cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Melt spinning of thermotropic cellulose derivatives

The melt spinning of two thermotropic cellulose derivatives—trimethyl silyl cellulose and phenyl acetoxy cellulose—is described in this article. Removal of the substituents was facile, rapid, and essentially complete. Both the melt-spun and regenerated fibers had banded textures typical of fibers spun from a liquid crystalline phase. The regenerated cellulose fibers had high strengths and moduli compared to viscose rayon and Lyocel cellulose fibers. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 418–423, 2000
REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS AND NEST DEPREDATION OF THE FLORIDA SCRUB-JAY

Abstract The Florida Scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is listed as a threatened species primarily because of habitat loss throughout much of its range. The Ocala National Forest in Florida contains one of three main subpopulations that must be stable or increasing before the species can be considered for removal from federal listing. However, little information is available on Florida Scrub-jay reproductive success or predation pressure on this forest. I used video cameras during 2002 and 2003 to identify nest predators and timing of predation events. The presence of the video system did not significantly affect the rate of nest abandonment. Thirteen nests were video-monitored of which one was abandoned, five experienced no predation, three were partially depredated, and four had total loss of nest contents. Snakes were responsible for more losses from predation than either mammals or birds. I monitored 195 other scrub-jay nests (no video-monitoring) and measured the mean number of eggs, nestlings, and...
The infrared spectrum of the Δv = 2 transitions of lead sulfide (PbS)

Abstract High-resolution absorption measurements of the Δv = 2 transitions of lead sulfide (PbS) are given between 830 and 863 cm−1. The measurements were made with PbS in the gas phase at temperatures between 1100 and 1325 K and involved vibrational transitions ranging from v = 2−0 to v = 8−6. Transitions for the three most abundant isotopic species (208Pb32S, 207Pb32S, and 206Pb32S) have been measured. The fitted parameters related to the breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation (or a so-called nuclear field shift) are quite large for vibration as well as for rotation. The band centers for the 1-0 transitions are computed from these measurements as follows: ν 0 ( 208 Pb 32 S) = 426.63239(12) cm −1 , ν 0 ( 207 Pb 32 S)= 426.76880(12) cm −1 , and ν 0 ( 206 Pb 32 S) = 426.90658(12) .
The varying tissue distribution of L-glutamic acid labelled at three different sites.

Abstract Methods using 5 and 6 enzymes were devised to synthesize L-[ 11 C]glutamic acid (GA), labeled on the carboxyl group of either the α-(AGA) or γ-(GGA) carbon atom. The distribution of the 11 C-labeled AGA or GGA in rabbits was compared with that of L-[ 13 N]glutamic acid. The results show that AGA was rapidly decarboxylated with loss of the 11 C-label, and that GGA was also decarboxylated, but to a lesser degree. Thus, the radiolabel distribution may not reflect the distribution of the original compound. The results also demonstrate that positron labeled pharamaceuticals may be rapidly synthesized via complex enzymatic pathways.
A Priority for ESD Research: Influencing Adult Citizens

Research in the disciplines of education, science education, and environmental education has a rich history. While research in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) may be related to these traditions, there is a need for ESD to carve a new niche that promotes high quality and effective ESD programmes. With an eye towards practice and applied research, this paper suggests that research in ESD focus on strategies that promote sustainable behaviours and engage adult citizens in decision making. Researchers can build on the relevant work in psychology, sociology, education, policy and communication that relates to environmental behaviour and citizen participation. ESD researchers will play important roles on teams of engineers, agriculturalists, economists and architects, for example, as they implement more sustainable technologies.
The olivine — clinopyroxene geobarometer: experimental results in the CaO-FeO-MgO-SiO2 system

The exchange of Ca and Mg between olivine and clinopyroxene has been studied in the CFMS system. Experiments were conducted in a piston-cylinder apparatus in the temperature range of 1,100–1,300° C and the pressure range 10–30 kbar. Results confirm the previous suggestion (Adams and Bishop 1982) that this reaction has a sufficiently largeΔ V° to be used as a geobarometer in several basic and ultrabasic systems. Experimental results were corrected for compositional effects using recent activity-composition models for quadrilateral pyroxenes and olivines. The corrected results indicate that the exchange reaction has aΔH1 bar of 34,900 J, a ΔS° of -7.25J/deg, and a ΔV° of -0.489 J/bar. Corrected results agree well with calculations based on the thermodynamic properties of the endmembers.
Rates and factors associated with admission in patients presenting to the ED with TIA in the United States-2006 to 2008.

