cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of adjustment of maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Our objective was to determine the effect of the 20% upward adjustment of maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) on the number of patients that would be classified at increased risk for pregnancy complicated by either Down syndrome (DS) or neural tube defect (NTD). We retrospectively evaluated a database containing 63,110 patients who underwent multiple serum marker screening between 14 and 22 weeks gestation; 620 patients with IDDM had measurements of MSAFP of which 479 also had measurements of beta-HCG, allowing calculation of DS risk. Increased NTD risk was defined as MSAFP >2.5 MOM while increased DS risk was defined as a calculated risk > or =1/270. One IDDM patient delivered an infant with a NTD; it was not detected on serum screening. No infants were born with DS. Of the 620 patients with MSAFP determinations, 9 had values >2.5 MOM before adjustment. After upward adjustment, 7 additional patients were identified. Sixteen patients were identified at increased risk for DS before and after adjustment. Our data suggest that the 20% upward adjustment of MSAFP increases by 78%, the number of patients who would require further evaluation for NTD's. Although we were able to identify 620 women with IDDM who underwent serum screening for NTD, the low prevalence of NTD's did not allow us to demonstrate an increased detection rate. The effect of upward adjustment of MSAFP on the number of patients categorized at increased DS risk appears to be minimal.
1899 COMPARISON OF RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a significant complication associated with positive pressure mechanical ventilation of newborn infants. All NICU admissions during 1982 and 1983 were studied to compare the incidence of BPD and to identify differences with respect to, recognized risk factors. In 1983 an effort was made to use lower peak inflation pressures (PIP) and less IV fluid in initial management. RDS was present in 77/355 infants in 1982 and 71/354 in 1983 with no difference in disease severity. In 1982, 15/77 (19.5%) of infants with RDS developed clinical BPD (requiring supplemental oxygen for >28d) compared with 5/71 (7%) in 1983 (p<.05). In the 20 infants with clinical BPD, there was no significant difference between 1982 and 1983 with respect to gestational age, radiographic severity of initial lung disease, presence of a clinically significant PDA, or maximum FiO2. Mean PIP in 1982 and 28.6±11SM cmH2O vs 17.7±1.9 cmH2O for 1983 (p<.02). Weight loss/birth weight × 100 at days 3 and 10 were 9.19% and 10.02% (1982) vs 16.75% and 18.2% ((p<.03, p<.02). In summary, a lower incidence of BPD was associated with lower peak inflation pressure and greater weight loss in early life suggesting that judicious use of positive pressure ventilation and careful fluid management may reduce the occurrence of BPD.
The digestive tract as a cause of chest pain.

Disease of the digestive tract may cause chest pain, and be the chief complaint in a patient presenting to a cardiologist. A relationship of symptoms to the digestive functions of eating or defecation suggests gastrointestinal etiology. The autonomic nerve supply of the esophagus is similar to that of the heart, and pain from this organ often closely mimics cardiac pain. Of patients referred for gastrointestinal investigation because of angina-like pain but no other evidence of coronary artery disease, about half are found to have an esophageal etiology for the pain.‘. a Disorders of the stomach, duodenum, and biliary tree, and less commonly colonic, pancreatic, hepatic, or peritoneal disease can cause upper abdominal or chest pain. The problem may be either a functional motility disorder, or a structural pathologic entity. The diagnositc problem is compounded when digestivle disease and cardiac disease coexist. Occasionally provocative tests designed to elicit pain from the digestive tract give assistance, but frequently one must rely upon a clinical distinction.
Derivation of a Multiparameter Gamma Model for Analyzing the Residence-Time Distribution Function for Nonideal Flow Systems as an Alternative to the Advection-Dispersion Equation

A new residence-time distribution (RTD) function has been developed and applied to quantitative dye studies as an alternative to the traditional advection-dispersion equation (AdDE). The new method is based on a jointly combined four-parameter gamma probability density function (PDF). The gamma residence-time distribution (RTD) function and its first and second moments are derived from the individual two-parameter gamma distributions of randomly distributed variables, tracer travel distance, and linear velocity, which are based on their relationship with time. The gamma RTD function was used on a steady-state, nonideal system modeled as a plug-flow reactor (PFR) in the laboratory to validate the effectiveness of the model. The normalized forms of the gamma RTD and the advection-dispersion equation RTD were compared with the normalized tracer RTD. The normalized gamma RTD had a lower mean-absolute deviation (MAD) (0.16) than the normalized form of the advection-dispersion equation (0.26) when compared to the normalized tracer RTD. The gamma RTD function is tied back to the actual physical site due to its randomly distributed variables. The results validate using the gamma RTD as a suitable alternative to the advection-dispersion equation for quantitative tracer studies of non-ideal flow systems.
Concentrations of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and deamido-TRH, and TRH deamidase activity in brain.

