cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A catastrophe model for the effects of a response set on a discrimination task

Zeeman (1976) has used catastrophe theory, a math­ ematical method for dealing with abrupt and discon­ tinuous changes (Thorn, 1970), to construct a number of graphic models that can be used in the behavioral sciences. The simplest model, the cusp catastrophe, consists of a behavioral surface whose height varies along a bipolar dimension as a function of changes in two stimulus dimensions. The behavioral surface in this model is distinguished by a fold or overlap that is cusp shaped. The fold or overlap in the surface of a cusp catas­ trophe is used to represent a variety of abrupt and discontinuous changes in behavior. The fold in the surface indicates, first, that there should be sudden changes from one end of the response dimension to the other end of the response dimension, and second, that these changes should exhibit a property called hysteresis. Hysteresis means that the change from one end of the response dimension to the other occurs at one point when moving in one direction but at another point when moving in the opposite direction. Because of the nature of hysteresis, some stimuli are expected to be associated with both ends of the re­ sponse dimension, a property called bimodality. Two additional properties of behavior, inaccessibility and divergence, are also associated with the fold or overlap in the surface. Inaccessibility means that responses are not available in the space between the overlapping planes. Divergence means that a jump to either the upper or lower plane in the surface is to be expected when moving toward the point of the cusp. Thus, the fold in the surface of a cusp catastrophe indicates that five distinctive behaviors should be observed: sudden changes, hysteresis, bimodality, inaccessibility, and divergence. The purpose of the present experiment was to deter­ mine if the manipulation of a response set, per sever a­ tion, would affect the judgments on a discrimination task so that the judgments would correspond to the features that distinguish a cusp catastrophe.
A modification of the dialytrode for simultaneous CNS recording and chemical stimulation.

Abstract Currently, chemical stimulation of the brain is done either with a single cannula that is inserted at the time the drug is delivered or with two cannulae that permit perfusion of the area of interest. The dialytrode is a push-pull cannula consisting of two concentric tubes, a porous membrane covering the tip of the tubing and a platinum wire loop that extends around the membrane and is used for EEG recordings. Studies with the dialytrode indicate that while the membrane is relatively impermeable to bacteria, molecules the size of neurotransmitters pass easily through the membrane. Therefore, the dialytrode is well suited for chronic chemical stimulation studies.
Preservice Tutors and First-Grade Students: Instruction, Interactions, and Faculty Feedback

This study describes the tutoring interactions of four early childhood preservice tutors, two able and two less able, to document the tutoring strategies they applied as they provided support for their first-grade student at point of need. The two more able tutors provided various prompts to foster their students' use of strategies, thus demonstrating their ability to skillfully apply course learning to their work with children. The two less able tutors were unable to balance prompting, as they focused more heavily on correct word reading and appeared to have a limited understanding of how to support growth through reading. In addition, the instructor's online feedback was investigated and four categories identified: confirming, suggesting, directing, and teaching. The more able tutors used this feedback to fine-tune their tutoring sessions. Online feedback was not sufficient for helping the less able tutors develop a more strategic teaching stance. The findings suggest important implications for strength...
Magnetic contrast agents for optical coherence tomography

The magneto-mechanical effect is exploited as a means of producing background-free contrast in optical coherence tomography (OCT). Contrast agents consisting of iron-oxide particles and protein microspheres encapsulating colloidal iron-oxide have a sufficiently high magnetic susceptibility to be detected by modulation of a magnetic field gradient using a small solenoid coil. The externally-applied magnetic field mechanically rotates or translates these highly scattering contrast agents within the sample at the modulation frequency, which is subsequently detected as amplitude modulation of the OCT signal. Pairs of sequential axial scans (A-lines) are acquired with the magnetic field on and off, allowing one to build up a pair of images corresponding to the "on" and "off" states of the magnetic field. These image pairs are differenced to look for magnetic-specific effects, allowing one to distinguish the magnetic contrast agents from non-magnetic structures within the sample with a signal-to-background ratio of ~23dB. This technique has the potential to be very powerful when coupled with targeting for in vivo molecular imaging. To evaluate this potential we demonstrate in vitro imaging of magnetically-labeled macrophage cells embedded in a 3D tissue phantom, in vitro tissue doped with contrast agents, and in vivo imaging of Xenopus laevis (African frog) tadpoles.
College students’ consumption, contribution, and risk awareness related to online mapping services and social media outlets: does geography and GIS knowledge matter?

