cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Germ Cell Malignancies

The most important germ cell malignancies are cancers of the testis in young men, and similar malignancies which occur, more rarely, in the ovaries of women. Testicular cancers are caused in part by genetic factors, because they frequently run in families and occur more commonly in certain ethnic groups. In addition, because they commonly occur in men in the third or fourth decade of life, particularly in those who have developmental abnormalities of the genitalia, it is thought that unknown events occurring during gestation are partly responsible. The most important such developmental abnormality, and the best predictor of testis cancer, is the failure of a testicle to properly descend into the scrotum. In such cases, the cancer does not necessarily occur in the same testicle. Testis cancers occur with equal frequency in different parts of the United States. They are several times more common than the equivalent germ cell malignancies of the ovary, and occur almost exclusively among young adults. Asian-American and African-American men are at relatively low risk, as are those of lower social class. No systematic pattern of geographical occurrence is apparent, and therefore no local source of causation is proposed.
A Novel Emergency Department Dysphagia Screen for Patients Presenting With Acute Stroke

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:584–589 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: Dysphagia is a common complication for emergency department (ED) patients presenting with acute stroke (AS). Recent stroke recommendations have suggested that EDs screen patients with AS for dysphagia prior to administering anything by mouth. This study sought to develop and test a novel ED dysphagia screen to be used in this population. Methods: A multidisciplinary approach was used to create a novel dysphagia screen performed by ED nurses during the initial evaluation of patients with suspected AS. The screen consists of five questions of which any single affirmative answer signified possible dysphagia. A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the performance of this screen in detecting dysphagia after AS. Patients were followed for 30 days, and true dysphagia was determined if the patient had an abnormal modified barium swallow study (MBS), had placement of a feeding tube, or was placed on a dysphagia diet after assessment by a speech pathologist. The authors performed a substudy to determine agreement using a blinded kappa (κ) assessment with a convenience sample of 40 patients. Results: Over a 21-month period, 283 patients met eligibility for analysis. The rate of cerebral infarction in this cohort was 245 (87%). The rates for true dysphagia, pneumonia, and death were 91 (32%), 26 (9%), and 18 (6%), respectively. The dysphagia screen had a sensitivity of 95% (95% confidence [CI] = 88% to 98%) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 (95% CI = 0.04 to 0.2). The inter-rater agreement assessed by kappa was substantial (0.69, 95% CI = 0.55 to 0.83). Conclusions: These data suggest that this dysphagia screen may be a valuable tool for detecting dysphagia in ED patients presenting with AS. The simple screen can be performed by nursing personnel and appears to perform well with good agreement. Given the overall rate of dysphagia in one-third of AS patients, the use of an ED dysphagia screen appears warranted.
SIMULATED EARTHQUAKE TESTS OF R/C FRAMES

The inelastic response of reinforced concrete multistory frames was investigated by subjecting small-scale one-bay three-story reinforced concrete frames to a series of strong base motions simulating one horizontal component of representative earthquake acceleration records. The test results were evaluated from the perspective of analytical methods routinely and economically available to structural-design office: linear dynamic response analysis and static limit analysis based on elasto-plastic response. Linear dynamic analyses provided a good qualitative understanding of the observed inelastic behavior. The observed maximum base shears and overturning moments were much higher than the values predicted by the limit analysis due to strain-hardening of the steel. It is concluded that strain-hardening characteristics of the reinforcing steel must be explicitly considered in the earthquake-resistant design of reinforced concrete structures, especially in relation to design of web reinforcement, foundations, and columns.
Studies on the terminal electron transport system. XII. Fragmentation of the succinic dehydrogenase complex.

Abstract SDC has been fractionated by solubilization with high cholate and KCl concentrations and subsequent short-term dialysis. Two fractions are obtained: 1) A particulate enzyme (R2), containing flavorprotein, cytochromes b and c1, the quinone Q275, and relatively little lipide. This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of succinate by ferricyanide and cytochrome c. 2) A soluble fraction (S2) with similar components as the fraction above but with a very high lipide content. This fraction is mainly active as a DPNH dehydrogenase with ferricyanide but not cytochrome c as electron acceptor. This fraction could be further divided in three subfractions: a) an insoluble, almost colorless material, b) a flavohmoprotein and c) a lipoprotein. The effect of antimycin on the reduction of cytochromes by substrate was tested. In the particulate fraction R2 the reduction of both cytochromes b and c1 was found to be inhibited by antimycin although the characteristics of the inhibitions were quite different for the two hemes. This is at variance with SDC and SDC·DPNHDC, where the reduction of cytochrome b is not sensitive to antimycin.
Puberty and Pediatric-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The term “delayed growth and sexual maturation” is cited extensively in literature describing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with onset during childhood and adolescence. Indeed, evidence suggests that many of the nutritional, inflammatory/immunological, and endocrine factors which result from IBD affect both growth and the onset and progression of puberty. This chapter will address how puberty can be affected in children with IBD, and how disorders in puberty can influence other aspects of health in the pediatric age population with IBD.
Global Competition Versus Regional Interests: FDI and Pharmaceuticals in India

