cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Generalized Procedure for Monitoring Right‐censored Failure Time Data

Right-censored failure time data is a common data type in manufacturing industry and healthcare applications. Some control charting procedures were previously proposed to monitor the right-censored failure time data under some specific distributional assumptions for the observed failure times and censoring times. But these assumptions may not be always satisfied in the real-world data. Therefore, a more generalized control chart technique, which can handle different types of distributions of the data, is highly needed. Considering the limitations of existing methodologies for detecting changes of hazard rate, this paper develops a generalized statistical procedure to monitor the failure time data in the presence of random right censoring when abundant historical failure times are available. The developed method makes use of the one-sample nonparametric rank tests without any specific assumptions of the data distribution. The operating characteristic functions of the control chart are derived on the basis of the asymptotic properties of the rank statistics. Case studies are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed control chart technique, and its performance is investigated and compared with some Shewhart-type control charts based on the conditional expected value weight. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE EFFECT OF CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS UPON THE METABOLISM OF INTACT HUMAN CANCER CELLS: AN IN VITRO TECHNIC FOR CELL SENSITIVITY.

The effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents upon the metabolism of human ascites and leukemic leukocytes was investigated. Human leukemic blast cells show 2-3 times the respiratory activity of "chronic" cells. From a study of the effects of eight chemotherapeutic drugs upon the respiration of human leukemic leukocytes and human ascites cells, relative index of cell sensitivity was obtained. The alkaloid, vinblastine sulfate, and the alkylating agents, triethylenethiophosphoramide and nitrogen mustard, were found to be more toxic to human cancer cells than the antimetabolites, 6-mercaptopurine, 8-azaguanine, aminopterin, diazouracil, or prednisone. Stimulation of aerobic glycolysis was found for all chemicals except aminopterin (no effect) and nitrogen mustard (inhibition). No correlation between stimulation of lactic acid production and inhibition of respiration was found. Stimulation of lactic acid production could be produced under conditions where respiration was unchanged. Only nitrogen mustard differed in that inhibition of respiration always accompanied inhibition of lactic acid production. Most chemotherapeutic agents tested are Pasteur effect inhibitors. An unusual stimulation of glucose disappearance to products unknown as yet was caused by 6-mercaptopurine in all cells tested. The potential usefulness of a cell sensitivity test in clinical chemotherapy is discussed.
A Debriefing Session with a Nutritionist Can Improve Dietary Assessment Using Food Diaries

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of a debriefing call on nutrient intake estimates using two 3-d food diaries among women participating in the Women's Health and Interview Study (WISH) Diet Validation Study. Subjects were 207 women with complete data and six 24-h recalls (24-HR) by telephone over 8 mo followed by two 3-d food diaries during the next 4 mo. Nutrient intake was assessed using the food diaries before and after a debriefing session by telephone. The purpose of the debriefing call was to obtain more detailed information on the types and amounts of fat in the diet. However, due to the ubiquitous nature of fat in the diet, the debriefing involved providing more specific detail on many aspects of the diet. There was a significant difference in macronutrient and micronutrient intake estimates after the debriefing. Estimates of protein, carbohydrate, and fiber intake were significantly higher and total fat, monounsaturated fat, saturated fat, vitamin A, vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, folic acid, and calcium intake were significantly lower after the debriefing (P < 0.05). The limits of agreement between the food diaries before and after the debriefing were especially large for total fat intake, which could be under- or overestimated by approximately 15 g/d. The debriefing call improved attenuation coefficients associated with measurement error for vitamin C, folic acid, iron, alpha tocopherol, vitamin A, and calcium estimates. A hypothetical relative risk (RR) = 2.0 could be attenuated to 1.16 for folic acid intake assessed without a debriefing but to only 1.61 with a debriefing. Depending on the nutrients of interest, the inclusion of a debriefing can reduce the potential attenuation of RR in studies evaluating diet disease associations.
Pediatric pain practices: A national survey of health professionals

Abstract The Purpose of this study was to examine how health-care providers in U.S. teaching hospitals assess and manage children's pain. A 59-item questionnaire was sent to institutions with pediatric residency programs listed in the 1992 National Residency Matching Program. Two hundred and twenty-seven questionnaires were sent and 113 were returned. Two-thirds were from nurses, one-third from physicians. Sixty percent of the respondents stated that they had standards of care or protocols for pain in their institutions, but only one-quarter reported that the standards were followed 80% or more of the time. Use of formal pain-assessment tools was reported by 73 % of the sample. Respondents reported that the effectiveness of pain assessment and management was lower for infants and younger children. Only 35 % of the sample indicated it was "likely" or "very, likely" that parents would be involved in planning prior to a painful event. Several obstacles to adequate pain management were identified by the respondents: knowledge deficit, attitudes, and resources.
Localized Nitric Oxide Signaling Mediates Cardiac Mechano-Chemotransduction

