cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of oral exposure to the phthalate substitute acetyl tributyl citrate on female reproduction in mice

Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), is a phthalate substitute used in food and medical plastics, cosmetics and toys. Although systemically safe up to 1000 mg kg−1 day−1, its ability to cause reproductive toxicity in females at levels below 50 mg kg−1 day−1 has not been examined. This study evaluated the effects of lower ATBC exposures on female reproduction using mice. Adult CD-1 females (n = 7–8 per treatment) were dosed orally with tocopherol-stripped corn oil (vehicle), 5 or 10 mg kg−1 day−1 ATBC daily for 15 days, and then bred with a proven breeder male. ATBC exposure did not alter body weights, estrous cyclicity, and gestational and litter parameters. Relative spleen weight was slightly increased in the 5 mg kg−1 day−1 group. ATBC at 10 mg kg−1 day−1 targeted ovarian follicles and decreased the number of primordial, primary and secondary follicles present in the ovary. These findings suggest that low levels of ATBC may be detrimental to ovarian function, thus, more information is needed to understand better the impact of ATBC on female reproduction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assesing the Impact of Local Incentives on Capital Cost: The Case of the Indiana Era Program

Public policy makers and administrators around the world recurrently face the question of whether to grant tax privileges to businesses in order to promote investment, jobs, or economic development in general. This article analyzes a very popular form of local incentive, the property tax abatement, and its ability to reduce capital cost. The research question is: By how much do property tax abatements reduce the capital cost of business and homes? Results show that abatements can account for quite a large range of possible percentage reductions in the price of investment for firms. The findings provide public administrators and policy makers with data and a tool to assess the benefits that firms derive from abatements. This in turn can contribute to more informed abatement decisions and to an overall assessment concerning the suitability of this tool to promote economic development.
Optimal dispatch and equipment sizing of a residential central utility plant for improving rooftop solar integration

Abstract This study develops a mixed-integer linear program for modeling the optimal equipment capacity and dispatch of a central utility plant (CUP) in a residential neighborhood and its ability to improve rooftop solar integration. The CUP equipment includes a microturbine, battery, chiller plant, and cooling storage. The CUP model is exposed to a variety of electricity rate structures to see how they influence its operation. The model finds the optimal capacity for each piece of CUP equipment, optimizing their hourly dispatch to meet neighborhood cooling and electric demand while maximizing profit. In an Austin, TX, USA base case, the neighborhood benefits economically by including the CUP, although the CUP demonstrates limited potential to integrate high penetrations of rooftop solar resources. While peak demand and reverse power flows are reduced under all tested rate structures, the CUP worsens net demand ramp rates. A time-of-use rate with no demand charge and moderate differences between off-peak and on-peak prices balances the output parameters, reducing reverse power flows by 43%, peak demand by 51%, and annual cost by 9.1% versus the “No CUP” base case while limiting net demand ramp rate increase to 84% more than the base case.
Building the Learning Organization: A Systems Approach to Quantum Improvement and Global Success

(1997). Building the Learning Organization: A Systems Approach to Quantum Improvement and Global Success. Quality Management Journal: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 111-111.
Supersonic beams of mixed gases: A method for studying cold collisions

Abstract We show that collisions in a single supersonic molecular beam reach characteristic temperatures in the range of a few Kelvin. Experiments have been carried out for mixtures of H2 and HD as well as HD and D2 in a pulsed supersonic expansion. From the measured time-of-flight spectrum, we find that the high velocity edge of the distribution for both species is nearly coincident, but the average speed of the heavier species is slightly greater than the lighter one. By working in the few Kelvin regime, this relatively simple technique reduces the number of partial waves in the collision process, which allows the observation of collision resonances. Additionally, copropagation of scattering partners in a single molecular beam precisely defines the direction of their relative velocity vector, which is essential for the study of stereodynamics.
Health Care Utilization and Expenditures Attributable to Cigar Smoking Among US Adults, 2000-2015.

Objectives:Cigar use in the United States is a growing public health concern because of its increasing popularity. We estimated health care utilization and expenditures attributable to cigar smokin...
Neuronal networks involved in the generation of vocalization

Abstract Vocalization is a complex behavioral pattern in which several cortical and subcortical structures are involved to produce proper vocal output. While learned vocal patterns, such as speech, are produced by a complex cortical network, genetically preprogrammed vocalizations, to which most mammalian vocalizations belong, are generated by a complex neuronal network in the brainstem. Structures involved in this network are the periaqueductal gray, ventrolateral parabrachial area, nucleus retroambiguus and the lateral pontine, as well as the lateral and caudal medullary reticular formation. This network has direct access to all motoneuron pools controlling laryngeal, respiratory and articulatory components of vocalization. It receives proprioceptive feedback information from laryngeal, pulmonary and oral mechanoreceptors via the solitary tract nucleus and spinal trigeminal nucleus. The network receives facilitating input from emotional, motivational and sensory structures via the periaqueductal gray, which serves as an integration center and triggering structure for vocalization.
A FULL WAVE APPROACH TO ELECTROMAGNETIC, SCATTERING BY NANOSTRUCTURES WITH SMALL AND LARGE SCALE PERIODIC AND RANDOM ROUGH SURFACES AND LATERAL FLUCTUATIONS IN THE PERMITTIVITY AND PERMEABILITY

