cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of the Adaptive Functioning Index: The Residential Checklist

The validity and reliability of the Adaptive Functioning Index (AFI) was examined using a sample from the population of a large residential facility in Australia. Interrater reliability was tested with the results reflecting considerable consistency between raters. There was some inconsistency observed in the ratings of very low functioning individuals and in behaviour domains which were more subjectively rated. The construct validity of the scale was examined by comparing the adaptive behaviour of groups distinguished by the variables; intellectual functioning, maladaptive behaviour and residential group membership. Performance differences indicated that the AFI, Residential Checklist provides a valid measure of the construct adaptive behaviour in an Australian residential setting.
5′-Nucleotidase activity increases in aging rat brain

Abstract The enzyme 5′-nucleotidase is present in glial and neuronal membranes, and catalyzes the formation of adenosine, which in turn can act as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter. The present study found marked increases in histochemically demonstrated 5′-nucleotidase activity in most regions of rat brain from young adulthood (3–4 months) to middle age (12–18 months), with smaller or no changes between middle and old age (24–32 months). The aging adult cerebellum showed alterations in the histochemical pattern, with declines in the molecular layer and increases in the Purkinje layer. Both myelin and synaptic plasma membrane fractions from forebrain showed increases in enzyme activity. Assays of various other body tissues suggested that the increases are fairly specific to brain, and thus apparently do not represent a ubiquitous cellular mechanism of aging. Changes in brain 5′-nucleotidase activity during aging probably reflect the increasing number and size of glial cells, and perhaps also affect synaptic transmission through regulation of adenosine.
Hypersensitivity to visceral and cutaneous pain in the irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal illnesses and is characterized by altered visceral perception. Previous studies in IBS have failed to demonstrate altered somatic or cutaneous perception. The aims of the study were to determine whether IBS patients have visceral hypersensitivity and cutaneous heat-induced hyperalgesia restricted to lumbosacral dermatomes, consistent with a localized segmental mechanism. Twelve patients (ten women, two men) with IBS and 17 control subjects (13 women, four men) rated pain intensity and unpleasantness to distension of the rectum (35, 55 mmHg) and thermal stimulation (45, 47°C) of the hand and foot. Patients with IBS demonstrated cutaneous allodynia/hyperalgesia to thermal pain applied to the hand and foot. The cutaneous hyperalgesia was pronounced in the lower extremity yet present in the upper extremity to a lesser extent. Psychological testing revealed the IBS patients report more state anxiety and a greater number of somatic symptoms that significantly correlated with most of the pain measures. However, they did not differ from controls on several personality trait measures. These results suggest that patients with IBS have visceral hyperalgesia and cutaneous hyperalgesia that is distributed over a considerable rostral-caudal distance yet optimally expressed in lumbosacral dermatomes. This distribution is consistent with patterns of spinal hyperexcitability observed in experimentally induced persistent pain conditions.
Determination of normal buffer line for chicken blood.

Abstract A CO 2 equilibration curve was derived to examine in vitro and in vivo buffering characteristics of whole chicken blood at 40.0° C. Blood equilibrated with CO 2 in vitro exhibited linear relationships on both log P CO 2 /pH and HCO 3 − /pH graphs, with slopes of −1.45 and −20.2, respectively. When arterial blood samples were drawn from anaesthetized but spontaneously breathing animals, a plot of the log P CO 2 ; and pH of these samples was linear from 18 to 75 mm Hg had a slope of −1.24. When these same data were plotted as [HCO − 3 ] p /pH the scatter was so great that linearity was difficult to substantiate. Changes in hemoglobin saturation from 100% to 60% S O 2 produced no change in buffering ability of in vivo chicken blood. Determining acid-base status of the chicken by the log P CO 2 /pH graph is possible so long as the reference region along the buffer line is related to the state of the animal, e.g. , conscious or anesthetized because increases of arterial blood P CO 2 vary with the degree of anesthetization.
Morphologic changes in the upper airway of children during awakening from propofol administration.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the morphologic changes that occur in the upper airway of children during awakening from propofol sedation. Methods: Children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging of the head underwent additional scans of the upper airway during deep sedation with propofol; this was repeated on awakening. Axial views were obtained at the most posterior sites of the pharynx at the levels of the soft palate and tongue. Measurements were then obtained of the anterior-posterior (A-P) diameter, transverse diameter, and cross-sectional areas at these levels. Results: Data were obtained on 16 children, aged 10 months to 7 yr. In both sedated and awakening states, most children had the smallest cross-sectional area of the pharynx at the level of the soft palate. During the sedated state, at the soft palate level, the transverse diameter was most narrow in 11 children, the A-P diameter was most narrow in 1 child, and they were equal in 2 children. During the sedated state, at the level of the tongue, the transverse diameter was most narrow in 9 children, the A-P diameter was most narrow in 5 children, and they were equal in 2 children. During awakening, at the soft palate level, the transverse diameter was most narrow in none of the children, the A-P diameter was most narrow in 13 children, and they were equal in 1 child. At the level of the tongue, the transverse diameter was most narrow in 4 children, and the A-P diameter was most narrow in 12 children. During awakening, the A-P diameter of the pharynx at the level of the soft palate decreased in 12 children, increased in 1 child, and remained the same in 1 child. (P < 0.001). The transverse diameter increased in 11 children, decreased in 1 child, and remained the same in 2 children (P = 0.001). The cross-sectional area at the level of the soft palate increased in 4 children, decreased in 8 children, and stayed the same in 2 children (P = 0.5). During awakening, the A-P diameter of the pharynx at the level of the tongue decreased in 11 children, increased in 4 children, and remained the same in 1 child. (P = 0.01). The transverse diameter increased in 11 children and decreased in 5 children (P = 0.07). The cross-sectional area at the level of the tongue increased in 7 children, decreased in 7 children, and stayed the same in 2 children (P = 0.9). Conclusions: The dimensions of the upper airways of children change shape significantly on awakening from propofol sedation. When sedated, the upper airway is oblong shaped, with the A-P diameter larger than the transverse diameter. On awakening, the shape of the upper airway in most children changed such that the transverse diameter was larger. Cross-sectional areas between sedated and awakening states were unchanged. These changes may reflect the differential effects of propofol on upper airway musculature during awakening.
Stress intensity factors for a penny shaped crack in a half space