Location-enabled online tools and/or services (i.e. Google Earth/Maps, Flickr, Facebook check-ins, etc.) have been widely used for distributing and processing geospatial-related data. They attract diverse users to consume and contribute geographic information (GI) in many different forms. This study examines college students’ consumption and contribution of GI through these tools and/or services as well as their perception of risk and privacy. It evaluates the impact of Geographic information systems (GIS) and geography knowledge on the related behavior and perception. Through conducting a survey, it was found that college students’ consumption frequency of GI through the investigated tools and services is positively related to their knowledge in GIS and geography, but their GI contribution is not related. GIS knowledge was found to help raise students’ awareness level of risk. However, this relationship does not translate into students’ concern about potential privacy disclosure or their willingness to share personal location information through using location-enabled online tools and/or services. Discussions on the gap between students’ consumption and contribution of GI through the tools and/or services are shared in the paper as well as possible explanations on the disconnection between their risk awareness, privacy concern, and willingness to share personal information. Future research directions are discussed.
Microsatellite Variation in Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) Populations in the Southern United States

Abstract. Seven polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to analyze bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), populations from various host plants in four locations in the southern United States. Linear distance between collection sites ranged from approximately 150 to 900 km. The analysis indicated low allelic range for all loci (2.286 ± 0.488 to 2.571 ± 0.787). Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests for deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were not significant. Inbreeding coefficients, FIS, were very variable among the seven loci with a bootstrapgenerated overall value of -0.104 ± 0.178 across all loci and populations. Overall population differentiation estimates, represented by FST, were essentially zero. In the analysis of variance of genotypes grouped into various geographical combinations, variation within individuals accounted for more than 93% of the total variation while no significant variation was detected between groups, among populations within groups, or among individuals within populations. Th...
Acute leukemia and residential proximity to potential sources of environmental pollutants.

ABSTRACT Possible associations between location of residence and acute leukemia risk were investigated in a study of 610 newly diagnosed patients, aged 18–79 y, and 618 population controls. There was an association between ever living within 5 miles (8 km) of an industrial plant and leukemia risk, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.4 (95% confidence interval [95% Cl] = 1.0–1.9) for all acute leukemias combined, 1.4 (95% Cl = 1.0–2.0) for acute myeloid leukemia, and 1.7 (95% Cl = 1.0–2.7) for acute lymphocytic leukemia. Odds ratios increased with decreasing distance from industrial sites, but a gradient with duration of residence was seen only among those less than age 60 who had lived within a mile of any industry. Suggestive associations were also observed for residence near specific industries, but the number of individuals living near any one industry was small.
Decrease in sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content, not myofilament function, contributes to muscle twitch force decline in isolated cardiac trabeculae

We set out to determine the factors responsible for twitch force decline in isolated intact rat cardiac trabeculae. The contractile force of trabeculae declined over extended periods of isometric twitch contractions. The force-frequency relationship within the frequency range of 4-8 Hz, at 37 °C, became more positive and the frequency optimum shifted to higher rates with this decline in baseline twitch tensions. The post-rest potentiation (37 °C), a phenomenon highly dependent on calcium handling mechanisms, became more pronounced with decrease in twitch tensions. We show that the main abnormality during muscle run-down was not due to a deficit in the myofilaments; maximal tension achieved using a K(+) contracture protocol was either unaffected or only slightly decreased. Conversely, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium content, as assessed by rapid cooling contractures (from 27 to 0 °C), decreased, and had a close association with the declining twitch tensions (R(2) ~ 0.76). SR Ca(2+)-ATPase, relative to Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger activity, was not altered as there was no significant change in paired rapid cooling contracture ratios. Furthermore, confocal microscopy detected no abnormalities in the overall structure of the cardiomyocytes and t-tubules in the cardiac trabeculae (~23 °C). Overall, the data indicates that the primary mechanism responsible for force run-down in multi-cellular cardiac preparations is a decline in the SR calcium content and not the maximal tension generation capability of the myofilaments.
Quantitative analysis of electrotonic structure and membrane properties of nmda-activated lamprey spinal neurons

Parameter optimization methods were used to quantitatively analyze frequency-domain-voltage-clamp data of NMDA-activated lamprey spinal neurons simultaneously over a wide range of membrane potentials. A neuronal cable model was used to explicitly take into account receptors located on the dendritic trees. The driving point membrane admittance was measured from the cell soma in response to a Fourier synthesized point voltage clamp stimulus. The data were fitted to an equivalent cable model consisting of a single lumped soma compartment coupled resistively to a series of equal dendritic compartments. The model contains voltage-dependent NMDA sensitive (INMDA), slow potassium (IK), and leakage (IL) currents. Both the passive cable properties and the voltage dependence of ion channel kinetics were estimated, including the electrotonic structure of the cell, the steady-state gating characteristics, and the time constants for particular voltage-and time-dependent ionic conductances. An alternate kinetic formulation was developed that consisted of steady-state values for the gating parameters and their time constants at half-activation values as well as slopes of these parameters at half-activation. This procedure allowed independent restrictions on the magnitude and slope of both the steady-state gating variable and its associated time constant. Quantitative estimates of the voltage-dependent membrane ion conductances and their kinetic parameters were used to solve the nonlinear equations describing dynamic responses. The model accurately predicts current clamp responses and is consistent with experimentally measured TTX-resistant NMDA-induced patterned activity. In summary, an analysis method is developed that provides a pragmatic approach to quantitatively describe a nonlinear neuronal system.
Morphology of bipolar cells labeled by DAPI in the rabbit retina.