Chromatographic evidence for alternative pathways of TRH catabolism in the brain, involving either cleavage of the pGlu-His peptide bond or deamidation to form pGlu-His- Pro (TRH-OH), has been described. In the present study, RIAs for TRH and TRH-OH were used to determine if synthetic TRH is degraded by rodent brain tissue into TRH-OH and to evaluate the relative rates of TRH and TRH-OH degradation and the concentrations of these two peptides in the brain. Incubation of the 27,000 × g supernatant of rodent brain tissue with synthetic TRH resulted in the formation of TRHOH, which, under high TRH substrate conditions, was a function of the amount of brain tissue present. Treatment of normal rats and hamster with pharmacological doses of T4 for 1 week did not significantly affect brain TRH deamidase activity. Under the in vitro conditions used, the rate of degradation of TRH was 487 ± 36 pg/min compared to 195 ± 31 pg/min for TRH-OH (P < 0.001). Despite the fact that TRH degradation was faster than TRH-OH de...
Photons in Magnetic Fields

THE discovery of the rotation of the plane of polarization of light in a magnetic field by Faraday in 1846 led to the interpretation of light as propagating electromagnetic radiation. The Faraday effect has since been the subject of numerous investigations which led to practical applications in plasma diagnostics with microwaves and most recently with lasers. However, it has remained the only effect of magnetic fields on light which received much attention until the advent of modern quantum electrodynamics.
Appropriate Ventilatory Settings for Thoracic Surgery: Intraoperative and Postoperative

Mechanical ventilation of patients undergoing thoracic surgery is often challenging. These patients frequently have significant underlying comorbidities, including cardiopulmonary disease, and often must undergo 1-lung ventilation. Perioperative respiratory complications are common and are multifactorial in etiology. Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical ventilation is associated with, and may even cause, lung damage in both sick and healthy patients. Gas exchange to provide acceptable end-organ oxygenation remains a primary goal but so too is minimization of risks for acute lung injury. Every ventilator strategy is associated with potential beneficial and adverse side effects. Understanding the impact of various ventilation strategies allows clinicians to provide optimal care for patients.
Theoretical perspective on properties of DNA‐functionalized surfaces

The molecular recognition properties of DNA gave rise to many novel materials and applications such as DNA biosensors, DNA-functionalized colloidal materials, DNA origami and DNA-based directed surface assembly. The DNA-functionalized surfaces are used in biosensors and for programmed self-assembly of biological, organic and inorganic moieties into novel materials. However, surface density, length, and linker design of the surface functionalized DNAs significantly influence the properties of DNA-driven assemblies and materials. This perspective discusses the understanding of structure and dynamics of DNA immobilized on the surfaces from the theoretical point of view including recent progress in analytical theories, atomistic simulations, and coarse-grained models. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1563–1568, 2011
Baseline abdominal pressure and valsalva leak point pressures-correlation with clinical and urodynamic data.

Aims: To characterize the factors contributing to changes in baseline abdominal pressure (Pabd) and the correlation between ΔVLPP, VLPPtot, and other clinical and urodynamic variables. Methods: Two hundred sixty-four female patients who had undergone an anti-incontinence procedure between February 1994 and October 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. The urodynamics performed for each patient included abdominal and vesical pressures measured in a standardized manner with the patient sitting upright and the pressure sensors maintained at the level of the symphysis pubis. VLPP was determined at bladder volumes of 200 mL during a gradually increasing Valsalva maneuver. Results: Baseline Pabd varied between 10 and 55 cm H2O (mean, 32.7 ± 8.8) and were significantly correlated with patient weight (P<0.001) and with patient body mass index (P<0.001). Baseline Pabd was not found to be correlated with patient age, Baden and Walker Classification of the grading of pelvic floor prolapse, degree of incontinence (determined by the number of pads used per day), or prior surgical procedures for stress incontinence. Higher baseline Pabd were significantly correlated with the peak abdominal pressure reached during the Valsalva maneuver (P<0.0001) and with VLPPtot (P<0.0001) but not with ΔVLPP. Higher VLPPtot significantly correlated with decreased age (P=0.004), less severe incontinence (P=0.004), higher peak Valsalva pressure (P<0.0001), and the ability to increase abdominal pressure for a longer period of time (time to peak Pabd during Valsalva). VLPPtot and ΔVLPP had similar statistical correlation with all the clinical variables examined and neither could predict the outcome of any anti-incontinence surgery. By using a VLPP of 60 cm H2O as a cutoff to differentiate severe ISD from GSUI, 211 (67.4%) of the patients would be categorized as having ISD according to their ΔVLPP compared with only 106 (40.1%) by using the VLPPtot. Conclusions: Baseline Pabd varies considerably among patients, is correlated with patient weight and habitus. In addition, it varies with both the ability to be increased for longer periods of time and with VLPPtot. Looking at VLPPtot and ΔVLPP will result in a different categorization of the type of incontinence in at least 25% of patients and, thus, affect the physician's selection of an anti-incontinence procedure for an individual patient. Neurourol. Urodynam. 22:2–6, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Somatic innervation of the feline lower urinary tract.

