cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A4-1: Validating Electronic Health Record Demographic Data Using Self-reported Data from the Autism Registry Survey

Background/AimsThe use of administrative patient data via the electronic health record (EHR) is very important in research. It’s critical we have a sense of the validity and relative accuracy of key data in this widely available data source. The HMORN Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW) is an example of a large repository of administrative data used in numerous studies. The recent Mental Health Research Network (MHRN) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Registry Survey was hosted by four HMORN sites inviting Kaiser Permanente members to complete a Web-based questionnaire on behalf of their child identified as having an ASD diagnosis in the EHR.MethodsIn addition to an extensive battery of questions regarding ASD, the survey collected data on a number of demographic data elements also available in the VDW. These are: age, gender, race/ethnicity (child), income (household) and education (household adult). A total of 1155 adults responded to the ASD Registry Survey. These records were matched with demographic data from the VDW for the same child.ResultsPreliminary examination of race-ethnicity and gender data shows that there‘s a good to excellent level of agreement between the two sources when data are non-missing in both data sources. A total of 992 records had non-missing race/ethnicity data from both data sources. In 81.1% (805/992) of the cases, both data sources agreed (kappa = 0.68, CI = 0.64–0.72). The categories that had the highest level of agreement are White, Black, and Asian, while the Hispanic and multi-racial groupings had a comparatively much lower level of agreement (46.9%). For gender, level of agreement was very high (99.0%, 1118/1129, kappa = 0.97, CI = 0.95–0.99).ConclusionsIn this study, race in the electronic health record was a very accurate measure for major race categories but was far less accurate when reporting the emergent and important multi-racial category and Hispanic ethnicity. Gender had an excellent level of agreement between the two sources. Age, gender, and race-ethnicity are key covariates for many studies analyzing EHR data. Income and education can serve to illuminate socioeconomic factors very relevant to health care research. Having a sense of the validity and accuracy of these data is crucial to the research process.
Progress on ten-meter optical receiver telescope

A ten-meter hexagonally segmented Cassegrain optical telescope is being considered at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for use as a research and development facility for optical communications technology. The goal of the study is to demonstrate technology which can eventually be used to develop a network of such telescopes to continuously track and communicate with the spacecraft. Hence, the technology has to be economical enough to allow replication for a ground or space based network. As we need to collect signal photons only, the telescope cost can be substantially reduced by accepting lower image quality. An important design consideration for the telescope is its ability to look very close to the sun. The telescope for optical communications must function during the daytime. Indeed, for some planetary missions it may be necessary that the system be capable of looking within a few degrees of the sun. To enable this, a unique sunshade consisting of hexagonal tubes in precise alignment with the mirror segments has been proposed which will also serve as the support for the secondary. Recent progress on the design and analysis of such an optical reception station is discussed here.
Simulation of optical fiber growth in three dimensions

Abstract We have carried out 3-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations of a crystal growth technique known as laser heated pedestal growth. Previously, we simulated this technique in 2 dimensions and our current work is an attempt to extend those simulations to the more realistic 3D case. We demonstrate that such 3D simulations are feasible in a study of the influence of the growth speed and the influence of the laser heating on various aspects of the fiber growth. Although much more realistic than the 2D study, the moderate system sizes used in this study and other crude representations of the experimental process still prevent us from making quantitative comparisons with the latter.
Optimum manpower models for a production system with varying production rates

Abstract A minimum number of workers is required for a particular operation on the main assembly line of a production system. Considering this constraint and the standards of operations for different work elements, norms for all tasks in the whole assembly process are fixed by the management. Based on these norms, some optimum models have been suggested for estimation of work force on the assembly line for different rates of production. The estimation for varying production rates is done with reference to the present production rate and to the maximum installed capacity of the plant by introducing the integer approximation. The optimum model helps the management to schedule a quick and economic production plan.
Merging Government Information and the Reference Department: A Team-Based Approach.

Abstract Old Dominion University Library, a selective depository, recently transferred responsibility for government documents reference service to the library's main reference desk. The merger of the previously separate government documents department with the reference department was designed to consolidate the library's public service points and allow for reallocation of staff resources. The library administration implemented a team-based approach to managing several areas of the merge, including training of reference desk staff and production of written documentation. The teambased approach used to assist in managing the merge at Old Dominion University may provide other libraries with a useful framework.
The Analytical Construction of Power-Dissipation and Efficiency-Contours from Load-Pull Data

The construction of performance contours for high power transistors from measurements at a number of scattered load impedances has been investigated. Well-fitting . smooth circular contours are obtained by fitting equations derived from a simple model.
A self-instructional model to teach systems-based practice and practice-based learning and improvement.