Abstract Background The estimates of patients who present with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in the emergency departments (EDs) of United States and their disposition and factors that determine hospital admission are not well understood. Objective We used a nationally representative database to determine the rate and predictors of admission in TIA patients presenting to EDs. Methods We analyzed data from the National Emergency Department Sample (2006-2008) for all patients presenting with a primary diagnosis of TIA in the United States. Samples were weighted to provide national estimates of TIA hospitalizations and identify factors that increase the odds of hospital admission including age, sex, type of insurance, median household income, and hospital type (urban teaching, urban nonteaching, and nonurban). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of hospital admission. Results There were 812908 ED visits for primary diagnosis of TIA; mean age (±SD), 70.3 ± 14.9 years; and 57.9% were women from 2006 to 2008. Of these ED visits, 516837 (63.5%) were admitted to the hospital, whereas 296071 (36.5%) were discharged from the ED to home. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting age, sex, and medical comorbidities, independent factors associated with hospital admissions were median household income $64000 or higher (odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-1.44; P = .003), Medicare insurance type (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.14-1.26; P P Conclusion From 2006 to 2008, approximately 64% of all patients presenting with TIAs to the EDs within United States were admitted to the hospital. Factors unrelated to patients' condition such as median household income, insurance status, and ED affiliated hospital type play an important role in the decision to admit TIA patients to the hospitals.
Polar stratospheric clouds at the South Pole from 5 years of continuous lidar data: Macrophysical, optical, and thermodynamic properties

[1] An eye-safe micropulse lidar (MPL; 0.523 μm) has operated at the Scott-Amundsen South Pole Station, Antarctica, since December 1999 to collect continuous long-term measurements of polar clouds. A 5-year data subset is presented here to describe macrophysical, optical, and thermodynamic properties of polar stratospheric clouds (PSC) in austral winters 2000 and 2003–2006. PSC cloud occurrence is examined relative to seasonal temperature and theoretical chemical structure. A linear relationship is established with high correlation between total integrated PSC scattering and ozone loss for 2000 and 2003–2005 when springtime overturning of the air mass occurred nominally. In 2006, ozone-depleted air persisted over the South Pole through the end of December. In this case, overturning of the air mass was limited temporally by vortex-related mechanisms, and any correlation with PSC occurrence was eliminated. PSC formed near and above 18.0 km above mean sea level (MSL) in late May and early June likely influence clouds formed at lower heights later in the season from sedimentation, evaporation/sublimation, and repartitioning of nitrogen and water vapor in the air mass bounded by the dynamic polar vortex. Conceptual profiles for seasonal PSC occurrence and thermal structure are described. PSC are common to near and above 20.0 km MSL through June. After this, they are most frequent near 15.0 km MSL through August.
Planning for network disaster: telecommunications diversity in the new OCLC network

Recently, OCLC successfully completed a multi‐year network design, procurement, implementation, and user transition effort. At a cost of $70 million, this effort resulted in the implementation of a totally new telecommunications network. The packet‐switching nature of this new network has for the first time made it practical for OCLC to effectively address the risks imposed by the potential of major catastrophes within the telecommunications‐carrier infrastructure, and, for all practical purposes, to eliminate any resulting widespread service outages for OCLC users.
Tetrasomy 21 in megakaryoblastic leukemia

A 23-month-old female evaluated for profound anemia proved to have megakaryoblastic leukemia. The diagnosis is based on examination of bone marrow morphology, cytochemical characteristics, and immunophenotype. The chromosome complement of unstimulated blast cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow was 48,XX,+21,+21. Tetrasomy 21 is the sole clonal cytogenetic abnormality in this patient with megakaryoblastic leukemia. The constitutional complement of the patient is normal female, 46,XX.
MESA: A portable multi-energy sensor array for low-frequency electromagnetic field fluctuations

The study of the relation between electromagnetic fields and various psychological phenomena would be enhanced by the measurement and correlation of time series over multiple energy bands. The paper discusses the design and implementation of a computerized multi-energy sensor array (MESA) that detects and records low-frequency energy fluctuations. The current implementation of MESA focuses on the measurement of magnetic fields, infrared and visible light frequencies, and indices of seismic activity. However, MESA is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the measurement of other variables as well, and it can be configured to suit applications in laboratory and field settings.
Ethanol's effects on operant responding : Differentiating reinforcement efficacy and motor performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ethanol on operant responding in rats. Drugs may affect response rates by several mechanisms, including altering motor performance or sensitivity to reinforcement. These two processes can be dissociated by applying a quantitative model of reinforced responding the response-strength equation, to response rates obtained during multiple variable-interval (VI) schedules of reinforcement. This equation has two fitted parameters. One (k) is thought to measure changes in motor performance, and the other (Re) is thought to measure changes in reinforcement efficacy. In experimental sessions, rats earned sucrose reinforcement on a seven-component multiple VI operant schedule. The average intervals varied from 108 to 3 s and provided reinforcement rates from 30 to 1200/h. Following stable baseline performance, rats were injected intraperitoneally prior to sessions with different doses of ethanol: 0.0, 0.3, 0.6. and 0.9 g/kg. Low to moderate doses of ethanol (0.3 and 0.6 g/kg) significantly decreased response rates on several of the VI schedules but did not alter either of the fitted parameters, suggesting that these doses of ethanol did not affect motor performance or sensitivity to reinforcement. The 0.9 g/kg dose decreased responding maintained by many of the VI schedules and significantly increased the Re parameter, suggesting that the sucrose became relatively less efficacious in ethanol compared to vehicle sessions. This relatively high dose of ethanol, however, did not alter responding maintained by the richest reinforcement schedule, and it did not affect motor performance as defined by the k parameter. These results suggest that, within this paradigm, ethanol affects motivation to respond rather than ability to respond.
A new method for immunologically marking prey and its use in predation studies