Abstract Stress intensity factors are presented for a circular crack approaching the surface of a semiinfinite solid. Results are presented for uniform tension and linearly varying loading. The solutions are used to derive stress intensity factors for a circular crack near the surface of a beam in pure bending and an approximation of the thickness effect on the stress intensity factor for a deep surface flaw in a plate is presented. A solution is also presented for the stress distribution in a half space subjected to shear loading on part of its boundary.
A theorem on the difficulty of numerical deconvolution

The difficulty of numerical deconvolution is explained by examining the matrix of the linear equations generated by approximating the linear system superposition integral. It is shown that any row of the matrix is approximately a linear combination of other rows.
Patterns of discrimination against Blacks and Hispanics in the US mortgage market

The mortgage market in the United States has seen tremendous changes during the last years, most important of which is the evolution and growth of the secondary market and the accompanied increase in subprime lending. Traditionally depository institutions as banks and thrifts were the main issuers of mortgages. Nowadays, however, the mortgage market is occupied by many more institutions and agents, who are issuing a large share of mortgages. On the positive side, the growth of the subprime market has increased homeownership rates for low-income and minority households. On the negative side, however, statistics suggest that Blacks and Hispanics extensively rely on subprime loans. This is critical insofar as some of those households would have qualified for a less costly prime mortgage. Moreover, there is evidence that minorities—most of which are concentrated in certain neighborhoods—are purposely targeted to purchase a subprime loan which is not suited to their financial abilities. Thus, the current crisis, and accompanied foreclosures of homes, can be expected to disproportionately affect Blacks and Hispanics.
Observation of Defect Modes in Optically-induced Photonic Lattices

Defect modes in one-dimensional optically-induced photonic lattices are experimentally demonstrated, which agree very well with our theoretical predictions. Such defect modes are analogous to guiding light in an
Dissolved glucose in a bayou estuary, possible sources and utilization by bacteria

Surface and bottom samples were collected twice a month over a period of one year from three stations in Bayou Texar, Pensacola, Florida. Samples were analyzed for primary productivity, inorganic carbon, bacterioplankton heterotrophic productivity, dissolved glucose, and bacterial numbers. Dissolved glucose concentrations were generally high and displayed a seasonal pattern with variations being accompanied by corresponding changes in rates of glucose uptake by bacteria. A relationship between dissolved glucose and carbon fixation was found to exist at the upper station but diminishes toward the lower stations. It is believed that this is most likely the result of increased mixing by wind action.
Integrating photovoltaic inverter reliability into energy yield estimation with Markov models

Markov reliability models to estimate Photovoltaic (PV) inverter reliability are proposed for utility-interactive systems. These are then extended to generate a unified PV energy-yield model. The integrated reliability-energy yield framework is superior to conventional methods as it accounts for inverter failures and repairs. The proposed analytical framework is utilized to compare conventional central inverter architectures to emerging architectures that employ microinverters. Case studies applied to a 9 kW residential system indicate that over a 25 year period, in typical operating conditions, microinverters provide higher energy yield as compared to a conventional system. Additionally, the analysis demonstrates that the energy yield is more sensitive to the repair time compared to the mean time to failure of the inverters.
Glucose metabolism in the brain of patients with essential tremor