The methodology employed in analyzing electromagnetic scattering by irregular layered structures, in which the heights of the interfaces as well as the medium parameters fluctuate laterally, is such that all the simplifying assumptions introduced in order to make the rigorous solutions to the problems more tractable, are made a posteriori rather than a priori. In this way the same analysis can be used to obtain the high frequency physical optics solutions that can be applied to structures with scales of roughness that are much larger than the wavelength as well as to obtain the low frequency small perturbation type solutions for structures with scales of roughness that are comparable to the wavelength. Thus this analysis can be applied to structures with multiple scales of roughness without introducing an artificial scale parameter that dictates the solution to the problem. In addition the same analysis can be used to obtain the far field approximations suitable for structures with scales of roughness comparable and larger than the wavelength, as well as to obtain the near field approximations that are suitable for structures with sub-wavelength scales of roughness. By imposing reciprocity it can be shown that near field measurements can be implied from far field measurements, provided that objects in the vicinity of the interfaces excite the near fields. Thus the analysis should account for evanescent as well as propagating waves, the lateral waves and the guided, surface waves of the irregular structures.
Inferences in Log-Rate Models

Log-Rate models are used in analyzing rates of individuals who are exposed to a risk of having a certain characteristic. The explanatory variables could be categorical or in a continuous scale. In finding a Log-Rate Model, parameters are estimated and goodnessof-fit are studied to carefully extract the best model to fit our data. Here we revisit three aspects of Log-Rate Models using the data set give at the end of the paper. The three aspects are parameter estimation, goodness-of-fit of the model, and marginal effect of the factors.
Business Objectives vs. User Goals

In an ideal world, where we find ourselves in the highest levels of UX maturity within our organization, where we have reached the level of Integrated User-Centered Design, the disciplines of user experience are fully integrated with the everyday workings of the business. User goals are considered just as important as the business objectives, simply because they are one and the same. User research is best used to determine the direction of the business, to define its strategy, its products, and even have an influence beyond the digital aspects of the organization.
Computational strategies for design and discovery of nanostructured thermoelectrics

The contribution of theoretical calculations and predictions in the development of advanced high-performance thermoelectrics has been increasingly significant and has successfully guided experiments to understand as well as achieve record-breaking results. In this review, recent developments in high-performance nanostructured bulk thermoelectric materials are discussed from the viewpoint of theoretical calculations. An effective emerging strategy for boosting thermoelectric performance involves minimizing electron scattering while maximizing heat-carrying phonon scattering on many length scales. We present several important strategies and key examples that highlight the contributions of first-principles-based calculations in revealing the intricate but tractable relationships for this synergistic optimization of thermoelectric performance. The integrated optimization approach results in a fourfold design strategy for improved materials: (1) a significant reduction of the lattice thermal conductivity through multiscale hierarchical architecturing, (2) a large enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient through intramatrix electronic band convergence engineering, (3) control of the carrier mobility through band alignment between the host and second phases, and (4) design of intrinsically low-thermal-conductivity materials by maximizing vibrational anharmonicity and acoustic-mode Gruneisen parameters. These combined effects serve to enhance the power factor while reducing the lattice thermal conductivity. This review provides an improved understanding of how theory is impacting the current state of this field and helps to guide the future search for high-performance thermoelectric materials.
The First Amendment and the Right(s) of Publicity

The right of publicity protects persons against unauthorized uses of their identity, most typically their names, images, or voices. The right is in obvious tension with freedom of speech. Yet courts seeking to reconcile the right with the First Amendment have to date produced only a notoriously confused muddle of inconsistent constitutional doctrine. In this Article we suggest a way out of the maze. We propose a relatively straightforward framework for analyzing how the right of publicity should be squared with First Amendment principles. At the root of contemporary constitutional confusion lies a failure to articulate the precise state interests advanced by the right of publicity. We seek to remedy this deficiency by disaggregating four distinct state interests that the right of publicity is typically invoked to protect. We argue that in any given case the right of publicity is characteristically invoked to protect (one or more) of these four interests: the value of a plaintiff’s performance, the commercial value of a plaintiff’s identity, the dignity of a plaintiff, or the autonomous personality of a plaintiff. Plaintiffs’ interests in their identity must always be weighed against defendants’ constitutional interests in their speech. We therefore isolate three constitutional kinds of communication, each with a distinct form of First Amendment protection. A defendant’s misappropriation of a plaintiff’s identity can occur in public discourse, in commercial speech, or in what we call “commodities.” We then discuss how constitutional protections for these three kinds of speech should intersect with the four different interests that right of publicity claims are typically invoked to protect. The upshot is not a mechanical algorithm for producing correct constitutional outcomes, but an illumination of the constitutional stakes at issue in any given right of publicity action. We hope that by carefully surfacing the constitutional and policy stakes that beset the conflict between right(s) of publicity and the First Amendment, we have sketched a map that might substantially assist those who must navigate this tumultuous terrain.
How Does an Approximate Model Help in Reinforcement Learning

