cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiometry of flashing LED sources

A laboratory based technique has been devised for measuring the illumination characteristics of flashing light emitting diode (LED) sources. The difference between the photopic measurement of a continuous source and a flashing source is that some analytic method must be incorporated into the measurement to account for the response of the eye. Ohno et al have devised an analytic expression for the impulse response of the eye, which closely matches existing forms used for finding effective intensity 1 . These other forms are the Blondel-Rey equation, the Form Factor method, and the Allard method. 4,5,6 Ohno's research suggests a modified Allard method, but offers no procedure for actually making the measurement. In this research, the modified Allard 1 method approach has been updated using standard laboratory equipment such as a silicon detector in conjunction with a digital multi-meter and Labview® software to make this measurement. Labview® allows exact computation of the modified Allard method. However, an approximation scheme for the conversion from radiometric units to photopic units must be adopted. The LED spectral form is approximately a Gaussian line shape with full width at half maximum of about 15 to 30nm. The Gaussian curve makes converting from radiometric to photopic units difficult. To simplify, the technique presented here estimates the spectral form of the LEDs to be a Dirac delta function situated at the peak wavelength. This allows the conversion from watts to lumens to be a simple application of the luminous efficiency curve. 2 For LEDs with a full width half maximum of 20nm, this scheme is found to be accurate to ± 5%.
Health Care Reform in Massachusetts: Implementation of Coverage Expansions and a Health Insurance Mandate

Context: Much can be learned from Massachusetts's experience implementing health insurance coverage expansions and an individual health insurance mandate. While achieving political consensus on reform is difficult, implementation can be equally or even more challenging. Methods: The data in this article are based on a case study of Massachusetts, including interviews with key stakeholders, state government, and Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority officials during the first three years of the program and a detailed analysis of primary and secondary documents. Findings: Coverage expansion and an individual mandate led Massachusetts to define affordability standards, establish a minimum level of insurance coverage, adopt insurance market reforms, and institute incentives and penalties to encourage coverage. Implementation entailed trade-offs between the comprehensiveness of benefits and premium costs, the subsidy levels and affordability, and among the level of mandate penalties, public support, and coverage gains. Conclusions: National lessons from the Massachusetts experience come not only from the specific decisions made but also from the process of decision making, the need to keep stakeholders engaged, the relationship of decisions to existing programs and regulations, and the interactions among program components.
Bacteremia in a pediatric hemodialysis unit secondary to Enterococcus fecalis.

Bacteremia is often a serious and recurring problem in children with hemodialysis catheters. We report an outbreak ofEnterococcus bacteremia in a pediatirc hemodialysis unit occurring from June 1992 to June 1993. During this period, 18 episodes of bacteremia occurred in eight children: 11 infections were polymicrobial.Enterococcus fecalis was associated with 13 infections in five patients (8 polymicrobial). Other pathogens includedEnterobacter cloacae (5 infections),Staphylococcus (3),Staphylococcus epidermidis (2), andKlebsiella pneumoniae (2). AllEnterococcus infections occurred in patients with dual-lumen subclavian venous catheters. Skin and catheter sites were culture negative, except in one patient. Rectal swabs were positive forEnterococcus in five patients.Enterococcus was not isolated from any source within the unit. Serotypes of allEnterococcus isolates were different, except for 2 isolates in the same patient. Starting in June 1993, catheters were flushed after dialysis with vancomycin or ampicillin. Since initiating this procedure, further episodes ofEnterococcus bacteremia have not occurred. A questionnaire sent to other pediatric hemodialysis units failed to identifyEnterococcus among 26 cases of bacteremia. In conclusion: (1)Enterococcus is an unusual pathogen for hemodialysis-related bacteremia in children; (2) patients with dialysis catheters were predisposed to this infection; (3) a common source forEnterococcus could not be identified by either culture or by serotyping; (4) flushing catheters with antibiotics after dialysis was effective prevention.
Analysis and parameter resolution in highly cooperative systems

We have examined common methods of analysis of highly cooperative systems such as oxygen binding by hemoglobin and thermal denaturation. Through extensive simulation of ligand-binding data for a tetrameric macromolecule we show that careful attention must be paid to the formulation of the fitting function and to proper assessment of the number of parameters involved. We conclude that the partition function should be formulated in terms of overall reaction parameters as opposed to stepwise reaction parameters and that bias is introduced by fixing physical parameters such as extrapolated end points.
Formation of mutagens following chlorination of humic acid. A model for mutagen formation during drinking water treatment.