Using positron emission tomography with [18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose, we determined the regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose utilization at rest in 8 medication-free patients with essential tremor and in 10 normal subjects. Taking the metabolic values of regions of interest as ratios to the mean hemispheric metabolism, the patients showed significant glucose hypermetabolism of the medulla and thalami, but not of the cerebellar cortex. This study lends support to earlier suggestions that circuits involving the inferior olivary nuclei in the medulla and the thalmus are involved in the generation of essential tremor.
Software architecture: many faces, many places, yet a central discipline

Software architecture is the set of principal design decisions about a system. As such, it has been around since the design of the very first computer programs. Nonetheless, as a discipline and body of knowledge, it has greatly changed and matured over the years, emerging as a critical component of our field. This talk will examine a few of the many faces of software architecture, particularly since it emerged as a named field of study in the late 80's and early 90's. From an early focus on components, connectors, and configurations of systems, the focus of work is shifting to encompass a broader range of critical design decisions. A particular emphasis of this talk will be the articulation of fundamental principles of architectural styles and consideration of how they can dominate system design. From some early examples consideration will proceed to REST and hence to some emerging styles and the novel features they support. Along the way we will also consider notations and tools for supporting architecture-based design, and the perhaps most important winning proposition for the discipline: domain-specific software architectures.
SOME MONEY GAMES

The authors consider three games which come directly to grips with important ideas in finance, are complex enough to be interesting, yet sufficiently simple to be explained and played in less than one class period. Their purpose is to help students become more involved in the art of economic model building and to impart a better understanding of the demand for money. It seems likely that these games can be used to test specific hypotheses about the learning process and human decision making under conditions of uncertainty.
47.4: Invited Paper: Wobulation: Doubling the Addressed Resolution of Projection Displays

In this paper “wobulation” is presented. Wobulation is a cost-effective method of increasing the resolution of digital projection systems without changing the spatial light modulator (SLM). Multiple sub-frames of data are generated from each frame of image data. An optical image shifting mechanism displaces the projected image of each sub-frame by a fraction of a pixel. The sub-frames are projected in rapid succession, thereby appearing as if they were projected simultaneously and superimposed. The resulting image has significantly higher resolution than images produced by unwobulated systems having the same number of SLM pixels.
High-resolution thin-film device to sense texture by touch.

Touch (or tactile) sensors are gaining renewed interest as the level of sophistication in the application of minimum invasive surgery and humanoid robots increases. The spatial resolution of current large-area (greater than 1 cm 2 ) tactile sensor lags by more than an order of magnitude compared with the human finger. By using metal and semiconducting nanoparticles, a ∼100-nm-thick, large-area thin-film device is self-assembled such that the change in current density through the film and the electroluminescent light intensity are linearly proportional to the local stress. A stress image is obtained by pressing a copper grid and a United States 1-cent coin on the device and focusing the resulting electroluminescent light directly on the charge-coupled device. Both the lateral and height resolution of texture are comparable to the human finger at similar stress levels of ∼10 kilopascals.
Light-Evoked Responses of the Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelium

In response to light, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) generates a series of slow potentials that can be recorded as the c-wave, fast oscillation (FO), and light peak (LP) of the electroretinog...
The risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events with selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.

The selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors celecoxib and rofecoxib are now widely prescribed instead of the traditional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Short-term randomized controlled trials (RCTs) documented that both agents were superior to placebo, with comparable efficacy and better upper gastrointestinal (GI) adverse-event profiles than traditional NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. However, these RCTs were not powered to demonstrate GI tolerability equivalent to placebo, and consequently the GI warning common to the NSAID class remained in both celecoxib and rofecoxib labels. The Celecoxib Long-term Arthritis Safety Study (CLASS) and the Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research (VIGOR) trials were designed to demonstrate GI safety superior to that of traditional NSAIDs, as used in regular clinical practice, assessed by “clinically meaningful” upper GI events, at twice recommended clinical doses for long-term use (celecoxib 400 mg twice daily; rofecoxib 50 mg daily) (1,2). Although both large outcome trials shared similar designs, they differed in several important aspects (Table 1). Comparator NSAIDs in CLASS were ibuprofen and diclofenac, and in VIGOR it was naproxen. Only patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were enrolled in VIGOR; in CLASS, RA patients represented 28% of the study population, and osteoarthritis (OA) patients represented the other 72%. Enrolled patient numbers were similar: in CLASS, 3,987 patients took celecoxib, 1,996 patients took diclofenac (75 mg twice daily), and 1,985 patients took ibuprofen (800 mg 3 times daily); in VIGOR 4,047 patients took rofecoxib and 4,029 took naproxen (500 mg twice daily). Patient populations differed at baseline predominantly by risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) and GI events (Table 2). Enrollment of patients taking prophylactic lowdose aspirin ( 325 mg/day) or other antiplatelet agents (such as ticlopidine) was permitted in CLASS and proscribed in VIGOR. Patients with angina or congestive heart failure with symptoms at rest or with minimal activity were excluded from participation in VIGOR. The population enrolled in CLASS included more patients at risk for thromboembolic CV disease. During presentations at the FDA Arthritis Advisory Committee meetings, February 7–8, 2001, where results of the CLASS and the VIGOR trial were reviewed, CV safety issues potentially associated with administration of COX-2 selective agents were raised (3,4). This editorial will discuss these data and possible explanations for the findings.
Testing a covariance matrix structure in a mixed model with no empty cells

