cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive nonstationary DPCM image coding with variable block size

This study investigates the design and performance of a spatial domain image encoding scheme that adapts to the localized statistical structure of an image. An adaptive differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) image coding system operates on an image that has been preprocessed into segments of variable size, square blocks. Each block is separately encoded by a DPCM system whose parameters have been obtained based upon an underlying nonstationary image model fitted to the block. The source coding performance of the adaptive DPCM algorithm proposed in this study has ben found to result in an improvement of 2.5 dB, or greater, compared to that obtained using a non-adaptive, conventionally designed DPCM encoder/decoder pair when operating at low bit rates. Reconstructed images obtained in this study are of perceptually higher-quality due to the adaptive encoding system design being based on the more realistic assumption of nonstationary statistics. Specifically, experiments have revealed that reconstructed edges within local regions of the image are sharper providing an overall improvement in a viewers subjective assessment of global image quality.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Concept design games

This paper describes our work on using games as a tool for research in design theory and methods. Games offer a means of isolating certain aspects, or concepts, of designing for purposes of scrutiny. A game provides an environment for a group of players, acting with individual goals and a shared program, to make and transform complex configurations, free of functional requirements. Adjusting game parameters emphasizes different concepts. We have developed nine games that explore a variety of concepts of general interest to those concerned with organizing physical configurations. Beyond these particular concepts, we argue that games are a useful way to couch studies in design theory and methods.
On the Newton-Kantorovich hypothesis for solving equations

The famous Newton-Kantorovich hypothesis has been used for a long time as a sufficient condition for the convergence of Newton's method to a solution of an equation in connection with the Lipschitz continuity of the Frechet-derivative of the operator involved. Here using Lipschitz and center-Lipschitz conditions we show that the Newton-Kantorovich hypothesis can be weakened. The error bounds obtained under our semilocal convergence result are more precise than the corresponding ones given by the dominating Newton-Kantorovich theorem.
Geomorphology: Perspectives on observation, history, and the field tradition

Abstract Other than a common interest in form and process, current geomorphologists have little in common with those who established the foundations of this science. Educated people who had an interest in Earth processes during the nineteenth century cannot be compared to the scholars who study geomorphology in the twenty-first century. Whereas Earth has undergone natural change from the beginning of time, the human record of observing and recording processes and changes in the surface Is but a recent phenomena. Observation is the only thread, however, that connects all practitioners of geomorphology through time. As people acquired knowledge related to all aspects of life, technological revolutions, such as the Iron Age, Bronze Age, agricultural revolution, the atomic age, and the digital age, shaped human existence and thought. Technology has greatly changed the power of human observation, including inward to the atomic scale and outward into the realm of space. Books and articles describe how to collect and analyze data but few references document the field experience. Each of us, however, has experienced unique circumstances during field work and we learned from various mentors how to observe. The surface of Earth on which we practice the vocation of geomorphology may not be much different from a hundred years ago but many things about how we collect data, analyze it and disseminate the results have changed. How we function in the field, including what we wear, what we eat, how we get there, and where we choose to collect data, clearly reflects the complexity of the human system on Earth and the processes and forms that arouse our interest. Computers, miniaturization of electronics, satellite communications and observation platforms in space provide access to data to aid in our quest to understand Earth surface processes. Once, people lived closer to nature in primitive shelters in contrast with life in urban environments. But as urban life continues to expand and people need to know how Earth operates, geomorphologists, therefore, serve humanity today as the primary observers and reporters in the realm of Earth surface processes.
An algorithm for computing dimerization constants for polar molecules

Abstract An iterative procedure is described for determining association constants of polar molecules in nonpolar solvents from dielectric permittivity and concentration measurements. An algorithm is described for use with the TI-59 programmable calculator to carry out the computation.
THE ESSENTIAL CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF FERROUS ALLOYS NEEDED FOR CONTAINMENT OF LIQUID LITHIUM

Abstract The suitability of ferrous alloys as materials for containment of liquid lithium is considered. The various forms of corrosion applicable to solid metal-liquid metal interactions are reviewed as it is shown that the most important property of a candidate containment material is its corrosion resistance. Data are presented which show that current technology can be used for proper material selection for temperatures up to 500C. However, for more severe applications, further research is required to define the mechanisms which control the corrosion processes in liquid lithium.
Using classic papers to teach physiology

Readers of American Physiological Society (APS) journals are well aware of the dramatic changes in our discipline that have occurred since the inception of the American Journal of Physiology over 100 years ago. Development of techniques to accurately measure most physiological variables and to
Induced supercontinuum and steepening of an ultrafast laser pulse