Abstract Aqueous chlorination of humic acids results in the formation of compounds with direct-acting mutagenic activity in the Ames/Salmonella plate assay for tester strains TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 and TA1538. The addition of a rat-liver microsomal fraction (S9) plus cofactors causes a substantial decrease of activity, the extent of which is tester strain dependent. The non-chlorinated humic acids are not mutagenic either in the presence or absence of S9. Formation of mutagenic activity and of total organic halogen (TOX) is linearly related to humic concentration in the range of 0.2–1.6 mg/ml total organic carbon (TOC), and to chlorine concentration in the range of 0.1–1.0 chlorine equivalents per mole of carbon. The mutagenic activity is due predominantly to non-volatile compounds. Mutagenic activity is also detectable, after sample concentration by lyophilization, upon chlorination at a humic acid level of 0.02 mg/ml TOC. The specific mutagenic activities (per mg TOX), and also the degree of chlorine incorporation into humic acid, at 0.02 mg/ml TOC are similar to those present after chlorination at 1 mg/ml TOC. Production of mutagens is greatly dependent on the chlorination pH, with a pattern of decreasing mutagenic activity with increasing pH. This order of activity can be at least partially explained by the alkali lability of the compounds. Chlorination of commercial humic acids is proposed as a model for examination of mutagen formation during water chlorination.
Life table analysis of the effectiveness of contraceptive methods using an APL computer program

An APL computer program has been developed to perform life table analysis without the tedium and error associated with manual computation. Life table analysis is proposed as the standard method of reporting and analysing the effectiveness of contraceptive methods of all types.
Methylated Mono- and Di(ethylene glycol)-Functionalized β-Sheet Forming Polypeptides

We have synthesized methylated mono- and di(ethylene glycol)-functionalized polymers of l-serine and l-cysteine that adopt β-sheet conformations in the solid state: poly(O-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)-l-serine), poly(1); poly(O-(2-(methoxy)ethyl)-l-serine), poly(2); and poly(S-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)carbonyl-l-cysteine), poly(3). Of these three polymers, only poly(1) was found to be highly soluble in water independent of pH. Circular dichroism analysis of poly(1) in water or trifluoroethanol at 25 °C revealed that it is in a random conformation, which was unperturbed by changes in pH, buffer, or temperature. However, addition of methanol or acetonitrile to aqueous solutions of poly(1) resulted in a transition to the β-sheet conformation, as found in the solid state. The polymers were synthesized by transition metal catalyzed polymerization of amino acid-N-carboxyanhydrides, prepared from the functionalized amino acids and represent a new class of readily processable β-sheet forming polypeptides.
Extension of the rotation algorithm for earthquake damage estimation of complex structures

In a previous paper an algorithm was developed for estimating the slope at locations of ambient vibration measurements along the deformed shape of a single column subjected to strong earthquake motion. These slope estimates were used in obtaining permanent drift values for the single column and those were correlated to various levels of damage. The algorithm was illustrated with applications to single column tests performed at the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of California, Berkeley. In this paper, the same columns are first used to simulate slope values along the deformed shape of the columns in order to determine the best estimate of the displacement distribution. This information can then be used to determine the optimal number and location of sensors needed to provide a reliable permanent drift in a single column. Sensitivity studies are also performed to evaluate the effect of plastic hinge length over or underestimate as this value is usually inferred from empirical equations. The rotation algorithm is then extended to estimate residual drift from rotation measurements taken from multiple sensors in order to correlate them to structural damage. The resulting drift values can then be related to various damage states and can be used for rapid damage assessment immediately following a major earthquake. The main advantage of the proposed approach is that low-cost accelerometers can be used to obtain the information needed for rapid damage assessment.
Expanding the US medical workforce: global perspectives and parallels.

America9s medical schools are gearing up for their biggest expansion in decades. But Jonathan P Weiner argues that more doctors is not the answer to the country9s healthcare problems and calls for a more international approach
Retinal neurochemistry of three elasmobranch species: An immunohistochemical approach

We surveyed retinas of Raja erinacea, Mustelus canis, and Squalus acanthias for neurotransmitter substances by using antisera directed against the substances themselves or against their synthesizing enzymes. Both the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) and indirect fluorescent techniques were employed to visualize the primary antisera. In all three species positive results were obtained with antisera directed against tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), serotonin (5-HT), and leucine enkephalin (Lenk). Antisera directed against glucagon, neurotensin, beta-endorphin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or bombesin failed to show any specific staining. Immunoreactivity was located in amacrine, interplexiform, and horizontal cells as well as in axons of the optic fiber layer. The four antisera labelled different amacrine cell classes, distinguished on the bases of perikaryal morphology and the distribution of cell processes in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Amacrine cells that labelled with the same marker were seen to have different morphologies in the species studied. Thus, TOH-like immunoreactivity was distributed in layers 1, 3, and 5 of the IPL in Mustelus but only in layers 1 and 3 in Raja retina. GAD-like immunoreactivity was found diffusely over all layers of the IPL in Raja, but in Mustelus it was confined primarily to layers 1, 3, and 5 of the IPL. Lenk- and 5-HT-like immunoreactivities showed similar species variations. Two neurochemical classes of interplexiform cell were identified in this study. In Mustelus GAD-like and Lenk-like immunoreactive interplexiform cells were seen whereas in Raja only GAD-positive interplexiform cells were detected. In Squalus no unequivocal demonstration of any interplexiform cell was made with these antisera. The GAD antiserum also labelled a subset of the horizontal cells in the dorsal retina of Raja. TOH and 5-HT-antisera labelled axons in the optic fiber layer of all three species but reactive ganglion cell perikarya were not identified.
Adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics of atrazine removal using a banana peel based sorbent.