Abstract Electrical stimulation of pudendal nerve sensory pathways can evoke excitatory bladder reflexes. However, the precise peripheral innervation pattern of these somatic fibers remains unclear. In adult male cats, we investigated pudendal nerve innervation of the lower urinary tract (LUT) by employing anatomical (Sihler's stain) and electrophysiological (selective electrical nerve stimulation) techniques. The stained specimens revealed differential innervation of the proximal and distal urethrae by fibers derived from the sensory branch of the pudendal nerve. Cranial sensory branch fibers penetrated the prostate to terminate along the intraluminal surface of the urethra, whereas the dorsal nerve of the penis primarily innervated the glans penis. Further examination of the proximal urethra showed a separate pathway (deep perineal nerve) that inserted directly into the external urethral sphincter. These observations were confirmed electrophysiologically by the measured urethral sphincter activity evoked in response to selective nerve stimulation. Electrical activation of the sensory pathway evoked only reflex (latency = 8.9 ± 1.1 ms) contractions of the urethral muscle, whereas stimulation of the perineal pathway elicited direct (latency = 1.3 ± 0.1 ms) responses. Our findings identify specific pudendal nerve sensory pathways that can be used potentially to restore bladder function in persons with spinal cord injury and also treat LUT symptoms such as urinary retention.
Quantitative ToF‐SIMS analysis of monomers, oxidation and trace elements in EPDM gels

During the production, processing and use of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer terpolymers (EPDMs), small (0.1–2 mm) visible inclusions are occasionally encountered in the polymer matrix. These inclusions are commonly called gels and result in degraded polymer performance. In this work, new cross-sectional time-of-flight (ToF) SIMS methods were developed for quantitative ethylene, ethylidene–norbornene (ENB), oxidation and trace element analysis of EPDM gels. The ethylene calibrations were obtained by plotting C5H9+/C2H3+ and C8H13+/C2H3+ versus wt.% ethylene. The ENB calibration was obtained by plotting (C7H8+ + C7H10+)/2(C2H3+) versus wt.% ENB. Oxidation calibrations were obtained by plotting C2H3O+/C2H3+ versus wt.% oxygen from oxidation for both high- and low-ENB EPDMs. Relative sensitivity factors were also determined for semiquantitative trace metals (V, Al, Cl, Ti, Si, S, Fe, Ni, Ca and Zn) analysis in polypropylene, EPDM and polyethylene polymers. The relative sensitivity factors determined in the different polymers were very similar, indicating the absence of substantial matrix effects. The detection limits for these trace element analyses varied from 2 to 50 ppm. The analyses of well-characterized EPDMs (treated as unknowns) were used to verified the accuracy of these calibrations. These ToF-SIMS methods then were used to examine the composition of a variety of EPDM gels found in industry. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calmodulin activity in yeast and mycelial phases of Ceratocystis ulmi

The yeast and mycelial phases of Ceratocystis ulmi contained roughly equivalent levels of calmodulin activity as determined by their ability to stimulate calmodulin-deficient bovine brain cAMP phosphodiesterase. This stimulation was calcium-dependent and could be inhibited by either dibucaine or trifluoperazine. Also, the concentration of dibucaine necessary to achieve the mycelium-to-yeast morphological conversion was found to be 3-fold greater in the presence of exogenous calcium. A model is presented in which only 30% of the cellular calmodulin need be complexed with calcium ions for mycelial development.
Remote (inside-out) NMR. I. Remote production of region of homogeneous magnetic field☆

Abstract A method has been discovered for producing a region of homogeneous magnetic field remote from the source(s) of the field. Two simple examples are treated. Both are based on the following principle: If two equal field sources are arranged axially so their fields oppose between them, then there exists a region near the plane perpendicular to the axis midway between the sources where H r , the radial component of the field, goes through a maximum. Near the maximum, the field is homogeneous within any chosen degree over prescribed regions. Computer calculations describing the H r vs r curve are discussed. Such a field has several potential uses; one is the detection of an NMR signal from this region.
Gluon corrections to Drell-Yan processes☆

Assuming that the Drell-Yan picture is approximately valid, I compute the O(g^2) gluon radiative corrections in QCD. The corrections are self-consistent, i.e. they satisfy several non-trivial constraints necessary for the validity of the whole picture. There are logarithmic scaling violations in the quark distribution functions, precisely equal to those found in electroproduction. Large transverse momenta (of order of the c.m. energy) are produced, balanced by radiation in the opposite direction. I compute the transverse momentum differential cross section for μ pairs as an example
Detection of Clinically Important Change in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue and Relationship to Cognitive Performance (P04.109)

