cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical spectra of ferroelectric-antiferromagnetic rare earth manganates

Abstract The first optical measurement of the simultaneously ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic materials YMnO3, TmMnO3 and YbMnO3 are reported. Generally the spectra are characterized by a wide transmission window in the near infrared. For YbMnO3 and TmMnO3 sharp rare earth crystal field absorption lines are found within the window. As a consequence of anisotropic Mn3+-Yb3+ exchange interaction some of the Yb3+ lines are exchange split. A crystal field model of the Yb3+ spectra is presented.
Instability of dimensional preference following changes in relative cue similarity.

Abstract Dimensional preference (either color or form) was assessed in kindergarten, first and third-grade children prior to their being presented with a second preference test which consisted of either similar shapes and dissimilar colors or similar colors and dissimilar shapes. Initial preference was related to class placement (Follow-Through or regular). Preference as measured by the second test was related to both initial preference and relative cue similarity.
Effect of temperature on reversed-phase chromatographic surfaces studied by 13C NMR

Abstract Reversed-phase chromatographic surfaces were prepared by reacting 1- 13 C-nonyltrichlorosilane, 12- 13 C-dodecyltrichlorosilane, 12- 13 C-dodecyldimethylchlorosilane, 12- 13 C-tridecyltrichlorosdane, and 12- 13 C-tridecyldimethylchlorosilane with porous silica. For each of these labeled materials 13 C spin-lattice relaxation times were measured as a function of temperature under both dry and solvated conditions. Activation energies are nearly constant irrespective of the position of the carbon atom in the chain for the dry state materials. However, in the presence of solvent, activation energy depends on the position of carbon in the chain and the contact solvent. These results reflect difference in structuring of the bonded chains under dry and solvated conditions.
Structures and Photophysical Properties of Silicon-Containing Phenyleneethynylene Polymers

A series of silicon-containing phenylene-ethynylene polymers containing alkoxy groups (n-C 8 H 13 O- or n-C 12 H 25 O-), on some of the aromatic rings, has been synthesized by polycondensation using a palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction. The longer side chains led to greater solubility and higher crystallinity, as shown by wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The supramolecular structures of the polymers changed from ordered or semiordered to disordered structures as the Si component increased. A systematic blue shift was observed in the solution UV, solid-state UV, and solid-state emission spectra of the polymers with increasing silicon content. For all of the polymers except those with high silicon content, the emission spectra in dilute solution were quite similar, consistent with emission from localized excited states.
ON THE TREATMENT OF INEQUALITY CONSTRAINTS ARISING FROM CONTACT CONDITIONS IN FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract Existing methods for the analysis of contact problems deal with the inequality constraints arising from contact conditions by means of an implicit iteration on all constraints. This paper presents a formulation for contact problems with friction for large deformations where all inequality constraints are enforced explicitly. A robust solution technique for the resulting system of nonlinear equations can then be used. This approach admits the use of line search procedures to enlarge the region of convergence.
Circumstances Surrounding Male Sexual Assault and Rape Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey

Much work in the area of male sexual assault and rape relies on small clinical samples. From these samples, researchers reported that most male victims were physically injured during the attack and that penetration occurred. This work rests on a subsample of 219 men from the 1994-1996 Violence and Threats of Violence Against Women and Men in the United States Survey. Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAW) show that the vast majority of male sexual assault victims reported that they were not physically injured during the assault, that a weapon was not used, that there was no substance use at the time of the assault, and that penetration did not occur. Only 29% of male respondents in the NVAW sought medical or psychological help after the assault. Prior work may have overrepresented men who reported being physically injured and/or penetrated. An analysis is presented of how those who presented for help in the NVAW differ from the whole sample. Results show that men who presented for help were more likely to have reported being physically injured during the assault and that penetration occurred. Thus, findings from prior work make sense; however, they may not be representative of male assault victims as a whole.
Preparation of superconducting Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O thin films by RF magnetron sputtering

Superconducting thin films of Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu oxide, with T/sub c/ onset of approximately 90 K were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering on sapphire with and without a CaZrO/sub 3/ buffer layer, on ZrO-coated silicon
Information Networks in Generative Computer-Assisted Instruction

An environment is described in which a computer dynamically generates simple instructional and remedial sequences for nonnumeric topics such as geography and biology. This environment is described in detail and consists of a structured pool of information and sets of mechanisms (skeleton patterns) that extract data from the pool. The environment is implemented in the form of an interactive ALGOL program on the Burroughs B5500, and examples of interactions with students are included.
The modification of background frequency information