Abstract The problem of the propagation of an intense ultrashort pulse in a cubic (χ 3 ) nonlinear medium is generalized to include coupling between the primary and second harmonics signals. It is shown that the presence of a strong primary signal induces the superbroadening of the spectrum of a weak second harmonic signal and the deformation of its pulse shape.
Synthesis and properties of (NF4)2SiF6 and interaction of SiF4 with anhydrous HF and CsHF2

Abstract The scope of the metathetical process for the production of NF4+ salts from HF solutions was extended to the synthesis of salts derived from Lewis acids which are weaker than the HF solvent. The new salt (NF4)2SiF6 was prepared by this process and was characterized. The solubility of SiF4 in anhydrous HF and the reversibility of the Cs2SiF6 + 2HF → 2CsHF2 + SiF4 reaction were demonstrated.
Study of 15O by means of 3He+12C reactions

Abstract Angular distributions and excitation curves have been measured for the 12 C( 3 He, 3 He) 12 C, 12 C( 3 He, α 0 ) 11 C and 12 C( 3 He, α 1 ) 11 C reactions between E( 3 He ) = 5.0 and 8.0 MeV in 100 keV steps. Strong resonance structures have been observed. An optical-model-plus-resonance (OMPR) analysis of the elastic scattering data indicates that a potential similar to that used at higher energies can describe much of our data if two resonances are introduced near 7 MeV and two between 4.5 and 6.0 MeV. A phase shift analysis of these data was also performed with results in accord with the OMPR analysis. A Legendre polynomial expansion was made of the α 0 data.
Determination of benzidines by gas chromatographic separation of derivatives with electron capture detection

Abstract Factors considered in the development of a method for the determination of toxic, water-soluble benzidines. involved providing a good technique for their adequate recovery, converting quantitatively the isolated amines to relatively stable derivatives suitable for measurement and storage, coupled with relative ease of preparation of the derivatives, and resolving the prepared compounds during their measurement. Benzidine and dichlorobenzidine are quantitatively extracted from wastewater and measured quantitatively through the preparation of their respective pentafluoropropionamides (PFP) by using PFP-imidazole. Overall recovery efficiency for benzidines from wastewater ranges from 91 to 103%. These derivatives are relatively stable compounds and have detection limits of 0.2 pg or less, when electron capture detection is used with gas chromatography. Derivatives of o -tolidine and dianisidine are also described.
Regulation of Mct1 by cAMP-dependent internalization in rat brain endothelial cells

Abstract In the cerebrovascular endothelium, monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (Mct1) controls blood–brain transport of short chain monocarboxylic and keto acids, including pyruvate and lactate, to support brain energy metabolism. Mct1 function is acutely decreased in rat brain cerebrovascular endothelial cells by β-adrenergic signaling through cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP); however, the mechanism for this acute reduction in transport capacity is unknown. In this report, we demonstrate that cAMP induces the dephosphorylation and internalization of Mct1 from the plasma membrane into caveolae and early endosomes in the RBE4 rat brain cerebrovascular endothelial cell line. Additionally, we provide evidence that Mct1 constitutively cycles through clathrin vesicles and recycling endosomes in a pathway that is not dependent upon cAMP signaling in these cells. Our results are important because they show for the first time the regulated and unregulated vesicular trafficking of Mct1 in cerebrovascular endothelial cells; processes which have significance for better understanding normal brain energy metabolism, and the etiology and potential therapeutic approaches to treating brain diseases, such as stroke, in which lactic acidosis is a key component.
Introduction: Structures, institutions, and cultural analysis

Abstract The papers in this special issue are introduced as exemplars of a new structuralist project in cultural analysis. The work is situated with respect to two sociological traditions, social network analysis which lends a style of structuralist methodology and the new institutionalism which provides a conception of institutions as objects of analysis. The problem of structural duality is highlighted, both in terms of how it relates to the study of institutional logics and in terms of the structuralist methods that can be used for analyzing mutually constitutive orders of institutional systems.
Ionic liquid mediated auto-templating assembly of CaCO3–chitosan hybrid nanoboxes and nanoframes

Herein we report an innovative approach using ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride) mediated auto-templating assembly of CaCO(3) and chitosan to produce well-defined hollow inorganic-organic nanoboxes and nanoframes. By varying experimental conditions, size and shell-thicknesses of hollow nanostructures can be adjusted from 200 to 400 nm and 15 to 75 nm, respectively.
Susceptibility of rare earth bromates between 1 and 4.2 K

AC magneitic susceptibilities measured between 1 and 4.2 K are reported for a series of rare earth bromate hydrates, RE(BrO3)3 · 9H2O, for the rare earths Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Yb. Results for Pr, Tb, Dy, and Er are in good agreement with a previous determination. New results are reported for Nd, Sm, Gd, Ho, and Yb, some of which show interesting differences from the structurally similar rare earth ethylsulfates and anhydrous trichlorides.
Diagnosis-related group assignment in laparoscopic and open colectomy: financial implications for payer and provider.