Atrazine removal from water by treated banana peels was studied. The effect of pH, contact time, initial atrazine concentration, and temperature were investigated. Batch experiments demonstrated that 15 g L−1 adsorbent dosage removed 90–99% of atrazine from 1–150 ppm aqueous solutions. The removal was both pH and temperature dependent with the most atrazine removed between pH 7 and 8.2 and increased with increasing temperature. Equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson models in the concentration and temperature ranges investigated, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 14 mg g−1. Simple mass transfer models were applied to the experimental data to examine the adsorption mechanism and it was found that both external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion played important roles in the adsorption mechanisms. The enthalpy of atrazine adsorption was evaluated to be 67.8 ± 6.3 kJ mol−l with a Gibbs free energy of –5.7 ± 1.2 kJ mol−1.
RECONFIGURABLE CONTROL DESIGN FOR THE FULL X-33 FLIGHT ENVELOPE

A reconfigurable control law for the full X-33 flight envelope has been designed to accommodate a failed control surface and redistribute the control effort among the remaining working surfaces to retain satisfactory stability and performance. An offline nonlinear constrained optimization approach has been used for the X-33 reconfigurable control design method. Using a nonlinear, six-degree-of-freedom simulation, three example failures are evaluated: ascent with a left body flap jammed at maximum deflection; entry with a right inboard elevon jammed at maximum deflection; and landing with a left rudder jammed at maximum deflection. Failure detection and identification are accomplished in the actuator controller. Failure response comparisons between the nominal control mixer and the reconfigurable control subsystem (mixer) show the benefits of reconfiguration. Single aerosurface jamming failures are considered. The cases evaluated are representative of the study conducted to prove the adequate and safe performance of the reconfigurable control mixer throughout the full flight envelope. The X-33 flight control system incorporates reconfigurable flight control in the existing baseline system.
Direct visualization of collagens and procollagens in polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract This report describes a procedure that results in the rapid visual identification of collagens and procollagens in polyacrylamide gels. The technique results in a pink stain for collagenous proteins and a blue stain for all other proteins. The color difference has been evaluated spectrophotometrically. The absorbance maxima for collagen-Coomassie blue R250 complexes in gels is 520–535 nm, and the maxima for all other protein-Coomassie blue R250 complexes that we tested is 550–560 nm. This technique will facilitate the identification of collagenous proteins in complex mixtures of proteins derived from cell membranes, whole cell extracts, conditioned media, and extracellular matrices. We use the technique to detect procollagens in human diploid fibroblast conditioned media. The technique is simple, relatively rapid, has utility for proteins extracted by a variety of methods, and is applicable to all polyacrylamide gel systems in general use.
Influence of Environment and Developmental State on the Shoot-forming Capacity of Tomato Genotypes

Summary The influence of the explant type and the source plant environment on the shootforming capacities of 8 tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) genotypes was determined. The 8 genotypes were ranked from low to high on the basis of their shoot-forming capacities from leaf disc explants obtained from 6-week-old plants grown in the greenhouse. Shoot formation from leaf discs was significantly affected by the ontological age of the source leaf when tissue was taken from fall-grown plants. This effect was not observed from plants grown in the spring. A significant decrease in the shoot-forming capacity of each genotype was noted from fall to spring. The 8 genotypes were also ranked on the basis of shoot-forming capacity from seedling tissue. The ranking was significantly altered by the environment in which the seedlings were grown (greenhouse versus in vitro ) and by the explant type (hypocotyl versus colytedon). Moreover, the shoot-forming capacities of the 8 genotypes were generally higher from explants of seedlings grown in vitro than form those of greenhouse-grown seedlings and higher from cotyledon explants than from hypocotyl explants. The extent of variability which was attributable to developmental and environmental influences indicated that sampling procedures must be clearly defined in order to accurately assess genetic differences in shoot-forming capacity.
Trabecular Microfracture Precedes Cortical Shell Failure in the Rat Caudal Vertebra Under Cyclic Overloading

