cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SDN-Enabled Adaptive Modulation and Coding in Hybrid C-RANs

In this invited paper, we describe our recently proposed software-defined networking (SDN)-enabled, adaptive resource allocation framework, including hybrid signalling schemes, for mobile fronthaul (MFH) networks that employ both coherent detection (CD) and direct detection (DD) technologies. To optimize application performance and network efficiency, we propose phase-coded three-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-3) for multicast traffic delivery to CD and DD nodes. We implement several connectivity scenarios based on both typical and improved PAM-3 in an SDN fronthaul testbed and examine the pre-forward error correction (FEC) bit error rate (BER) performance for 25 Gbaud signals. Using low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes to achieve the desired post-FEC BER levels, we study the performance gains due to code rate adaptation in dynamic wavelength-routing MFH networks.
Impacts of basin restriction on geochemistry and extinction patterns: A case from the Guadalupian Delaware Basin, USA

Abstract Geochemical data from carbonates often constrain the nature of environmental change during biotic turnover events. Many ancient carbonates, however, formed in geographically-isolated basins subject to local environmental factors, resulting in varying extinction rates between open ocean and restricted settings. It follows that high-resolution data from restricted basins may help unravel poorly-understood biotic crises such as the Mid-Capitanian extinction, which had especially high extinction rates in restricted settings. This study examines factors controlling salinity, stratification, and oxygenation in the Capitanian (Middle Permian) Delaware Basin, USA. Elemental and carbon isotope measurements from time-equivalent strata reveal differences between shallow- and deep-water masses, pointing to local controls such as stratification and de-oxygenated bottom water. Basinal dolomites and evaporites mark periods of elevated salinity tied to sea-level lowstands, which correspond with turnovers in fusulinid and brachiopod communities. Faunal turnover in the Delaware Basin demonstrates a fundamental attribute of restricted basins: water chemistry is often tightly coupled to physical process such as sea level change. We suggest that the relationships among sea level fluctuations, chemical changes, and biotic turnover may explain why the Capitanian mass extinction was more severe in isolated basins than the open ocean.
Characteristics Associated With Clinically Important Treatment Responses in Women Undergoing Nonsurgical Therapy for Fecal Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE:To identify baseline clinical and demographic characteristics associated with clinically important treatment responses in a randomized trial of nonsurgical therapies for fecal incontinence (FI).METHODS:Women (N = 296) with FI were randomized to loperamide or placebo- and manometry-assisted
Immuno-PET Detects Changes in Multi-RTK Tumor Cell Expression Levels in Response to Targeted Kinase Inhibition

Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) coexpression facilitates tumor resistance due to redundancies in the phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase/protein kinase B and KRAS/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways, among others. Crosstalk between the oncogenic RTK hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are involved in tumor resistance to RTK-targeted therapies. Methods: In a relevant renal cell carcinoma patient-derived xenograft model, we use the 89Zr-labeled anti-RTK antibodies (immuno-PET) onartuzumab, panitumumab, and trastuzumab to monitor MET, EGFR, and HER2 protein levels, respectively, during treatment with agents to which the model was resistant (cetuximab) or sensitive (INC280 and trametinib). Results: Cetuximab treatment resulted in continued tumor growth, as well as an increase in all RTK protein levels at the tumor in vivo on immuno-PET and ex vivo at the cellular level. Conversely, after dual MET/mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition, tumor growth was significantly blunted and corresponded to a decrease in RTK levels. Conclusion: These data show the utility of RTK-targeted immuno-PET to annotate RTK changes in protein expression and inform tumor response to targeted therapies.
Heterogeneity in the Effects of Food Vouchers on Nutrition Among Low-Income Adults: A Quantile Regression Analysis

Purpose:To determine whether baseline fruit and vegetable (FV) intake or other predictors are associated with response to food vouchers (change in FV intake) among low-income adults.Design:Secondar...
Residual, differential neurobehavioral deficits linger after multiple recovery nights following chronic sleep restriction or acute total sleep deprivation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES The amount of recovery sleep needed to fully restore well-established neurobehavioral deficits from sleep loss remains unknown, as does whether the recovery pattern differs across measures after total sleep deprivation (TSD) and chronic sleep restriction (SR). METHODS In total, 83 adults received two baseline nights (10-12-hour time in bed [TIB]) followed by five 4-hour TIB SR nights or 36-hour TSD and four recovery nights (R1-R4; 12-hour TIB). Neurobehavioral tests were completed every 2 hours during wakefulness and a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test measured physiological sleepiness. Polysomnography was collected on B2, R1, and R4 nights. RESULTS TSD and SR produced significant deficits in cognitive performance, increases in self-reported sleepiness and fatigue, decreases in vigor, and increases in physiological sleepiness. Neurobehavioral recovery from SR occurred after R1 and was maintained for all measures except Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) lapses and response speed, which failed to completely recover. Neurobehavioral recovery from TSD occurred after R1 and was maintained for all cognitive and self-reported measures, except for vigor. After TSD and SR, R1 recovery sleep was longer and of higher efficiency and better quality than R4 recovery sleep. CONCLUSIONS PVT impairments from SR failed to reverse completely; by contrast, vigor did not recover after TSD; all other deficits were reversed after sleep loss. These results suggest that TSD and SR induce sustained, differential biological, physiological, and/or neural changes, which remarkably are not reversed with chronic, long-duration recovery sleep. Our findings have critical implications for the population at large and for military and health professionals.
GPCR-mediated YAP/TAZ inactivation in fibroblasts via EPAC1/2, RAP2C, and MAP4K7