In carefully matched patients, the length of hospital stay after laparoscopic colectomy is shorter than after open surgery. Higher operating room costs for laparoscopic surgery are offset by lower costs for hospitalization because of less utilization of pharmacy, laboratory, and nursing services. Clinical outcome is comparable. We examined the effect of the surgical approach for colectomy (open vs. laparoscopic) regarding the reasons for disease-related group assignment to disease-related group 148, and institutional cost under Part A of the U.S. Medicare system. Colectomy patients were assigned to either disease-related group 148 (colorectal resection with complications) or disease-related group 149 (colorectal resection without complications) with significant institutional reimbursement implications (disease-related group 149, $8,310; disease-related group 148, $20,291). A total of 100 consecutive disease-related group 148 patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy from July 2000 to September 2002 were identified from a prospective database and case-matched with 100 patients undergoing open colectomy. Patients were matched for gender, age, operative procedure, and pathology. A certified coder determined the reason(s) for disease-related group 148 assignment, which were grouped into: preoperative comorbidity, a combination of preoperative comorbidity/postoperative complications, or postoperative complications alone. Significantly more lapararoscopy patients were assigned to disease-related group 148 solely because of preoperative comorbidities (62 percent vs. 21 percent; P < 0.0001). Significantly more patients in the open surgery group were classified as disease-related group 148 solely because of postoperative complications (22 percent vs. 42 percent; P < 0.0001). An additional group of patients were assigned to the disease-related group 148 category based on a combination of preoperative and postoperative diagnoses (16 percent vs. 37 percent). The mean direct hospital costs were significantly less for laparoscopy patients ($3971 vs. $5997; P = 0.0095). Increased cost to Part A of Medicare for 20 open surgery patients who “migrated” to disease-related group 148 because of postoperative complications was $239,620. Our data are the first to demonstrate that disease related group assignment can change solely because of a differential rate of postoperative complications for two competing operative techniques. This change occurred at twice the rate for open colectomy and resulted in significantly increased cost to the insurer under a prospective payment program. The savings to the institution coupled with the shortened length of stay offset the potential loss in revenue to the institution.
Breast conservation therapy for invasive breast cancer: a review of prior trials and the Mayo Clinic experience.

Objective To assess the role of breast conservation therapy in the management of early-stage invasive breast cancer. Design We reviewed the results of previously published trials and summarized 165 cases of breast conservation surgical procedures and irradiation at the Mayo Clinic between January 1979 and September 1989. Material and Methods From the prior clinical trials, the criteria for selection of patients, the surgical and radiation techniques used, the complications of treatment, the cosmetic results, and the follow-up assessment and survival were analyzed. The 165 Mayo patients were also characterized, and their results were described. Results Breast conservation therapy consists of excision of the primary tumor followed by irradiation. A coordinated multidisciplinary approach should be used for selection of patients. Several large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated that breast conservation therapy is an appropriate option for most women with early-stage breast cancer and provides tumor control and survival rates equivalent to mastectomy. With a collaborative treatment program and judicious application of contemporary standards of practice, a good-to-excellent cosmetic outcome can be achieved in most patients, and the risk of treatment-related sequelae is minimal. The Mayo Clinic experience with breast conservation therapy is consistent with these observations and compares favorably with other institutional and clinical trial results. Conclusion Patients should be fully educated about the options for primary management of early-stage breast cancer because the selection of therapy may profoundly influence psychologic adjustment and acceptance of the treatment program.
Requirements for Cleavage by a Modified RNase P of a Small Model Substrate

M1 RNA, the catalytic RNA subunit of RNase P from Escherichia coli, has been covalently linked at its 3' terminus to oligonucleotides (guide sequences) that guide the enzyme to target RNAs through hybridization with the target sequences. These constructs (M1GS RNAs) have been used to determine some minimal features of model substrates. As few as 3 bp on the 3' side of the site of cleavage in a substrate complex and 1 nt on the 5' side are required for cleavage to occur. The cytosines in the 3' terminal CCA sequence of the model substrates are important for cleavage efficiency but not cleavage site selection. A purine (base-paired or not) at the 3' side of the cleavage site is important both for cleavage site selection and efficiency. M1GS RNAs provide both a simple system for characterization of the reaction governed by M1 RNA and a tool for gene therapy.
In vivo changes in responsiveness of the caudate nucleus to L-DOPA infusion as a function of the estrous cycle