Microscopic tissue damage has been observed in otherwise healthy cancellous bone in humans and is believed to contribute to bone fragility and increased fracture risk. Animal models to study microscopic tissue damage and repair in cancellous bone would be useful, but it is currently not clear how loads applied to a whole animal bone are related to the amount and type of resulting microdamage in cancellous bone. In the current study we determine the relationship between applied cyclic compressive overloading and the resulting amount of microdamage in isolated rat tail vertebrae, a bone that has been used previously for in vivo loading experiments. Rat caudal vertebrae (C7-C9, n = 22) were potted in bone cement and subjected to cyclic compressive loading from 0 to 260 N. Loading was terminated in the secondary and tertiary phases of the creep-fatigue curve using custom data-monitoring software. In cancellous bone, trabecular microfracture was the primary form of microdamage observed with few microcracks. Trabecular microfracture prevalence increased with the amount of cyclic loading and occurred in nine out of 10 specimens loaded into the tertiary phase. Only small amounts of microdamage were observed in the cortical shell of the vertebrae, demonstrating that, under axial cyclic loading, damage occurs primarily in regions of cancellous bone before overt fracture of the bone (macroscopic cracks in the cortical shell). These experiments in isolated rat tail vertebrae suggest that it may be possible to use an animal model to study the generation and repair of microscopic tissue damage in cancellous bone.
Multifactor optimization of reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separations

Abstract The single-factor “window diagrma” technique of Laub and Purnell is extended to the multifactor case, and is successfully applied to the reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation of a nine-component mixture.
The Cross-Sectional Effect of Inflation on Corporate Investment and Employment

This paper examines the cross-sectional effect of inflation on the investment and employment decisions. The paper shows that more heavily capitalized firms tend to have a greater reduction in the capital-labor ratio during an inflationary period. The paper also shows that firms with a higher cost of debt to wage ratios and a larger amount of depreciation shelter tend to use more labor in the inflationary period. Empirical results are generally consistent with these arguments.
SO(3)-Invariant Extended Supergravity

I construct the supergravity theory for a supersymmetry algebra whose spinor generators carry SO(3) internal symmetry. Spins 1/2, 1, 3/2, and 2 are unified in one gravitational multiplet. The method used should be applicable to theories based on other internal symmetry groups. (AIP)
SU-E-T-401: On the Use of Onboard Portal Dosimetry for Patient-Specific QA of RapidArc Plans

Purpose: The goal of this project is to conduct a systematic investigation on the utility of an onboard portal dosimetry (PD) system for patient‐specific QA of RapidArc plans. This abstract reports the preliminary results of this ongoing investigation. Methods: The PD system of Varian Medical Systems has been used in many centers as a convenient and viable tool for patient‐specific QA of fixed‐beam IMRT plans. Because the onboard portal imager rotates with the x‐ray source, portal dose obtained at each pixel from a complete RapidArc delivery is a sum of portal doses delivered at different gantry angles of the arc. As a Result, the sensitivity of PD in detecting deviations of photon fluence delivered at different gantry angles is inherently low. We investigated the potential sensitivity loss and its implications for patient‐specific QA by 1) dividing the arc into multiple smaller arc‐segments, 2) analyzing the dose concordance as a function of arc‐segments, and 3) comparing the concordance of PD QA results with those obtained from 3D dose verification using the Delta4 system. Results: Preliminary studies were conducted using RapidArc plans for prostate and head & neck cases. For each case, three verification plans (using single arc (300°), five 60° arc‐segments and ten 30° arc‐segments) were examined. All PD QA plans passed the QA criteria based on the gamma index. Detailed comparison of portal‐°dose profiles indicated general concordance between the measured and predicted, with increased local variations for plans with smaller arc segments. The QA results using PD for all patients were concordant with that obtained by Delta4 based on 3D dose comparison. Conclusion: Although the preliminary results shown concordant QA results between PD and Delta4, this does not constitute a sufficient test of PD for RapidArc QA. Further investigation is ongoing and updated results will be reported in the meeting.
Anxiety experienced by individuals with cancer in remission

For this qualitative research study, we interviewed 25 individuals who survived cancer regarding the sentiments they experienced in adjusting to having their condition in remission. Among other findings that we reported elsewhere, two themes emerged from the in-depth interviews relating to apprehensive percepts. One was that participants spoke of their tendency to battle worrisome thoughts. Although they used a variety of words in describing the construct, anxiety repeatedly appeared as a cogent emotion when facing cancer. Second, anniversaries were said to have continued cogence for the participants as they triggered memories and tended to generate degrees of anxiety.
The measurement of roadway PM10 emission rates using atmospheric tracer ratio techniques

In this work, stationary and mobile point source tracer release techniques have been used to determine PM10 emission rates from four-lane commercial/residential paved roads under sanded and unsanded conditions, and from unpaved roads relative to site-specific vehicular and ambient parameters. Measured street (4 + lanes; ⩾ 10,000 vehicles per day) emission factors for unsanded and sanded roads were 40 and 20% lower, respectively, than the EPA approved reference value. The sanded road emission factor was approximately 40% higher than that for the unsanded road. These results indicate a consistent relationship between PM10 and relative humidity under unsanded conditions. There is some evidence to suggest that street sweeping has a measurable effect on PM,, emission reduction during periods of low relative humidity (i.e. ⩽ 30%). Within the constraints imposed by the variable experimental conditions, the emission factors determined for unpaved roads agreed reasonably well with the unpaved road empirical formula. Limited correlations were observed with ambient meteorological parameters. The capability of the “upwind-dowiawind” concentration modeling method to predict accurate emission was tested using a Gaussian dispersion model (SIMFLUX). Predictions agreed well with the experimentally determined emission factors.
Update on 12O(g.s.) width for simultaneous 2p decay