Objective: Evaluate 1) the responsiveness of the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) for multiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue and 2) relationships between subjective fatigue assessment and measures of cognitive function. Background MS-related fatigue, including cognitive fatigue, is common. The MFIS is routinely used to measure MS-related fatigue but its responsiveness and ability to detect clinically important change after therapy is not known. Previous research found that cognitive performance and fatigue were not related. However, potentially more sensitive instruments such as the MFIS might detect an underlying relationship. Design/Methods: Ambulatory patients with MS-related fatigue persisting at least 6 weeks completed the MFIS, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), SF-36, and questionnaires. Cognitive performance measures included the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and others. All testing was administered on days 0, 7, and 21. Amantadine was initiated on day 7. Global assessment of change (GAC) comparing pre-to post-treatment status was rated as "poor", "fair", "good", or "excellent". Paired t-tests and Fisher9s exact test were used to evaluate outcomes and correlations were calculated for mean change scores. Effect size and correlations between changes in MFIS, GAC, and PASAT were calculated. Results: 22 patients were enrolled. Improvement in post-treatment scores was detected for the MFIS (p=0.004) and the PASAT (p=0.02), among others. The MFIS effect size was moderate (0.61) but there was a weak association between MFIS change and GAC (r=0.26; NS). Changes in PASAT scores correlated with changes in the SF-36 physical subscale (r=0.42; p=0.05), MFIS-Cognitive subscale (r=0.39; p=0.07), and MFIS-Social subscale (r=0.37; p=0.09). Conclusions: Fatigue, as measured by the MFIS, may be associated with cognitive performance. However, despite moderate effect size, change in MFIS is not associated with qualitative self-assessment of therapeutic response. Further work is needed to find instruments that detect clinically important change in subjective fatigue and objective cognitive performance. Disclosure: Dr. Thaera has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wingerchuk has received research support from Genentech, Inc,, Genzyme Corporation, Alexion and the Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation.
Comparison of hamstring neuromechanical properties between healthy males and females and the influence of musculotendinous stiffness

The hamstrings limit anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading, and neuromuscular control of these muscles is crucial for dynamic knee joint stability. Sex differences in electromechanical delay (EMD) and rate of force production (RFP) have been reported previously, and attributed to differences in musculotendinous stiffness (MTS). These characteristics define the neuromechanical response to joint perturbation, and sex differences in these characteristics may contribute to the greater female ACL injury risk. However, it is unclear if these differences exist in the hamstrings, and the relationship between MTS and neuromechanical function has not been assessed directly. Hamstring MTS, EMD, the time required to produce 50% peak force (Time50%), and RFP were assessed in 20 males and 20 females with no history of ACL injury. EMD did not differ significantly across sex (p=0.788). However, MTS (p<0.001) and RFP (p=0.003) were greater in males, Time50% (p=0.013) was shorter in males, and Time50% was negatively correlated with MTS (r=-0.332, p=0.039). These results suggest that neuromechanical hamstring function in females may limit dynamic knee joint stability, potentially contributing to the greater female ACL injury risk. However, future research is necessary to determine the direct influences of MTS and neuromechanical function on dynamic knee joint stability and ACL injury risk.
On ductile fracture initiation toughness: Effects of void volume fraction, void shape and void distribution

Abstract This paper studies the effects of the initial relative void spacing, void pattern, void shape and void volume fraction on ductile fracture toughness using three-dimensional, small scale yielding models, where voids are assumed to pre-exist in the material and are explicitly modeled using refined finite elements. Results of this study can be used to explain the observed fracture toughness anisotropy in industrial alloys. Our analyses suggest that simplified models containing a single row of voids ahead of the crack tip is sufficient when the initial void volume fraction remains small. When the initial void volume fraction becomes large, these simplified models can predict the fracture initiation toughness ( J Ic ) with adequate accuracy but cannot predict the correct J – R curve because they over-predict the interaction among growing voids on the plane of crack propagation. Consequently, finite element models containing multiple rows of voids should be used when the material has large initial void volume fraction.
The Relation Between Eliciting Stimulus Strength and Habituation of the Threat Display in Male Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta Splendens

The threat display of the male Siamese fighting fish (Betta spiendens) is a highly integrated phenomenon, involving approach, extension of the gill covers (opcrculae) and brachiostegal membranes, erection of the medial fins, intense deepening of body color, orientation movcmcnts, and undulatory movements. Many qualitatively different stimuli are capable of eliciting the complete threat display (e.g., live male Betta, mirror image, two dimensional cut-out). However, the relations between the initial eliciting strength of the threat stimulus and the degree of habituation, retention, and recovery of habituation have not been systematically investigated. These relations are important in an eliciting stimulus and competing response theory of habituation like that of RATNER (1970). To investigate the above relations, 40 adult male Bettas were randomly assigned to four independent groups (n = 10). Each S in a particular group was exposed to one of four different eliciting stimuli for two 40 minute sessions separated by a 24 hour rest period. The four thrcat elicitors were: a live unhabituated, highly responsive male Bettca (Unhab. male); a mirror image (Mirror) ; a livc habituatcd, relatively unrcsponsive male Betta (Hab. male) ; and a two dimensional cut-out of a male Betta in lateral display (Cut-out). During threc ro minute observation periods in each session, five different reliable components of the display were simultaneously recorded: air gulping frequency (AG), gill cover erection frequency (GF), gill cover erection duration (GD), fin erection frequency (FF), and fin erection duration (FD). For all five dependent measures, the Unhab. male stimulus was the strongest elicitor followed by the Mirror, Hab. male and Cut-out stimuli, respectively. Only two of the dependent measures (GD, FD) showed a systematic decrement for all stimulus groups. With respect to both of these measures, initial eliciting stimulus strength (response level during the first 10 minute observation) was positively related to absolute response decrement, and proportion of recovery of habituation. Initial eliciting stimulus strength was inversely related to the proportion of decrement across sessions, and the proporton of retention of habituation over a 24 hour period. Four of the threat components (GF, GD, FF, FD) were highly positively related. AG was shown not to be an integral component of the display, itself. The data provided support for portions of an eliciting stimulus and competing response theory of habituation.
Valacyclovir to Expedite the Clearance of Recurrent Herpes Gladiatorum