Abstract In the present experiment we measured changes in the responsiveness of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system to l -DOPA as a function of the estrous cycle in the freely behaving animal with push-pull perfusion. Intact female rats were implanted with a push-pull cannula directed at the caudate nucleus and perfused repetitively on each day of their estrous cycle. During the perfusion, the response of the caudate nucleus was tested with two successive increasing doses of l -DOPA (1.0 and 10 μM) infused directly through the push side of the cannula. In response to 1.0 μM l -DOPA, significantly greater dopamine release was obtained for female rats perfused on proestrus, with all 6 females showing maximal responsiveness at this estrous cycle stage. There was an overall 3–4 fold greater increase in dopamine release to the 10 μM l -DOPA infusion, regardless of estrous cycle day. However, with the use of this 10 μM l _DOPA dose, the significant effect at proestrus was maintained. These results demonstrate that the responsiveness of the caudate nucleus to l -DOPA is maximal at proestrus. These data together with previous work from our laboratory indicate that the natural physiological changes which occur in hormone levels, in particular changes in progesterone during proestrus, exert a substantial influence upon this extra-hypothalamic central nervous system site.
Observation of thickness quantization in liquid films confined to molecular dimension

Liquid octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS) films have been prepared between two flat silicon substrates with varying nanometer-sized gaps which correspond to two to three molecular diameters of OMCTS. These extremely confined liquid films have been investigated using X-ray scattering methods as a function of applied pressure, in particular by observing the specular reflectivity and the diffuse scattering. For the first time, scattering methods show that the gap size cannot be changed continuously with changing pressure. Instead, the gap is quantized due to ordering effects of the OMCTS molecules. The use of scattering methods has enormous future implications as they allow very detailed investigations of confined liquids at a molecular level.
Manufacturing cell operating characteristics

Abstract With manufacturing cells used more and more commonly in automated factories, a thorough understanding of their operating characteristics is needed. However, a lack of analytical models significantly hinders the development of effective controls system. In this paper, the performance behavior of some manufacturing cells is generalized from the results of extensive simulation runs. Regression metamodels are used to represent cell steady state performance as functions of the cell's independent factors. The dynamic analysis results in a set of linear metamodels for the cell's transient behavior under the influence of machine breakdowns and job changes. The system's first order behavior is further verified for combined effects of these two dynamic events using linear additivity. Since time-consuming simulation is executed off-line, cell operating characteristics can be represented by the metamodels developed to predict cell performance. This will provide valuable and timely information for production control decision making in real time.
“Ethical blowback”: the missing piece in the corporate governance puzzle – the risks to a company which fails to understand and respect its social contract

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss the risks to a company that fails to understand and respect its social contract.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a viewpoint on the “ethical blowback”.Findings – The paper argues that two forces that are now influencing corporate governance reform can provoke ethical blowback, namely: Sarbanes‐Oxley style regulatory initiatives; and internal corporate compliance and ethics programs.Originality/value – The paper provides a viewpoint on the “ethical blowback”.
Snag density and use by cavity-nesting birds in managed stands of the Black Hills National Forest

Abstract We examined whether cavity-nesting bird abundance was related to the density of snags in managed ponderosa pine stands ( Pinus ponderosa Laws.) on the Black Hills National Forest. We also examined whether snag variables were related to bird use of snags as nest sites and for foraging . Study plots ( n = 144 plots) were established throughout the forest in managed ponderosa pine stands and data on the density, size, and condition of 2886 snags were collected. We searched snags for cavities and signs of foraging, and surveyed plots for cavity-nesting birds ( n = 272 counts). Nine species of cavity-nesting birds were detected, with red-breasted nuthatch ( Sitta canadensis ), black-capped chickadee ( Poecile atricapillus ), and hairy woodpecker ( Picoides villosus ) occurring most frequently. The mean number of cavity-nesting birds at a plot was independent of snag density or other plot variables. Larger DBH and greater snag height were positively associated with the presence of a cavity, and advanced stages of decay and the presence of a broken top were negatively associated with the presence of a cavity. Snags in larger DBH size classes had more evidence of foraging than expected based on abundance. Combining the data on the presence of a cavity and evidence of foraging, snags with large DBH were used most by cavity-nesting birds. Our study found no relationship between the number of cavity-nesting birds and snag density across the range of snag densities, snag sizes, and snag conditions measured. However, the densities of large snags may have been too low to influence the abundance of cavity-nesting birds, limiting our ability to detect such an effect.
Characterization of the genomic structure of the mouse limbic system-associated membrane protein (Lsamp) gene