The morphology, distribution, and coverage of certain cone bipolar cell types were investigated in rabbit retina. Brief in vitro incubation of isolated rabbit retina in the fluorescent dye 4,6-diamino-2-phenylindole labeled only a few cell types in the inner nuclear layer. Intracellular injection of Lucifer Yellow into these types showed them to be horizontal cells and cone bipolar cells. All stained bipolar cells ramified in sublamina a of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and formed three classes. Two types ranged from 20 to 60 μm in diameter in both plexiform layers; the other large bipolar cell was 40–70 μm in diameter in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and up to 150 μm in diameter in the IPL. The brightest type was narrowly stratified in the outer portion of sublamina a. Its density increased from about 500 cells/mm2 in the periphery to about 2,500 cells/mm2 in the visual streak. Staining of neighboring cells of this type showed that processes in the IPL rarely crossed, but often converged at a common site so as to impart a “honeycomb” appearance to a single sublayer of retina. The other small bipolar cell was similar in density and coverage, but stratified diffusely throughout sublamina a. The large bipolar cell stratified narrowly in the distal portion of sublamina a and was more sparsely distributed. Whether determined by staining adjacent cells or by density vs. area calculations, coverage in the OPL approached 1 for each type, as did coverage in the IPL for the two types with narrow fields. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of media buffer systems on growth and electrophysiologic characteristics of cultured sweat duct cells.

Primary cultures of human reabsorptive sweat duct cells were grown in MCDB 170 medium buffered with either HEPES, bicarbonate, or a mixture of HEPES and bicarbonate buffers. Cultures grown in MCDB media containing bicarbonate seemed to differentiate into a multilayered, keratinized epithelium and began senescing after 1 wk in culture. In contrast, cultures grown in media containing HEPES as the only buffer seemed to undergo a selection process, resulting in the outgrowth of cells that did not multilayer or keratinize extensively for up to 3 or 4 wk in culture. Despite marked differences in growth, cells grown in both bicarbonate and HEPES-buffered media retained electrophysiologic characteristics appropriate to the progenitor. Mean resting potentials were −21.8±0.8 mV (n=82), −23.3±1.3 mV (n=70) and −18.2±0.8 mV (n=82) for duct cells grown in HEPES, bicarbonate, and HEPES-bicarbonate media, respectively. Substitution of Cl− with the impermeant anion gluconate in the bathing medium caused membrane potential depolarization in all media, revealing the presence of a Cl− conductance. Administration of the Na+ conductance inhibitor amiloride hyperpolarized the mean resting potential of cells grown in HEPES medium (−6.8±0.6 mV,n=68), bicarbonate medium (−6.9±0.5 mV,n=60), and HEPES-bicarbonate medium (−5.9±0.6 mV,n=69), demonstrating expression of a Na+ conductance. We observed some but minimal variation with age in any of these conditions.
Degree of Differentiation in Nonproliferating Cells of Mammary Carcinoma

A pool of nondividing tumour cells, believed to be nonproliferating stem cells (Go), has been identified in mammary adenocarcinomas of mice. To determine whether or not some of these cells might be postmitotic differentiated progeny of stem cells, mice bearing spontaneous tumours were either pulsed or perfused with tritium-labelled thymidine for five days, and light and electron autoradiography was performed using standard methods. Unlabelled cells (that had not synthesized DNA for five days) had a range of differentiation, but many of the cells were well differentiated. This observation supports the concept that many of the non-proliferating tumour cells were postmitotic as a result of differentiation and the balance were nonproliferating stem cells (Go). The latter presumably did not divide because of environmental conditions.
A grid-based method for sampling and analysing spatially ambiguous plants

Spatial data can provide much information about the interrelations of plants and the relationship between indi- viduals and the environment. Spatially ambiguous plants, i.e. plants without readily identifiable loci, and plants that are profusely abundant, present non-trivial impediments to the collection and analysis of vegetation data derived from stan- dard spatial sampling techniques. Sampling with grids of presence/absence quadrats can ameliorate much of this diffi- culty. Our analysis of 10 fully-mapped grassland plots demon- strates the applicability of the grid-based approach which revealed spatial dependence at a much lower sampling effort than mapping each plant. Ripley's K-function, a test com- monly used for point patterns, was effective for pattern analy- sis on the grids and the gridded quadrat technique was an effective tool for quantifying spatial patterns. The addition of spatial pattern measures should allow for better comparisons of vegetation structure between sites, instead of sole reliance on species composition data.
Isolation and partial characterization of a lethal sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) mesenteric toxin.

Abstract A protein lethal to mice was isolated from the sea nettle ( Chrysaora quinquecirrha ) mesenteric tentacle nematocysts by immunochromatography. The partially purified protein was also toxic to spontaneously beating cultured chick cardiocytes but was not hemolytic to rat erythrocytes. On sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels, the mesenteric protein consisted of three bands with apparent molecular weights of 175,000, 160,000 and 108,000. The three protein bands yielded similar peptide maps when subjected to limited proteolysis.
Unilateral absence of right proximal pulmonary artery in the setting of severe pulmonary hypertension: considerations for surgical repair and perioperative management.