Cardiac myocytes contract against a mechanical afterload during each heartbeat. We have developed a novel Cell-in-Gel system to impose 3D mechanical stresses on single cardiac myocytes during contraction. Using this new technique, we identified key molecules involved in transducing mechanical stress to alter Ca2+ dynamics. Increasing mechanical load causes enhanced contractility and elevated systolic Ca2+ transient that is mediated by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Increased load also causes a marked increase of diastolic spontaneous Ca2+ sparks, and their suppression is only effected by inhibition of nNOS but not eNOS. The differential effects on Ca2+ sparks may stem from the two-fold closer physical proximity of nNOS vs. eNOS to ryanodine receptors. In addition to NOS, NOX2 and CaMKII are also involved in the mechano-chemotransduction pathways, which together fine-tune cardiac contraction under mechanical load.
Sensitivity of WRF Model to Urban Parameterizations, With Applications to Chicago Metropolitan Urban Heat Island

Chicago is one of the most populated cites of US. It is located next to a freshwater source, Lake Michigan, and surrounded by productive agricultural land and diverse natural habitats. This study explores the sensitivity of mesoscale urban heat island (UHI) simulations to urban parameterizations, focusing on the Chicago metropolitan area (CMA) and its environs. For this purpose, a series of climate downscaling experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at 1 km horizontal resolution. A typical summer hot day in Chicago was considered, which is imitative of a summer day in the late 21st century. This study utilizes National Land Cover Database (NLCD) 2006 classifications to test UHI sensitivity for CMA. Among different urban parameterization schemes, BEP+BEM best reproduces the urban surface temperatures in comparison to other urban schemes. Results show that UHI is more pronounced with BEP and BEP+BEM schemes due to explicit accounting of anthropogenic heat (AH). The study also investigates the effects of urbanization on regional climate by replacing Chicago metropolitan area by agricultural landscape, which yielded increased surface wind speeds due to reduced mechanical and thermal resistance.© 2014 ASME
Evidence for a rheologically strong chemical mantle root beneath the Ontong^Java Plateau

Shear wave splitting measurements, in conjunction with studies of shear wave velocity structure, indicate that the Ontong^Java Plateau (OJP) large igneous province (LIP) has a thick, compositionally distinct root that diverts asthenospheric mantle flow beneath the Pacific plate. The OJP, the largest of Earth’s LIPs, stands 2 km above adjacent Pacific abyssal plains and is composed of mantle plume derived volcanics erupted at 122 and 90 Ma. Surface wave tomography of the Plateau reveals a seismically slow upper mantle root that extends approximately to 300 km depth. The thickness and juxtaposition of the Plateau and the mantle root imply that the OJP is the preserved ‘head’ of a rising mantle plume formed in situ when the LIP erupted. Thus, it is a far-traveled body currently moving northwestwards with the Pacific plate. Shear wave splitting at four seismic stations along the northern margin of the OJP varies systematically: the fast axis of seismic anisotropy at three stations on the NE OJP margin trend NW, parallel to hotspot-defined Pacific absolute plate motion; at a fourth station, on the NW margin of the Plateau, the fast shear wave trend is NE. Upper mantle flow directions delineated by the shear wave splitting could thus represent mantle flow diverted around the leading, northwestern face of the rheologically strong, chemically distinct OJP root. In sum, the Plateau and its deep root appear to be similar to continental tectosphere, except for contrasting seismic velocities. fl 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Surface Reconstruction of Aluminum Metallization -- a New Potential Wearout Mechanism

The surface of aluminum metallization on silicon devices can reconstruct with elevated temperature treatments due to the relief of compressive stresses induced by thermal expansion differences between aluminum and silicon. This reconstruction can cause reliability problems because of the development of thin regions in the metal. Also, in multilayer circuits, hillocks can punch through the oxide layer and cause electrical shorts. In this paper the surface reconstruction is categorized into two modes: high temperature--few cycles (device processing) and low temperature--many cycles (device operation). Mechanisms for each of these reconstruction modes are postulated and suggestions for reducing or eliminating this effect are made.
Acid catalysis by dealuminated zeolite-Y: I. Methanol dehydration and cumene dealkylation

Abstract A series of dealuminated Y-type zeolites was prepared by reaction of HY with SiCl4 at elevated temperatures. Methanol dehydration and cumene dealkylation were used as test reactions to probe acid sites of weak and moderate strength, respectively. Zeolites dealuminated at temperatures up to 550 °C exhibited catalytic activity for both reactions, but samples dealuminated at 750 °C were relatively inactive. Both for methanol dehydration and for cumene dealkylation the activity was linearly proportional to the number of framework aluminum ions over the range from 0 to 14 aluminum ions per unit cell. Thus, assuming one acid site per framework aluminum ion, the turn-over frequency (TOF) was essentially constant in this range. The activity of catalysts containing ca. 30 Al/u.c. was less than expected for both reactions, probably because of diffusional limitations. Moreover, a normal HY zeolite exhibited much less activity than anticipated on the basis of its framework aluminum content. The difference in TOF between the dealuminated and the HY zeolite suggests that the latter material has a large number of weak acid sites. The difference was accentuated by the more demanding cumene dealkylation reaction.
A fast implicit upwind solution algorithm for three-dimensional unstructured dynamic meshes

