paper, a non-linear integer goal programming model is described via a case example. The case example encompasses a pool of thirty researchers available for allocation to seven possible R&D projects. As such, the model consists of integer decision variables for both the number of researchers allocated, and, project selection. Researcher allocation and project selection are subject to several linear and nonlinear goal constraints. Nonlinear goal constraints are constructed that relate the probability of project success to the number of researchers assigned to a project and to expected monetary return, and, that relate the number of researchers allocated to project completion time. Linear goal constraints are developed for budget limitations, computer capacity utilization and various strict conditions placed on the model. The model selects projects and allocates researchers to projects such that a prioritized goal structure is most satisfactorily achieved. The model solution of the case example indicated the selection of five of the seven projects and the number of researchers assigned to each project. Of the nine prioritized goals, six were achieved while three were only partially achieved.
Exploring long-term business climates and strategies with interax

Abstract A major objective of corporate strategic planning is to minimize the surprises the future may bring, and INTERAX (developed at the Center for Futures Research with industrial sponsorship) draws on cross-impact matrices and scenario generation to allow alternative futures to be explored. This paper outlines the method, and summarizes part of the present database—a Delphi study of possible social, economic, and political developments, internationally and within the USA.
Adenylyl cyclase activation underlies intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation, cyclic AMP transport and extracellular adenosine accumulation evoked by β-adrenergic receptor stimulation in mixed cultures of neurons and astrocytes derived from rat cerebral cortex

We have previously shown that stimulation of cortical cultures containing both neurons and astrocytes with the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISO) results in transport of cAMP from astrocytes followed by extracellular hydrolysis to adenosine [Rosenberg et al. J. Neurosci. 14 (1994) 2953-2965]. In this study we found that the endogenous catecholamines epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE), but not dopamine, serotonin, or histamine, all at 10 microM, significantly stimulated intracellular cAMP accumulation, cAMP transport, and extracellular adenosine accumulation in cortical cultures. Detailed dose-response experiments were performed for NE and EPI, as well as ISO. For each catecholamine, the potencies in evoking intracellular cAMP accumulation, cAMP transport, and extracellular adenosine accumulation were similar. These data provide additional evidence that a single common mechanism, namely beta-adrenergic mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase, underlies intracellular cAMP accumulation, cAMP transport, and extracellular adenosine accumulation. It appears that regulation of extracellular adenosine levels via cAMP transport and extracellular hydrolysis to adenosine may be a final common pathway of neuromodulation in cerebral cortex for catecholamines, and, indeed, any substance whose receptors are coupled to adenylyl cyclase.
Copolyesters. I. Sequence distribution of poly(butylene terephthalate‐co‐adipate) copolyesters determined by 400 MHz NMR

The chemical shifts of α-methylene protons and β-methylene protons in the butylene unit with different sequences were found to be different. The sequence distributions and degree of randomness were determined through analysis of quartet of α-methylene protons. It was found that the copolyesters were random copolymers with degree of randomness equal to about 1
Fiber-Based White-Light Interferometry for Nanoscale Distance Measurement and Control

We present a fiber-based white-light interferometry system capable of nanoscale distance measurement and control. Our prototype contains two cleaved single mode fibers tightly clamped together. Using a supercontinuum white-light source, we can achieve distance control with a standard deviation of <; 4 nm. This method is potentially suitable for applications that require noncontact measurements or that involve highly deformable structures.
A Study of RF Dosimetry from Exposure to an AMI Smart Meter

As part of the development of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), i.e., the “smart grid,” power utilities are increasingly deploying residential meters that wirelessly communicate (either with devices in the home, with other meters, or with the utility). These meters may employ multiple antennas and radiate at different frequencies, ranging from 850 MHz to 2.4 GHz. Unlike radio-frequency (RF) exposure caused by cell phones, where the position of the phone relative to the body is somewhat fixed, the position of a power meter relative to the body is rather unconstrained. In this work, we used the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) Method to study the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) produced in full anatomical models of humans when they were exposed to the RF fields produced by a wireless AMI meter, commonly referred to as a smart meter. Various scenarios were considered, most of which could be described as “beyond worst case.” Despite this fact, only when an individual was extremely close to one particular radiating element and when one ignored the actual duty cycle of these meters did the SAR values exceed the published safety limits. When one accounts for the meter's true duty cycle or there was a realistic separation between the meter and an individual, all SAR values fell within safety limits.
Evidence for spin diffusion in a H,H-NOESY study of imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquids.