We report a successfully treated case of unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery, associated with an atrial septal defect and chronic lung disease with severe pulmonary hypertension. Because this severe pulmonary hypertension could jeopardize postoperative hemodynamic, the ingenuity of surgical strategy was required. The atrial septal defect was left open as a safety “pop-off” valve, and prosthetic graft was chosen as a reconstructive material to avoid excessive dilatation from exposure to unpredictable postoperative pulmonary hypertension.
Cold Fusion Prediction

Eugene F. Mallove (Letters, 18 June, p. [1929][1]) maintains his continued enthusiasm for cold fusion and writes about me, “Garwin and others are simply ignoring data in favor of their theories that these low energy nuclear reactions are impossible. Garwin's quoted assertions indicate a paradigm paralysis that is familiar to historians of science. Its remedy is a hard look at data, not uninformed opinion.” In the spirit of informing your readers, I suggest a look at the Mallove prediction to be found at [www.math.ucla.edu/∼barry/CF/mmbet.html][2]. This URL documents a bet between Eugene Mallove and Barry Merriman and others as to whether by 19 July 1996 “cold fusion (CF) will be widely accepted as existing; as energy producing; or as economically viable.” Mallove's written testimony to the subcommittee on energy of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (5 May 1993) includes, “Prototype cold fusion home heating units are widely expected to emerge this year or next….” I would love to see cold fusion a reality. However, my own calendar reads 1999, and I have yet to see any home heating units or electrical power generation by cold fusion. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.284.5422.1929b [2]: http://www.math.ucla.edu/~barry/CF/mmbet.html
Electrochemical Detection of Localized Corrosion

Abstract Pitting and crevice corrosion are sustained by accumulation of highly corrosive solutions in restricted regions (crevices and pits). Thus, electrochemical properties change appreciably when localized corrosion is established on an otherwise passive metal surface. Changes in corrosion potential and polarization resistance have been correlated with visual observations during crevice corrosion of Type 304 stainless steel. Thus, the initiation of localized corrosion can be detected remotely by electrochemical methods.
Schwinger Variational Principle for Multichannel Scattering

This Letter presents the first application of the Schwinger variational principle for multichannel scattering. Results are presented for an exactly soluble two-channel model problem. The accuracy and convergence of the Schwinger variational principle are shown to be extremely good and superior to those of other variational methods.
Preβ high density lipoprotein has two metabolic fates in human apolipoprotein A-I transgenic mice

We compared the in vivo metabolism of pre � HDL particles isolated by anti-human apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) immunoaffinity chromatography (LpA-I) in human apoA-I transgenic (hA-I Tg) mice with that of lipid-free apoA-I (LFA-I) and small LpA-I. After injection, preLpA-I were removed from plasma more rapidly than were LFA-I and small LpA-I. PreLpA-I and LFA-I were preferentially degraded by kidney compared with liver; small LpA-I were preferentially degraded by the liver. Five minutes after tracer injection, 99% of LFA-I in plasma was found to be as- sociated with medium-sized (8.6 nm) HDL, whereas only 37% of pretracer remodeled to medium-sized HDL. In- jection of preLpA-I doses into C57Bl/6 recipients re- sulted in a slower plasma decay compared with hA-I Tg re- cipients and a greater proportion ( � 60%) of the pre � radiolabel that was associated with medium-sized HDL. PreLpA-I contained one to four molecules of phosphati- dylcholine per molecule of apoA-I, whereas LFA-I contained less than one. We conclude that preLpA-I has two meta- bolic fates in vivo, rapid removal from plasma and catabo- lism by kidney or remodeling to medium-sized HDL, which we hypothesize is determined by the amount of lipid associ- ated with the preparticle and the particle's ability to bind to medium-sized HDL. —Lee, J-Y., L. Lanningham-Foster, E. Y. Boudyguina, T. L. Smith, E. R. Young, P. L. Colvin, M. J. Thomas, and J. S. Parks. Prehigh density lipoprotein has two metabolic fates in human apolipoprotein A-I transgenic mice. J. Lipid Res. 2004. 45: 716-728.
U.S. bilateral trade balances and the dollar

Abstract U.S. bilateral export and import values with seven large trading partners are tested for real exchange rate effects over 1975–1985. The results suggest that dollar devaluation would have the most favorable impact on the U.S. trade balance in the case of Japan and the least favorable in the case of Canada.
Effect of impurities on cluster growth and nucleation

Abstract Previous measurements of concentration gradients formed in long columns of supersaturated glycine solutions [1] indicate that small amounts of impurities, such as valine, can lead to an increase in the magnitude of the gradient. This might indicate that the impurity enhances the degree of cluster formation. The concentration gradients were measured in three aqueous supersaturated systems - glycine with valine as the additive, potassium sulfate with cobalt acetate as the impurity and sodium chloride in the presence of lead sulfate and chromic nitrate. Metastable zone widths of the superaturated solutions were also measured in the presence of these additives. The cluster sizes are estimated from the concentration gradient data in the presence and absence of additives and compared to the changes noted in the metastable zone widths. The changes in concentration gradients of concentrated solutions appear to be a reliable indicator of the effect of additives on cluster growth and nucleation.
Fragmentation requirements for detonating thermal explosions