This essay explores the economic dynamics of global competition versus regional interests corresponding to the treatment of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in India and the relative effects of such policies on its domestic pharmaceutical industry. The scope of considerations are formally limited to variables implicative of the transnational flow of capital within the pharmaceuticals industry, most specifically those pertaining to foreign direct investment (FDI). India, as the second most populated country in the world, has been the focus of much discussion regarding patent violations in its pharmaceutical industry. International pressures and membership covenants of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have succeeded in structuring policy such that process patents are now legitimized. This has brought dilemmas between global and regional conflicts of interest to open discussion, and has become a pressing political agenda among various industry stakeholders. This paper discusses the history of Indian internal protection in the pharmaceutical industry and suggests ways in which India may continue to benefit when regulatory barriers are reduced and global trade covenants are abided. The essay first examines trends in global FDI and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO). It highlights changes to Indian policy, and subsequently discusses other matters associated with the protection of IPRs including parallel imports, price discrimination, and corruption. Lastly, suggestions are made for viable ways of enabling India to comply with WTO mandates for participation in the global marketplace, while concurrently attending to its domestic needs as well.
Space Challenges: Collaborations and Collisions Create Change

Special Libraries, Special Challenges is a column dedicated to exploring the unique public services challenges that arise in libraries that specialize in a particular subject, such as law, medicine...
Chapter 3 – Interfacing Between an ESS and a Microgrid

This chapter discusses the interfacing circuits needed for an energy storage system (ESS) to connect to the microgrid. In the first part, the structures and basic principles of several power converters are discussed. They include DC-DC converters, AC-DC rectifiers, DC-AC inverters, AC-AC converters. The most important DC-DC converter for an ESS is the bidirectional buck-boost DC-DC converter, which can help the ESS to be charged and discharged. For DC-AC converters, the voltage source inverter (VSI) is the most used converter in practice. A VSI can be used to integrate an ESS or solar photovoltaic into the microgrid. The following section introduces battery management systems (BMS). The different configurations of BMS are given. Within a BMS, cell balancing is important for reliable operation of the battery energy storage systems (ESS). Thus, two different cell-balancing functions of BMS are presented, namely active cell balancing and passive cell balancing. Two case studies are presented in the last section. The first case is about the control of bidirectional DC-DC converter; the second case is the dq control of VSI. The results show that real power and reactive power are controlled independently.
Effect of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Infectious Doses on Infection Outcomes in Naïve Conventional Neonatal and Weaned Pigs.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was identified in the United States (U.S.) swine population for the first time in April 2013 and rapidly spread nationwide. However, no information has been published regarding the minimum infectious dose (MID) of PEDV in different pig models. The main objective of this study was to determine the oral minimum infectious dose of PEDV in naive conventional neonatal piglets and weaned pigs. A U.S. virulent PEDV prototype isolate (USA/IN19338/2013) with known infectious titer was serially ten-fold diluted in virus-negative cell culture medium. Dilutions with theoretical infectious titers from 560 to 0.0056 TCID50/ml together with a medium control were orogastrically inoculated (10ml/pig) into 7 groups of 5-day-old neonatal pigs (n = 4 per group) and 7 groups of 21-day-old weaned pigs (n = 6 per group). In 5-day-old pigs, 10ml of inoculum having titers 560-0.056 TCID50/ml, corresponding to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle threshold (Ct) values 24.2-37.6, resulted in 100% infection in each group; 10ml of inoculum with titer 0.0056 TCID50/ml (Ct>45) caused infection in 25% of the inoculated pigs. In 21-day-old pigs, 10ml of inoculum with titers 560-5.6 TCID50/ml (Ct 24.2-31.4) resulted in 100% infection in each group while 10ml of inoculum with titers 0.56-0.0056 TCID50/ml (Ct values 35.3 ->45) did not establish infection in any pigs under study conditions as determined by clinical signs, PCR, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and antibody response. These data reveal that PEDV infectious dose is age-dependent with a significantly lower MID for neonatal pigs compared to weaned pigs. This information should be taken into consideration when interpreting clinical relevance of PEDV PCR results and when designing a PEDV bioassay model. The observation of such a low MID in neonates also emphasizes the importance of strict biosecurity and thorough cleaning/disinfection on sow farms.
(S)‐(+)‐2,4,6‐Trimethylbenzenesulfinamide