We introduce a new method for immunologically examining predator gut contents. It differs from previously described gut content analyses because it does not require the development of prey-specific antibody probes. Instead, insect prey were marked with a readily available antigen, rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG). We then assayed predators that had fed on IgG labeled prey with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using goat anti-rabbit IgG. Of the predator species that fed on the IgG labeled prey, 98.8% of those with chewing mouthparts scored positive for IgG 1 h after feeding. Our prey-labeling ELISA was less efficient for detecting IgG prey remains in predators with piercing/sucking mouthparts. Only 29.5% of these individuals scored positive for rabbit IgG in their guts 1 h after feeding. An additional study was conducted to measure the retention time of IgG-labeled prey in the guts of two species of predators with chewing mouthparts. Results from this experiment showed that the retention time varied depending on the predator and prey species examined. Results from these studies indicate that this marking technique could have widespread use for analyzing the gut contents of predators with chewing mouthparts, but it has limited application for those predators with piercing/sucking mouthparts.
A high-resolution map of human chromosome 12

Our sequence-tagged site-content map of chromosome 12 is now integrated with the whole-genome fingerprinting effort1,2. It provides accurate and nearly complete bacterial clone coverage of chromosome 12. We propose that this integrated mapping protocol serves as a model for constructing physical maps for entire genomes.
Suspension of microorganisms in a thixotropic solution

Abstract The rapid settling of microorganisms in suspensions introduces considerable variation in the number of spores or particles dispensed, and this difference is often great enough to prevent administration of accurate doses. Because of their thixotropic characteristics, solutions of hydroxyethyl cellulose of proper viscosity and body were used successfully to suspend spores of Mattesia grandis. Since the spores did not settle in the syringe or needle, accurate doses could be administered.
Experimental determination of the ternary diagram of the TiCrC system

Abstract The phase relationships in the TiCrC ternary system above 1300°C were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, D.T.A., metallographic and melting point techniques. The results of this work including the isotherms for nine different temperatures are presented in this paper.
Identification of Minimal Predictors of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Virulence for Use as a Rapid Diagnostic Tool

To identify traits that predict avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) virulence, 124 avian E. coli isolates of known pathogenicity and serogroup were subjected to virulence genotyping and phylogenetic typing. The results were analyzed by multiple-correspondence analysis. From this analysis, five genes carried by plasmids were identified as being the most significantly associated with highly pathogenic APEC strains: iutA, hlyF, iss, iroN, and ompT. A multiplex PCR panel targeting these five genes was used to screen a collection of 994 avian E. coli isolates. APEC isolates were clearly distinguished from the avian fecal E. coli isolates by their possession of these genes, suggesting that this pentaplex panel has diagnostic applications and underscoring the close association between avian E. coli virulence and the possession of ColV plasmids. Also, the sharp demarcation between APEC isolates and avian fecal E. coli isolates in their plasmid-associated virulence gene content suggests that APEC isolates are well equipped for a pathogenic lifestyle, which is contrary to the widely held belief that most APEC isolates are opportunistic pathogens. Regardless, APEC isolates remain an important problem for poultry producers and a potential concern for public health professionals, as growing evidence suggests a possible role for APEC in human disease. Thus, the pentaplex panel described here may be useful in detecting APEC-like strains occurring in poultry production, along the food chain, and in human disease. This panel may be helpful toward clarifying potential roles of APEC in human disease, ascertaining the source of APEC in animal outbreaks, and identifying effective targets of avian colibacillosis control.
Conjectures about Public Opinion and the Australian Welfare State

The recent development of the Australian welfare state is often characterised by writers on social policy as heavily influenced by a tax revolt, by welfare backlash, by a fiscal and legitimation crisis and by the privatisation of services. This paper argues that although writers on public opinion and the welfare state have pointed to significant changes both in politics and the economy, they have often misinterpreted the nature of support for the welfare state in Australia. Above all, in response to the challenge by the New Right, they have overstated the shift away from a commitment both by policy makers and by most of the public to collective provision for income maintenance, health and education. I would argue that the New Right, in so far as it can be identified as a major proponent of radical reform of the welfare state, has exercised a decisive influence on intellectual debates rather than on public attitudes and public policy. These intellectual debates tend to underestimate the significance of ins...
Accumulation of an mRNA and protein in interferon-treated Ehrlich ascites tumour cells.