Marshall and George (1983) had subjects rank the relative frequency of occurrence of the letters of the alphabet and found an overall positive relationship between subjects’ rankings and actual frequencies. Previously unreported from that study were the confidence ratings that subjects assigned to those rankings. Subjects were most confident of the letter E, judged to be most frequent, and of the letter Z, judged to be least frequent. They were least confident in their rankings for the letter G, suggesting that rankings of the letter G would be more susceptible to modification by new situational experiences. In the present research, subjects were preexposed to a matrix of letters that varied the frequencies of these three letters in an attempt to determine to what extent these manipulations of situational experiences would affect later alphabet rankings of these letters. As predicted, only the letter G was affected by the variation in the frequencies of its occurrence in the preexposure matrices. The data suggest a useful procedure for determining the development of background frequency from situational experiences.
Design methodology for mitigating transient errors in analogue and mixed-signal circuits

N-tuple modular redundancy techniques have been widely used to improve the reliability of digital circuits. Unfortunately, an equivalent technique has been rarely used for analogue and mixed-signal systems. In this study, propose a redundancy-based fault-tolerant methodology is proposed to design highly reliable analogue and mixed-signal circuits. The key contribution of the proposed work is: (a) systematic sensitivity analysis to identify critical nodes in a circuit and (b) a design methodology for improving the reliability of analogue and mixed-signal circuits using an innovative mean voter. The mean voter is a low-power, small area, very high bandwidth and linearly scalable unit; and it works for both odd and even redundancy factors. For the proof of concept, the authors designed two analogue-to-digital converters and an analogue filter, which are used in mixed-signal applications. Experimental results are reported to verify the concept and measure the system's reliability when failures, such as single upset transient faults, occur.
Analysis of entrance and exit effects in a falling cylinder viscometer

A variational method has been used to study the entrance and exit effects in a falling cylinder viscometer for creeping and noncreeping flow. The computed result indicate solution convergence for NRe less than 100 and agree with experiment within ± 0.5% for NRe less than 25.
Chronic critical illness: a growing legacy of successful advances in critical care*.

Armed with the tools of the modern ICU, intensivists are now able to rescue and sustain the life of even the most severely ill patients. Yet the ability to support even those who are dying comes with consequences[1]. Many critically ill patients survive their immediate acute illness only to be burdened by the need for prolonged life support, protracted hospital and other healthcare facility stays, lasting physical and mental deficits, and significant healthcare expenses[2-4]. In 1985 Girard and Raffin coined the term “chronically critically ill” to describe such patients, those surviving an initial episode of critical illness but left dependent on intensive care therapies for prolonged periods[5]. As the population ages, and advances in critical care continue to improve survival among the most severely ill patients, many assert that the incidence of chronic critical illness (CCI) will continue to rise[6].
Bilateral facial palsy secondary to herpes zoster meningoencephalitis in a HIV-positive woman

Bilateral facial paralysis of diverse infectious aetiologies has been reported in HIV infected patients. We present a patient with bilateral facial palsy most likely due to herpes zoster meningoencephalitis in a patient with neutropenia and who subsequently tested HIV-positive.
A study of vertebral geometry before and after conservative treatment in thoracic Scheuermann's disease

Background The study of the vertebral changes in Scheuermann's disease during conservative treatment is generally based upon the magnitude of the curve according to the Cobb method and the magnitude of the vertebral deformation in the sagittal plane. In the present study, an X-ray analysis of vertebral changes before and after bracing has been performed to assess whether additional radiographic parameters may aid in assessing the impact of the disease and the response to conservative treatment.
Terminal nucleosides in the fragments of deoxyribonucleic acid produced by the action of splenic deoxyribonuclease II

Abstract The frequency of nucleosides at the 5′- and the 3′-terminal positions of fragments, formed by the action of splenic DNAase II on DNA, changes with the extent of degradation. During the very early stages of the reaction deoxyguanosine predominantes on both ends, suggesting that de-Gp-Gp is the most susceptible internucleotide linkage. As the reaction progresses chains of the type de-Cp (Yp) n Gp and de-Cp (Yp) n Ap become predominant. Trinucleotides bearing 3′-monophosphate are reluctantly hydrolyzed by DNAase II as follows: de-XpYpZp → de-XpYp + de-Zp. The dinucleotides bearing 3′-monophosphate groups when subjected to massive doses of DNAase II are slowly hydrolyzed to mononucleotides. The observed differences in rate do not confirm our previous postulate of preferential susceptibility of the de-Pyp-Pup linkage. The mixture of trinucleotides bearing the 5′-monophosphate is resistant. The applicability of different enzymic methods to the determination of terminal nucleosides in fragments of different length has been discussed.
Original and Secondary Pores in Sedimentary Reservoir Rocks: Relation to CaCO3 Cements: ABSTRACT

