cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment in Science: Return to the Good Old Days?

One hundred years ago, a committee appointed by the National Education Association (NEA) recommended that all high school students complete at least three years of laboratory science-one year each of biology, chemistry, and physics-and submit their laboratory notebooks as part of their applications to college (NEA 1894). The first of these two recommendations of the Committee of Ten, made up of ten college and university presidents, has only faced serious challenge in the last decade (Rutherford and Ahlgren 1989; Aldridge 1992). The second recommendation, the submission of evidence of having done some scientific work, is still considered avant-garde. Today, the idea of students' presenting evidence of having done real scientific work needs to be examined again. I will be doing that here, after a discussion of the status of science education in the broader educational context. Goals for science education-who studies what sciences for what purposes-are closely related to assessment methods, both in the classroom and beyond.
The effects of dromostanolone in sickle cell anemia

Abstract Dromostanolone, a new synthetic, orally effective androgen, was administered to twelve patients with homozymous sickle cell disease. The effects of the drug on erythrokinetics, red cell behavior, liver function, and patients' clinical courses were evaluated. Eleven out of twelve patients responded to dromostanolone with an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit. Nine out of ten patients showed an increase in red cell iron turnover and per cent of transferrin-bound iron incorporated into red cells seven days after injection. No significant changes were seen in Cr 51 -labeled red cell survival, Hb F concentration, red cell 2,3-DPG, and viscometric measurements. Liver function test results were unaffected and side effects were minimal. Three patients developed crises which were felt to be related to augmentation of their hematocrits. Other complications of sickle cell disease were not increased. There was a suggestion of improved cardiac function as measured by a Treadmill test. An attempt was made to correlate various clinical manifestations of disease such as crisis incidence, leg ulcers, cardiomegaly, renal insufficiency, and hepatomegaly with laboratory parameters such as red cell mass, erythrokinetics, blood viscosity, Hb F, and 2,3-DPG. We were unable to establish any strong correlations. We conclude that (1) dromostanolone is an effective erythropoiesis stimulating agent in sickle cell disease, without hepatotoxicity or high incidence of side effects, (2) the increased red cell mass may improve cardiac function, but (3) that vaso-occlusive crises may be precipitated by a higher hematocrit of sickle cells because of failure of dromostanolone to affect favorably the physical and chemical characteristics of the red cell population.
Optimization of Contact Dynamics for an RF MEMS Switch

Functional operation of RF MEMS resistive switches depends on dynamic characteristics of the cantilever contacts. Characteristics of these contacts, in turn, depend on parameters defining their shape and dimensions, material properties, boundary conditions, and actuation voltages. In this paper, a simple analytical model is presented and used to develop an understanding of the switch behavior. In addition, uncertainties corresponding to this model are also determined to quantitatively show the influence that various parameters defining the cantilever contact have on its dynamics which, in turn, influences performance of the RF MEMS switch. This performance can be optimized with the objective of achieving resonance frequency within, e.g., 1% of the desired value while constraining the nominal dimensions and finding the optimum set of uncertainties in these dimensions. Analytical results correlate well with the preliminary experimental characterization of the contacts.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Humeroscapular positions in a shoulder range-of-motion-examination

Positions of the arm are traditionally described in relation to the thorax. Yet shoulder pathology most often lies in and about the glenohumeral joint, which then becomes the focus of treatment. Little is known about the relative motion between the humerus and the scapula primarily because there is no clinically accepted method for assessing and describing these positions. This paper proposes a clinical method for describing and measuring humeroscapular positions based on an anatomic definition of the plane of the scapula. Humeroscapular positions achieved by 75 normal subiects during a conventional (humerothoracic) shoulder range-of-motion examination are presented. Identification of the plane of the scapula is based on four palpable anatomic landmarks: (7) the inferior pole of the scapula, (2) the medial border of the scapula at the level of the scapular spine, (3) the posterolateral corner of the acromion, and (4) the tip of the coracoid. The plane of the scapula is defined by the line connecting the first two of these points and a point midway between the last two. Humeroscapular positions are specified by the plane of elevation and the angle of elevation in relation to this mobile scapular plane. Measurement of these positions was done with a goniometer facilitated by a "scapula-locating device" designed for this study. Maximal humerothoracic elevation of the arm was achieved with the humerus lust behind the scapular plane at 90° of humeroscapular elevation. Cross-body adduction positioned the humerus in a plane 51° anterior to the plane of the scapula, with most of the cross-body motion occurring between the scapula and thorax. External rotation at 90° of elevation in the coronal plane of the body (the apprehension position) positioned the humerus in a plane 17° posterior to the scapular plane. Humerothoracic extension and reaching up the back took place at very low angles of humeroscapular elevation.
On the detection of other planetary systems - Detection of intrinsic thermal radiation