THE contact of a hot with a cold liquid can develop into a rapid thermal interaction in which a significant fraction (approaching the thermodynamic limits) of the thermal energy in the hot liquid is converted into mechanical work. These so-called ‘thermal explosions’ are of interest to several industries, such as paper, metal, LNG and nuclear power reactor. One approach towards understanding thermal explosions has been proposed by Board et al.1 They used ideas of classical detonation theory in conjunction with a mechanism of pressure wave-induced fragmentation of liquid fuel drops premixed (coarsely) with the liquid coolant, the quantitative aspects of which they based on existing measurements in gas–water systems. We report here our studies of fragmentation of high surface tension liquid drops (mercury) in a liquid medium (water) in which we found that the fragmentation behaviour is considerably different from that in the gas–water system.
Future Systems For Spaceborne Oceanography

As a proof of concept, the Seasat oceanographic satellite successfully demonstrated the role of microwave sensors to synoptically measure geophysical parameters of interest to the oceanographic and meteorological communities. Nevertheless, problems surfaced, which can be corrected by improved system design concepts. Indeed, the next generation of satellite systems will incorporate modest engineering improvement which will greatly ease data reduction problems. Of more importance; however, the Seasat activity has generated ideas for new classes of measurements for the future. This paper explores a possible long term system growth in microwave scatterometry and radiometry.
Debt composition and balance sheet effects of currency depreciation: a summary of the micro evidence

Abstract This paper surveys recent empirical evidence on the determinants of the currency composition of debt, and on the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on economic activity. It suggests that Latin American firms tend to partially match the composition of their debt with the currency composition of their income stream but the liability dollarization can reduce or possibly reverse the typical Mundell–Fleming result of expansionary devaluations.
Adjusting the pacemaker

Abstract Killeen and Fetterman (1988) proposed a behavioral theory of timing (BeT) in which temporal discriminations are mediated by overt behaviors. Transitions between these mediating behaviors are instigated by pulses from an internal pacemaker, whose rate is proportional to the frequency of reinforcement in the experimental context. The current experiments are designed to determine how amount and probability of reinforcement affect the pacemaker's speed, and to clarify the context that forms the timebase for reinforcement frequency. In the first set of experiments, a probe technique was used to generate psychometric functions for time. Slopes of the psychometric functions changed with the independent variables, although there were marked intersubject differences in accuracy. In the second experiment, a titration method was used, and difference limens changed with changes in the independent variables. Over both sets of experiments, amount of reinforcement and probability of reinforcement affected accuracy, which we interpret as mediated by changes in the speed of the pacemaker. Variation of the intertrial interval had equivocal effects on accuracy. In general, there were no noticeable effects on the means of the psychometric functions.
Uncertainty analysis of welding residual stress fields

Abstract A fuzzy-set approach is applied in conjunction with a finite element procedure to study the effect of uncertainty in material properties on welding residual stress fields. The study focuses on steels that undergo martensitic transformations during the cool-down part of the weld thermal cycle. Uncoupled thermo-mechanical analysis is performed. Filler metal deposition, various convective–radiative energy losses, and latent heat generation are included in modeling of the welding process. A rate-independent thermo-elasto-plastic material model with nonlinear kinematic hardening is adopted in the study. Account is taken of the metallurgical transformations that occur during the entire weld thermal cycle. The material model is validated by comparing its predictions with existing experimental measurements of the welding residual mechanical fields. Fuzzy logic is then used to study the variability in the residual stress field due to pre-selected ranges of variation in material parameters associated with the martensitic transformations. It is found that the variations in material parameters considered have a significant effect on the welding residual stress field.
Hypercompliant Apical Membranes of Bladder Umbrella Cells

Urinary bladder undergoes dramatic volume changes during filling and voiding cycles. In the bladder the luminal surface of terminally differentiated urothelial umbrella cells is almost completely covered by plaques. These plaques (500 to 1000 nm) are made of a family of proteins called uroplakins that are known to form a tight barrier to prevent leakage of water and solutes. Electron micrographs from previous studies show these plaques to be interconnected by hinge regions to form structures that appear rigid, but these same structures must accommodate large changes in cell shape during voiding and filling cycles. To resolve this paradox, we measured the stiffness of the intact, living urothelial apical membrane and found it to be highly deformable, even more so than the red blood cell membrane. The intermediate cells underlying the umbrella cells do not have uroplakins but their membranes are an order of magnitude stiffer. Using uroplakin knockout mouse models we show that cell compliance is conferred by uroplakins. This hypercompliance may be essential for the maintenance of barrier function under dramatic cell deformation during filling and voiding of the bladder.
Do hospitals with low mortality rates in coronary artery bypass also perform well in valve replacement