A fast implicit upwind algorithm for the solution of the time-dependent Euler equations is presented for aerodynamic analysis involving unstructured dynamic meshes. The spatial discretization of the scheme is based on the upwind approach of Roe, referred to as flux-difference splitting (FDS). The FDS approach is naturally dissipative and captures shock waves and contact discontinuities sharply. The temporal discretization of the scheme involves an implicit time-integration using a two-sweep Gauss-Seidel relaxation procedure. The procedure is computationally efficient for either steady or unsteady flow problems. A detailed description is given of the implicit upwind solution algorithm along with results which assess the capability. The results are presented for the NACA 0012 airfoil and for the Boeing 747 aircraft. The 747 geometry includes the fuselage, wing, horizontal and vertical tails, under-wing pylons, and flow-through engine nacelles. Euler solutions for the 747 aircraft on an unstructured tetrahedral mesh containing approximately 100,000 cells were obtained to engineering accuracy in less than one hour CPU time on a Cray-2 computer.
Taylor, Katz, and Grajeda, Music, Sound, and Technology in America: A Documentary History of Early Phonograph, Cinema, and Radio

Durham, NC: Duke University Press. 410 pages.Media scholars, audiophiles, and cultural historians alike will enjoy this extremely well-researched snapshot of American society as it dealt with the i...
Postoperative and Long-Term Outcome of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been conventionally associated with increased operative mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting. Some studies, however, challenge this association. Moreover, the effect of COPD on long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting has not been adequately assessed. Thus, in this clinical setting, both early and late outcome require further examination. Methods We studied 3,760 consecutive patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between 1992 and 2002. The propensity for COPD was determined by logistic regression analysis, and each patient with COPD was matched with 3 patients without COPD. Matched groups were compared for early outcome and long-term survival (mean follow-up, 7.6 years). Long-term survival data were obtained from the National Death Index. Results There were 550 patients (14.6%) with COPD. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with COPD were older and sicker. However, propensity-matched groups did not differ in terms of hospital mortality or major morbidity, although COPD was associated with a slightly longer hospital stay. In contrast, COPD patients had increased long-term mortality, with a hazard ratio of 1.28 (95% confidence intervals, 1.11 to 1.47; p = 0.001). Freedom from all-cause mortality at 7 years after CABG was 65% and 72% in matched patients with and without COPD, respectively ( p = 0.008). In patients with COPD, the hazard estimate was consistently increased up to 9 years postoperatively. Conclusions Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, although not an independent predictor of increased early mortality and morbidity in this series, is a continuing detrimental risk factor for long-term survival.
Unusual aneurysm of the membranous interventricular septum.

Abstract The case of a patient with a huge aneurysm of the membranous interventricular septum is presented. This is believed to be the first such patient without associated anomalies to have undergone successful resection.
Recombinant Human DNA (Cytosine-5) Methyltransferase I. EXPRESSION, PURIFICATION, AND COMPARISON OF DE NOVO AND MAINTENANCE METHYLATION

Abstract A method is described to express and purify human DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferase (human DNMT1) using a protein splicing (intein) fusion partner in a baculovirus expression vector. The system produces ∼1 mg of intact recombinant enzyme >95% pure per 1.5 × 109 insect cells. The protein lacks any affinity tag and is identical to the native enzyme except for the two C-terminal amino acids, proline and glycine, that were substituted for lysine and aspartic acid for optimal cleavage from the intein affinity tag. Human DNMT1 was used for steady-state kinetic analysis with poly(dI-dC)·poly(dI-dC) and unmethylated and hemimethylated 36- and 75-mer oligonucleotides. The turnover number (k cat) was 131–237 h−1 on poly(dI-dC)·poly(dI-dC), 1.2–2.3 h−1 on unmethylated DNA, and 8.3–49 h−1 on hemimethylated DNA. The Michaelis constants for DNA (K m CG) andS-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) (K m AdoMet) ranged from 0.33–1.32 and 2.6–7.2 μm, respectively, whereas the ratio ofk cat/K m CGranged from 3.9 to 44 (237–336 for poly(dI-dC)·poly(dI-dC)) × 106 m −1 h−1. The preference of the enzyme for hemimethylated, over unmethylated, DNA was 7–21-fold. The values of k cat on hemimethylated DNAs showed a 2–3-fold difference, depending upon which strand was pre-methylated. Furthermore, human DNMT1 formed covalent complexes with substrates containing 5-fluoro-CNG, indicating that substrate specificity extended beyond the canonical CG dinucleotide. These results show that, in addition to maintenance methylation, human DNMT1 may also carry out de novo and non-CG methyltransferase activities in vivo.
Free-text comments: understanding the value in family member descriptions of hospice caregiver relationships.

