cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The safest seat: effect of seating position on occupant mortality.

This study investigated the survival rates of occupants of passenger cars involved in a fatal crash between 2000 and 2003. The information from every fatal crash in the United States between 2000 and 2003 was analyzed. Variables such as seat position, point of impact, rollover, restraint use, vehicle type, vehicle weight, occupant age, and injury severity were extracted from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Univariate and a full logistic multivariate model analyses were performed. The data show that the rear middle seat is safer than any other occupant position when involved in a fatal crash. Overall, the rear (2nd row) seating positions have a 29.1% (Univariate Analysis, p < .0001, OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.22 - 1.37) increased odds of survival over the first row seating positions and the rear middle seat has a 25% (Univariate Analysis, p < .0001, OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.17 - 1.34) increased odds of survival over the other rear seat positions. After correcting for potential confounders, occupants of the rear middle seat have a 13% (Logistic Regression, p < .001, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.26) increased chance of survival when involved in a crash with a fatality than occupants in other rear seats. This study has shown that the safest position for any occupant involved in a motor-vehicle crash is the rear middle seat. The results of this research may impact how automobile manufacturers look at future rear middle seat designs. If the rear seat was to be designed exactly like its outboard counterparts (headrest, armrests, lap and shoulder belt, etc.) people may choose to sit on it more often rather than waiting to use it out of necessity due to multiple rear seat occupants.
A note on the product correlation rule

Abstract The product correlation rule is widely used in the design and analysis of computer experiments. Applying this rule, covariance functions in two or more dimensions are easily defined as the product of one-dimensional covariance functions. The resulting covariance matrix may be written as the Hadamard product of two or more matrices, which, in general, are only positive semidefinite. Nevertheless, this matrix is positive definite. Two different proofs of this result are given. In the first proof, we exploit a connection between the Hadamard product and the Kronecker product. The second proof is probability-theoretic. It uses the fact that every positive definite matrix can be considered as covariance matrix of a random vector with a nondegenerate multivariate normal distribution.
Implications of Transnational Adoption Status for Adult Korean Adoptees.

This study used a consensual qualitative research method to explore the implications of transnational adoption in the lives of 12 adult Korean adoptees. From the analysis, 6 domains emerged: (a) adoption history and preadoptive memories, (b) meaning of adoption, (c) adoptive family dynamics, (d) racism, (e) identity formation, and (f) counseling experiences. Results highlight the need for more awareness surrounding transnational adoption throughout the life span. Additional suggestions concerning research and practice are discussed. Este estudio uso un metodo de investigacion cualitativa consensual para explorar las implicaciones de la adopcion transnacional en las vidas de 12 adultos coreanos adoptados. A partir del analisis, surgieron 6 parametros: (a) la historia de adopcion y las memorias preadoptivas, (b) el significado de la adopcion, (c) la dinamica de la familia adoptiva, (d) racismo, (e) formacion de la identidad, y (f) experiencias en consejeria. Los resultados destacan la necesidad de prestar mayor atencion a la adopcion transnacional a lo largo de toda la vida. Se discuten sugerencias adicionales relacionadas con la investigacion y la practica.
Delayed lupus onset in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice expressing a human C-reactive protein transgene

Objective Human C-reactive protein (CRP) binds apoptotic cells and alters blood clearance of injected chromatin in mice. To test whether CRP participates in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we examined disease development in lupus-prone (NZB × NZW)F1 (NZB/NZW) mice expressing a human CRP transgene (hCRPtg/BW). Methods Mortality was monitored, proteinuria was determined by dipstick, and serum levels of human CRP and anti–double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in NZB/NZW and hCRPtg/BW mice. Thin sections of kidneys were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy to compare deposition of IgG, IgM, C3, and human CRP, and electron microscopy was used to reveal differences in ultrastructure. In situ hybridization was performed to detect human CRP messenger RNA expression. Results The hCRPtg/BW mice had less proteinuria and longer survival than NZB/NZW mice. They also had lower IgM and higher IgG anti-dsDNA titers than NZB/NZW mice, although the differences were transient and small. In hCRPtg/BW mice, accumulation of IgM and IgG in the renal glomeruli was delayed, reduced, and more mesangial than in NZB/NZW mice, while end-stage accumulation of IgG, IgM, and C3 in the renal cortex was prevented. There was less glomerular podocyte fusion, basement membrane thickening, mesangial cell proliferation, and occlusion of capillary lumens in hCRPtg/BW mice, but dense deposits in the mesangium were increased. With disease progression in hCRPtg/BW mice, there was little rise in the plasma CRP level, but CRP in the kidneys became increasingly apparent due to local, disease-independent, age-related expression of the transgene. Conclusion In hCRPtg/BW mice, CRP protects against SLE by increasing blood and mesangial clearance of immune complexes and by preventing their accumulation in the renal cortex.
A synthetic peptide defines a serologic IgA response to a human papillomavirus-encoded nuclear antigen expressed in virus-carrying cervical neoplasia

