cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 12 – Nonparametric Tests

Parametric tests are designed for idealized data. In contrast, nonparametric tests are designed for real data: skewed, lumpy, having a few warts, outliers, and gaps scattered about. Nonparametric methods are workhorses of modern science, which should be part of every scientist's competence. Beyond that, they are very valuable for learning data literacy because they encourage the student to gain a tangible “feel” for the data they are examining. Carrying out nonparametric tests may involve reordering the datapoints into ranks, pairing them up across groups, flipping coins to determine outcomes, or shuffling subjects or samples among different groups.
Chronic Megacolon Presenting in Adolescents or Adults: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Genetic Associations

Chronic megacolon is rarely encountered in clinical practice beyond infancy or early childhood. Most cases are sporadic, and some are familial megacolon and present during adolescence or adulthood. There is a need for diagnostic criteria and identifying genetic variants reported in non-Hirschsprung’s megacolon. PubMed search was conducted using specific key words. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, current diagnostic criteria, and intraluminal measurements of colonic compliance to confirm the diagnosis when the radiological imaging is not conclusive. Normal ranges of colonic compliance at 20, 30, and 44 mmHg distension are provided. The diverse genetic associations with chronic acquired megacolon beyond childhood are reviewed, including the potential association of SEMA3F gene in a family with megacolon. Measuring colonic compliance could be standardized and simplified by measuring volume at 20, 30, and 44 mmHg distension to identify megacolon when radiology is inconclusive. Diverse genetic associations with chronic acquired megacolon beyond childhood have been identified.
Comparison of early type 2 diabetes improvement after gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy: medication cessation at discharge predicts 1-year outcomes.

Abstract Background Although weight loss–dependent type 2 diabetes (T2D) improvement after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is well documented, whether SG has a weight-independent impact on T2D is less studied. Objectives To evaluate early, weight-independent T2D improvement after SG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and its relationship to longer-term T2D outcomes. Setting University Hospital, United States. Methods We completed a retrospective cohort study of patients with T2D who underwent SG (n = 187) or RYGB (n = 246) from 2010 to 2015. Pre- and postoperative parameters, including demographic characteristics, T2D characteristics, and T2D medication requirements, blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, weight, and body mass index, were reviewed. Results T2D improved within days after both SG and RYGB, with more patients off T2D medications after SG than RYGB (39% versus 25%, respectively; P Conclusions Both SG and RYGB lead to high rates of T2D medication cessation within days of surgery, suggesting both operations activate weight loss–independent anti-T2D pathways. T2D medication cessation at discharge is predictive of 12-month T2D outcomes, particularly in noninsulin requiring patients. By 1 year after the surgery, RYGB leads to more weight loss and higher rates of T2D medication cessation than SG.
Association and Dose-Response Relationship of Self-Reported Physical Activity and Disability Among Adults ≥50 Years: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2016.

Disability is a tremendous public health challenge. No study has assessed whether meeting U.S. Physical Activity guidelines is associated with disability in mobility tasks, activities of daily living, and social participation among U.S. older adults. Using 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, this study examined this relationship among 8,309 individuals aged ≥50 years. Most participants (n = 4,272) did not achieve guidelines, and 2,912 participants were completely inactive. People who did not meet guidelines had higher odds of disability compared with those who did (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.80) in addition to difficulty with mobility tasks (AOR = 1.85), activities of daily living (AOR = 1.66), and social participation (AOR = 2.09). There was a dose-response effect for each level of activity (inactive, insufficient, and meeting and exceeding recommendations). Among adults aged ≥50 years, meeting the U.S. guidelines was associated with better social and physical functioning.
Analysis of the effects of storage temperature and contamination on aerobic bacterial culture results of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

BACKGROUND Storage temperature of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) impacts cytological evaluation. The effect of storage temperature before bacterial culture has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES To assess whether BALF storage temperature alters aerobic bacterial culture results. ANIMALS Eight healthy, male, intact, purpose-bred Beagles. METHODS Prospective, controlled investigation. Samples of BALF were collected sterilely. Half of each sample was reserved for controls, and half was inoculated with 104 colony forming units per milliliter (cfu/mL) Bordetella bronchiseptica and 102 cfu/mL Escherichia coli. Control and inoculated samples each were separated into 4 aliquots (1 plated immediately; 3 stored at 4, 24, or 37°C, respectively, for 24 hours before aerobic bacterial culture). Colony counts were compared across treatments for each organism. RESULTS In inoculated samples, a statistical difference could not be detected in growth of E. coli or B. bronchiseptica between the baseline culture and BALF stored at 4°C for 24 hours before culture. However, for E. coli, growth in cfu/mL at both 24 and 37°C was higher compared to baseline (P < .05) and compared to 4°C (P < .05). For B. bronchiseptica cfu/mL, growth at 37°C was significantly different (P = .003) compared to both baseline and 4°C. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Samples of BALF may be stored at 4°C for 24 hours before culture without substantially altering culture results. Inappropriate storage or shipment temperature (room temperature or exposure to heat) can result in overgrowth of E. coli or B. bronchiseptica, which could alter clinical decisions.
Building a Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Academic Lymphedema Program.