The Lsamp gene encodes the limbic system-associated membrane protein (LAMP) an immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily member with three Ig domains and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. LAMP is expressed by neurons composing the limbic system, is highly conserved between rodents and human, and has structural and functional properties that substantiate its role in the formation of limbic circuits. We report here the genomic organization of the Lsamp gene. The Lsamp gene is composed of 11 exons distributed over 2.2 megabases (Mb). Two exons 1 are separated by approximately 1.6 Mb and contribute to the unusual large size of the gene. Alternative spliced Lsamp mRNAs are generated from distinct promoter regions associated with the two exons 1 that encode distinct signal peptides and thus generate identical native mature polypetides. Additional diversity is created by the use of two small exons to include an insertion of 23 amino acids within the polypeptide C-terminal region of the mature protein. The genomic features of the Lsamp gene described here indicate an intricate mechanism of gene expression regulation that may be relevant in the context of human neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, where LAMP expression may be altered.
Syndromic Surveillance for Measleslike Illnesses in a Managed Care Setting

Surveillance for measles must be enhanced to support the objective of measles elimination in the United States. Many conditions produce febrile rash illnesses that are clinically similar to measles; investigations of measleslike illnesses (MLIs) should occur regardless of the incidence of measles. Few data exist regarding the incidence of MLI in the United States, and it is unknown how providers evaluate patients with such conditions. We searched databases at a large managed care organization to obtain complete ascertainment of MLI during 1994-1998. Among 6,000,000 patient encounters, 68 records were identified that met the study case definition. The incidence of MLI was 4.5 cases/100,000 persons/year. Measles diagnoses were considered by physicians for 9 patients (13.2%); 2 were laboratory-tested and reported to the state health department and the other 7 were given alternative diagnoses. It was not possible to determine for the remaining MLI patients whether measles was ruled out on clinical grounds or whether the possibility was not considered. Provider education regarding evaluation and reporting of measles is warranted. Databases at health care plans can be used to address public health issues and to establish syndromic surveillance for communicable diseases.
Pulmonary artery origin of the left coronary artery: diagnosis by two-dimensional echocardiography, pulsed Doppler ultrasound and color flow mapping.

Abstract Five children, aged 0.2 to 6.7 years, with pulmonary artery origin of the left coronary artery proved by angiography underwent echocardiographic examination from 1985 through 1986. Prospective identification of this condition was achieved by two-dimensional echocardlography alone in two patients. Using a parasagittal plane From the second or third intercostal space, identification of the anomalous origin from the pulmonary artery was also possible in the other children on subsequent examination. In all of these studies the right coronary artery was considerably enlarged, The ratio of the diameters of the right coronary artery and the aortic root was 0.25 to 0.33 (normal 0.12 ± 0.02). Flow mapping by color Doppler ultrasound in three children studied most recently and peripheral arterial or aortic root contrast echocardiography identified the site of entry of the coronary flow into the pulmonary artery. The flow disturbance was detected on the aortic surface of the pulmonary artery opposite the portion from where the flow from a patent ductus is usually identified. Pulsed Doppler ultrasound identified the flow disturbance in the pulmonary artery in only three of the children. The two youngest patients did not demonstrate turbulence on pulsed Doppler ultrasound, but they were not examined by color Doppler ultrasound. The accuracy of noninvasive detection of pulmonary artery origin of the left coronary artery by ultrasound is improved by the use of a combined echocardiographic approach.
Single-Clamp Repair of Aneurysms of the Descending Thoracic Aorta

Ischemic injury of the spinal cord remains a serious threat during the surgical treatment of aneurysms of the descending and thoracoabdominal aorta. Time is the critical factor in preventing spinal cord injury. The author uses a single-clamp technique that is simple and limits distal dissection, heparin dosage, and cross-clamp time, thus reducing the risk of paraplegia.
Prediction of ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin stimulation: utilization for collection of primate oocytes for fertilization in vitro.