Background When mandated as resident competencies in 1999, systems-based practice (SBP) and practice-based learning and improvement (PBLI) were new concepts to many.
Effects of PPAR gamma agonists on cardiovascular function in obese, non-diabetic patients.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors, and when activated by their ligands, they induce perixosome proliferation. Three receptors have been identified: PPAR γ, PPAR δ, and PPAR α, all with different tissue expression. PPAR γ is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and regulates the formation of fat cells and their function. The effect of PPAR γ activation is to enhance the action of insulin in insulin-sensitive tissue by increasing peripheral glucose disposal and decreasing hepatic glucose production. The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are a class of medications used for treatment and possibly the prevention of type 2 diabetes, which are potent agonists for the PPAR γ receptor. Because the thiazolidinediones target insulin resistance, these agents may improve many of the risk factors associated with obesity and insulin resistance including dyslipidemia, hypertension, impaired fibrinolysis, and atherosclerosis. The impact of the thiazolidinediones on cardiovascular mortality is currently unclear but it appears that the thiazolidinediones exert numerous non-glycemic effects that may improve cardiovascular outcomes. Several non-TZD PPAR γ agonists and combined PPAR γ/α effect on cardiovascular disease are also being evaluated. These drugs have anti-inflammatory and vascular properties and are currently the subject of numerous studies targeting the primary and secondary prevention of macrovascular disease in patients with diabetes and insulin resistance and might be developed as anti-atherogenic agents on the basis of their actions.
The use of androgens in the treatment of diseases of the hematopoietic system

Summary Stimulation of erythropoiesis has been induced in patients by the administration of massive doses of androgenic hormones. There is an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit, reticulocytosis, increase in red blood cell mass, development of a normoblastic hyperplasia of the bone marrow, and polycythemia may occur. The extensive studies of the influence of the endocrine glands on the formed elements of the blood in animals and man demonstrate the relationship of erythropoiesis and the androgenic hormone. Because of the effect of androgenic hormones on hematopoiesis, these hormones have been employed in the treatment of a variety of hematopoietic diseases. Improvements have been noted in myelofibrosis, chronic lymphatic leukemia, aplastic anemia, and specific refractory anemias. The androgens have been employed as adjuvant therapy to stimulate bone marrow during the chemotherapy of a variety of neoplastic diseases. The androgenic hormones provide a specific treatment as well as an adjuvant therapy in the management of hematological abnormalities.
DNA ligase III is degraded by calpain during cell death induced by DNA-damaging agents.

Next Section Abstract A yeast two-hybrid screen identified the regulatory subunit of the calcium-dependent protease calpain as a putative DNA ligase III-binding protein. Calpain binds to the N-terminal region of DNA ligase III, which contains an acidic proline, aspartate, serine, and threonine (PEST) domain frequently present in proteins cleaved by calpain. Recombinant DNA ligase III was a substrate for calpain degradation in vitro. This calpain-mediated proteolysis was calcium-dependent and was blocked by the specific calpain inhibitor calpeptin. Western blot analysis revealed that DNA ligase III was degraded in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells following exposure to γ-radiation. The degradation of DNA ligase III was prevented by pretreatment with calpeptin, which protected irradiated cells from death. Calpeptin treatment also blocked 9-amino camptothecin-induced DNA ligase III proteolysis and simultaneously protected the cells from death. HT1080 clones expressing a modified DNA ligase III that lacked a recognizable PEST domain were significantly more resistant to killing by γ-radiation or 9- amino camptothecin than were cells that overexpressed the wild-type form of DNA ligase III. These data show that calpain-mediated proteolysis of DNA ligase III plays an essential role in DNA damage-induced cell death in human cells.
MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES REVEAL GEOMETRIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE RAT CEREBELLAR CORTEX

In the January 1984 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience 1 Angel de Blas presents a compelling analysis of the cytoarchitecture of the mammalian cerebellar cortex. While the major workers in this field have contributed the substantial groundwork on which this paper rests, de Blas brings to a well-studied brain region a fresh technical approach that emphasizes some potentially important relationships between neuron and glia. Two of the more fascinating questions addressed by this work are: (1) are the Bergmann glia of the cerebellar cortex involved in helping to establish the well known espalier shape of the Purkinje cell dendrite (flattened in the plane transverse to the long axis of the folium) and (2) do the Bergmann glia in any way serve to orient or guide the granule cell axons (i.e. the parallel fibers of the molecular layer) in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the Purkinje cell dendrite.
Osteoid Osteoma of the Terminal Phalanges

Four cases of osteoid osteoma of the terminal phalanx--a very rare location--are presented. The clinical picture of cell cases is essentially the same, gradual swelling of the terminal phalanx with enlargement of the nail and pain, particularly at night and relievable by aspirin. The treatment was operative and of double value. 1. The osteoid osteoma is removed; 2. Cosmetic result is obtained by reduction of the size of the terminal phalanx.
The Second Face of American Security: The US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement as Security Policy