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) have emerged as important regulators of pathologic fibroblast activation in fibrotic diseases. Agonism of Gαs-coupled G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) provides an attractive approach to inhibit the nuclear localization and function of YAP and TAZ in fibroblasts that inhibits or reverses their pathological activation. Agonism of the dopamine D1 GPCR has proven effective in preclinical models of lung and liver fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms coupling GPCR agonism to YAP and TAZ inactivation in fibroblasts remain incompletely understood. Here, using human lung fibroblasts, we identify critical roles for the cAMP effectors EPAC1/2, the small GTPase RAP2c, and the serine/threonine kinase MAP4K7 as the essential elements in the downstream signaling cascade linking GPCR agonism to LATS1/2-mediated YAP and TAZ phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion in fibroblasts. We further show that this EPAC/RAP2c/MAP4K7 signaling cascade is essential to the effects of dopamine D1 receptor agonism on reducing fibroblast proliferation, contraction, and extracellular matrix production. Targeted modulation of this cascade in fibroblasts may prove a useful strategy to regulate YAP and TAZ signaling and fibroblast activities central to tissue repair and fibrosis.
Design and commissioning of an in-air coronagraph testbed in the HCIT facility at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

After completing its duty in one the vacuum chambers in the High Contrast Imaging Testbed (HCIT) facility at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the General Purpose Coronagraph Testbed (GPCT) has been retrofitted as the In-Air Coronagraph Testbed (IACT), with the purpose of verification of Boston Micromachines (BMC) 50x50 MEMS deformable mirrors (MEMS DM) performance by contrast comparison before and after random vibration testing. The testbed is configured as a vortex coronagraph, with one MEMS DM in the pupil plane to create a half dark hole in monochromatic light. High wavefront stability is achieved using an environmentally isolating enclosure, based on the enclosure design previously used on Caltech’s High Contrast Spectroscopy Testbed (HCST).
Temperature dependence of Laser Induced Fluorescence in molten LiF-NaF-KF eutectic using Tb3+, Eu3+, and Dy3+

Abstract Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) was investigated for the potential use of full-field temperature measurements in high-temperature molten salt applications. The fluorescent spectra of Tb3+, Eu3+, and Dy3+ were measured using fiber optic spectroscopy in order to study the temperature dependence of lanthanides in the molten LiF-NaF-KF (FLiNaK) salt. Dy3+ showed to be the most suitable tracer for high-temperature molten salt applications due to its distinguishable primary peak at temperatures up to 700 °C.
Computing the Intensity Axis of Symmetry

The previous chapter defined the intensity axis of symmetry (IAS) and described certain desirable properties of this image shape description. This chapter describes our approach for calculating a discrete representation of the IAS given an arbitrary grey scale image. The emphasis is on calculating an accurate and robust approximation of the IAS; questions of efficiency are of secondary interest here and will be discussed only briefly.
Glucocorticoid Regulation of Reproduction.

It is well accepted that stress, measured by increased glucocorticoid secretion, leads to profound reproductive dysfunction. In times of stress, glucocorticoids activate many parts of the fight or flight response, mobilizing energy and enhancing survival, while inhibiting metabolic processes that are not necessary for survival in the moment. This includes reproduction, an energetically costly procedure that is very finely regulated. In the short term, this is meant to be beneficial, so that the organism does not waste precious energy needed for survival. However, long-term inhibition can lead to persistent reproductive dysfunction, even if no longer stressed. This response is mediated by the increased levels of circulating glucocorticoids, which orchestrate complex inhibition of the entire reproductive axis. Stress and glucocorticoids exhibits both central and peripheral inhibition of the reproductive hormonal axis. While this has long been recognized as an issue, understanding the complex signaling mechanism behind this inhibition remains somewhat of a mystery. What makes this especially difficult is attempting to differentiate the many parts of both of these hormonal axes, and new neuropeptide discoveries in the last decade in the reproductive field have added even more complexity to an already complicated system. Glucocorticoids (GCs) and other hormones within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (as well as contributors in the sympathetic system) can modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis at all levels—GCs can inhibit release of GnRH from the hypothalamus, inhibit gonadotropin synthesis and release in the pituitary, and inhibit testosterone synthesis and release from the gonads, while also influencing gametogenesis and sexual behavior. This chapter is not an exhaustive review of all the known literature, however is aimed at giving a brief look at both the central and peripheral effects of glucocorticoids on the reproductive function.
Refractory anemias of pregnancy