Lymphedema is a debilitating clinical condition predominantly affecting survivors of cancer. It adversely affects patients' quality of life and results in substantial cost burdens to both patients and the healthcare system. Specialist lymphedema care is optimally provided within integrated clinical programs that align the necessary specialties to provide patient-focused, multidisciplinary, structured, and coordinated care. This article examines our experience building a specialist lymphedema academic program. Methods We describe the critical components necessary for constructing a multidisciplinary comprehensive academic lymphedema program. Furthermore, lessons learned from our experience building a successful lymphedema program are discussed. Results Building a comprehensive academic lymphedema program requires institutional support and engagement of stakeholders to establish the necessary infrastructure for comprehensive patient care. This includes the infrastructure for outpatient clinical assessment, diagnostic investigations, radiological imaging, collection of outcomes metrics, non-surgical treatment delivered by lymphedema-specialist therapists, surgical procedures using specialized equipment, and integration of an outpatient framework for comprehensive patient evaluation during follow-up at standardized time intervals. Conclusions This article examines our experience building a multidisciplinary comprehensive academic lymphedema program and provides a structured roadmap to benefit others that are embarking on this mission.
Swing shift: a mathematical approach to defensive positioning in baseball

Defensive repositioning strategies (shifts) have become more prevalent in Major League Baseball in recent years. In 2018, batters faced some form of the shift in 34% of their plate appearances (Sawchik, Travis. 2019. “Don’t Worry, MLB–Hitters Are Killing The Shift On Their Own.” FiveThirtyEight, January 17, 2019. Also available at fivethirtyeight.com/features/dont-worry-mlb-hitters-are-killing-the-shift-on-their-own/). Most teams use a shift that overloads one side of the infield and adjusts the positioning of the outfield. In this work we describe a mathematical approach to the positioning of players over the entire field of play without the limitations of traditional positions or current methods of shifting. The model uses historical data for individual batters, and it leaves open the possibility of fewer than four infielders. The model also incorporates risk penalties for positioning players too far from areas of the field in which extra-base hits are more likely. This work is meant to serve as a decision-making tool for coaches and managers to best use their defensive assets. Our simulations show that an optimal positioning with three infielders lowered predicted batting average on balls in play (BABIP) by 5.9% for right-handers and by 10.3% for left-handers on average when compared to a standard four-infielder placement of players.
Identifying areas for quality improvement through outpatient mortality review.

230Background: Inpatient mortality review is commonly used to improve patient care. Individual review of outpatient deaths is less common, yet 30-day mortality after hospital stay is an important q...
Microstructure, Hardness, and Residual Stress of the Dissimilar Metal Weldments of SA508-309L/308L-304L

A dissimilar metal weldment consisting of SA508-309L-308L-304L is widely used in light-water nuclear reactors. These weldments demonstrate dissimilar susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking that are related to the microstructure, properties, and residual stress. In this work, microstructures, hardness, and the residual stress distribution of the dissimilar metal weldments were investigated, with the correlation of increased hardness in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) to the microstructure. 304L HAZ demonstrated similar grain morphology as the base material, and the increase in hardness was primarily attributed to the increased dislocation density. SA508 HAZ demonstrated a change of grain morphology resulting from the different peak temperatures and cooling rates. The increased hardness in the SA508 HAZ was attributed to the refined grain morphology, higher dislocation density, and higher number density of precipitates. A ~ 20–30-μm-wide martensitic zone formed at the fusion boundary of SA508-309L, where Cr-rich carbide precipitates were observed, with the average size and the number density of 44.1 ± 16.9 nm and 1.5 × 1021 m−3, respectively. Residual stress results demonstrated the largest tensile stress at 309L butter, indicating its high cracking susceptibility.
A CMOS 160 Mb/s phase modulation I/O interface circuit

This paper proposes an approach to data transfer that can potentially achieve high rates without requiring the ultra fast clocks of other approaches, or extra wide buses. The idea is to transfer multiple bits over each pin within each clock cycle using modulation techniques common in communication systems. Phase modulation is simple in implementation and demonstrates 160 Mb/s peak transfer rate per pin using a 20 MHz clock. This scheme may prove effective for chip-to-chip or system bus interface both on printed circuit boards (PCBs) and multi-chip modules (MCMs). >
Dynamically generated heavy scalar fields in the Standard Model of Electroweak Interactions

It is shown that the gauge fixings of the Z and the W fields and three scalars are via nonconserved axial-vector and charged vector currents of massive fermions dynamically generated by fermion masses in the SM of EW interactions. The top quark mass provides enough strength for this chiral symmetry breaking. The masses of the three scalars are determined to be about $10^{14}$ GeV. These scalars have negative probability. They are the nonperturbative solutions of the SM. A new perturbation theory with dynamically generated and fixed gauge fixings is constructed. The Faddeev-Popov procedure is not invoked.
Comics, kitsch, and class: an autoethnographic exploration of an accidental academic