(1S,2R)-(−)-cis-Aminoindanol 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzensulfonyl chloride (1S,2R)-(−)-N-(2-Hydroxy-indan-1-yl)-2,4,6 trimethyl benzenesulfonamide 3-(2,4,6-Trimethylbenzensulfonyl)-3,3a,8,8a-tetrahydro-2H-1-oxa-2lambda4-thia-3-aza-cyclopenta[a]inden-2-ol (RS,1S,2R)-(−)-2,4,6-Trimethylbenzensulfinic acid 1-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonylamino)2-indan-2-yl ester 2-Mesitylmagnesium bromide (S)-(+)-2,4,6-Trimethylbenzenesulfinamide Keywords: 2,4,6-trimethylbenzensulfinamide; asymmetric synthesis; organometallic reagents; aza-Darzens reaction; Grignard reagents; chiral imines; waste disposal
Age-Related Changes in Processing Speed: Unique Contributions of Cerebellar and Prefrontal Cortex

Age-related declines in processing speed are hypothesized to underlie the widespread changes in cognition experienced by older adults. We used a structural covariance approach to identify putative neural networks that underlie age-related structural changes associated with processing speed for 42 adults ranging in age from 19-79 years. To characterize a mechanism by which age-related gray matter changes lead to slower processing speed, we examined the extent to which cerebral small vessel disease influenced the association between age-related gray matter changes and processing speed. A frontal pattern of gray matter and white matter variation that was related to cerebral small vessel disease, as well as a cerebellar pattern of gray matter and white matter variation were uniquely related to age-related declines in processing speed. These results demonstrate that at least 2 distinct factors affect age-related changes in processing speed, which might be slowed by mitigating cerebral small vessel disease and factors affecting declines in cerebellar morphology.
Direct and recurrent inguinal hernias are associated with ventral hernia repair: a database study.

In their well-designed presentation, Henriksen et al. [1] use a massive sample of over 92,000 patients from the Danish Hernia Database to explore the association between inguinal and ventral hernias. The authors find that on multivariate analysis direct and recurrent inguinal hernias are associated with ventral hernias. The odds ratios are statistically significant, but the effect sizes are modest and range from 1.28 to 1.76. In other words, even if the risk for a ventral hernia increases in the presence of an inguinal hernia, the increase is small, as shown by the fact that less than 1 % of inguinal hernia patients were found to have ventral hernias too. Readers should note that the Danish Hernia Database includes only hernias that were treated surgically. Therefore, this study reports on the association between inguinal and ventral hernias, requiring repair; the true association for all hernias in not known. Another puzzling piece of information is the timing of hernia repair as reported in this study. Only 8.7 % of ventral hernias were repaired before the inguinal hernia was repaired. It almost seems that there is a biologic clock by which the inguinal floor gives up first; then the abdominal wall follows. One could assume that an inguinal hernia is a forewarning of future anatomical defects. In any case, it only makes good common sense to assume that a disease of collagen structure, as is hernia, will not be localized only to a certain area of the body. Using the scientific lenses of this study, investigators should look into other possible associations between inguinal hernia and collagen abnormalities. Preventive methods could then be developed and additional surgical interventions could be planned. Until then, the conclusions of this study are interesting, but I would not know how to use them. The authors have provided us with great food for thought. Any plans for the next step?
Spectrum allocation and scheduling in dynamic spectrum access wireless networks

In this paper, we study the joint spectrum allocation and scheduling problems with the objectives of maximizing through-put and achieving certain fairness in Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) wireless networks. A novel Multi-Channel Contention Graph (MCCG) is proposed to characterize the impact of interference under the protocol interference model. Based on MCCG, we present an optimal scheme to compute maximum throughput solutions. As simply maximizing throughput may result in a severe bias on resource allocation, we take fairness into consideration by presenting optimal schemes to compute fair solutions based on a simplified max-min fairness model and the well-known proportional fairness model. Fast and effective heuristics are also proposed to provide high throughput and fair solutions. Numerical results show that compared with the optimal schemes, our heuristic schemes produce very close performance and our proportional fair schemes achieve a good tradeoff between throughput and fairness. In addition, we extend our research to the physical interference model.
Parylene-Pocket Chip Integration

In this paper, we present a novel packaging technique that utilizes a simple, flexible parylene (chip) pocket on silicon substrate with metal pads. This pocket can house an IC chip or a discrete component inside and provide electrical connections to it. On the other hand, recent achievement in silicon probes implantation in the parietal cortex enables technological advances in neural prosthesis research. However, most of these technologies suffer from high signal-to-noise ratio and expensive integration scheme with IC chips or lack thereof. As a demonstration, this work uses this technique to produce an 8-shank silicon probe array integrated with a fully functional 16-channel amplifier CMOS chip.
The valuation of foreign currency options under stochastic interest rates

Abstract We consider the valuation of options written on a foreign currency when interest rates are stochastic and the matrix of the diffusion representing the global economy is strongly coercive. We solve the associated variational inequality for the value function numerically by the finite element method. In the European case, a comparison is made to the exact solution. The corresponding result for the American option is also presented.
Heliostat Canting and Focusing Methods: An Overview and Comparison