One of the key approaches to save samples in reinforcement learning (RL) is to use knowledge from an approximate model such as its simulator. However, how much does an approximate model help to learn a near-optimal policy of the true unknown model? Despite numerous empirical studies of transfer reinforcement learning, an answer to this question is still elusive. In this paper, we study the sample complexity of RL while an approximate model of the environment is provided. For an unknown Markov decision process (MDP), we show that the approximate model can effectively reduce the complexity by eliminating sub-optimal actions from the policy searching space. In particular, we provide an algorithm that uses $\widetilde{O}(N/(1-\gamma)^3/\varepsilon^2)$ samples in a generative model to learn an $\varepsilon$-optimal policy, where $\gamma$ is the discount factor and $N$ is the number of near-optimal actions in the approximate model. This can be much smaller than the learning-from-scratch complexity $\widetilde{\Theta}(SA/(1-\gamma)^3/\varepsilon^2)$, where $S$ and $A$ are the sizes of state and action spaces respectively. We also provide a lower bound showing that the above upper bound is nearly-tight if the value gap between near-optimal actions and sub-optimal actions in the approximate model is sufficiently large. Our results provide a very precise characterization of how an approximate model helps reinforcement learning when no additional assumption on the model is posed.
It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it: How callings influence constructive voice delivery:

How employees communicate their ideas at work shapes how their ideas are received. When employees constructively communicate their ideas, the value of those ideas can be more readily recognized. Co...
Surgical block time satisfaction: A multi-institutional experience across twelve surgical disciplines

Abstract Background Block scheduling optimizes utilization of valuable operating room (OR) resources. While most studies investigate block scheduling and surgical workloads from a systems perspective, surgeons’ perspectives have yet to be assessed. Such information could provide systems-level solutions to help mitigate prevalent issues such as surgeon burnout. This study surveyed attending surgeons on satisfaction with OR block scheduling and to assess the impact of surgeon characteristics on OR block allocation/satisfaction. Methods This was a cross-sectional investigation of attending surgeons at three academic/tertiary-care hospitals. Sensitivity analyses were completed to evaluate for nonresponse bias. Surgeons’ allocated block times versus their workloads, as well as surgeons’ satisfaction with their block times, were investigated. Associations between survey responses and surgeon characteristics were evaluated using univariable and multivariable analyses. Results Surveys were emailed to 264 surgeons, of whom 159 (60.2%) participated. Nonresponse bias was not found to impact study results. Senior faculty (odds ratio [OR]:2.4; 99.5% confidence interval [CI]:1.1-5.2; p=0.002) and fellowship-trained surgeons (OR:9.5; 99.5% CI:3.7-24.4; p Conclusions Surgical block time allocation and satisfaction at three academic centers varied by surgeons’ gender, position, and training. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that surgical block scheduling can substantially impact surgeons’ personal/career goals and burnout levels. Greater transparency and incorporation of surgeon input into block allocation may improve surgeons’ professional development and patient care.
Effective cluster typical medium theory for the diagonal Anderson disorder model in one- and two-dimensions

We develop a cluster typical medium theory to study localization in disordered electronic systems. Our formalism is able to incorporate non-local correlations beyond the local typical medium theory in a systematic way. The cluster typical medium theory utilizes the momentum-resolved typical density of states and hybridization function to characterize the localization transition. We apply the formalism to the Anderson model of localization in one- and two-dimensions. In one-dimension, we find that the critical disorder strength scales inversely with the linear cluster size with a power law, Wc ∼ (1/Lc)(1/ν), whereas in two-dimensions, the critical disorder strength decreases logarithmically with the linear cluster size. Our results are consistent with previous numerical work and are in agreement with the one-parameter scaling theory.
Morphine Dreams: Auguste Laurent and the Active Principles of Organised Matter

Auguste Laurent began his work on morphine, nicotine, and other intoxicating alkaloids hopeful that he could reproduce them artificially from the byproducts of coal tar. After successfully creating...
Disparities in Breastfeeding Duration of New York City Latinx Mothers by Birth Region

Background: Disparities in breastfeeding patterns by race and ethnicity in the United States have been documented, and Latinx ethnicity is often associated with higher rates of breastfeeding initia...
Kissing the image: an allegory of imagination in ‘The Seducer’s Diary’