Objective: To determine if valacyclovir usage expedites the clearance of recurrent herpes gladiatorum (HG) in wrestlers. Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective study using valacyclovir from September 2001 through March 2003. Participants: Twenty-nine wrestlers were recruited from the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota area. They ranged in ages from 18 to 36, of whom 7 were coaches and 22 active wrestlers. All participants had greater than 2-year history of recurrent HG. Main Outcome Measures: Upon an outbreak, all participants would swab the area on a daily basis for 14 days. Swabs were analyzed for herpes simplex virus 1/2 via PCR. End point was determined as the last sample with measurable PCR detected. Individuals were randomly selected, yet equally distributed, to be in 1 of 3 groups: placebo × 7 days, valacyclovir 500 mg BID × 7 days, or valacyclovir 1,000 mg QD × 7 days. Results: Twenty participants (3 coaches and 17 active wrestlers) experienced outbreaks. All participants were compliant and started medication within 24 hours of developing symptoms. Valacyclovir usage showed significant reduction in mean time until PCR clearance, 8.14 days with placebo versus 6.43 days with valacyclovir 500 mg BID. Conclusions: A 7-day regimen of valacyclovir 500 mg BID will reduce the length of time until clinical clearance of an outbreak of recurrent HG. Its usage reduced duration of viral presence by 21%.
The effect of flash duration and flash shape on entrainment in Pteroptyx malaccae, a synchronic Southeast Asian firefly.

Abstract Southeast Asian synchronic fireflies respond to stimulus flashes by phase-shifting their endogenous oscillator. This is called `flash entrainment'. The releasers for entrainment were studied by changing stimulus flash shape and duration in Pteroptyx malaccae . Stimulus flash shapes and durations were synthesized digitally and delivered by a field-portable computer system. The computer also recorded male firefly flashes that were detected with a photometer. We found that the type of entrainment and its magnitude was influenced by the duration of the entrainment flash and by its shape.
Investigation, design and analysis of a fast neutron facility on beam port 4 at the University of Texas MARK II TRIGA Reactor

Graduate students in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Texas at Austin have designed and modeled a fast neutron prompt-gamma activation analysis facility as part of a new course introduced in the graduate program titled “The Design of Nuclear Systems.” The students were responsible for creating a design concept as well as implementing and modeling the concept to ensure its safety and functionality. The purpose of the class was to give graduate students the independence to create a project of their own vision, but to do so in a collaborative and formal manner as will be necessary in their future work. The fast neutron PGAA facility was successfully designed and computational models have been analyzed to display benefits of the fast neutron facility compared to the thermal neutron PGAA facility that also exists at The University of Texas at Austin.
Pulsed laser ablation of soft tissues, gels, and aqueous solutions at temperatures below 100°C

Background and Objectiue: It is desirable for laser microsurgical procedures to remove tissue accurately and with minimal thermal and mechanical damage to adjacent non-irradiated tissues. Pulsed laser ablation can potentially remove biological tissue with microprecision if appropriate irradiation conditions are applied. The major goal of this study was to determine whether laser ablation is possible at temperatures below 100°C. Another aim was to test thermoelastic and recoil stress magnitudes and to estimate their effects on phantom and biological tissue. Study DesignlMateriaZs and Methods: Pulsed laser ablation of water (aqueous solution of potassium chromate) and water containing soft tissues (collagen gel and pig liver) irradiated under confined stress conditions was studied. The ablation mechanism and stages of the ablation process were determined based on time-resolved measurements of laser-induced acoustic waves with simultaneous imaging of the ablation process by laser-flash photography. Results: This study reveals the important role of tensile thermoelastic stress, which produces efficient cavitation that drives material ejection at temperatures substantially below 100°C. Ablation thresholds for the aqueous solution, collagen gel, and liver were 20,38, and 55 J/cm”, respectively, which correspond to temperature jumps of 5,10, and 15°C. Two distinct stages of material ejection were observed: (1) initial removal of small volumes of material due to the rupture of single subsurface bubbles, (2) bulk material ablation in the form of jets produced by intense hydrodynamic motions formed upon collapse of large bubbles after coalescence of smaller bubbles. The duration of material ejection upon short-pulse ablation may vary from microseconds to submilliseconds, and depended on the mechanical properties of materials and the incident laser fluence. ConcZusion: Nanosecond laser ablation of water, gels, and soft tissue under confined-stress conditions of irradiation may occur at temperatures below 100°C. This ablation regime minimizes thermal injury to adjacent tissues and involves thermoelastic stress and recoil pressure magnitudes, which may be tolerated by tissues adjacent to an ablated crater. Q 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A ribozyme derived from the catalytic subunit of RNase P from Escherichia coli is highly effective in inhibiting replication of herpes simplex virus 1.