A central receiver power tower system consists of a field of heliostats that focus the sunlight onto the receiver on the tower. Heliostats typically consist of an array of mirror facets that track the sun throughout the day. To obtain the optimal concentrated solar flux on the receiver, the individual heliostat facets must be properly canted and focused. Several different methods have been used in the past for facet canting and focusing. These demonstrated methods and some new alignment concepts are under consideration for development and alignment of the 218 heliostats at the Sandia National Laboratories National Solar Thermal Test Facility in Albuquerque, NM. In this paper, we provide an overview and comparison of the different methods. The methods we consider are the gauge blocks, inclinometers, photogrammetry, fringe reflection, imaging with theoretical image overlays, laser beam projections, camera look-back, and target reflection methods. The advantages and disadvantages of each alignment method are identified based on several prescribed criteria for aligning the heliostats. Recommendations regarding the alignment method’s potential for efficiently and accurately aligning heliostat fields are provided.© 2010 ASME
TEMPERATURE AND FREQUENCY OF HEART BEAT IN THE COCKROACH.

The frequency of pulsation of the intact heart in nymphs (final (?) instar) of Blatta orientalis L. increases with the temperature according to the equation of Arrhenius. The constant µ has typically the same value, within reasonable limits of error, as that (12,200) deduced for other, homologous activities of arthropods where the rate of central nervous discharge is perhaps the controlling element, namely 12,500 ± calories for temperatures 10–38°C. Below a critical temperature of about 10° a change to a higher value of the temperature characteristic occurs, such that µ = 18,100 ±. Exceptionally (one individual) µ = 14,100 ± over the whole range of observed temperature (4.5–28°). The quantitative correspondence of µ for frequency of heart beat in different arthropods adds weight to the conception that this constant may be employed for the recognition of controlling processes.
Transluminal catheter reperfusion: A new technique to reestablish blood flow after coronary occlusion during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) may be complicated by total coronary artery occlusion from major dissection, spasm or thrombosis. 1,2 If coronary blood flow is not reestablished immediately, myocardial infarction or death may occur, despite the availability of emergency surgical backup. 3 The morbidity and mortality of the emergency bypass procedure may also be increased under these circumstances. 4 We describe the investigational use of a percutaneously introduced stenting reperfusion catheter to reestablish blood flow before bypass surgery in 3 patients.
Blood Pressure and Lifestyle on Saba, Netherlands Antilles

During the 20th century, infectious disease morbidity and mortality generally waned whereas chronic degenerative diseases posed a growing burden at the global level. The population on Saba, Netherlands Antilles has recently experienced such an epidemiologic transition, and hypertension was reported to be extraordinarily high, although no prevalences have been reported and relationships with lifestyle factors associated with rapid modernization have not been explored. In this study, a medical and demographic questionnaires, as well as body composition and blood pressure measures were collected from 278 Saban men and women aged 18–91 years. When age and sex adjusted, 48% of the population was hypertensive. Age, BMI, and Afro-Caribbean descent were all associated with higher blood pressures. In a second phase, 124 individuals of the 278 were invited to receive a longer questionnaire on individual exposure to modernizing influences such as travel and education. Higher blood pressure was associated with having lived in fewer different places in the past; those who stayed only on Saba or Statia had higher blood pressures than those who had also lived in more modernized areas. However, this was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for age and BMI. Lifestyle incongruity was positively associated with higher blood pressure in that those with more discord between material wealth and income were more likely to be hypertensive, and this remained statistically significant after adjustment for age and adiposity. In summary, hypertension is highly prevalent on Saba and tended to be associated with greater age, adiposity, Afro-Caribbean ancestry, and lifestyle incongruity. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermolysis of disubstituted 1,2‐dioxetanes: Activation parameters and chemiexcitation yields

trans-3-Methyl-4-(p-anisyl)-1,2-dioxetane 1, trans-3-methyl-4-(o-anisyl)-1,2-dioxetane 2, 3-methyl-3-benzyl-1,2-dioxetane 3, and 3-methyl-3-p-methoxybenzyl-1,2-dioxetane 4 were synthesized in low yield by the β-bromo hydroperoxide method. The activation parameters were determined by the chemiluminescence method (for 1 ΔG≠ = 22.8 ± 0.3 kcal/mol, Δ≠ = 22.2, ΔS≠ = −1.7 e.u., k60 = 7.6 × 10−3s−1; for 2 ΔG≠ + 23.6 ± 0.3 kcal/mol, ΔH≠ = 22.8, ΔS≠ = −2.2 e.u., k60 = 2.5 × 10−3S−1; for 3 ΔG≠ = 24.0 ± 0.4 kcal/mol, ΔH≠ = 23.1, ΔS≠ = −2.7 e.u., k60 = 1.2 × 10−3S−1; for 4 ΔG≠ = 24.0 ± 0.2 kcal/mol, ΔH≠, = 23.2, ΔS≠, = −2.4 e.u., k60 = 1.2 × 10−3s−1). Thermolysis of 1–4 produced excited carbonyl fragments (direct production of high yields of triplets relative to excited singlets) [chemiexcitation yields ϕT, ϕS, respectively: for 1 0.02, 0.0001; for 2 0.02, 0.0001; for 3 0.03, 0.0002; for 4 0.02, 0.0001]. The effect of paramethoxyaryl substitution was consistent with electronic effects. The ortho substitution in 2 resulted in an increase in stability of the dioxetane, opposite that observed for an electronic effect. The results are discussed in relation to a diradical-like mechanism.
Effects of electroshocking on macroinvertebrate drift in three cold water streams

