cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing for credit rationing: An application of disequilibrium econometrics

Testing for credit rationing has traditionally consisted of examining the response of loan rates to other market interest rates. A model developed by Greenwald and Stiglitz (1990) allows for a direct test for persistent excess demand for credit. I estimate three models of the short-term credit market: all firms experience equilibrium, all firms are rationed (have an excess demand for short-term credit), and a mixture of the two. A heuristic likelihood ratio test comparing the all equilibrium likelihood to the mixed likelihood constitutes the test for credit rationing. Application of the test to firm-level data reveals that banks ration some firms in every sample examined.
Potentially Deadly Carcinogenic Chromium Redox Cycle Involving Peroxochromium(IV) and Glutathione

Peroxochromium(IV) complexes are putative DNA-damaging and mutagenic agents in chromium(VI)-mediated carcinogenesis. The reaction between aquaethylenediaminebis(peroxo)chromium(IV) and glutathione at neutral pH exhibits a cyclic redox process displaying a persistent recycling of Cr(IV) and Cr(VI) with the intervention of chromium(V) intermediates. The coordination by a glutathione molecule triggers an autooxidation of the Cr(IV)-peroxo complex to Cr(VI) via an internal electron-transfer process followed by reduction to Cr(IV) via metastable chromium(V) intermediates. The cycle is repeated by the second peroxo species. The Cr(V) and -(IV) intermediates have been characterized as mono- and bisglutathionato complexes with or without a coordinated peroxo moiety. These intermediates are capable of damaging DNA, as evidenced by single strand breaks and DNA oxidation. The implication here is that the potential for a persistent, if not perpetual, deadly chromium carcinogenic cycle exists in the cellular milieu through the assistance of molecular oxygen and glutathione.
Prevalence and clinical course of BK virus nephropathy in pancreas after kidney transplant patients.

The influence of BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) in pancreas after kidney (PAK) transplantation is unclear. A retrospective analysis of PAK transplants performed at our center was conducted to determine the impact of BKVN. Among 40 PAK transplants performed using sequential immunosuppression, four patients developed BKVN, as defined by a >20% rise in serum creatinine and BK viremia (BK plasma load >4 log copies/mL), at a median of 19 months following PAK. In all four patients, treatment of BKVN consisted of reduction in tacrolimus, cessation of mycophenolate mofetil, and introduction of leflunomide. With this approach, two patients experienced improvement or stabilization of renal function. The remaining two patients progressed to dialysis dependence despite treatment. Plasma BK load ≤5 log copies/mL was associated with graft preservation. Gender, age, delay between transplants, cumulative Thymoglobulin dose, and type of kidney donor were not associated with BK virus infection. Pancreas graft rejection or dysfunction was not observed with the above immunosuppression modification. Mean amylase and lipase ≥6 months following BKVN treatment remained normal. BKVN is an important cause of kidney allograft loss in PAK patients. Screening and early treatment of BKVN may enable preservation of kidney and pancreas grafts.
Preliminary results on state-trigered scheduling of stabilizing control tasks

In this paper we revisit the problem of scheduling stabilizing control tasks on embedded processors. We start from the paradigm that a real-time scheduler should be regarded as a feedback controller that decides which task is executed at any given instant. This controller has for objective guaranteeing that software tasks meet their deadlines and that stabilizing control tasks asymptotically stabilize the plant. According to this feedback paradigm, the decision of executing control tasks should not be based on release times and deadlines but rather on the state of the plant. We investigate the feasibility of a simple state triggered scheduler based on the state norm and provide some schedulability results
On tolerating policy and organizational termination: Some design considerations

This essay explores some factors that have led us to expect perpetuity rather than termination as normal in dealing with policies and organizations. After suggesting that this is a dangerous assumption where change and uncertainty are sufficient to require substantial adaptive capacity, it is proposed that a model tolerant of acting to make termination either more or less likely is preferred. Given that we already know how to invest to make termination less likely, the next two sections explore some strategies that may allow termination to be more easily tolerated, and the learning incident to its existence increased. The first explores the use of matrix models of organization to institutionalize the capacity for initiating and terminating temporary projects within organizations. The second section suggests several external mechanisms (savings banks, insurance policies, receivership referees, trust officers, salvage specialists, and marriage/divorce/ escrow brokerages) that could operate to make termination of policies and organizations less difficult.
Liquid collection in sidewall crystallization of magma: A comment on “liquid fractionation. Part I”, by A.R. McBirney, B.H. Baker and R.H. Nilson

Abstract The term liquid fractionation is inappropriate for a process driven by crystallization; liquid collection is proposed instead. The amount of evolved residual liquid produced by sidewall crystallization is not greater than that produced by any perfect fractional crystallization process and the fractionation products must be balanced somewhere by less evolved crystal deposits. There is no free lunch in petrology. Sidewall heating limits the local duration of liquid collection and the complementary crystal products should be sought in conduits. Flux ratios rather than diffusivities control the differences between thermal and chemical boundary layers.
A new naphthopyrone derivative from Cassia quinquangulata and structural revision of quinquangulin and its glycosides.