Abstract A sequence-specific ribozyme (M1GS RNA) derived from the catalytic RNA subunit of RNase P from Escherichia coli was used to target the mRNA encoding human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) major transcription activator, ICP4. A reduction of more than 80 % in the expression level of ICP4 and a reduction of about 1000-fold in viral growth were observed in cells that stably expressed the ribozyme. In contrast, a reduction of less than 10 % in ICP4 expression and viral growth was observed in cells that either did not express the ribozyme or produced a catalytically inactive ribozyme mutant. Thus, M1GS ribozyme is highly effective in inhibiting HSV-1 growth and can be used as a general gene-targeting agent for anti-HSV applications.
FABRICS II: A Statistically Based IC Fabrication Process Simulator

This paper describes FABRICS II, an IC fabriction process simulator which takes into account the statistical fluctuations inherent in the manufacturing process. FABRICS II is composed of two parts, a fabrication process simulator FAB1, and a semiconductor device simulator FAB2. The simulator produces model parameters of typical semiconductor devices manufactured in various fabrication processes (NMOS, CMOS, or bipolar). Possible applications of FABRICS II include verification and optimization of process and circuit design, yield prediction and maximization prior to IC fabrication, and IC failure analysis. Two examples which illustrate the application of FABRICS II are presented.
Behavioral modeling of delta-sigma modulators

Abstract This paper presents an overview of DelSi, a MATLAB toolbox developed for the design and simulation of delta–sigma modulators. The DelSi toolbox can synthesize a stable noise-transfer function for complex network structures. The modelling tool consists of two c / c ++ programs, sdMod.c, a single stage delta–sigma modulator and firfilt.c, a decimating FIR filter. Cascaded modulators can be constructed using the programs as building blocks. The simulation tools support the inclusion of nonideal effects caused by circuit imperfections, such as amplifier finite open-loop gain, incomplete settling and saturation as well as capacitor ratio mismatches. Two design examples are presented: one for a 1–1–1 cascade and the other for a single-stage fifth modulator.
The influence of microstructures on the relationship between argon retentivity and chemical composition of hornblende

This paper discusses isotope dating of hornblende separates from the Connemara, western Ireland. The dating is based on potassium/argon dates and the author provides a rebuttal of an earlier paper which dismisses any correlation between iron content in the hornblende and the Argon isotope dates for the same mineral.
Nuclear cardiology approaches to defining normal and abnormal cardiovascular aging

The application of thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy to asymptomatic adults has refined the prevalence and prognostic significance of exerciseinduced silent myocardial ischemia. The relatively high occurrence of silent ischemia in both sedentary and athletic older men is noteworthy. A cost-effective intervention to treat these apparently healthy subjects could have major economic implications. The similarity of risk factors for silent ischemia and clinical CAD reinforces efforts at early risk-factor modification to prevent the progression from silent to symptomatic status. Many studies that used radionuclide ventriculography have documented a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction response to maximal cycle ergometry with age. In addition we have observed that the stroke volume increase with exercise in older adults is accomplished by a greater left ventricular dilatation (ie, the Frank-Starling mechanism) than in the young. The blunted exercise-induced increase in ejection fraction in healthy older subjects, especially women, must be considered when exercise radionuclide ventriculography is used as a diagnostic tool for CAD. The increase in peak diastolic filling rate during exercise is also attenuated with age. An attractive explanation for the age-associated reduction in the left ventricular systolic and diastolic responses to strenuous aerobic exercise is a diminution of β-adrenergic responsiveness with aging.
The retention of automatically and effortfully encoded stimulus attributes

Current research suggests that a memory trace is a record of the mental activity associated with an event, not a literal record of the event. Thus, more elaborate and effortful encoding is associated with better memory traces. Paradoxically, Hasher and Zacks′ (1979) theory holds that some information is encoded into long-term memory automatically—that is, effortlessly. However, tests of this theory have not assessed the durability of automatically encoded information for periods beyond a few minutes. We assessed memory of an effortfully encoded stimulus attribute, color, and of an automatically encoded attribute, spatial location. Intentional and incidental instructions did not differentially affect the encoding of these attributes, and both were remembered over a 24-h retention interval. It was concluded that automatically encoded information is encoded into long-term memory. The results suggest that color is also an attribute that may be encoded automatically.
Concentrations and mass loadings of hormones, alkylphenols, and alkylphenol ethoxylates in healthcare facility wastewaters