This article is an autoethnographical exploration of key events in the author’s life that influenced, even propelled, her into academia, despite working-class cultural and economic barriers. This study chronicles moments when circumstances converged to cause dramatic shifts in perspective that steered her toward a fulfilling life as a scholar. It also reveals the accidental nature of that journey and seeks to understand ways educators might encourage more deliberate academic pursuits for members of lower socioeconomic groups. The author argues for making universities more diverse and inclusive by recognizing the obstacles most working-class and poor students face and valuing the qualities necessary to overcome them.
Ambient-Temperature Ullman Reaction: 4,5,4′,5′-Tetramethoxy-1,1′-Biphenyl-2,2′-Dicarboxaldehyde

Ambient-temperature Ullman reaction: 4,5,4′,5′-tetramethoxy-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-dicarboxaldehyde intermediate: 6-Bromo-3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde cyclohexylimine reactant: cuprous iodidetriethyl phosphite complex intermediate: 6-iodoveratraldehyde cyclohexylimine product: 4,5,4′,5′-Tetramethoxy-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-carboxaldehyde (4) Keywords: addition, to CO; arylation; halogenation, iodination; metalation reactions, copper; assay methods, for butyllithium, with diphenylacetic acid; copper(i) iodide, triethyl phosphite complex, preparation of; 6-lithio-3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde cyclohexylimine; tetrahydrofuran; benzene; sodium cyanide, disposal; sodium cyanide, poison
The impact of sonography on the management of extratesticular abnormalities of the scrotum

The results of scrotal sonography performed in a recent one-year period (1987) were retrospectively reviewed to assess the role of sonography in the management of patients with extratesticular abnormalities. The study included 226 examinations performed in 204 men. In extratesticular abnormalities, scrotal sonography confirms the clinical impression of the referring physicians, monitors the progress of conservative treatment, and guides the surgical approach. Patients with sonographically classic cystic extratesticular abnormalities rarely come to surgery. Those with complicated cystic abnormalities are usually followed clinically but have a higher incidence of surgery. Those with solid-appearing echogenic abnormalities usually have surgical removal.
In vitro growth of bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes in various capacitively coupled electrical fields

Isolated articular cartilage chondrocytes from 1- to 3-week-old male Holstein calf knee joints were formed into pellets containing 4 X 10(6) isolated cells and were grown in tissue culture medium (minimum essential medium/NCTC 135) containing either 1 or 10% newborn calf serum (NBCS) in plastic Petri dishes in 5% CO2 and air at 37 degrees C in saturation humidity. On the 4th postisolation day either [35S]sulfate or [3H]thymidine was added to the medium, and the pellets were exposed for 24 h to capacitively coupled electrical fields (10, 100, 250, and 1,000 V peak-to-peak, 60 kHz, sine wave signals). The pellets were then harvested, dialyzed, hydrolyzed, and assayed for DNA, protein, [35S]sulfate incorporation, and [3H]thymidine incorporation. Results indicated that at 250 V peak-to-peak there was a statistically significant increase in [35S]sulfate in 1% NBCS and a statistically significant increase in [3H]thymidine in 10% NBCS. At potentials above or below 250 V no changes were noted. Thus, articular cartilage chondrocytes grown in pellet form can be stimulated to increase glycosaminoglycan synthesis or to increase cell proliferation by an appropriate capacitively coupled electrical field. The importance of the serum concentration in the medium in evaluation of biosynthesis in vitro is noted.
Optical communications using light beams carrying orbital angular momentum

We described recent progress on optical communications using light beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). We achieved a 25.6-bit/s/Hz spectral efficiency using 16-QAM signals over pol-muxed four OAM beams. We obtained a 2-Tbit/s data link using 25-WDM-channel 40-Gbit/s NRZ-DPSK signals over two OAM beams.
Estrus synchronization systems involving prostaglandin F2α and progesterone pretreatment in beef heifers

Abstract Two trials were conducted to evaluate treatments combining progesterone pretreatment and prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) on estrus response, pregnancy and calving rate in heifers. Treatments in Trial 1 were 1) control (T 1 ; n=59), 2) 25 mg PGF 2α on Day 0 (T 2 ; n=58), 3) 150 mg progesterone (P 4 , i.m.) in corn oil on Day −24 plus PGF 2α (T 3 ; n=61), and 4) 150 mg P 4 on Day −5 plus PGF 2α (T 4 ; n=59). Trial 2 had T 2 and T 4 only. Heifers were artificially inseminated 8 to 16 h after detection of estrus for 10 and 5 d in Trials 1 and 2, respectively. In Trial 1 more heifers in T 3 and T 4 showed estrus by 72 h compared to T 1 and T 2 . In T 3 , percentages were greater at 84 and 96 h than in T 1 and T 2 . There were no differences between T 3 and T 4 or T 1 and T 2 over time. Cumulative distributions of responses showed that more heifers in T 3 and T 4 were in estrus by 84 h after PGF 2α than after other treatments, while T 3 showed the greatest total number of heifers in estrus by 84 h; this difference persisted for 180 h. In Trial 2, percentages of heifers observed in estrus for T 1 and T 4 were not different. Average interval from PGF 2α to estrus was shorter in Trial 1 for T 3 heifers compared to other treatments. No difference was observed in interval to estrus for T 2 and T 4 in Trial 2; this interval averaged 58 h. Artificial insemination pregnancy rates were not different among treatments in either trial and averaged 67.4%. In Trial 1, a greater proportion of heifers in T 2 , T 3 and T 4 calved by 35 days into the calving season compared to T 1 , but in Trial 2 calving rates for T 2 and T 4 were not different. Progesterone pretreatment combined with PGF 2α appeared to enhance estrus synchronization without influencing either pregnancy or calving rates.
Comparison of chest pain, electrocardiographic changes and thallium-201 scintigraphy during varying exercise intensities in men with stable angina pectoris.