The ionic liquids 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([EMIM][BF4]) and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([PMIM][BF4]) were studied by H,H-NOESY NMR using a cross-relaxation matrix analysis. Cross-peak intensities are seen to increase with increasing mixing time. Experimental and theoretical hydrogen–hydrogen distances are in agreement at short mixing times (50 ms). Mixing times longer than 50 ms result in an increasing contribution of spin diffusion that produces unrealistically short hydrogen–hydrogen distances. Gas-phase ab initio molecular structures are obtained using Hartree–Fock (HF) and density functional theory (B3LYP) methods at the 6311 + G(2d,p) basis set level. The hydrogen–hydrogen distances obtained from the theoretical structures are in reasonable agreement with those calculated from the cross-relaxation matrices. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CMAP: Complement Map Database

Summary: The human complement system is increasingly perceived as an intricate protein network of effectors, inhibitors and regulators that drives critical processes in health and disease and extensively communicates with associated physiological pathways ranging from immunity and inflammation to homeostasis and development. A steady stream of experimental data reveals new fascinating connections at a rapid pace; although opening unique opportunities for research discoveries, the comprehensiveness and large diversity of experimental methods, nomenclatures and publication sources renders it highly challenging to keep up with the essential findings. With the Complement Map Database (CMAP), we have created a novel and easily accessible research tool to assist the complement community and scientists from related disciplines in exploring the complement network and discovering new connections. Availability: http://www.complement.us/cmap. Contact: lambris@upenn.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Polynomial neural networks for airborne applications

The authors have attempted to develop a polynomial neural network which will present a pilot with optimal maneuvers for missile evasion and to show the benefits of the network relative to a look-up table. They used an inductive, unsupervised learning model, which is well suited for dynamical systems and results in compact, computationally fast representations. An aircraft-missile computer simulation program is used to gather the data used in the neural network learning phase as well as in construction of the look-up table. The inputs to the neural model are variables such as aircraft velocity and initial range. Outputs are several maneuvers and associated maneuver times which provide the best chance for survival. Results show that a polynomial network can be generated that performs calculations approximating a simulator approximately a million times faster for the case of determining whether a aircraft needs to respond to a missile attack. Computer experiments suggest that for simple decision cases any of the three approaches are likely to be adequate: run a simulator in realtime, use a look-up table of precomputed runs, or use a polynomial network to approximate the simulator computations. >
A Kinematic CAD Tool for the Design and Control of a Robot Manipulator

The correct relationship between two connective joint coordi nates of a robot manipulator is defined by four link parame ters ; one being the joint variable and the other three the geometric values. The basis for all open-loop manipulator control is the relationship between the Cartesian coordinates of the end-effector and the joint coordinates; therefore, the fidelity of the Cartesian position and orientation of the end- effector to the real world depend on the accuracy of the four link parameters of each joint. In this paper, a linear analytic error model describes the six possible Cartesian errors and the four independent kinematic errors from which the Carte sian error envelopes due to any combination of four kinds of kinematic errors can be uniquely determined. From a design standpoint, this error model can be used as a guide to mini mize the open-loop kinematic errors of the robot manipulator. Finally, a new calibration technique based on this model has also been developed that can be used to correc...
Supplementary MATLAB tools for systems and control education

Two groups of MATLAB code modules are developed to enhance students' abilities in working with continuous and sampled-data systems. The two groups of code modules are: (1) gform.m (and its associated modules gadd.m, gsub.m, gmlt.m, gdiv.m, gfby.m, gfbe.m and ginvz.m) which enables users to manipulate transfer function blocks, each of which is described by a single 2D array argument; and (2) cdsim.m (and its associated function cdeqns and module cdrun.m) which enables users to obtain simulation results of systems described by two coupled sets of state equations, one set being in continuous time and the other in discrete time.
Atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation characterization of human lamellar bone prepared by microtome sectioning and mechanical polishing technique.