A novel naphthopyrone derivative, named quinquangulone (1), has been isolated from Cassia quinquangulata, along with the known compounds quinquangulin (2) and its two glycosides (3 and 4), rubrofusarin (5) and its two glycosides (6 and 7), nor-rubrofusarin (8) and its 6-O-glucoside (9), and three stilbenes (10−12). The structure of quinquangulone was established by spectral interpretation as 5,9-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-6-oxo-4H,6H,9H-naphtho-[2,3-b]pyran-4-one. Reinvestigation of the NMR spectra of quinquangulin led to revision of its structure as 5,6-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-2,9-dimethyl-4H-naphtho[2,3-b]pyran-4-one (2a). The structures of two quinguangulin glycosides, 3 and 4, were also revised accordingly. Compound 2a exhibited activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MIC, 3.125 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively).
Current pharmacotherapy for the treatment of severe burns

The pharmacotherapy of burn care has evolved from the first topical antibiotics instituted > 30 years ago. These have helped greatly to reduce the incidence of burn wound sepsis, but a better understanding of the principles of burn care has resulted in earlier burn wound excision and complete coverage with autograft, cadaver skin, synthetic dressings, and amnion. This has markedly reduced septic complications and ameliorated the hypermetabolic response to burn injury. The hypermetabolic response, which is mediated by hugely increased levels of circulating catecholamines, prostaglandins, glucagon and cortisol, causes profound skeletal muscle catabolism, immune deficiency, peripheral lipolysis, reduced bone mineralisation, reduced linear growth, and increased energy expenditure. Supportive therapy and pharmacological manipulation, acutely and during rehabilitation, with growth hormone, insulin and related proteins, oxandrolone and propranolol can ameliorate the hypermetabolic response, improving survival and long-term outcome. Despite judicious use of topical and systemic antibiotics, opportunistic nosocomial bacterial resistance threatens to annul the improved survival of patients with severe burns. Patterns of emerging resistance encountered in burn units need to be considered, in light of a decreasing antibiotic armamentarium. A holistic approach to pharmacotherapy of severely burned patients including current practice in antimicrobial control, analgesia, sedation, and anxiety management is required. Current therapy of frequently encountered problems, such as post-burn pruritus, prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis and peptic ulceration, and pharmacological manipulation of inhalation injury in the burned patient is described. Current pharmacotherapy to ameliorate psychosocial problems associated with burns such as acute stress disorder, depression and post traumatic stress disorder are discussed. Better analgesics, newer antibiotics and immune stimulating drugs are required to reduce mortality and morbidity in large burns.
Potassium-Rich Igneous Rocks from Puerto Rico

Both shoshonites and calc-alkaline andesites of Late Cretaceous age occur in south-central Puerto Rico. These rocks are chemically and mineralogically related in many respects, but the potassium-rich varieties display extreme enrichment in K 2 O (more than 6 percent), Rb (up to 150 ppm), and Cu (up to 300 ppm). All of these Late Cretaceous rocks contain relatively high U (from 0.6 to 1.9 ppm) and Th (from 1 to 5 ppm) compared to typical andesites. The potassic magmas may have been generated in dehydrated oceanic crustal materials along the Benioff zone at relatively high pressures.
Models of alliances: Internalizing externalities and financing

This paper extends the joint product model of military alliances to apply to the new strategic doctrine adopted by NATO in the 1990s. In particular, a choice must be made between protecting one's own territory and pooling forces for an alliancewide rapid reaction force. This new model accounts for a host of externalities and their implications for burden sharing, full financing, and allocative efficiency. The Pigouvian taxes that adjust for force thinning and attack deflection are shown to finance optimal border‐protecting forces under a variety of circumstances. Second‐best considerations arise owing to the pure publicness of rapid reaction forces. The ideal toll arrangement does not currently characterize NATO financing, nor is it likely to do so.
Adaptive relaying. A new direction in power system protection

The authors describe adaptive relaying, a new philosophy in protecting electric power systems. Adaptive relaying utilizes the continuously changing status of the power system as the basis for online adjustment of the power system relay settings. Consequently, it provides the required flexibility for obtaining very high levels of power system reliability. Digital relays with adequate software and communication capability make these devices ideal for implementing adaptive relaying concepts.
The relationship between resting systolic blood pressure and cutaneous pain perception in cardiac patients with angina pectoris and controls