INTERFERONS are glycoproteins which are synthesised by various vertebrate cells in response to virus infection or some other stimuli. They are secreted and then interact with other cells and convert these into an antiviral state, in which the multiplication of viruses is impaired1. It is thought that transcription and translation are required for the establishment of the antiviral state as actinomycin D or inhibitors of protein synthesis, suitably administered, prevent or delay the effect2,3. Results with enucleated cells also support this idea4. We show here that treatment of Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT) cells with highly purified interferon results in the accumulation of a particular mRNA and the corresponding protein within the cells. However, we have not yet identified the function of the induced protein.
Comparative ocular anatomy in a blind African cichlid fish, Lamprologus lethops.

Objective Troglomorphic fishes provide excellent comparative models for studying eye evolution. We describe the gross and microscopic anatomy of ocular structures of the depigmented, blind cichlid, Lamprologus lethops, and its putative sister species, Lamprologus tigripictilis collected from the lower Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Procedures Both species were fixed, paraffin-sectioned and stained. Immunohistochemical staining for rhodopsin markers was also performed. Results The globe in L. lethops is smaller than its sighted congener and recessed beneath bone and skin. The scleral profile maintains a wrinkled spherical shape, and the choroid is occupied by adipose tissue containing no rete mirabilis. The globe in L. lethops is foreshortened in the anterior–posterior dimension and deviated dorsally toward the midline with no extraocular muscles. At the posterior pole of the globe, there is an open periocular space containing no cell bodies. In L. tigripictilis, no choroidal adipose tissue is seen and a rete mirabilis is present. The retina of L. lethops is thinner compared with L. tigripictilis. Both species have scleral cartilage and fully developed lenses. Rhodopsin is present in the inner and outer segments of both species. Conclusions Ocular adaptations evolve over time as a response to a life in darkness. Combining ocular anatomy, developmental data, and genetics will lead to insights about evolution in these fishes and contribute to understanding how ocular evolution works in other vertebrates.
Cytochrome P-450: Cytochrome P-450 Reductase Interactions

(1989). Cytochrome P-450: Cytochrome P-450 Reductase Interactions. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 20, No. 2-4, pp. 519-533.
Some relations between television picture redundancy and bandwidth requirements

An analysis is presented of the concept of statistical redundancy. It is shown that the redundancy can be separated into two parts, nonpredictive redundancy and predictive redundancy. The nonpredictive redundancy results from the message not possessing the most efficient first-order probability distribution while the predictive redundancy results from the statistical correlation of the present value of a signal with its past history. The analytical procedure presented in this paper is then applied to the television communication problem. The results of this analysis compare very favorably with existing experimental evidence. The analysis indicates that by clever statistical coding, a bandwidth reduction of about two to one might be obtained, although even this modest gain would require complex equipment. The conclusion is reached that the best way of achieving bandwidth reduction in television communication is by cleverly degrading the information in a picture in such a way that the human observer would not notice it appreciably.
Factors affecting urine volume in chronic renal failure.

Twenty-four-hour urine volume was studied in 80 determinations from 12 patients with chronic renal failure (creatinine clearances between 7.1 and 38.9 L/d) hospitalized on a metabolic ward. Urine volume ranged from 0.91 to 4.51 L/d. Various components of urine that might affect urine output, ie, osmolar excretion, sodium excretion, urea nitrogen excretion, free water clearance, and potassium excretion, were correlated with urine volume to determine their relative effects. Total osmolar excretion correlated highly with urine output (r = .92, P less than .001), while correlation with free water clearance was weak. Of the three osmotic components, total urea nitrogen excretion correlated best with urine volume (r = .86, P less than .001), while the correlation with sodium excretion was less pronounced (r = .75, P less than .001). The relatively greater impact of urea excretion on urine volume was confirmed by multiple regression analysis. However, total cation excretion (sodium plus potassium) gave nearly as good a regression with urine volume (r = .83, P less than .001). Our findings confirm that total osmolar excretion is a major determinant of urine volume in chronic renal failure and suggest that urea excretion may play the most important role in determining output.
Educational Attitude Changes during Year-Long Student Teaching

A year-long, clustered student teaching program is examined over a two-year period for influence upon pre-service teacher attitudes toward education. The Educational Preference Scale is used in a pre- and post-design, and results are interpreted with reference to the theory of cognitive dissonance. Relationships between student teacher satisfaction with the field-based program and student teacher and supervising teacher attitudes toward education are documented. The relationship between educational attitudes of supervising teachers and the degree to which those teachers are perceived by student teachers as effective supervisors is discussed.The data, collected from 123 student teachers, 42 supervising teachers, and 3 schools, suggest that previous studies of attitudinal change during field placements have neglected the influence of long-term placements, multiple supervisors, and steady versus conflicting ideological pull. Total attitude change on the part of student teachers emerges as a function of the i...
Role of Biomechanical Stimulation (Cycling) in Neo-Bladder Regeneration