There is currently no unambiguous observational evidence for the existence of other planetary systems. One possible way to detect and study such systems is infrared observations of continuum blackbody radiation from planets revolving around other stars. It is shown that the effective temperature of large planets revolving around mid- to late-spectral-type main-sequences stars is set by energy sources internal to the planet rather than by equilibrium with the radiation field of the central star, making them easier to detect than had been previously thought. Consideration is given to the two major observational constraints on detecting planetary companions to nearby stars, namely, angular resolution and sensitivity. A comparison is made between the performance of an ambient (T 200 K), single-aperture telescope and a cooled interferometer. In each case the required aperture (baseline) is large (in the 10-m class), but consistent with Shuttle launch capability.
Facilitation of Recovery by α-Methyl-p-Tyrosine after Lateral Hypothalamic Damage

Rats with bilateral lateral hypothalamic lesions die of starvation in approximately 7 days after surgery. Rats that were treated with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine for 3 days prior to lateral hypothalamic surgery spontaneously eat, drink, and gain weight after surgery. These data suggest that recovery of function after lateral hypothalamic damage involves denervation supersensitivity.
On the temperature field of a square column embedding a heating cylinder

An analysis of the two-dimensional temperature field of a square column embedding a heating cylinder is presented. The analysis leads to a solution in finite series which gives rise to rapidly converging numerical results. The series coefficients computed for the extreme case of the cylinder being a line find a way of parametrization, which then furnishes the solutions for finite cylinders up to the case of the cylinder diameter being half of the column thickness. Results in five-digit accuracy are presented. The method is simple and direct. In addition, it retains the same concise formal solution for a variety of boundary conditions.
Searching for the metaverse

We present a system for collecting content from 3D multi-user virtual worlds for use in a cross-world search engine, an enabling technology for linking virtual worlds to the wider web. We use an intelligent agent crawler designed to collect user-generated content without relying on access to private internal server databases. The agents navigate autonomously through the world and interact with content to discover regions, parcels of land within regions, user-created objects, other avatars, and user associations. The experiments we performed are the first which focus on the content within a large virtual world. Our results show that virtual worlds can be effectively crawled using autonomous agent crawlers that emulate normal user behavior. Additionally, we find that the collection of interactive content enhances our ability to identify dynamic, immersive environments within the world.
Variability of midcycle estradiol positive feedback: evidence for unique pituitary responses in individual women.

In women the preovulatory estradiol (E2) level must reach a peak concentration and dose (strength and duration) to initiate the LH surge. The variability of the surge-initiating serum E2 level in individual women from cycle to cycle, however, has not been studied. Accordingly, we studied 24 normally ovulating women longitudinally during a total of 221 menstrual cycles (range, 4–17 cycles/woman). In those women we measured periovulatory serum E2 and LH concentrations daily from 3 days before the LH peak to the day after the LH peak. The mean peak E2 concentration was 343 pg/mL, and the mean E2 dose (concentration × time) was 979 pg/mL. When the values in individual women were compared between women by components of variance analysis of variance, the differences were significant (concentration, P < 0.01; dose, P < 0.005), indicating that individual women have discrete and characteristic responses to E2 positive feedback. When E2 peaks and doses from initial cycles were compared with subsequent cycles by reg...
Legionnaires' Disease after Heart Transplantation

The cases of 8 heart transplant recipients with legionnaires' disease are reviewed. The diagnosis in each patient was made by fluorescent antibody stains or direct culture of the sputum, transtracheal aspirate, or fine needle aspirate of the lung. All patients were successfully treated with erythromycin alone or in combination with rifampin. Radiographic and clinical variations of legionnaires' disease as seen in the immunocompromised host are presented.
Editorial: The advertising literature and the role of the International Journal of Advertising

In his editorial, Charles R. Taylor comments on the current state of the International Journal of Advertising and thanks those who have contributed to its success. He also looks ahead to his aims for the future and the challenges the journal faces, and announces the awards for best paper and best reviewer.
Natural orifice proctectomy using a transanal endoscopic microsurgical technique in a porcine model.

Background. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) has been used for several decades for excision of neoplastic lesions in the rectum. With the development of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) techniques, the authors describe a new method of proctectomy using a combination of TEM and NOTES principles. Methods. In a porcine model, a circumferential rectal sleeve resection was performed using TEM with flexible endoscopic assistance. The rectum was delivered through the anus, resected, and an end-to-end stapled anastomosis was performed. Results. The specimen was approximately 10 cm in length. No adjacent organ injuries or evidence of hemorrhage from the vascular pedicle or in the pelvis was observed at necropsy. Procedure time was 3 hours. Conclusion. This technique may increase the complexity of lesions accessible by TEM and may ultimately lead to the performance of total mesorectal excision using transanal techniques, reducing the morbidity of the abdominal approach.
High-temperature absorption spectrophotometry—II: The effect of black-body and sample emission on absorption spectra