In order to determine the influence of resting systolic blood pressure and stable angina on cutaneous pain perception, we studied 19 male cardiac patients with stable angina and 16 male controls. Pain perception was measured using a suprathreshold evaluation of pain intensity and pain unpleasantness to a series of thermal stimuli. We found that men with higher resting blood pressure had a decrease in the perception of pain intensity and pain unpleasantness. Similarly, we found that patients with stable angina perceived pain as less intense and unpleasant than controls. These differences in pain perception may be associated with different pain mechanisms: in the case of blood pressure, differences in opioid activity and baroreceptor-regulated pain systems; in the case of stable angina, patients may adapt to continued experiences of pain, altering internal frames of reference.
Equity: The missing element in recent agendas for mathematics education

Abstract Reform documents of the past decade are examined in terms of their inclusion and treatment of equity issues. These papers reflected reform efforts aimed at general education, the mathematics curriculum, mathematics teaching, and mathematics education research. Equity issues, although acknowledged, were seldom articulated. Instead, equity was often submerged in global concerns for excellence. Recommendations are made for an agenda for equity.
Feeding and bacteriolytic responses of the deposit-feeder Abarenicola pacifica (Polychaeta: Arenicolidae) to changes in temperature and sediment food concentration

Deposit-feeders can respond to seasonal fluctuations in food concentration both functionally (e.g. by adjusting feeding rates) and physiologically (e.g. by changing the concentration of bacteriolytic agents in gut fluids). Laboratory feeding experiments were carried out (11 to 21 July 1997) with the arenicolid polychaete worm Abarenicola pacifica (Healy and Wells). Objectives were to test for separate and interactive effects of sediment food concentration and temperature (6, 11, and 16 °C) on deposit-feeder functional (feeding rates) and physiological (bacteriolytic activity of gut fluids) responses. Food concentration was varied experimentally using sieved (1 mm) natural sediments (Md φ=2.00; 0.6% organic) mixed with combusted (500 °C, 8 h) sediments for final concentrations of 25, 50, and 100% natural sediment. Sediment food quality was measured as: (1) bioavailable amino acids (EHAA), (2) chlorophyll a (chl a), and (3) bacterial abundance. Feeding rates were inferred from egestion rates (ER, g h−1) and analyzed with respect to worm size. Bacteriolytic activity of midgut fluids was assayed turbidimetrically against two bacterial isolates, after worms had fed on experimental sediments for 15 d. Temperature and food concentration both significantly affected feeding rates, with maxima occurring at 50 and 100% natural sediment mixtures, and at high (16 °C) temperature. ER was positively, but not significantly correlated with EHAA and chl a; a positive, significant correlation was detected between ER and sediment bacterial abundance. Overall, functional responses agreed with earlier compensatory intake models for deposit-feeders. However, the size and direction of these responses was temperature-sensitive, suggesting that these models need to be adjusted for changes in absorption rates. No effects of ambient temperature or food concentration on bacteriolytic rates were observed, possibly due to compensatory mechanisms or the presence of multiple bacteriolytic agents in gut fluids.
Absolute measurement of sputtered ion fractions using matrix isolation spectroscopy

Sputtering yields for neutrals and ions have been measured by collecting the sputtered species in a noble gas matrix and determining their amounts from optical absorption spectroscopy. The atomic ion fractions for Ti and Zr bombarded by O2+ at 2 keV are 0.8 and 0.4, respectively, whereas TiO and ZrO are sputtered largely as neutrals. Neutral sputtering yields from Ar+ bombardment arc consistent with previous measurements. The experimental results are compared with various theoretical models for the sputtering process.
Two-Dimensional Dynamic Simulation of a Continuous Foil Bearing

The objective of this paper is to present an integrated procedure which will analyse the dynamics of a foil bearing on elastic supports. A complete time-dependent Navier-Stokes formulation is used to solve for the interaction between the hydrodynamic effects of the fluid lubricant, the motion of the journal, and the deformable foil boundary. The elastic deformation of the foil and its supports are simulated by a finite element model. The steady state, the quasi-transient and the full transient dynamics of the foil-fluid-journal interaction are examined. For the steady state simulation, for a particular journal position, the fluid lubricant pressures are evaluated by means of a joint iterative scheme until convergence is achieved in both the fluid pressure and the corresponding foil deformation. For the quasi-transient case, the transient motion of the journal is calculated using a numerical integration scheme for the velocity and displacement of the journal. The deformation of the foil is calculated through numerical iteration in feedback mode in combination with the fluid film pressure generated by the journal motion, until convergence at every time step is achieved. For the full transient simulation, a parallel real-time integration scheme is used, at each time step, to evaluate simultaneously the new journal position and the new deformed shape of the foil.
High-data-rate communications over twisted pair