Abstract In this article, Scheffe's mixed two-way classification model for balanced as well as unbalanced data is considered. The covariance structure associated with this model's random effects is quite general. Under the usual assumptions of independence of the random effects and homogeneity of their respective variances, the covariance structure assumes a particular form. A multivariate test is presented to check the validity of this form. A numerical example is given to illustrate the implementation of the proposed test.
C−H···Carboxylate Oxygen Hydrogen Bonding in Substrate Activation by Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenases: Synergy between the H-bonds

Several model systems for the α-carbonyl proton abstraction reaction were studied at the DFT level to examine the role of hydrogen bonding interactions in the enzyme catalytic activity of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. Each system contains the thioester portion of acyl-CoA (CH3CH2(CO)SCH3) a weakly basic COO⊖ representing Glu376, H-donor molecules (methanol and methylformamide) with zero, one or two H-donors bound to the carbonyl oxygen of the thioester correspond to the Glu376 and FAD side-chains. Five transition structures (TS-2a, TS-2b, TS-2d, TS-2a*, and TS-2b*) for the α-proton abstraction step and their corresponding ground state minima have been fully optimized at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory. Classical activation energy barriers of 5.8, 10.4, 7.7, 9.9, and 12.3 kcal/mol have been calculated for these model systems, respectively. ChelpG, NBO charge distribution analysis in conjunction with the structural properties of the transition structures suggest their enolate-like character and the “normal”...
Social transfer, elimination, and biological half-life of gamma-emitting radionuclides in the termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kol.

Gamma-emitting radionuclides, which have individually identifiable energy spectra, were used singly and in combination to label workers of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kol. Isotopes offered in the food source were incorporated into workers and showed discernible spectra within three days, and all workers showed statistically identifiable label within 10 days. Labeled termites spread the nuclide to other colony members via trophallactic exchanges. Biological half-lives for the tested isotopes ranged from nine to 13 days with the exception of 54Mn (125.9 days). Social interactions appear to lengthen the biological half-lives of isotopes and increase the persistence of a label. All colonies showed a steady increase in the elimination of radioactivity with elimination rates ranging from 2.6 % for 54Mn to 17 % for 60Co. The low elimination rate for 54Mn correlates with its long biological life. Zusammenfassung Soziale Ubertragung, Elimination und biologische Halbwertzeit gamma-strahlender Radionuklide bei der Termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kol. Zur Markierung von Arbeitern der unterirdischen Termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kol. wurden gamma-strahlende Radionuklide, die ein individuell identifizierbares Energiespektrum aufwiesen, einzeln und in Kombinationen verwendet. Die uber die Nahrung applizierten Isotope wurden in die Arbeiter eingebaut und zeigten innerhalb von 3 Tagen ein sichtbares Spektrum; alle Arbeiter wiesen innerhalb von 10 Tagen eine statistisch identifizierbare Markierung auf. Uber Nahrungs-austausch wurde das Nuklid von den markierten Termiten auf andere Kolonie-Mitglieder ubertra-gen. Die biologischen Halbwertzeiten der getesteten Isotope lagen mit Ausnahme von 54Mn (129,5 Tage) zwischen 9 und 13 Tagen. Soziale Interaktionen scheinen die biologische Halbwertzeit der Isotope zu verlangern und die Persistenz der Markierung zu erhohen. Bei alien Kolonien kam es zu einem stetigen Anstieg der Elimination der Radioaktivitat mit Eliminationsraten von 2,6 % bei 54Mn bis zu 17 % bei 60 Co. Die niedrige Eliminationsrate fur 54Mn korreliert mit seiner langen biologischen Bestandigkeit.
Sea Urchin Sperm-Egg Interactions Studied with the Scanning Electron Microscope

Scanning electron microscopy of the outer surface of sea urchin eggs sampled at intervals during the first 3 minutes after insemination reveals the detailed structural changes of the vitelline layer during its transformation into the fertilization membrane. A sperm attachment-detachment sequence is described for the large number of sperm which transitorily bind every egg during fertilization.
Functional development of database applications

A highly modular and uniformly functional development methodology for database applications is introduced. An event-oriented view of the database is adopted recording the observed events directly and treating the state of the environment as derived data. The relationship between the observed events and the derived state of the system is expressed using a purely functional language. The application systems in this environment are divided into their smallest possible components consisting of only functions and simple functional expressions. The multimode of small but highly independent components generated in this fashion are placed in the database along with the data, to utilize the database management system in maintaining the application system. The semantics of individual applications is captured within the data model serving those applications. >
Effect of recombinant human interferon-alpha/2b on epidermal-growth-factor-, estrogen- and progesterone-receptor expression in primary cervical cancer.