Surface topography, microstructure, and micromechanical properties of human lamellar bone were characterized by atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation. The lamellar bone surfaces were prepared by two different methods: microtome sectioning and mechanical polishing. The lamellar bone surfaces prepared by mechanical polishing revealed that thin lamellae formed depressions approximately 200 nm deep, whereas the surfaces prepared by microtome sectioning were flat. Atomic force microscopy surface topographic images at higher magnification showed differences between thick and thin lamellae in polished samples, but these differences were less pronounced in microtomed samples. Roughness measurements confirmed that there was a significant difference between thick (21.0 nm) and thin lamellae (8.3 nm) in polished samples (p < 0.001). The difference in surface roughness between thick (13.9 nm) and thin lamellae (12.7 nm) in microtomed sample was statistically insignificant (p = 0.74). Higher elastic modulus values were observed for thick lamella in microtomed samples compared with that of thin lamellae, whereas measured elastic modulus differences between thick and thin lamellae in polished samples were found to be statistically insignificant.
EVOLUTIONARY CORRELATIONS BETWEEN EARLY DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE HISTORY IN PLETHODONTID SALAMANDERS AND TELEOST FISHES

SYNOPSIS. This study compares the relationships among early development and life history characters between two monophyletic groups, salamanders and teleost fishes. Plethodontid salamanders have large eggs and slow development. Large egg size in plethodontid salamanders has been shown to influence several aspects of early development, including: (1) time of holoblastic cleavage, (2) thickness of the blastocoel roof, (3) gastrulation (morphogenetic processes and timing), (4) early developmental rate, (5) formation of an embryonic disk, and (6) percentage of egg volume contributing to embryonic structures. Egg size is just one of several factors that influence the rate of development. While the slow development of plethodontids may have evolutionary implications for timing of oviposition, the lack of a clear correlation between these variables indicates that other life history characters need to be studied. Comparisons of the timing of oviposition in 28 plethodontid species reveal that oviposition in the fall or winter is the derived condition. On the basis of six early developmental and six life history characters examined, there do not appear to be strong relationships between these two character sets. Evolutionary increases in egg size that delay when the egg cleaves holoblastically in some amphibian lineages (such as plethodontids) have been considered to be analogous to the changes that led to the evolution of meroblastic cleavage in such lineages as amniotes. However, teleosts provide an interesting contrast to this standard scenario: The evolution of meroblastic cleavage is not correlated with an increase in egg size, but rather, with a decrease in egg size. Changes in early development of teleosts that led to the evolution of meroblastic cleavage may have significant relationships with life history traits because of osmotic influences and could qualify as a key innovation.
Bulk flows from velocity field surveys: A Consistency check

We present an analysis comparing the bulk-flow measurements for six recent peculiar velocity surveys, namely, ENEAR, SFI, RFGC, SBF and the Mark III singles and group catalogues. We study whether the directions of the bulk-flow estimates are consistent with each other and construct the full 3D bulk-flow vectors for each survey. We show that although the surveys differ in their geometry, galaxy morphologies, distance measures and measurement errors, their bulk flow vectors are expected to be highly correlated and in fact show impressive agreement in all cases. We found a combined weighted mean bulk motion of 330 ± 101 km s -1 towards l = 234° ± 11° and b = 12° ± 9° in a sphere with an effective depth of ∼4000 km s -1 .
Formative assessment of oncology trainees' communication with cancer patients about internet information.

Objective:Cancer patients and their caregivers often turn to the internet for information and support following a cancer diagnosis. Research shows a need for improvement in doctors' communication with patients about internet information. The purpose of this formative assessment was to evaluate oncology trainees' skills in talking about internet information with cancer patients.Methods:Thirty-nine oncology trainees were evaluated in a baseline standardized patient assessment as part of their participation in the Comskil Training Program. As part of the assessment, standardized patients were instructed to raise the topic of internet information they had read. Transcriptions of the video-recorded assessments were coded for patient statements and trainee responses.Results:Fifty-six percent of trainees used a probe to get more information before addressing the content of the internet search, while 18% addressed it immediately. Eighteen percent of trainees warned the patient about using the internet, and 8% warned about and also encouraged internet use. Thirteen percent of trainees praised the patient for seeking out information on the internet.Significance of results:This formative assessment indicated that the majority of trainees addressed the content of the internet search, while a minority addressed the internet as a tool and praised patients' efforts. Research in this area should examine the effectiveness of educational interventions for trainees to improve discussions about internet information.
Saltwater intrusion into tidal freshwater marshes alters the biogeochemical processing of organic carbon