With the success of V.34 wireline technology running at 28.8 Kbps over the PSTN (public switched telephone network), the next level of readily available high data rate communications to the home over twisted pair is ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) at 160 Kbps. But already the communication providers are anticipating the implementation of a new generation of high speed communications that will provide 6 Mbps to the home. And on the drawing boards of the ANSI T1E1.4 committee are plane for providing 54 Mbps to the home over twisted pair in conjunction with fiber to the curb technology. This paper discusses some of the issues associated with high data rate communications over twisted pair.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mechanistic Imperatives for the Reaction Catalyzed by Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate Isomerase: Free Energy Profile for Stepwise Isomerization in Water through a Tertiary Carbocation Intermediate

Abstract Rate and equilibrium constants are reported for the stepwise allylic 1,3-isomerization of 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-1-butene ( 2 ) to give 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-2-butene ( 3 ) in water through a simple tertiary carbocation intermediate 1 + , and the data are used to construct a free energy profile for the reaction. This profile shows that isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase stabilizes the carbocation-like transition state for the stepwise isomerization of simple alkenes by ca. 16 kcal/mol. The barriers for the deprotonation of the tertiary carbocation 1 + by solvent water are significantly smaller than those for the protonation of simple enolates by this solvent. This difference favors a concerted mechanism for the enzyme-catalyzed 1,3-isomerization of alkenes, which avoids the formation of a tertiary carbocation intermediate.
The stereochemical assignments of the four 8-azaestrone configurational isomers

Complete correlation has now been accomplished for the four possible isomers in the 8-azacstrone scries, synthesized by two different synthetic routes.
Are myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction reversible in hypertensive heart disease

Diastolic dysfunction is an important factor contributing to the appearance of symptomatic heart failure, particularly among elderly women with arterial hypertension. In hypertensive heart disease, the presence of cardiac fibrosis is an important determinant of abnormal myocardial stiffness that contributes to diastolic dysfunction. Recent studies indicate the feasibility of a pharmacology-based regression of fibrosis and improvement in diastolic stiffness.
DSM-III, DSM-IV and ICD-10 as severity scales for drug dependence

Abstract The construct of illness severity serves many scientific and clinical functions. This study tested the performance as severity scales of three systems for diagnosing drug dependence — DSM-III, DSM-IV and ICD-10 — in a multisite regional sample of 370 clinical subjects. Both lifetime and current severity of four drug problems — alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and opiate dependence — was studied in three stages: (a) item difficulty and internal consistency analysis; (b) probabilistic modeling of distribution behavior; and (c) concurrent validation against a set of independent measures. All three systems, for most drugs correlated with most test variables, had good to excellent concurrent validity. Unexpectedly, DSM-III showed in some instances better item behavior, composite score behavior and concurrent validity than the other systems, though DSM-IV and ICD-10 are based on slimmer generic algorithms, and may represent a good balance between simplicity and concurrent validity. Results suggest that the design of future diagnostic algorithms start at the item level and strive for moderate levels of both internal consistency and difficulty. Composite score distributions can then be modeled in field research, and necessary item corrections can be made before the algorithm is widely promulgated.
The Effects of Skin Graft Thickness on Graft Viability and Change in Original Graft Area in Dogs

The viability and change in original graft area of full thickness grafts (FTG) and split thickness skin grafts (STG) placed on fresh and granulating recipient beds were evaluated. Two 6 × 6 cm skin grafts were placed on each side of the trunk in ten dogs. Grafting procedures included FTG and STG on fresh and granulating wounds. Graft viability was determined on the 10th postoperative day by visual inspection. The change in original graft area was evaluated by comparing the original surface area of the grafts with the surface areas of the grafts at 10, 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery. The means graft viability for FTG and STG on fresh beds was 81% and 55%, respectively. FTG and STG on granulating beds had a mean graft viability of 58% and 47%, respectively. The mean percentage of original graft area at 90 days for FTG and STG on fresh beds was 82% and 97%, respectively. FTG and STG on granulating beds had an overall percentage of original graft area of 105% and 130%, respectively. There were no statistical differences found when comparing FTG with STG placed on fresh beds or granulating beds. However, the general trend indicated that FTG had a greater percentage of viability and contracted more than STG in dogs. This is contrary to previous findings.
Keeping it dull or making it fun: Task variation as a function of promotion versus prevention focus.

The self-regulation of motivation model suggests that under certain circumstances, people will strategically vary a boring task to enhance their motivational experience. In three experiments we tested whether the likelihood of this task variation depends on a person’s orientation to promote success or prevent failure. Across studies, all participants engaged in a boring letter-copying task which was coded for task variation. Results showed that a promotion focus led to greater task variation, whereas a prevention focus led to lesser task variation. Furthermore, for those people who varied the task under a promotion focus, greater intrinsic motivation (defined as intent for future task-related behavior and as self-reported immediate task interest) was observed. Results were evident when the foci were induced below conscious awareness (Experiment 1), subtly (Experiment 2), and overtly (Experiment 3). Implications for academic and work-related tasks are discussed.
On the Light Doves and Learning on Mistakes