‘The Seducer’s Diary’ is not a nostalgic account of a Romantic seducer-figure, and it does not represent the ‘ethical’ rejection of such Romanticism. Instead, it portrays the violence involved just...
Does Every Minute Really Count? Road Time as an Indicator for the Economic Value of Emergency Medical Services

Abstract Objectives This article builds on the literature regarding the association between emergency medical service (EMS) response times and patient outcomes (death and severe injury). Three issues are addressed in this article with respect to the empirical estimation of this relationship: the endogeneity of response time (systematically quicker response for higher degrees of urgency), the nonlinearity of this relationship, and the variation between such estimations for different patient outcomes. Methods Binomial and multinomial logistic regression models are used to estimate the impact of response time on the probabilities of death and severe injury using data from French Fire and Rescue Services. These models are developed with response time as an explanatory variable and then with road time (dispatch to arrival) hypothesized as representing the exogenous variation within response time. Both models are also applied to data subsets based on response time intervals. Results The results show that road time yields a higher estimate for the impact of response time on patient outcomes than (total) response time. The impact of road time on patient outcomes is also shown to be nonlinear. These results are of both statistical significance (model coefficients are significant at the 95% confidence level) and economical significance (when taking into account the number of annual interventions performed). Conclusions When using heterogeneous data on EMS interventions where endogeneity is a clear issue, road time is a more reliable indicator to estimate the impact of EMS response time on patient outcomes than (total) response time.
ZnSe Growth on Non-Polar Substrates by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

The following paper is essentially a review of an investigation carried out by the author and his former colleagues at 3M Canada Inc. into the growth of ZnSe by molecular beam epitaxy on both Ge and Si substrate materials. In-situ substrate preparation procedures developed particularly for Ge and Si are described together with techniques developed for ZnSe epitaxial growth on these materials. The primary characteristic differences observed experimentally between ZnSe layers grown on non-polar substrates as opposed to polar substrates (in particular, GaAs) will be reported and discussed. Characterization techniques employed in this study included 4. 2K photoluminescence measurements, double-crystal rocking-curve x-ray analysis and, transmission electron microscopy analysis, in both planar and cross-sectional modes.
Interaction with Heavy Metals

With the exponential increase in waste sludge resulting from the public demand for wastewater treatment, the disposition of these sludges has increased over the past twenty years. Not too surprisingly, the United States has the highest per capita sludge generation in the world (4.5 billion dry kilograms of sewage sludge annually). Currently, these sludges are being disposed of by means of landfills, ocean dumping, incineration, and land application. In light of the emerging environmental energy and economic constraints, land application of these sewage sludges as soil amenders and the anaerobic stabilization of these sludges for methane gas production appear to be very viable alternatives for the future, however, often a constraint on land application and gas generation is the heavy metals content. Therefore, a better understanding of the heavy metal interaction with waste sludges is necessary to enable increase utilization of these waste sludges.
MCM8-9 complex promotes resection of double-strand break ends by MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 complex

MCM8-9 complex is required for homologous recombination (HR)-mediated repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs). Here we report that MCM8-9 is required for DNA resection by MRN (MRE11-RAD50-NBS1) at DSBs to generate ssDNA. MCM8-9 interacts with MRN and is required for the nuclease activity and stable association of MRN with DSBs. The ATPase motifs of MCM8-9 are required for recruitment of MRE11 to foci of DNA damage. Homozygous deletion of the MCM9 found in various cancers sensitizes a cancer cell line to interstrand-crosslinking (ICL) agents. A cancer-derived point mutation or an SNP on MCM8 associated with premature ovarian failure (POF) diminishes the functional activity of MCM8. Therefore, the MCM8-9 complex facilitates DNA resection by the MRN complex during HR repair, genetic or epigenetic inactivation of MCM8 or MCM9 are seen in human cancers, and genetic inactivation of MCM8 may be the basis of a POF syndrome.
A new divergent outlet forceps

Abstract An outlet forceps based on the principle of divergence has been designed. This instrument functions as a third-class lever as opposed to crossed forceps which are first-class levers. Analyses by free-body diagrams of the vector forces involved in the two types of instruments were performed. These studies confirm the lack of compressive force to the fetal head with the divergent forceps.
Speed of movement with varying footwear conditions on synthetic turf and natural grass.