Environmental perturbations in wetlands affect the integrated plant-microbial-soil system, causing biogeochemical responses that can manifest at local to global scales. The objective of this study was to determine how saltwater intrusion affects carbon mineralization and greenhouse gas production in coastal wetlands. Working with tidal freshwater marsh soils that had experienced ~ 3.5 yr of in situ saltwater additions, we quantified changes in soil properties, measured extracellular enzyme activity associated with organic matter breakdown, and determined potential rates of anaerobic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and methane (CH 4 ) production. Soils from the field plots treated with brackish water had lower carbon content and higher C : N ratios than soils from freshwater plots, indicating that saltwater intrusion reduced carbon availability and increased organic matter recalcitrance. This was reflected in reduced activities of enzymes associated with the hydrolysis of cellulose and the oxidation of lignin, leading to reduced rates of soil CO 2 and CH 4 production. The effects of long-term saltwater additions contrasted with the effects of short-term exposure to brackish water during three-day laboratory incubations, which increased rates of CO 2 production but lowered rates of CH 4 production. Collectively, our data suggest that the long-term effect of saltwater intrusion on soil CO 2 production is indirect, mediated through the effects of elevated salinity on the quantity and quality of autochthonous organic matter inputs to the soil. In contrast, salinity, organic matter content, and enzyme activities directly influence CH 4 production. Our analyses demonstrate that saltwater intrusion into tidal freshwater marshes affects the entire process of carbon mineralization, from the availability of organic carbon through its terminal metabolism to CO 2 and/or CH 4 , and illustrate that long-term shifts in biogeochemical functioning are not necessarily consistent with short-term disturbance-type responses.
A Crossover Trial of Antimicrobial Scrubs to Reduce Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Burden on Healthcare Worker Apparel

Background. The impact of antimicrobial scrubs on healthcare worker (HCW) bacterial burden is unknown.Objective. To determine the effectiveness of antimicrobial scrubs on hand and apparel bacterial burden.Design. Prospective, crossover trial.Setting and Participants. Thirty HCWs randomized to study versus control scrubs in an intensive care unit.Methods. Weekly microbiology samples were obtained from scrub abdominal area, cargo pocket, and hands. Mean log colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were calculated. Compliance with hand hygiene practices was measured. Apparel and hand mean log CFU counts were compared.Results. Adherence measures were 78% (910/1,173) for hand hygiene and 82% (223/273) for scrubs. Culture compliance was 67% (306/460). No differences were observed in bacterial hand burden or in HCWs with unique positive scrub cultures. No difference in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and gram-negative rod (GNR) burden was observed. A difference in mean log methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aur...
Measurement of the Phonon Density of States of PuO2(+2%Ga)

Inelastic x-ray scattering measurements of the phonon density of states (DOS) of PuO2(+2%Ga) were made and compared to recent predictions from the literature made using three leading theoretical approaches; Density Functional Theory (DFT), DFT plus the Hubbard U (DFT+U), and Dynamical Mean-Field Theory (DMFT). The DFT prediction, which does not account for strong electronic correlations, underestimates the measured energies of most features. The DFT+U and DMFT predictions, which include approximations to strong correlation effects, more accurately reflect the low energy features but exaggerate splitting in the highest energy optic oxygen modes. The exaggeration of the splitting is worse for DFT+U than for DMFT. The transverse acoustic mode shows the least sensitivity to calculation type, and is well reproduced by all three theories. The longitudinal acoustic mode, which is thought to control the thermal conductivity, is more sensitive to calculation type, suggesting an important role for electronic correlations in making application-critical predictions.
Mycoplasma hominis pericarditis in a lung transplant recipient: review of the literature about an uncommon but important cardiothoracic pathogen.

D. Mitsani, M.H. Nguyen, F.P. Silveira, C. Bermudez, Y. Toyoda, A.W. Pasculle, C.J. Clancy. Mycoplasma hominis pericarditis in a lung transplant recipient: review of the literature about an uncommon but important cardiothoracic pathogen. Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 146–150. All rights reserved Abstract: Purulent pericarditis due to Mycoplasma hominis is rare, and is usually associated with mediastinitis or pleuritis following cardiothoracic surgery. We report the first case to our knowledge of isolated purulent pericarditis caused by M. hominis in a lung transplant recipient and review previously reported cases of this disease.
EXPOSURE OF HUMAN CELLS TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS: EFFECT OF TIME AND FIELD STRENGTH ON TRANSCRIPT LEVELS