Great powers can pursue deliberate “Trojan horse” policies to transform rising and geostrategic secondary states into followers and supporters, rather than challengers. I contend that a great power can use economic statecraft, and in particular trade agreements, to deliberately promote shifts in the societal distribution of power in a target country. The intent is to strengthen the political power of societal and economic actors who have a stake in deepening international ties, while opponents of such policies will be weakened politically and economically. The societal winners will then apply pressure on the government to support their preferred outward-oriented grand strategy. I term this process the “second face of security,” since it entails a less direct and more nuanced method of creating security. In contrast, the “first face of security” entails direct attempts to create security by influencing other governments through military or economic statecraft. I apply this model to the case of Jordan and a...
Magnetron–AF Plasma Polymerization

The magnetron-AF (audio frequency) plasma polymerization has the following unique advantageous features for industrial scale operation. 1) The dissociation glow in form of a toroidal glow shifts the main deposition from the electrode surface to the gas phase. 2) The toroidal glow electrode surface receives no or very little deposition of the plasma polymer, which makes the stable and prolonged operation of the plasma polymerization possible. 3) The magnetic field confines the glow volume to within the inter electrode volume, which dramatically reduces the deposition elsewhere in the reactor. 4) The magnetic field lowers the breakdown voltage of molecules dramatically, and makes it possible to operate plasma polymerization in low-pressure domains with the characteristics of a low-voltage/high-current process.
Compendium of scattering matrix element profiles for soot agglomerates

Abstract Identification of size and structures of soot agglomerates within dynamic flame environment is possible only via nonintrusive laser diagnostics. Elliptically polarized light scattering is the most versatile approach for this purpose; however, it requires a priori knowledge of scattering characteristics of agglomerates. In this paper, a compendium of results is presented for the scattering matrix elements of different fractal-like aggregates. The effects of monomer size ( d p ), the number of monomers in agglomerate ( N ), the fractal dimension ( D f ), fractal prefactor ( K f ) as well as the wavelength ( λ ) are considered. The results show that S 12 and S 34 profiles are more sensitive to fractal structure parameters than the S 11 . By using these three profiles simultaneously, the parameters of fractal structures can be obtained from carefully conducted experiments.
Chimpanzee apolipoprotein H (β2-glycoprotein I): report on the gene structure, a common polymorphism, and a high prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies

Apolipoprotein H (apoH, protein; APOH, gene) is a 50-kDa glycoprotein that binds to negatively charged substrates, including phospholipids. ApoH is a main target antigen for the binding of antiphospholipid antibodies that are associated with thrombotic events. We have previously characterized the structural organization of the human APOH gene. Because of the significant structural homology between the human and chimpanzee genomes, we have employed oligonucleotides from the human APOH gene sequence to amplify chimpanzee DNA covering the entire transcribed region together with flanking sequence in the 5' region. As in humans, the chimpanzee APOH gene consists of eight exons and seven introns and encodes for a 326-amino-acid protein. The deduced amino acid and nucleotide sequence show 99.4% and 99.6% similarity between human and chimpanzee APOH, respectively. Using isoelectric focusing (IEF) and immunoblotting, we screened 155 chimpanzees (128 unrelated captured parents and 27 captive-born offspring) for the apoH protein polymorphism. The most common IEF pattern in chimpanzees was identical to a previously described APOH*3 allele in humans. In addition, an anodally shifted pattern was observed in chimpanzees with an allele frequency of 0.168, and the corresponding allele was designated as APOH*4. DNA sequencing of APOH*4 carriers revealed a missense mutation in exon 6 (A→G) at codon 210, which replaces the amino acid lysine by glutamic acid. This mutation does not affect the binding of apoH to cardiolipin as revealed by cardiolipin/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also evaluated the prevalence of anti-apoH antibodies in chimpanzee plasma by using human-apoH-based ELISA and the association of the Lys210Glu mutation with the occurrence of anti-apoH antibodies. The prevalence of anti-apoH antibodies in chimpanzees (64%) was found to be unusually high compared with that found in humans. However, the Lys210Glu mutation showed no association with the occurrence of anti-apoH antibodies. The prevalence of anti-apoH antibodies in chimpanzees may serve as a useful animal model for the human antiphospholipid syndrome, where these antibodies are associated with clinical manifestations.
Thyroid hormone response of slow and fast sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase mRNA in striated muscle.