Abstract This study was performed to evaluate the presence of angina pectoris, electrocardiographic changes and reversible thallium-201 defects resulting from 2 different levels of exercise in 19 patients with known coronary artery disease and evidence of exercise-induced ischemia. The exercise protocols consisted of a symptom-limited incremental exercise test (Bruce protocol) followed within 3 to 14 days by a submaximal, steady-state exercise test performed at 70% of the maximal heart rate achieved during the Bruce protocol. The presence and time of onset of angina and electrocardiographic changes (≥0.1 mV ST-segment depression) as well as oxygen uptake, exercise duration and pressure-rate product were recorded. Thallium-201 (2.5 to 3.0 mCi) was injected during the last minute of exercise during both protocols, and the images were analyzed using both computer-assisted quantitation and visual interpretations. Incremental exercise resulted in anginal symptoms in 84% of patients, and electrocardiographic changes and reversible thallium-201 defects in all patients. In contrast, submaximal exercise produced anginal symptoms in only 26% (p
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF REPRODUCTIVE AND VEGETATIVE TISSUES OF BOUGAINVILLEA CULTURED IN VITRO AS A FUNCTION OF CARBOHYDRATE

Inflorescence meristems and vegetative tissues, excised from noninduced Bougainvillea 'San Diego Red' plants, were cultured in vitro in media containing either 3% fructose, glucose or sucrose as carbon sources. Growth and development of young leaves were equivalent whether sucrose or fructose was used whereas floret initiation on inflorescence meristems was much greaterwhen fructose orglucose was the carbon sources. Brief(1-3 days) exposure ofinflorescence meristems to fructose at the beginning of culture and subsequent transfer to sucrose did not increase development over continuous culture in sucrose. Longer exposures (4-7 days) to fructose with subsequent transfer to sucrose did, however, increase the percentage of meristems developing florets, but such treatment did not increase development to the same level as those exposed to fructose for the entire period in vitro. During the first 18 days of culture, growth of meristems in sucrose was linear while that in fructose was exponential. There was no difference in carbohydrate requirements for floret initiation on meristems excised from short-day induced or noninduced plants, suggesting that induction does not enhance the ability of meristems to utilize sucrose. THE INFLORESCENCE MERISTEMS (IMs) of Bougainvillea are determinate meristems located in the axil of each leaf and are initiated under all cultural conditions (Hackett and Sachs, 1968, 1985), but develop to anthesis only under inductive conditions. In noninductive conditions the meristem develops bracts and bracteoles but not florets, and the entire inflorescence apparatus ultimately abscises from the peduncle (Hackett and Sachs, 1966).
Apoptotic Signals Delivered Through the T-Cell Receptor of a T-Cell Hybrid Require the Immediate-Early Gene Nur77

Engagement of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) on immature thymic T cells induces death by apoptosis. Although several lines of evidence indicate that apoptosis requires de novo gene expression, little is known about the molecular pathways that mediate this response. Here we show that nur77 (refs 4-7), a zinc-finger transcription factor, is expressed in response to TCR engagement in immature T cells and T-cell hybrids. Antisense inhibition of nur77 expression prevents apoptosis in TCR-stimulated cells. nur77 is also expressed in response to mitogens, but in this case transcription is regulated by 5' upstream elements that are distinct from those used for induction of apoptosis. In addition, polyadenylation is only observed on nur77 transcripts found in condemned cells. These data support a role for nur77 in cell death that may be distinct from that of activation.
Zvi Griliches's contributions to the economics of technology and growth*

Zvi Griliches's contributions to the economics of technology and growth are identified. Included is a discussion of his contributions on: the determinants of differences in speed of adoption of innovations; the use of patents to measure technology; the private and social returns to RD and spillover effects from R&D. Griliches's own evaluation of his research contribution is compared to the evaluation of others in the field, using as evidence citation counts of his works collected from the online Web of Science. Griliches's most important contribution is his 1957 Econometrica hybrid corn paper that is a foundation of the economics of technological innovation. Remarkably, the trend in annual citations to the paper has continued to increase for over 40 years. Finally, we summarize Griliches's most recent views on the practice of economics and on the most important unanswered questions in the economics of technology and growth.
Comparative Planetary Atmospheres: Models of TrES-1 and HD 209458b