Healthcare facility wastewaters are an anticipated source of known endocrine disrupting chemicals to the environment. In this study, the composition and magnitude of eight steroid hormones, octylphenol (OP), nonylphenol (NP), 16 nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs), and 10 octylphenol ethoxylates (OPEOs) in wastewater from a(n) hospital, nursing facility, assisted living facility, and independent living facility are presented. Steroid hormone concentrations were variable for each sampling location, ranging from a non-detectable concentration of 17beta-ethynylestradiol in all samples to 127ngL(-1) androstenedione in the hospital's wastewater composite. OP and NP were not detected in any site's samples. However, NPEOs were found at each sampling location with a maximum combined concentration of 260microgL(-1) for NPEOs with a chain length between 3 and 18 units in the assisted living facility composite sample. OPEOs were only found in the hospital and nursing facilities samples with a maximum combined OPEO concentration of 13microgL(-1) for OPEOs with a chain length between 2 and 12 units in hospital wastewater. The total mass loading of hormones to the municipal sewer system from each facility ranged from 2.5mgd(-1) at the assisted living facility to 138mgd(-1) at the hospital. The total mass loading of the alklyphenol ethoxylates (NPEO+OPEO) is considerably higher than the estimated hormone mass loadings, ranging from 1.8gd(-1) at the independent living facility to 54gd(-1) at the hospital facility.
Turmoil In the Red Rock School District

Following decades of tranquility, the Red Rock School District found itself immersed in turmoil. After nineteen years, the superintendent retired and the new superintendent and school board decided to improve the football program. Follow the events from the nonrenewal of the popular head football coach to the creation of a new administrative position and to the very short tenure of the new coach.
A review of lateglacial pollen records from Ecuador and Peru with reference to the Younger Dryas event

Abstract Published biostratigraphic records from Ecuador spanning the Lateglacial period of approximately 13,000 to 10,000 BP lack radiocarbon dates delineating the Younger Dryas, and records with extrapolated dates do not exhibit evidence of a climatic reversal. For Peru, fossil pollen data from four sites suggest one and possibly two climatic oscillations in the Lateglacial, but only one site, Laguna Junin, has dates that delimit a short-term climatic change, and this occurs between 12,000 and 11,000 BP. Pollen records from Laguna Baja and Rio Blanco pond give the strongest indication of a climatic reversal, but bracketing dates are not available. Other pollen records from Peru have tenuous dating or data and do not support a Lateglacial climatic reversal at the time of the Younger Dryas.
Opportunities and challenges for data center demand response

This paper surveys the opportunities and challenges in an emerging area of research that has the potential to significantly ease the incorporation of renewable energy into the grid as weil as electric power peak-load shaving: data center demand response. Data center demand response sits at the intersection of two growing fields: energy efficient data centers and demand response in the smart grid. As such, the literature related to data center demand response is sprinkled across multiple areas and worked on by diverse groups. Our goal in this survey is to demonstrate the potential of the field while also summarizing the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain.
Structural Transitions in Sodium Chloride Nanocrystals

High resolution ion mobility measurements have been used to examine structural transitions in $(\mathrm{NaCl}{)}_{n}{\mathrm{Cl}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ nanocrystals with between 30 and 40 NaCl units. Transformations between bulk fragment geometries with different $j\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}k\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}l$ dimensions are observed at ambient temperatures. In some of these transformations, close to half the atoms are relocated, yet the Arrhenius activation energies are less than 0.6 eV. A surface diffusion mechanism is proposed to explain the remarkably low activation energies.
Horizon-specific oxidation of acid volatile sulfide in relation to the toxicity of cadmium spiked into a freshwater sediment

The effects of oxidative processes on acid volatile sulfide (AVS) concentrations in various horizons of whole sediment cores were evaluated in relation to the toxicity of a metal (cadmium). An artificial system was used to “age” cadmium-spiked sediment samples under a constant flow of fresh Lake Superior water. Sediments from Pequaywan Lake, Minnesota (12 μmol AVS/g) were spiked to achieve (nominal) cadmium: AVS molar ratios of 0.02 (control), 0.2, 0.8, 1.2, and 3.0. At 0, 24, and 48 days post-spiking, sediment cores were removed from the aging system and tested for toxicity to the amphipod Hyalella azteca. At the same time, horizons from replicate sediment cores were prepared for analysis by freezing, and then cutting them into 10–20 mm increments. The sediment horizons were analyzed for AVS and simultaneously extracted cadmium concentrations, and pore water concentrations of cadmium. Relatively little oxidation of surficial AVS concentrations was observed, even at aging times up to 48 d. By 48 d, pore water concentrations of cadmium were slightly elevated at all spiking concentrations, but were increased greatly at cadmium:AVS ratios greater than one. Hyalella azteca mortality was generally predictable based on surficial cadmium:AVS ratios or pore water cadmium concentrations.
On the scale-dependent propagation of hydrologic uncertainty using high-resolution X-band radar rainfall estimates