Abstract The thyroid status markedly influences the contractile function of muscle, and changes in the activity of the Ca 2+ ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) contribute to these alterations. Two separate genes encode the major isoforms of SR Ca 2+ ATPase. In fast skeletal muscle, sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase type 1 (SERCal) presents the major isoform, whereas in slow skeletal muscle SERCa type 2 (SERCa2) predominates. Cardiac muscle contains only SERCa2. To examine the mechanisms responsible for changes in contractile function, we quantitated SERCa1 and SERCa2 mRNA levels in fast extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL), slow soleus muscle, and cardiac muscle in rats of different thyroid status. Hypothyroidism led in soleus to a marked decrease in SERCa1 mRNA and SERCa2 mRNA levels, in cardiac muscle SERCa2 mRNA decreased markedly, as previously shown by us, and in EDL SERCa1 mRNA decreased. These findings are compatible with a hypothyroidism induced decrease in SR Ca 2+ ATPase activity and a delay in muscle relaxation. In contrast, SERCa2 mRNA of EDL, representing only a small percent of total SERCa mRNA in this muscle, increased to 175% of control values. Muscle specific and SERCa gene specific changes also occur after acute triiodothyronine (T 3 ) administration to hypothyroid rats. T 3 does not induce a significant change in SERCa1 or SERCa2 mRNA levels in soleus, but in the heart SERCa2 mRNA increases about 3-fold. In EDL, T 3 increases SERCa1 mRNA from a hypothyroid level of 59 ± 6% to 138 ± 4% of control values but SERCa2 mRNA is decreased to 75 ± 5% of control levels. In hyperthyroid animals, soleus muscle exhibited a striking increase in SERCa1 mRNA to 252 ± 37% of control values, whereas SERCa2 mRNA was lowered to 72 ± 16% of control values. In hyperthyroid cardiac muscle, SERCa2 mRNA increases to 130 ± 8% of control values. Hyperthyroidism induced no change in SERCa1 mRNA of EDL but lowered SERCa2 mRNA to 61 ± 13% of control levels. In summary, acute and chronic changes in thyroid status lead to divergent muscle-type and gene-type specific responses of SERCa1 and SERCa2 mRNA.
Materials science: Synthetic polymers with biological rigidity

Brush-like polymers with a rigidity similar to that of polymers in living cells have been synthesized and used to build force-responsive materials. The advance opens the door to applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. See Letter p.651 This paper describes a new class of water-soluble, relatively stiff polymers that bundle in a controlled manner on heating to produce very stiff fibres. These fibres, in turn, form hydrogels that very closely mimic components of the cell cytoskeleton, intermediate filaments. Synthesis involves the thermal transition of polyisocyanide polymers from single molecules to bundles of polymer chains. Networks made with this material demonstrate a stress-stiffening behaviour that is usually absent in synthetic polymer gels, and their mechanical properties can be modified by altering the chemical structure of the polymer, offering greater versatility than biopolymer networks.
Safety and Tolerance of Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer in the Elderly

Abstract Background Despite institutional studies that suggest that radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer is well tolerated in the elderly, little population-level data are available on the procedure's outcomes in older women. We performed a population-based analysis to determine the morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization of radical hysterectomy in elderly women with cervical cancer. Methods Patients recorded in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample with invasive cervical cancer who underwent abdominal radical hysterectomy between 1998and 2010 were analyzed. Patients were stratified by age: Results A total of 8199 women were identified, including 768 (9.4%) women age 60–69 and 462 (5.6%) women ≥70years of age. All cause morbidity increased from 22.1% in women 70years of age (P 70 were more likely to have intraoperative complications (4.8% vs. 9.1%, P=0.0003), surgical site complications (10.9% vs. 17.5%, P Conclusion Perioperative morbidity and mortality are substantially greater in elderly women who undergo radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Non-surgical treatments should be considered in these patients.
A passion to heal.

Friends and colleagues, I am proud and honored to have served as president of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association this past year. This is not the first time in my 33-year career that I have had the responsibility and privilege as president to address a group of fine surgeons. Each time, I wonder what I have to share that will interest my esteemed colleagues. I do not conduct groundbreaking research or head a department at a major academic medical center. Rather, on a daily basis, I am hard at work as a solo practitioner treating people. As I embarked on this process, I read many news stories about the state of medicine. A New York Times article titled “Doctors sue health plans over coverage” said 7,000 physicians in Connecticut were suing six HMOs for denying coverage and withholding payments to doctors [1]. The chairman of the AMA’s board of trustees says in this article, “Physicians throughout the country have been pushed to the breaking point.” Another article titled “Feds fear physicians are making a living” was written by fellow thoracic surgeon Noel Raskin, MD [2]. It is a cynical account of the government’s efforts to seek and prosecute physicians committing Medicare fraud. I also read an article titled “Many doctors calling it quits earlier than planned” [3]. It reported on a survey conducted by a Dallas-based health-care recruiting firm [4]. The survey found that nearly half of physicians 50 or older plan to leave medicine within 3 years. Another 28% plan either to refuse to accept new patients or to otherwise limit the amount of time they devote to medicine. Managed care is the single greatest source of professional frustration for these doctors. In fact, for 9 out of 10, managed care is at least one factor if not the only factor causing them to make a change. The dissatisfaction, according to this survey, is so extreme that doctors are questioning their career choice. Only 4 of 10 of the surveyed physicians said they would encourage their children to seek a career in medicine. This is no surprise to me, and I am sure not to you either. In fact, this dissatisfaction is beginning to impact the number of young doctors we are recruiting into thoracic surgery fellowships. During the last 3 years, we have not filled all the fellowship positions.
Inspiring collaboration through the use of videoconferencing technology