We update information concerning the width of the ground state of 12O, and correct a small error in our earlier evaluation.
An unsteady flow theory for vortex-induced vibration

Abstract A mathematical model for vortex-induced vibration of circular, cylindrical structures that is presented in this paper is based on the unsteady flow theory. Motion-dependent fluid forces are measured in a water channel. From the measured fluid forces, fluid stiffness and fluid damping coefficients are calculated as a function of reduced flow velocity and oscillation amplitude. Once these coefficients are known, the mathematical model can be applied to predict the structural response to vortex shedding, including response amplitude, lock-in frequency and stability characteristics.
Elevated Cardiac Troponins in Setting of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, Sepsis, and Septic Shock

Elevation of cardiac troponins and creatinine kinase is frequently observed in setting of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, or septic shock. Underlying pathophysiologic mechanism for such troponin leak, its clinical significance, and what different could be done in such settings remain elusive. In this paper we have briefly overviewed the proposed pathogenic mechanisms for SIRS, sepsis, or septic shock-related troponin elevation (SRTE) and have provided brief overview on its clinical significance. Upon review of the relevant literature we found that majority of patients with the SRTE with no prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD) upon testing are found not to have any CADs. We have also briefly discussed the possible pharmacologic agents and potential targets which are important from pathophysiologic and pharmacologic point of view that may alter the outcomes of SRTE-related myocardial depression in near future.
Altered motility of myometrium from estrous ewes after the regulation of estrus with progestagen or prostaglandin.

The invitro motility of strips of myometrium was studied in estrous ewes after administration of melengestrol acetate (MGA), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) or prostaglandin F2α (PG) to regulate estrus. Ewes were killed during estrus, 2 to 4 days after the end of progestagen or PG treatment. The contractions of strips of myometrium were recorded by kymograph and compared to contractions of control ewes. Muscle relaxation was indicated by an interval of tracing that was nearly horizontal and close to the baseline. A major contraction was indicated by a sharp upward movement of the tracing pen and an interval of tracing above the baseline. Treating ewes with MAP by intravaginal sponge lengthened contraction time. Feeding MGA or MAP tended to shorten relaxation time, and injecting PG tended to both lengthen contraction time and shorten relaxation time. As a result of these effects, the proportion of time that myometrium spent in contraction averaged 74% for 42 ewes treated with progestagen or prostaglandin and 56% for 24 control ewes. These results indicate that treatments that inhibit sperm transport when used to regulate estrus also affect the nature of myometrial contractions invitro.
n-3 fatty acids as precursors for active metabolic substances: dissonance between expected and observed events.

. It may be hypothesized that many diseases are associated with an overproduction of eicosanoids from the n-6 acid, arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), and the formation and function of these n-6 eicosanoids can be antagonized by dietary n-3 fats. This hypothesis provides a basis for evaluating the benefits and risks of including various amounts of n-3 and n-6 fats in the diet. Understanding the impact of dietary polyunsaturated fats leads inevitably to a reappraisal of what is ‘normal’ in terms of what is typical and what is desirable for the fatty acid composition of tissue lipids, the magnitude of eicosanoid-mediated responses, and the frequency and severity of certain diseases.
Opening remarks: Alvin Gouldner's Theory and Society

I take this opportunity to say something about the origins of Theory and Society and to relate that beginning to the gathering represented in this volume on the occasion of the twenty-first birthday of Theory and Society. These remarks, then, will be a remembering, and an invitation to join the Theory and Society collegium in a Gouldnerian celebration. Theory and Society, founded by Alvin Gouldner in 1974, was from the start two things: an intellectual project and a political project. The intellectual project was to find and publish the most creative social thought and analysis available, whether produced in the academy or out of it. The political project was to support a group of individuals - intellectuals - in their quest for a more just and humane world. Over the course of many years, Gouldner sought to understand the social and historical conditions that would support emancipatory intellectual work, and he came to the conclusion that what was needed as a start was a collegium. Theory and Society was to be that collegium, to become a liberated zone for new theoretical resources, a safehouse for a community of scholars. It was for social theory, personified in a community of critical theorists, to become the agent in developing a rational discourse about social worlds, capable, where previous grand visions had failed, of treading the delicate path between recovery and holism. Thus would societies be reclaimed for humans. Gouldner came to his notion of a collectivity of intellectuals, and the Theory and Society collegium, through years of thinking about how social theory was produced and how it was institutionalized. The social organization that the community became reflected Gouldner's ideas of creativity and his sociology of social theory.
A command computer for complex autonomous systems