Abstract The predictive value of 2 tests for ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in the cynomolgus monkey model was evaluated. The tests utilized were: 1) the cycle Day 3 (Day 1 = onset of menses) FSH value and 2) the acute estradiol (E2) response to a GnRH agonists (GnRHa) administered on Day 3. Both tests were performed during the cycle preceding control ovarian hyperstimulation. Subsequently, monkeys (n = 26) were stimulated with MetrodinT (Days 2–6, 25IU/d) and PergonalT (Day 7 to hCG administration, 25IU/d). Laparoscopic oocyte retrieval was performed 32 to 34 after hCG administration. Analysis of the data revealed that Day 3 FSH values could not predict whether an animal would respond well to control ovarian hyperstimulation in a subsequent cycle (P = 0.77). However, the E2 change 24 h post-GnRHa administration was significantly greater for animals responding well to control ovarian hyperstimulation compared with the animals deleted after 6 d of stimulation (P = 0.042). The mean change in E2 levels in animals taken to aspiration was 97.8 pg/ml compared with only 21.6 pg/ml for the deleted animals. This differential response of E2 production after GnRHa treatment was used to correctly identify (by discriminant analysis) 78% of the animals subsequently deleted for poor response. Thus, the increase in serum E2 level after GnRHa, but not the basal FSH level, was found to be predictive of ovarian response to stimulation in the cynomolgus monkey.
Alteration by repeated electrostatic MEMS actuation of the thermoluminescence of thin films

The thermoluminescence characteristics of a thin film of terbium-doped yttrium oxide change upon repeated stress application through electrostatic actuation. A maximum 42% decrease in the intensity of two thermoluminescent peaks is seen when voltage is applied in 5V increments to 25V, translating to 0.15 μm of center deflection. While the overall intensity decreases, the higher temperature peak - corresponding to deeper traps - is affected more than the lower temperature one. Two possible physical explanations for the behavior are mechanical stress and dielectric charging.
Suppression of Ischemic Related Ventricular Tachycardia by Verapamil during Treadmill Exercise Testing

A 35-year-old man with class 2 angina pectoris was enlisted in a serial exercise test protocol to evaluate oral verapamil therapy for angina pectoris. During both the single-blind open dose titration phase and the double-blind phase, short salvoes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) were followed by angina and ischemic ST segment depression during exercise with placebo. With verapamil therapy, no ventricular ectopy was noted during exercise, and the patient exercised longer before angina or ischemic ECG changes developed. Twenty-four hour ECG monitoring revealed multiform ventricular premature depolarizations and three-beat salvoes of VT with placebo and no ventricular ectopy whatsoever with verapamil. Verapamil's antiarrhythmic effect may be secondary to its anti-ischemic action, or, by inhibiting slow channel conduction (with its propensity for enhanced automaticity and reentry) induced by ischemia and the sympathetic response to exercise, exerts a primary antiarrhythmic action.
Human cerebral blood flow and oxygen consumption as related to aging.

Abstract A review of available information on over-all cerebral blood flow and oxygen consumption in man obtained by means of the nitrous oxide technique reveals a distinct correlation of these functions with age. There is a rapid fall in the circulation and oxygen utilization of the brain from childhood through adolescence followed by a more gradual but progressive reduction throughout the remaining age span. The factors responsible for these changes and whether one or the other is primary appear to be suitable subjects for continued investigation.
Piecewise linear wavelets on sierpinski gasket type fractals

Let SG denote the Sierpinski gasket with Hausdorff measure μ of dimensionlog 3/log 2, let PLk denote the continuous piecewise linear functions with respect to the usual triangulation of SG into 3k triangles, and let Wk denote the orthogonal complement of PLk−1 in PLk. We construct a basis for each Wk, so that the entire collection is a frame for L2(dμ). This wavelet basis is obtained from three wavelet generators by scaling, translation and rotation, and the wavelets are supported either by one corner triangle or a pair of adjacent triangles in the triangulation of level k − 1. Analogous bases are constructed in the von Koch curve, the hexagasket, and the n-dimensional analog of SG.
Constraints in Covariant Field Theories

In this paper we have considered certain problems which arise when one attempts to cast a covariant field theory into a canonical form. Because of the invariance properties of the theory, certain identities exist between the canonical field variables. To insure that the canonical theory is equivalent to the underlying lagrangian formalism one must require that these identities, once satisfied, will remain satisfied through the course of time. In general, this will be true only if additional constraints are set between the canonical variables. We have shown that only a finite number of such constraints exist and that they form a function group. Our proof rests essentially on the possibility of constructing a generating function for an infinitesimal canonical transformation that is equivalent to an invariant infinitesimal transformation on the lagrangian formalism.Once a hamiltonian is obtained by one of the procedures outlined in previous papers of this series, and the constraints have all been found, the consistent, invariant canonical formulation of the theory is completed. The main results of the paper have been formulated in such a manner as to make them applicable to a fairly general type of invariance. In the last sections we have applied these results to the cases of gauge and coordinate invariance. In the latter case a hamiltonian, corresponding to a quadratic lagrangian, has been constructed in a parameter-free form; and in both cases the constraints, together with the poisson bracket relations between them, have been obtained explicitly. As was to be expected, two constraints were found for a gauge-invariant theory and eight for a coordinate-invariant theory.
Application of a Bayesian belief network in a computer-assisted diagnosis scheme for mass detection