We present new self-consistent atmosphere models for the transiting planets TrES-1 and HD 209458b. The planets were recently observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope in bands centered on 4.5 and 8.0 μm, for TrES-1, and 24 μm, for HD 209458b. We find that standard solar-metallicity models fit the observations for HD 209458b. For TrES-1, which has a Teff ~300 K cooler, we find that models with a metallicity 3-5 times enhanced over solar abundances can match the 1 σ error bar at 4.5 μm and 2 σ at 8.0 μm. Models with solar abundances that include energy deposition into the stratosphere give fluxes that fall within the 2 σ error bars in both bands. The best-fit models for both planets assume that reradiation of absorbed stellar flux occurs over the entire planet. For all models of both planets, we predict planet-to-star flux ratios in other Spitzer bandpasses.
Proximity effects and characteristic lengths in ferromagnet-superconductor structures

We present an extensive theoretical investigation of the proximity effects that occur in clean ferromagnet/superconductor $(F/S)$ systems. We use a numerical method to solve self-consistently the Bogoliubov--de Gennes equations in the continuum. We obtain the pair amplitude and the local density of states, and use these results to extract the relevant lengths characterizing the leakage of superconductivity into the magnet and to study spin splitting into the superconductor. These phenomena are investigated as a function of parameters such as temperature, magnet polarization, interfacial scattering, sample size, and Fermi wave vector mismatch, all of which turn out to have important influence on the results. These results should help characterize and analyze future data and are shown to be in agreement with existing experiments.
Design and testing of thermal-expansion-molded graphite-epoxy hat-stiffened sandwich panels

Minimum weight configurations for two types of graphite-epoxy hat-stiffened compression-loaded panels fabricated by the thermal-expansion-molding (TEM) manufacturing process were evaluated analytically and experimentally for designs with load index Nx/L values ranging from 100 to 800. The two types of panels contain graphite-epoxy face sheets with a foam core and hat stiffeners which are either open or filled with foam. Constraints on the extensional and shear stiffnesses are imposed on the design so that the panels will satisfy typical constraints for aircraft wing structures. Optimal structurally efficient TEM panels are compared to commercially available aluminum aircraft structures. Predicted load-strain relationships agree well with experimental results. Significant impact damage to the unstiffened face sheet and foam core does not noticeably reduce the load carrying ability of the panels, but damage to the stiffened face sheet reduces the failure load by 20 percent compared to unimpacted panels.
Isolation, purification, and characterization of P1,P3-diguanosine 5'-triphosphate from brine shrimp eggs.

Abstract Undeveloped eggs of the brine shrimp, Artemia salina, contain significant quantities of a homologue of P1,P4-diguanosine 5′-tetraphosphate1, namely P1,P3-diguanosine 5′-triphosphate. This compound is found in the acid-soluble fraction of dried encysted eggs and can readily be purified by ion-exchange chromatography. Complete hydrolysis of the compound with snake venom phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.1) yields guanosine 5′-monophosphate and inorganic orthophosphate; however, the initial products formed are guanosine 5′-monophosphate and guanosine 5′-diphosphate in equimolar amounts.
Digital Dating and Virtual Relating: Conceptualizing Computer Mediated Romantic Relationships

This article reviews Internet history and culture that have contributed to the recent emergence of a subset of romantic interpersonal relationships known as computer mediated relationships. Characteristics of these relationships in comparison to face-to-face relationships are considered. This information may assist family professionals in developing a research agenda for the new millennium, as well as incorporating new content and strategies into family life education and clinical work in the area of interpersonal relationships.
On nonselfadjoint perturbations of finite rank

The problem solved in the present paper has been prompted by the remarks which V. B. Lidskii added to the Russian translation of the book of S. H. Gould [l, 21. These remarks were made following the directives of M. G. Krein. The book of Gould on intermediate problems deals with selfadjoint eigenvalue problems. The methods discussed there yield lower bounds for the eigenvalues of important problems for which the eigenvalues are otherwise unknown. On the first page of the foreword, Lidskii gives his interpretation of the essence of this problem. However, he introduces in his foreword and throughout his subsequent remarks nonselfadjoint operators which he tacitly considers to be selfadjoint. (For more details see Section 7.) Actually Lidskii’s approach contains implicitly some eigenvalue problems for nonsymmetric perturbations which we formulate in the present paper and for which we give a solution. Perturbation theory (a product of the 19th century) deals only with the change of the spectrum of a known operator. It should not be confused with intermediate problems.
Decay Associated Fluorescence Emission Spectra Of Hydrocarbons Physically Bound To DNA