Background Biomechanical stimulation promotes tissue regeneration and healing. Bladder regeneration is biomechanically stimulated by cycling (filling, storage and evacuation). Interruption of cycling in patients with neurogenic bladders leads to functional and structural alterations. Material and Methods Cycling impacts on bladder tissue regeneration in cystectomized animals implanted with cell-seeded PLGA-based scaffolds were evaluated and learnings applied to the Tengion Autologous Neo-Bladder Augment™ (NBA) Phase II clinical trial studying patients with neurogenic bladder due to spina bifida. Results Neo-bladder cycling was initiated in animals 2 weeks post-implantation for 3 days/week. Urodynamic assessments from three cycling cohorts were evaluated: HIGH (10 weeks, >3.75 hr/day, >60 hrs), LOW (10 weeks, Conclusions Early post-implantation cycling is essential for regenerative healing following implantation of autologous cell-seeded PLGA-based scaffolds in animals and humans. Insights from Preclinical studies are consistent with insights from a Phase II clinical trial of the Tengion Autologous Neo-Bladder Augment™ and confirm the importance of cycling in bladder regeneration.
James Gordon Bennett and the New York Herald: A Study of Editorial Opinion in the Civil War Era 1854-1867

James Gordon Bennett has many claims to being called the father of modern journalism. Through the columns of the New York Herald this book explores the climate of opinion in a turbulent era and traces the developing power of the modern press on politics and politicians.
Nanoassembled fluorescent microshells as biochemical sensors

Hollow microshells are being fabricated for potential use as versatile sensors for real-time measurements of biochemicals. These shells are assembled using Layer-by-Layer (LBL) assembly of polyions onto colloidal polymer template particles. The latex particles are subsequently dissolved leaving behind stable, hollow shells into which analyte-sensitive and reference dyes are introduced. Fundamental studies have been performed to determine optical and chemical characteristics of these shells. Tests have been performed to determine the integrity of shells with respect to leaching and structural stability and robustness. The microshells were then loaded with an assay composed of a sodium sensitive fluorophore (SBFI) or a potassium sensitive fluorophore (PBFI), along with an analyte insensitive reference dye. It has been shown that the dye-loaded capsules retain their sensitivity to ion concentration with fluorescence characteristics similar to those of the dyes in liquid-phase, and that the sensor response to increasing ion concentration is linear over a physiologically significant range. In addition, preliminary results have demonstrated the ability of these capsules to be loaded with other sensor chemistry, including Ruthenium/Glucose-oxidase, and a FITC-dextran/TRITC-ConA competitive binding assay for glucose sensing based on fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) methods.
Comment on ‘‘Energy and nonlinearity considerations for the enhanced plasma wave model of Raman scattering’’ [Phys. Fluids B 1, 1073 (1989)]

The interpretation of some recent experiments [Phys. Rev. Lett. 60, 1018 (1988); Phys. Fluids 30, 1795 (1988)] by Simon and Short [Phys. Fluids B 1, 1073 (1989), referred to as SS4] is discussed. The predicted angular distribution is almost narrow enough to correspond to the data discussed in SS4, but not to correspond to data from previous experiments having similar plasma‐wave damping but much smaller density‐gradient scale length. Examination of the time dependence of the Raman spectrum in all the data, rather than only the single case discussed in SS4, shows that the hydrodynamic behavior, rather than the vanishing of quarter critical, determines the time of maximum emission. Finally, it is notable that the analysis of the power flow in SS4 requires that most of the laser energy be converted into intense electron beams with narrow velocity distributions having intensities of 20× the average laser power. Though not impossible, this seems unlikely.
Ground‐and Excited‐State Characterization of an Electrostatic Complex between Tetrakis‐(4‐Sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin and 16‐Pyrimidinium Crown‐4

— We report the formation of an electrostatic complex between (16-pyrimidinium crown-4)tetranitrate (16PC4) and tetrakis-(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (4SP) in aqueous solution. Ground-state complex formation results in a red shift of the 4SP visible absorption bands and a decrease in absorbance of the Soret band. The equilibrium constant for complex formation (determined from optical titrations) is found to be (2.0 ± 0.2) × 105M−1. In addition, the data fit to an expression describing a 1:1 stoichiometry. Excitation of the complex results in quenching of both the excited singlet and triplet states of the associated porphyrin. The singlet-state lifetime decreases from 10 ns for the free porphyrin to 1.5 ns in the presence of 16PC4 at low solution ionic strengths. In addition, evidence is presented for triplet-state quenching within the complex with kq= (1.1 ± 0.1) × 104 s−1. The mechanism of quenching is tentatively assigned to electron transfer from either the excited singlet or excited triplet state of the porphyrin to the ground state of the 16PC4.
Cancer mortality among workers exposed to formaldehyde.