The effect of electroshocking and walking on the substrate on macroinvertebrate drift was evaluated in three streams located in southwestern Oregon, USA. A randomized block experimental design was used to determine treatment (electroshocking and walking, electroshocking-only, walking-only) and drift distance effects on the number, biomass, and length of macroinvertebrates drifting up to 30 m downstream. In all streams, electroshocking caused significantly (p 0.05) was observed in mean biomass between electroshocking and walking on the substrate among the drift distances. The longest macroinvertebrates were collected from the electroshocking treatment at the shortest drift distance (2.5 m) in all of the streams. The length of macroinvertebrates collected between electroshocking and walking on the substrate were similar at drift distances of 10 m and greater and represented predominately the smaller, poor swimming taxa.
The Powerful Functions of Peptide-Based Bioactive Matrices for Regenerative Medicine

In an effort to develop bioactive matrices for regenerative medicine, peptides have been used widely to promote interactions with cells and elicit desired behaviors in vivo. This paper describes strategies that utilize peptide-based molecules as building blocks to create supramolecular nanostructures that emulate not only the architecture but also the chemistry of the extracellular matrix in mammalian biology. After initiating a desired regenerative response in vivo, the innate biodegradability of these systems allow for the natural biological processes to take over in order to promote formation of a new tissue without leaving a trace of the nonnatural components. These bioactive matrices can either bind or mimic growth factors or other protein ligands to elicit a cellular response, promote specific mechano-biological responses, and also guide the migration of cells with programmed directionality. In vivo applications discussed in this review using peptide-based matrices include the regeneration of axons after spinal cord injury, regeneration of bone, and the formation of blood vessels in ischemic muscle as a therapy in peripheral arterial disease and cardiovascular diseases.
Are they playing by the same rules? A consumer gifting classification of marital dyads

Abstract This article sets out a research program that examines the dynamics of gifting behavior of long-term committed dyadic relationships—married couples. Our research considers the findings of a study in which the reported gifting behavior of couples reveals two gifting rulebooks; the first rulebook consisting of a set of symbolic communication rules, and a second rulebook consisting of economic exchange rules. Most importantly, we develop a consumer gifting classification of marital dyads. Finally suggestions are offered for future research and implications are drawn for marketing strategy.
Surface diffusion of Pt adatoms on Ni surfaces

Abstract The diffusion of individual Pt adatoms on the (100), (110), (311), and (111) surfaces of Ni has been investigated by field ion microscopy. On the (100) and (110) surfaces Pt adatoms replace Ni substrate atoms at temperature below the onset of hopping displacements. The minimum temperature required for replacement is 250 and 105 K for the (100) and (110) surfaces, respectively. On the (311) and (111) surfaces, Pt adatoms migrate by conventional site-to-site hopping. The activation barriers for displacements on the (100), (110), and (311) planes are estimated from the migration temperatures and compared to activation barriers measured previously for self-diffusion on Pt and Ni.
Impact of postdischarge surveillance on surgical-site infection rates for coronary artery bypass procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of postdischarge infection surveillance on risk-adjusted surgical-site infection rates for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures. DESIGN: Prospective surveillance of surgical-site infections after CABG. SETTING: Tertiary-care referral hospital. METHODS: Data on surgical-site infections were collected for 1,324 CABG procedures during 27 months. They were risk adjusted and analyzed according to the surgical surveillance protocol of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) System of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with and without postdischarge data. RESULTS: Data were available for 96% of the patients. Of the 88 surgical-site infections, 28% were identified prior to discharge and 72% postdischarge. More chest than harvest-site infections were identified (46% vs 11%) prior to discharge, and more harvest-site than chest infections were identified in the outpatient setting (42% vs 14%). The surgical-site infection rate for patients stratified under risk index 1, calculated without postdischarge surveillance, was 2.9%; when compared with that of the NNIS System, the P value was.29. When postdischarge surveillance was included, the surgical-site infection rate was 4.9% and statistically significant when compared with that of the NNIS System (P =.007). For patients stratified under risk index 2, the rates with and without postdischarge surveillance were 11.7% and 10.0%, respectively; when compared with the NNIS System rates, the P values were .000008 and.0006, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Only 28% of the surgical-site infections would have been detected if surveillance had been limited to hospital stay. Postdischarge surveillance identified more surgical-site infections among risk index 1 patients. Hospitals with comprehensive postdischarge surveillance after CABG procedures are likely to record higher surgical-site infection rates than those that do not perform such surveillance.
Employment Changes and the Food Stamp Program Evaluating the Impact of Increasing Coal Production