At the beginning of 2007 the University of Washington opened the Odegaard Videoconference Studio which allowed groups on campus to communicate with colleagues that were physically in different locations. The opening of this facility inspired all sorts of collaborating on a more frequent basis as traveling, and more importantly the time and expense involved with traveling, was now not as necessary in order to have a meeting. Many boundaries for collaboration were removed through the use of different types of technology that allowed for video and audio conferencing, and, data and application sharing. This provided for a way to share ideas in more detail, make decisions, and receive feedback quicker, making the overall process more efficient, personal, and overall more effective.
Teaching Macroeconomics by the Case Method

In contrast to teaching only theory, instructors can use cases to get students to appreciate the tradeoffs in alternative policy recommendations.
Inhibition of HIV replication by trichosanthin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Abstract In this study, trichosanthin (GLQ223 ™ ), a single-chain, ribosome-inactivating plant protein, suppressed replication of multiple strains of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and the HIV-2 UC3 strain in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). One strain (HIV-1 SF162 ) was resistant to the effects of trichosanthin. At low concentrations, the drug showed no toxicity for uninfected PBMCs under treatment conditions that inhibited virus replication. The drug was most active in suppressing virus replication when added at the time of HIV inoculation. Trichosanthin has no direct effect on the virus. Different degrees of inhibition were observed when the same virus isolates were tested using PBMCs from different donors. These observations suggest that cellular factors can influence the effect of the drug and support further evaluation of trichosanthin in anti-HIV therapy.
Seasonal variations in the distribution of Fe and Al in the surface waters of the Arabian Sea

Abstract Concentrations of dissolved Al and Fe in the surface mixed layer were measured during five cruises of the 1995 US JGOFS Arabian Sea Process Study, Concentrations of both Al and Fe were relatively uniform between January and April, the NE Monsoon and the Spring Intermonsoon period, ranging from 2 to 11 nM Al (mean 5.3 nM) and 0.5 to 2.4 nM Fe (mean 1.0 nM). In July/August, after the onset of the SW Monsoon, surface water Al and Fe concentrations increased significantly (Al range 4.5–20.1 nM; mean=10 nM, Fe range 0.57–2.4 nM; mean=1.3 nM), particularly in the NE part of the Arabian Sea, as the result of the input and partial dissolution of eolian dust. Using the enrichment of Al in the surface waters, we estimate this is the equivalent to the deposition of 2.2–7.4 g m −2 dust, which is comparable to values previously estimated for this region. Approximately one month later (August/September), surface water concentrations of both Al and Fe were found to have decreased significantly (mean Al 7.4 nM, mean Fe 0.90 nM) particularly in the same NE region, as the result of export of particulate material from the euphotic zone. Fe supply to the surface waters is also affected by upwelling of sub-surface waters in the coastal region of the Arabian Sea during the SW Monsoon. Despite the proximity of high concentrations of Fe in the shallow sub-oxic layer, freshly upwelled water is not drawn from this layer and the NO 3 /Fe ratio in the initially upwelled water is below the value at which Fe limitation is through to occur. Continued deposition of eolian Fe into the upwelled water as it advects offshore provides the Fe required to raise this ratio above the Fe limitation value.
EQUATING THE SCORE SCALES OF ALTERNATE FORMS ADMINISTERED TO SAMPLES OF DIFFERENT ABILITY

Two parallel forms of a test are considered “equated” when for a single group of examinees the standard deviations on the two forms are equal and the means on the two forms are equal. Since present test construction procedures are not sufficiently precise to produce forms with equivalent score scales, it is necessary to conduct an equating experiment for the purpose of collecting data for use in adjusting the initial raw score scales. Although the definition of equated score scales is given in terms of equivalence of the first two moments for a single group of examinees, the tests to be equated need not be administered to the same examinees. This paper considers two types of experiments in which the tests to be equated are administered to different examinees. Both types of experiments can be characterized as follows: If two tests (X and Y) are to be equated, X is administered to the first and Y to the second of a pair of samples. In addition, a third test (V) is administered to both samples. V may be either a separate test from. X and Y or a number of items contained in both X and Y. In either case, V may be considerably shorter than X and Y. The two types of experiments are identical with respect to these test administration procedures, but they differ with respect to the assumptions made about the characteristics of the two samples of examinees. The first type of experiment calls for the use of samples of examinees that are randomly drawn from, the same population, F. M. Lord has considered this general model for the case of equally reliable tests; in this paper a solution is given for the case when X and Y are unequally reliable. Using the statistics for the random samples, maximum likelihood estimates are made of the means and variances of true scores in the population from which the samples were drawn. Thus, the first two moments are estimated for a single group of examinees (the population). For this purpose it is necessary to assume that true scores on X, Y, and V intercorrelate unity. The second type of experiment allows the use of samples that are selected in a non-random manner from a common population. In this case the equating of equally reliable X and Y as well as unequally reliable X and Y is considered. The equations are derived on the assumption that true scores on all tests intercorrelate unity; however, for the case of equally reliable tests a solution is possible so long as true scores on V correlate unity with true scores on either X or Y. It is shown that, if true scores on two tests correlate unity, for pairs of samples of different ability three quantities will remain invariant: 1) the ratio of standard deviations of true scores on the two tests; 2) the difference between the mean on one test and the product of the mean on the second and the ratio of true score standard deviations, and 3) the standard error of measurement. Data are presented which indicate that the equations derived for both types of experiments are sound.
Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization of Corn and Soybeans Managed with No-till and Chisel- Plow Tillage