We are using time-dependent and steady state measurements of fluorescence to study the physical interaction between DNA and carcinogenic hydrocarbons. The (±)7,8-diol-benzo[a]pyrene(7,8-diolBaP) is used as a model compound that forms a physical complex with DNA by intercalating between the DNA base pairs. An exact emission spectrum can be obtained by measuring the decay-associated emission spectra. In this technique the time-dependent fluorescence decay is measured using time-correlated single-photon counting detection. The data is fit to a sum of exponentials using a weighted non-linear regression program to obtain amplitudes and lifetimes of the emitting species at various wavelengths. Plotting the normalized intensities of a particular lifetime as a function of wavelength yields the emission spectrum associated with the lifetime. The measured fluorescence lifetime is 26.7 nsec for the free 7,8-diolBaP in solution and 5.0 nsec for the bound 7,8-diolBaP. The time resolved emission spectrum of bound hydrocarbon is red-shifted by 6 nm, characteristic of an intercalated complex. Fluorescence quenching experiments with iodide, an external quencher of DNA, gave a bimolecular dynamic quenching constant, 1.4 (10) 9 (Msec) -1 , for the free hydrocarbon and a constant lifetime and amplitude for the bound 7,8-diolBaP. Fluorescence quenching with low concentrations of silver ions, which bind predominantly to guanine sites of DNA, results in reduced fluorescence intensity of the bound hydrocarbon, with the lifetime remaining unchanged. These quenching studies indicate that at least part of the fluorescence emitted is from 7,8-diolBaP bound at guanine sites. In addition, results of quantum yield experiments have been used to calculate the fraction of bound hydrocarbon which is totally quenched (52%) and not totally quenched (25%). The remainder is free in solution. Quenching experiments with mercury ions suggest that the totally quenched hydrocarbon is bound at adenine-containing sites.
Performance Evaluation of a Miniaturized Machining Center for Precision Manufacturing

The ability to manufacture at the micrometric and even nanometric precision is in strong demand today in view of the increasing need to reduce the size of parts and products in many industrial and commercial sectors. For many of these applications, the technology of mechanical solid tool machining offers promising applicability as it can create truly three-dimensional and one-of-a-kind parts of extremely high resolutions without placing significant limitation on the part materials. For mechanical solid tool machining, the control of three-dimensional motions between machines, tools, and parts to sub-micron level of precision is a perquisite to the realization of manufacturing at such fine scales. One important factor that contributes to the machining process accuracy is the overall size of the machine tool due to the effects of thermal, static, and dynamic stabilities. This paper will assess the technological benefits of miniaturization of machine tools in the context of machine stiffness and accuracy. This paper also presents the design and configuration of a 4-axis miniaturized vertical machining center of positioning accuracy of 4 to 10 nm and a machine volumetric envelop less than 0.03m3 , which is several hundred times smaller than traditional machining centers. A series of tests are discussed for performance evaluation of the miniaturized machining center in terms of the achievable finish and part form accuracy with respect to the process parameters and part geometrical complexity in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D cases.© 2004 ASME
A screening method for chiral selectors that does not require covalent attachment.

A high-throughput screening protocol is proposed for chiral selector discovery. It is modeled after the protocol for biological screening of candidate drugs from chemical libraries. The procedure works based on target distribution between an aqueous phase and an organic phase. The target may be a racemate or separate enantiomers. Screening for noncovalent intermolecular association between target and candidate selectors is carried out by partitioning experiments in the presence and absence of the candidate chiral selectors in the organic phase (plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)). The partition ratio measurement uses 96-well plates for high throughput. The feasibility of this approach is validated by working with a known target/chiral selector pair, N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl)-α-phenylglycine and 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(9-anthryl)ethanol. The validated protocol is applied to a small library of 12 cyclopropyl dipeptide isosteres. Eight bind the racemic target, econazole. Among them, one has measurable chiral selectivi...
Factor-independent termination of transcription in a stretch of deoxyadenosine residues in the template DNA.

Abstract The primer transcript of plasmid ColE1 extends beyond the replication origin in either of two different modes. It does or does not form a hybrid with the template DNA. When a stretch of 20 deoxyadenosine residues is inserted into the template strand downstream of the origin, more than 90% of hybridized transcripts and about 10% of unhybridized transcripts terminate at the insert. When the number of inserted residues is reduced to ten, the corresponding values are decreased considerably, while the sites of termination are almost unchanged. A palindrome immediately before the stretch increases the efficiency of termination of unhybridized transcripts. Upon termination of hybridized transcripts, RNA polymerase detaches from the template. A structure made by a hybrid or by folded RNA may affect a property of transcription, and a stretch of deoxyadenosine residues including those beyond the actual site of termination may facilitate detachment of RNA polymerase from the template DNA.
Demonstration of a d-glucose transport system in the biliary tree of the rat by use of the segmented retrograde intrabiliary injection technique