This article examines the effect of increased coal production on the food stamp program in Kentucky's coal producing counties. The linkages between coal production and employment and the food stamp program were analyzed using a two-step economic model. Changes in employment in eastern Kentucky coal producing counties were more closely tied to coal output than in western Kentucky. Thus, reductions in the number ofrecipients and food stamp expenditures were greater in the East. Projections from 1973-1976 data suggest that any future coal related growth may lead to a reduction in food stamp payments wherever production methods are more labor intensive; however, it appears that welfare recipients in coal producing regions may well be worse off as a result of economic growth stimulated by a coal boom.
Effectiveness of federal incentives in shaping child support enforcement outcomes

Abstract The federal government has historically employed both incentives and threats to engage the states in partnership to advance public policy in directions that Congress, reflecting its perception of the public good, has deemed worthy. The means by which the federal government has pursued its aims have included incentives, often financial, and threats of sanctions, also frequently of an economic nature. Nowhere in the domain of social policy has the systematic application of these “carrots” and “sticks” been used to affect the dramatic changes that have been necessary to convert a heretofore private matter of family law, formerly falling indisputably within the purview of state authority, to a function whose wide-ranging parameters fall under the authority of the federal government. That this has occurred within the space of three decades stands as a remarkable achievement in the history of federal social policy-making. We have chosen to examine here the effectiveness of two important incentive strategies employed under federal direction that may have served to bring the process of child support enforcement largely under the authority of the federal government. Prior to the enactment of welfare reform legislation in 1996, federal law required that states' practices involving AFDC program benefit calculations exclude the first US$50 in parental support collected for any given recipient’s household, in any given month. These “disregards” were designed to serve as incentives to AFDC recipients to cooperate with the identification and location of the fathers of their children. During much of the history of the federal Child Support Enforcement Program, provisions have also been in place that established federal financial incentive schedules designed to encourage states to operate increasingly more efficient and effective programs. These incentive payments to states were based on federal formulas that included measures of states' cost-effectiveness in securing support payments from non-resident parents for welfare-dependent children. In a state with large AFDC populations, these federal incentive payments could amount to several million dollars a year. This study employs federal administrative data derived from states' Child Support Enforcement programs to explore the effectiveness of these two kinds of incentives in shaping program outcomes. Controlling for other substantive administrative practices, and some key state features, the authors find that these two types of incentives do appear to have had significant effects upon program achievements and outcomes, outcomes that are consistent with theory and policy intent.
Attitudes toward mental retardation and eugenics: The role of formal education and experience

In an effort to determine if direct client contact and educational experience could alter attitudes toward mental retardation and eugenics, we completed a pre-test-post-test attitude measure with 37 university-level students enrolled in a 10-week introductory course in the psychology of mental retardation. Results from the psychometrically validated Scale of Attitudes Toward Mental Retardation and Eugenics (Antonak, Fiedler, & Mulick, 1993) indicated that although students reported a significant increase in self-reported knowledge about mental retardation, there was no significant change in eugenics attitude scores. The data suggest that while structured educational experience and direct contact may improve knowledge about mental retardation, it has little influence on fundamental attitudes and beliefs about mental retardation and eugenics.
Nonluminous Radiation in Turbulent Buoyant Axisymmetric Flames

Abstract A theoretical and experimental study of nonluminous radiation properties of turbulent, buoyant, axisymmetric, methane diffusion flames burning in still air is reported. Spectral radiance was measured along radial paths within and near the luminous portion of three flames whose structure was studied earlier in this laboratory. Predictions of spectral radiance were found by solving the equation of radiative transfer along the same paths. A narrow-band model was used with flow structure predicted by the conserved scalar formalism of a k-e-g turbulence model. The computations were based on mean properties as well as a stochastic method which allowed for turbulent fluctuations. In general, the stochastic method overestimated the measured spectral radiances by 10-30 percent, while the mean property method was in reasonably good agreement with measurements. Therefore, while turbulent fluctuations have a significant influence on non-luminous radiation properties of the present flames, the effect is compa...
Model for the linear- and nonlinear-optical properties of β-quinol clathrates

We present a theoretical model for the optical activity of clathrates in the far infrared, based upon a P\"oschl-Teller potential fit to the intermolecular guest-host potential. Experimental comparisons of the absorption coefficient and predictions of the third-order susceptibility for frequency tripling are made for the argon clathrate.
Charge exchange and chemical reaction in the H2++H2 system. I. Characterization of the potential energy surfaces and nonadiabatic regions

Potential energy surfaces for the H+4 system are calculated by the valence bond diatomics‐in‐molecules method in the zero overlap‐of‐atomic‐orbitals approximation. The adiabatic potential energy surfaces are obtained by the diagonalization of an 8×8 Hamiltonian matrix and are ideally suited for classical trajectory studies involving electronic transitions. The ground state surface of H+4 is discussed and particular emphasis is given to those regions of configuration space for which this surface avoids an intersection with that of the first excited electronic state.
Changes in the thyroidectomy cells of the rat pituitary under the influence of large doses of triiodothyronine.