Abstract 1. 1. The hematologic data and bone marrow morphology from 2 patients with anemia of infection and 13 patients with refractory anemia of pregnancy have been presented. 2. 2. The diagnosis of anemia of infection is based on a low serum iron level, toxic granulopoiesis, and the demonstration of storage iron in the bone marrow. 3. 3. The anemia of infection is refractory to treatment with iron. Remission follows appropriate antibiotic therapy. 4. 4. The diagnosis of refractory anemia of pregnancy is based on the exclusion of other types of anemia, proved refractoriness to hematinics, a normal or elevated serum iron level, thrombocytopenia, and usually normoblastic hypoplasia of the bone marrow. 5. 5. The bone marrow in association with refractory anemia may be hyperplastic. Storage iron can be demonstrated.
One Effect of a Maximum Possible Current Strength

One of the difficulties encountered when trying to interpret MEG/EEG experimental data is that the spatial extent of the neuronal (primary) current sources is often not known. For some classes of data it is thought that the sources are fairly well localized (focal); while for others they are expected to be distributed over a significant area or volume. In the former case, if the regions of activity are sufficienuy small they can be well approximated by point current dipoles. If these are few in number there may be only one, or just a small set of acceptable solutions for the dipole parameters.
Creating a Supportive Culture for Online Teaching: A Case Study of a Faculty Learning Community.

This case study describes the creation of a supportive culture for online teaching at a western university that was transitioning to a new learning management system. The case study highlighted the creation of a faculty learning community as one strategy to address the challenge of faculty working through a change process. The faculty learning community provided a space for the development of best practices in teaching, drawing from the pedagogical experiences of teachers from diverse disciplines. The learning community also provided a venue for expanding the technical knowledge level of faculty members with a range of comfort levels with varied technologies.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder

The diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder constitutes an attempt to characterize episodic violent behavior not better explained by another psychiatric diagnosis. This entry traces the evolution of the thinking that led to formulation of this disorder and examines future directions for aggression research. Keywords: child development; intermittent explosive disorder; psychopathology; psychopharmacology; affective aggression; aggression; predatory aggression
Galileo stereo topography of the lunar north polar region

[1] Estimates of the elevation of the lunar polar regions are uncertain to a few km. Galileo stereo images of the north polar region were used to derive a new topographic map, partially filling the gap in Clementine LIDAR topography northward of 80°, and providing an independent constraint on lunar polar topography and solar illumination. Our Galileo elevation model has an estimated vertical precision of ∼200 m, and a measurement footprint of ∼9 km. These new data show that the north polar region (frontside) is, to within the margin of error, consistent with radar derived estimates.
Comparison of ampicillin plus gentamicin vs. penicillin plus gentamicin in empiric treatment of neonates at risk of early onset sepsis

Aim: We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of ampicillin (AMP) vs. penicillin (PEN) both combined with gentamicin in the empirical treatment of neonates at risk of early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS). Methods: We performed an open label cluster randomized equivalence study in both Estonian neonatal intensive care units, including neonates with suspected EOS, aged less than 72 h. Primary end-point was clinical failure rate, expressed by need for change of antibiotic regimen within 72 h and/or 7-day all cause mortality. Bowel colonization was followed with biweekly perineal swab cultures. Results: Incidence of proven EOS was 4.9%. Among neonates receiving AMP (n = 142) or PEN (n = 141) change of antibiotic regimen within 72 h (10/142 vs. 10/141; OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.40–2.59), 7-day mortality (11/142 vs. 14/141; OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.33–1.75) and over-all treatment failure (20/142 vs. 20/141; OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.52–1.97) occurred at similar rates. The only differences in gut colonization were lower number of patients colonised with enterococci, S. aureus and AMP resistant Acinetobacter spp. in AMP and lower number of those with S. haemolyticus and S. hominis in PEN arm. Conclusions: AMP and PEN combined with gentamicin have similar effectiveness in the empiric treatment of suspected neonatal EOS.
Volume and Sensory Properties of Yellow Cakes as Affected by High Fructose Corn Syrup and Corn Oil

The effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and corn oil (CO) on volume and deformation and effects of mono- and diglyceride (MDG) and sucrose ester (SE) emulsifiers on volume and sensory properties of yellow cakes were studied. 50% HFCS gave the greatest volume; 100% HFCS decreased volume; CO increased volume. Deformation was greatest in 50% HFCS cakes with 50% or 100% CO. Simultaneous optimization of volume and deformation was predicted at 35% HFCS and 67% CO levels. HFCS affected tenderness and aftertaste but not sweetness in cakes formulated with 100% CO. SE emulsified cakes were sweeter than unemulsified or MDG emulsified 100% CO cakes when formulated with 50% and 100% HFCS.
Interrelationship Among Plasma Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Coagulation and Spontaneous Avian Atherosclerosis