Abstract The growing awareness of the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical carcinoma has triggered a search for uncomplicated detection methods. To define a serologic response to HPV, we synthesized peptides based on sequences deduced from the genome of HPV type 16, the most common malignancy-associated type of HPV. One of these peptides reacted with IgA antibodies present in sera from 24 of 33 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cervical carcinoma, whereas this peptide reacted with only 6 of 27 sera from individuals without cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Immunoaffinity-purified human antipeptide IgA antibodies detected HPV-specific 58- and 48-kDa proteins in cervical carcinoma cell extracts and also detected a nuclear antigen in HPV-carrying cervical cancer cell lines and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia biopsied tissue. These antigens were also detected with mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies to the same peptide. The results indicate that screening for infection with malignancy-associated types of HPV may be possible by simple synthetic peptide-based serology.
Local anesthesia in outpatient knee arthroscopy: A comparison of efficacy and cost

This study was performed to compare the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and safety of general, regional, and local anesthesia when performing outpatient knee arthroscopy. The study consisted of two portions. A retrospective review of 256 outpatient knee arthroscopies was performed. The types of anesthesia used were general endotracheal, regional (epidural or spinal), and local. Comparisons were made between operative procedure, anesthesia procedure time, need for supplemental anesthesia, recovery room time and cost, pharmaceutical cost, and complications. A prospective study consisted of 100 consecutive outpatient knee arthroscopies performed using local anesthesia. Data identical to the retrospective portion were obtained. Visual analog scales were used in a patient questionnaire completed at the first postoperative visit to assess patient satisfaction with local anesthesia. The retrospective data showed similar demographics and operative procedures performed in the three study groups. The difference between operative time and total anesthetic time for the local group was 35 minutes less than for regional, and 23 minutes less than for the general group. These differences were statistically significant (P < or = .05). Total pharmaceutical cost was significantly less for the local group (P < or = .05). Recovery room cost for the local anesthesia group averaged $134 compared with $450 for regional and $527 for general. This difference was significant (P < or = .05). There were 19 complications with general anesthesia, 16 with regional anesthesia, and 2 with local. There were two regional and two local cases that needed subsequent general anesthesia. The prospective data showed nearly identical time and cost data. The patient questionnaire showed nearly universal acceptance and satisfaction with the use of local anesthesia. The use of local anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy is safe, effective, and well accepted. The use of local anesthesia was shown to save a minimum of $400 per case compared with the other anesthetic methods studied.
Generalized Algorithms for Distribution Feeder Deployment and Sectionalizing

Increasing effort is being focused on automated remote control of distribution feeder deployment and sectionalizing to improve service restoration time to unfaulted feeder sections and for transferring load between feeders. Digital processor algorithms which determine fault location and generate switching instructions automatically based on tree searching techniques utilizing switch tables that can be readily defined by an operator are described. Simulation results for fault location, fault isolation, and service restoration, including balancing between feeders using an illustrative simplified feeder configuration are shown.
ξ-Limiting Process in Spontaneously Broken Gauge Theories

We show that the $\ensuremath{\xi}$-limiting regularization process of Lee and Yang can be recognized as a nonlinear gauge condition in the general non-Abelian gauge theory. The $\ensuremath{\xi}$-limiting process, however, differs from the general gauge-invariant formulation of the spontaneously broken gauge theories for finite $\ensuremath{\xi}$. Some of the problems related to the implementation of general gauge conditions are also briefly discussed.
Maternal influenza vaccination: Protecting two lives with one vaccine

In 2010, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided substantial updates to its seasonal influenza vaccination recommendations.1 Routine influenza vaccination is now recommended for all individuals 6 months or older. Because routine vaccination in infants younger than 6 months is not recommended, how can these vulnerable young children be protected? The answer, as it turns out, is simple and does more than protect the infant: maternal vaccination during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports CDC’s recommendation for the routine vaccination of pregnant women against influenza.2 Administration of the influenza vaccine during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the mother and infant from influenza.
The formation, crystal and molecular structure of (η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(η7-cycloheptatrienyl)titanium and (η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(η8-cyclooctatetraene)titanium