Retention of original pore space, development of secondary pores, and precipitation of CaCO3 cement in pores of sedimentary reservoir rocks are the result of a delicate balance among organic processes, composition of water and migration of fluids, and the depositional and diagenetic history of calcium carbonate sediment particles and carbonate rocks. In a high-energy marine environment, where waves and currents impinge on the sediment particles, original pore space may persist and thus may be available in subsurface reservoirs. However, in reefs, cements are precipitated early. Original pore space will be preserved only if hydrocarbons are introduced early, if shale seals off the reef from migrating fluids, or if the reef is invaded by meteoric waters undersaturated with respect to CaCO3. Where reefs or ooid and skeletal accumulations are subject to leaching by meteoric water subaerially, in the subsurface, or on the sea bottom near leaks of meteoric water, leaching creates secondary (moldic) pore space while solutions are undersaturated with respect to CaCO3. These new secondary pore spaces are added to the reserved original pores; they increase the total porosity. In corals leaching begins in sclerodermites. The newly created pores merge and form channels. In such leached corals porosity values may exceed the porosity values found in corals of unleached modern reefs. Hence conditions for developing maximum pore space include exposure of reefs or high-energy carbonate sands to meteoric waters. However, once meteoric waters become saturated with respect to calcite, calcite cement is precipitated in the pores. This cement progressively eliminates primary and secondary pores. Under both surface and subsurface conditions, sulfate-reducing bacteria use sulfate from seawater, or from meteoric or formation waters as an oxidant for that part of organic matter which they oxidize for energy production. Calcite as a cement is formed when CO2 produced in the bacterial oxidation of organic matter combines with calcium. CaS, an intermediate product in sulfate reduction, hydrolizes, because it is not stable in aqueous solution, and in this reaction the pH rises. At high End_Page 1907------------------------------ values of pH not only does calcite cement tend to be precipitated, but also quartz particles tend to be peripherally corroded and ultimately replaced. Such cementation and replacement of quartz by calcite have been observed in subaerially exposed sandstones <10,000 years old, in subsurface reservoir rocks, and in modern beachrocks. Other bacteria form CO2 from methane, such as that found in lagoonal sediments or tidal marshes, and this CO2 can trigger precipitation of carbonate cement in sediments lying on the sea floor or occurring in the subsurface. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1908------------
Understanding Human Cancer in a Fly

We wish to thank Dr. Wufan Tao, Nicole A. Theodosiou, and the other members of the Xu laboratory for their invaluable comments and advice. This work is supported in part by grants from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, by the Patrick and Catherine Weldon Donaghue Medical Research Foundation, and by the Lucille P. Markey Charitable Trust. M.A.R.S.J. is a Medical Scientist Training Program student.
Stress Intensity Factor for a Peripherally Cracked Spherical Cap

Stress intensity factors are estimated for a spherical cap surrounded by a peripheral crack in a semi-infinite body. Using finite element analysis, the stress concentration of a spherical cap was determined as a function of the radius and depth of the cap. This stress concentration was then taken into account in developing the appropriate stress intensity factor for the peripheral crack around the spherical cap.
Reduced Threshold Potential of the Trigeminal Nerve in Equine Headshaking

Aim Although the aetiopathogenesis of headshaking remains elusive, trigeminal neuralgia is regarded as the likely explanation of observed clinical signs. The aim of this study was to compare sensory nerve conduction threshold and velocity of the trigeminal nerve using the infraorbital nerve in control and headshaking horses. Methods Control group (n = 6 horses) and headshaking group (n = 6) were subject to general anaesthesia. A Nicolet Viking IV evoked potential system was used for sensory nerve conduction study. Stimulating, recording and reference electrodes were used. A pair of stimulating electrodes was placed at the gingival mucosa, one each at the rostral and caudal aspects of the maxillary canine tooth. Four pairs of recording electrodes were placed at 4 different points along the tract of the infraorbital nerve (point 1 at infraorbital foramen), maxillary nerve (point 2 at exit of trigeminal canal), spinal somatosensory (point 3 at level of C1 spinal cord segment), and cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (point 4 at level of frontal cerebral cortex). A reference electrode was placed at a distance half way between the stimulating and recording electrodes at point 1. Stimuli were applied at 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 mA. The duration of each stimulus was 0.1 ms. Thresholds were recorded and conduction velocities calculated for each group. Results The threshold of sensory nerve action potential occurred at low stimuli (2.5 and 5 mA) in horses with headshaking; and at higher stimuli (10 mA in 3 horses, 15 mA in 1 horse, and 25 mA in 2 horses) in control horses. Although there were differences in conduction velocity between groups, this was not significant. Conclusions and practical significance Headshaking horses have a low threshold for inducing sensory action potentials upon minimal stimulation compared with control horses supporting involvement of the trigeminal nerve in the pathogenesis of affected horses. Ethical animal research Study approved by the UC Davis IACUC. Sources of funding: Private donation. Competing interests: None.
Ocular blood flow in phakic and aphakic monkey eyes

Alterations in regional ocular blood flow produced by topical epinephrine were studied in phakic and aphakic eyes of Macaca arctoides using the radioactive microsphere technique. Three isotopes were used to make sequential blood flow measurements just prior to topical epinephrine administration, 1 hr later and 3 hr later. Significant reductions of flow were found in the iris, ciliary body, and optic nerve head of both phakic and aphakic groups. Choroidal and posterior optic nerve flow decreased significantly in aphakic eyes only. Decreases in flow were maximal at 3 hr. Significant changes in retinal flow were not detected. The implications of these findings regarding epinephrine-induced aphakic cystoid macular edema and the suitability of epinephrine or its derivatives in the treatment of glaucoma are discussed.
Modulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel by pH: a difference in pH sensitivity of Torpedo and mouse receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

