cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endobronchial ultrasound versus mediastinoscopy: A single institution cost analysis and waste comparison

Background. Mediastinoscopy (MED) and endobronchial ultrasonography with transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) have similar accuracy for mediastinal lymph node sampling (MLNS). The threatened financial and environmental sustainability of our health care system mandate that surgeons consider cost and environmental impact in clinical decision making of similarly effective procedures. We performed a cost and waste comparison of MED versus EBUS-TBNA for MLNS to raise awareness of the financial and environmental implications of our practices. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of outpatients who underwent MLNS under general anesthesia in the OR with MED or EBUS-TBNA (September 2007 to December 2009). We analyzed direct costs based on hospital charges, calculated expected payment using a decision support model, and profit margins (modeled expected payment-direct costs). Our waste comparison was measured in kilograms of solid waste per case. Results. We performed MLNS in 148 patients (89 EBUS-TBNA, 39 MED, 20 EBUS D MED). Direct costs were lower for MED ($2,356) compared with EBUSTBNA ($2,503), whereas expected payment was greater (MED, $3,449; EBUS-TBNA, $3,249), resulting in a profit margin that was $347 greater for MED. The amount of solid waste for each MED was 1.8 kg versus 0.5 kg for EBUS-TBNA. Conclusions. MED costs less than EBUS-TBNA in the OR setting but generates 3.6 times the amount of EBUSTBNA waste. The cost of EBUS-TBNA may improve by performance in the endoscopy suite, and surgical pack revision could reduce the amount of MED solid waste. This comparison sets the stage for sophistication of our clinical decision making, taking into consideration the major threats to our health care system.
Optimization of agricultural pest management II: formulation of a control model☆

Abstract This three-part study investigates the application of optimization techniques, especially dynamic programming, to decision making in agricultural pest management. In Part II, agricultural pest control is formulated as a systems optimization problem. The relative importance of the different components of an agro-ecosystem and the way in which they should be included in a model are discussed. The dynamic programming technique is explained and applied to a general pest control model.
A characterization of dual spaces

Abstract A Banach space is a dual space if and only if it is isometric to the space of uniform functions on a set with graded constraints.
In situ ellipsometric diagnostics of multilayer thin film deposition during sputtering

Abstract In this work, in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry (in situ SE) is used to determine precisely the optical constants undisturbed by oxidation, and the growth rates of different metal and dielectric films deposited by sputtering. In situ SE determines both the constant, and potentially changing growth rates during deposition of individual layers. The SE data were also taken during growth of metallic multilayers, from which we determine the individual layer thicknesses to a fraction of an Angstrom. The in situ and ex situ ellipsometric analysis of a [Co/Au] multilayer on thick gold coated silicon, [Co/Pt] multilayers with a Pt underlayer, and SiC cladded TbFeCo layers are presented. Less than a few percent difference in multilayer period thickness was found by comparing low angle X-ray diffraction results to the in situ SE results. In situ SE also permitted studies of oxidation kinetics, which are important because oxidation in ultra thin films can strongly influence properties and performance of devices made with ultra thin multilayers. This research is especially relevant to the data storage industry, where control of ultra thin metallic layers is critical to reproducible manufacture of both read–write heads and recording media.
Analysis of T lymphocyte subsets in tamarins with colitis and colon cancer.

The cotton-top tamarin, Saguinus oedipus, serves as an animal model for the study of human colon cancer. This New World monkey has a high incidence of colitis and colon cancer that develops spontaneously. Evidence suggests that these diseases may be the result of a virally induced immunodeficiency. We have shown that T4+/T8+ cell ratios are significantly altered in tamarins with acute colitis and colon cancers. The T4+/T8+ ratios were 1.50 +/- 0.09, 0.70 +/- 0.05, and 0.48 +/- 0.05 for negative controls, acute colitis, and cancer positive tamarins, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p less than or equal to .0005) between negative controls vs. acute colitis and cancer positive groups.
A study of high temperature treated supported metal oxide catalysts

Abstract The oxidation of CO and C 2 H 4 at 200–400 °C over two groups of supported metal oxide catalysts has been studied. The catalysts in group A were mechanical mixtures of presintered metal oxides (CuO, Co 3 O 4 , NiO, and CuCr 2 O 4 , 0.1–10% by wt) with presintered catalyst supports (α-Al 2 O 3 , γ-Al 2 O 3 , and ZrO 2 ) and those in group B were prepared by the conventional method of impregnation of the presintered supports followed by 500 °C calcination. With the exception of Cr 2 O 3 , the catalytic activity of group A supported on α-Al 2 O 3 or ZrO 2 increased 10–200-fold after being heated at 700 °C and above for 10–30 min and reached a maximum at ~900 °C, while the catalytic activity of group B remained constant or decreased slightly with increasing heat treatment temperature. The maximum activity per total surface area of group A approached that of the corresponding pair of group B, and was dependent on the composition of the catalyst. The activity of the supported catalyst per total surface area was found to be in all cases less than the corresponding specific activity of the unsupported metal oxide. This phenomenon is discussed in terms of increased dispersion induced by the high temperature treatment. When γ-Al 2 O 3 was used as the support the thermally induced activity was much less and usually short-lived, presumably because the rate of chemical interaction and sintering overtook the rate of thermal dispersion.
Multiscale simulation of erythrocyte membranes