Abstract (η5-C5Me5)(η8-C8H8)Ti was prepared in 34% yield from a reaction between (η5-C5Me5)TiCl3 and K2C8H8 in THF solution, and in 31% yield from reduction of (η5-C5Me5)TiCl3 in THF solution by magnesium metal in the presence of cyclooctatetraene. The latter synthesis could be extended to the synthesis of (η5-C5H5)(η8-C8H8)Ti in 38% yield. Reduction of (η5-C5Me5TiCl3 in THF solution by metallic magnesium in the presence of cycloheptatriene produced (η5-C5Me5)(η7-C7H7)Ti in 68% yield. The structure of (η5-C5Me5)(η8-C8H8)Ti, at room temperature, was examined. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with unit cell constants, a 9.946(7), b 13.597(4), c 11.513(9) A and D(calc) 1.23 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Full matrix least-squares refinement using 915 independent observed reflections resulted in a final R value of 0.032. The titanium atom is located on a crystallographic mirror plane which bisects the two aromatic rings. The eight membered ring is disordered into two orientations. The average TiC(η8) and TiC(η5) distances are 2.34(2) and 2.338(5) A, respectively. A low temperature (−90°C) X-ray diffraction study of (η5-C5Me5)(η7-C7H7)Ti resolved the disorder problem found for the C8H8 analogue. (η5-C5Me5)(η7-C7H7)Ti crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a 10.327(2), b 12.441(3), c 11.025(1) A (at −90±2°C) and D(calc) 1.29 g cm−3 for Z = 4. A final R value of 0.048 was obtained from full matrix least-squares refinement based on 1143 independent observed reflections. The titanium atom resides on a crystallographic mirror plane which bisects the two aromatic rings. The TiC(η7) distances average 2.21(1) A, the TiC(η5) separations average 2.32(1) A, and the Cent(η5)TiCent(η7) angle is 176.2°.
Supercoiling in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA: changes in response to topological perturbation of plasmids in E. coli and SV40 in vitro, in nuclei and in CV-1 cells

Changes in DNA linking number have been observed in plasmid DNA purified from E. coli cells after the cells were treated with chloroquine. Chloroquine, a DNA intercalating drug, unwinds the DNA, decreasing the levels of negative supercoiling. Following this in vivo topological perturbation, within minutes DNA gyrase decreases DNA linking number producing more negatively supercoiled DNA topoisomers. Following the removal of the drug from cells, within minutes topoisomerase 1 or DNA gyrase increases the linking number restoring the original level of supercoiling. Analogous changes in DNA linking number after addition of chloroquine are observed in purified plasmid DNA, and in purified SV40 minichromosomes in the presence of exogenous topoisomerase. Changes in linking number are also observed in SV40 chromosomes in isolated nuclei and in SV40 DNA purified from CV-1 cells following topological perturbation with chloroquine. These results suggest that eukaryotic cells may have mechanisms to maintain a defined level of DNA supercoiling.
Site for bone-anchored hearing system for children younger than 5 years.

OBJECTIVE To describe in children younger than the present US FDA-approved 5 years of age the thickest part of the temporal bone available for placement of a bone-anchored hearing system. Children with unilateral hearing loss, as with aural atresia, have deficits in at least language comprehension and oral expression. The early provision of hearing to the atretic ear may minimize the potential for auditory deprivation. STUDY DESIGN Point prevalence descriptive study. SETTING Tertiary referral pediatric hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty-eight patients less than 6 years old with congenital aural atresia had undergone temporal bone computed tomography (CT). Bone thickness lateral (ie, superficial) to the sinodural angle, in the topmost axial CT slice that included any adjacent petrous ridge, was measured. RESULTS The mean bone thicknesses lateral to the sinodural angles of the atretic ears were 5.1, 5.0, 5.9, 5.2, 5.2, and 4.8 mm for the <1, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-year-olds, respectively; of the non-atretic ears, thicknesses were 4.1, 4.9, 5.5, 6.7, 4.3, and 4.7 mm. CONCLUSION Based on this small case series, bone thickness lateral (ie, superficial) to the sinodural angle is sufficient for many children suffering from aural atresia to have bone-anchored hearing devices implanted younger than age 5 years. Use of the sinodural site would require a magnetic bone-anchored hearing system, which could be repositioned posteriorly at age 5 years when pinna construction and atresiaplasty endeavors typically begin.
Resolution of Gaussian Images on a Photoelectrically Emissive Surface

Error probabilities are calculated for two detectors deciding which of two Gaussian images is present on the basis of the numbers and origins of photoelectrons ejected from the image plane. One detector is the optimum likelihood-ratio detector; the other compares the numbers of electrons from the two halves of the image plane. The results show that the performance of the former is better, although the latter is much easier to operate.
Creating Reduced Kinetics Models That Satisfy the Entropy Inequality

In simulating chemically reacting flows, the differential entropy inequality (the local form of the second law of thermodynamics) must be satisfied in addition to the differential mass, momentum and energy balances. Previously we have shown that entropy violations occur when using a global/reduced mechanism. Herein we show that entropy violations also occur when using a detailed/skeletal/reduced mechanism. Using a recent theorem [1], we illustrate how to modify a reduced chemical kinetics model to automatically satisfy the differential entropy inequality. The numerical solution of a methane laminar flame was improved when using reduced chemical kinetics modified in this way. In addition, an ad hoc temperature limiter is no longer necessary.© 2014 ASME
Chapter 4 Carboxypeptidase A