Abstract We describe a mode-commanding computer, CC, for autonomous complex systems that was inspired by the neuroanatomy and hypothesized functions of vertebrate brainstem reticular formations. A “mode” is a total action pattern of an organism, such as fight, flee, etc. CC is composed of K simple modules, 3
Responsive evaluation (and its influence on deliberative democratic evaluation)

In the 1970s Stake offered a rationale for representing the perspectives of stakeholders, which was liberating and highly influential, though his insistence that evaluative claims are subjective left responsive evaluators in an arbitrary posture.
Observation of differences in the quenching of the Photocurrent in GaAs containing EL2 and EL0

The quenching of the photocurrent and photo-Hall effect of several undoped semi-insulating gallium arsenide samples has been measured and compared with the deep-level photoluminescence spectra from neighboring samples. Samples that show either EL2 (0.68 eV) or ELO (0.63 eV) photoluminescence have distinctly different photocurrent quenching behaviors. EL2 samples show a photocurrent decrease of several orders of magnitude, and a change fromn-type to p-type conduction during quenching at 80 K with 1.1 eV light. ELO samples show a reduction in photocurrent of less than an order of magnitude with no change in the carrier type at this temperature. Photo-Hall effect experiments at 80 K indicate that the conduction isn-type for the ELO samples, but changes fromn- to p-type during the quench for the EL2 samples. The temperature dependence of the quenching has also been studied. EL2 samples show little variation in the range 10-80 K, while ELO samples show significant quenching similar to EL2 after the temperature is reduced below 70 K. These results indicate that defects other than EL2 can significantly affect photocurrent quenching experiments.
Dose-dependence of and Threshold for Optimal Bone Induction by Collagenous Bone Matrix and Osteogenin-enriched Fraction

Summary Subcutaneous implantation of demineralized collagenous bone matrix results in localinduction of new bone formation. The dose dependence of bone induction was investigated using different amounts of rat demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and also osteogenin-enriched fraction with and without inactive collagenous bone matrix (ICBM). There is a threshold for bone induction; at least lOmg of DBM is required. There is a dose dependent increase in bone induction between 10 to 25 mg. Exogenous type I collagen was found to be stimulatory to bone induction when suboptimal doses of DBM are employed. The activity of osteogenin-enriched dissociative extract was enhanced by addition of ICBM. These results imply that optimal bone induction requires the combined action of soluble osteogenin-enriched fraction and insoluble collagenous substratum.
Medium ring synthesis via intramolecular diels-alder reaction. I. The synthesis of bicyclo[6.4.O]dodecane systems

Abstract The regio- and stereocontrolled synthesis of cis -fused bicyclo[6.4.Oldodecane ring systems by the application of the Lewis acid-catalyzed intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction is described.
The effect of ferric iron on the electrical conductivity of olivine

Wet chemistry and Mossbauer techniques indicate that the major chemical difference between olivines whose electrical conductivities differ by several orders of magnitude is the oxidation state of iron in the olivine. Below 1100°C, activation energies less than 1 eV are associated with the presence of Fe 3+ , while energies greater than 1 eV occur for olivines with no detectable Fe 3+ .
Evaluation of Problem-Solving Groups The Case of Quality Circle Programs

This article states the case for evaluating the effectiveness of problem-solving groups, develops a model of group problem-solving behavior, and applies the resulting conceptual framework to 16 actual evaluations of quality circle programs published between 1981 and 1986. It recommends that problem-solving groups be evaluated to improve their effectiveness, that evaluations be comprehensive- attending to feedback variables and to input and process variables, as well as to the commonly measured output variables, and that self-report data-collection pro cedures be supplemented by more objective measures.
Upregulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase by HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Background—Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes endothelial dysfunction in part by decreasing the availability of endothelial nitric oxide (NO). Although HMG CoA reductase inhibitors restore endothelial function by reducing serum cholesterol levels, it is not known whether they can also directly upregulate endothelial NO synthase (ecNOS) activity. Methods and Results—Human saphenous vein endothelial cells were treated with ox-LDL (50 μg/mL thiobarbituric acid reactive substances 12 to 16 nmol/mg) in the presence of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors simvastatin and lovastatin. In a time-dependent manner, ox-LDL decreased ecNOS mRNA and protein levels (91±4% and 67±8% reduction after 72 hours, respectively). Both simvastatin (1 μmol/L) and lovastatin (10 μmol/L) upregulated ecNOS expression by 3.8-fold and 3.6-fold, respectively, and completely prevented its downregulation by ox-LDL. These effects of simvastatin on ecNOS expression correlated with changes in ecNOS activity. Although l-mevalonate alon...
Balance Abilities of Community Dwelling Older Adults Under Altered Visual and Support Surface Conditions

