cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the Impact of Religious Beliefs on Political-Economic Institutions and Outcomes in Africa: A Cross-National Comparison

This work addresses in a new way a question that looms in the background of academic conversations about political-economic development and religion: that is, do large-scale religious differences  between Islam and Christianity in this case  lead to measurable differences in political-economic institutions and outcomes at the state level? The importance of religion in micropolitics and even microeconomics is, at this point, well established; yet on a broader scale, this relationship has not been systematically explored. Thus, using quantitative data from 57 African states operationalized along religious lines, the question of whether or not religion matters in macopolitical/economic development is explored. In particular, the impact of religion on property rights, income distribution, political and civil rights, and regime type are explored. Moreover, connections between religious beliefs and economic outcomes are found to be, on the whole, inconsistent. Other factors, including the degree of religious homogeneity within the state, are shown to be more important. Further results are forthcoming.
Direct parametric extraction of 1/f noise source magnitude and physical location from baseband spectra in HBTs

This work describes a novel equivalent circuit representation for the modeling of low frequency 1/f noise in Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs), and is presented as part of an extraction procedure which combines direct calculation of the HBT equivalent circuit from S-parameters, and separate measurement of the base and collector noise voltage spectra to determine the magnitude and physical location of the dominant intrinsic 1/f noise sources within the device.
Arsenic leaching from mulch made from recycled construction and demolition wood and impacts of iron-oxide colorants.

Mulch made from recycled construction and demolition (CD 0.711-22.7 mg/L for 100%). The mass of arsenic leached from the field samples during the 1-year monitoring period was between 10 and 15% of the initial mass of arsenic. The colorant reduced the leaching of arsenic by more than 20% for the field leachate and 50% for the SPLP leachate, on average. However, the study showed that the effect may not last for long periods. Besides colorant addition other factors were observed to affect the amount of arsenic leached from contaminated mulch. These include the proportion of CCA-treated wood in the mulch, time, and pH of rainfall.
New synthesis of 2-nitroimidazoles

1-Triphenylmethylimidazoles are treated with n-butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran at 0° to form the 2-lithio derivatives. The latter species react with n-propyl nitrate to give l-trityl-2-nitroimidazoles which, after acid hydrolysis, provide the corresponding 2-nitroimidazoles. 2-Nitroimidazole was obtained from imidazole in overall yields of 27–35% 4-methyl-2-nitroimidazole was obtained in 40% overall yield from 4-methyl-imidazole. Imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid was converted, in several steps, to l-tritylimidazole-4-methanol, and the latter compound was transformed into 2-nitroimidazole-4-methanol in an overall yield of 18%. Protection of the hydroxymethyl function was found to be unnecessary during carbanion formation and nitration. Attempts to nitrate 1-methylimidazole or 1-methoxymethylimidazole by the same procedure failed.
The development of adolescent self-regulation: Reviewing the role of parent, peer, friend, and romantic relationships

Self-regulation plays an important role in adolescent development, predicting success in multiple domains including school and social relationships. While researchers have paid increasing attention to the influence of parents on the development of adolescent self-regulation, we know little about the influence of peers and friends and even less about the influence of romantic partners on adolescent development of self-regulation. Extant studies examined a unidirectional model of self-regulation development rather than a bidirectional model of self-regulation development. Given that relationships and self-regulation develop in tandem, a model of bidirectional development between relationship context and adolescent self-regulation may be relevant. This review summarizes extant literature and proposes that in order to understand how adolescent behavioral and emotional self-regulation develops in the context of social relationships one must consider that each relationship builds upon previous relationships and that self-regulation and relationship context develop bidirectionally.
Imagining Hāfez: Rabindranath Tagore in Iran, 1932

In April and May of 1932, Rabindranath Tagore traveled to Iran on an official visit. He had been invited to Iran as the official guest of Rezā Shah Pahlavi. Using an array of primary source material, this article examines the cultural, political, and ideological implications of this trip for the emerging discourse of nationalism in interwar Iran. The article argues that Tagore’s visit played an important part in promoting the new official nationalism of the Pahlavi state. The emerging interwar ideology of “Pahlavi nationalism” sought to dissociate Iran from the Abrahamic-Islamicate “civilizational ethos” that was now understood to have long dominated Iranian culture, and instead sought to associate Iranian nationalism’s claim of cultural authenticity to a newly emerging notion of “Indo-Iranian civilization” rooted in the pre-Islamic culture of Zoroastrianism and Aryanism. Tagore’s visit to Iran was seen as an opportunity for his Iranian hosts to present him to the Iranian public as a living personification of this newly conceived idea of national authenticity. The public ceremonies and pronouncements that accompanied Tagore during the four-week trip all reinforced this basic message. The paper therefore argues that the Tagore visit to Iran was closely tied to the Pahlavi state’s policy of cultural nationalism.
Assessing Best Practices for Grouping and Analyzing Urgent Care Center (UCC) and Emergency Department (ED) Data Sources within Syndromic Surveillance Systems.