Rats were made hypothyroid by injection of propylthiouracil (20 mg. daily) for 28 days. The pituitary changes were typical, except for the persistence of some acidophils. Then, while the rats remained on the propyl-thiouracil regimen, 10 μg of l-triiodothyronine sodium were injected, and animals killed 3, 12 and 24 hours later. Other rats received the same dose of T3 daily for 2, 4, 6, 8, 13 or 27 days. The aldehyde fuchsin and periodic acid-Schiff positive granulation characteristic of thyrotrophs reappeared in the thyroidectomy cells by 12 hours after triiodothyronine and disappeared again between 13 and 27 days of medication. Concomitantly with the gradual emergence of these granules, clumping and enlargement of the periodic acid-Schiff positive droplets (“T” granules of Purves and Griesbach) also occurred, and numerous angular thyrotrophs became visible, probably originating, at least in part, from “chromophobe” cells. Further, the generally fine peripheral vacuolation of the thyroidectomy cells tende...
Hyperalimentation as cause of markedly worsened metabolic control in a patient with autoantibodies to the insulin receptor

Abstract Patients with type B insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans have autoantibodies to their insulin receptors and usually have signs and symptoms of other autoimmune diseases. The first case demonstrating that hyperalimentation markedly disturbs blood glucose control in type B insulin-resistant patients is described. Neither prednisone, insulin (up to 240 units per hour), nor tolbutamide appeared to help this patient's metabolic control. After the addition of cyclophosphamide for one week, the anti-insulin receptor auto-antibody titer dropped from greater than 1: 1,000 to 1: 1. Six months later, the patient had a complete remission, which is rare, with only three other reported remissions in these patients with type B insulin resistance.
Direct evidence for inter-organ transport of glutathione and that the non-filtration renal mechanism for glutathione utilization involves γ-glutamyl transpeptidase

Abstract A direct examination of the inter-organ cycle of glutathione metabolism was made by determining glutathione levels in plasma obtained from various blood vessels of the rat. High levels of GSH were found in hepatic vein plasma, relative to arterial and systemic venous levels, reflecting translocation of GSH from the liver to the plasma. Renal vein plasma has a level that is 20% of arterial plasma indicating that the kidney removes glutathione from plasma not only by glomerular filtration (which can account for 20–30% of the glutathione removed), but also by a non-filtration mechanism. Inhibitors of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase decrease the fraction of glutathione removed by the kidney to a value approaching that filtered, indicating that the non-filtration mechanism involves γ-glutamyl transpeptidase.
Role of Mg-ATP in Norepinephrine Biosynthesis in Intact Chromaffin Granules

Dopamine beta-monooxygenase converts dopamine to norepinephrine in intact chromaffin granules using intragranular ascorbic acid as a cosubstrate. Mg-ATP with external ascorbic acid is required for maximal norepinephrine biosynthesis. Mechanisms to explain these requirements were investigated specifically using intact granules. The effect of Mg-ATP was independent of membrane potential (delta psi) because norepinephrine biosynthesis was unchanged whether delta psi was positive or collapsed. Furthermore, the effect of Mg-ATP was independent of absolute intragranular and extragranular pH as well as the pH difference across the chromaffin granule membrane (delta pH). Nevertheless, norepinephrine biosynthesis was inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazane, and N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, specific inhibitors of the secretory vesicle ATPase that may directly affect proton pumping. Biosynthesis occurred normally with other ATPase inhibitors that do not inhibit the ATPase in secretory vesicles. The data indicate that the effect of Mg-ATP with ascorbic acid is mediated by the granule membrane ATPase but independent of maintaining delta psi and delta pH. An explanation of these findings is that Mg-ATP, via the granule ATPase, may change the rate at which protons or dopamine are made available to dopamine beta-monooxygenase.
Internal migration and development in Vietnam

This article is a step toward understanding the nature of the interrelationship between population movement and development as Vietnam continues to move toward intensive market reforms. Underutiliz...
Reproducible proliferative responses of salamander (Ambystoma mexicanum) lymphocytes cultured with mitogens in serum-free medium.

There are several reports that proliferative responses (tritiated thymidine incorportation (3HTdR)) of salamander splenocytes cultured with phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA) or concanavalin A (Con A) in 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS)-supplemented medium are either statistically insignificant or never approach the magnitude typically observed in similarly treated cultures of frog lymphocytes. The present study confirms these findings, but also reports highly significant and reproducible PHA-induced proliferation of axolotl splenocytes and thymocytes when the medium is supplemented with 0.25% bovine serum albumin (BSA) rather than 1% FBS. In one study, splenocytes from six of six axolotls cultured in BSA-supplemented medium displayed a dose-dependent response to PHA with stimulation indices (SLs) ranging from 4.2 to 14.1. In contrast, SLs of PHA-treated cells from the same animals, cultured in parallel in FBS-supplemented medium, ranged from 0.8 to 3.0. In a kinetic study (cells harvested from days 3–7), maximal proliferation in BSA-supplemented medium was noted after 5 days; cells cultured in parallel in FBS-containing medium were not responsive to the mitogen at any time point. Although axolotl splenocytes do not exhibit PHA-stimulated growth in FBS-supplemented medium, they are reproducibly stimulated in this serum-containing medium by phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA). This suggests that FBS may interfere with (or does not support) some early step(s) in lectin-induced signalling, rather than with proliferation itself.
The ground state for soft disks