Abstract Using the segmented retrograde intrabiliary injection (SRII) technique, a 40-μl segment of radioactive d -glucose solution was washed into the biliary tree with 100 μl saline. The total volume exceeded the distended biliary tree capacity of the rat; nevertheless, about 18 per cent of the administered dose of glucose was retained by the membranes of the biliary tree and was recovered in recollected bile. Changes in this retained fraction were used to demonstrate the presence of a glucose transport system in the hepatobiliary system of the rat. The intraportal administration of phlorizin enhanced the biliary retention of [ 14 C]-D-glucose and [ 14 C]methyl-α-D-glucopyranoside given by SRII. Phlorizin treatment had no effect on the biliary retention of [ 3 H]mannitol, [ 3 H]-3- O -methyl glucose or [ 3 H]sucrose. The i.v. administration of a large loading dose of d -glucose also produced an increase in the hepatobiliary retention of [ 14 C]- d -glucose given by SRII. Furthermore, if d -glucose or methyl-α- d -glucopyranoside was added to the SRII solution of [ 14 C]- d -glucose, the retention of labeled glucose was enhanced. Mannitol and 3- O -methyl glucose had no such effect. Therefore, the experimental results demonstrated that. in the biliary tree of the rat, there existed a system which shows high selectivity for transferring d -glucose from bile to liver.
Biorthogonal Multiwavelets on [−1, 1]

Abstract A procedure is given for constructing univariate compactly supported, biorthogonal multiwavelets from biorthogonal scaling vectors with support in [−1, 1]. A family of biorthogonal scaling vectors is constructed using fractal interpolation functions, and the associated biorthogonal multiwavelets are constructed. These scaling vectors and wavelets remain biorthogonal when restricted to integer intervals, making them well suited for bounded domains.
Selection and clinical significance of neuropsychologic tests

There have been major advancements in cardiac surgery over the past two decades and a concomitant decrease in mortality and major morbidity. The improved safety in cardiac procedures permitted 330,000 operations involving cardiopulmonary bypass in 1992. However, several recent studies have demonstrated that cardiac surgery poses substantial risk of negative neurologic and neuropsychologic outcomes. Although very few patients die as a result of a cardiac operation, more than two thirds of patients demonstrate evidence of neuropsychologic dysfunction postoperatively. The mechanisms contributing to neuropsychologic deficits after cardiopulmonary bypass are uncertain. To characterize the incidence and severity of such deficits after cardiac operations, a concise battery of neuropsychologic tests that provides reliable evidence of subtle brain trauma is essential. With an objective, valid measure of brain injury, the etiology of neuropsychologic deficits can be identified and either eliminated or the effects ameliorated. The proper selection and use of neurobehavioral tools provides a basis to evaluate the efficacy of surgical and pharmacologic interventions to further improve neurologic outcome after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Bone loss in stem cell transplantation survivors

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS, INTERVENTIONS, AND THERAPEUTIC TRIALS There is growing use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treatment of primary, refractory, and recurrent malignancies. Although this treatment leads to the salvage of many lives, it is not without potential long-term toxicities
Testing the efficacy and reliability of common zooarchaeological sampling strategies: a case study from the Caribbean

Abstract Zooarchaeological analysis typically involves implementing a suitable sampling strategy that provides meaningful information representative of a site under investigation. To test the efficacy of how various sampling procedures can influence interpretation of a faunal assemblage, we analyzed in full, a large assemblage of mollusks (minimum number of individuals [MNI] = 58,000+) from the late Ceramic Age (ca. AD 850–1440) site of Coconut Walk on the island of Nevis (northern Lesser Antilles, Caribbean). These remains were recovered from 25 discrete 1 × 1 m units within a larger 5 × 5 m trench that overlaid a dense midden deposit. Using statistical procedures, we compared the results of the number of identified specimens (NISP), MNI, and weight (g) of each mollusk taxon between both units and plana to determine how different sampling strategies would have affected the interpretation of mollusk composition across space and time had different sampling procedures been used. The results reveal that sampling less than 16% (4 out of 25 squares for this study) of a midden is likely to produce results outside of a 95% confidence interval for the population composition, with samples of connected squares having a higher likelihood to lie outside the interval. Discerning change between plana (or layers) may require a larger sample (i.e., 16%+). In addition, samples selected randomly or judgmentally will produce similar results, provided that proper spacing is given between units. The data in this case suggest that the midden was efficiently sampled for midden composition and key species at a rate of 16% of the surface area.
Toward Opinion Summarization: Linking the Sources

We target the problem of linking source mentions that belong to the same entity (source coreference resolution), which is needed for creating opinion summaries. In this paper we describe how source coreference resolution can be transformed into standard noun phrase coreference resolution, apply a state-of-the-art coreference resolution approach to the transformed data, and evaluate on an available corpus of manually annotated opinions.
Use of postanesthesia discharge criteria to reduce discharge delays for inpatients in the postanesthesia care unit.