The purpose of this study was to examine balance abilities of older adults using the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (CTSIB), more commonly known as the Foam and Dome Test. This test evaluates an individual's ability to maintain upright standing under altered visual and support surface conditions. Sixty-nine community dwelling older adults of culturally diverse backgrounds who attend North Philadelphia, PA senior centers participated in the study. The mean age of the group was 76.3 years (SD = ±8.1, range 61-97). Individuals were timed on the six different conditions of the CTSfB. A perfect score was 30 seconds. Of the sixty-nine participants, forty-six were able to complete all conditions. Scores tended to decrease as the difficulty of the conditions increased. Older adults tend to use visual input to maintain balance even with conflicting visual information; and tend to have better standing balance on hard versus compliant surfaces. To assess balance abilities of patients when using the ...
Regulated Transgene Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle

To the Editor: We are writing in reference to 2 articles published in Circulation Research , both of which report use of transgenic mice with smooth muscle cell–specific expression of the tetracycline-regulated transactivator (tTA) to activate conditional tTA-regulated alleles in the vasculature of transgenic mice.1,2 The purpose of this letter is to report our experience with these mice and to inform the readership that, in our hands, these mice show no evidence of either (1) an ability to transactivate conditional alleles or (2) expression of the tTA in vascular tissue. Generation of mice in which a fragment of the murine SM22α promoter was used to achieve smooth muscle–specific expression of the tTA was first reported in abstract form in 1997 by Husain et al.3 In 1998, experimental results obtained with these mice appeared in a figure contributed by Dr Husain to a review article in Circulation …
Carbamazepine and hematological monitoring

Clinically important hematological toxicity is uncommon with carbamazepine (CBZ). Only 20 patients with CBZ-associated aplastic anemia have been reported since 1964. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia occur in about 2% of patients. Based on the available data on hematological complications of CBZ, we question the justification for expensive, excessive laboratory monitoring.
Population Structure of Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in the United States

ABSTRACT The potato tuberworm, Phthorimaea operculella Zeller, is one of the most damaging pests of potatoes worldwide. Although tuberworm was recorded in California as early as 1856, it was first reported in damaging numbers in Oregon and Washington in the early 2000s. The objective of this study was to provide baseline information on the population structure of potato tuberworm in the United States. Potato tuberworm adults were collected from potato fields in the major production regions in the United States. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) were used to determine the genetic population structure of potato tuberworm. We used 219 individuals and 335 polymorphic AFLP bands to infer the geographic population structure of potato tuberworm. Posterior probabilities calculated using the model-based clustering method implemented in STRUCTURE, and Fst values calculated using AFLP-SURV confirmed the existence of two distinct populations in the United States (one mostly associated to the western Unit...
Augmenting adaptive output feedback control of uncertain nonlinear systems with actuator nonlinearities

We address systematic design of a linear compensator to enhance the performance of an adaptive output feedback control with actuator nonlinearities. The adaptive output feedback controller augments a baseline linear controller. The basic approach involves showing that the augmenting adaptive output feedback architecture is structurally equivalent to a robust internal-loop compensator. The approach addresses a broad class of actuator nonlinearities, and is applicable to non-affine, nonlinear system containing both parametric uncertainty and unmodelled dynamics. We illustrate the main results using a three-disk torsional system, in which the actuator is subject to dead zone and saturation.
Open-Source Software for Power Industry Research, Teaching, and Training: A DC-OPF Illustration

Software currently available for power industry studies is largely proprietary. Lack of open-source access prevents users from gaining a complete and accurate understanding of what has been implemented, restricts the ability of users to experiment with new software features, and hinders users from tailoring software to specific training scenarios. This study reports on the development of a stand-alone open-source Java solver for DC optimal power flow (DC-OPF) problems suitable for research, teaching, and training purposes. The DC-OPF solver is shown to match or exceed the accuracy of BPMPD, a proprietary third-party QP solver highly recommended by MatPower, when tested on a public repository of small to medium-sized QP problems. The capabilities of the DC-OPF solver are illustrated for a 5-node DC-OPF test case commonly used for training purposes.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SMALL-DIAMETER DRAINAGE PIPE

Over the past few years, a new small-diameter pipe has been developed for storm water drainage, culverts, and similar applications. The product is manufactured from polymer-coated galvanized steel by the helical lock seam process on a new line of equipment developed for that purpose. Known as PolyRib pipe, the profile is composed of sets of three closely spaced ribs with a wider spacing between the sets of ribs to accommodate the lock seam. As part of the process for evaluating the new product, tests were conducted that included hydraulic tests, soil box tests, installation tests, pipe stiffness tests, beam tests, and durability tests. The results of these investigations are summarized. New ASTM standards may be used to design and specify the product. Procedures for determining sectional properties and a table of maximum fill heights have also been developed. Evaluation of the information shows that the product has the required attributes to provide a competitive new drainage pipe for moderate fill height...
Predictors of at-risk kindergarteners’ later reading difficulty: examining learner-by-intervention interactions