The effects of a short period of in vivo systemic rh-IFN-alpha/2b treatment on epidermal-growth-factor(EGFR)-, estrogen(ER)- and progesterone (PR)-receptor content in 11 primary human cervical tumors was investigated by the radioreceptorial technique. EGFR levels were found to be significantly higher in cervical tumors after rh-IFN-alpha/2b treatment with respect to basal levels. In 2 cases, immunohistochemical and cytofluorimetric analysis showed that rh-IFN-alpha/2b treatment induces an increase in EGFR immunoreactivity and in the fraction of EGFR-positive cells. No difference in ER and PR levels in cervical tumors before and after rh-IFN-alpha/2b treatment was observed. Our results suggest that rh-IFN-alpha/2b up-regulates EGFR in primary human cervical tumors in vivo.
ICD‐Antiarrhythmic Drug and ICD‐Pacemaker Interactions

Antiarrhythmic drugs and separate bradycardia pacing systems are prescribed commonly in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Adverse effects of antiarrhythmic drugs on ICD function and adverse interactions between ICDs and pacemakers have been documented. The effect of antiarrhythmic drugs on the defibrillation threshold (DFT) in patients has not been well assessed. Most studies have been performed in animal models in which cardiac function was normal and drug doses were supraphysiologic. In addition, most studies have utilized monophasic defibrillation shock waveforms and epicardial lead systems. Despite the lack of clinical data applicable to current defibrillation systems, it appears that chronic amiodarone administration causes a significant DFT increase. In addition, antiarrhythmic drugs can influence antitachycardia pacing and tachycardia sensing. Defibrillation shocks can cause transient failure of pacemaker sensing and pacing, and cause spurious pacemaker reprogramming. Pacemaker function can result in ICD oversensing, leading to inappropriate therapy, or cause ICD undersensing, potentially resulting in failure to deliver therapy during ventricular fibrillation. The susceptibility of an ICD to undersensing appears related to the amplitude of the pacing stimulus artifact recorded by the ICD rate-sensing circuit and to the characteristics of the fibrillation electrogram. Preliminary data suggest that undersensing of ventricular fibrillation by current ICDs is an unlikely event.
Static and vibration analyses of thick, generally laminated deep curved beams with different boundary conditions

Abstract A rigorous first order shear deformation theory is employed along with modified ABD parameters to analyze static and free vibration behavior of generally laminated deep curved beams. The deepness term (1 + z/R) is exactly integrated into ABD parameters formulation and equivalent modulus of elasticity is used instead of traditional stiffness terms to account for deepness and material coupling of the beam structures, respectively. Static as well as free vibration analyses were performed and the results for deflection, moment resultants, and natural frequencies were obtained. The exact solution for simply supported boundary condition as well as numerical solutions using GDQ for other boundary conditions are presented. Results are compared with those obtained using accurate three dimensional finite element simulations using commercial software. It has been shown that when considering more accurate stiffness parameter, FSDT can accurately predict static and free vibration behaviors of composite deep beams of any lamination and boundary condition.
Transverse jets and jet flames. Part 2. Velocity and OH field imaging

Detailed measurements of the velocity field in the symmetry plane of two jets and two jet flames in a crossflow are obtained using particle image velocimetry. The jets issue into a wind tunnel at density-weighted jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios r = 10 and r = 21, with corresponding Reynolds numbers 6000 and 12 800. Ensemble statistics of the velocity field are presented, and some interesting features of the entrainment process in transverse jets are discussed. Deviations from the simple behaviour predicted by the similarity analysis presented in Part 1 are highlighted. Simultaneous planar laser-induced fluorescence imaging of the OH radical is performed in selected regions of the flames. Results suggests that flame/flow interaction is strong near the lifted flamebase, but increasingly weaker further downstream.
OLED displays in a ground-mobile application

OLED technology has matured sufficiently to consider it a realistic candidate for military display applications. Manufacturing sources are transitioning from an early developer to a business focused and often rationalised supply base that already has a sustainable business model. New commercial products, with a growing list of applications are slowly swelling the list of available OLED display components that can be considered for military requirements. This paper describes an exploratory application of OLED technology to the Towed Artillery Digitisation (TAD) programme. The Gunners Display function in this system endures the most difficult environment available in Army programmes. By replicating the Gunners Display, we have confirmed that OLED technology is compatible with and technically almost ready for rugged military applications using newly available commercial sources.
Electrochemical evaluation of a corrosion fatigue failure mechanism in a duplex stainless steel