Proportionate mortality among workers exposed to formaldehyde was analyzed among employees of a large chemical plant in Western Massachusetts. Twenty-four such decedents, all males, were identified through union records, reports of former co-workers, and a systematic review of obituaries in local newspaper. Work histories were obtained from seniority lists. Race-age-sex-adjusted proportionate mortality ratios ( PMRs ) were significantly elevated for cancer of the colon based on United States, county, and county cancer mortality proportions (PMR = 702, 424, 333, p less than or equal to .05), as were PMRs for the category buccal and pharyngeal cancer (PMR = 870, 952, 833, p less than .05). This study provides evidence of formaldehyde's carcinogenicity. These findings are at variance with a previous report of the mortality experience of workers at the same plant from an earlier period.
An identity for exponential distributions with the common location parameter and its applications

An identity for exponential distributions with an unknown common location parameter and unknown and possibly unequal scale parameters is established.Through use of the identity the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and the uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator (UMVUE) of a quantile of an exponential population are compared under the squared error loss.A class of estimators dominating both MLE and UMVUE is obtained by using the identity.
The subcellular organization of human gingival epithelium cultivated in circumfusion systems

Abstract The submicroscopic organization of the emigrating epithelium from two specimens of adult gingiva cultivated in dual-rotary circumfusion systems was investigated. After 21 days, the cultures were fixed and the epithelial outgrowths were embedded and sectioned in planes both vertical and horizontal to the surface of the cover slips for observation by phase-contrast and electron microscopy. Three types of cells were identified: (1) basal-like, (2) prickle-like, and (3) desquamative cells. The basal-like cells were comparatively smaller than the prickle-like cells and were characterized by prominent Golgi complexes, centrioles and scant tonofilaments and desmosomes. The basal-like cells overlaid basal lamina-like structures applied to the surface of the mica cover slips and contained hemidesmosomes. The broad prickle-like cells were characterized by their dense arrays of tonofibrils, increased numbers of desmosomes and microvilli between wide intercellular spaces, several kinds of lysosome-like bodies, and large accumulations of microgranules. Mitochondria with myelin-like figures were frequently encountered in both upper and lower epithelial cells. However, keratohyalin granules were not observed in this study. Desquamative cells had characteristic cytoplasmic condensations on the inner leaflet and contained vesicles of various sizes and shapes. These observations demonstrated that the retention of histiotypic patterns observed in living cells by phase-contrast microscopy was similarly maintained at the ultrastructural level.
Evaluation and treatment of low back pain: An evidence‐based approach to clinical care

Low back pain is a common reason for patient visits to a health care provider. For most patients, low back symptoms are nonspecific, meaning that the pain is localized to the back or buttocks and is due to a presumed musculoligamentous process. For patients with radicular leg symptoms, a precise etiology is more commonly identified. The history and physical examination usually provide clues to the uncommon but potentially serious causes of low back pain, as well as to those patients at risk for prolonged recovery. Diagnostic testing should not be a routine part of the initial evaluation, but used selectively based upon the history, examination, and initial treatment response. For patients without significant neurological impairment, initial treatments should include activity modification, nonnarcotic analgesics, and education. For patients whose symptoms are not improving over 2 to 4 weeks, referral for physical treatments is appropriate. A variety of therapeutic options of limited or unproven benefit are available for patients with radicular leg symptoms or chronic low back pain. Patients with radicular pain and little or no neurological findings should receive conservative treatment, but elective surgery is appropriate for those with nerve root compression who are unresponsive to conservative therapy.
Electrocardiographic Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction During Ventricular Pacing

A 51-year-old man presented to the emergency room with a 30-minute history of sudden, severe, crushing retrosternal chest discomfort with radiation to both shoulders. Cardiac risk factors included a history of tobacco abuse and a family history of premature coronary atherosclerosis. A single-chamber pacemaker programmed to the VVI mode had been implanted 12 years earlier for a bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome, and the patient was considered pacemaker dependent. Physical examination was unremarkable. A previous baseline ECG (Figure 1⇓) was compared with the ECG on admission (Figure 2⇓) that showed significant ST-T–segment changes in the interim. The patient underwent emergency coronary angiography that revealed an occluded …
Value of transthoracic echocardiography in predicting embolic events in active infective endocarditis