Abstract Absorption spectra obtained at high temperatures must be corrected for emission due to the furnace, sample, and sample container. Above 600°C, corrections will become appreciable at wavelengths greater than about one micron unless the spectrophotometer is designed to ignore an emission signal. Even then, induced emission requires a correction at higher temperatures and longer wavelengths. Such corrections are outlined in this paper. Attendant problems to differential spectrophotometry at high temperatures are also discussed. Experimental results are included for confirmation of the corrective method.
Assessing the Impact of US Macroeconomic Policies and Inflation Rates on the Australian Economy

A three-equation system is specified with Australian monetary base growth, the domestic budget deficit and the domestic inflation rate as dependent variables Lagged values of these three variables and their US counterparts are entered as explanatory variables in each equation. Results for 1967-83 suggest a possible effect of lagged US monetary base growth on Australian monetary base growth plus a positive direct impact of US inflation on Australian inflation.
The Clinical Spectrum of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in a Large Urban Population

Urban populations present particular challenges for medical providers. Patients are extremely diverse, with varied socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Physicians caring for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis must be prepared to interact effectively with many types of families who bring with them varied experiences and expectations. Pediatric rheumatologists should be familiar with patient characteristics that can influence disease outcomes. Access to care is affected by place of residence, referral delays, parental education, and the child’s insurance status. Patients of different ethnic backgrounds vary in their trust of physicians and health systems. Understanding of risk in medical decision making is influenced by ethnicity as well. Adherence also varies by ethnic group, with African American patients reporting lower adherence than Caucasian patients. Issues of doctor–patient communication and use of complementary and alternative medicine are also affected by cultural factors. Especially for physicians working in a large metropolitan area, an understanding of societal factors influencing patient behavior is essential to provide optimal care for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) model in genetic toxicology mitomycin C clastogenicity in germ cells.

Abstract The value of rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ) as a genetic toxicology model is limited by their scarcity, expense, and impracticality of progeny testing. However, in some special circumstances, e.g., accidental exposure of humans to potential mutagens, rhesus monkeys or other primates may provide a superior animal model to help to cope with a difficult public health situation. Using the testis as a target organ we found that when primary spermatocytes were treated in pre-leptotene stage with 1 mg mitomycin C/kg body weight, the frequency of exchanges, fragments, sex-chromosome and autosomal univalents increased significantly at diakinesis-metaphase I. This response was absent in cells treated during diplotene, late pachytene or during spermatogonial stages. We suggested that animals should be evaluated not only for genetic toxicology parameters, but also toxicologically, histologically, behaviorally, for carcinogenesis and seminal cytology. Whenever possible, the animals should be recycled.
Remote SO2 measurements at 4 Mum with a continuously tunable source.

Remote atmospheric measurements of SO2 were performed using a differential absorption lidar with a continuously tunable LiNbO3 parametric oscillator and amplifier source in the 4.0-μm region. A comparison of injected gas concentration in a remotely located sample chamber with the lidar measurements through the chamber showed measurement agreement within experimental error and a detection sensitivity for SO2 of 0.9 part in 106 km.
Lack of association between augmentation mammoplasty and systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

Objective. To examine the possible association between augmentation mammoplasty and systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Methods. Eight hundred thirty-seven women with a clinical diagnosis of SSc, recruited as a volunteer sample from 3 university-based, tertiary care scleroderma clinical research centers, and 2,507 race-matched local control women, recruited by the technique of random-digit-dialing and frequency-matched on age, completed a questionnaire providing data on history of augmentation mammoplasty, including possible complications of the procedure. The odds ratio (OR) and 95 percent confidence interval (95% CI) for the association of augmentation mammoplasty with SSc were estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, race and center, and by conditional logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age. Results. Eleven (1.31%) of the 837 cases reported a history of augmentation mammoplasty prior to diagnosis of SSc, compared with 31 (1.24%) of the 2,507 controls. The adjusted OR from the unmatched analysis was 1.07 (95% CI 0.53–2.13), while that from the matched analysis was 1.11 (95% CI 0.55–2.24). Conclusion. These results fail to demonstrate a significant association between augmentation mammoplasty and SSc, and are consistent with those reported from other epidemiologic studies.
Neuromodulation based control of an autonomous robot

The paper presents a control approach based on vertebrate neuromodulation and its implementation on an autonomous mobile robot platform. A neural network is used to model the neuromodulatory function for generating context based behavioral responses to sensory signals. The implementation of the neuronal model on a relatively simple autonomous robot illustrates its interesting behavior adapting to changes in the environment.
Radiation-induced meningioma in children : report of two cases and review of the literature

Meningioma developed in two children who had received high-dose cranial radiation for malignant brain tumors. Meningioma as a radiation-induced neoplasm has received little notice in the radiologic literature. Thirty-three cases have been reported since 1953, primarily in the neurosurgical literature. The current cases differ from those previously reported in having a much shorter latency period between irradiation and the development of meningioma.
Effect of biogas generation on radon emissions from landfills receiving radium-bearing waste from shale gas development.