Short exposure of cultured human cells to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fileds causes a measurable increase in some transcript levels. The effect of varying field strength and exposure time on c-myc, β-actin, c-src, β-tubulin, and histone H2B transcript levels in human HL-60 cells exposed to continuous sine waves (60 Hz) is analyzed here. An increase in the basal levels of these normally expressed transcripts is observed with dependence on both field strength and time of exposure. A “window” effect is found for each transcript at 20 min exposure [magnetic flux density of 5.7 µTesla (rms)]. Alpha-globin, a transcript not normally expressed in this cell line, was unaffected by exposure to the field strengths used for these experiments.
Simplified model for calculation of backflow contamination from rocket exhausts in vacuum

A computationally simple procedure for estimating the backflow from a plume expanding into a vacuum has been developed. The continuum flow is modeled as in the Simons method, with straight streamlines radiating from a point on the plume axis of symmetry, constant velocity, and density varying inversely as the square of the radius. The continuous transition from continuum to free-molecular flow is replaced by a suitably defined discontinuity surf ace. Particle number densities outside the discontinuity surface are calculated by assuming that a Maxwellian velocity distribution exists for particles located within small volumes adjacent to that surface. The boundary layer at the nozzle exit is accounted for and may be large compared with the freestream inviscid flow region. Calculated results are compared with existing backflow data for nozzles using CCh as a propellant.
Efficacy of commercially available wipes for disinfection of pulse oximeter sensors

Background This study examined the effectiveness of commercially available disinfecting wipes and cosmetic wipes in disinfecting pulse oximeter sensors contaminated with pathogenic bacterial surrogates. Methods Surrogates of potential biological warfare agents and bacterial pathogens associated with hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) were spotted on test surfaces, with and without an artificial test soil (sebum), allowed to dry, and then cleaned with different commercially available cleaning and disinfecting wipes or sterile gauze soaked in water, bleach (diluted 1:10), or 70% isopropanol. The percentage of microbial survival and an analytical estimation of remaining test soil on devices were determined. Results Wipes containing sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient and gauze soaked in bleach (1:10) were the most effective in removing both vegetative bacteria and spores. In the presence of selective disinfectants, sebum had a protective effect on vegetative bacteria, but not on spores. Conclusions The presence of sebum reduces the cleaning efficiency of some commercially available wipes for some select microbes. Various commercial wipes performed significantly better than the designated cleaning agent (70% isopropanol) in disinfecting the oximetry sensor. Cosmetic wipes were not more effective than the disinfecting wipes in removing sebum.
Catastrophic Snow Globes as Oneiric and Mnemonic Gadgets

While at first glance, snow globes might seem trite or trivial objects, on closer reflection, they are revealed to be symbolic realms that provide clues to the desires, dreams, nightmares, and memo...
Reaction Coordinates and Pathways of Mechanochemical Transformations

The notions of a reaction path and a reaction coordinate are central to chemistry as they provide low-dimensional descriptions of complex molecular processes. Here we discuss how to define, compute, and use the reaction paths for chemical transformations in molecules that are subjected to mechanical stress and thus driven toward regions of conformational space that are otherwise inaccessible both in computational studies and in reality. We further show that the circuitous nature of mechanochemical pathways often makes their one-dimensional description impossible and describe how multidimensional effects can be detected experimentally.
Patent Pooling Behind the Veil of Uncertainty: Antitrust, Competition Policy, and the Vaccine Industry

Innovations typically rely on multiple inventions which, in turn, frequently are subject to multiple patents or patent applications. In such cases, fragmentation of patent ownership introduces obstacles that may significantly hinder innovation. Patent pools constitute one potential mechanism to navigate such obstacles. This article examines how antitrust law may impede patent pools from creating or increasing market power and, thereby, constrain pool usage. Current antitrust law regarding patent pools has been developed almost exclusively in the context of intellectual property settings involving standard-setting organizations. It is argued that this context provides inadequate guidance for settings in which standards are not involved. Using the vaccine industry (particularly the H1N1 and SARS outbreaks) as a motivating example, this article argues that current antitrust treatment of patent pools may be too strict because it does not sufficiently accommodate the type of technological uncertainty, transaction costs, and pricing efficiencies inherent in these distinctive (non-standard-setting) innovation contexts. In particular, this article advocates both greater flexibility and clarity regarding the pooling of potential substitutes and the use of exclusive licensing within the context of pools. Such changes would not only enhance technological innovation but also render the treatment of patent pools and patents acquired through acquisition more consistent.
Biflavones of Dioon