No-till management results in little or no incorporation of residues and fertilizers with soil. Broadcast fertilization could be inefficient with no-till because phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) accumulate near the soil surface. Banding fertilizers at shallow depths with the planter or deeper before planting could be more effective. A study was initiated in 1994 at this farm and at four other research farms to evaluate P and K fertilizer placement for corn and soybeans managed with no-till and chisel-plow tillage. The study consists of four separate trials: P for corn, P for soybeans, K for corn, and K for soybeans. Both crops are grown on Marshall soil in rotation by alternating crops each year between adjacent areas. The tillage and fertilization treatments are applied for both crops, which are planted with 30-in. row spacing. Cornstalks of plots managed with chisel-plow tillage are chisel plowed in the fall and field cultivated in spring, whereas soybean residues are only field cultivated in spring. The planter is equipped with row cleaners and dry fertilizer attachments.
Effect of modification of insulin on its degradation and biological activity.

SummaryThe biological activity and rate of degradation of 9 derivatives of insulin were studied in the eviscerated-nephrectomized rabbit. Derivatives of insulin made with methanol, diazotized sulfanilic acid, formaldehyde, or hydrogen peroxide, did not affect insulin degradation; those made with 2, 4 - dinitrofluorobenzene, bis - diazobenzidine, bis-diazobenzidine-albumin, and sodium hypochlorite impaired insulin degradation. Those reagents which interfered with the rate at which insulin was degraded also destroyed the biological activity of insulin. However, the reactive groups on the insulin molecule which were essential for biological activity were not necessarily centers of attack by the destructive enzymes. It is concluded that degradation of insulin-I131 observed in physiological systems is not necessarily a function of insulin action on target tissues.
Response of rabbit whole-blood cholinesterase in vivo after continuous intravenous infusion and percutaneous application of dimethyl organophosphate inhibitors

Abstract The in vivo reactions of three dimethyl organophosphates with rabbit whole-blood cholinesterase were studied during continuous intravenous infusion or percutaneous application of these compounds. 3-(Dimethoxyphosphinyloxy)-N,N-dimethylcrotonamide (Bidrin) was poorly absorbed when applied as an undiluted liquid; 1-carbomethoxy-1-propen-2-yl dimethyl phosphate (Phosdrin) and DDVP, 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (Vapona) were absorbed more readily. The absorption of Bidrin, Phosdrin, and Vapona was enhanced when the compounds were applied with dimethylsulfoxide. Whole-blood cholinesterase was progressively inhibited during intravenous infusion of the compounds, followed by rapid but incomplete reversal of enzyme inhibition during an immediate postinfusion period. Differences in the enzyme inhibition and recovery curves are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of in vivo inhibition. Theoretical equations, derived from the experimental data and programmed into an analog computer, successfully described the inhibition process.
The making of a people's champion: An analysis of media representations of George Foreman

The present essay attempts to uncover possible reasons for George Foreman's dramatic upsurge in popularity. The major argument advanced is that Foreman's largely media created image incorporates several features closely related to traditional stereotypes of the African‐American male. More specifically, it is argued that Foreman is presented and presents himself as what Geist (1983) terms the “rural sambo” that is, a sort of “ignorant, fun‐loving buffoon.” Support for this argument comes from a variety of artifacts, among them, published interviews with Foreman, newspaper and periodical articles about Foreman, and commercials in which Foreman appears. The essay concludes by arguing that representations of African‐American athletes deserve the same type of critical attention given to the representation of African‐Americans in film and television.
Laser beam combining and cleanup by stimulated Brillouin scattering in a multimode optical fiber

A new technique for combining low-power laser beams has been demonstrated by use of semiconductor diode lasers. The technique, which is appropriate for any single-longitudinal-mode laser, is based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in long multimode optical fibers. It produces a clean Gaussian-like beam that corresponds to the fundamental fiber mode, irrespective of the profile of the pump. Coherent as well as incoherent combining was demonstrated, and conversion slope efficiencies as high as 67% and 83% were shown to be achievable for the single-pass and ring-cavity SBS geometries, respectively.
The 1999 Southern California Seismic Network Bulletin