Abstract Radar precipitation estimates can improve hydrologic prediction over a range of spatial scales represented by both rural and urban basins. Flooding results from the combination of heavy precipitation and the distributed hydraulic and hydrologic characteristics of the basin. Accuracy and spatial scaling of radar estimated rainfall, and its impact at relevant hydrologic scales is an important determinant of hydrologic prediction accuracy and flood forecasting. Results of simulations using archival radar events are used to demonstrate the sources of uncertainty affecting site-specific flood forecasts within the distributed hydrologic model, Vflo. Radar data used in this analysis are derived from both S-band (NEXRAD/88D) and the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA), polarimetric X-band radars. X-band radars have the capability to provide higher spatial and temporal resolution than the conventional radars operating at S-band. However, compared to S-band, X-band radars have shorter wavelengths and suffer from attenuation, or even total extinction of the radar signal at short ranges from the radar. Degradation of precipitation mapping is a serious concern, especially in heavy precipitation over distances associated with watersheds prone to flooding. Compared to rain gauge accumulations, X-band radar polarimetric rainfall estimates were significantly degraded beyond about 15 km from the radars. With rainfall input derived from X-band radars, uncertainty in runoff volume scales with watershed area as a smooth monotonically decreasing function as area increases due to averaging of random errors in the input. Relative to estimates derived from S-band radar, unreliable hydrograph response was produced using X-band polarimetric rainfall estimates as input to a physics-based distributed hydrologic model, especially for watershed areas less than about 20 km 2 .
Threshold states in 26Al revisited

Abstract Threshold states in 26 Al have been re-examined using the 27 Al( 3 He, α) 26 Al and 25 Mg( 3 He, dγ) 26 Al reactions in order to resolve apparent ambiguities in some of the previously reported properties of these states. In particular, the s-wave resonance strength reported at E c.m. = 37 keV is now found to be located at E c.m. = 57.54 keV, and the proton width for the 374 keV resonance has been revised to Γ p = 0.82 eV. These results have been used to calculate a new resonance strength of ωγ = 1.6 × 10 −13 eV for the 57.54 keV resonance. As a result, the stellar production rate for 26 Al is increased by a factor ∼- 3–38 for temperatures T 9 = 0.05–0.1.
Indium oxide electrodes on stabilized zirconia electrolytes

Abstract Polarization measurements were made at 1000°C in air on undoped, donor doped, and acceptor doped In 2 O 3 electrodes in point contact with yttria stabilized zirconia electrolytes. The results were interpreted in light of equilibrium thermodynamic relations between defect concentrations in In 2 O 3 , and the Nernst relation between oxygen chemical potential and overpotential at the contact.
Smoke and gas evolution rate measurements on fire-retarded plastics with the cone calorimeter

The recent advances in the state of the art of fire modeling have pointed to the need for quantitative, dimensionally correct, and apparatus-independent data on smoke production and on the evolution of various gas species. The cone calorimeter was developed originally for making improved rate of heat release measurements. The basic design has proved to be highly versatile, however, allowing it to become a suitable test bed for making smoke and gas evolution studies. The smoke measurement procedures with the cone calorimeter have recently been published by ASTM as a proposed method. Gas evolution measurements are still at the research laboratory stage, but are being actively developed, with a strong role being seen in the near future for both fire modeling and combustion toxicity. The techniques evolved are seen to be especially useful for comparing fire-retarded materials to non-retarded ones.
Dual‐Use Technology In the Context of the Non‐Proliferation Regime

Many technologies have both vital legitimate uses and potent military applications. An international regulatory regime has been devised for the purpose of monitoring the use of the most dangerous of these technologies, namely chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. Multiple examples of the use of chemical and biological weapons against members of the public, and evidence of prohibited state weapons development programs, demonstrate the vital need for a more effective enforcement regime. The authors discuss the concept and threat of dual‐use technology, the existing regulatory regime and its shortcomings, and propose enhancing this regime with powerful international judicial authorities to enable the prosecution of any state, group or individual who attempts to misuse dual‐use technology.
SEMICLASSICAL APPROACH FOR NONRELATIVISTIC FERMIONS IN LOW DIMENSIONS

We present a collective field formalism for nonrelativistic fermions in one spatial dimension. A bosonization technique is used to convert the quantum mechanical fermionic problem to a bosonic one, which is further described as a second quantized Schrodinger field theory. A formulation in terms of current and density variables gives rise to the collective field representation. Applications of our formalism to the D=1 Hermitian matrix model and the system of one-dimensional fermions in the presence of a weak electromagnetic field are discussed.
Experimental Measurements of Stretching Fields in Fluid Mixing

Using precision measurements of tracer particle trajectories in a two-dimensional fluid flow producing chaotic mixing, we directly measure the time-dependent stretching field. This quantity, previously available only numerically, attains local maxima along lines that coincide with the stable and unstable manifolds of hyperbolic fixed points of Poincare maps. Contours of a passive impurity field are found at each instant to be oriented parallel to the lines that have recently experienced large stretching. The local stretching varies by 12 orders of magnitude.