To quantitatively predict the mechanical response and mechanically induced remodeling of red blood cells, we developed a multiscale method to correlate distributions of internal stress with overall cell deformation. This method consists of three models at different length scales: in the complete cell level the membrane is modeled as two distinct layers of continuum shells using finite element method (Level III), in which the skeleton-bilayer interactions are depicted as a slide in the lateral (i.e., in-plane) direction (caused by the mobility of the skeleton-bilayer pinning points) and a normal contact force; the constitutive laws of the inner layer (the protein skeleton) are obtained from a molecular-based model (Level II); the mechanical properties of the spectrin (Sp, a key component of the skeleton), including its folding/unfolding reactions, are obtained with a stress-strain model (Level I). Model verification is achieved through comparisons with existing numerical and experimental studies in terms of the resting shape of the cell as well as cell deformations induced by micropipettes and optical tweezers. Detailed distributions of the interaction force between the lipid bilayer and the skeleton that may cause their dissociation and lead to phenomena such as vesiculation are predicted. Specifically, our model predicts correlation between the occurrence of Sp unfolding and increase in the mechanical load upon individual skeleton-bilayer pinning points. Finally a simulation of the necking process after skeleton-bilayer dissociation, a precursor of vesiculation, is conducted.
The Use of a Simulation Center to Improve Resident Proficiency in Performing Ultrasound-Guided Procedures

Rationale and Objectives With advancements in technology and push for health care reform and reduced costs, minimally invasive procedures, such as those that are ultrasound-guided, have become an essential part of radiology, and are used in many divisions of radiology. By incorporating standardized training methodologies in a risk free environment through utilization of a simulation center with phantom training, we hope to improve proficiency and confidence in procedural performance. Materials and Methods Twenty-nine radiology residents from four levels of training were enrolled in this prospective study. The residents were given written, video, and live interactive training on the basics of ultrasound-guided procedures in our simulation center on a phantom mannequin. All of the teaching materials were created by residents and staff radiologists at the institution. Results Residents demonstrated statistically significant improvement ( P P = .07) after training. On the survey questionnaire, residents confirm improved knowledge level, technical ability, and confidence levels pertaining to ultrasound-guided procedures. Conclusions The use of controlled simulation based training can be an invaluable tool to improve the knowledge level, dexterity, and confidence of residents performing ultrasound-guided procedures. Additionally, a simulation model allows standardization of education.
Surface initiated polymerizations from silica nanoparticles

Surface initiated polymerizations yield covalently bonded polymer on the substrate. The properties of such nanoparticles are unique finding a wide range of applications. This article reviews the different techniques of synthesis of these hybrid nanoparticles and their mechanistic approach presented in literature.
Cephalometric evidence for a dominantly inherited predisposition to cleft lip-cleft palate in a single large kindred.

Several studies have demonstrated an association between facial shape in parents and the presence of oral clefts in their offspring. However, these observations have been of little practical value because it has been assumed that facial shape was just one predisposing component among many in a multifactorial model of inheritance. Cephalometric analysis of a large family with 5 generations of affected individuals suggests that facial shape can be used to identify presumed carriers of a major gene associated with an increased risk for oral clefts. Discriminant function analysis indicates that such at risk individuals can be recognized effectively through a combination of increased midfacial and nasal cavity widths, reduced facial height, and a flat facial profile. The ability to identify minimally affected gene carriers within families would provide critical information needed in the search for molecular markers that segregate with the genetic risk for clefting. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
3D Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs)

Passive Micro-Direct Methanol fuel cells (micro-DMFCs) can be the power supply solution for the next generation of handheld devices if high volumetric power densities can be achieved. One approach to improve the volumetric power density of passive DMFC designs is to increase the reactive area without a corresponding increase in overall volume by patterning MEAs with corrugated 3-D geometries. In this paper, geometric analysis is presented that demonstrates significant active area gain in fuel cell MEAs patterned with high aspect ratio corrugations. A thermoforming process was used to pattern MEAs with 3-D corrugated geometries using aluminum molds. In order to perform functional tests on 3D corrugated MEAs, the fuel and oxidant reservoirs have been redesigned to accommodate the special packaging requirements of the 3D MEAs. Electrodes were modified to serve as the current collectors and also provided backing layers for catalyst. The simplified design avoids the large clamping force and high strength requirements of the endplate material in order to minimize the electrical contact resistance between the electrodes and the current collectors. Finally, the potential power density gain from the 3D MEAs is illustrated.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Tip of the Iceberg: The Nonprofit Underpinnings of For-Profit Social Enterprise