The Pasadena office of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), together with the Caltech Seismological Laboratory, operates a network of more than 350 remote seismometers in southern California called the S outhern C alifornia S eismic N etwork (SCSN). SCSN is part of TriNet, a cooperative project between the USGS, Caltech, and the California Division of Mines and Geology (CDMG). The TriNet project is halfway completed and is upgrading the existing network to digital, adding new stations, and developing real-time and earthquake-alert capabilities. Signals from the SCSN sites are telemetered to a central processing location at the Caltech Seismological Lab in Pasadena. Computers that detect and record thousands of earthquakes each year continuously monitor these signals. Phase arrival times for these events are picked by analysts and are archived along with digital seismograms. Data acquisition, processing, and archiving are achieved using the Caltech/USGS Seismic Processing (CUSP) system (Dollar, 1989). These data have been compiled into the SCSN Catalog of Earthquakes, a list beginning in 1932 that currently contains more than 356,300 events. Waveform, phase, and catalog data are archived by the Southern California Earthquake Center Data Center (SCEC_DC). This data set is critical to the evaluation of earthquake hazards in California and to the advancement of geoscience as a whole. This and previous SCSN Bulletins are intended to serve several purposes, the most important of which is to make Network data more accessible to current and potential users. The Bulletins also document important details of Network operation so that researchers can use the data with a full understanding of the process by which they are collected. The list of fifteen new stations added through 31 December 1999 is in Table 1. A list of all currently operating TriNet stations (all three TriNet agencies) may be found at http://www.trinet.org/trinetmap/trinetmap.html, and …
Parallel Algorithms and NC

Parallel computing is a popular current research topic. The successful design of parallel algorithms requires identifying sources of data independence in a problem that allow it to be decomposed into independent subproblems, which can then be solved in parallel. This process often involves looking deeply into the mathematical structure of the problem.
Application of the method of integral relations to real-gas flows past pointed bodies.

Frozen flow and nonequilibrium flow of real gas past pointed bodies, solving partial differential equation by integral relations method
Explaining differences in the lifespan and replicative capacity of cells: a general model and comparative analysis of vertebrates

A better understanding of the factors that govern individual cell lifespan and the replicative capacity of cells (i.e. Hayflick's limit) is important for addressing disease progression and ageing. Estimates of cell lifespan in vivo and the replicative capacity of cell lines in culture vary substantially both within and across species, but the underlying reasons for this variability remain unclear. Here, we address this issue by presenting a quantitative model of cell lifespan and cell replicative capacity. The model is based on the relationship between cell mortality and metabolic rate, which is supported with data for different cell types from ectotherms and endotherms. These data indicate that much of the observed variation in cell lifespan and cell replicative capacity is explained by differences in cellular metabolic rate, and thus by the three primary factors that control metabolic rate: organism size, organism temperature and cell size. Individual cell lifespan increases as a power law with both body mass and cell mass, and decreases exponentially with increasing temperature. The replicative capacity of cells also increases with body mass, but is independent of temperature. These results provide a point of departure for future comparative studies of cell lifespan and replicative capacity in the laboratory and in the field.
Thermal sensor microfabrication and related undergraduate research projects

We describe the microfabrication and characterization of thermopiles having up to 24 sensing junctions. Chromium-nickel devices were fabricated on glass substrates, and aluminum-silicon devices were processed on silicon wafers. Sensitivities as high as approximately 7 mV//spl square/C were measured for the aluminum-silicon devices. The thermal mass of the sensing region of these devices was reduced by etching a well in the back surface of the silicon substrate, beneath the sensing junctions. The time constants of our fastest sensors were 33 ms. This work represents one example of undergraduate research carried out in our microfabrication laboratory. Other examples are also described, including solid state electrochromic devices, and silicon photovoltaic cells with textured surfaces, conventional metal grid contacts, and transparent conducting oxide contacts.
Family members of people with alcohol or drug dependence: health problems and medical cost compared to family members of people with diabetes and asthma.

Aims To compare the medical costs and prevalence of health conditions of family members of persons with an alcohol or drug dependence (AODD) diagnosis to family members of persons with diabetes and asthma.
Closure of the ulnar forearm free flap donor site using a local radial forearm flap

Thin, pliable cutaneous flaps with large calibre vessels ideal for microsurgical transfers are major attributes of the reliable forearm fasciocutaneous flaps. A major detriment, however, that must always be considered is the management of the residual donor site deformity. Just as this potential morbidity for small radial forearm free flap donor sites may be minimised by the V-Y advancement of a local ulnar forearm flap, the converse, using a local radial forearm flap for closure of the ulnar forearm free flap donor site, may be efficacious.
Modeling pigmented materials for realistic image synthesis