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of carboxypeptidase A. Bovine zinc carboxypeptidase A is one of the most extensively studied of all enzymes. It is the first of a large number of zinc metalloproteases to have been identified. Both mammalian and fish pancreas contain two zinc carboxypeptidases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of amino acid residues from the carboxyl terminus of peptides and proteins. X-ray diffraction crystal analysis identifies the α-carbon and side-chain positions in carboxypeptidase A, and in conjunction with the results of chemical modifications, the active site residues. Carboxypeptidase A cleaves the C terminal peptide or ester bond of peptides or depsipeptide substrates which bear a free C-terminal carboxyl group. The investigation of enzymatic catalysis by carboxypeptidase A and its structural basis has generated and defined a great variety of experimental approaches to study relationships between structure and function.
Electrooptically tuned external-cavity CW semiconductor laser and FM optical communications

We report the operation of an external-cavity CW double-heterojunction GaAs injection laser that can be electrooptically tuned rapidly over a large spectral range (∼ 50 A) and experiments demonstrating the feasibility of FM optical communications using electronically tunable semiconductor lasers and CW and mode-locked dye lasers. An experiment on binary pulse-code FM optical communication is also reported and discussed.
Integrating discrete-event simulation with statistical process control charts for transitions in a manufacturing environment

We present a model that integrates real-time process control charting with simulation modeling to illustrate the effects and benefits of SPC charts for quality improvement efforts. The integrated model is particularly significant in addressing transition issues arising from changes in the input material. A case study based on a medical manufacturing industry process is used to illustrate the approach.
A note on steady states and the weber-fechner law

The steady state of a simple reaction system has been shown to have some of the properties of a psychophysical discrimination system, including the possibility of deducing a generalized Weber-Fechner Law, both in integral form and in difference form. The Weber ratio so deduced is not constant, and its dependence on stimulus intensity is exhibited. The dependence of the difference limen on the internal threshold is discussed; it is found that in general there is a finite value of this threshold for which response is impossible. This critical threshold is lower for higher values of the reference stimulus intensity. Similarly, it is shown that the difference limen and the Weber ratio, for a fixed value of the threshold, become infinite (i.e., discrimination is impossible) for a value of the stimulus intensity which in general is finite.
The macro vs. micro approach to integrating Six Sigma in the supply chain

Six Sigma is a problem solving methodology that emphasises the reduction of defects relative to customer specifications. The final determination of whether a process meets customer requirements is captured in the defects per million opportunities (DPMO). This paper will present a conceptual application of integrating Six Sigma into the supply chain by evaluating the calculation of the DPMO for the efficiency of the supply chain using a macro (defects per unit) and micro (defects per opportunity) perspective.
Development of etch pit size distributions on dissolving minerals

We have applied the theory of crystal size distributions to the evolution of etch pit size distributions (PSD's) on dissolving minerals. Population-balance equations are derived based on nucleation, growth and annihilation of etch pits. PSD plots of log n (number of pits per size per area) vs. W (etch pit width) are used to compare etch pit populations. We have used PSD analysis to study the development of etch pits on calcite dissolved in a rotating disk experiment (far from equilibrium, 25°C, initial pH = 8.6, 0.7 M KCl). A maximum is present on the PSD plot in the early stages of dissolution and appears to result from nucleation of pits at all available sites on the initial cleaved surface over a finite time interval. As pits grow larger, become flat-bottomed and annihilate, the peak moves to larger sizes and decreases in magnitude to become insignificant after 17.5 hr. After 0.5 hr, the PSD plots become linear at small pit widths marking a population balance as new pits nucleate within flat pits, grow larger, become flat-bottomed and finally annihilate. This population of short-lived, small (< 100 μm) etch pits possibly results from nucleation at point-defect or impurity clusters. A linear PSD for long-lived, larger pits appears at 17.5 hr, possibly reflecting etch pits at dislocations. The overall PSD plot at 17.5 hr is kinked due to these two populations. Calcite dissolution rates calculated from the coefficients of the PSD are within a factor of two of the dissolution rate measured from solution chemistry. Such estimates will be more accurate if the duration of dissolution does not greatly exceed the mean lifetime of etch pits. PSD plots for hornblende and microcline grains from a loess soil that has weathered for 12,500 yr show similarities to the PSD's from our calcite experiments. The hornblende PSD shows a peak and the microcline PSD is linear or possibly kinked. Bulk dissolution rates for the grains calculated from the PSD's are slower than rates measured for these minerals in the laboratory. Dissolution rates estimated from the PSD coefficients for the hornblende and microcline soil grains are 3–4 and 1–2 orders of magnitude slower, respectively, than the corresponding laboratory rates.
Storage of carbon in U.S. forests predicted from satellite data, ecosystem modeling, and inventory summaries

A plant and soil simulation model based on satellite observations of vegetation and climate data was used to estimate the potential carbon pools in standing wood biomass across all forest ecosystems of the conterminous United States up to the year 1997. These modeled estimates of vegetative carbon potential were compared to aggregated measurements of standing wood biomass from the U. S. Forest Service's national Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data set and the Carbon Online Estimator (COLE) to understand: 1) predominant geographic variations in tree growth rate and 2) local land cover and land use history including the time since the last stand-replacing disturbance (e.g., from wildfire or harvest). Results suggest that although wood appears to be accumulating at high rates in many areas of the U.S. (Northwest and Southeast), there are still extensive areas of relatively low biomass forest in the late 1990s according to FIA records. We attribute these low biomass accumulation levels to the high frequency of disturbances, which can be observed even in high production areas such as the Southeast due to frequent forest harvests. Ecosystem models like the one presented in this study have been coupled with satellite observations of land cover and green plant density to uniquely differentiate areas with a high potential for vegetative carbon storage at relatively fine spatial resolution.
The Regulation of Light Sensing and Light-Harvesting Impacts the Use of Cyanobacteria as Biotechnology Platforms.