M.R. STOUDT and R.E. RICKER Laboratory corrosion fatigue studies on smooth and precracked samples indicated that two duplex stainless steels would have similar service lives in a paper-processing environment; but, in service, one of these alloys has exhibited premature failures. Since corrosion fatigue experiments had proven unable to detect this failure mechanism, electrochemical measurements and slow strain rate tensile tests were used to evaluate four alloy composition-dependent failure mechanism hypotheses. No significant differences were found in the dissolution rates or hydrogen fugacities produced when mechanical processes expose bare surface, and slow strain rate tensile tests found no indication of a difference in cracking susceptibility for the same hydrogen fugacity. Electrochemical experiments found that pits nucleate in one phase of the duplex microstructure at lower potentials in the failure prone alloy, but do not propagate beyond the microscopic dimensions of this phase. These microstructurally limited “micropits” were found to nucleate fracture in slow strain rate tensile tests, and examination of a service failure confirmed the presence of microscopic pits at crack initiation sites. The premature failures are attributed to the lower pitting resistance of the failure prone alloy, and the failure of laboratory experiments to predict this behavior is attributed to the slow kinetics of pit nucleation in these experiments. A laboratory testing methodology is suggested that will ensure detection of similar susceptibilities in future corrosion fatigue testing programs.
Genetic improvement and cocoa yields in Ghana

This paper documents the yield gains attributable to the breeding and distribution of new cocoa varieties in Ghana, using data from a 2002 survey of 192 fields in the country's key cocoa producing regions. We find that planting the more recently-released varieties is associated with at least 42 % higher yields, and that genetic improvement accounts for much but not all of the observed correlation between tree age and cocoa yeild. Fertilizer use is also very important, being associated with 19% higher cocoa yield per 50 kg bag of fertilizer. We find no evidence that varieties differ in their response to fertilizer, pesticide use or labour, and no evidence of a decline in the yield advantage of new varieties over the 17-year age span observed in the sample.
A method of resource allocation using demand preference

In many military problems, it is impossible to establish a function describing the relative military worth of resources. Demand for these resources is usually created from some higher level goal. The algorithm described in this paper provides a procedure for allocating scarce resources among competing demands in such a situation.
Structure and process modeling of seemingly unstructured leisure-travel decisions and behavior.

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce a structuring and processing model (SPM) as a framework for tourism decision making research.Design/methodology/approach – The study employs McCracken's long interview to collect data in field settings. The study introduces advances in Mintzberg et al.'s approach to structuring seemingly unstructured decision making to explain travelers' decision‐making processes.Findings – SPM enables mapping and comparing visitors' plans, motivations, choices, and consequences. The results demonstrate nuanced decision‐behavior dynamics and complexities of visitors' travel‐related unconscious/conscious thinking and behavior.Research limitations/implications – SPM does not attempt to generalize findings to large survey samples.Practical implications – Travel planning and execution dynamics dictate that a decision‐making funnel metaphor in consumer research does not capture such trip complexity because additional decisions are made when the traveler arrives at the destination.Original...
Structure, and kinetics of the thermal decomposition of organic phosphite ozonides☆

Abstract Activation parameters for uncatalyzed loss of oxygen from phosphite ozonide solutions (R  alkyl or aryl) (RO) 3 P + O 3 → (RO) 3 PO 3 → (RO) 3 PO + O 2 were measured for a number of different phosphites in several solvents. Triphenyl phosphite ozonide in toluene, chlorobenzene and acetonitrile showed E a (kcal mol −1 ) = 19.4 – 20.1 and log A = 13.5 – 13.6, where A is in reciprocal seconds, whereas in dichloromethane the rate constants were not very reproducible and depended on the precautions followed to exclude moisture from the ozonide preparations. Activation parameters for triphenyl phosphite ozonide in dichloromethane reported in the literature or derived from reported rate constants vary from log A = 8.1 to log A = 11.9 and from E a (kcal mol −1 ) = 14.4 to E a = 17.2. Other phosphite ozonides show activation parameters which range approximately between the extremes given above for triphenyl phosphite ozonide, even in solvents other than dichloromethane. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed together with earlier theories to account for them. A molecular weight determination and the 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of trimethylolpropane phosphite ozonide are consistent with a monomeric non-equilibrating structure.
Velocity and Displacement Responses in Auditory-Nerve Fibers

With the help of nonsiniusoidal acoustic stimuli, it is demonstrated that most fibers of the auditory nerve respond to both displacement and velocity of the basilar membrane. Except at very high stimulus levels, motion and displacement toward scala tympani produce excitation; motion and displacement toward scala vestibuli produce inhibition. The displacement and velocity responses interact. When both are excitatory or inhibitory, they reinforce each other; when they are of opposite nature, a partial cancellation occurs. The presence of both displacement and velocity responses in the single fibers suggests that outer and inner hair cells of the cochlea interact.
In Vivo MR Thermometry of Frozen Tissue Using R2* and Signal Intensity1