1. In this study, effects of pH on the ion channel function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) fromTorpedo californica electroplax and mouse muscle BC3H-1 cells were investigated usingXenopus laevis oocytes injected within vitro synthesized RNA transcripts. The acetylcholine (ACh)-induced wholecell peak current responses and slow desensitization rates were measured by voltage-clamp. 2. The ACh-induced peak currents ofTorpedo nAChRs were reversibly diminished when extracellular pH was reduced from 7.4 to 5.0 and increased at pH >7.4. This pH dependence had an apparent pKa of 7.0. In contrast, the peak current of mouse muscle nAChRs were reversibly decreased at both acidic and alkaline pH's. This bell-shaped pH profile with a maximum at pH 7.4 had two apparent pKa values of 5.6 and 9.2. 3. The peak current responses of four mouse-Torpedo nAChR hybrids consisting of threeTorpedo subunits and one mouse nAChR subunit displayed similar pH profiles at acidic pH, with a pKa of 6.0 to 6.5, which lay between the pKa 5.6 for mouse and the pKa 7.0 forTorpedo nAChRs. Two of these combinations,αMβTγTδT andαTβTγMδT, also had an alkaline pH dependence of the current response similar to that of mouse receptor, with a pKa of 9.3 to 9.5. 4. The slow desensitization rate ofTorpedo nAChRs increased at both acidic and alkaline pH's, with two pKa values of 6.5 and 9.5, whereas that of mouse muscle receptors remained unchanged from pH 6.5 to pH 9.0 and increased at pH <6.0, with a pKa of 4.7. 5. Substitution of each subunit ofTorpedo nAChR with a mouse counterpart resulted in a pH dependence pattern (pKa 6.0 to 6.4 and pKa 9.1 to 9.3) similar to that ofTorpedo nAChR except the substitution with mouseβ subunit (pKa 4.8 and pKa 8.9), which appears to carry the characteristic acidic group determining the pH dependence of mouse nAChR desensitization. 6. The apparent pKa values obtained from the pH dependence studies of nAChR channel activation and desensitization suggest the involvement of different amino acid residues in determining channel functions ofTorpedo and mouse nAChRs. The groups with pKa 7.0 and 6.5 onTorpedo nAChR can be tentatively identified as His residues, whereas those with pKa 5.6 and 4.7 on mouse receptor as Glu or Asp residues. The alkaline pKa of 8.9 to 9.5 may be Cys, Tyr, or Lys.
Capstone Design Outcome Assessment: Instruments for Quantitative Evaluation

For capstone design experiences, the course outcomes, assessment strategies, and outcome remediation strategies are significantly different than those that might typically be utilized in lower-division "content" courses. This paper describes the instruments developed for a digital systems senior project course that provide a mechanism for systematic, quantitative evaluation of outcomes appropriate for capstone design experiences. Data tracking the performance of these instruments over several trials are presented
Two-Dimensional Flow Losses of a Turbine Cascade With Boundary Layer Injection

A method for determining the performance of a two-dimensional turbine cascade with boundary layer injection is developed using existing incompressible boundary layer approximate solutions with a new formulation for the injection. The overall cascade loss includes friction and wake mixing losses. The results of the analysis are compared with experimentally obtained data as a check of the validity of the new analytical method.Copyright © 1972 by ASME
Purification and characterization of uricase, a nitrogen-regulated enzyme, from Neurospora crassa

Abstract Uricase, a purine catabolic enzyme, is controlled by induction and by nitrogen catabolite repression in Neurospora . Uricase was purified nearly 1000-fold to homogeneity. Only a single protein band could be detected in analytical gels of the pure enzyme, and the protein band in each case corresponded exactly to the position of in situ staining for enzyme activity. The molecular weight of native uricase was estimated to be 123,000 ± 7000. The enzyme is a tetramer composed of identical or similar-sized subunits. The K m value of uricase for uric acid was estimated to be 4.2 × 10 −5 , m . Oxonic acid was shown to be a competitive inhibitor of uricase, with a K i value of 6.7 × 10 −7 , m . Uricase is a stable enzyme and is not subject to feedback inhibition by ammonia, glutamate, or glutamine in Neurospora . The regulation of uricase appears to occur primarily at the biosynthesis level. Uricase appears to be a metalloenzyme with no essential sulfhydryl groups.
Regulation of intracellular pH in vertebrate central neurons