Dramatic increases in the development of oil and natural gas from shale formations will result in large quantities of drill cuttings, flowback water, and produced water. These organic-rich shale gas formations often contain elevated concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), such as uranium, thorium, and radium. Production of oil and gas from these formations will also lead to the development of technologically enhanced NORM (TENORM) in production equipment. Disposal of these potentially radium-bearing materials in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills could release radon to the atmosphere. Risk analyses of disposal of radium-bearing TENORM in MSW landfills sponsored by the Department of Energy did not consider the effect of landfill gas (LFG) generation or LFG control systems on radon emissions. Simulation of radon emissions from landfills with LFG generation indicates that LFG generation can significantly increase radon emissions relative to emissions without LFG generation, whe...
Perceptions matter: beliefs about influenza vaccine and vaccination behavior among elderly white, black and Hispanic Americans

Background Knowledge and beliefs about influenza vaccine that differ across racial or ethnic groups may promote racial or ethnic disparities in vaccination. Objective To identify associations between vaccination behavior and personal beliefs about influenza vaccine by race or ethnicity and education levels among the U.S. elderly population. Methods Data from a national telephone survey conducted in 2004 were used for this study. Reponses for 3875 adults ≥65 years of age were analyzed using logistic regression methods. Results Racial and ethnic differences in beliefs were observed. For example, whites were more likely to believe influenza vaccine is very effective in preventing influenza compared to blacks and Hispanics (whites, 60%; blacks, 47%, and Hispanics, 51%, p < 0.01). Among adults who believed the vaccine is very effective, self-reported vaccination was substantially higher across all racial/ethnic groups (whites, 93%; blacks, 76%; Hispanics, 78%) compared to adults who believed the vaccine was only somewhat effective (whites 67%; blacks 61%, Hispanics 61%). Also, vaccination coverage differed by education level and personal beliefs of whites, blacks, and Hispanics. Conclusions Knowledge and beliefs about influenza vaccine may be important determinants of influenza vaccination among racial/ethnic groups. Strategies to increase coverage should highlight the burden of influenza disease in racial and ethnic populations, the benefits and safety of vaccinations and personal vulnerability to influenza disease if not vaccinated. For greater effectiveness, factors associated with the education levels of some communities may need to be considered when developing or implementing new strategies that target specific racial or ethnic groups.
Volunteerism: a new idea for filling university information technology needs

The world-wide-web provides a great means for delivering information services to a university community[1,2]. An unexpected side-effect of using the web to deliver information services is that a community member can develop new services independent of the computing services department. As an example, one of the authors (a computer science student at California State University Chico) has independently developed a tool to help students create class schedules. This tool reads course information from the university's public web pages and uses it to automatically create custom class schedules for individual students. Over five thousand students (nearly half of all registering students) used this tool to create their Fall 2005 schedules.This paper presents the development and deployment of the scheduling tool as an example of information services volunteerism. It includes a description of the genesis of the tool, a discussion of how it has been integrated into the university supported information services, and an overview of the scheduling tool.
Substrate specificity of protein tyrosine phosphatase: Differential behavior of SHP‐1 and SHP‐2 towards signal regulation protein SIRPα1

The substrate specificity of catalytic domains and the activation of full length protein tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 and SHP-2 have been investigated using synthetic phosphotyrosyl peptides derived from SIPRalpha1. We found that the catalytic domains of SHP-1 and SHP-2 exhibit different substrate specificity towards a longer trideca-peptide pY(469+3) ((-7)RPEDTLTpYADLDM(+5)) and not to the shorter decapeptide pY(469) ((-5)EDTLTpYADLD(+4)), the former being the substrate of SHP-2 only. Furthermore, the activation of full-length SHP-1 and not the SHP-2 by the deca/trideca-peptides suggested SIRPalpha 1 to be possibly acting as both an upstream activator and a substrate for SHP-1, and merely as the downstream substrate for SHP-2 in signaling events.
Influence of Mg Doping on the Morphological, Optical, and Structural Properties of InGaN/GaN Multiple Quantum Wells

In this report, the influence of magnesium doping on the characteristics of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) was investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Five-period InGaN/GaN MQWs with different magnesium doping levels were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The AFM measurements indicated that magnesium doping led to a smoother surface morphology. The V-defect density was observed to decrease with increasing magnesium doping concentration from � 10 9 cm -2 (no doping) to � 10 6 cm -2 (Cp2Mg: 0.04 sccm) and further to 0 (Cp2 Mg: 0.2 sccm). The PL measurements showed that magnesium doping resulted in stronger emission, which can be attributed to the screening of the polarization-induced band bending. XRD revealed that magnesium doping had no measurable effect on the indium composition and growth rate of the MQWs. These results suggest that magnesium doping in MQWs might improve the optical properties of GaN photonic devices.
On chromatin remodeling in mammary gland differentiation and breast tumorigenesis.