The study is to investigate the use of a Bayesian belief network (BBN) in a computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) scheme for mass detection in digitized mammograms. Two independent image sets were used in the experiments. After initial processing of image segmentation and adaptive topographic region growth in our CAD scheme, 288 true-positive mass regions and 2,204 false-positive regions were identified in the training image set. In the testing set, 304 true-positive and 1,586 false-positive regions were identified. Fifty features were computed for each region. After using a genetic algorithm search, a BBN was constructed based on 12 local and four global features in order to classify these regions as positive or negative for mass. The performance of the BBN was evaluated using an ROC methodology. The BBN achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.873 plus or minus 0.009 in classifying the 304 positive and 1,586 negative regions in the testing set. This result was better than using an artificial neural network with the same set of input features. After incorporating the BBN into our CAD scheme as the last classification stage, we detected 80% of 189 positive mass cases (in 433 testing images) with an average detection rate of 0.76 false-positive regions per image. Therefore, this study demonstrated that a BBN approach could yield a comparable performance to that using other classifiers. Using a probabilistic learning concept and interpretable topology, the BBN provides a flexible approach to improving CAD schemes.
Dispersion Measurements Of Microcrystals In The Near Ultraviolet And Infrared

Procedures for measuring the linear optical properties of small, transparent crystals are described. Using a spindle stage refractometer, the refractive indices for light from 0.38 to 1.10 μm can be determined. The methods are employed to study new nonlinear crystals to evaluate their potential as second and third harmonic generators of light at 1.064 μm. The measurements can be made on single crystal fragments as small as 50 μm, thus permitting preliminary evaluations to be made prior to extensive crystal growth efforts.
High infectious morbidity in pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes: an understated complication.

Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes are prone to infection, possibly related to poor metabolic control. Relative immune deficiency exists in pregnancy. We hypothesized that pregnant patients with insulin-dependent diabetes are at an increased risk for infection and that infection is related to poor glycemic control. We matched 65 pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes to 65 nondiabetic pregnant controls. At least one episode of infection before delivery occurred in 83% of the women with insulin-dependent diabetes (26% in control group). The rate of postpartum infection was five times higher in the group with insulin-dependent diabetes and they were susceptible to more kinds of infections. Although there was no overall difference among the indices of glycemic control, hemoglobin A, obtained before the infection was higher than during infection. We conclude that a high rate of infection exists in pregnant women with diabetes; infection and poor glycemic control may be associated, but it is unclear whether improvement in metabolic control will reduce this high infection rate.
Religious domains and general well-being.

With only a few notable exceptions, studies on quality of life or general well-being have failed to deal with religiosity in general, and the development of more refined measures of religious meaning and belonging in particular. Data measuring subjective perceptions of well-being for various domains of life, including neighborhood, employment, work at home, education, friends, household members, marital status, standard of living, health and religion were used to form a number of domain scales. Relationships between the multidimensional concepts of well-being and religiosity are explored and the importance of religiosity in defining well-being is tested. Religious satisfaction was found to be important for general life satisfaction and existential well-being. Among the eight indicators and scales of religiosity, various combinations of religious satisfaction, frequency of prayer, prayer experience, and relationship with God, were important predictors of general life satisfaction, existential well-being, and overall happiness. Under no circumstance did any measure of religosity contribute to negative affect.
Dissociative Photoionization of Sulfur Chlorides and Oxochlorides: Thermochemistry and Bond Energies Based on Accurate Appearance Energies