The regulation of intracellular pH (pHi was investigated in reticulospinal neurons of the lamprey using ion-selective microelectrodes. Steady-state pHi in 23 mM HCO3-buffered Ringer was 7.44 ± 0.03 with a membrane potential of 54 ± 4mV(mean±S.E.M., n = 6). In nominally HCO3−-free solutions, pHi recovery from acid loading was blocked by 10−3M amiloride. Recovery was stimulated by transition to HCO3−-containing solutions. Results suggest that pHi regulation in lamprey reticulospinal neurons is mediated by a Na+−H+ exchanger. The presence of a distinct, HCO3−-dependent pHi regulatory mechanism is postulated.
Simvastatin as a novel therapeutic agent for venous ulcers: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Summary Background Although the standard treatment for venous ulcers is compression, drugs may be used as adjunctive therapy. Simvastatin has shown potential wound-healing properties; however, no studies have investigated its use in venous ulcers. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of simvastatin in venous ulcer healing when combined with standard treatment for ulcers. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Outcome measures were the proportion of healed ulcers, healing time, total surface area healed and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. Results Sixty-six patients were randomized into two groups: a simvastatin (n = 32) and a control (n = 34) group. Among ulcers ≤ 5 cm, 100% were healed in the simvastatin group, and 50% were healed in the control group [relative risk (RR) 0·10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·0141–0·707]. The average healing times for ulcers ≤ 5 cm were 6·89 ± 0·78 weeks and 8·40 ± 1·13 weeks for the simvastatin and control groups, respectively (P 5 cm, 67% closed in the simvastatin group, with a mean healing time of 9·17 ± 1·07 weeks. No ulcers of this size closed in the control group (RR 0·33, 95% CI 0·132–0·840). The simvastatin group had lower DLQI scores (P < 0·001) post-treatment. No adverse effects were documented. Conclusions Simvastatin 40 mg daily, in addition to standard wound care and compression, is associated with a significant improvement in healing rate and time, as well as an improved patient quality of life when compared with placebo in the management of venous ulcers.
Affinity labeling of antibodies to the p-azophenyltrimethylammonium hapten and a structural relationship among antibody active sites of different specificities.

Abstract In studies from this laboratory (Wofsy, et al. , 1962; Metzger, et al. , 1963; Metzger, et al. , 1964; Singer, et al. , 1965) the method of affinity labeling of the active sites of protein molecules was proposed and investigated experimentally. In this method, a labeling agent is utilized which 1) combines specifically and reversibly with the particular active site; and 2) reacts with one or more amino acid residues in the site to form irreversible covalent linkages. Two anti-hapten antibody (Ab) systems, anti-p-azobenzenearsonate (anti-R) and anti-2,4 dinitrophenyllysyl (anti-DNP), have previously been investigated. To complement these studies with Ab to the negatively charged R and the neutral DNP haptenic determinants, we have now investigated Ab to the positively charged p-azophenyltrimethylammonium (TMA) determinant. The labeling reagent used with the anti-TMA Ab was p-(trimethylammonium) benzenediazonium difluoborate (TDF). As in our previous studies, the diazonium group was the reactive functional group of the labeling reagent, and the formation of covalent and irreversible azo-linkages between the reagent and the Ab was followed spectrophotometrically. The results obtained with all three systems are so closely similar as to suggest some significant generalizations about the composition and structure of Ab active sites.
Biological effects produced by X-rays and thermal neutrons in diploid and hexaploid species of Avena

Abstract Differential responses of diploid and hexaploid oats to radiation and comparisons of effects produced by X-rays and thermal neutrons are reported in this study. The biological effects produced by the two ionizing radiations were measured in terms of the number of plants that survived to maturity and plant height in the first treated generation and the mutation rate and mutant types in the second generation. The number of plants that survived to maturity after irradiation treatment was found to be greater and the mutation rate lower in the hexaploid variety Minhafer than in the diploid variety Saia. These have been attributed to the reduplication of genes or chromosomes in the hexaploid. Although the difference was small, the mean reduction in plant heigh was evidently higher in the hexaploid than in the diploid. This may be attributed to the presence of a proportion of plants with gross, chromosomal aberrations that might be responsible for severe plant height reduction in the hexaploid. The better tolerance of the hexaploid to gross chromosomal aberrations has been interpreted as due to the reduplication of chromosomes. Though not conclusively, the mutation spectra of the two ploids appeared to be not the same. The proportion for each of the mutant types recovered in one variety was strikingly different from that in the other. In Saia the most frequent mutations were albinos and light greens while in Minhafer the most common types were light greens, bands and stripes. No apparent difference between the effects of X-rays and thermal neutrons on the reduction of plant height was observed. Thermal neutrons appeared to be more effective than X-rays in producing mutations in both varieties at the same survival level. It was also found that more albinos in Saia and more bands in Minhafer were induced by thermal neutrons than by X-rays.
Managed Care and the Dissemination of Robotic Prostatectomy