Abstract The two-fold purpose of this study was (1) to compare subjects' movement times on synthetic turf with corresponding movement times on natural grass and (2) to determine the relative effects of three Footwear conditions on movement times recorded on the two playing surfaces. University male students (N = 44) served as subjects and were tested on each type of turf under each footwear condition. Results indicated that movement times were faster on synthetic turf, regardless of the footwear employed. The fastest movement times were exhibited by subjects wearing either tennis shoes or soccer style shoes while performing on synthetic turf. The use of football cleats on synthetic turf accounted for the next best level of movement time. A third level of movement time resulted from the use of either football cleats or soccer shoes on natural grass. The slowest movement times resulted from the use of tennis shoes on natural grass.
Unsaturated Flow Beneath Tailings Impoundments

Using technology developed for flow through porous media for applications in other disciplines, equations were developed to permit computation of seepage rates from tailings impoundments. Seepage is shown to take place in three distinct stages. The first stage comprises a period during which a wetting front progresses downward from the impoundment. The second stage commences when the wetting front contacts either a phreatic surface or an impermeable boundary. The third stage begins when the groundwater mound contacts the bottom of the impoundment. During the third stage flow occurs laterally away from the area beneath the impoundment. Example computations are presented for an impoundment with and without a liner. Particular conclusions regarding the variation of seepage rates depend on the boundary conditions of the situation being analyzed. Seepage rates increase almost linearly during the first two stages and decrease after the third stage has been reached.
Climate variability in the North Pacific thermocline diagnosed from oxygen measurements: An update based on the U.S. CLIVAR/CO2 Repeat Hydrography cruises

[1] New observations of oxygen variability in the North Pacific Ocean are reported on the basis of comparison of the U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability and Carbon (CLIVAR/CO2) Repeat Hydrography sections conducted along 30°N (2004) and 152°W (2006) with the earlier World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) data and other cruises along these sections. The largest changes in apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) continue to occur, as found in earlier North Pacific repeat section analyses, within the thermocline on σθ = 26.6 kg m−3, which is the densest isopycnal to outcrop in the open North Pacific in climatological data. In the northeastern North Pacific along 152°W, where a total of five cruises (1980, 1984, 1991, 1997, and 2006) spanning a period of 26 years are available, the AOU changes correspond to an overall increase in AOU on σθ = 26.6 kg m−3 from the 1980s/early 1990s to 2006. However, from 1997 to 2006 a decrease in AOU is observed within the boundary region between the subtropical and subpolar gyres at 40°–45°N. Along the center axis of the subtropical gyre at 30°N, where two cruises are available (1994 and 2004), AOU has also substantially increased on σθ = 26.6 kg m−3 from 1994 to 2004 in the eastern part of the section. The repeat section data along 152°W and 30°N are consistent with a pattern of decadal-scale ventilation anomalies that originate in the northwestern Pacific, possibly through variability (including cessation) of the σθ = 26.6 kg m−3 outcrop, travel eastward along the subtropical-subpolar gyre boundary, and enter the northern portion of the subtropical gyre along the way. For the 152°W AOU data within the gyre boundary region (40°–45°N), good agreement exists with the close-by time series data from Ocean Station P (50°N, 145°W) where a bidecadal cycle in AOU has been observed. In contrast, a sensible correlation with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation could not be found.
Low level of Hox1.3 gene expression does not preclude the use of promoterless vectors to generate a targeted gene disruption. off.

Abstract A variety of experimental approaches have been devised recently to mutate mammalian genes by homologous recombination. In this report, we describe the disruption of the Hox1.3 locus by using two of these approaches, namely, positive-negative selection and activation of a promoterless gene. Interestingly, we observe similarly high frequencies of targeted disruption with both procedures. The high frequency of targeted disruption with a promoterless vector was unexpected given the extremely low level of Hox1.3 expression in the embryonic stem cell line used for these studies. These data indicate that minimal expression of the target gene is required to enrich for homologous recombination events with promoterless vectors and thus enhance the promoterless gene approach as a general strategy to mutate mammalian genes by homologous recombination.
A novel gravitationally balanced back-to-back reflector antenna concept for spaceborne spinning platforms

The possibility of designing a gravitationally balanced back-to-back reflector is explored. It is shown that a class of tri-mode matched feeds can be utilized to lower the cross polarization level. Using trimode horns with optimized amplitude mode coefficients, the performance of the reflector is simulated to verify the effectiveness of this method. In addition, a simulation was performed to evaluate the level of cross polarization for the scenario in which the feed is displaced from the focus.
Communication for Families in Crisis: Theories, Research, Strategies, by Dickson, F. C., & Webb, L. M. (Eds.)

Dickson and Webb's edited volume, Communication for Families in Crisis: Theories, Research, Strategies, focuses on the intersection of family communication and crisis communication, providing theor...
Transition detection studies in the cryogenic environment

Boundary-layer transition detection studies were carried out in the 0.3 Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel on a supercritical airfoil, using an infrared imaging system. The purpose of the experiments was to determine the extent of the temperature range in which commercially available IR systems can detect transition in cryogenic environment. The experiment was designed to take advantage of a combination of factors including the wind tunnel operation mode, the model construction materials and the IR system image processing options. During the initial phases of the study, the IR based findings were confirmed by measurements done with a micro-thin hot-film system. Ultimately, free and forced transition could be detected down to 170 K.
Improving the lower bound for the reliability when the strength distribution is gamma and the stress distribution is chi-square