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to determine interobserver variability of echocardiographic characteristics of vegetations in patients with infective endocarditis, and (2) to assess the value of these vegetation characteristics in predicting embolic events. Although echocardiography contributes to the diagnosis of patients with infective endocarditis, its prognostic role in predicting embolic events is controversial. The echocardiograms of 41 patients with infective endocarditis were independently reviewed by 4 echocardiographers blinded to the clinical data. If a vegetation was present, the following characteristics were analyzed: involved site, size, mobility, shape, and pedunculated or sessile attachment. Each echocardiographer also made a "gestalt" estimate of embolic risk based on these vegetation characteristics. Interobserver agreement on vegetation characteristics and their relation to embolic events was then determined using kappa statistics and logistic regression analysis. Interobserver agreement was 98% with regard to echocardiographic vegetation presence and 97% with regard to the involved site. Of the 30 patients in whom vegetations were observed, complete observer agreement was achieved with regard to size in 22 (73%), mobility in 17 (57%), shape in 11 (37%), and attachment in 12 (40%). Vegetations with a maximal diameter of > 10 mm were associated with a 50% incidence of embolic events, compared with a 42% incidence of emboli in patients with vegetations measuring < or = 10 mm. Interobserver variability was great with respect to vegetation shape, mobility, and attachment characteristics. Echocardiographic vegetation characteristics were not helpful in defining the risk of embolic complications in patients with endocarditis.
An ultrahigh vacuum system for ion-induced characteristic X-ray analysis

Abstract This paper describes a new ultrahigh vacuum system designed and constructed primarily for ion-induced characteristic X-ray studies. Details of the following four special features of interest are described: (1) an ultrahigh vacuum beam line system; (2) a multi-purpose scattering chamber; (3) a windowless Si(Li) X-ray detector scheme; and (4) a target manipulator for ion beam experiments with in situ heating and cooling over the range from approximately 1200°C down to 110 K.
Relation of the Intact Pituitary Gland to Artificially Induced Ovulation

ConclusionThe normal hibernating frog may be induced to ovulate 50% or more of its eggs by the injection of 3 to 4 anterior pituitary glands from female frogs, but if the frog is first hypophysectomized and then allowed to recover completely from the operation, its own gland (or one from another female) will elicit the same degree of ovulation.
The plaNET/ORBIT High Speed Network

This paper presents an overview of the plaNET/ORBIT Gigabit networking system being developed at IBM. It identifies the various network components and their functionality, and describes how the many services provided by the network are supported. The paper focuses on providing a general view on how the different components operate and interact with each other, rather than on giving detailed technical descriptions of their implementations. Instead, pointers to relevant publications are used to allow interested readers to find additional details.
Ototoxicity Associated with Use of Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: A Report of 3 Possible Cases and Review of the Literature

Although a variety of adverse effects have been attributed to treatment with nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, only 5 cases of ototoxicity have been reported in the literature. We describe 3 additional cases of possible NRTI-associated ototoxicity in HIV-1-infected patients, all of whom were aged >45 years, had a history of noise-induced hearing loss, and reported tinnitus and deterioration in hearing in the setting of antiretroviral therapy. Reductions in mitochondrial DNA content induced by NRTIs, as well as mitochondrial DNA mutations associated with aging and HIV-1 infection, all may contribute to auditory dysfunction in older patients with HIV-1 infection. Prospective studies are necessary to determine the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss among HIV-1-infected patients and their relationship to the use of NRTIs.
Integrating a modified simulated annealing algorithm with the simulation of a manufacturing system to optimize buffer sizes in automatic assembly systems

Selecting appropriate buffer sizes for the transport systems of automated manufacturing systems is a complex task that must account for random fluctuations in production rates by individual machines as well as the transport delays that are a part of the material handling system. If the buffer sizes are too large then the transport delays are excessive and more in-process inventories must be loaded into the system to accommodate the large buffer sizes. If the buffer sizes are too small then small processing delays will cause the buffers to fill and upstream workstations will be blocked from releasing completed workpieces. This paper integrates an extension of the simulated annealing algorithm used in combinatorial optimization with a discrete event simulation of the manufacturing system to find optimal buffer sizes for asynchronous assembly systems which involve automated inspection as well as automated assembly.
Evidence on the Winner-takes-all Business Model: The Profitability Returns-to-scale of Expenditures on Intangibles Made by U.S. Internet Firms, 1995-2001

The winner-takes-all business model followed by many U.S. Internet firms predicts that spending on intangibles will exhibit increasing profitability returns-to-scale. That is, larger expenditures should be more profitable per dollar of investment than small expenditures because larger expenditures are more likely to be either the cause or the consequence of the firm holding a dominant market position. I test this prediction by estimating the average ex-post net present value (NPV) profitability of expenditures made by U.S. Internet firms on brand, R&D and structural intangibles over the period 1995q1-2001q2 as a function of the scale of the expenditures. Two major findings emerge. First, of the fifteen NPVs that I compute (five levels of spending for each of three intangibles), only that of the very largest level of expenditures on brand is reliably positive. Seven NPVs are reliably negative. Second, brand, R&D and structural intangibles all display some evidence of increasing returns-to-scale, with the relation being strongest for brand intangibles. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a winner-takes-all business landscape has characterized the economics of the U.S. Internet sector.
The relation between syntactic and phonological knowledge in lexical access: evidence from the `tip-of-the-tongue' phenomenon