Abstract INTRODUCTION THIS paper summarizes an epidemiological investigation into spontaneous avian atherosclerosis. The main elements of the study consisted of the following: 1) 1½ to 2 years of observation and measurement on several hundred normal adult chickens; 2) serial determinations of a number of the variables widely presumed to be implicated in atherogenesis: body weight, plasma cholesterol, blood pressure, and clotting and prothrombin times; 3) evaluation of aortic atherosclerosis in all birds dying during the trial or sacrificed at the end, utilizing visual, morphometric and biochemical indices; and 4) a multiple correlation/regression analysis between the presumed atherogenic factors and the severity of the lesions. The adult chicken would appear to be a natural selection for an epidemiological study of atherogenesis, in view of the progressive increase in incidence and severity of the lesions with age in birds fed a standard poultry ration (see reviews by Lindsay and Chaikoff, 1963; and . . .
Statistics of Earthquakes in Simple Models of Heterogeneous Faults

Simple models for ruptures along a heterogeneous earthquake fault zone are studied, focusing on the interplay between the roles of disorder and dynamical effects. A class of models are found to operate naturally at a critical point whose properties yield power-law scaling of earthquake statistics. Various dynamical effects can change the behavior to a distribution of small events combined with characteristic system size events. The studies employ various analytic methods as well as simulations.
Online Library Systems: A Decision-Making Guide for Library Managers.

Prospective online library system buyers are encouraged to examine the total resources (human, hardware/software, and fiscal) of both the library acquiring the system and the supplying vendor in an attempt to complement the respective strengths and weaknesses of each. The author proposes a resource analysis model that library managers can apply to help focus on the most appropriate type of system (turnkey, modified turnkey, or in‐house) to acquire. A final checklist of these resources is given that will assist in further narrowing the range of choices to a single system. Includes figures outlining the relationships of the various resources and a matrix matching resources to types of systems, as well as references.
Real-Time Motion Desmearing of Airborne Imagery

This paper considers the real-time ?desmearing? of motion- ?smeared? imagery telemetered from an airborne platform. The specific configuration considered is the direct raster scan readout of a satellite-mounted vidicon. Three types of smearing are considered: 1) linear uniform smearing, 2) linear nonuniform smearing, and 3) nonlinear smearing. The simplest type of smearing, linear uniform, has as its desmearing or inverse filter a circulating delay line (CDL) cascaded with a differentiator. An error analysis of this filter is presented along with an experimental simulation. Linear, non-uniform smearing characterized by the operator \begin{equation*}\int^{t}_{t-\delta(t)}I(\tau){ }{d\tau}\end{equation*} is considered next. Two possible realizations for the inverse filter are discussed as to accuracy and practicality. Finally, an error analysis is performed for the nonlinear smearing that results from a skewing of the raster scan.
Computer solution of queueing models

This paper explores a rapid, low-cost approach to the solution of queueing models. The mutually-exclusive state differential equations are derived with the aid of a Markov transition matrix and then solved on an analog computer. The computer solution is obtained in graphical form as a function of time on an x-y plotter. A detailed derivation and method of solu tion is given for a two-phase single-service model. The analog solution has the advantage of including the transient region, an area difficult to analyze by classical mathematical techniques.
Automated regular boluses for epidural analgesia: a comparison with continuous infusion

Background Intermittent epidural bolus dosing is a method of drug delivery that can prolong the duration of labour analgesia induced by a combined spinal epidural (CSE). In this randomized, double-blinded study, we compared the analgesic efficacy of two drug delivery systems: regular intermittent epidural boluses and continuous epidural infusion and assessed the incidence of breakthrough pain after CSE. Methods With the approval of the Hospital Ethics Committee, we recruited 60 parturients into this randomized controlled trial. A CSE was performed with intrathecal fentanyl 25 μg in all patients. The parturients were then randomly allocated into two groups. The infusion group received a continuous epidural infusion of levobupivacaine 0.1% with fentanyl 2 μg/mL at a rate of 10 mL/h. The bolus group received 5-mL epidural boluses every half hour. The sample size was computed to detect a 40% reduction in the rate of breakthrough pain. Results The bolus group had a lower incidence of breakthrough pain than the infusion group (10% vs. 37%, P P Conclusion Automated regular bolus delivery of epidural analgesia when compared with continuous infusion decreased the incidence of breakthrough pain and increased maternal satisfaction. In a busy obstetric unit, this may also serve to decrease the anesthetists' workload.
Effect of High vs. Low Sulfur in Vulcanizing Reclaim

Abstract To obtain the optimum results in curing compounded stocks containing whole tire reclaim, a minimum of 2.0 and a maximum of 2.5 per cent sulfur are required. This range of sulfur content, based on the total weight of reclaim in the compound besides the 4 per cent added for curing the crude rubber present, gives the flattest and longest curing range in conjunction with the highest physical qualities. Three per cent of sulfur on the straight reclaim-sulfur mix gives the maximum physical properties.
Re: Characterization of the Early Proliferative Response of the Rodent Bladder to Subtotal Cystectomy: A Unique Model of Mammalian Organ Regeneration