Abstract This paper investigates the lower bound for the reliability of a system when the strength distribution is gamma with parameters α and θ and the stress distribution is chi-square with parameter r. It is shown that the lower bound is a function of α when θ and r are fixed. The moment estimator and the maximum likelihood estimator for α are determined and the lower bound for the reliability using these estimators is computed and compared.
Gas chromatographic analysis of γ-irradiated aniline for aminoaromatic products

Abstract Gas chromatographic conditions have been found for the satisfactory analysis of the isomeric diaminobenzenes, the isomeric aminobiphenyls and diphenylamine, the isomeric aminodiphenylamines, and the isomeric 2,2′-, and 2,4′-diaminobiphenyls. Satisfactory conditions were found for the analysis of 3,3′-,3,4′, und 4,4′- diaminobiphenyl as individual components, but not for the analysis of a mixture containing all three isomers.
Adenosine effectively controls pulmonary hypertension after cardiac operations

Background. Pulmonary hypertension secondary to increased pulmonary vascular resistance may greatly complicate the perioperative management of patients having cardiac operations. Adenosine may have a therapeutic role as a selective pulmonary vasodilator. The purpose of this study was to examine the pulmonary hemodynamic effects of a central venous infusion of adenosine in cardiac operative patients with pulmonary hypertension. Methods. Ten cardiac patients with pulmonary hypertension (age, 62 ± 6 years) were studied in the operating room under general anesthesia after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiac output, pulmonary vascular resistance, systemic vascular resistance, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and mean systemic arterial pressure were determined before, during, and after central venous infusion of adenosine (50 μ g · kg −1 · min −1 ) for 15 minutes. Statistical analysis was by analysis of variance, and significance was accepted at p Results. Adenosine produced significant pulmonary vasodilation. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was lowered from 36 ± 1 to 28 ± 2 mm Hg ( p −5 ( p p Conclusions. Adenosine may be used clinically as a selective pulmonary vasodilating agent to optimize pulmonary hemodynamic indices without adverse systemic hemodynamic effects in patients with pulmonary hypertension having cardiac operations. It may be particularly valuable in patients with right heart dysfunction by selectively lowering right ventricular afterload.
SU-E-T-172: Evaluation of the Exradin A26 Ion Chamber in Megavoltage Photon Beams as a Reference Class Instrument

Purpose: The Exradin A26 is a new design of micro-ionization ion chamber that externally resembles the Exradin A16 model but has significant internal changes to address measurement issues reported in the literature for the A16. This project involved the characterization of two versions of the A26 chamber in high energy x-rays with particular reference to the performance specification laid out in the imminent Addendum to TG-51. Methods: The Exradin A26 was investigated in a range of megavoltage photon beams (6–25 MV). Investigations looked at chamber settling, ion recombination and polarity. Since it has been previously shown that non-ideal performance is most easily identified through ion recombination measurements, the focus was on the determination of Pion. Results: i) Chamber settling - the chamber response stabilizes very quickly (within 3 minutes), even after a large change in the polarizing voltage.ii) The polarity correction was found to be small (within 0.2% of unity)iii) The chamber showed linear behavior for a Jaffe plot (1/reading vs 1/polarizing voltage) for applied voltages ≤ 200 V.iv) The recombination correction showed a linear variation with the doseper- pulse, was not significantly dependent on the polarity of the collecting voltage and was consistent with the chamber dimensions (i.e. agreed with Boag theory). Conclusion: An initial investigation of the Exradin A26 micro chamber suggests that although its performance exceeds the AAPM specification for a reference-class ion chamber for use in megavoltage photon beams it is a significant improvement over the previous A16 design. Further work is required to evaluate long-term stability and determine kQ factors.
Prediction of maximum temperature or melting fraction in a LMFBR fuel element

Thermal conductivity correlations, microstructure temperature boundaries, and related fuel densities are described for several mixed-oxide (UO2PuO2) fuel-element models. Equations to apply these models to fast-reactor fuel elements are derived for both non-melting and melting conditions. These mixed-oxide fuel-element models are then utilized to calculate the maximum temperature in a liquid-metal fast-breeder reactor (LMFBR) fuel element. Sample calculations are performed for over-enriched mixed-oxide fuel elements that are inadvertently loaded into the center of a reactor core having characteristics similar to the fast flux test facility (FFTF). Weight fraction of molten fuel is calculated for operating conditions where the mixed-oxide fuel-melting temperature is exceeded. Results predicted by the various fuel-element models are shown to be in good agreement.
Hemodynamic alterations in idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis induced by sympathomimetic drugs

Abstract The hemodynamic alterations induced by isoproterenol and methoxamine in 7 patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis are described. The intravenous administration of 2 μg. of isoproterenol generally lowered the cardiac output and the systemic arterial pressure, while elevating the left ventricular systolic and end-diastolic pressures. Thus, this drug consistently decreased the effective orifice within the left ventricular outflow tract. In contrast, the administration of 2 mg. of methoxamine abolished the left ventriculoarterial pressure gradient in 3 patients. Variations in the severity of obstruction dependent upon alterations in intraventricular conduction were also demonstrated. The mechanisms responsible for the observed changes were discussed.
Partial Plane Contact of an Elastic Curved Beam Pressed by a Flat Surface