Light is harvested in cyanobacteria by chlorophyll-containing photosystems embedded in the thylakoid membranes and phycobilisomes (PBSs), photosystem-associated light-harvesting antennae. Light absorbed by the PBSs and photosystems can be converted to chemical energy through photosynthesis. Photosynthetically-fixed carbon pools, which are constrained by photosynthetic light capture versus the dissipation of excess light absorbed, determine the available organismal energy budget. The molecular bases of the environmental regulation of photosynthesis, photoprotection and photomorphogenesis are still being elucidated in cyanobacteria. Thus, the potential impacts of these phenomena on the efficacy of developing cyanobacteria as robust biotechnological platforms require additional attention. Current advances and persisting needs for developing cyanobacterial production platforms that are related to light sensing and harvesting include the development of tools to balance the utilization of absorbed photons for conversion to chemical energy and biomass versus light dissipation in photoprotective mechanisms. Such tools can be used to direct energy to more effectively support the production of desired bioproducts from sunlight.
Development and characterization of 18 microsatellite loci for the Southern Leopard Frog, Rana sphenocephala

We isolated and characterized 18 microsatellite loci for the Southern Leopard Frog, Rana sphenocephala. Loci were screened in 30 individuals of R. sphenocephala. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 21, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.200 to 0.933, and the probability of identity values ranged from 0.008 to 0.299. These new loci are tools that can be used to study population genetic structure, genetic diversity, and gene flow across varying habitat types and scales.
Surrogate Mixture Models for the Thermophysical Properties of Aviation Fuel Jet-A

We developed surrogate mixture models to represent the thermophysical properties of two samples of aviation turbine fuel Jet-A. One sample is a composite of numerous batches from multiple manufacturers and is considered to be a representative fuel. A second sample, while still meeting the fuel specifications, contained a lower than normal aromatic content and was selected to demonstrate some of the compositional variability seen among different batches of Jet-A fuel. A surrogate for each fuel was developed with a procedure that incorporated experimental data for the density, sound speed, viscosity, thermal conductivity, cetane number, and the volatility (as indicated by advanced distillation curves) for samples of the two fuels. The surrogates are simple mixtures containing eight or fewer components, yet they can represent with low uncertainty the thermophysical properties of actual real fluids that are very complex mixtures of hundreds of components.
Genetic variants in the autophagy pathway contribute to paediatric Crohn’s disease

Massey and Parkes ( Gut 2007; 56 :1489–92) recently highlighted the impact of genome-wide association (GWA) studies in generating new insights into the aetiology of Crohn’s disease (CD). We share their enthusiasm. However, the mechanisms underlying childhood-onset CD remain unknown. Phenotypic differences among children, the increased risk of CD among family members with early-onset disease and the attractive strategy of stratifying cases by age of onset to understand further the genetic architecture of CD all justify studying children with CD in genetic association studies. To this end, we tested 11 genetic variants in our paediatric CD population who were recently identified in predominantly adult-onset (mean age of onset ranging from 24 to 27 years) CD GWA studies.1–6 We studied 555 CD-affected children with the mean age of onset of 11.7 years, and 486 disease-free controls. Individuals were self-identified as …
A central limit theorem for extreme sojourns of diffusion processes

Let X(t),t≥0, be a real-valued diffusion process having a stationary probability measure. For an increasing function u(t),(s) > u(t.) It is .shown, under general conditions on the diffusion coefficients, that if at a sufficiently slow rate, then has, for , a limiting normal distribution. The rate of increaseof u(t) is stated in terms of the scalefunction S(x) associated with the generator of the process; u(t) must satisfy , for . This complements an earlier result (Berman, 1988) in the case S(u(t)−t.where it was shown that there is a function vet) such that v(t)L(t) has a particular limiting compound Poisson distribution
Separation of oligonucleotides by thin-layer electrophoresis.