Expert’s summary: In a recent study [1], adult female rats were subjected to subtotal cystectomy (STC; removal of 75% of the bladder), and at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days, injected intraperitoneally with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) 2 hours before their bladders were harvested for histological examination. In control bladders, less than 1% of cells were labeled with BrdU, but in STC bladders between 5 and 8% were labeled. In regard to the distribution of BrdU+ cells in STC bladders, ~65% were in the epithelium (EP) at 1-day, ~80% in the lamina propria (LP) and muscularis propria (MP) at 3 and 5 days, and then equally in the three compartments at 7-day. Co-staining for BrdU with cytokeratin, vimentin or smooth muscle actin (SMA) identified the contribution of epithelial, insterstitial, and smooth muscle cells to the STC-induced proliferative activities. However, most BrdU+ cells were devoid of these cellular markers and thus are possibly progenitor cells. STC also caused an increase in staining for sonic hedgehog (Shh) and its downstream effectors Gli-1 and BMP-4, suggesting the involvement of the Shh pathway in bladder regeneration. The authors concluded that STC bladder is an excellent model for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of organ regeneration. Expert’s opinion: This is an excellent study that extends the author’s previous study, in which rat bladder was shown to fully regenerate in 8 weeks after STC [2]. While the earlier study focused on the functional characterization of the fully regenerated bladder, the present study investigated the early-stage cellular response of bladder regeneration. To examine cellular proliferation, immunofluorescence was performed for BrdU detection, and to reveal the cellular identity of BrdU+ cells, co-staining was performed for cytokeratin, vimentin, and SMA. The resulting histological images are of excellent quality and expertly interpreted. However, for studying the Shh pathway, the staining method was switched to immunohistochemistry (IHC) without explanation, and the resulting data are not as convincing. More importantly, since IHC does not permit co-staining for BrdU and cell markers, whether there was an association between Shh-pathway and proliferating cells could not be established. In any event, the “global” proliferative response in the STC bladder is reminiscent of the random distribution of EdU+ cells in the developing rat bladder [3] (EdU is similar to BrdU). In other words, the regenerating or developing bladder cells do not fit the expectation of being “bladder stem cells”. Rather, they appear to originate from an outside source - perhaps the bone marrow.
Stimulation of interferons and endorphins/enkephalins by electro-aerosol inhalation? An experimental approach for testing an expanded hypothesis

The biological effects of endorphins/enkephalins and of interferons closely resemble those attributed to air ions and electro-aerosols. Air ions/electro-aerosols have been reported to affect brain functions and feelings of “well-being”; to have sedative and analgesic effects; to be therapeutically effective in certain viral (e.g., upper respiratory) infections; and to have tumor-attenuating effects. It is, therefore, conceivable that endorphins/enkephalins and interferons might be the mediators of these air ion/electro-aerosol effects. An experimental approach for testing this hypothesis is described. It calls for mice to be challenged with a suitable agent and to be exposed under appropriate conditions to a negatively charged aerosol of physiological saline 6 hours/day for up to 3 weeks; for the serial sacrifice of subgroups of these mice; for collecting blood and brains of the sacrificed animals; for the bioassay of the sera for interferon; and for radioimmunoassays of brains for endorphins/enkephalins. Special considerations, necessitated by the nature of the experiment, are discussed.
Physical growth and development in patients with rett syndrome

Linear growth and sexual development was assessed in 21 girls who fulfilled the clinical criteria of Rett syndrome. Ten (48%) showed growth retardation with length or height below the 5th centile and an additional 8 (38%) had shifted their linear growth downward sometime during the first years of life. All the girls had age-appropriate sexual development with menarche in 6 at a mean age of 11 2/12 years. Early deceleration of linear growth, growth retardation and normal sexual development appear to be useful markers in the clinical definition of Rett syndrome.
Process Research and Development and Scale-up of a 4,4-Difluoro-3,3-dimethylproline Derivative

The multikilogram production of the proline derivative 1, a key intermediate of a HIV protease inhibitor, required the design of a synthetic route able to be safely, effectively, and easily scaled up. Synthesis of the proline skeleton began with construction of racemic glycine derivative 4, via an ester enolate Claisen rearrangement of Boc-glycine 3-methyl-but-2-enyl ester (3) in the absence of a Lewis acid. After a classical resolution of 4 with (S)-phenylglycinol, (S)-4 was transformed into bromo-lactone 6b with NBS. The bromo-lactone was transformed to proline alcohol 8 via a base-promoted rearrangement involving lactone solvolysis. An NMR study suggested that a bicyclic lactone was initially formed, which subsequently opened by the methanol solvent to form 8. The requisite ketone for fluorination was prepared via oxidation of the enantiomerically pure 8, using NaClO and catalytic TEMPO. gem-Difluoro proline 1 was then prepared from the ketone via fluorination with Deoxo-Fluor. During this study it was...
Left ventricular function in cyanotic congenital heart disease