The normal contact of a frictionless, elastic curved beam indented by a flat, rigid surface is solved using a Michell-Fourier series expansion, which satisfies the mixed boundary value problem resulting from partial contact. When the contact region is small compared to the radius of curvature of the beam, semi-analytical solutions are obtained by exploiting dual series equation techniques. The relation between the level of loading and the extent of contact, as well as stress on the surface, are found for plane strain. The elasticity results extend Hertz line contact to finite thickness, curved beams. As the beam becomes thin, beam theory type behavior is recovered. The results may have application to finite-thickness wavy surfaces, cylindrical structures, or pressurized seals.
Vitamin D metabolism and bone mineralization in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Objective : To examine bone mineralization and bone mineral content in a cross-sectional population of children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods : Bone mineral content was measured by single-photon absorptiometry in 44 children with JRA and 37 control children. Serum concentrations of minerals, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and urinary concentrations of minerals, were determined. Results : Bone mineral content was decreased in children with JRA. Significantly lower concentrations of osteocalcin (7.4±3.4 vs 12.5±2.5 μg/L) and bone alkaline phosphatase (78.8±36.4 vs 123.0±46.0 IU/L) suggested reduced bone formation; lower levels of fartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (10.3±4.1 vs 14.4±5.8 IU/L) and a lower urinary calcium/creatinine ratio (0.07±0.06 vs 0.12±0.09) suggested decreased bone resorption. The serum calcium concentration was significantly lower (9.3±1.0 vs 10.0±0.4 mg/dl), as was the parathyroid hormone concentration (19.8±8.6 vs 26.7±9.3 ng/L); 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D values (30.1±10.5 vs 30.4±9.3 pg/ml) were normal. Conclusion : These data suggest that decreased mineralization in JRA is related to low bone turnover; parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels may be inappropriately normal for the decreased serum calcium concentration in children with JRA.
Assessing the potential for biofuel production of corn stover pyrolysis using a pressurized batch reactor

Abstract Pyrolysis of corn stover was carried out in a pressurized batch reactor to investigate production of potential bio-fuels from biomass wastes. Product yields and characteristics as well as conversion efficiencies were evaluated at varying temperatures of 400, 500 and 600 °C and at moderate pressure. Maximum bio-char yield of 37.3 wt.% and liquid product yield of 31.4% were obtained at 400 °C while the gas yield was maximum at 600 °C (21.2 wt.%). Bio-char characterization through its energy content, proximate and ultimate analyses indicated its potential as alternative solid fuel, as revealed in the Van Krevelen diagram. FTIR and GC–MS analyses of the bio-oil showed that its major components are phenolic compounds, with significant proportions of aromatic and aliphatic compounds. The gas product mainly consisted of methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide, with energy content ranging from 10.1 to 21.7 MJ m −3 . Mass and energy conversion efficiencies were evaluated, which indicated that majority of the mass and energy contained in the feedstock was transferred to the bio-char. Results showed that pyrolysis of corn stover produced potentially valuable sources of fuel and chemical feedstock.
Formation and control of defects during molecular beam epitaxial growth of HgCdTe

Void defects were demonstrated to form away from the substrate-epifilm interface during the molecular beam epitaxial growth of mercury cadmium telluride on cadmium zinc telluride substrates. These were smaller in size compared to voids which nucleated at the substrate-epifilm interface, which were also observed. Observations of void nucleation away from the substrate-epifilm interface were related to the respective growth regimes active at the time of the void nucleation. Once nucleated, voids replicated all the way to the surface even if the flux ratios were modified to prevent additional nucleation of voids. For a significant number of films, void defects were observed co-located with hillocks. These voids were usually smaller than 1 µm and appeared almost indistinguishable from unaccompanied simple voids. However, these void-hillock complexes displayed a nest of dislocation etch pits around these defects upon dislocation etching, whereas unaccompanied voids did not. The nests could extend as much as 25 µm from the individual void-hillock complex. The density of dislocations within the nest exceeded 5×106 cm−2, whereas the dislocation density outside of the nest could decrease to <2×105 cm−2. The void-hillock complexes formed due to fluctuations in growth parameters. Elimination of these fluctuations drastically decreased the concentrations of these defects.
Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: Management and Unanswered Questions