Abstract Background While hospital performance in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is reported widely, patients may find it difficult to learn about their hospital's performance in heart valve replacement. We sought to determine if a hospital's performance in CABG is correlated to its performance in heart valve replacement. Methods We studied operative mortality after CABG, aortic valve replacement (AVR), and mitral valve replacement (MVR) using the 1994 to 1999 national Medicare database. After excluding any hospital that did not perform at least 50 CABGs and 20 valve replacements per year we examined the correlation between hospital mortality in CABG and hospital mortality in AVR and MVR using least-squares simple linear regression models. Operative mortality was adjusted for patient characteristics using logistic regression models. Results A total of 684 hospitals performed 817,606 isolated CABGs, 142,488 AVRs (54% with concomitant CABG), and 61,252 MVRs (45% with concomitant CABG). Hospital mortality rates with AVR ranged from 6.0% to 13.0% between hospitals in the lowest and highest, respectively, 10th percentile of CABG performance. Similarly hospital mortality rates with MVR ranged from 10.1% to 20.5% in the lowest and highest respectively, 10th percentile of CABG performance. Adjusted mortality rates for both AVR and MVR were closely correlated with isolated CABG mortality rates (correlation coefficients 0.592 and 0.538, respectively; p = 0.001 for both correlations). In stratified analyses these correlations persisted regardless of whether valve replacement was performed with or without concomitant CABG or whether valve replacement was performed in a high- or low-volume hospital. Conclusions Hospital mortality rates with CABG are closely correlated with mortality rates with valve replacement. These findings suggest that shared processes and systems of care are important determinants of performance in cardiac surgery.
ALTERED FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE RENAL GLOMERULUS IN AUTOLOGOUS IMMUNE COMPLEX NEPHRITIS AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL TRACER STUDY

The altered functional properties of the glomerular capillary wall in a model of autologous immune complex disease (Heymann's nephritis) was studied by electron microscopy using intravenously injected protein tracers of varying molecular weight. There was an increase in the permeability of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) itself to large molecules; this change was focal and was found in those areas where the GBM contained immune complex deposits. Both ferritin and catalase, tracers normally restricted from passing the glomerular filter, were present in the urinary space within minutes of injection. No evidence was obtained for increased glomerular epithelial transport in this disease. Foot process swelling and "close" junction formation was moderate, even in animals with marked degrees of proteinuria. Indirect evidence, therefore, makes an alteration in the slit pore complex likely. In addition, there was immediate and selective concentration of all tracers within deposits, though ferritin was partially excluded from some deposits. This phenomenon may be of significance in the perpetuation of the disease.
Glass and Crystal Formation in Binary Aromatic Mixtures: A Mechanism for Reducing Spin−Lattice Relaxation Times

The phase diagram constructed from differential scanning calorimetry data indicates that the binary mixture of dibenzofuran (DBF) and hexamethylbenzene (HMB) forms a simple eutectic system. Comparative studies of proton T1 values for the annealed and quenched samples show the annealed material can be best described as a two-phase mixed crystals, while a rapidly quenched sample is a combination of a metastable one-phase glass and two-phase mixed crystals. It is found that glass formation is the key to the T1 reduction of DBF in the HMB doping technique reported previously. The interesting trends in the T1 and the relative spin population of DBF is explained with the competition between glass formation and crystalline phase separation.
The standard enthalpies of solution and formation of Wegscheider's salt: Na2CO3 · 3NaHCO3(s) and of trona: Na2CO3 · NaHCO3 · 2H2O(s) at 298.15 K

Abstract The double salt: Na 2 CO 3 · 3NaHCO 3 (s), known as Wegscheider's salt or wegscheiderite, was prepared by heating the stoichiometric mixture (1Na 2 CO 3 + 3NaHCO 3 ) in a sealed tube for at least 3 d at 400 K. Its enthalpy of solution in excess NaOH at 298.15 K was measured by solution calorimetry, and the results were reduced to the standard-state process through use of enthalpies of dilution recently reported for Na 2 CO 3 and NaHCO 3 . The standard enthalpy change for Na 2 CO 3 · 3NaHCO 3 (s) + 3NaOH(aq) = 4Na 2 CO 3 (aq) + 3H 2 O(1) was ΔH f o = − (85.82 ± 0.50) kJ mol −1 , from which ΔH f o = − (3984.03 ± 0.80) kJ mol −1 for Na 2 CO 3 · 3NaHCO 3 (s). Enthalpies of solution reported in the literature for trona: Na 2 CO 3 · NaHCO 3 · 2H 2 O(s), were reviewed and reduced to the standard-state process also, with the result: ΔH f o = − (2682.11 ± 0.44) kJ mol −1 at 298.15 K for trona. The results will be used in a following paper to extract standard Gibbs energies at 298.15 K from results for several equilibria involving the double salts.
Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser technology

The technology of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) has grown dramatically in recent years. We have processed and packaged VCSELs, for various applications. The thermal, output coupling, and spectral characteristics for different devices and packages are shown. Practical single device and array packages, and the results of their coupling to optical fibers are presented.
Pay for Obesity? Pay-for-Performance Metrics Neglect Increased Complication Rates and Cost for Obese Patients