Abstract Left ventricular function was studied with quantitative biplane cinean-giocardiography in 39 preoperative and 23 postoperative patients wlth cyanotic congenital heart disease. Diagnoses included pulmonary atresia or critical pulmonary stenosis with intact ventricular septum (group 1), tricuspld atresia (group 2) and pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (group 3). Preoperative patients ranged in age from 1 day to 7 years and postoperative patients from 7 weeks to 23 years. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was increased in preoperative patients in groups 1 and 2 (132 and 136 percent of normal, respectively) but was normal in patients in group 3. Left ventricular ejection fraction was decreased to a similar extent in preoperative groups 1 to 3: 0.54, 0.55 and 0.56, respectively. After a shunt procedure left ventricular end-diastolic volume increased to 228 and 266 percent of normal in groups 1 and 2, respectively, but remained within normal limits in group 3. Left ventricular ejection fraction was normal in postoperative group 1 patients, whose ages averaged 1.8 years, but remained decreased in group 2 and 3 patients, whose ages averaged 8.1 and 5.6 years, respectively. Duration of cyanosis and degree of left ventricular dilatation appear to be important variables in regard to pump function in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease.
Economic policy and the relative price of services in LDCs

Abstract Low relative prices of nontraded services are a feature of developing economies. Recent explanations focus on structural issues such as factor endowments and returns to scale. This paper argues that economic policy may also contribute to low LDC service prices. In a three-sector model with wage differentials, financial repression unambiguously depresses both per capita real income and the price of nontraded goods. In contrast to most current models, tariffs and production subsidies can also depress nontraded goods prices.
Influence of density fluctuations on solar neutrino conversion

The conversion of electron-neutrinos into muon-neutrinos within a star was recently proposed as a mechanism to explain the solar neutrino puzzle. We investigate the influence of density fluctuations on the conversion rate. Although the corrections can become large for suitable choices of parameters they are probably negligible for the sun.
A Friend in Creed: Does the Religious Composition of Geographic Areas Affect the Religious Composition of a Person's Close Friends?

Numerous theories of religion rest on the assumption that the religious composition of local populations influences the religious identities of a person's close friends, but there have been few empirical tests of this assumption. Using a combination of data on the religious identity of close friends (from the 1988 and 1998 General Social Survey) and information on the religious composition of counties (from the U.S. Religious Congregations and Membership Study) we find that despite tendencies toward religious homogeneity, the religious composition of the surrounding population has an effect on the proportion of a respondent’s same-religion friends and on the proportion of friends belonging to specific other religious groups. Local population characteristics are unrelated to the proportion of respondents’ friends known in congregational settings. Results have implications for a broad range of sociological theories of religion as well as research examining the impact of same-congregation and same-religion friends (e.g., health and well-being).
The relationship of renanthera storiei and trichoglottis fasciata

The karyotypes of Renanthera storiei and Trichoglottis fasciata and the meiotic behavior in their hybrid were investigated. Considerable differences in chromosome morphology were observed for the two species. The karyotype of R. storiei was more asymmetrical with a lower mean F percentage than that of T. fasciata. Also, variation in the largest pair of chromosomes as well as in the satellite chromosomes was apparent. Meiosis in the hybrid was highly irregular. Observations on karyotypes and meiotic behavior indicate a more distant relationship between Trichoglottis and Renanthera than among Renanthera, Arachnis, and Vandopsis.
Urinary excretion of benzoylecgonine following ingestion of health inca tea

Abstract Four males ingested one cup of Health Inca Tea which contained 1.87 mg of cocaine. Urine specimens collected for 36 h post-ingestion were analyzed for benzoylecgonine (BE) by EMIT-d.a.u., TDx and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Positive immunoassay results were obtained for 21–26 h post tea ingestion. Discrepant immunoassay results occurred with only one specimen: EMIT positive; TDx negative, 0.25 mg/l; GC/MS, 0.273 mg/l. Quantitative TDx results were well correlated with GC/MS results, r 2 = 0.963, n = 45. Maximum urinary BE concentrations ranged from 1.4–2.8 mg/l, occurring from 4–11 h, post ingestion. Total BE excretion in 36 h ranged from 1.05 to 1.45 mg, 59–90% of the ingested cocaine dose. Urinary excretion rate constant ( K m ) ranged from −0.073 to 0.111/h. Health Inca Tea ingestion should be considered when interpreting urinary BE concentrations.
High‐resolution separation and detection of DNA adducts of benzo[a]pyrene

Analysis of DNA adducts as indicators of human exposure to environmental levels of carcinogenic compounds represents an extreme challenge for trace analyses to chemists. At environmental exposure levels of benzo[a]pyrene, one can expect less than one adduct per 107 base pairs, or roughly 30 femtomoles of adduct per mg DNA. Microcolumn separation techniques are ideally suited for the trace analysis of DNA adducts due to the high separation efficiency, enhanced mass flow sensitivity, and ease of interfacing with highly specific and sensitive mass spectrometric detectors. This study describes the analysis of benzo[a]pyrene-adducted deoxyguanosine-5′-monophosphate with micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic separation followed by fluorescence detection. Alternatively, adducts can be cleaved from the DNA by treatment with acid, resulting in the formation of highly fluorescent benzo[a]pyrene tetrahydrotetrols. Analysis of the tetrahydrotetrols by either capillary zone electrophoresis or microcolumn HPLC with fluorescence detection is described. Detection limits for the benzo[a]pyrene tetrahydrotetrols with either of the aforementioned separation techniques were approximately 3 femtomoles.
Determination of the rearrangement kinetics of chloramphenicol-3-monosuccinate using an automated HPLC system