Approximately 10% of persons 70 years old or older are now diagnosed with pancreatic cysts, but it is not clear which ones require additional analysis, interventions, or follow-up. Primary care doctors rely on gastroenterologists for direction because no one wants to miss a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, but meanwhile there is pressure to limit use of diagnostic tests and limit costs. We review the different cystic neoplasms of the pancreas and diagnostic strategies based on clinical features and imaging data. We discuss surgical and nonsurgical management of the most common cystic neoplasms, based on the recently revised Sendai guidelines. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (particularly the branch duct variant) is the lesion most frequently identified incidentally. We report what is known about its pathology, its risk of developing into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the pros and cons of current guidelines for management, and the potential role of endoscopic ultrasound in determining cancer risk. We also review surgical treatment and strategies for surveillance of pancreatic cysts.
Pneumoperitoneum for Diagnosis of Localized Eventration of the Diaphragm with Liver Hernia

The diagnosis of the right sided diaphragmatic eventration with liver hernia can be made in most cases by the use of diagnostic pneumoperitoneum. Patients with this abnormality are usually asymptomatic. A right cardiophrenic mass may be seen in the chest x-ray films. Operative treatment is rarely indicated. Two elderly patients are presented in which diagnosis was easily established by diagnostic pneumoperitoneum. Surgical repair was not performed.
Panel survey assessment of elapsed time response error in travel spending measurement

Abstract This study examined the magnitude and direction of travel spending recall accuracy over a three month period using a panel survey design. Results confirmed expectations that substantial recall error occurs in the estimation of trip expenditures over an extended period of time. However, the direction of error (overestimation) differed dramatically from previous findings in the travel literature. Several plausible (methodological and theoretical) explanations are provided to explain the apparent contradiction. Implications for subsequent travel spending research are discussed.
Some universality properties associated with the cluster-cluster aggregation model

Abstract Simulations have been carried out to investigate the effects of sticking probabilities less than 1.0 and the effects of lattice details (lattice versus nonlattice simulations) on the fractal dimensionality D of clusters generated using a new cluster-cluster aggregation model. We find that D is insensitive to both the sticking probability and lattice details.
Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients Who Presented With Respiratory Arrest Resuscitated With Bystander CPR

Background and Purpose The sudden death rate from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is 10%. Since 1989, 26 SAH patients who were witnessed to collapse into coma with respiratory arrest and required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene survived to reach the hospital and be diagnosed. Although reports on hospital management of grade V SAH suggest improved outcome, no report has previously addressed the issue of respiratory arrest after acute SAH. We analyze our experience with this unique subgroup of aneurysmal SAH patients. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 26 consecutive SAH patients who collapsed at the scene and required CPR for respiratory arrest and survived to reach the hospital and be diagnosed. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test and Mann-Whitney rank-sum test. Results All patients were grade V on arrival at the emergency department. Twenty-one patients received mouth-to-mouth resuscitation only, and 5 received chest compressions as well. The mean durati...
Biochemical investigation of a child with molybdenum cofactor deficiency

A girl aged eight months, who presented with developmental delay and dislocated optic lenses, was diagnosed as having combined sulfite oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase deficiencies consistent with molybdenum cofactor deficiency. The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating the absence in urine of urothione, a molybdenum cofactor metabolite. Prenatal diagnosis excluded the disease in the mother's second pregnancy. A summary of an in vitro study of molybdenum cofactor synthesis in the patient is given.
Attachment of Pentaammineruthenium(III) to Trichoderma reesei Cellobiohydrolase I Increases Its Catalytic Activity

Abstract Pentaammineruthenium(III) was covalently attached to cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I, EC 3.2.1.91), the major component of Trichoderma reesei cellulase, resulting in 0.7 mol ruthenium/mol CBH I and an electrode potential of +95 mV. Fractionation of modified CBH I by chromatofocusing resulted in the separation of fractions with a 1.4- to 3.2-fold increase in specific activity toward p -nitrophenylcellobioside, depending on the assay conditions, over that of native enzyme. The extent of the hydrolysis of insoluble cellulosic substrates (Avicel and newsprint) to glucose by modified CBH I was also greater than that observed by the native enzyme.
4000 clicks: a productivity analysis of electronic medical records in a community hospital ED

Abstract Objective We evaluate physician productivity using electronic medical records in a community hospital emergency department. Methods Physician time usage per hour was observed and tabulated in the categories of direct patient contact, data and order entry, interaction with colleagues, and review of test results and old records. Results The mean percentage of time spent on data entry was 43% (95% confidence interval, 39%-47%). The mean percentage of time spent in direct contact with patients was 28%. The pooled weighted average time allocations were 44% on data entry, 28% in direct patient care, 12% reviewing test results and records, 13% in discussion with colleagues, and 3% on other activities. Tabulation was made of the number of mouse clicks necessary for several common emergency department charting functions and for selected patient encounters. Total mouse clicks approach 4000 during a busy 10-hour shift. Conclusion Emergency department physicians spend significantly more time entering data into electronic medical records than on any other activity, including direct patient care. Improved efficiency in data entry would allow emergency physicians to devote more time to patient care, thus increasing hospital revenue.