A method for fingerprinting of ^(32)P-labeled oligonucleotides is described. It involves separation by electrophoresis on cellulose thin layers in the first dimension, followed by chromatography on DEAE cellulose in the second dimension. The main advantages of the method are improved separation and simplicity.
Inhalation Dosimetry of Diacetyl and Butyric Acid, Two Components of Butter Flavoring Vapors

Occupational exposure to butter flavoring vapors (BFV) is associated with significant pulmonary injury. The goal of the current study was to characterize inhalation dosimetric patterns of diacetyl and butyric acid, two components of BFV, and to develop a hybrid computational fluid dynamic-physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (CFD-PBPK) to describe these patterns. Uptake of diacetyl and butyric acid vapors, alone and in combination, was measured in the upper respiratory tract of anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats under constant velocity flow conditions and the uptake data were used to validate the CFD-PBPK model. Diacetyl vapor (100 or 300 ppm) was scrubbed from the airstream with 76-36% efficiency at flows of 100-400 ml/min. Butryic acid (30 ppm) was scrubbed with >90% efficiency. Concurrent exposure to butyric acid resulted in a small but significant reduction of diacetyl uptake (36 vs. 31%, p < 0.05). Diacetyl was metabolized in nasal tissues in vitro, likely by diacetyl reductase, an enzyme known to be inhibited by butyric acid. The CFD-PBPK model closely described diacetyl uptake; the reduction in diacetyl uptake by butyric acid could be explained by inhibition of diacetyl reductase. Extrapolation to the human via the model suggested that inspired diacetyl may penetrate to the intrapulmonary airways to a greater degree in the human than in the rat. Thus, based on dosimetric relationships, extrapulmonary airway injury in the rat may be predictive of intrapulmonary airway injury in humans. Butyric acid may modulate diacetyl toxicity by inhibiting its metabolism and/or altering its inhalation dosimetric patterns.
Thinned arrays using genetic algorithms

It is shown how to apply genetic algorithms (GAs) to arrive at an optimally thinned array. Consistent GA results from five array thinning optimizations for a 50-element linear array of isotropic point sources are shown. All of the runs are within 0.8dB of one another. A sample far-field pattern for the 50-element array resulting from the GA optimization is shown. The array patterns are optimized for the lowest maximum sidelobe level. It is concluded that a GA is ideal for optimizing the thinning of an array. The bits in a gene correspond to turning the element on or off. Although a GA is slow, it can handle very large problems involving many antenna elements. >
The Virtues of Administration: Values and the Practice of Public Service

This article explores the role that public service values play in the work of public administrators. The argument made here is that a virtue ethics approach rooted in the concept of a practice is a particularly helpful way of understanding public service values as a contextualized set of attitudes, skills, and behaviors that enable us to realize the goods, ends, and standards of excellence internal to the practice of public administration. Along those lines, the contextual factors associated with four ideal-type administrative roles—mediator, steward, magistrate, and advocate—are explored in order to highlight the manner in which values both create and mediate conflicts that arise between these roles.
Symptoms, feelings, activities and medication use in adolescents with uncontrolled asthma: lessons learned from asthma diaries

This study was to describe symptoms, feelings, activities and medication use reported by adolescents with uncontrolled asthma on their 24-hour asthma diaries. Adolescents with uncontrolled asthma (13–17 years, N = 29) completed asthma diaries and audio-recorded symptom sounds for 24 hours. A variety of symptoms were reported, and the most frequently reported symptoms were coughing followed by wheezing. Most self-reported coughing and wheezing were verified by audio-recordings. Participants reported predominantly negative feelings and low levels of activities. High discordance between self-reports and medical records in medications was noted, raising a concern of poor treatment adherence in this vulnerable group.
The Practice of Telecommuting: A Fresh Perspective

Telecommuting has been a popular practice for an increasing number of firms and governmental bodies over the past decade or more. This research paper reviews antecedents, implementation considerations, known consequences, barriers, and recommendations that need to be determined prior to the adoption of telecommuting practices. The paper demonstrates that the phenomenon of telecommuting is the result of historical, sociological, and technological shifts and advancements. While firms have successfully implemented various elements of telecommuting practices, challenges along the way have yielded insights and lessons that merit further examination and discussion. This paper asserts that with selected individuals, proper structure, and sufficient feedback mechanisms in place, the adoption of telecommuting has the capacity to strengthen a firm’s bottom line and provide tangible benefit for its employees. As a case in point, online learning, developed in parallel with the growth of telecommuting, yields substantial benefits for employees and the companies in which they serve. For employees, online learning is convenient, accommodates multiple learning styles, and is an engaging learning mechanism. For corporations, online learning encourages cost-effectiveness, uniformity in quality and flexibility, and enhanced cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary communications, all necessary to meet the challenges of the ever-changing global marketplace.
Overnight ACTH–cortisol dose responsiveness: comparison with 24‐h data, metyrapone administration and insulin‐tolerance test in healthy adults