This longitudinal study examined (a) the second-grade reading outcomes of 368 children who participated in either experimental or school-designed supplemental intervention in kindergarten, and (b) the influence and interactions of learner variables and type of intervention on reading achievement. Descriptive findings indicated that percentages of students identified as at risk or not at risk were statistically comparable between interventions. Entry-level letter identification scores predicted performance on all second-grade reading outcomes for students in both interventions. The influence of entry-level sound matching, receptive vocabulary knowledge, English language learner status and reading outcomes was moderated by type of intervention. Performance on a curriculum-embedded measure administered 8 weeks into intervention reliably predicted second grade reading performance.
Eigenimage filtering in MR imaging: an application in the abnormal chest wall

A postprocessing linear filter was applied to spin-echo images on 10 patients with known or suspected chest wall invasion due to bronchogenic carcinoma. This technique known as eigenimage filtering allows selective feature extraction of suspected abnormalities from conventional MR images. The final result is an image with marked increased contrast range through enhancement of a desired process (tumor) with suppression of an interfering process (e.g., normal surrounding tissue). This preliminary work demonstrates the ease with which the technique may be implemented, the contrast enhancement obtained between the desired and the interfering feature in the final eigenimage, and its ability to correct for partial volume averaging effects. Also demonstrated are artifacts that can interfere with the interpretation of the eigenimage and a method for minimizing these artifacts in the final eigenimage.
Die Kunstgeschichte fand nicht statt

Die Kunstgeschichte fand nicht statt. Die Argumente fur diese Feststellung verdichten sich; sie ergeben sich als eine Konsequenz aus den zahlreichen Arbeiten insbesondere im Fach »Kunstgeschichte« selbst. Die Arbeiten, die am intensivsten ins historische Detail gehen, sperren sich am deutlichsten gegen die traditionelle Stilgeschichte. Ihre Ergebnisse passen auch nicht in alle anderen geistesgeschichtlichen Entwicklungskonstruktionen, die in der Ausbildung und Veranderung typischer Formen, Strukturen, thematischer und gestalterischer Charaktere bisher vorgeschlagen wurden.
Cholangitis and endoscopic drainage.

Background. Emergency surgery for patients with severe acute cholangitis due to choledocholithiasis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Because recent results suggested that emergency endoscopic drainage could improve the outcome of such patients, we undertook a prospective study to determine the role of this procedure as initial treatment. Methods. During a 43-month period, 82 patients with severe acute cholangitis due to choledocholithiasis were randomly assigned to undergo surgical decompression of the biliary tract (41 patients) or endoscopic biliary drainage (41 patients), followed by definitive treatment. Hospital mortality was analyzed with respect to the use of endoscopic biliary drainage and other clinical and laboratory findings. Prognostic determinants were studied by linear discriminant analysis. Results. Complications related to biliary tract decompression and subsequent definitive treatment developed in 14 patients treated with endoscopic biliary drainage and 27 treated with surgery (34 vs. 66 percent, P > 0.05). The time required for normalization of temperature and stabilization of blood pressure was similar in the two groups, but more patients in the surgery group required ventilatory support. The hospital mortality rate was significantly lower for the patients who underwent endoscopy (4 deaths) than for those treated surgically (13 deaths) (10 vs. 32 percent, P < 0.03). The presence of concomitant medical problems, a low platelet count, a high serum urea nitrogen concentration, and a low serum albumin concentration before biliary decompression were the other independent determinants of mortality in both groups. Conclusions. Endoscopic biliary drainage is a safe and effective measure for the initial control of severe acute cholangitis due to choledocholithiasis and to reduce the mortality associated with the condition.
A systematic review for the effects of television viewing by infants and preschoolers.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to conduct a systematic review of experimental trials for the effects of television viewing by infants and preschoolers. METHODS. Searches were conducted as of January 2005 on several online bibliographic databases for the disciplines of medicine, psychology, education, and communications. Relevant bibliographies were also reviewed. The article contents were critically evaluated to determine whether they met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from each included article regarding study methods and results. RESULTS. Twelve controlled trials met all of the criteria for inclusion in this review. All of the studies focused on the effect of television content rather than viewing time. The findings suggest that educational television programs are successful in broadening young children9s knowledge, affecting their racial attitudes, and increasing their imaginativeness. There is insufficient experimental evidence for effects of viewing these programs on either children9s prosocial behavior or their aggressive behavior. Finally, there is some evidence that viewing cartoons has a negative effect on children9s attentional abilities. CONCLUSIONS. A number of gaps remain in the literature. Although the amount of time children spend viewing television raises concern, the studies presented here focus only on content. Despite the fact that infants are the fastest growing television market segment, the controlled trials only include children aged ≥3 years. Finally, the clinical utility of the findings are questionable given that most studies included small group sizes, all took place in nonnaturalistic settings, and all but 1 study only evaluated short-term effects of television viewing.