Each type of learning is proposed as being a three-stage process, composed of: (i) recognition of a perceptual situation and performance of an action corresponding thereto; (ii) observation of a deviation of the action result from an expected outcome; (iii) re-arrangement of the conceptual framework of reasoning to meaningfully assimilate the observed deviation. In order to evaluate a general, systemic significance of the concept of learning proposed hereby, the latter is assessed from perspectives that correspond to diverse levels of organizational complexity of Nature. Thermodynamic concepts, constructivist and autopoietic frameworks of analysis of cognitive phenomena, and the aspects of social sciences are intertwined so as to support the all-encompassing meaning of the general pathways of learning proposed herein. Numerous ethical consequences, with a particular emphasis on educational approaches, are derived from accepting such a general nature of learning and development. Naturally implied dialectical form of evolution, according to which prosperous and favorable features of human creativity arise solely from problem-solving situations, is further discussed.
Prevention of hip fractures: a nursing imperative

Hip fractures are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the elderly, and they greatly impact health care costs. Most hip fractures in the elderly are due to osteoporosis. This paper reports the incidence of hip fracture, describes osteoporosis, and discusses the role of bone mass in the development of this disorder. Risk factors for osteoporosis and, specifically osteoporotic hip fracture, are identified. Preventive strategies for osteoporotic hip fracture, including fall prevention, are discussed in detail, and pharmacologic interventions are described. Research evidence indicates that the prevention of hip fracture is realistic, and most of the intervention strategies fall directly in the realm of nursing.
Influence of DDT upon pituitary melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) activity in the anuran tadpole.

Abstract Anuran tadpoles exposed to DDT at sublethal concentrations were found to have significantly increased pituitary melanocyte-stimulating hormone levels when compared with control animals. An effect of DDT upon the hypothalamus is postulated.
Effective Approach to Calculate Groundwater Return Flow to a River from Irrigation Areas

AbstractAn improved understanding of the water budget components in floodplain aquifers is necessary to implement and support water accounting requirements for use of river water. Of critical importance is the groundwater return flow as a result of recharge from irrigated water in a typical irrigation district near a river, which is the most uncertain and difficult component to be estimated. The objectives of this study are to (1) develop an effective but simple approach to estimate the amount of groundwater return flow to the river because of irrigation recharge; and (2) conduct uncertainty and sensitivity analyses of groundwater return flow to various recharge scenarios. The approach takes advantage of comprehensive drainage network typical in irrigation districts. The approach is evaluated and tested against numerical model results. It is found that the approach is accurate in calculating groundwater return flow for practical purposes of water accounting for less than 10% error. The authors further exa...
Using Electrical Principles to Model the Ear

The paper illustrates the use of electrical principles in modeling biological processes for lectures suitable for bioelectrical engineering courses. The concepts of the difference equation, transfer function, amplitude spectrum, sampling theorem and Nyquist frequency are used to describe the extraction of an acoustic cue by the auditory cortex.
Discovery of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity through cell-surface display of noncanonical amino acids

The incorporation of noncanonical amino acids into recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli can be facilitated by the introduction of new aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity into the expression host. We describe here a screening procedure for the identification of new aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity based on the cell surface display of noncanonical amino acids. Screening of a saturation mutagenesis library of the E. coli methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS) led to the discovery of three MetRS mutants capable of incorporating the long-chain amino acid azidonorleucine into recombinant proteins with modest efficiency. The Leu-13 → Gly (L13G) mutation is found in each of the three MetRS mutants, and the MetRS variant containing this single mutation is highly efficient in producing recombinant proteins that contain azidonorleucine.
The OMEGA Acoustic Research System

The OMEGA Acoustic Research System comprises a modular vertical hydrophone array and associated electronics, telemetry, data processing, and mechanical handling systems, and was developed to fulfil the requirement for a research and reference system for the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic's undersea environmental acoustic experiments through the 1990s. The array can be employed in a free floating or in a bottom tethered configuration, comprises up to 19 channels of 16 bit digital data over the frequency range 1 Hz to 1900 Hz from acoustic and non-acoustic sensors, and has been tested at apertures up to 450 metres. This paper presents an overview of the system, discusses initial performance results, and indicates the direction of further development activity. >
Redesigning and transforming: A case study of the role of semiotic import in early composing processes:

In this article, I explore the role of semiotic import (Van Leeuwen, 2005) in the composing processes of three bilingual students (six to seven years old) emerging as writers of English. Using social semiotic (Van Leeuwen, 2005) and design (New London Group, 2000) frameworks, I trace a qualitative ‘micro-history’ of how the students imported multimodal composing resources from multiple, previous writing contexts during a focal writing event (part of a larger study of multimodality and semiosis and additional language literacies). By comparing the writing practices with how they were used during previous events, I demonstrate how the students transformed, or redesigned, these practices as they imported them. This study has implications for how curricular contexts can support student redesign processes as part of written composition, providing examples of how to conceptualize the pedagogical importance of semiotic import and transformation in early composition classrooms.
Temporal frequencies of short and evolving pulses in interferometric spectrum analyzers