Cryoablation is one of several minimally invasive treatments that may be suitable for a targeted treatment of prostate cancer. Because efficacy is improved when a sufficiently cold end temperature is reached, the purpose of this work was to demonstrate an image-based thermometry method that could provide temperature maps throughout the frozen tissue. In five in vivo canine prostate cryoablation experiments performed under magnetic resonance imaging guidance, two MR parameters were measured and correlated to temperature: R2* and changes in signal intensity. R2* is elevated approximately linearly as tissue temperature decreases below the freezing point, while the signal intensity decreases exponentially. In vivo temperature maps with isotherms at −5°C, −15°C, and −30°C are demonstrated.
Regionally specific modulation of brain apolipoprotein E in the mouse during the estrous cycle and by exogenous 17β estradiol

Studies have suggested that 17beta estradiol (E2) can modify apolipoprotein E (apoE) expression. The current study determined if apoE protein varied in different regions of the mouse brain as a function of the estrous cycle and if E2 could increase apoE protein expression. In this study apoE concentration was lowest on estrus in the hippocampus, cingulate cortex and frontal cortex. In contrast, apoE concentration was highest on estrus in the olfactory bulb and cerebellum. There were no differences in the striatal apoE expression throughout the estrous cycle. Exogenous E2 significantly raised tissue levels of apoE in the olfactory bulb and cerebellum at 5 days after treatment. There was a slight, but nonsignificant increase in cortical expression of apoE and no change in striatum. Immunocytochemical localization studies found estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) in cortical neurons and glia. In the cerebellum and olfactory bulb, ERbeta was seen primarily in glia. ERalpha was not observed in the cerebellum and was rare in the olfactory bulb. Neither ERalpha nor ERbeta was seen in the striatum. Our data show regional differences in the production of apoE throughout the estrous cycle. In addition, exogenous E2 has regionally specific effects on apoE expression. Regional variability in apoE production appears to vary as a function of the estrogen receptor subtype.
Anticonvulsant level in saliva, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Levels of four anticonvulsant drugs were measured simultaneously in saliva, spinal fluid, and dialyzed serum, i.e., free drug in serum. The level of diphenylhydantoin and possibly of carbamazepine was the same in the three body fluids. The leves of phenobarbital was the same in spinal fluid and dialyzed serum, but was lower in saliva. The level of primidone was different in each body fluid. The technique is simple (flow of saliva stimulated when the subject chews candle was or Teflon) and will be useful to determine the level of free diphenylhydantoin and carbamazepine, which is more closely related to intoxication or drug failure than is the total level of drug.
Dispersion effects in quantum optical coherence tomography

Quantum optical coherence tomography (QOCT) makes use of an entangled twin-photon light source to carry out axial optical sectioning. We have probed the longitudinal structure of a sample comprising multiple surfaces in a dispersion-cancelled manner while simultaneously measuring the group-velocity dispersion of the interstitial media between the reflecting surfaces.
High-pressure phase behavior of boltorn hyperbranched polymers in supercritical fluids

Abstract Experimental phase behavior data are reported for three hyperbranched polyester polymers, Boltorn H20 (B-H20), Boltorn H2004 (B-H2004), and Boltorn U3000 (B-U3000) in supercritical ethane, propane, propylene, CO2, and dimethyl ether (DME) at temperatures to 450 K and pressures to 200 MPa. B-H20 has 100% hydroxyl terminal groups, B-H2004 has 60% saturated C6 and C8 hydrocarbon terminal groups, and B-U3000 has 90% unsaturated C16 and C18 hydrocarbon terminal groups. Cloud point, liquid–vapor, and liquid–liquid–vapor phase transitions are measured with a high-pressure, variable-volume, view cell for each Boltorn polymer at ∼5 wt% in solution. B-H20, with 100% hydroxyl terminal groups, only dissolves in DME, which is expected to hydrogen bond to the polymer hydroxyl groups. At the other extreme, B-U3000, with long chain, nonpolar hydrocarbon terminal groups, is significantly more soluble in nonpolar ethane and propane compared to propylene, CO2, or DME.
Calculation and Miscalculation of the Allometric Equation as a Model in Biological Data

The simple linear regression model, (1) Y= 0o+ 31X, where Y is the dependent variable, X is the independent variable, and P0 and P1 are population parameters to be estimated empirically, often does not adequately describe or represent the relationship between the two variables. A commonly used procedure to arrive at a more descriptive model is to fit a higher degree polynomial, (2) Y=f3o+1 1X1+32X22+ 03X33 +... +RX,. Since the polynomial regression is simply a multiple linear regression, it can be fitted easily by ordinary least squares techniques, especially with the aid of a digital computer. At times, however, the researcher may believe that his data are better fit by a model where the parameters do not enter linearly. There are several nonlinear regression models in use in biology; what follows is a discussion of one such model, emphasizing the caution which must be exercised in fitting the model by the common approximate method.
PRIMARY-PRODUCTIVITY GRADIENTS AND SHORT-TERM POPULATION DYNAMICS IN OPEN SYSTEMS