Market-based solutions to social and environmental problems in the form of for-profit social enterprise ventures have attracted considerable attention in recent years. According to popular discours...
1983 occupational injury hospital admissions in Iowa: a comparison of the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

An occupational injury surveillance project was conducted in 15 of Iowa's 99 counties. Trained abstractors reviewed the medical records of persons admitted for trauma to hospitals during 1983. Based on these chart reviews, subsequent mail-out questionnaires and phone contacts were made, and rate estimates for occupational injury hospitalization for farmers and non-farmers were generated. The 1980 U.S. census data for occupation and market area data for the sample hospitals were used for the rate calculations. Approximately 14.7% of hospitalizations for trauma in the sample area were for work-related injuries. Farmers were hospitalized for occupational injuries at a rate of 1,521/100,000 compared to non-farmers at a rate of 497/100,000. There were no significant differences in the mean number of days per hospitalization for farmers versus non-farmers, (7.4 days for farmers and 6.7 days for non-farmers). Based on the questionnaire data, farmers were much less likely to receive any form of remuneration for injury, (odds ratio = 0.26, p less than 5 x 10(-6. Farmers also reported less time off from work, with a mean of 79 days compared to non-farmers with a mean of 289 days. Language: en
Simulation of Ion Channel Gating: from Energy Landscapes to Macroscopic Currents

A modeling framework was developed to simulate the dynamics of tetrameric ion-channels gating based on their molecular structure, in order to enable analysis of the effects of mutations and drugs on their dynamics and electrical function. It has been shown that altering the membrane potential causes independent motion of voltage sensors of the four channel subunits (S4 segments). It is also known that channel opening involves a concerted transition of all subunits from a preopening conformation to open conformation. Monte-Carlo simulations using Molecular Dynamics simulation software compute up to one microsecond of protein movement and cannot simulate ion-channel conformational changes which occur over milliseconds.In our approach, a configuration space was chosen based on experimentally suggested conformations of voltage sensors. The conformational changes occur under the influence of two force fields: a conservative force field associated with the potential energy of the voltage sensor compartment, and a stochastic force field representing thermal collisions. The stochastic force field was smoothed by averaging over a time window small enough to retain the stochastic nature. The potential energy was estimated by the electrostatic potential between charged residues and was calculated in configuration space (energy landscape). The governing equation for the probability of conformations was derived and solved to simulate the dynamics of voltage sensor motion in response to membrane potential during gating.The concerted transition of all subunits to open state was solved analytically and included in the simulations to compute open probability. The open probabilities simulated using this molecular approach for a series of voltage clamp tests produced macroscopic current traces that are typical of tetrameric potassium channels. This modeling framework also reveals the importance of subunit cooperativity in magnifying the sensitivity of open probability to membrane potential.
Exchange of β- for α-tropomyosin in hearts of transgenic mice induces changes in thin filament response to Ca2+, strong cross-bridge binding, and protein phosphorylation

Abstract Despite its potential as a key determinant of the functional state of striated muscle, the impact of tropomyosin (Tm) isoform switching on mammalian myofilament activation and regulation in the intact lattice remains unclear. Using a transgenic approach to specifically exchange β-Tm for the native α-Tm in mouse hearts, we have been able to uncover novel functions of Tm isoform switching in the heart. The myofilaments containing β-Tm demonstrated an increase in the activation of the thin filament by strongly bound cross-bridges, an increase in Ca sensitivity of steady state force, and a decrease in the rightward shift of the Ca-force relation induced by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. Our results are the first to demonstrate the specific effects of Tm isoform switching on mammalian thin filament activation in the intact lattice and suggest an important role for Tm in modulation of myofilament activity by phosphorylation of troponin.
The Probability Density Function of Ocean Surface Slopes and Its Effects on Radar Backscatter

Abstract Based on Longuet-Higgins’s theory of the probability distribution of wave amplitude and wave period and on some observations, a new probability density function (PDF) of ocean surface slopes is derived. It is where ζx and ζy are the slope components in upwind and crosswind directions, respectively; σ2u and σ2c are the corresponding mean-square slopes. The peakedness of slopes is generated by nonlinear wave–wave interactions in the range of gravity waves. The skewness of slopes is generated by nonlinear coupling between the short waves and the underlying long waves. The peakedness coefficient n of the detectable surface slopes is determined by both the spectral width of the gravity waves, and the ratio between the gravity wave mean-square slope and the detectable short wave mean-square slope. When n equals 10, the proposed PDF fits the Gram Charlier distribution, given by Cox and Munk, very well in the range of small slopes. When n → ∞, it is very close to the Gaussian distribution. Radar backscat...
Controversies in utilization of transvaginal mesh.