The relation between access to the syntactic and to the phonological features of words in lexical access is investigated in two experiments. Italian speakers were asked to provide the gender and partial phonological information of known nouns they could not produce at that moment, words that they felt were at the tip-of-the-tongue (TOT). In both experiments, subjects were able to provide information about the word they could not produce with better-than-chance accuracy. This was true not only for phonological information such as the initial phoneme of the word but also for the word's gender, – a purely syntactic feature of nouns. However, analyses of the correlation between correct retrieval of the gender and the initial phoneme failed to reveal a positive relationship. This result is inconsistent with theories of lexical access that interpose two lexical nodes, lemma and lexeme nodes, between a word's semantic and phonological content. A model of lexical access that does not postulate the lemma/lexeme distinction is briefly discussed.
Calculation of power system harmonics via wavelet packet decomposition in real time metering

The fast Fourier transform is used widely in harmonic analysis for real time power metering due to its low computational complexity. An alternate method, wavelet packet decomposition, has been applied to power system signals to meter voltage and current harmonics Although the new method provides better analysis, the computational complexity of commonly used filters such as Daubechies, Vaidyanathan, and Beylkin places a limitation on its use in real time metering. This paper proposes an all-pass implementation of Butterworth IIR filters to reduce the computational complexity of the aforementioned FIR filters while providing similar if not better magnitude characteristics.
Radar Backscatter from Conducting Polyhedral Spheres

Electromagnetic backscatter characteristics of conducting polyhedral spheres, constructed of 12 pentagons and a large number of hexagons, were investigated. The polyhedral structures were classified by their number of vertices and by the width of the conducting edges in their frames. Polyhedral spheres with 60, 80, 180, 240, 320, 500, 540, 960, and 1500 vertices were evaluated for their ability to scatter electromagnetic waves back to a source. The edge widths were varied between the limits of (1) nearly zero, to produce a wire-frame sphere; and (2) full surface closure of the polygon holes in the sphere, to form solid conducting structures. Using Method-of-Moments simulations with the WIPL-D code, the monostatic scattering properties of these spheres were studied over a wide range of structural and frequency parameters. The spherical wire frames had up to a 10 dB larger radar cross section than the completely solid spheres. This result provides models for new light-weight radar cross section targets used as satellite-calibration spheres with enhanced radar cross section for easier detection, low mass for easier launch, and low drag cross section for long orbit life. With selected edge widths, the monostatic radar cross section becomes vanishingly small at specific anti-backscatter frequencies, for conducting spherical shells with a regular pattern of polygon holes. These shells can be placed around solid spheres to nearly eliminate radar reflection from the composite object at specific frequencies. The polyhedral conducting-mesh (PCM) spheres with vanishing radar cross section at a desired frequency have applications for isotropic scattering sources that reflect no energy back to the electromagnetic source. the anti-backscatter polyhedral conducting-mesh spheres may provide insight for future stealth applications with spherical targets.
ON LOCATING FIELD BOUNDARIES IN SIMPLE PHASE DIAGRAMS BY MEANS OF DISCRIMINANT FUNCTIONS

The traces of discriminant functions computed from the data are in excellent agreement with field boundaries shown in a number of published phase diagrams. The substitution of a systematic numerical procedure for the conventional inspection technique by which field boundaries are located might reduce the amount of time and effort now sometimes devoted to obtaining points very close to the supposed locus of the field boundary. The principal advantage of the numerical procedure, however, is that it may be applied in multicomponent space, in which the location of field boundaries by graphical inspection is impossible.
Pyrolysis of 2-butyne/vinylacetylene mixtures between 350 and 450°C

Vinylacetylene and 2-butyne mixtures were pyrolyzed at 350–450°C in the absence and presence of O2 and NO. The major product of the reaction is a polymer, but o-xylene is also produced and was studied as the species of interest. The C8H10 formation rate is first-order in C4H4 and C4H6. The rate coefficient is best fitted by though it is not inconsistent with where R is the ideal gas constant in kJ/mol-K. O-xylene formation occurs by two processes: a concerted molecular mechanism (⋍67%) and a singlet diradical mechanism (⋍33%).
Thinking inside the Box Constrained Creativity and New Technology

Thinking outside of the box is a standard cliche for creativity. Yet an awareness of the boxed nature of new media can empower young students to think creatively about design. This article is a reflection of one teacher who led a group of young students in a series of lessons based on basic design principles related to technology. It is based on classroom experience and research at the University of Central Florida.
Ethical Issues in Disaster Research: Lessons from Hurricane Katrina

Conducting research in the wake of a catastrophic event imposes the dual responsibilities on researchers of protecting the rights of the survivors as research subjects, while also ensuring research quality and the dissemination and application of findings. This article, based partially on the authors’ experiences of conducting research in school districts following Hurricane Katrina, examines the ethical issues that arise when working with survivors, reticent organizations, and institutional review boards. Challenges experienced by researchers concerning access, informed consent, confidentiality, subject compensation, and enlisting the assistance of stressed institutions are described.