Rates of surgical complications are increasingly being used for pay-for-performance reimbursement structures. We hypothesize that morbid obesity has a significant effect on complication rates and costs following commonly performed general surgical procedures. We studied 30,502 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for cholecystitis and 6,390 patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis using administrative claims data from seven Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans over a 7-year period (2002–2008). We compared 30-day complications as well as total 30-day direct medical costs for obese and non-obese patients. Multivariate regressions were performed to determine the relationship of morbid obesity to complications and cost. Obese patients were more likely to have a complication within 30 days after surgery than non-obese patients (19.2% vs. 15.7% for cholecystectomy, p < 0.0001; 20.2% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.0001, for appendectomy). The mean total 30-day postoperative cost for obese patients were $1,109 higher following a cholecystectomy (p < 0.0001) and $666 higher following an appendectomy (p = 0.09). Morbid obesity is associated with a higher rate of complications for two commonly performed general surgical procedures and is associated with higher costs for cholecystectomy. Pay-for-performance metrics should account for the increased risk of complications and higher cost in this population.
Sella turcica salivary transplants in hypophysectomized animals

Abstract Hypophysectomized mongrel dogs receiving salivary autotransplants into the sella turcica were studied with regard to thyroid and adrenal function. Histologic studies were performed on all the animals after sacrifice. There was no evidence in the studies to suggest sustained endocrine function in the absence of the pituitary. This work fails to confirm previously reported data. A possible explanation is offered.
Gender differences in the perception of women in magazine advertising

Male and female college students (N=137) rated 10 control and 10 target magazine advertisements for appeal and for the perceived sexism displayed in the ads. Males did not differ in their ratings of target and control ad appeal. Females rated target ads as less appealing than control ads, and gave target ads lower appeal ratings than did males. Females also rated target ads as more sexist than did males, although both sexes rated target ads as more sexist than control ads. All subjects also completed the Attitudes Toward Women Scale, on which females displayed more liberal attitudes than males.
Thermodynamics of C-N Austenites

Abstract The equilibrium-quench-analyze technique has been used to study the equilibrium between N 2 gas at a pressure of 1.04 × 10 5 Pa and Fe-C-N fcc solid solutions in the temperature range 1315–1523 K. The carbon contents in the five solutions studied varied from 0 to 0.066 atom ratio of carbon. The N contents were always less than 10 −3 atom ratio. The solubility determinations enable values for the partial thermodynamic functions of the N-atoms to be deduced. These thennodynamic functions are interpreted in terms of a zeroth order model.
Effects of Quantitatively Controlled Left Ventricular-Atrial Regurgitation on Indicator - Dilution Curves in the Dog

Dye-dilution curves were recorded from the aortic arch of dogs with left ventricular-atrial regurgitation produced surgically by a shunt from the apex of the left ventricle to the left atrial appendage. Rate of regurgitation was monitored by an electroturbinometer and was varied from 0.9 to 3.3 liters per minute. In each dog, reciprocal of the downslope and variance of curves obtained after injection of dye into the left atrium varied directly with rate of backflow and inversely with net cardiac output. These effects of regurgitation were not due to change in transit volume. Estimates of regurgitation based on change in reciprocal of slope correlated closely with flowmeter values and were more accurate than estimates based on change in variance. Back flow was underestimated by curves recorded after injection of dye into the pulmonary artery.
Antimicrobial properties of highly fluorinated silver(I) tris(pyrazolyl)borates.

Abstract Highly fluorinated tris(pyrazolyl)borate ligand [HB(3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz) 3 ] − has been used in the isolation of air- and light-stable silver complex, [HB(3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz) 3 ]Ag(OSMe 2 ). It is a monomeric tetrahedral silver complex with an O-bonded dimethylsulfoxide ligand. The silver adduct [HB(3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz) 3 ]Ag(OSMe 2 ) and the related [HB(3,5-(CF 3 ) 2 Pz) 3 ] Ag(THF) (where OSMe 2 = dimethyl sulfoxide; THF = tetrahydrofuran) show good antibacterial activity, and their antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus is greater than those of AgNO 3 and silver sulfadiazine.
Changing metaphors and beliefs: A master switch for teaching?

(1990). Changing metaphors and beliefs: A master switch for teaching? Theory Into Practice: Vol. 29, Metaphors We Learn By, pp. 122-127.
Role of cinnamate in benzoate production in penicillium brevicompactum

Abstract Radioisotope feeding experiments with solid cultures of Penicillium brevicompactum demonstrate that cinnamate is an intermediate in the conversion of l -phenylalanine to benzoate. The first enzyme in this pathway, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, has been purified 62-fold from surface liquid cultures.
Why top management team characteristics matter when employing a chief operating officer: a strategic contingency perspective

Critics of the CEO/COO duo have stressed that this arrangement burdens the firm with increased costs and decreases the CEO's effectiveness. This study adopts an upper echelon perspective to argue that the presence of a COO may also create TMT-level information-processing benefits that can improve firm performance in certain conditions. Data from a sample of 153 firms in five industries highlight a strong positive relationship between the presence of a COO and two established measures of firm performance: return on assets and market-to-book ratio. The data also suggest that those relationships are contingent on the broader characteristics of the TMT. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploitation of allelopathy for weed control in annual and perennial cropping systems.