Invitations for free-text comments on surveys provide family members of hospice patients an opportunity to “tell” their story of the hospice experience and caregiver relationships during the last months of life. These comments are a rich source of data for understanding the complex interpersonal relationships that influence patient/family perceptions of both quality of care and quality of life. Analysis of 438 free-text comments provided by 243 hospice family members revealed 5 emergent caregiver relationship themes: knowledge, skills, and abilities; empathy and compassion; trust and acceptance; communication experience and time spent with caregiver. Findings support the value of free-text comments to explain or add depth to quality assessments, modify therapeutic interventions, and identify strategies for process improvement that advance hospice quality of care.
Chemically defined requirements for the survival of cultured 8-day chick embryo ciliary ganglion neurons

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that both peripheral and central neurons from embryonic chick and newborn mouse can be maintained in a serum-free defined culture medium containing the appropriate neuronotrophic agent and the N1 supplement consisting of insulin, transferrin, putrescine, progesterone and selenite. In the present studies we have examined the short-term survival requirements of 8-day embryonic chick ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons. By comparing CG neuronal survival in our standard culture medium, Eagle's Basal Medium (EBM), with several other commercially available basal media, we have established that CG neurons also have specific requirements for pyruvate, serine and iron (Fe 3+ ), in addition to their trophic factor (Ciliary Neuronotrophic Factor, CNTF) and the N1 supplement. The data suggest the existence of 3 subsets of CG neurons differing in their essential needs, namely: (1) those supported by glucose in the absence of pyruvate, (2) those requiring exogenous pyruvate but not serine or Fe 3+ , and (3) those which need pyruvate, serine and Fe 3+ . The minimal effective concentration of pyruvate could be decreased by a factor of 50 in the concurrent presence of serine and Fe 3+ . Serine was also a limiting element in the survival of some of these CG neurons. The Fe 3+ concentration required by the same neurons was considerably diminished with the availabilitty of transferrin, perhaps reflecting an increased Fe 3+ transmembrane transport efficiency. Insulin was found to be the only N1 ingredient required for the survival of CG neurons. Insulin was a constant requirement for all 3 subsets of CG neurons, even when cultured in the total absence of glucose (but presence of pyruvate).
Electrochemically characterizing the ac–dc–ac accelerated test method using embedded electrodes

Abstract Embedded sensors were used as an in situ corrosion-sensing device for aircraft and vehicular structures protected by organic coatings. Results are presented where changes associated with standard air force aircraft and army vehicle coatings were monitored by embedded sensors. These coatings consisted of a polyurethane topcoat and an epoxy primer, however are formulated to provide different characteristics. The ac–dc–ac testing method was used to accelerate the degradation of these coatings while being immersed in a NaCl medium. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical noise measurement experiments were used to monitor the induced changes. A comparison of the results between coatings subjected to the ac–dc–ac exposure and coatings subjected to only constant immersion in the NaCl medium is presented. The results were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ac–dc–ac method at accelerating the degradation of an organic coating without observably changing the normal mechanism of degradation. The data highlights the different features of the coating systems and tracks them while the coating is being degraded. The aircraft coating was characterized by a high-resistant topcoat that can mask corrosion/primer degradation at the primer/substrate interface whereas the vehicle coating was characterized by a low-resistant topcoat with an effective corrosion inhibiting primer. Details of the ac–dc–ac degradation were evaluated by using an equivalent circuit to help interpret the electrochemical impedance data.
Dynamical magnetic reconnection in Parker's coronal heating model

Abstract The excitation (flares, ejections, heating, …) of the corona can be understood in terms of the dynamics of the confectively driven magnetized plasma. In particular, anomalous ohmic heating may be a consequence of the formation and rapid dissipation of small-scale magnetic fields in the corona. We have performed numerical simulations of the loop heating model proposed by Parker (1972, 1994), and have studied its dynamics and global power balance in order to assess its viability as a coronal heating candidate, with promising results. Our results suggest the following view of the small-scale dynamics of coronal loops. First of all, photospheric granular motions quasi-statically twist the magnetic field of the corona in a random-walk fashion. In topologically closed structures, the perpendicular magnetic energy increases, causing magnetic shear to build up at the quasi-separatrices of the resulting close-packed magnetic flux tubes. At some point, the boundary driving causes this stressed configuration to cross the threshold of an ideal time-scale MHD instability (possibly magnetic coalescence or resistive tearing) or a point of nonequilibrium and the field lines pinch toward a small-scale sheared configuration. It then becomes energetically favorable for dynamic reconnection to occur, producing narrow current sheets and an Ohmic heating rate sufficient to balance the input Poynting flux.
Noise-shaping sense amplifier for MRAM cross-point arrays

A sensing technique using a voltage-mode architecture, noise-shaping modulator, and digital filter (a counter) is presented for use with cross-point MRAM arrays and magnetic tunnel junction memory cells. The presented technique eliminates the need for precision components, the use of calibrations, and reduces the effects of power supply noise. To obviate the effects of cell-to-cell variations in the array, a digital self-referencing scheme using the counter is presented. Measured experimental results in a 180-nm CMOS process indicate an RMS sensing noise of 20 /spl mu/V for a 5-/spl mu/s sense time. Further increases in sense time are shown to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The current used by the sense amplifier and counter was measured as 10 /spl mu/A when running at 100 MHz or 10 mA when 1000 sense amplifiers are used with a memory subarray having 1000 bitlines.
Effects of Dynamic Compressive Load on Collagen-Based Scaffolds Seeded with Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes

Synoviocytes have been speculated to play potential reparative and remodeling roles in vascular meniscal injuries. In addition, synoviocytes may mediate the transformation of intraarticularly place...
Lipopolysaccharide and polyribonucleotide activation of macrophages: implications for a natural triggering signal in tumor cell killing.