We present three models representing the trophic and behavioral dynamics of a simple food chain (primary producers, grazers, and predators) at temporal scales shorter than the scale of consumer rep ...
Light staining microscope: Clinical experience in a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program

Our light staining microscope has decreased the amount of set-up time for staff, has increased the ability to see both sperm and other biologic specimens, and has become an essential tool in both our clinical and forensic practice.
Test Results Follow-Up: A Systematic Review

To the Editors:—We applaud the work by Callen et al.,1 as it highlights a tremendous patient safety issue. As hospitalists, one of our greatest concerns has been the potential neglect in the ambulatory setting of the incidental radiological findings identified in hospitalized patients. The fact that these findings are not the center of attention during the hospital stay makes these findings less likely to be addressed in the medical chart, discussed with the patient, or communicated to the next provider to assure appropriate follow-up.
Built-in self-test support in the IBM engineering design system

To evaluate the effectiveness of built-in self-test (BIST) for logic circuits, the test design automation (TDA) group within the IBM Engineering Design System (EDS) has developed tools to support BIST. This paper is an overview of that support. The specific hardware approaches taken are described briefly, and a short description is given of the major tools that have been developed and the methodology for using them. The performance of the system is shown for two sample circuits.
Big ideas: Feminist ethnographies of reproduction

This review essay considers five recent books—three single-authored ethnographies and two edited volumes—that present feminist ethnographic analyses of reproduction. I highlight the volumes' common themes and approaches and offer critical reflections on the current state of the anthropology of reproduction as exemplified in these works. I argue that feminist anthropologists pursuing ethnographic studies of reproduction have amply demonstrated what anthropologists in general have long sought to demonstrate: that to study ordinary people in their everyday lives is, indeed, to address “the big ideas”. In the process, these feminist anthropologists have also offered to our discipline an ambitious new vision of what a better world might look like and of how ethnographic research might help bring that world about.
80-MHz intravascular ultrasound transducer using PMN-PT free-standing film

[Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]0.63[PbTiO3]0.37 (PMN-PT) free-standing film of comparable piezoelectric properties to bulk material with thickness of 30 μm has been fabricated using a modified precursor coating approach. At 1 kHz, the dielectric permittivity and loss were 4364 and 0.033, respectively. The remnant polarization and coercive field were 28 μC/ cm2 and 18.43 kV/cm. The electromechanical coupling coefficient kt was measured to be 0.55, which was close to that of bulk PMN-PT single-crystal material. Based on this film, high-frequency (82 MHz) miniature ultrasonic transducers were fabricated with 65% bandwidth and 23 dB insertion loss. Axial and lateral resolutions were determined to be as high as 35 and 176 μ m. In vitro intravascular imaging on healthy rabbit aorta was performed using the thin film transducers. In comparison with a 35-MHz IVUS transducer, the 80-MHz transducer showed superior resolution and contrast with satisfactory penetration depth. The imaging results suggest that PMN-PT free-standing thin film technology is a feasible and efficient way to fabricate very-high-frequency ultrasonic transducers.
Effect of age entering feedlot and implant regimen on finishing system profitability1

ABSTRACT The objective of this economic analysis was to determine the effect of lifetime implant regimen of cattle entering the feedlot as calves or yearlings on economic net returns in 2 feed price scenarios (low feed prices during 2005 vs. high feed prices during 2008) and 3 carcass grid-pricing scenarios [wide ($23/45.4 kg of HCW), typical ($8/45.4 kg of HCW), and narrow ($1/45.4 kg of HCW) Choice-Select price spreads]. Cattle in Exp. 1 were primarily Angus in a spring calving season; cattle in Exp. 2 were predominantly Beefmaster in a fall calving season. Fifty percent of the calves were sent to finishing after preconditioning (CLF), and the other 50% were placed on pasture for 133 d before finishing (YRLNG). One-half of each feeding group received an aggressive implant regimen (AGG), whereas implantation of the remaining calves was delayed until the mid-point of the finishing period (DLY). Finishing cattle as YRLNG increased net return compared with CLF in Exp. 1 with narrow and typical grids at low feed prices (P ≤ 0.03) and across grid-price scenarios (P ≤ 0.03) at high feed prices. Net return of AGG was increased (P ≤ 0.02) compared with that of DLY at both the narrow and the typical Choice-Select spreads in Exp. 1. Largely because of the lack of differences in carcass characteristics in Exp. 2, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.16) of finishing age or implant protocol on net return. Regardless of effects on carcass QG, management that increased HCW led to increased net returns at all but the widest Choice-Select spreads.