We consider some two-dimensional models of point particles interacting through short-range two-body potentials and prove that their zero temperature, zero pressure states are crystalline.
Antebellum literary culture and the evolution of American magazines

Abstract I chronicle the American magazine industry from its inception in 1741 to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 and explain how the industry came to take on a form that, in large part, persists to the present day. My analysis highlights the cultural factors that shaped magazines: on the supply side, the social construction of a market-based conception of authorship and a supporting legal framework that regulated literary property rights and, on the demand side, the growth of large, differentiated audiences for religious treatises and for many forms of secular literature. Finally, my analysis reveals how magazines influenced American society: magazines fostered religious pluralism and, indirectly, helped institutionalize sectarian divisions; they also supported American literature, providing visible outlets and economic security for many authors.
Common "Core" Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research: A Review of Critical Issues and Call for Greater Convergence

A controversy in the mixed methods community concerns the existence of core characteristics of the field. The authors believe that contemporary characteristics exist, which will evolve as advances in the research field emerge. The authors discuss four characteristics and issues related to them. Methodological eclecticism describes mixed methodologists as connoisseurs of methods who expertly employ qualitative/ quantitative techniques in their toolbox. Pedagogical and practical issues are considered in terms of how mixed methodologists are trained to conduct research. The second characteristic, paradigm pluralism, rejects the "incompatibility thesis" that had linked theoretical with methodological traditions. The authors contend that more than one paradigm can underlie mixed methods and discuss this further. The section on an integrative, cyclical approach to research discusses the contexts of justification and discovery and their interrelationship. The final characteristic is a set of research designs and analytical processes that were developed by mixed methodologists and distinguish it from other traditions.
Measuring the Process Variability in Triboluminescence Emission Yield for EuD4TEA

Europium dibenzoylmethide triethylammonium (EuD4TEA) is one of the brightest known triboluminescent materials. Emission from EuD4TEA can be seen in daylight and has been found to be more than twice as bright compared to inorganic ZnS compounds. Using a custom-built drop tower, the triboluminescent emission yield for five batches of EuD4TEA was measured. Results show that the measurement variance for the drop tower is less than 9 pct. In addition, no statistically significant batch-to-batch variations in the triboluminescent emission yield were observed for the synthesized EuD4TEA. It can be inferred that the measurement uncertainty for the triboluminescent emission yield between batches is, at most, on the order of a few percent.
Personality and training proficiency: Issues of bandwidth-fidelity and curvilinearity

This study investigated linear and curvilinear relationships between performance at a US law enforcement training academy and both facet and factor personality scales linking to conscientiousness (i.e. dependability and achievement) and emotional stability (i.e. stress resistance and frustration tolerance). For both conscientiousness and emotional stability, the use of separate facet scales provided the best prediction of training grades when linear and quadratic effects were considered. In all cases, the curvilinear relationships indicated that differences in scores at the low end of the distribution were more predictive of training grades than were differences in scores at the high end of the distribution. Results are discussed in terms of the value of using facet scales to predict performance and the importance of considering curvilinear relationships between personality and specific criteria, such as training grades.
Radon Distribution in Domestic Water of Texas

Concern is mounting over possible adverse health effects associated with exposure to elevated domestic alpha radiation levels (Bean et al, 1982); Petersen et al., 1966; Lyman et al, 1985; Cothern, 1987). Radon released during domestic use of ground water is one of the potential routes of such exposure. However, relatively little is known worldwide about the distribution of alpha-emitting radioisotopes in ground-water supplies. In Texas, deposits of uranium occur, rich enough to be mined commercially, and the possibility existed that significant concentrations of uranium disintegration products may have been present in ground-water supplies. Cech et al. (1987a) identified two regions with anomalously high concentrations of radium-226: in the Gulf Coast, downdip from uranium deposits, and in west-central Texas, on the periphery of an igneous uplift. Radium-226 is a parent of radon-222 which is a focus of the present paper. Concentrations of radon up to 3300 pCi/1 were observed in several domestic-water supplies. This study suggests that it may be external sources (interaction of Tertiary aquifers with salt domes, leaky faults, and uranium-bearing volcanic ashes) and not the bulk mineralogy of the aquifers, which cause anomalous concentrations of alpha-emitting radioisotopes in well water. The distinction is important, as it offers the possibility of avoiding high risk areas when selecting well drilling locations.