A variety of crops, cultivars, and accessions have been evaluated over the past six years for superior capability to suppress weed growth. The most successful of these approaches has been to grow cover crops of rye (Secale cereale), wheat (Triticum aestivum), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), or barley (Hordeum vulgare) to a height of 40–50 cm, desiccate the crops by contact herbicides or freezing, and allow their residues to remain on the soil surface. Often, up to 95% control of important agroecosystem weed species was obtained for a 30- to 60-day period following desiccation of the cover crop. The plant residues on the soil surface exhibit numerous physical and chemical attributes that contribute to weed suppression. Physical aspects include shading and reduced soil temperatures which were similarly achieved using poplar (Populus) excelsior as a control mulch. Chemical aspects apparently include direct release of toxins, as well as production of phytotoxic microbial products. Numerous chemicals appear to work in concert or in an additive or synergistic manner to reduce weed germination and growth.
On the failure mechanism of chemically embrittled Cu 3 Au single crystals

In order to distinguish between “true” transgranular stress-corrosion cracking (T-SCC) and the “chemical embrittlement” previously described for Cu3Au single crystals (Bakish,AIME Trans., 1957), copper-25 atomic percent gold single crystals were subject to constant deflection (a) while immersed in aqueous ferric chloride or (b) in air after undergoing stress-free corrosion for 10 and 30 days in aqueous ferric chloride. In the conventional stress-corrosion testing mode carried out at the corrosion potential and at applied anodic and cathodic overpotentials, SEM observation and microprobe analysis revealed that characteristic T-SCC fracture surfaces were produced without the occurrence of massive dealloying, at least over a 0.1 micrometer depth. For bending tests in air following stress-free corrosion at the corrosion potential, a 30-day sample was completely converted into a brittle, virtually pure gold “sponge” while retaining the external shape and orientation of the original alloy single crystal. The fracture surface of this sample revealed relatively flat facets separated by irregularly serrated steps, as are seen in conventional cleavage. However, the surface is porous with a mean pore size of ∼0.1 micrometer. For the 10-day sample, bending produced multiple cracks in a massively dealloyed layer (gold-rich sponge). Several of these cracks propagated into the unattacked, normally ductile alloy for distances up to ∼20 micrometers. Interpretation of these results leads to an alternative explanation for the “chemical embrittlement” previously observed and offers significant new insights on the mechanisms of T-SCC.
A look at Intel's research council funding in sensor networks for feature film production and interactive drama

Intel tackles a broad range of research initiatives worldwide with a decentralized R&D operation consisting of about 75 labs and more than 7000 researchers and scientists around the world. In addition, Intel conducts long-range exploratory research into emerging and disruptive technologies beyond the corporation's product road map. It funds special strategic research projects within the company, manages more than 300 individual academic research grants through the Research Council, and manages the Intel Research Network, a group of small research facilities adjacent to top universities where Intel encourages an open and deeply collaborative research environment. www.intel.com/research
Leakage of deep, reservoired petroleum to the near surface on the gulf of Mexico Continental slope

Reservoired oils, shallow sediment cores (2m), sea slicks and tar balls were collected in the Green Canyon Lease area of the northern Gulf of Mexico continental slope. The gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons associated with near surface sediments and water have migrated from deep (2000–3000 m) subsurface reservoirs and/or source rocks. This conclusion is based on molecular (GC/FID, GC/FPD, GC/MS) and carbon isotopic evidence. Visual observations at two locations on the continental slope confirm the presence of massive amounts of active liquid as well as gas seepage. Hydrate gas recovered in sediment cores originates from deep, oil-associated gas. This gas has migrated to shallow sediments with little or no isotopic fractionation. In contrast, near surface hydrocarbon liquids (shallow bitumens and sea slicks) are depleted in aliphatics, 4-ring or larger aromatics, naphthalene, C1-naphthalenes and C2-naphthalenes as compared to the reservoired fluids. These near-surface fluids are extensively altered by the concurrent processes of migration, dissolution and microbial degradation. However, the distributions of highly alkylated (> C2) naphthalenes, phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes, triterpanes, steranes and triaromatized steranes are similar to the precursor reservoired oil. This study documents, for the first time, a direct link between natural seepage in a deep water marine setting and sea slick and tar ball formation. This and other studies suggest that the natural seepage of oil and gas can be a significant process in the deep ocean.
Efficacy of tacrolimus in the treatment of steroid refractory autoimmune hepatitis.

BackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune mediated chronic liver disease with a prevalence of 17 cases/100,000. Resistance to the standard treatment of AIH (prednisone and azathioprine) occurs in 15% to 20%. There is currently no standard treatment of patients with steroid refractory AIH.Goa