Purpose of reviewDue to technological advancements, transvaginal mesh use for prolapse and incontinence has exploded over the last decade with mixed results. Recent governmental guidelines have further increased the controversy regarding the risks and benefits of mesh use forcing clinicians to criti
Decentralization at the Los Angeles Unified School District

The LAUSD is the largest school district in the State and is charged with the responsibility of educating over one‐fifth of the children in California. Taken individually, each of the LAUSD’s eleven local districts would rank in the top twenty in the State in terms of student population. The District is LA County’s second largest employer, and with an annual operating and capital budget of over nine billion dollars, it brings together a diverse range of active and dynamic stakeholders. In 2000 the LAUSD found itself at a crossroads. In response to growing criticism and the threat of a State‐mandated break‐up due to the poor performance of their schools, the District created eleven mini‐districts to improve accountability and take instructional programs closer to the people who use them. This paper provides background on the LAUSD’s decentralization effort and power sharing aspects of the District’s self‐imposed break‐up, and recommendations for addressing these issues are postulated.
Analysis of neutral volatiles of mayonnaise by direct gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

Simple procedures have been developed for analyzing neutral volatiles from mayonnaise by direct gas chromatography and combined direct gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. For gas Chromatographic analysis, a glass liner containing glass wool coated with alkali in the lower quarter and plain glass wool in the remaining space is placed in the heated inlet of a gas Chromatograph, and mayonnaise and water are injected onto the plain packing. Neutral volatiles eluted from the mayonnaise by the combined action of water, carrier gas, and heat collect on the cool column of the gas Chromatograph, but acetic acid is trapped by the alkaline glass wool and thus does not interfere with the analysis. After removal of the liner with the spent sample, the temperature of the column oven is programmed to resolve the volatiles. For mass spectrometric analysis, neutral volatiles are passed directly from a Chromatograph inlet to a second inlet liner containing a porous polymer that traps most organic compounds but has low affinity for water. These neutral organic volatiles are desorbed from the porous polymer in the inlet of a Chromatograph interfaced with a mass spectrometer for analysis. This procedure allows components resolved by the gas Chromatograph to be identified by mass spectrometry without interference from either water or acetic acid. A total of 21 neutral volatile compounds was identified in mayonnaise.
Two theoretical models of radiation heat transfer between forest trees and snowpacks

Abstract Two simple theoretical models have been developed to describe the effect of forest cover on radiation transfer to a snowpacks. Model 1, which describes the effect of varying canopy closure on the net radiation received by an interior snowpack, suggests that the net radiation may increase or decrease monotonically as the canopy closure increases from zero to 100%, or may exhibit a maximum at a non-zero canopy closure depending upon whether or not certain conditions are satisfied. These conditions involve the values of the albedos and radiant fluxes. This perhaps surprising result was due to the combined effect of long-wave radiation emitted from the canopy to the snowpack and multiple reflections of solar radiation between the snowpack and canopy. Model 2 predicts the spatial variation of the long-wave radiation flux from the bole and crown of an individual tree to the surrounding snowpack. This model may partially explain melt rates which appaer to be higher near the boles of trees than at more distant points. Calculations with assumed data showed an intensification of the long-wave radiation flux to the snowpack as the bole is approached. According to this model, a horizontal snow surface receives negligible amounts of long-wave radiation from the tree at distances from the bole that are greater than two to three times the crown radius.
Preemptive patenting, human genomics, and the US biotechnology sector: balancing intellectual property rights with societal welfare

Abstract Within the biotechnology sector of the US economy, aggressive patenting, i.e. preemptive patenting, of human genomic research results are practiced by private-sector firms, the academic community, and non-profit organizations. Preemptive patenting has traditionally been practiced by the private sector as a competitive strategy, being driven by economic considerations. Recently, academics and patients/consumers have instituted preemptive patenting strategies as a way of ensuring access to genomic sequences for, respectively, research study purposes and life-enhancing access to diagnostic gene testing. To reduce this non-economic motivation for preemptive patenting by these nontraditional competitors, it is recommended that the biotechnology industry initiate a strategy of its own which will: (1) relax firm patent enforcement of genomic sequences that are essential for academic researchers to use in their studies; and (2) provide for a ‘means-test’ approach that incorporates a ‘staggered’ fee-schedule for academic researchers to charge their subjects, i.e. patients, for gene tests and diagnostic results.
Radiographic Response to Yttrium-90 Radioembolization in Anterior Versus Posterior Liver Segments