This article discusses and applies the Kubelka-Munk theory of pigment mixing to computer graphics in order to facilitate improved image synthesis. The theories of additive and subtractive color mixing are discussed and are shown to be insufficient for pigmented materials. The Kubelka–Munk theory of pigment mixing is developed and the relevant equations are derived. Pigment mixing experiments are performed and the results are displayed on color television monitors. A paint program that uses Kubelka–Munk theory to mix real pigments is presented. Theories of color matching with pigments are extended to determine reflectances for use in realistic image synthesis.
Impediments to impedance and coupled noise: characteristic impedance design and coupled noise control on flexible circuits

Signal integrity analysis is largely neglected in flexible circuit design. Referred to as "cables," ribbons or discrete connections, minimal, if any, analysis is typically performed. However, due to their ability to successfully address mechanical flexibility and cost constraints, flexible circuits have become increasingly appealing solutions for high-speed, controlled impedance interconnect. Design for signal integrity, characteristic impedance and attenuation control are critical to successfully placing flexible circuits in the highspeed market at GHz frequencies. This paper addresses the following: (1) mesh reference plane impedance prediction using solid plane techniques; (2) characteristic impedance variations caused by inconsistent orientation to reference planes; (3) uneven adhesive distribution in mesh reference constructs; (4) cross-talk resulting from signal-to-mesh orientation and dielectric separation; (5) material alternatives to lower dielectric loss in high-speed applications.
Fire! Three Case Studies in Ethics

On March 25, 1911, 146 people, mostly young immigrant women, working at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in the garment district of New York City burned to death in 15 minutes, locked in their workrooms on the eighth and ninth floors of Manhattan's Asch Building. On November 28, 1942, nearly 500 people died in one of the United States' worst fires, at Boston's popular Cocoanut Grove night club. And on February 20, 2003, 100 people perished in another night club fire, in West Warwick, Rhode Island. This paper presents the cases, examines common threads, and addresses ethical considerations. These cases add a different dimension to studies in ethics: most students assume that we learn from past mistakes. What these cases provide, however, is an illustration of Hegel's frequently quoted comment that "we learn from history that we do not learn from history."
Early methylphenidate exposure enhances cocaine self-administration but not cocaine-induced conditioned place preference in young adult rats.

Rationale Previous studies in rodents show that early exposure to methylphenidate alters later responsiveness to drugs of abuse. An interesting feature of these studies is that early methylphenidate treatment decreases the rewarding value of cocaine when measured by conditioned place preference (CPP), but the same treatment increases cocaine self-administration.
Generation of Mice Expressing Only the Long Form of the Prolactin Receptor Reveals That Both Isoforms of the Receptor Are Required for Normal Ovarian Function

Prolactin (PRL), a pleiotropic hormone essential for maintenance of corpus luteum (CL) function and pregnancy, transduces its signal through two types of receptors, a short form (PRLR-S) and a long form (PRLR-L). Both types of receptors are expressed in the CL, yet their individual roles are not well defined. We have shown previously that female transgenic mice expressing only PRLR-S display total infertility characterized by defective follicular development and early degeneration of CL, suggesting that expression of PRLR-L is a prerequisite for normal follicular development and maintenance of CL. To determine whether PRLR-L alone is the sole receptor required to maintain normal CL formation, differentiation, and progesterone secretion, we generated two transgenic mice which express only PRLR-L, either ubiquitously (Tg-RL) or in a CL-specific manner (CL-RL). To generate CL-specific expression, we used the HSD17B7 promoter. We found both transgenic mice models cycled normally, displayed no apparent defect in follicular development, and had normal ovulation rates. The STAT5 signaling pathway, considered essential for luteinization and progesterone production, was activated by PRL in both transgenic mice models. However, soon after mating, Tg-RL and CL-RL mice showed early regression of CL, lack of progesterone production, and implantation failure that rendered them totally infertile. Embryo transfer studies demonstrated no embryo abnormalities, and supplementation with progesterone rescued implantation failure in these mice. Close observation revealed lack of luteinization and reduced expression of proteins involved in progesterone biosynthesis despite normal levels of LHCGR (LH-R), ESR1 (ER-alpha), CEBPB (C/EBP-beta) and CDKN1B (p27), proteins essential for luteinization. However, we found VEGFA, a key regulator of angiogenesis and vascularization, to be dramatically reduced in both Tg-RL and CL-RL mice. We also found collagen IV, a marker for the basal lamina of endothelial cells, aberrantly expressed and a discordant organization of endothelial cells in CL. Although luteinization did not occur in vivo, granulosa cells isolated from these mice luteinized in culture. Taken together, these results suggest that a vascularization defect in the CL may be responsible for lack of luteinization, progesterone production, and infertility in mice expressing only PRLR-L. This investigation therefore demonstrates that in contrast to earlier presumptions that PRLR-L alone is able to support normal CL formation and function, both isoforms of the PRL receptor are required in the CL for normal female fertility.