The output of an acoustooptic spectrum analyzer contains both spatial and temporal frequencies. In a previous paper, VanderLugt predicted a difference in the temporal frequency as a function of spatial frequency for a cw signal, a pulse evolving into the acoustooptic cell, and an isolated pulse moving through the cell. We provide a more complete analysis for each of the three input signals. An analysis is made of the effects of sidelobe movement in the evolving pulse signal. This analysis, combined with a mixed transform analysis, leads to an accurate prediction of the temporal frequency behavior and to new interpretations of the results presented in the original paper. In particular, our analysis accurately predicts the temporal frequencies associated with the evolving pulse. Experimental results validate the methematical analysis for all three signal types.
Circadian timekeeping during pregnancy: endogenous phase relationships between maternal plasma hormones and the maternal body temperature rhythm in pregnant rhesus monkeys

Nine pregnant rhesus monkeys maintained in constant low level lighting (5 Lux) from 56-80 days gestation (dGA) onward were studied to assess the presence or absence of circadian maternal body temperature and maternal plasma hormone variations. Maternal arterial blood samples were taken every 4 h in six monkeys (105-120 dGA) for 48-56 h and every 2 h in three monkeys (108-115 dGA) for 60 h. Maternal intraabdominal temperature was recorded continuously. Cosinor analysis was used to determine circadian rhythmicity. Individual endogenous timekeeping was demonstrated by 1) free-running circadian variations in maternal body temperature in all nine animals, 2) consistent internal acrophase relationships between the maternal body temperature and maternal plasma cortisol rhythm, and 3) idiosyncrasy of the temporal relationship of detectable rhythms to the external environment in individual animals. Only one animal had a significant maternal plasma ACTH rhythm, whereas the presence of 24-h variations in the other h...
On the rotation of Jupiter

Summary. Jupiter's non-uniform rotation is reflected in the use by observers of three systems for measuring longitude: system I which rotates in the period 9 h 50 m 30.003 s, system II in 9 h 55 m 40.632 s and system III in 9 h 55 m 29.710 s. Disturbances of Jupiter's visible surface of dense ammonia-cirrus cloud within a narrow equatorial zone of about 7° latitudinal half-width show comparatively little motion relative to system I, and most (but not all) higher-latitude atmospheric disturbances including the Great Red Spot and the three white ovals move only slowly in system II. Finding neither system I nor system II particularly convenient for monitoring sources of intense non-thermal radio-emission from Jupiter, radio-astronomers introduced system III with respect to which the radio sources show little systematic movement. The interpretation of Jupiter's non-uniform rotation involves considerations of the hydrodynamics of the atmosphere of the planet and the hydromagnetics of the deep interior. Jovian radio sources are extensive regions of plasma tied to the lines of force of the magnetic field B surrounding the planet. These in turn are intimately linked to material at the outer surface of Jupiter's electrically-conducting fluid core, mean radius rc, which consists largely but not entirely of metallic hydrogen. A method for determining rc from observations of secular changes in B in the accessible region above the visible surface of the planet, mean radius rs= 69 700 km, has recently been proposed and applied using the few available data, giving rc greater than about 50 000 km and possibly as large as 63 000 km. The difference in period between system I and system II reflects the presence at the upper cloud level of a sharply-bounded equatorial jet stream within which the atmosphere moves at about 100 ms−1 in a westerly (eastward) sense relative to higher latitude parts of the atmosphere and to the deep interior. The width of the equatorial jet can be accounted for satisfactorily by fairly general dynamical arguments, which predict that the apparently much stronger equatorial jet (400 m s−1) on Saturn will be found to be about twice as wide as that on Jupiter.
Inverse Heat Transfer Analysis of Grinding, Part 2: Applications

Distributions of the heat flux to the workpiece and the convection heat transfer coefficient on the workpiece surface during straight surface grinding are estimated from measured temperatures in the workpiece subsurface using inverse heat transfer methods developed in Part 1. The results indicate that the heat flux to the workpiece is distributed approximately linearly (triangular heat source) along the grinding zone with about 70 to 75 percent of the total energy transported as heat to the workpiece for grinding of steels with a conventional aluminum oxide wheel and only about 20 percent with CBN superabrasive wheels. The wheel-workpiece contact length corresponding to the region of positive heat flux to the workpiece is found to be generally close to but slightly longer than the theoretical geometric contact length. The convection heat transfer coefficient for cooling by the applied grinding fluid is greatest just behind the trailing edge of the grinding zone where fluid is directly applied, and negligible ahead of the grinding zone.
Perspectives of physiology as a discipline from senior-level millennial-generation students

in the last several decades, there has been a shift in the mindset of research structure from classical “systems or integrative biology” to more molecular focused “-omics” study. Systems biology is characterized as an approach to cells, tissues, or organs that “put the pieces together”
Comparison of MOM and FDTD for radiation and scattering involving dielectric objects