The kinetics of the rearrangement of chloramphenicol-3-monosuccinate to chloramphenicol-1-monosuccinate were studied as a function of pH (5.0–8.0), temperature (25, 37, 50/dgC), and ionic strength (0.1–0.5 M). A microcomputer-controlled injector was used to sample the reaction medium at predetermined time intervals and to immediately load the sample onto a reversed-phase HPLC column. The rearrangement was catalyzed by hydroxide ion and ionic strength effects were observed. Although activation energies varied slightly with pOH, the activation energies for the forward and reverse reactions were within 3.6% of each other at any given pOH. Calculation of the enthalpies and entropies of activation for the forward and reverse reactions yielded slight differences in enthalpies (< 3.7%) and appreciable differences in entropies (1.9–3.5 e.u.). The observed differences in kfand kr were therefore attributed to steric hindrance in the formation of the 1-ester.
Model Development of a Virtual Learning Environment to Enhance Lean Education

Abstract Modern day industry is becoming leaner by the day. This demands engineers with an in-depth understanding of lean philosophies. Current methods for teaching lean include hands-on projects and simulation. However, simulation games available in the market lack simplicity, ability to store the results, and modeling power. The goal of this research is to develop a virtual simulation platform which would enable students to perform various experiments by applying lean concepts. The design addresses these deficiencies through the use of VE-Suite, a virtual engineering software. The design includes user-friendly dialogue boxes, graphical models of machines, performance display gauges, and an editable layout. The platform uses laws of operations management such as Little's law, economic order quantity (EOQ) models, and cycle time. These laws enable students to implement various lean concepts such as pull system, just-in-time (JIT), single piece flow, single minute exchange of dies (SMED), kaizen, kanban, U-layout, by modifying the process parameters such as process times, setup times, layout, number, and placement of machines. The simulation begins with a traditional push type mass production line and the students improve the line by implementing lean techniques. Thus, students experience the advantages of lean real time while facing the real life problems encountered in implementing it.
Electronic absorption spectrum of Ba(MnO4)2·3H2O/Ba(ClO4)2·3H2O☆

Polarized absorption spectra of Ba(MnO4)2·3H2O/Ba(ClO4)2·3H2O mixed single crystals are reported at 4.2°K. Previous 1T2 → 1A1 assignments for the 5200 A and 3000 A absorption bands of MnO4− are substantiated; further support is provided for the 1T1 → 1A1 assignment of the 3600 A absorption band of MnO4−. The site-splitting of the 5200 A 1T2 state is E(1E)−E(1A) ≈ −150 cm−1; that of the 3000 A 1T2 state is E(1E)−E(1A) ≈ 300 cm−1. A significant e vibronic intensity component is observed in the 5200 A 1T2 state.
A case-based toxicology module on agricultural- and mining-related occupational exposures

Objective. To develop and assess a toxicology module to teach pharmacy students about farming- and mining-related occupational exposures in the context of an existing toxicology elective course. Design. A teaching unit that included lectures and case studies was developed to address the unique occupational exposures of patients working in agricultural and mining environments. Upon completion of this 4-hour (2 class periods) module, students were expected to recognize the clinical signs and symptoms associated with these occupational exposures and propose acceptable therapeutic plans. Assessment. After completing the module, students scored significantly higher on a patient case involving suicide resulting from pesticide consumption. Seventy-three percent of the students scored higher than 90% on a 33-item multiple-choice examination. Eighty-two percent of students were able to correctly read a product label to determine the type of pesticide involved in an occupational exposure. Conclusion. Pharmacy students who completed a module on occupation exposure demonstrated competence in distinguishing occupational exposures from each other and from exposure to prescription and nonprescription drugs. This module can be used to educate future pharmacists about occupational health issues, some of which may be more prevalent in a rural setting.
Oil-miscible and non-corrosive phosphonium-based ionic liquids as candidate lubricant additives

Abstract Ionic liquids (ILs) have been receiving considerable attention from the lubricants industry as potential friction and wear-reducing additives, but their solubility in oils is an issue. Unlike most ionic liquids that are insoluble in non-polar hydrocarbon oils, this study reports phosphonium-based ILs (PP-ILs) that are fully miscible with both mineral oil-based and synthetic lubricants. Both the cation and anion in quaternary structures, long alkyl chains, and capability of pairing the cation and the anion via a H–O bond are hypothesized to improve the compatibility between ions and neutral oil molecules. The measured viscosities of the oil-IL blends agree well with the Refutas equation that is for solutions containing multiple components. High thermal stability and non-corrosiveness were observed for the PP-ILs. Effective friction reduction and anti-wear functionality have been demonstrated in tribological tests when adding 5 wt% of a PP-IL into a base oil, suggesting potential applications for using the oil-miscible PP-ILs as lubricant additives.
Multimple-imaging and multiple-focusing Fresnel lenses with high numerical aperture