The purpose of our study was to determine if preferential radiographic tumor response occurs in tumors located in posterior versus anterior liver segments following radioembolization with yttrium-90 glass microspheres. One hundred thirty-seven patients with chemorefractory liver metastases of various primaries were treated with yttrium-90 glass microspheres. Of these, a subset analysis was performed on 89 patients who underwent 101 whole-right-lobe infusions to liver segments V, VI, VII, and VIII. Pre- and posttreatment imaging included either triphasic contrast material-enhanced CT or gadolinium-enhanced MRI. Responses to treatment were compared in anterior versus posterior right lobe lesions using both RECIST and WHO criteria. Statistical comparative studies were conducted in 42 patients with both anterior and posterior segment lesions using the paired-sample t-test. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between pretreatment tumor size and posttreatment tumor response. Median administered activity, delivered radiation dose, and treatment volume were 2.3 GBq, 118.2 Gy, and 1,072 cm3, respectively. Differences between the pretreatment tumor size of anterior and posterior liver segments were not statistically significant (p = 0.7981). Differences in tumor response between anterior and posterior liver segments were not statistically significant using WHO criteria (p = 0.8557). A statistically significant correlation did not exist between pretreatment tumor size and posttreatment tumor response (r = 0.0554, p = 0.4434). On imaging follow-up using WHO criteria, for anterior and posterior regions of the liver, (1) response rates were 50% (PR = 50%) and 45% (CR = 9%, PR = 36%), and (2) mean changes in tumor size were −41% and −40%. In conclusion, this study did not find evidence of preferential radiographic tumor response in posterior versus anterior liver segments treated with yttrium-90 glass microspheres.
Flying quality analysis and flight evaluation of a highly augmented combat rotorcraft

This paper discusses implications of digital flight control system design for rotorcraft and illustrates the analysis of the resulting handling qualities obtained with the Advanced Digital Optical Control System demonstrator in the context of the proposed new handling-qualities specification for rotorcraft. Topics covered are digital flight control design and analysis methods, flight testing techniques, handling-qualities evaluation results, and correlation of flight test results with analytical models and the proposed handling-qualities specification. The evaluation of the demonstrator system indicates desirable response characteristics based on equivalent damping and frequency, but undersirably large effective time delays (exceeding 240 ms in all axes). Piloted handling qualities are found to be desirable or adequate for all low, medium, and high pilot gain tasks, but handling qualities are inadequate for ultrahigh gain tasks such as slope and running landings. Correlation of these results with the proposed handling-qualities specification indicates good agreement for the bandwidth boundaries, but suggests the need for more stringent limits on allowable phase delay. Analytical models based on emulation (s-plane) techniques compare favorably with flight-extracted frequency-domain characteristics of the overall (end-to-end) system responses.
Performance analysis on wideband-interference cancellation based on detailed hardware design

Use of a stretch waveform in a jamming environment with closely spaced objects such as surface vessels or fighter aircraft is presented. Adaptive cancellation in the sub-banding architecture improves the system cancellation ratio on large sub-array digital receiver systems. Detailed hardware models that capture key system requirements are described. Key model components are system aperture, receive chain with beamforming and digital data processing elements. The model takes error levels at array elements (e.g., quantization and beam pointing), digital receiver (e.g., amplitude and phase errors, time-delays, and aperture dispersions). System performance is evaluated via high-fidelity models and is characterized by the computing system's cancellation ratio.
Sexual abuse of boys.

TOPIC: Sexual abuse in childhood can disable self-esteem, self-concept, relationships, and ability to trust. It can also leave psychological trauma that compromises a boy's confidence in adults. While some boys who willingly participate may adjust to sexual abuse, many others face complications, such as reduced quality of life, impaired social relationships, less than optimal daily functioning, and self-destructive behavior. These problems can respond to treatment if detected. PURPOSE: In this paper, we examine the prevalence, characteristics, psychological consequences, treatment, and coping patterns of boys who have been sexually abused and their failure to disclose abuse unless asked during a therapeutic encounter. Nurses have a responsibility to detect the clues to sexual abuse, diagnose the psychological consequences, and advocate for protection and treatment. SOURCES USED: Computerized literature search of the Medline and PsychInfo literature and books on sexual abuse of boys. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological responses to abuse such as anxiety, denial, self-hypnosis, dissociation, and self-mutilation are common. Coping strategies may include being the angry avenger, the passive victim, rescuer, daredevil, or conformist. Sexual abuse may precipitate runaway behavior, chronic use of sick days, poor school or job performance, costly medical, emergency and or mental health visits. In worst cases, the boy may decide that life is not worth living and plan suicide. The nurse has a key role to play in screening, assessing, and treating sexual abuse children.
Proanthocyanidins and the lignin connection

Abstract Since both lignin and proanthocyanidins (including condensed tannins are frequently found together in woody plants, a common structural role has sometimes been postulated. These two phenolic polymers (or oligomers) are compared in terms of their stereochemistry, absorption spectra, biosynthetic pathways, intracellular and tissue localization, solubility, concentration and association with carbohydrates. The present evidence indicates that a common function in defense is more plausible than in structural support. The need for new histochemical techniques and the possibility of secondary changes in chemical composition and in localization of proanthocyanidins as cells die in normal development are discussed.
Differential right shifts in the dose-response curve for intrathecal morphine and sufentanil as a function of stimulus intensity