Summary Objective To estimate the dose dependence of endogenous ACTH stimulation of adrenal cortisol secretion overnight. Design Ten-minute sampling for ACTH and cortisol over 8 and 24 h (n = 17), after metyrapone administration (n = 6), during an insulin-tolerance test (n = 7). Subjects Healthy adults. Measurements ACTH dose-responsive estimates. Results Twenty-four hour ACTH–cortisol concentration pairs yielded an estimated EC50 (one-half maximally stimulatory ACTH concentration) of 5·1 (2·2–9·5) pmol/l [median (range)]. This did not differ from EC50s based on 8- or 6-h data [5·9 (3·5–11) and 7·5 (3·7–41) pmol/l] in the same individuals. ACTH efficacy (maximally stimulatable cortisol secretion rate) was 8·4 (3·1–20), 11 (5·9–24) and 15 (5·9–22) nmol/l/min, when calculated over 24, 8 and 6 h, respectively (P = NS). Adrenal sensitivity (slope term) was also consistent across sampling durations, viz. 14 (1·3–95), 18 (1·3–64) and 20 (1·3–64) slope units. Compared with placebo, metyrapone reduced ACTH efficacy from 11 (6·2–62) to 2·8 (1·5–4·5) nmol/l/min for cortisol (n = 9, P < 0·001), while increasing ACTH efficacy for 11-desoxycortisol from 2·3 (0·9–2·9) to 99 (70–218) nmol/l/min (n = 6, P < 0·01), thus affirming face validity. Combined ACTH and cortisol responses to hypoglycaemia allowed an estimate of ACTH efficacy of 28 (22–81) nmol/l/min, compared with the control value of 8·7 (5·6–26), suggesting enhanced adrenal responsiveness. Conclusions The results suggest that endogenous ACTH–adrenal drive can be approximated from overnight 8-h sampling of paired ACTH and cortisol concentrations. This strategy may have merit in clinical research in childhood, pregnancy, anxiety states and frail elderly individuals, when ACTH injections are not desired.
Ventilator strategies--what monitoring is helpful?

The philosophy and strategy of mechanical ventilation has changed substantially over the last decade. This has altered our expectations what information should be provided by monitoring equipment to help us guide mechanical ventilation in critically ill children. Nevertheless, the main purpose of any respiratory monitoring in the critically ill neonatal or pediatric patient remains the same as ever, that is to ascertain stable cardiovascular and respiratory function or to detect changes of such. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently updated the ’minimum guidelines’ required for pediatric intensive care units. These guidelines recommend that CO2 and oxygen (O2) monitoring is performed on all patients. The most relevant monitoring to ensure successful ventilator management still aims to assess ventilation and oxygenation efficacy regardless of the strategy used. In the past, the only method to quantify the adequacy of pulmonary gas exchange was by assessment of arterial blood gases. While arterial blood gas sampling remains the gold standard, it does not provide continuous data and is of limited use to document transient events except if invasive indwelling catheters are used. The greatest benefit of invasive, fiberoptic continuous intra-arterial blood gas monitors is probably achieved in critically-ill children with an unstable respiratory status or during
A New High-Speed Cathode-Ray Oscillograph

A historical review of advances in the design of highspeed cathode-ray oscillographs and in particular a description of the development, performance, and application of a new type oscillograph is presented in this paper. The new instrument embodies a sealed-glass, high-vacuum, hot-cathode, cathode-ray tube for operation at 15,000 volts.
Patron-Driven Purchase on Demand Programs for Printed Books and Similar Materials: A Chronological Review and Summary of Findings

There has been a flurry of interest in patron-driven acquisitions in the library literature of late, but there has also been some suggestion that libraries are hesitant to incorporate patron-driven acquisitions into their collection development models. This article reviews the findings of the several case studies in the literature in the hopes that this will aid librarians who are still considering whether or not to implement a purchase on demand program for books and similar materials requested by patrons.
Simulation of ion beam induced current in radiation detectors and microelectronic devices

Abstract Ion Beam Induced Charge (IBIC) is the basic mechanism of the operation of semiconductor detectors and it can lead to Single Event Effects (SEEs) in microelectronic devices. To be able to predict SEEs in ICs and detector responses one needs to be able to simulate the radiation-induced current as the function of time on the electrodes of the devices and detectors. There are analytical models, which work for very simple detector configurations, but fail for anything more complex. Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) programs can simulate this process in microelectronic devices, but these TCAD codes costs hundreds of thousands of dollars and they require huge computing resources. In addition, in certain cases they fail to predict the correct behavior. Here a simulation model based on the Gunn theorem was developed and used with the COMSOL Multiphysics framework, version 3.5. In the model, the induced current can be calculated both directly and in certain cases using the powerful adjoint method. A brief description of the model will be given in the paper with examples for detectors and microelectronic devices using both the direct and the adjoint method.
What Do a Million Observations on Banks Say about the Transmission of Monetary Policy

We study the monetary-transmission mechanism with a data set that includes quarterly observations of every insured U.S. commercial bank from 1976 to 1993. We find that the impact of monetary policy on lending is stronger for banks with less liquid balance sheets--i.e., banks with lower ratios of securities to assets. Moreover, this pattern is largely attributable to the smaller banks, those in the bottom 95 percent of the size distribution. Our results support the existence of a "bank lending channel" of monetary transmission, though they do not allow us to make precise statements about its quantitative importance.
Biological Activity of 17β-Estradiol-3-Sulfate in Ovine Fetal Plasma and Uptake in Fetal Brain