The influence of dielectric bodies on electromagnetic fields is a key consideration in many practical engineering problems. In many applications, the scattering from dielectric bodies for known incident fields is of interest. In other situations where a dielectric object interacts with a radiator, such as biological tissue near a wireless transceiver or a dielectric load on an antenna, the resulting input impedance, radiation patterns and power absorption characteristics are important quantities to be determined. Simulation of such configurations often requires the use of computational tools such as the method of moments (MOM) or finite difference time domain (FDTD) approach. Because these techniques are based on different solution methodologies, they provide an independent check of computed results. This paper provides a comparative study of these two approaches. Results from various scattering and radiation examples are presented, and the advantages of each technique are discussed.
Outcomes of operations for benign foregut disease in elderly patients: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database analysis

Background The development of minimally invasive operative techniques and improvement in postoperative care has made surgery a viable option to a greater number of elderly patients. Our objective was to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic and open foregut operation in relation to the patient age. Methods Patients who underwent gastric fundoplication, paraesophageal hernia repair, and Heller myotomy were identified via the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005–2011). Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between five age groups (group I: ≤65 years, II: 65–69 years; III: 70–74 years; IV: 75–79 years; and V: ≥80 years). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to predict the impact of age and operative approach on the studied outcomes. Results A total of 19,388 patients were identified. Advanced age was associated with increased rate of 30-day mortality, overall morbidity, serious morbidity, and extended length of stay, regardless of the operative approach. After we adjusted for other variables, advanced age was associated with increased odds of 30-day mortality compared with patients Conclusion Surgery for benign foregut disease in elderly patients carries a burden of mortality and morbidity that needs to be acknowledged.
Organic matter diagenesis in freshwater sediments: The alkalinity and total CO2 balance and methane production in the sediments of Lake Washington1,2

The interstitial water chemistry of Lake Washington sediments collected with an in situ sampler was studied. The depth where the sulfate concentration reaches a low background value appears to delineate a transition within the sediments above and below which profiles oftotal C02, alkalinity, methane, and ammonium are linear, suggesting zones dominated by diffusion separated by a narrow zone of reaction. A stoichiometric model is used to identify the increase of alkalinity with depth in the interstitial waters. Ammonium production, followed by iron reduction, makes the largest contribution to this increase; about 30-40% is due to ammonia that has been produced but subsequently adsorbed by the sediments. The measured and calculated ammonia exchange constants agree well. The C:N ratio of the decomposing organic matter increases systematically, from 3.9 at 5 cm to over 14 at 50 cm. The organic matter being decomposed becomes nitrogen-poor with age. Flux calculations for the lake-sediment system show good agreement between the flux of carbon to the sediments and the sum of the diffusive loss from the sediments of CH, and total CO, and the permanent burial in the sediments. About a fourth of the detrital rain of carbon is recycled to the lake as a diffusive flux of CO2 and CH,.
Isolation of directed evolution mutants of chloroperoxidase resistant to suicide inactivation by primary olefins

Wild-type chloroperoxidase catalyzes the efficient chiral epoxidation of secondary olefins but is rapidly inactivated in a mechanism-based suicide reaction when incubated with hydrogen peroxide and primary olefins. Directed evolution mutants of chloroperoxidase have now been isolated that are resistant to suicidal inactivation. Plasmid vectors containing error-prone copies of the chloroperoxidase gene and a hygromycin B resistance marker gene have been used to transform Caldariomyces fumago spheroplasts and produce mutant libraries. The mutant library clones were screened for their ability to resist mechanism-based inactivation by allylbenzene. Four generations of PCR-based random mutagenesis and screening yielded mutants that were completely resistant to the suicide-inactivation reaction. Rather surprisingly, the fourth generation mutant developed enhanced epoxidation activity in addition to resistance to allylbenzene inactivation. These initial results suggest that the directed evolution technique can be used to produce chloroperoxidase variants that can further exploit the potential of chloroperoxidase for the synthesis of chiral intermediates.
Enhanced expression of a specific hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel (HCN) in surviving dentate gyrus granule cells of human and experimental epileptic hippocampus.