To assess effects of stimulus intensity, dose-response curves in rats for radiant heat-evoked withdrawal of the hind paw was assessed after the intrathecal (i.t.) injection of sufentanil and morphine, mu-opioid agonists differing in intrinsic activity, at Low, Medium, and High stimulus intensities. Baseline latencies observed at the 3 intensities were: low = +/- 0.3; medium = 8.9 +/- 0.2; high = 5.7 +/- 0.1 sec. After i.t. administration of sufentanil or morphine, there was a right shift in the dose-response curves with morphine exhibiting a greater magnitude right shift than that of sufentanil. Dose ratios (ED 50 Medium/ED 50 Low and ED 50 High/ED 50 Low) with 95% CI for sufentanil were, respectively, 2.5 (2.2-2.9) and 7.7 (6.7-8.9), and the dose ratio for morphine (ED 50 Medium/ED 50 Low) was 34 (28-41). At the highest intensity, due to a plateau in the morphine dose-response curve, ED 50 and dose ratio calculations could not be performed. The present study supports the pharmacological model of receptor occupancy, such that the higher efficacy receptor agonist, sufentanil, demonstrated a lesser magnitude right shift than the lower efficacy agonist, morphine, while at the high stimulus intensity, morphine but not sufentanil, was a partial agonist.
Specifying the demand equations for crude oil, coal, and natural gas

(1976). Specifying the demand equations for crude oil, coal, and natural gas. Applied Economics: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 229-230.
The kinetics of crystallization and dissolution of barium oxalate dihydrate and cadmium oxalate trihydrate

Abstract The kinetics of crystallization and dissolution of barium oxalate dihydrate and cadmium oxalate trihydrate have been studied at 25°C by following the changes in conductivity when supersaturated or subsaturated solutions are inoculated with seed crystals. In additive-free solutions, the growth of barium oxalate dihydrate seed crystals follows a rate law second order with respect to supersaturation, and a surface-controlled reaction is proposed. The same kinetic equation may be used to interpret the growth of this salt from supersaturated solutions containing a variety of phosphonate additives. However in these experiments the reaction is preceded by an initial fast surge in the concentration—time profiles. The rate of growth of cadmium oxalate trihydrate crystals varies linearly with supersaturation and this can be explained in terms of a surface diffusion model for growth. The dissolutions of both barium oxalate dihydrate and cadmium oxalate trihydrate follows a rate law in which the rate of reaction is proportional to the undersaturation and evidence is presented for a liquid transport rate-determining step for the dissolution reactions. Although both the crystallization and dissolution of cadmium oxalate trihydrate follow similar first order kinetic equations the appreciable differences in the values of the rate constants suggest that they are not reciprocal processes.
Exploring the Influence of Vendor Reputation in IT Outsourcing Decisions: A Transaction Cost Perspective

Past research indicates that firm reputation can be valuable intangible resource by signaling unobservable quality about products, services, skills, and capabilities. Although we might expect firms facing IT outsourcing decisions to consider reputation as a means for assessing quality among potential vendors, the influence of reputation in so-called 'make- or-buy' decisions is not well understood. Toward addressing this gap, we draw from signaling theory to integrate the reputation concept into the transaction cost framework -- the predominant perspective explaining firm boundary decisions -- to explore the mechanisms through which vendor reputation influences client outsourcing decisions. We propose a moderated-mediation model in which vendor reputation encourages outsourcing by 1) attenuating the influence of transaction hazards on the threat of opportunism, and 2) strengthening the influence of transaction-promoting factors on the perceived benefits of outsourcing. We believe elaborating the mechanisms through which vendor reputation both substitutes for and complements established transaction attributes in outsourcing decisions potentially augments the established TCE framework in ways important for both theory and practice.
Motion in the Schwarzschild field: A reply

Rebuttal is given to the criticisms of Cavalleri and Spinelli. It is shown that their point of view could lead to the conclusion that a test particle in Minkowski space moves with a speed approaching that of light. It is reaffirmed that a test particle in the Schwarzschild field crosses the Schwarzschild radius with a speed less than that of light.
The effect of variation in methodology on the outcome of osteoarthritic studies

There is a great deal of variability in how osteoarthritis is scored and analysed. This paper compares several commonly used techniques of data presentation and analysis, using a prehistorical skeletal sample from the southeastern USA. It finds that these methodologies result in greatly different outcomes, not only in the overall frequencies of lesions, but also in the statistical findings and in which joints apparently have the most arthritis. It is unlikely that a consensus will quickly develop on how to deal with osteoarthritic lesions, owing to widespread disagreements on even such basics as scoring. In the interim, the best way to ensure comparability of studies is to present the most complete and least manipulated data possible, along with easy-to-interpret summary scores.
Traumatic intrapelvic retroperitoneal hemorrhage: An experimental study