Abstract There is evidence that activation of macrophages for tumor cell killing can involve either two signals (interferon/lipopolysaccharide, for example) or one signal (lipopolysaccharide or double-stranded RNA, for example). We investigated the apparent one-signal activation of bone marrow-derived macrophages for P815 mastocytoma killing by treatment with lipopolysacchride (LPS) or by the synthetic double-stranded polyribonucleotide polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). We found that “direct” activation of macrophages by either LPS or poly I:C was still a two-signal process. Based on antibody neutralizations, the first signal was probably mediated by LPS or poly I:C induced α/β interferon in the macrophage cultures, and the second signal was that of a direct effect of the LPS or poly I:C on the cell. The fact that poly I:C can provide the triggering signal for macrophage activation suggests a possible role for double-stranded RNA structures in macrophage triggering. Such double-stranded RNA requirements could be met by single-stranded RNAs that possess significant double-strandedness in their structures.
Biochemical sensors based on polymer microring resonators

Photonic microring resonators have great potential in the application of highly sensitive label-free biosensors due to high Q-factor resonances. Design consideration, device fabrication techniques, methods to increase the resonance Q-factors, and preliminary experimental data on biomolecular detections are discussed in this paper.
Correction for fast guessing and the speed-accuracy tradeoff in choice reaction time

In choice reaction time tasks, response latency varies as the subject changes his bias for speed vs accuracy; this is the speed-accuracy tradeoff. Ollman's Fast Guess model provides a mechanism for this tradeoff by allowing the subject to vary his probability of making a guess response rather than a stimulus controlled response (SCR). It is shown that the mean latency of SCR's (μs) in two-choice experiments can be estimated from a single session, regardless of how the subject adjusts his guessing probability. Three experiments are reported in which μs apparently remained virtually constant despite tradeoffs in which accuracy varied from chance to near-perfect. From the standpoint of the Fast Guess model, this result is interpreted to mean that the tradeoff here was produced almost entirely by mixing different proportions of fast guesses and constant (mean) latency SCR's. The final sections of the paper discuss the question of what other models might be compatible with μs invariance.
Planar Dielectric Lens for 3D Imaging

We demonstrate 3D imaging using a planar dielectric system based on strongly anisotropic dielectric material. The proposed planar dielectric lens is capable of subwavelength resolution and doesn't rely on either magnetic response or periodic patterning.
Further evidence for the existence of a heavy K-meson or heavy hyperon

Among the branches of a star of type 17 + 3n, found in a stack of stripped emulsions flown at high altitude, was a slow particle which, after a path of 44 μm, stopped in the emulsion and gave rise to a K-meson of 42 MeV kinetic energy. The primary track seemed to be due to a singly charged particle of roughly protonic mass. The absence of visible secondaries at the end of the range of the K-meson, indicated that the latter was captured by a nucleus of the emulsion i.e. it was negatively charged. The event is therefore interpreted as due to the nuclear capture of a « heavy K-meson » or a « heavy hyperon ». A photograph of the event is shown.
Demography of grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Homoptera: Phylloxeridae), at different temperatures

Grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch), were reared on excised roots of grapes, Vitis vinifera L., ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, maintained in petri-dish chambers. Egg-hatching and life-table parameters were determined at temperatures ranging from 7 to 39°C and 16 to 32°C, respectively. Percentage of eggs hatching was decreased at temperatures of ≤16°C and >36°C. At 16°C, population growth was low; at 32°C no phylloxera lived to adulthood. Expectations of phylloxera population growth in the field based on these results correspond with the severity of phylloxera-induced damage observed in three viticultural regions in California.
The absorption of colloidal carbon from the body cavity of Ammocoetes. A study of the structure and function of the larval kidneys and blood forming tissues

Colloidal carbon injected into the coelom of the larval lamprey, Ammocoetes, is taken up directly by the pronephric tubules. Due to the absence of nephrostomes the mesonephric tubules do not function in a similar way. The tubules of neither show any intracellular deposition of carbon. The reticular elements which support both these kidneys exhibit pronounced phagocytic and hemocytopoietic activity. Carbon in either a free or included form reaches all the other organs both as a result of direct invasion or secondary distribution by the vascular system. The liver is the only organ whose vascular endothelium exhibits cytopoietic properties. To the diffuse spleen as a site of blood cell formation thus should be added the reticular tissue of the pronephros and mesonephros and the vascular endothelium of the liver. Playing a minor role in a similar way are the intestinal mucosa exclusive of that in the typhlosole and the spongy tissue dorsal to the neural tube.
Job Satisfaction Among Early Labor Force Participants: Unexpected Outcomes in Public and Private Sector Comparisons:

This study presents a systematic investigation of the level of job satisfaction among anational cross-section of early labor force participants in the public and private employmentsectors in the late 1980s. While the conventional wisdom would suggest that there is a "crisis"in the level of job satisfaction among public sector employees—due to extensive "bureaucratbashing" and the alienative internal dynamics of working within overly rigid and rule-boundorganizations—the findings presented here suggest that public sector employees manifest significantly higher levels of job satisfaction than their private sector counterparts. After controlling for a variety of background, personal, and situational factors, the higher level of publicsector job satisfaction remains. The empirical evidence utilized in this study is from theNational Longitudinal Survey's Youth Cohort.
Monitoring patients during helicopter flight

In 11 patients being transported via helicopter we monitored heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, and systolic blood pressure with a pulse oximeter. We were able to obtain vital signs in 10 of 11 patients. The pulse oximeter was a useful tool in monitoring vital signs intraflight.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of (bis-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) acetylacetonate complexes

Abstract The synthesis, electrochemistry, spectroscopy and electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of five bis-bipyridine ruthenium(II) complexes containing acetylacetonate complexes are reported. More specifically, (bpy)2Ru(BA)2(PF6) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; BA = benzoylacetonate), (bpy)2Ru(TTFA)(PF6) (TTFA = thenoyltrifluoroacetonate), (bpy)2Ru(TFPB)(PF6) (TFPB = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedionate), (bpy)2Ru(TFPD)(PF6) (TFPD = 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-4-pentanedionate), and (bpy)2Ru(DBM)(PF6) (DBM = dibenzoylmethide) display UV–Vis, photoluminescence, electrochemical and ECL properties characteristic of ruthenium bipyridyl complexes. All complexes display absorptions in the UV and visible regions of the spectra, with visible absorptions ranging from 350 to 700 nm, typical of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions. Photoluminescence emission maxima are also characteristic of MLCT transitions with wavelength maxima from 575 to 600 nm depending on the nature of the acetylacetonate ligand. ECL efficiencies for the complexes (ϕecl ∼ 0.013–0.051) are much lower than a Ru ( bpy ) 3 2 + standard (ϕecl = 1) with electron-withdrawing substituents resulting in lower efficiencies.
Test of a Calibration Device for Airborne Lyman-α Hygrometers

Abstract A calibration device was designed to fit over the Lyman-α (LA) probes on the NCAR King Air aircraft to allow the introduction of pure nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide gases into the probe's radiation path. With these three gases, it was possible to calculate three of the most important terms in the LA humidity equation: path length, reference voltage (radiation) and oxygen absorption. This calibration device was tested in France during the HAPEX-MOBILHY field program, and was found to perform successfully. As a result of the calibration, it was found that the effective LA path lengths during HAPEX were significantly different from the “nominal” path length physically set at the start of the experiment. Also, the oxygen absorption cross section was over twice as large as the published values, suggesting that the emission spectra of the lamps used in the LA probes are contaminated with other emission lines. The measured LA probe output reference voltages for no absorption were found to be slowl...
Optical Cavity Design For Wavelength-Resonant Surface-Emitting Semiconductor Lasers

Recently, we have demonstrated a novel surface-emitting semiconductor laser with a wavelength-resonant periodic gain medium, which has performed significantly better than conventional double-heterostructure and multiple-quantum-well vertical-cavity devices. The gain medium consists of a series of half-wave-spaced quantum wells which provides enhanced longitudinal gain at a selected wavelength in the vertical direction, reducing transverse amplified spontaneous emission, lowering the threshold and raising the quantum efficiency. However, because the antinodes of the standing-wave optical field must coincide with the quantum wells, considerable attention must be devoted to designing the vertical cavity. Here we examine various cavity configurations in which the wavelength-resonant periodic gain medium has been incorporated. Multilayer epitaxial reflectors are particularly attractive for fabricating monolithic vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers.
Polyimide-matrix chemical-selective membranes

Preliminary work using polyimide (PI) as the polymer matrix for permselective membranes is reported in this paper. The excellent adhesion of polyimide may be helpful in extending solid-state chemical sensor lifetimes. Electrochemical performance and adhesion to S&N, of these membranes is compared to that of conventional PVC-based membranes.
Health care system collapse in the united states: Capitalist market failure!