Epigenetic programs have been extensively studied in embryonic stem cells. However, epigenetic controls in mammary gland development and in the differentiation of mammary epithelial stem cells have not been defined.
Energy resource demands of food production

Abstract Historically food has been produced by using solar energy, natural fertilizer and manual labor. However, as populations have increased food products had to be increased proportionately so it has become necessary to use industrial equipment instead of manual labor and artificial fertilizer in place of manure. Thus, in modern agriculture, fuel energy has largely replaced animate energy. This has made the food delivery system one of the most energy intensive industries. It is apparent that this demand for energy will increase because the world population is expected to double by the end of the century and hence will require rapid increases in food production. This paper sets forth the energy supply and demand situation as it concerns food production. Also, considered are externalities such as climate and population. Finally, an agenda for future research in the energy-food sector is presented.
Metalloenzyme inspired dizinc catalyst for the polymerization of lactide

A new dizinc–monoalkoxide complex supported by a dinucleating ligand was structurally characterized and shown to be a highly active catalyst for the controlled polymerization of lactide.
A compact proton spectrometer for measurement of the absolute DD proton spectrum from which yield and ρR are determined in thin-shell inertial-confinement-fusion implosions

A compact, step range filter proton spectrometer has been developed for the measurement of the absolute DD proton spectrum, from which yield and areal density (ρR) are inferred for deuterium-filled thin-shell inertial confinement fusion implosions. This spectrometer, which is based on tantalum step-range filters, is sensitive to protons in the energy range 1-9 MeV and can be used to measure proton spectra at mean energies of ∼1-3 MeV. It has been developed and implemented using a linear accelerator and applied to experiments at the OMEGA laser facility and the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Modeling of the proton slowing in the filters is necessary to construct the spectrum, and the yield and energy uncertainties are ±<10% in yield and ±120 keV, respectively. This spectrometer can be used for in situ calibration of DD-neutron yield diagnostics at the NIF.
Cyclic dynamics of a yellow perch (Perca flavescens) population in an oligotrophic lake: evidence for the role of intraspecific interactions

Understanding the extent to which repeated oscillations in fish populations are driven by external factors or internal processes within the population is an important challenge. We document cyclic ...
Risk-stratified approach to hybrid transcatheter-surgical palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

We prospectively employed a risk-stratified approach to first-stage palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. High-risk features included severe tricuspid insufficiency, severe right ventricular dysfunction, a severely restrictive or intact atrial septum, an ascending aortic diameter ≤2 mm, late presentation, weight <2 kg, or significant extracardiac issues, Infants without high-risk features underwent a Norwood procedure (with Sano modification), whereas infants with high-risk features underwent a hybrid procedure consisting of bilateral pulmonary artery banding, ductal stenting, and atrial septostomy or a Norwood/Sano. Operative survival for 10 infants without high-risk features undergoing a Norwood/Sano procedure was 90%. Operative survival for 5 infants with high-risk features undergoing hybrid palliation was 100%, compared to 29% in 7 infants with high-risk features undergoing the Norwood/Sano procedure. Although only short-term data are available, this hybrid palliative procedure may have a role for infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and high-risk features.
Improved specimen lighting in ultramicrotomy by painting reflective surfaces on specimen blocks

SUMMARY Specimen lighting for ultramicrotomy can be improved by painting reflective surfaces on the ends of the specimen blocks. A convenient paint for this purpose is the white correction fluid commonly used by secretaries to cover typing errors.
A New Derivation of the Perturbation Operator Used in MCNP

A new derivation of the perturbation operator used in the MCNP radiation transport code is presented, and equations are determined to evaluate the change in the response from a perturbation in macroscopic cross section due to the first, second, third, and fourth derivative terms, and the second-derivative cross term. The perturbation operator in MCNP currently can be used to determine the change in a response from the first and second order terms in Taylor expansion due to such a perturbation. The derivation presented here produces expressions that are equivalent to the expressions used in MCNP for the first and second derivative, but are simpler and are in a form that more readily reveals their physical significance. The perturbation operator is particularly useful for sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.
Distribution of a linear function of correlated ordered variables