The dissociative photoionization of four compounds, SCl(2), S(2)Cl(2), SOCl(2), and SO(2)Cl(2), were measured with threshold and imaging photoelectron photoion coincidence spectrometry (TPEPICO and iPEPICO). In all systems, the molecular ion loses a chlorine atom in a fast dissociation. The 0 K appearance energies of the first chlorine-loss fragment ions were determined to be 12.252 +/- 0.012 eV, 11.205 +/- 0.003 eV, 11.709 +/- 0.003 eV, and 12.505 +/- 0.003 eV, respectively. SCl(2) was measured on the laboratory-based TPEPICO instrument, in which the second Cl-loss dissociation could not be observed within the available photon energy. For S(2)Cl(2)(+) and SOCl(2)(+), the appearance energy of the fragment ion after two chlorine-loss dissociations were determined to be 13.32 +/- 0.02 eV and 14.88 +/- 0.02 eV, respectively. On the basis of the analysis of the breakdown curves, it was concluded that assuming three-dimensional translational degrees of freedom yields a more reliable statistical model of the product energy distributions. The literature heat of formation of the neutral precursor molecule thionyl chloride, SOCl(2) does not agree with our results based on the SO(+) cation and is revised by more than 10 kJ mol(-1) to -198.2 +/- 2.4 kJ mol(-1). A particularly broad Franck-Condon gap with vanishingly small threshold electron signal in the photon energy range for the second Cl-loss reaction in SO(2)Cl(2)(+) is discussed with regard to the mechanism of threshold ionization.
Reversible and Resistant Components of PCB Adsorption-Desorption: Adsorbent Concentration Effects

Abstract Laboratory experiments and analysis of field data from Saginaw Bay show that the concentration of suspended adsorbent affects the partition coefficient of PCB. The coefficient consistently decreases as adsorbent concentration increases. In addition it has been found that adsorption and desorption are not completely reversible. An analysis of this effect is presented within the framework of the resistant-reversible component model of adsorption-desorption. The partition coefficients for these two components are found to behave quite regularly: the resistant component exhibits essentially constant partitioning whereas the reversible component partition coefficient is exactly inverse to adsorbent concentration. The interplay of these components determines the variation of the adsorption and desorption partition coefficients as functions of adsorbent concentration and the degree of reversibility to be expected. Saginaw Bay field data conform to the relationship derived from the resistant-reversible model.
Baffles and Bastions: The Universal Features of Fortifications

This article discusses several universal features of fortifications and distinguishes those features that are unequivocally military in function. The evidence adduced includes the features of known historic fortifications, relevant prescriptions by ancient military authors, and geometry. The archaeologically visible features that are universally used in military defenses are V-sectioned ditches, “defended” (especially baffled) gates, and bastions. It is also noted that ritual, ceremonial, or any other peaceful activities conducted within an enclosure having these architectural features does not preclude its obvious military function.
Medical staff knowledge of EMTALA at a large, tertiary-care hospital.

The study objective was to determine what percentage of a hospital's medical staff have heard of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) statute, and of those who have heard of it, to determine the extent of their knowledge. A questionnaire was mailed to 600 members of the active medical staff of an urban, 900-bed, private, tertiary-care hospital asking if they had ever heard of the EMTALA statute, and if so, to complete a 20-question multiple-choice quiz on specifics of EMTALA law. The main results were whether they had ever heard of EMTALA; if knowledge of EMTALA was related to specialty, age, years in practice, or frequency of ED call; and the quiz scores and any relationship they might have to those same demographic factors. Questionnaires were returned by 41.5% (n = 249). Thirty-one specialties were represented and seven had greater than 10 physicians each. Physician age and years in practice were skewed toward older ages. Approximately one-third (34.5%) took ED call at least monthly. Only 29.3% had ever heard of EMTALA. There was a significant linear correlation between on-call frequency and positive knowledge of the law, but of those who took call at least monthly, 50% had never heard of EMTALA. The average score on the 20-question quiz was 69%. Questions concerning definition of a transfer, definition of an emergency medical condition, investigations of EMTALA, on-call staff responsibilities, and the number of hospitals cited for EMTALA violations were answered correctly by <50% of the respondents. Most members of the medical staff of a large, tertiary-care hospital have never heard of EMTALA, and of those who have, the extent of their knowledge is limited. This presents challenges for the hospital to facilitate education efforts to reduce liability.
Intra-atrial reentry tachycardia in pediatric patients

Intra-atrial reentry tachycardia (IART), also known as atrial flutter, is a major problem in pediatric cardiology and adult congenital cardiology. Patients have significant morbidity and even mortality associated with this arrhythmia. The use of antiarrhythmic medications has been disappointing in this population. Ablation techniques are being developed which offer some advantages over the use of medication. These techniques include: sophisticated mapping using entrainment, electro-anatomic and non-contact methods for assessment of the anatomy and the reentrant circuit; radiofrequency ablation methods which allow for the creation of linear and transmural lesions; and new methods for assessment of the effects of ablation which focus on the documentation of the creation of a new line of block. These new techniques provide hope for more effective ablation procedures and the possibility of definitive cure of atrial flutter in many patients in this population.