When compared with other industrialized free-market economies, the United States has the highest per capita health expenditure, yet, Americans are the least satisfied with their health care system. This industry has been confronted with serious problems resulting in a departure from the ‘Pareto efficient’ conditions. There are many circumstances under which this departure may occur, one such cause is ‘market failure.’ Sources of market failure in the health care industry are identified as: 1) lack of competition; 2) insufficient information; 3) inadequate access to health care services; 4) presence of externalities; and 5) a persistent disequilibrium in the hospital, physicians, and nurses markets. The pricing of physician's services has often been described as that of a discriminating monopolist. Through market segmentation and patient demand manipulation the physician is able to charge different prices for virtually identical services. One form of market segmentation is that of physician specialization and sub-specializations thus contributing to the explosion in medical costs. This paper concludes that America's health care industry has reached a crossroad. A national health insurance is needed including the implementation of uniform pricing and the discouragement of ‘sub-specializations’ with its price discriminatory practices. But National Health Insurance comes with a price of its own, the possible development of a ‘medical-industrial complex.’
Kinetics of adsorption of proteins at interfaces: role of protein conformation in diffusional adsorption

To elucidate the role of protein conformation in the kinetics of adsorption at interfaces, seven structural intermediates of bovine serum albumin were prepared and their adsorption at the air/water interface was studied. Molecular area calculations indicated two distinct molecular processes, the first being the creation of an area, ΔA1, for anchoring the molecule during the initial phase of adsorption and the second being the ΔA2 cleared during subsequent reorientation and rearrangement of adsorbed molecules at the interface. The ΔA1 values for all the albumin intermediates were the same, indicating that the initial work πΔA1 needed to anchor the molecule at the interface was independent of solution conformation of the protein. Unlike ΔA1, ΔA2 exhibited a bell-shaped relationship with the extent of refolded state of the intermediates. Calculation of diffusion coefficient indicated that greater the unfolded state of the albumin intermediate, the greater was the diffusion coefficient. It is shown that the simple diffusion theory is inadequate to explain quantitatively the kinetics of protein adsorption. Specific, conformation-dependent, solute-solvent and solute-interface interactions also seem to influence the kinetics of adsorption of proteins.
Multidimensional microscopy image processing

A confocal image processing system is developed for automatic identification (recognition) and characterization of confocal fluorescent images (serial optical sections). The system is capable of identifying a large percentage of structures (e.g., DNA replication sites) in the presence of background noise and non specific staining of cellular structures. A combination of image processing techniques are applied to successively refine the input image and is so organized as to find the surfaces of highly visible structures first, using simple image processing techniques, and then to adjust and fill in the missing areas of these object surfaces using a number of more complex image processing techniques. As a result, the image analysis system is capable of obtaining morphometric parameters such as surface area, volume, and position of structures of interest automatically. The system provides a powerful tool for biomedical research such as micro-structure characterization, morphogenesis, cell differentiation, tissue organization, and embryo development. We illustrate the performance of the confocal image analysis system by using an image of DNA replication sites in a mammalian 3T3 cell.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Computers on Wheels: An Alternative to Each One Has One.

Four fifth-grade classrooms embarked on a modified ubiquitous computing initiative in the fall of 2003. Two 15-computer wireless laptop carts were shared among the four classrooms in an effort to integrate technology across the curriculum and affect change in student learning and teacher pedagogy. This initiative—in contrast to other one-to-one programmemess and stationary labs—offers public schools alternatives to budget constraints and instructional-space overhead. Results indicate positive teacher technology competence and confidence, as well as instructional strategies that were student-centred made meaningful uses of technology. Teacher technological knowledge and efficacy, pedagogical knowledge, and a supportive school community seem to be strong indicators for impacting technology integration in this context.
Elastic scattering of protons by beryllium

A new experimental technique has been developed to measure excitation functions for the 9Be(p, p) reaction. This technique uses thick targets and applies the elastic backscattering method. The angular distribution was measured for scattering angles from 142° to 165° in the proton energy region between 2300 and 2700 eV. Elastic scattering data were analyzed and fitted in terms of a combination of Breit-Wigner resonant cross sections and a constant background. The differential cross-section measurements were compared where possible to previous data using thin targets. Analysis of the present data indicates that the scattering is probably not s-wave but a mixture of p- and d-wave. The experimental technique is simple in practice and very time efficient. It can be used to make absolute measurements of the nuclear reaction or elastic scattering cross sections for many other projectile-target combinations.
O−H Bond Dissociation Enthalpies in Oximes: Order Restored

The O−H bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) of 13 oximes, RR‘CNOH, having R and/or R‘ = H, alkyl, and aryl are reported. Experimental anchor points used to validate the results of theoretical calculations include (1) the O−H BDEs of (t-Bu)2CNOH, t-Bu(i-Pr)CNOH, and t-Bu(1-Ad)CNOH determined earlier from the heat released in the reaction of (t-Bu)2CNO• with (PhNH)2 in benzene and EPR spectroscopy (Mahoney, L. R.; Mendenhall, G. D.; Ingold, K. U. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1973, 95, 8610), all of which were decreased by 1.7 kcal/mol to reflect a revision to the heat of formation of (E)-azobenzene (which has significant ramifications for other BDEs) and to correct for the heat of hydrogen bonding of (t-Bu)2CNOH ( = 0.43 measured in this work) to benzene, and (2) the measured rates of thermal decomposition of six RR‘CNOCH2Ph at 423 or 443 K, which were used to derive O−H BDEs for the corresponding RR‘CNOH. Claims (Bordwell, F. G.; Ji, G. Z. J. Org. Chem. 1992, 57, 3019; Bordwell, F. G.; Zhang, S. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 199...
Ultrasound in austere settings: a case report from a field hospital in Haiti