Abstract Seven biflavones, amentoflavone, bilobetin, sequoiaflavone, ginkgetin, sciadopitysin, 7,4′,7′,4‴-tetra- O -methylamentoflavone, and diooflavone (amentoflavone hexamethyl ether), were identified from extracts of the cycad genus Dioon . The biflavones were identified by direct comparison with authentic samples using m.m.p., co-chromatography in 3 solvents, and NMR studies of the acetates. This is the first time amentoflavone hexamethyl ether has been identified as a natural product. After surveying numerous species of the Cycadales, no evidence could be obtained for the occurrence of biflavone glycosides or of biflavones based upon any other nucleus than apigenin.
Efficacy of Purified Influenza Subunit Vaccines and Relation to the Major Antigenic Determinants on the Hemagglutinin Molecule

Inactivated whole-virus vaccine of influenza A/Scotland/74 (H3N2) virus containing 700 or 1,400 chick cell-agglutinating (CCA) units, a purified subunit vaccine of equivalent dosage, or placebo were studied in 186 adult volunteers. Placebo was least reactogenic, 1,400-CCA unit whole-virus vaccine was most reactogenic, and others were intermediate. Vaccines were equally antigenic, and delineation of antibody specificities revealed antibody cross-reacting with A/Hong Kong/68 (H3N2) virus in all sera. Antibody specific for A/Hong Kong/68 virus was found in 82% of sera and for A/Scotland/74 virus in 46%. When compared with volunteers given placebo, volunteers given 700 CCA units of subunit or whole-virus vaccine exhibited significant protection against infection with live A/Scotland/74 virus. Infections in vaccinees occurred only in those with low titers of antibody to A/Scotland/74 virus, and this antibody was of the cross-reacting type. Persons with moderate and high levels of antibody resisted infection regardless of the absence or presence of antibody specific for A/Scotland/74 virus. Purified subunit vaccines provide an alternative to whole-virus preparations in primed individuals. Efficacy of vaccines may be dependent on the nature of the antibody response.
Josiah Royce —Theist or Pantheist?

The philosophy of Josiah Royce speaks often of the Absolute and of God, but has left his readers somewhat in doubt as to his exact theistic position. Those who have expressed their doubts attack the Royce an conception of the Absolute from two directions. Some find it not unified enough, others too unified, to be theistic. The former of these call attention to certain discussions in which Royce explains his world unity as a unity of meaning, or a mathematical infinite, or an all-inclusive concept, drawing there from the inference that the unity which he intended was only that of a logical possibility. Or, further, it is insisted that even if Royce may have intended real unity, there is serious question as to the success of his philosophic achievement. The Absolute is made to comprise such contradictory and discordant features that its harmony at least seems incongruous or forced. A unity composed of vigorously conflicting selves must be an aggregate rather than an organic whole.
Studies of Composition and Structure of CO_2 Corrosion Film of X56 Steel in the Medium of CO_2 and Salt Water

The X56 steel samples was corroded in the medium of salt water solution at the conditions of CO2 partial pressure POM 0.5 to 2.0 MPa, temperature 80 °C and flow rate 1.4m/s. Corrosion weigh loss, composition and structure, morphology and phase of corrosion films of the samples were investigate by SEM, EDS, XRD and XPS. The results indicated that the corrosion degree was accelerated with increasing POM ? The intense localised corrosion occurred on the surface of samples. The corrosion films mainly comprised of FeCO3 and complex phase products (Fe, Ca....)COj. There exists serious pitting on the metal substrates under the corrosion film. The theoretic and experimental analyses indicate this is caused by existed micropores or micro holes in films, which have the function of mass transportation.
Why severity models should be used with caution.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the advances in the severity scores and to voice a large degree of caution regarding definitive direct application. There are major, unanswered questions regarding stability of models over time, the ease of transport to other hospital settings, and the influence of case or patient mix. There are also larger concerns about inappropriate application of probability theory to individual patients in defining clinical futility and the possibility that these severity models will be misunderstood and wrongly applied in settings for which they have no scientific rationale.
Cracks And Fractures in Rock: Geological Analysis with the Acoustic Microscope