Objective. Robotic prostatectomy has rapidly disseminated over the past decade. How managed care, thought by many to be a barrier to new technology, influences the dissemination of robotics is unknown. We sought to better understand the relationship between a market’s managed-care penetration and the dissemination of robotic prostatectomy. Methods. We used SEER-Medicare data from 2003 through 2007 to identify men ≥66 years of age treated with radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. We categorized Health Service Areas (HSAs) according to the degree of managed-care penetration (ie, low vs high). We assessed adoption of robotic prostatectomy and utilization among adopting HSAs using Cox proportional-hazards and Poisson regression models, respectively. Results. Compared with markets with little managed care, highly penetrated markets had more racial diversity (24% vs 15% nonwhite, P < .01), higher population densities (1987 vs 422 people/square mile, P < .01), and higher median incomes ($49 374 vs $36 236,...
Mathematical modeling and performance analysis of battery equalization systems

Battery equalizers are widely used in multi-battery systems to maintain balanced charge among individual battery cells. While research on the hardware realization of battery equalizers has received significant attention, rigorous analysis of battery equalization process from the system's point of view remains largely unexplored. In this paper, we study two types of battery equalization system structures: series connection-based and module-based. Specifically, we develop mathematical models that describe the system-level behavior of the battery equalization processes under these equalization structures. Then, based on the mathematical models, analytical methods are derived to evaluate the performance of the equalization processes. In addition, we carry out statistical analysis to compare the performance of the two equalization structures considered.
Exacerbation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rodents infected with murine gammaherpesvirus-68.

Department of Pathology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, USAViral infections have long been suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple scle-rosis.In the presentstudy,twodifferentrodentmodels ofexperimentalautoimmune enceph-alomyelitis (EAE) were used to demonstrate the ability of murine gammaherpesvirus-68( +HV-68) to exacerbate development of neurological symptoms. SJL mice received UV-inactivated +HV-68 or intranasal +HV-68, followed by immunization against proteolipid-protein peptide 139–151. Infected mice became moribund within 10 days post-immunization, whereas mice exposed to UV-inactivated +HV-68 recovered. In the secondmodel, Lewis rats were exposed to UV-inactivated +HV-68 or to +HV-68, followed by passivetransfer of encephalitogenic T lymphocytes specific for myelin basic protein. Consistently,infected rats had higher clinical scores, and this result was observed during acute or latent+HV-68 infection. It is unlikely that this +HV-68-induced exacerbation was due to significantviral replication within the central nervous system since nested PCR, viral plaque assays,and infectious-centers assays demonstrated no detectable virus in spinal cords or brains ofinfected rodents undergoing EAE. Taken together, these studies demonstrate increased clin-ical symptoms of EAE in rodents infected by a gammaherpesvirus that has a limited ability toinvade the central nervous system.
Study of air quality and contaminant analysis for work under compressed air.

Abstract The quality of air in a tunnel being constructed under pressures varying from 0 to 30 psig was monitored for a period of 24 months. Except for an electrical fire and an oxygen deficiency incident, the tunneling was completed without hazardous levels of air contaminants being encountered. The compressor facilities and sampling and analytical procedures are described.
A successful peer review program for regulatory decisions.

A unique peer review program for Federal agencies has been operating since 1962 to provide opinions of leading investigators for sponsors in various fields of the life sciences. The most notable study has recently been completed for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) food ingredients. Over 400 substances were evaluated by a Select Committee over a 10-year period and evaluative reports were submitted to the regulatory agency. Based in part on these reports made available for public comments, the FDA has been able to develop decisions for appropriate actions on the health aspects of these food ingredients. A comprehensive report on the work of the Select Committee on GRAS substances will be published in the archival literature.
Monthly simulations of the solar semidiurnal tide in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere

Abstract Monthly simulations of the solar semidiurnal tide in the 80–100 km height regime are presented. These calculations benefit from the recent heating rates provided by Groves G. V. (1982a,b) (J. atmos. terr. Phys. 44, 111; 44, 281), the zonally-averaged wind, temperature and pressure fields developed for the new COSPAR international reference atmosphere [ Labitzke K. , Barnett J. J. and Edwards B . (1985) Handbook for MAP 16, 318], and eddy diffusivities determined from gravity wave saturation climatologies and used by Garcia R. R. and Solomon S. (1985) (J. geophys. Res. 90, 3850) to simulate oxygen photochemistry and transport in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. Some of the main characteristics of the observed semidiurnal tide at middle and high latitudes are reproduced in our simulations: larger amplitudes in winter months than in summer months, and the bi-modal behavior of the phase with summer-like and winter-like months separated by a quick transition around the two equinoxes. The phase transition is also more rapid in the spring, consistent with observations. The wavelengths are also longer in summer than in winter, at least below 95 km (whereas in July and August the simulations exhibit some discrepancies above this altitude), similar to the observational data. Semidiurnal amplitudes are generally smaller and the phases more seasonally symmetric at middle and low latitudes, as compared with the tidal structures above about 50° latitude. In addition, hemispheric differences in the mean zonal wind result in marked asymmetries in tidal behavior between the Arctic and Antarctic regions, and suggest that a comparative study of tide, gravity wave and mean flow interactions in the Arctic and Antarctic mesosphere and lower thermosphere would be fruitful.
Correlations among scales of the Beck Depression Inventory and the profile of mood states.