In this paper, we have considered the problem of finding the distribution of a linear combination of the minimum and the maximum for a general bivariate distribution. The general results are used to obtain the required distribution in the case of bivariate normal, bivariate exponential of Arnold and Strauss, absolutely continuous bivariate exponential distribution of Block and Basu, bivariate exponential distribution of Raftery, Freund's bivariate exponential distribution and Gumbel's bivariate exponential distribution. The distributions of the minimum and maximum are obtained as special cases.
AlN MSM and Schottky photodetectors

Deep ultraviolet (DUV) AlN Metal-Semiconductor-Metal (MSM) and Schottky barrier photodetectors have been demonstrated by exploiting the epitaxial growth of high quality AlN epilayer on sapphire and n-SiC substrates, respectively. The fabricated photodetectors exhibited peak responsivity at 200 nm with very sharp cut-off wavelength at 207 nm along with extremely low dark current, very high breakdown voltages, high responsivity and high DUV to UV/visible rejection ratio. AlN Schottky barrier detectors show high zero bias responsivity and very high thermal energy limited detectivity at zero bias. These outstanding features are direct attributes of the fundamental material properties and high quality of AlN epilayers. These results demonstrated that AlN could be an excellent candidate as an active material for next generation DUV opto-electronic device applications. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An analysis of the role of users in the total r&d portfolios of scientific instrument firms

Abstract This paper describes a real-time investigation of the total new product portfolios of nine product departments in the scientific instrument industry. It was found that within these portfolios only a few new products represented a major advance in functional performance. Most new products offered only incremental performance improvement, and many ‘new’ products were direct copies of competitors ' offerings. The scientific instrument innovation process is described in seven stages: recognition of need, invention of solution, prototype development, use in application, precommercial information dissemination, product engineering, and commercialization. In those cases where users were involved in the majority of the first five stages of the innovation process, the innovation was either a major functional improvement or a minor improvement that had not been initiated as a direct response to a competitor's product introduction. Direct copies and minor improvements that were competitive responses are notable for the absence of user involvement in the innovation process. Finally, the decision of a manufacturer to commercialize an innovation was unrelated to the level of user activity in the prior stages of the innovation process.
Factors related to infertility in the United States, 1965-1976.

Abstract Although the overall rate of infertility among American women of reproductive age remained fairly constant between 1965 and 1976, the percentage of young black women who were infertile increased very sharply. In 1976, 18% of black women of reproductive age were infertile, whereas only 9% of white women of the same age were infertile. With use of national data bases, the relationships between sexual activity, complications of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease, use of contraception, and infertility were examined. Available evidence shows a strong association between sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility trends. Our projections indicate that sexually transmitted diseases operating through pelvic infections account for much of the race differential in infertility as well as for one-half to one-third of the increase. In 1976 5-8% of 20-29-year-old black women were estimated to suffer infertility attributable to sexually transmitted diseases. Among white women the estimated incidence of infertility caused by sexually transmitted diseases was 0.7-1%.
Separate Quality-Control Measures Are Necessary for Estimation of RNA and Methylated DNA from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Specimens by Quantitative PCR

Estimations of RNA abundance and DNA methylation by quantitative PCR (qPCR) from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens are not yet routine in clinical laboratory practice. Excluding specimens with poorly preserved nucleic acids is an important quality-control step for avoiding unreliable results. Because the assays for RNA abundance and DNA methylation have different critical limiting factors, we examined the extent of overlap of excluded specimens for RNA abundance versus methylated DNA. The transcript abundance of three reference genes and of the test gene, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), was estimated by SYBR Green qPCR in 250 breast cancer specimens. The estrogen receptor (ER) protein was identified by IHC, and concordance between ESR1 and ER was estimated by Cohen's κ. TaqMan PCR for the ALU-C4 sequence was performed with bisulfite-treated DNA to determine usability in the MethyLight assay. Excluding specimens with mean reference gene CT values exceeding the group mean by >1 SD led to significant improvement of the concordance of ESR1 and ER. Specimens with usable DNA after bisulfite treatment likewise had ALU-C4 CT values of less than the group mean + 1 SD. Samples with low-quality RNA and DNA were partly nonoverlapping. RNA and DNA extracted from the same FFPE block need separate exclusion criteria for qPCR assays of transcript abundance and methylated DNA.
Ophthalmologic Disorders in Children With Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss

Objective To determine the rate of ophthalmologic anomalies among patients with syndromic and nonsyndromic, congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) to assess the need for comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation in these children. Design Retrospective medical chart review of children with SNHL who underwent comprehensive evaluation by pediatric ophthalmologists and geneticists. Setting Tertiary care pediatric hospital. Patients Seventy-seven patients with SNHL. Main Outcome Measures Degree of hearing loss (HL) and presence of ophthalmologic and genetic disorders. Results The overall rate of ophthalmologic disorders was 32% (25 of 77 patients). When children with multisystem genetic disorders known to be related to visual loss were excluded, the rate fell to 23% (12 of 53 vs 13 of 24; P = .006). There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of HL between patients with and without eye disorders (mean [SD], 46.5 [29.9] vs 49.1 [32.3] dB HL; P = .75). Patients with eye disorders were significantly more likely to have a multisystem genetic disorder (13 of 25 [52%] vs 11 of 52 [21%]; P = .006). No patients with ocular abnormalities had isolated otologic disorders, but 9 of 52 (17%) of those patients without ocular abnormalities did. Conclusions Comprehensive ophthalmologic examination revealed a rate of ophthalmologic disorders in children with SNHL in the lower end of the previously reported rates of 31% to 61%. Children with nonsyndromic SNHL have an approximately 2- to 3-fold increase in ocular abnormalities compared with the general pediatric population. Ophthalmologic and genetic consultations are warranted in patients with congenital SNHL.
Does breast size affect the scatter dose to the ipsilateral lung, heart, or contralateral breast in primary breast irradiation using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)?

Purpose:To evaluate the relationship between the primary breast volume and dose received by the ipsilateral lung, heart (for left-breast cancers), and contralateral breast during primary breast irradiation using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).Methods and Materials:Sixty-five patients w
Androids in the Enlightenment: Mechanics, Artisans, and Cultures of the Self

Are mechanical objects the products of a mechanical age? Adelheid Voskuhl's Androids in the Enlightenment argues for a resounding no. With much brilliance and analytical acumen, Voskuhl shows that,...
Synthesis of [1′,3′,4′-3H3]4-(5′,6′,7′,8′-tetrahydro-5′,5′,8′,8′-tetramethyl-2′-anthracenyl)benzoic acid for binding studies of retinoic acid receptors

[1′,3′,4′-3H3]4-(5′,6′,7′,8′-Tetrahydro-5′,5′,8′,8′-tetramethyl-2′-anthracenyl)benzoic acid (specific activity 64 Ci/mmole) was synthesized by bromination of ethyl 4-(5′,6′,7′,8′-tetrahydro-5′,5′,8′,8′-tetramethyl-2′-antracenyl)benzoate, followed by reductive debromination by tritium gas in the presence of 10% palladium on carbon and hydrolysis. 1H and 3H NMR spectroscopy was used to establish tritium at 1′,3′,4′-tetrahydroanthracenyl ring positions.
Application of artificial neural networks for the development of a signal monitoring system

A prototype of a Signal Monitoring System (SMS) utilizing artificial neural networks is developed in this work. The prototype system is unique in: 1) its utilization of state-of-the-art technology in pattern recognition such as the Adaptive Resonance Theory family of neural networks, and 2) the integration of neural network results of pattern recognition and fault identification databases. The system is developed in an X-windows environment that offers an excellent Graphical User Interface (GUI). Motif software is used to build the GUI. The system is user-friendly, menu-driven, and allows the user to select signals and paradigms of interest. The system provides the status or condition of the signals tested as either normal or faulty. In the case of faulty status, SMS, through an integrated database, identifies the fault and indicates the progress of the fault relative to the normal condition as well as relative to the previous tests. Nuclear reactor signals from an Experimental Breeder Reactor are analyzed to closely represent actual reactor operational data. The signals are both measured signals collected by a Data Acquisition System as well as simulated signals.
Cadential processes: The evaded cadence and the “one more time” technique

(1992). Cadential processes: The evaded cadence and the “one more time” technique. Journal of Musicological Research: Vol. 12, No. 1-2, pp. 1-52.
NAIM and site-specific functional group modification analysis of RNase P RNA: magnesium dependent structure within the conserved P1-P4 multihelix junction contributes to catalysis.

The tRNA processing endonuclease ribonuclease P contains an essential and highly conserved RNA molecule (RNase P RNA) that is the catalytic subunit of the enzyme. To identify and characterize funct...
Solutions near simple periodic orbits of functional differential equations

Periodic solution with nondegenerate orbit for functional differential equations taking into account small perturbation
The relevance to clinical practice of the certifying examination in internal medicine.

Objective: To determine the relevance of the initial certifying examination to the practice of internal medicine and the suitability of items used in initial certification for recertification. Design: Using a matrix-sampling approach, items from the 1991 Certifying Examination were assigned to two sets of judges: directors of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and practicing general internists. Each judge rated the relevance of items on a five-point scale. Participants: 54 current or former directors of the ABIM and 72 practicing general internists; practitioners were nominated by directors and their ratings were included if they spent > 80% of their time in direct patient care. Results: The directors’ mean rating of all 576 items was 3.98 (SD=0.62); the practitioners’ mean rating was 4.11 (SD=0.82). The directors assigned to 27 items ratings of less than 3 and the practitioners assigned to 42 items ratings of less than 3; seven of these items received low ratings from both groups. There were differences in the two groups’ ratings of the relevance of various medical content categories, but the mean rating of core items was higher than that of noncore items and the mean rating of items testing clinical judgment was higher than that of items testing knowledge or synthesis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the initial certifying examination is relevant to clinical practice and that many of the examination items are suitable for use in recertification. Differences in perception appear to exist between practitioners and directors, and the use of practitioner ratings is likely to be a routine part of judging the suitability of items for Board examinations in the future.
Perioperative Pain Control: A Strategy for Management