We report the successful design and fabrication of integrated devices that combine optical beam splitting and lensing into a single element. These elements are made by etching a 4-phase level pattern into quartz glass using electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching. They are designed using an algorithm based on simulated annealing to optimize the Fresnel-Kirchhoff integral that transforms the lens pixel pattern, containing up to 4 million pixels, to fit the desired output pattern. The devices can be optimized for any conjugate ratio; we have made examples of both imaging and focusing elements. At a working wavelength of 1.52 micrometers , measured efficiencies have been obtained of 67% for 4-phase level, F/2 single lenses and around 62% for 4-level F/2 and F/5 multiple imaging lenses that produce 16 output spots from a single input. In all cases for both the single and multiple lenses the output spots were diffraction limited.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
MALDI-TOF MS detection of dilute, volume-limited peptide samples with physiological salt levels.

This paper presents a highly efficient sample preparation technique for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The purpose of the research is to use a conventional MALDI support to directly and conveniently detect sub-nM levels of peptides from volume-limited samples with physiological salt levels. In this new method, highly uniform matrix-nitrocellulose spots with a 500 µm diameter were conveniently generated by direct contact of a capillary tip to a stainless steel MALDI plate. An array of 50 microspots can be blotted from 1 µL matrix-nitrocellulose solution within 1 min. It was found that the addition of high concentration nitrocellulose to the α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) matrix solution is critical for the formation of microspots. Samples are deposited on top of those microspots and incubated for 3 min. The CHCA-nitrocellulose surface shows a significant peptide binding capability for sub-nM levels of peptide. Restricting the matrix spot diameter to 500 µm gives an analyte enrichment effect because the peptides are confined to a small solid-phase surface area. Selective peptide binding is seen even with >0.15 M salt levels. Loading small aliquots of samples with multiple applications allows low level peptide detection down to 100 pM. Push-pull perfusates collected from the rat striatum were successfully analyzed with the microspot method.
Mathematical Methods of Economics

(1983). Mathematical Methods of Economics. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 90, No. 4, pp. 229-244.
Desorption and Mineralization Kinetics of Phenanthrene and Chrysene in Contaminated Soils

The relative rates of desorption and mineralization for spiked concentrations of [14C]phenanthrene and [14C]chrysene preloaded on two previously contaminated soils (foc, 0.029 and 0.0026) were inve...
Effect of interface polarization charge on the performance of nitride semiconductor light emitting diodes

Most III-V nitride light emitting diodes have an n-down structure with Ga polarity. In such a device, the active layer is grown on top of the n-cladding layer and the p-type cladding layer is grown on top of the active layer. We have analyzed the band structure of such a device and found a reduced effective conduction band barrier due to the positive spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization charge, resulting in large electron overshoot and necessitating the introduction of the commonly employed electron blocking layer. On the other hand, the polarization charge at the corresponding interface for a p-side down device with Ga polarity is negative, resulting in a significant enhancement of the electron barrier and the existence of a 2D hole gas near the interface. These are beneficial to the performance of single heterojunction LEDs.
Shot and quantum noise in free electron lasers

Abstract We present an analysis of the effects of both classical and quantum noise on the operation of free electron lasers. Shot noise is considered from both classical and quantum mechanical perspectives. The photon number fluctuations due to shot noise are thermal in nature and should mask quantum effects in most conceivable devices. It is found that shot noise could be reduced in some devices in order to study the effects of quantum fluctuations but there are limits below which the shot noise cannot be reduced due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. It is possible to introduce both shot and quantum noise into classical models. The results of some simulations carried out to study the effects of noise on pulse propagation are shown.
Should draining wounds and sinuses associated with hip and knee arthroplasties be cultured

We assessed the utility of culturing draining wounds or sinuses in evaluating periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Fifty-five patients with a draining wound or sinus after total joint arthroplasty (28 knees, 27 hips) who had not received antibiotics for at least two weeks were prospectively studied. Superficial wound cultures were compared to intra-articular cultures to determine accuracy in isolating infecting organism(s). The superficial cultures were concordant with deep cultures in 26 of 55 cases (47.3%) and were more likely to generate polymicrobial results (27.3% vs. 10.9%; P=0.023). In 23 cases (41.8%), the superficial cultures would have led to a change in antibiotic regimen. Superficial cultures yielded bacterial growth in 8 of the 10 cases (80%) when deep cultures and further work-up suggested the absence of deep infection. Given the potential to misguide diagnosis and treatment, we recommend against obtainment of superficial cultures in patients with a draining wound or sinus following hip or knee arthroplasty.