The revised Beck Depression Inventory and the Profile of Mood States were administered to 104 men. Scores on the Beck Depression Inventory correlated significantly with all six Profile scales, including .75 with Depression-Dejection and – .53 with Vigor-Activity.
A microscopic model of hydrogen-induced intergranular cracking—I. Equilibrium crack growth

Abstract A microscopic model of hydrogen-induced integranular cracking is developed using the premise that a crack tip maintains a local equilibrium condition. It is assumed that the local equilibrium condition at the crack tip is achieved by the presence of screening dislocations. The embrittlement mechanism is a reduction of the surface and grain boundary energies due to the segregation of hydrogen. The equilibrium segregation of hydrogen in the intergranular crack region is examined and the change of the ideal work of slow and fast intergranular fracture induced by the hydrogen segregation is determined using a thermodynamic theory. In order to examine the effect of hydrogen on equilibrium crack growth, the local and total energy criteria of a dislocation-screened crack are taken into account. It is shown, using a dislocation-screened crack model, that while it is difficult for fast intergranular fracture to be induced by hydrogen, at low levels of applied stress intensity the segregation of hydrogen to crack surfaces readily facilitates slow crack growth along grain boundaries. The mechanisms of hydrogen-induced intergranular cracking are discussed in terms of comparison of the present result with that obtained from the model of a plastically deformed crack.
Evaluation of Continuation of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis at Hospital Discharge

Purpose: Stress-related mucosal disease (SRMD) can adversely affect patient morbidity and mortality. The use of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in patients with no risk factors for clinically important bleeding, however, is contributing to health care-related adverse events, drug interactions, and costs. The objective was to determine the percentage of hospitalized patients who receive SUP without an approved indication and to evaluate the financial impact of inappropriate prescribing as well as the risk for sig- nificant drug-drug interactions. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of hospitalized adult cardiology, family medicine, and internal medicine patients between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Prescribing of acid suppressive therapy (AST) dur- ing hospital admission and indications for SUP were evaluated. Concomi- tant medications, cost of therapy, and discharge medications were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: Of the 4,603 patients admitted during the study period, 418 were randomly selected for study inclusion. Approximately 53% (221/418) of the selected patients received SUP during hospital admission, 93% (206/221) of whom had no indication for prophylaxis. Of those who con- tinued AST at discharge (14%; 31/221), 84% (26/31) had no approved indication. Overuse of SUP resulted in 77 potential drug-drug interactions and an estimated 30-day outpatient cost of $37,950 for patients receiving these medications at discharge. Conclusion: SUP is frequently prescribed to non-critically ill patients when the risk of SRMD is low. Use of SUP for patients who do not meet evidence- based criteria appears to contribute to increased health care expenditures, potential adverse events, and drug interactions. Key Words—acid suppressive therapy, proton pump inhibitor, stress-related mucosal disease, stress ulcer prophylaxis
The L1551NE molecular outflow

L1551NE is a very young protostar (class I or perhaps class 0), located very close to L1551NE IRS 5. It is the second brightest far-infrared source in the Taurus molecular cloud complex, but its proximity to the brightest source IRS 5 has prevented effective observations of any molecular outflow. We here present evidence that it does indeed process an outflow, that the optical/infrared reflection nebula is associated with the blueshifted outflow lobe, and that the L1551W outflow does not originate from L1551NE, as has been suggested.
Receiver operating characteristic-curve limits of detection ☆

Abstract Using a simple UV LED-excited ruby fluorescence measurement system, we demonstrate that it is easily possible to obtain unbiased detection limits, despite the system deliberately having non-linear response function and non-Gaussian noise. Even when the noise precision model is heteroscedastic, but otherwise only roughly linear, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method readily yields results that are in accordance with a priori canonical specifications of false positives and false negatives at the detection limit. The present work demonstrates that obtaining unbiased detection limits is not abstruse and need not be mathematically complicated. Rather, detection limits continue to serve a useful purpose as part of the characterization of chemical measurement systems.
Flicker distorts visual space constancy.