Abstract In intrapelvic retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by a fractured pelvis, there is little information with regard to the site of bleeding. Present methods of management of the hemorrhage were discussed, including massive blood replacement, direct and indirect control of the bleeding site, and use of the G suit. An experimental study was presented in which the effect of arterial ligation of the internal iliac arteries and their collateral communications on the venous pressure, measured in the internal iliac vein, was noted. A similar experiment using the G suit was described. It was shown that the former did not produce a fall in pressure, and the latter produced a rise. In view of the dissatisfaction with current modes of management, it was suggested that more positive approaches be made, namely, to define precisely the source of the bleeding at definitive autopsies and to employ arteriography and venography to locate lesions of the large arterial and venous trunks.
Comparable dose-response functions for the effects of glucose and fructose on memory

A passive avoidance-to-active avoidance negative transfer paradigm was used to investigate in rats the effects of glucose and fructose on recently acquired memories. Immediate post-passive avoidance conditioning injections of glucose, fructose, or saline were followed 48 h later by active avoidance conditioning. Equimolar 10, 32, 100, and 2000 mg/kg sc doses of the two sugars significantly impaired acquisition of the reversal task, whereas 3.2 mg/kg doses of both sugars were without significant effect on subsequent performance and 320 mg/kg doses of both sugars significantly enhanced subsequent performance. The cubic trends for both dose-response functions were statistically significant and did not differ from each other. This is the first demonstration that glucose and fructose affect recently acquired memories in accord with comparable cubic dose-response functions, and that there are doses of both sugars that can enhance memory (as indicated by an increase in the number of trials required to reach criterion on the reversal task) and doses of both sugars that can impair memory (as indicated by a decrease in the number of trials required to reach criterion on the reversal task), compared to saline treatment. The similar cubic dose-response functions for glucose and fructose suggest that their mechanisms of action when they are injected peripherally are similar. In addition, because fructose does not readily pass the blood-brain barrier, the results suggest that these two monosaccharides may act through a common peripheral pathway.
Preparing Teachers to Make a Difference in Global Education

Our nation is in critical need of a globally competent citizenry. Educational leaders have increasingly called upon second language teachers to accept partial responsibility for preparing today's students for tomorrow's complex, interdependent world. Given the inseparable nature of language and culture and the complexities of intercultural communication, language teachers are uniquely placed to teach their students cultural understanding and intercultural skills. Unfortunately, many teachers lack a comprehension of the essence of culture and of the culture-learning process, both of which are fundamental to teaching culture in a progressive, skill-building fashion. Through no fault of their own, they may not have the tools necessary to teach for global understanding. This article describes an experimental course. This course tested the hypothesis that teachers, given an in-depth understanding of culture and culture-learning theory, and given the experiences necessary to discern the process both affectively and cognitively could successfully develop the meaningful, skill-building, cultural curricula necessary for increased global skills and understanding.
Assessing Gestures in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether scoring of the gestures point, give, and show were correlated across measurement tools used to assess gesture production in children with ...
The Influence of Age and Blood Pressure on the Hemodynamic and Humoral Response to Head‐Up Tilt

It has been reported that postural hypotension in the elderly is common. However, these studies included institutionalized and more or less disabled persons. Furthermore, postural hypotension may be related to baseline blood pressure. In this study, the influence of age and blood pressure on the hemodynamic and plasma catecholamine responses to orthostatic stress was investigated in young and old normotensive and hypertensive healthy subjects. In normotensive and hypertensive elderly persons, the percentage blood pressure responses during tilt were not significantly different from that seen in young normotensives. We measured a slight decrease of systolic blood pressure and a slight increase of diastolic blood pressure. The hypertensive young patients showed an enhanced diastolic blood pressure response with no fall in systolic blood pressure, in contrast to the normotensive young subjects. Both elderly groups had a lower increase of heart rate than the young subjects. The percentage increase in norepinephrine after tilting was significantly lower in elderly hypertensives than in elderly normotensives and young hypertensives. The presence of hypertension was associated with a decrease in blood pressure, but age had no influence on the change in blood pressure during tilt. In this group of healthy elderly subjects, there was no significant orthostatic hypotension when the blood pressure course of the entire tilt test was taken into account.
Time-dependent memory deficits produced by pentylene-tetrazol (Metrazol)--the effect of reinforcement magnitude.