Because of its ability to image in three dimensions, the acoustic microscope can become an important tool for the analysis of cracks and fractures in rock. Most rock exhibits fracture, indicating material failure at scales from the global fault systems of plate tectonics to minuscule shears visible only with a microscope. Fractures are of great interest to the geologist, whether they are still open or have been healed by precipitates of such natural cements as calcium carbonate or silica. Healed fractures record the effects of one or more generations of stress fields, from which the tectonic history of the rock may be reconstructed. Open fractures are potential reservoirs and conduits for the storage and migration of water and hydrocarbons, and thus have major economic and social significance.
Influence of porcine somatotropin on the phosphorus requirement of finishing pigs: II. Carcass characteristics, tissue accretion rates, and chemical composition of the ham

We investigated the effects of recombinant porcine somatotropin (pST) on the requirement for P to maximize lean tissue accretion and to minimize fat tissue accretion in two experiments using finishing pigs. Corn-soybean meal diets with varying levels of P were fed, and Ca was adjusted to maintain a Ca:P ratio of 1.1:1. In Exp. 1, 96 pigs were fed dietary P concentrations of .35, .45, and .65% from 75 to 109 kg BW. One-half of the pigs were injected daily with 4 mg of pST. Administration of pST increased (P < .05) percentages and accretion rates of lean tissue, bone, skin, water, and protein, but it reduced (P < .05) those of fat tissue and lipid. Increasing dietary P had little effect on chemical composition or accretion rates in untreated pigs, but it increased (P < .05) ash percentage and accretion in pigs treated with pST. Experiment 2 consisted of 66 pigs fed six dietary P concentrations (.35, .50, .65, .80, .95, and 1.10%) from 72 to 114 kg. One-half of the pigs were injected daily with 4 mg of pST. Percentages and accretion rates of lean tissue, bone, skin, water, and protein increased (P < .05) with pST, but those of fat tissue and lipid were reduced (P < .05). Increasing dietary P increased accretion rates of bone and skin (linear, P < .05), lean tissue, water, protein, and ash (quadratic, P <.05), and it reduced (quadratic, P < .05) that of lipid in pigs treated with pST. Dietary P level did not consistently affect percentages or accretion rates of tissues or chemical components in untreated pigs. In most instances, pigs treated with pST required higher dietary P levels and greater daily intakes of P to maximize lean tissue and protein deposition and to minimize fat tissue and lipid accretion than untreated pigs. These results indicate that finishing pigs treated with pST require higher dietary percentages of P to maximize carcass lean deposition as compared with untreated pigs.
Use of Social Science Knowledge and Data in Public Policy Making: The Deliberations on the Compensatory Educational Policy by U.S. Congress

Many public policies are designed to facilitate the effective participation of neglected and disadvantaged groups in the major institutions of society and to promote a better quality of life for all. Generally, there is a consensus about the major problems facing society, but governmental initiative for corrective actions varies with political climate, resources and technological capabilities. Policy makers do not always have access to relevant information and when they do, it is not necessary that they use it in their decision making. Many academic scholars seem to believe that policy makers at federal, state and local levels shun knowledge and facts and essentially seek narrowly conceived economic and political feasibilities. Policy makers, on the other hand, find that most academics are too narrow and theoretical and their research rarely contributes to actual problem-solving strategies in the world of action. These perceptions notwithstanding, policy makers seek knowledge and information to play their roles effectively and policy researchers want to see some impact of their research efforts in policy decisions.
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS FOR DEVELOPING REGIONS

Abstract There seems to be a strong correlation between a region’s prosperity and the level of transportation it enjoys. The relationship between transportation and economic development of regions has been recognized by economists and planners. However, the exact nature of this relationship has not been easy to quantify. The planning of a transport system for development should be closely related to general regional development planning. Transportation is not an end by itself; its purpose is to aid the realization of desired regional economic development patterns. A systems approach framework is proposed whereby transportation system planning is integrated into the regional development planning process. The main feature of the approach is that it derives alternative plans from a consideration of goals and objectives. The role of analysis is discussed. It is argued that in developing regions simple models have a particular advantage for the study of the relationships between transportation and development. An example is given of how a simple abstract model of transportation can aid in the evaluation of the transport requirements for alternative regional development policies, and thus aid in the evaluation of such policies.
The Power of Community Action: Anti-Payday Loan Ordinances in Three Metropolitan Areas (Executive Summary)