Abstract Effects of flicker on space perception were measured by displacing a flickering target during saccadic eye movements. A small target was flickered at 33, 66, 130 or 260 Hz. Using a 2-interval forced-choice design, sensitivity to the displacement was about twice as great when the target was moved in the direction opposite the eye movement as when it was moved in the same direction. This would be expected from a partial breakdown of space constancy—the world should seem to jump in the direction opposite an eye movement. Even if a suppression of displacement detection during saccades prevents this jump from being perceived, it should be easier to detect a target displacement in the direction opposite the eye movement than in the same direction: when movement is opposite, the imposed displacement adds to the illusory displacement, making detection easier. Displacements were more easily detected at lower flicker rates. Results imply that both masking and extraretinal signals are important in suppressing the detectability of target displacements during saccades, and that flicker on video display terminals may distort space perception.
Hungry bone syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract A case of hungry bone syndrome (HBS) and changes in bone density is presented. Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings of this patient undergoing massive calcium therapy to prevent hypocalcemia are also described. A 31 year-old-man with chronic renal failure underwent parathyroidectomy for parathyroid hyperplasia. His postoperative course was characterized by prolonged hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and risk for tetany due to massive calcium deposition in the bone. Although in most cases HBS is asymptomatic, it may present with severe bone pain and cause death due to tetany. We report a case of severe HBS after parathyroid surgery that demonstrated large increases in hip and lumbar bone density during recovery. Lumbar (L2–L4) bone density increased by 16% (from 1.137 to 1.329 g/cm 2 , Z-score 94% to 109%) over an 8-month period. In comparison, left femoral neck bone density increased by 37% (from 0.962 to 1.314 g/cm 2 , Z-score 92% to 125%) over the same period. This case reports describes the massive amounts of calcium that are required in the treatment of HBS. A large increase in bone density over a short period of time indicates that endocrine and nutritional conditions allow for rapid bone deposition even in a patient with chronic renal failure. Understanding the bone physiology mechanism(s) responsible for the rapid increase in bone density may advance treatments for osteoporosis.
Significance of thickening of the wall of the renal collecting system in children: an ultrasound study.

Objective. To evaluate the significance of thickening of the wall of the renal collecting system by US. Materials and methods. Wall thickening of the renal collecting system was seen during US in 62 collecting systems of 51 patients over a period of 2 years. The medical and radiological records of these patients were reviewed with special attention to the definitive diagnosis and other clinical and radiological parameters. Moreover, a control group consisting of 48 renal collecting systems was examined to establish normal values for the thickness of the wall of the collecting system. Results. Of the 62 collecting systems (mean wall thickness 1.6 mm, range 0.8–3.1 mm), vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) was present in 18 cases, urinary tract infection (UTI) in 11, and both VUR and UTI in 9 cases. In 10 cases, intermittent dilatation was present caused by primary obstructive megaureter (n = 2), pelvi-ureteric junction stenosis (n = 4), high-pressure bladder (n = 3), or of unknown cause (n = 1). In 11 cases, transient dilatation had been present in the recent past (usually prenatally detected hydronephrosis), but had disappeared at the time of the US examination. In 3 patients, no definite cause for the wall thickening could be established. In the control group, wall thickness ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Conclusions. The upper limit for wall thickness of the normal collecting system in children is 0.8 mm. Thickening of the wall of more than 0.8 mm should be considered as pathological and is caused by urinary tract infection, intermittent dilatation (e. g., VUR), and dilatation in the recent past.
An analysis of texture and plastic spin for planar polycrystals

Abstract A major source of induced anisotropy in metals undergoing large strain is the preferential reorientation of single crystals. We present a macroscopic description of this textural anisotropy for an idealized planar aggregate of single crystals with two slip systems. We derive an analytical expression for the plastic spin associated with crystallographic slip and use it to obtain an equation of evolution for the single crystal orientation. The single microstructural parameter that appears in this equation is defined in terms of the slip system geometry. We introduce a continuous distribution function to describe orientation of crystals in an aggregate and obtain analytical solutions to the conservation equation governing its evolution. Such solutions are either monotonic or periodic, depending upon the relative magnitudes of stretching, spin and the microstructural parameter. Using an orientation average, we determine the average plastic spin in terms of the microstructural parameter and a second rank tensor related to the anisotropy in the orientation distribution. Finally, for constant velocity gradients, we show that the eigenvectors of this tensor rotate with half the difference between the macroscopic and average plastic spins.
The role of olfaction in canine food preferences

A bland diet with the odor of meat or air blown through it was presented to Beagle dogs in daily two choice preference tests. At first, there was a 70010 preference for the food that smelled like meat but, by the third week, the preference had fallen to 520/0. These results indicated that, although dogs initially prefer food that smells like meat, odor must be paired with some other property of meat, probably taste, for the preferences to be sustained. Intact dogs significantly preferred lamb over horsemeat 67 ± 4010, pork over lamb 89 ± 3010, pork over horsemeat 89± 3010, beef over lamb 84 ± 2010, and beef over horsemeat 89± 2010 in two choice preference tests. Dogs made anosmic by intranasal infusion of zinc sulfate had preferences significantly less than those of intact.dogs and did not show a significant preference for one meat over another with the exception of pork, which was preferred to lamb (61± 4010). Anosmic dogs showed preferences similar to those of intact dogs for a sucrose containing over a nonsucrose diet and for a horsemeat containing diet over a non-meat diet. These results indicate that olfaction is important in canine food preferences which involve discrimination between meats, but not for sweet versus non-sweet and meat versus non-meat preferences.