This case report from a field hospital in post-earthquake Haiti underscores the utility of portable ultrasound in austere environments. An 8-year-old boy was evaluated for several weeks of fevers and chills, general malaise, and increasing abdominal girth. He appeared ill with mild tachypnea, decreased breath sounds at bilateral lung bases, a distended abdomen with a palpable fluid wave, and bilateral pitting edema. This clinical picture was concerning for advanced schistosomiasis and ultrasound findings supported this presumptive diagnosis and helped direct treatment. Images from this case demonstrated several classic ultrasound findings described by the WHO including hepatosplenomegaly and diffuse fibrotic changes in the hepatobiliary and urogenital tracts. This case report demonstrates the effective use of portable ultrasound in making an accurate diagnosis and forming a definitive treatment plan for a patient in a resource-limited environment.
Benthic species diversity along a depth gradient: Boston Harbor to Lydonia Canyon

Abstract Benthic infaunal samples collected from depths ranging from 5.9 to 2180 m, from nearshore in Boston Harbor to offshore on the continental slope off the coast of Massachusetts, USA, were evaluated for changes in diversity with depth using expected species at a subsample size of 100, ES(100), as well as Fisher's log-series alpha. All samples were processed with fine mesh (0.3 mm) screens and identified by the same team of researchers, who provided a high and comparable level of expertise. Both measures of diversity were made at the single sample level. An analysis of the variation in these measures, based on a linear mixed model, showed that the largest source of variation was due to depth followed by stations within the same depth range. Variation between cruises/years was relatively small. Communities from the shallowest harbor stations out to 168 m at the edge of the continental shelf had a wide range of diversities, but exhibited no apparent pattern of change with depth or sediment type. The highest diversities were found at mid-slope depths (1220–1350 m). Diversities at 2065–2180 m overlapped with those from mid-slope depths, but were generally lower.
Reduced Hospitalization Cost for Upper Gastrointestinal Events That Occur Among Elderly Veterans Who Are Gastroprotected

Background & Aims Despite prescription of gastroprotection among elderly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users, residual bleeding can still occur. We sought to determine the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on hospitalization and resource use among veterans in whom an upper gastrointestinal event (UGIE) occurred. Methods We identified from national pharmacy records veterans ≥65 years prescribed an NSAID, cyclooxygenase-2 selective NSAID (coxib), or salicylate (>325 mg/day) at any Veterans Affairs (VA) facility (01/01/00–12/31/04). Prescription fill data were linked longitudinally to a Veterans Affairs-Medicare dataset of inpatient, outpatient, and death files, and demographic and provider data. Among veterans in whom a UGIE occurred, we assessed the effect of prescription strategy on hospitalization, using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results A total of 3566 UGIEs occurred among a cohort that was predominantly male (97.5%), white (77%), with a mean age of 73.5 (SD, 5.7). Hospitalization occurred in 47.5%, and gastroprotection was associated with a 30% reduction in hospitalization compared with no PPI. Five-year pharmacy costs associated with the PPI strategy exceeded the no-PPI strategy ($742,406 vs $184,282); however, a substantial reduction in medical costs was observed with PPI ($9,948,738 vs $18,686,081). Conclusions Even if an NSAID-UGIE occurs in the PPI-protected older veteran, the reduction in need for hospitalization results in a cost saving to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
THORACIC ATHEROSCLEROSIS IS AN INDEPENDENT PREDICTOR OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH ABSENCE OF CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM

In patients with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of zero on non-contrast CT, the predictive value of thoracic aortic calcium (TAC) for the subsequent development of CAC has not been fully evaluated. We studied 1479 asymptomatic subjects (mean age 52.0±8.7 years, 64% male) with CAC=0 who
Salinity tolerance and mycorrhizal responsiveness of native xeroriparian plants in semi-arid western USA

Restoration of salt-affected soils is a global concern. In the western United States, restoration of salinized land, particularly in river valleys, often involves control of Tamarix, an introduced species with high salinity tolerance. Revegetation of hydrologically disconnected floodplains and terraces after Tamarix removal is often difficult because of limited knowledge regarding the salinity tolerance of candidate native species for revegetation. Additionally, Tamarix appears to be non-mycorrhizal. Extended occupation of Tamarix may deplete arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the soil, further decreasing the success of revegetation efforts. To address these issues, we screened 42 species, races, or ecotypes native to southwestern U.S. for salinity tolerance and mycorrhizal responsiveness. As expected, the taxa tested showed a wide range of responses to salinity and mycorrhizal fungi. This variation also occurred between ecotypes or races of the same species, indicating that seed collected from high-salinity reference systems is likely better adapted to harsh conditions than seed originating from less saline environments. All species tested had a positive or neutral response to mycorrhizal inoculation. We found no clear evidence that mycorrhizae increased salinity tolerance, but some species were so dependent on mycorrhizal fungi that they grew poorly at all salinity levels in pasteurized soil.