Local ordinances that restrict payday lending constitute an important strategy in the overall attack on this problematic form of lending. In this report, made possible by the generous support of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, we describe and analyze campaigns in three locales that differ markedly in the opportunities and challenges faced by ordinance advocates. The locales are Santa Clara and San Mateo counties in California (“Silicon Valley”); Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties in Texas; and Salt Lake County in Utah. This report finds both commonalities and important variations among these campaigns. While there is no single recipe for a successful ordinance campaign, our comparative analysis suggests the following ten lessons for payday lending opponents and other advocates of social reform via local action.
Determining the Lower Limit of Human Vision Using a Single-Photon Source

We discuss the use of a source of single photons to investigate possible single-photon vision in humans.
Enhancing Areal Interpolation Frameworks through Dasymetric Refinement to Create Consistent Population Estimates across Censuses.

ABSTRACTTo assess micro-scale population dynamics effectively, demographic variables should be available over temporally consistent small area units. However, fine-resolution census boundaries often change between survey years. This research advances areal interpolation methods with dasymetric refinement to create accurate consistent population estimates in 1990 and 2000 (source zones) within tract boundaries of the 2010 census (target zones) for five demographically distinct counties in the US. Three levels of dasymetric refinement of source and target zones are evaluated. First, residential parcels are used as a binary ancillary variable prior to regular areal interpolation methods. Second, Expectation Maximization (EM) and its data-extended version leverage housing types of residential parcels as a related ancillary variable. Finally, a third refinement strategy to mitigate the overestimation effect of large residential parcels in rural areas uses road buffers and developed land cover classes. Results ...
Safe, successful nausea suppression in early pregnancy with P-6 acustimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of P-6 acustimulation for the relief of nausea and vomiting associated with early pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-one patients were treated with a P-6 acustimulation device at the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School. Pretreatment nausea severity, posttreatment nausea relief and device effectiveness were patient rated using a 1-5 scale. All neonates were evaluated for congenital abnormalities. RESULTS: Pretreatment nausea severity scores for treated patients averaged 4.2, with most severe and debilitating nausea rated 5. Posttreatment device effectiveness averaged 4.2, with significant or complete relief rated 5. Device ease of use averaged 4.3, with very easy to use rated 5. No congenital abnormalities were found. CONCLUSION: Because current pharmacologic treatments for nausea in early pregnancy are not consistent, efficacious or without unwanted side effects or increased teratogenic risks, acustimulation of P-6 in pregnancy may prove to be a significant therapeutic alternative.
Making Industry-University Partnerships Work

University research centers have proven to be beneficial partners for industrial firms seeking new ideas and new technologies. The centers, especially those with flexible and creative policies for ...
Reliability of Daniels Systems with Local Load Sharing Subject to Random Time Dependent Inputs

Daniels systems consist of n parallel brittle fibers and can carry load in damage states m = n, n−1, ..., 1 characterized by m unfailed fibers and n–m failed fibers (Fig. 1). It is assumed that the distribution of the applied load among fibers presents concentrations in a vicinity of failed fibers (local load sharing rule) consistent with the stress distribution observed in composite and fiber-reinforced materials (9). Most studies on the reliability of Daniels systems involve elementary loading conditions, e.g, time-invariant and monotonic loads (8,10). Dynamic loads began to be considered recently for Daniels systems with the equal load sharing rule (1,2,3,4).
Surgical resection of infantile hemangiomas following medical treatment with propranolol versus corticosteroids

Abstract Purpose There has been a paradigm shift from corticosteroid to propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IHs), with surgical resection reserved for complicated or persistent IHs. The purpose of this study was to determine if propranolol treatment was associated with decreased utilization of surgical resection compared to corticosteroids. Methods A single center retrospective chart review of all corticosteroid or propranolol treated IHs between 2005 and 2014 was performed. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with the primary outcome of requiring surgical intervention. Results Of 652 patients with IH, 52 were treated with oral corticosteroids and 195 with propranolol only. Surgical intervention was required in 14 (27%) of steroid patients vs 18 (9%) of propranolol patients (p Conclusion Patients treated with propranolol required significantly fewer surgical interventions than those treated with corticosteroids suggesting a more efficacious treatment paradigm. Prematurity increases the need for surgical intervention regardless of the modality of medical treatment. Level of evidence Level III, treatment study.