A thorough understanding of the anatomy and neurophysiology of the pain response is necessary for the effective treatment of perioperative pain. This article describes the mechanisms that produce pain,including those related to inflammation. Other topics include the pharmacologies of nonopioid and opioid analgesics. Nonopioid analgesics can be separated into two categories: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as salicylates, and acetaminophen. Opioids include morphine, fentanyl, and meperidine. The pharmacology of local anesthesia is discussed. The six major adverse reactions to local anesthetics are cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, direct tissue toxicity, central nervous system toxicity, methemoglobinemia and allergic reactions. Methods for measuring pain are described.
Effects of prolactin and thyroxine in hypophysectomized and thyroidectomized red efts of the newt Notophthalmus (Diemictylus) viridescens.

Abstract In an earlier investigation of the role of hormones on the second metamorphosis of intact newts, we unexpectedly found that small doses of thyroxine (T 4 ) act synergistically with prolactin. The present report presents evidence which seems to establish the existence of such a synergism. Hypophysectomized-thyroidectomized (HX-TX) red efts were injected on alternate days with 0.01 ng T 4 and 0.25 unit of ovine prolactin. This treatment brought about second metamorphorsis, including spontaneous migration of all the animals into water (100% water drive), by day 10. In contrast, only 10% of HX-TX efts treated with prolactin alone showed water drive, and 90% retained their rough skin; all died by day 10. As for the intact animals treated with only prolactin, 30% showed water drive during the same period.
Signaling pathways in ascidian oocyte maturation: The roles of cAMP/Epac, intracellular calcium levels, and calmodulin kinase in regulating GVBD

Most mature ascidian oocytes undergo germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) when released by the ovary into sea water (SW). Acidic SW blocks this but they can be stimulated by raising the pH, increasing intracellular cAMP levels by cell permeant forms, inhibiting its breakdown or causing synthesis. Boltenia villosa oocytes undergo GVBD in response to these drugs. However, the cAMP receptor protein kinase A (PKA) does not appear to be involved, as oocytes are not affected by the kinase inhibitor H-89. Also, the PKA independent Epac agonist 8CPT-2Me-cAMP stimulates GVBD in acidic SW. GVBD is inhibited in calcium free sea water (CaFSW). The intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM blocks GVBD at 10 µM. GVBD is also inhibited when the ryanodine receptors (RYR) are blocked by tetracaine or ruthenium red but not by the IP(3) inhibitor D-609. However, dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), a protein kinase activator, stimulates GVBD in BAPTA, tetracaine or ruthenium red blocked oocytes. The calmodulin kinase inhibitor KN-93 blocks GVBD at 10 µM. This and preceding papers support the hypothesis that the maturation inducing substance (MIS) produced by the follicle cells in response to increased pH causes activation of a G protein which triggers cAMP synthesis. The cAMP then activates an Epac molecule, which causes an increase in intracellular calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum ryanodine receptor. The increased intracellular calcium subsequently activates calmodulin kinase, which causes an increase in cdc25 phosphatase activity, activating MPF and the progression of the oocyte into meiosis.
On incomparable abstract family of languages (AFL)

Given an abstract family of languages (AFL) @? the question is considered if there exists an AFL incomparable with @?. In case there is an AFL @?' incomparable with @? the paper considers if there exists a largest AFL incomparable with @?, and if there is a maximal AFL containing @?' incomparable with @?. The main results characterize those full AFL @?' having a largest full incomparable AFL @?' and relate properties of @? to properties of @?'.
Speech that silences, silences that speak: “That’s so gay,” “that’s so ghetto,” and safe space in High School

This article questions what happens to “safe space” in classrooms when students are marginalized by their social locations and identities. Based on three years of ethnographic research in a Northern California urban public high school, the author examines how language like “that’s so gay” and “that’s so ghetto” leaves distinct traces of gender, sexuality, race, and class meanings and relations. Drawing on students’ deployment of “that’s so gay” and “that’s so ghetto” in school contexts, this research demonstrates how these expressions marginalize the students that they target. Such speech acts interpellate students’ bodies and identities in an educational environment that strives toward constructing “safe” and “politically correct” space. Complicating the very possibility of such educational goals, this article highlights the violence of performative speech acts while closely examining the thin line between politically correct speech and hate speech, which may look different yet lead to similar results — the violence of silencing.