Abstract A single 50 mg/kg (i.p.) injection of Pentylene-tetrazol (Metrazol) produced retrograde amnesia (RA) for a passive avoidance trial in the mouse. Contrary to an earlier report [20], the Metrazol effect depended on the time interval between training and injection; significant performance impairments occurred when the injection was given up to 20 min but not 60 min following training. In a second experiment, it was found that the degree to which Metrazol resulted in RA depended on the reinforcement magnitude in the learning trial.
Recurrent bleb infections

AIM To report the patient characteristics, causative organisms, and clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent bleb related ocular infections. METHODS The medical records of all patients diagnosed with bleb related ocular infection at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary over a 10 year period were reviewed. Recurrent bleb infection was defined as at least two episodes of bleb purulence with or without associated intraocular inflammation separated by a quiescent period of at least 3 months. RESULTS Recurrent bleb infections developed in 12 eyes of 12 patients (10 men, two women) a mean of 16.3 (SD 17.9) months (range 3–51 months) after the initial infection. Two patients developed a third episode 3 and 20 months, respectively, after the second infection, yielding a total of 14 recurrent infection episodes. Recurrent infection developed after trabeculectomy in 11 eyes (adjunctive 5-fluorouracil, nine eyes; mitomycin C, one eye; no antifibrosis agent, one eye) and following cataract extraction with inadvertent bleb formation in one eye. Four (36.4%) of the filtered eyes had undergone trabeculectomy at the inferior limbus. The mean follow up time from filtering surgery to the first bleb related infection was 28 months for the nine patients treated with 5-fluorouracil and 14 months for the single patient treated with mitomycin C. 11 (78.6%) cases had a documented bleb leak in the 4 week period before or at the time of recurrent infection. Topical, prophylactic antibiotics had been used in 7/14 (50%) cases. The same organism was cultured from the initial and recurrent infections in 2/14 (14.3%) cases. CONCLUSION Eyes that have been successfully treated for bleb related infection remain at risk for recurrent infection. No apparent correlation exists between organisms responsible for the initial and recurrent infections. The increased rate of recurrent bleb related infection in patients receiving adjunctive 5-fluorouracil compared to mitomycin C may have been related to the longer follow up of the 5-fluorouracil eyes.
Effect of air bubbling on circulation and heat transfer in a glass-melting tank

This paper reports a numerical methodology to simulate the effect of air bubblers on glass-melt circulation and heat transfer in a glass-melting tank. Considering the high velocity and short residence time of the rising air bubbles, heat transfer and mass transfer between air bubbles and the glass melt are neglected. Using existing empirical relations, the momentum exchange between a stream of air bubbles and the glass melt is calculated by considering bubble shape, size, and relative velocity and the thermophysical properties of the air and glass melt. Representative results of three-dimensional numerical simulations for flow and heat transfer with and without air bubblers are presented for a container-glass-melting tank. The results show a significant effect of air bubblers on glass circulation patterns and the enhancement of heat transfer from the combustion space to the molten glass and from the molten glass to the batch.
The brave new world of e-learning: a department's response to mandated change

This paper offers a case history of one university academic department's experience with the pressure to create online scholarship opportunities for professional educators. As tertiary education transforms its course delivery to Web-based learning management platforms, instructors are challenged to transform career-long practice suddenly and without warning. The department in question focuses on school leadership and primarily serves mid-career professionals studying at the post-baccalaureate level. Practical and political challenges encountered by faculty members and the measures taken to tackle them are addressed. Institutional support initiatives are described, along with perspectives on the consequences of sudden technology migration to the quality of teaching, learning, and lifestyle. Using various data sources, faculty and student responses to institutional change are assessed, with implications for further policy and practice.
A prototype domain modeling environment for reusable software architectures

This paper describes a prototype domain modeling environment used to demonstrate the concepts of reuse of software requirements and software architectures. The environment, which is application-domain independent, is used to support the development of domain models and to generate target system specifications from them. The prototype environment consists of an integrated set of commercial-off-the-shelf software tools and custom developed software tools. The concept of reuse is prevalent at several levels of the domain modeling method and prototype environment. The environment is domain-independent thereby supporting the specification of diverse application domain models. The domain modeling method specifies a family of systems rather than a single system; optional features characterize the variations in functional requirements supported by the family, and individual family members are specified by the features they are to support. The knowledge-based approach to target system generation provides the rules for generating target system specifications from the domain model; target system specifications, themselves, may be stored in an object repository for subsequent retrieval and reuse. >
Perceptions of and Responses to Environmental Economic Incentive Programs: An Industry Comparison for Small and Medium-Sized Companies

State and federal regulators have turned to economic incentives, such as toxic use fees, as a means of encouraging pollution prevention. This paper examines ho>r regulatory policies can influence environmental policy of small to medium sized firms in two particular industries. Environmental managers were surveyed in order to describe responses to and perceptions of the various types of regulatory policies that can be used to help eliminate or control toxic emissions. Not surprisingly, firms are most concerned with compliance with traditional command and control regulations. However, these businesses also indicated that some economic incentive programs would provide motivation to reduce toxic emissions. Implications for small and medium-sized operations are discussed.