In sheep, the fetal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis plays a central role in the initiation of parturition. We have reported that estradiol dramatically increases the activity of the fetal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Sulfoconjugated estrogens are known to circulate in high concentrations in fetal plasma. We have reported the expression and abundant activity of steroid sulfatase within the fetal brain regions important for HPA axis control, and we have proposed that sulfoconjugated estrogens in fetal plasma are deconjugated (and therefore converted to a biologically active form) in fetal brain. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that exogenous estradiol-3-sulfate stimulates HPA axis activity in late gestation fetal sheep and that it is concentrated by fetal brain tissue. We infused estradiol-3-sulfate iv into fetal sheep (125–135 d gestation; term = 147 d) at rates of 0, 0.25, and 1.0 mg/d for 5 d and performed serial sampling of fetal blood before and at the end of the...
CMOS latch metastability characterization at the 65-nm-technology node

A new test structure utilizing a differential technique for measuring CMOS latch delay with sub-ps time resolution is described. The latch delay and error count in the metastability region are measured as a function of clock-data delay which can be incremented in 0.1 ps steps. This compact test structure is configured to be placed in the scribe line for characterizing different latch designs and correlating their behavior with model predictions.
Modelling a current-programmed buck regulator

A general small-signal model for current-programmed switching power stages is used for design-oriented analysis of a 150W buck regulator. The model, into which the current-programming minor feedback loop is absorbed, exposes the desired tendency towards "constant" output current. The regulator voltage loop remains the only explicit feedback loop, allowing the regulator closed-loop properties to be easily obtained from those of the open-loop current-programmed power stage. The design-oriented analytic results allow easy inference of the effects of element changes on the regulator performance functions. Results are obtained for the regulator line-to-output transfer function (audio susceptibility) and output impedance.
The copy-exactly ramp-up strategy: trading-off learning with process change

Production ramp-up is the period of time during which a manufacturing process is scaled up from a small laboratory-like environment to high-volume production. During this scale-up, the firm needs to overcome the numerous discrepancies between how the process is specified to operate as written in the process recipe and how it actually is operated at large volume. The reduction of these discrepancies, a process that we will refer to as learning, will lead to improved production yields and higher output. In addition to its learning effort, however, the firm also attempts to change the process recipe itself, which can be in direct conflict with the learning objective. We formalize this intertemporal tradeoff between learning and process change in the form of a dynamic optimization problem. Our model explains the idea of a "copy-exactly" ramp-up, which freezes the process for some time period, i.e., does not allow for any change in the process. Mathematically, this corresponds to a process improvement policy which delays process changes, thereby exhibiting a nonmonotone trajectory, which we show to be optimal if the initial knowledge level is low, the lifecycle short and demand growth is steep, and learning is difficult.
CT Fluoroscopic-Guided Cervical Nerve Root Blocks

While both fluoroscopic and CT-guidance during cervical nerve root blocks have been well documented in the literature, the use of CT fluoroscopy (CTF) has not. CTF is well suited to provide imaging guidance during these procedures due to its combination of excellent anatomic detail, relatively low radiation dose and the ability to perform an initial dynamic contrast injection, and is a viable alternative to fluoroscopic guidance. Details of the technique along with the initial experience at one institution are presented.
Cosmological magnetic field correlators from blazar induced cascade

TeV blazars offer an exciting prospect for discovering cosmological magnetic fields and for probing high-energy processes, including $CP$ violation, in the early Universe. We propose a method for reconstructing both the nonhelical and the helical magnetic field correlators using observations of cascade photons from TeV blazars.
Effects of forskolin on progesterone and cyclic adenosine monophosphate production in avian granulosa cells.

Forskolin, a novel activator of adenylate cyclase, promoted progesterone production by isolated chicken granulosa cells. At submaximal levels its steroidogenic action was greatly potentiated by isobutyl methylxanthine or the addition of submaximally stimulating concentrations of ovine luteinizing hormone (oLH). When all three agonists were combined, the 0LH dose-response curve was left shifted by about two orders of magnitude (from ED50 of 9 ng/ml to 0.1 ng/ml). However, forskolin alone could not stimulate progesterone production to the same extent as 0LH alone did, even though cyclic AMP levels in response to forskolin were higher than those observed in response to oLH. Moreover, whereas one to two orders to magnitude discrepancy exists between the steroidogenic and adenylate cyclase activating effects of LH, the efficacy of forskolin to provoke steroidogenesis and to increase cyclic AMP production in granulosa cells was found to be similar. Therefore, forskoiin-promoted steroidogenesis appears to be a direct consequence of the activation of the adenylate cyclase/cyclic AMP system, whereas oLH-induced steroidogenesis, a receptor-mediated event, is probably more complex and may involve cellular events in addition to those regulated by cyclic AMP. BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 29, 1098-1104 (1983)