Changes in the expression of ion channels, contributing to altered neuronal excitability, are emerging as possible mechanisms in the development of certain human epilepsies. In previous immature rodent studies of experimental prolonged febrile seizures, isoform-specific changes in the expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels (HCNs) correlated with long-lasting hippocampal hyperexcitability and enhanced seizure susceptibility. Prolonged early-life seizures commonly precede human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), suggesting that transcriptional dysregulation of HCNs might contribute to the epileptogenic process. Therefore, we determined whether HCN isoform expression was modified in hippocampi of individuals with TLE. HCN1 and HCN2 expression were measured using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry in hippocampi from three groups: TLE with hippocampal sclerosis (HS; n = 17), epileptic hippocampi without HS, or non-HS (NHS; n = 10), and autopsy material (n = 10). The results obtained in chronic human epilepsy were validated by examining hippocampi from the pilocarpine model of chronic TLE. In autopsy and most NHS hippocampi, HCN1 mRNA expression was substantial in pyramidal cell layers and lower in dentate gyrus granule cells (GCs). In contrast, HCN1 mRNA expression over the GC layer and in individual GCs from epileptic hippocampus was markedly increased once GC neuronal density was reduced by >50%. HCN1 mRNA changes were accompanied by enhanced immunoreactivity in the GC dendritic fields and more modest changes in HCN2 mRNA expression. Furthermore, similar robust and isoform-selective augmentation of HCN1 mRNA expression was evident also in the pilocarpine animal model of TLE. These findings indicate that the expression of HCN isoforms is dynamically regulated in human as well as in experimental hippocampal epilepsy. After experimental febrile seizures (i.e., early in the epileptogenic process), the preserved and augmented inhibition onto principal cells may lead to reduced HCN1 expression. In contrast, in chronic epileptic HS hippocampus studied here, the profound loss of interneuronal and principal cell populations and consequent reduced inhibition, coupled with increased dendritic excitation of surviving GCs, might provoke a "compensatory" enhancement of HCN1 mRNA and protein expression.
Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers, Blood Substitutes, and Their Relevance to High-Volume Blood Loss

T ECHNICALLY, a blood substitute is a substance that can effectively replace most functions of human blood. However, oxygen-carrying modified hemoglobin solutions and perfluorocarbons have also been referred to as "blood substitutes." Because these recently developed solutions can perform only selected functions of blood, they are more accurately referred to as "oxygen-carrying volume expanders." Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are modified hemoglobin solutions or hemoglobin packaged into liposomes, which are able to deliver oxygen to tissues. A hemoglobin therapeutic is a hemoglobin solution optimized through chemical modification to bring about certain pharmacological and therapeutic effects. Hemoglobin therapeutics may possess a combination of therapeutically active properties such as oxygen-carrying capacity, favorable theologic properties, and pressor action.
Low-latency plesiochronous data retiming

A new method of retiming plesiochronous data is described. This method features latency of less than a cell-time and requires only minimal support circuitry. No flow control or handshaking signals are used, allowing true undirectional signalling between transmitter and receiver. Application areas include communication networks in parallel computers, and general communication network repeaters, hubs, bridges, and routers.
A baseband processor for software defined radio terminals

Software defined radio (SDR) is a technical effort to use programmable hardware in wireless communication systems so that various protocols can be easily supported by software. However, using programmable hardware for SDR terminals has been unachievable because of their tight power budget and high demand on computation capability. The main theme of this thesis is to design a power efficient programmable baseband processor for the SDR. This thesis analyzed most contemporary wireless communication protocols both in system and algorithm levels. System level analysis is to see the interactions between algorithms and the algorithm level analysis is to investigate the computation patterns of the algorithms comprising baseband operations. Based on the characterization results, this thesis proposes chip multiprocessor architecture, whose PEs have both parallel and scalar datapaths. Multiprocessor architecture is proposed to exploit the algorithm level parallelism. Both the parallel and scalar datapaths are used because baseband processing is a combination of parallelizable and scalar computations. For additional enhancements, three novel schemes are applied to the SIMD style parallel datapath: macro instructions, macro pipelining, and the staggered execution of computation units. Macro instruction is to combine several primitive instructions into one. It reduces system power by eliminating unnecessary register accesses. The macro pipelining is to form a pipeline by cascading hardware blocks for common macro operations. It enhances system throughput by concurrently executing the macro operations. The staggered execution is to shift the operation timing of computation units of the parallel datapath. It improves system throughput and power efficiency by replacing complex N × N crossbar switches with simple N × 1 switches. The power efficiency of the proposed architecture is evaluated through a Verilog model and commercial tools. The proposed architecture consumes only 150 mW while providing W-CDMA 2Mbps packet data service. The contributions of this thesis are to analyze the characteristics of baseband operations from the perspective of architecture and to adapt the three novel schemes for system enhancement.
Joint Probability Distribution of Streamflows and Tides in Estuaries

A procedure for estimating the joint probability of occurrence of correlated extreme tides and corresponding freshwater flows in estuaries is presented. The method uses the Box-Cox transformation to transform the original data to near normality, and therefore the search for a parent distribution is avoided. It is also shown that the traditional assumption of statistical independence for the jointly distributed random variables may lead to the underestimation of flows and tidal heights. The methodology is applied to the Rappahannock River in Virginia which flows into the Chesapeake Bay.