Abstract Study objective To determine whether a set of predetermined discharge criteria, used by nurses, shortens the length of patient stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) without compromising safety. Study design Prospective clinical study. Setting Postoperative recovery area of a large, tertiary-care, academic hospital. Patients 1,198 adult, ASA physical status I, II, and III patients, 18 years or older, requiring general anesthesia. Interventions Two groups of inpatients were followed. In the first group, over a 90 day period, all inpatients meeting study inclusion criteria were discharged by a physician (traditional discharge group [TDG]). This period was followed by a subsequent 90 day period in which a second group of patients were discharged by a PACU nurse using predetermined discharge criteria (discharge criteria group [DCG]). Measurements Demographic and discharge variables, including the time when the physician was called for an order, the time a discharge order was written, and the actual discharge time, were recorded. Other comparisons of various discharge variables included the time that discharge criteria were met, the actual discharge time, and the difference between these times. The frequency of PACU stays longer than 60 minutes, PACU discharge delays, and the time discharge criteria were met longer than 60 minutes were also compared between groups. Floor nurse satisfaction with patient status and any related morbidities noted were also measured. Main results Length of PACU stay was significantly shorter (133.1 ± 91.4 vs 101.7 ± 53.7 min; P Conclusions Predetermined discharge criteria resulted in a 24% decrease in PACU time.
Industry evidence of enhanced production stability since 1984

Abstract McConnell and Perez–Quiros have recently provided evidence that the growth rate of GDP has stabilized since 1984. They conclude that the enhanced stability can be attributed to improvements in inventory management in the durables sector. This study examines the behavior of output in two-digit SIC manufacturing industries in an effort to determine whether this increase in stability is evident in less aggregated data. After accounting for changes in demand volatility, output stabilized in four of the six 2-digit durables industries modeled here. Total durables output stabilized by 9%. These improvements appear to be the result of milder short-run output responses to demand shocks. This suggests that output has become less responsive to demand shocks and casts doubt on enhanced flexibility of production that should be characteristic of improved production management.
Use of keratin fiber for separation of heavy metals from water

Nano-porous keratin fiber is effective in removing heavy metals from solutions. The biosorption of heavy metals from solutions is dependent upon the solution pH, the contact time, surface area and temperature. The intrinsic properties of the keratin fiber, ie stability over a wide range of pH, structural toughness and high surface area, are the positive factors. Alkaline ultrasonic treatment of the keratin fiber resulted in a multi-fold increase in metal uptake. Adsorption of heavy metals using both batch and column operations was conducted. Multiple elution and adsorption tests indicated that it is possible to reuse keratin fiber as a biosorbent for a number of cycles.  2004 Society of Chemical Industry
If you build it will they come? Addressing social isolation within a technology-based HIV intervention for young black men who have sex with men

The rate of HIV infections among young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) continues to rise at an alarming pace. YBMSM are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and a lack of social support due to experiences with racism and homophobia, which may have implications for sexual risk behaviors. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of social isolation and sense of community among YBMSM, the need for and receptivity to social networking features designed to reduce social isolation and build community within an Internet- and mobile phone-based primary and secondary HIV prevention intervention for YBMSM and to identify strategies to develop these features. Focus groups were conducted with 22 YBMSM aged 20–30 years at three sites in North Carolina. Data from the focus groups were thematically analyzed using NVivo. Feelings of social isolation and lack of a sense of community were strongly endorsed by participants with homophobia, lack of opportunities for social engagement, and a focus o...
PROXIMATE ANALYSIS, FREE AMINO ACID, VITAMIN AND MINERAL CONTENT OF MICROWAVE COOKED MEAT

Beef, pork and lamb roasts were cooked by two 2450 MHz microwave ranges, one operated at 220V (1054W cooking power) and one at 11SV (492W cooking power) and by a conventional gas oven (163 ± 3°C). The only significant effect related to power level of microwave ranges was retention of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin which was less in meat cooked by the microwave 115 V than by the other two methods. There was a trend toward less retention of sodium, chloride, phosphorus and iron in meat cooked by microwaves than by the conventional method. Also, microwave cooking resulted in less formation of free amino acids than conventional cooking but total protein did not differ significantly.
Is it possible to protect pediatric research subjects without blocking appropriate research

Because most children are unable to provide informed consent, some guidelines exclude them from participation in clinical research. The German guidelines of 1931, perhaps the first systematic guidelines for clinical research, prohibit non-therapeutic research with children and research that “in any way endangers” children.”1, 2 The Nuremberg Code’s stipulation that consent is “essential” to ethical research seems to prohibit all research with children.3 Excluding children from research would definitively address the potential to exploit them. Yet, this approach also has the potential to cripple society’s ability to ensure medical interventions are safe and effective for children.4 Indeed, estimates that approximately 70% of medications have not been tested in children, even for basic safety and efficacy, underscore the costs of declining to conduct research with children.5, 6 More recent guidelines attempt to protect children without blocking appropriate research by allowing pediatric research that offers a ‘prospect’ of direct benefit, and pediatric research that poses minimal risk7, 8 or, at most, a minor increase over minimal risk.9, 10 A good deal has been written on the minimal risk standard, and how it might be improved.11, 12, 13, 14 Few articles have evaluated whether the prospect of direct benefit standard protects children without blocking appropriate research.