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) electronically receives both urgent care center (UCC) data and hospital emergency department (ED) data from health care facilities in 43 of its 67 counties through its Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE-FL). This project will investigate and describe the differences between the data received from these two sources and provide best practices for grouping and analyzing these data sources.
Optimization of analytical quality control for long-term monitoring of metals and volatile organic compounds in groundwater

Statistical analysis of historical results for matrix spikes (MS), matrix spike duplicates (MSD), and laboratory control samples (LCS) from aqueous samples analyzed for metals and volatile organic compounds was performed to determine whether the MS/MSD provided substantive information apart from that provided by the LCS. The statistical analysis showed that the mean recovery of all analytes from MS/MSD closely approximated the mean recovery of all analytes from the LCS. Average bias, skewness, and kurtosis were also assessed for both data sets. The evaluation provided strong evidence for the use of LCS recoveries as performance indicators of probable MS/MSD recoveries of metals and volatile organic compounds from groundwater.
The validity of steady-state dendrite growth models

Abstract The thermal interaction between the tip of a dendrite, assumed to be a paraboloid of revolution, and the points along its sides is analyzed. It is found that, except at extreme levels of supercooling, the tip temperature is strongly affected by portions of the paraboloid which experiment reveals to have a well-developed branch structure. It is concluded that a paraboloid or similar steady-state shape is not an adequate model for dendrite heat flow calculations.
Gas exchnge in the lamprey, Entosphenus tridentatus

Abstract 1. 1. O2-Hb dissociation curves of the lamprey, Entosphenus tridentatus, show a distinct sigmoid shape with an n-value of 1·88 and a Bohr factor of −0·41. Blood Hb concentration was 6·72 g % and O2 capacity 9·15 vol. %. Blood buffering capacity was 3·5 mM/1/pH. 2. 2. E. tridentatus were able to maintain the O2 uptake ( V O 2 ) at falling O2 availability down to water O2 tensions of 35–40 mm Hg at 20°C, and to 10 mm Hg at 5 and 15°C. Q10 for V O 2 between 5 and 15°C averaged 1·6 and increased conspicuously to more than 6·0 from increased ventilatory activity and motor activity between 15 and 20°C. 3. 3. Heart rate and breathing rate changed with temperature in an exponential manner up till temperatures of 20°C which seemed to represent the upper tolerance limit. Dorsal aortic blood pressure showed mean values between 25 and 44 cm H2O. Breathing rate rose markedly when water O2 tension dropped below approximately 100 mm Hg. A reduced breathing rate accompanied breathing in hyperoxic water. Combination of progressive hypoxia and increasing temperature had a compounded effect on breathing rate. 4. 4. Arterial and venous PO2 in blood sampled from free-swimming animals ranged between 58–77 mm Hg and 24–40 mm Hg respectively, corresponding to arterial saturations between 94 and 100 per cent. Venous O2 saturation averaged 75 per cent. Percentage O2 utilization in blood averaged 24·8 per cent. During activity both arterial and venous PO2 dropped markedly but with a resultant increase in O2 utilization due to the relative positions on the O2-Hb dissociation curves. 5. 5. Hypoxia resulted in utilization of the large venous O2 reservoir expressed by a three- to four-fold increase in O2 utilization. The PO2 gradient between the ambient water and blood diminished during hypoxia. 6. 6. Percentage O2 extraction from the respiratory water current ranged between 10·0 and 24·8 per cent. The special mode of breathing in lampreys is discussed in relation to their exceptional tolerance to environmental stresses.
Development of a clinical database for the implant and follow-up of cardioverter systems.

The purpose of a clinical database in AICD follow-up is twofold: to follow the evolution (1) of the patient and (2) of the implanted hardware. The pacemaker implant is performed the same day, whereas the implant of a complete AICD system can span over several days or even weeks. Therefore the first design criteria for the database is to clearly identify a single procedure. AICDs require the use of several leads of different types and functions and each lead has to be followed independently. Therefore the second design criteria is to establish a continuous history for each device implanted. To accomplish this the following method has been devised. The implant patient has a single demographic form and for each new procedure a ‘Purpose of Procedure’ form is filled out, which is identified by the date the form was initiated and by the patient's ID number. There are separate forms for the defibrillator and for three types of leads (transvenous, epicardial sensing and patch leads). For each hardware implanted a specific form is filled out and keyed to the ‘Purpose of Procedure’ form. Consequently the patient is monitored through the sequence of ‘Purpose of Procedure’ forms, the defibrillator and the leads through the hardware forms. Stimulation and sensing threshold measurements are part of the respective hardware forms but the induced tachycardia measurements are separate. At present 56 AICDs have been followed in the database.
Ligand control of radiative and nonradiative processes in phosphorescent cyclometalated platinum complexes

Cyclometalated platinum complexes have been proposed for use in applications such as sensors, solar cells and organic LEDs. The role the cyclometalating ligand plays in modifying the phosphorescent properties of these compounds will be presented.
Municipal bonds: a contingent claims perspective

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the municipal bond market with an emphasis on the numerous embedded contingent claims. Embedded contingent claims include the standard call features, sinking funds, the advance refunding option, the synthetic advance refunding option, the credit risk option (default risk), marketability, and the numerous tax-related events. Municipal bond investors must carefully assess the relative value of these contingent claims before investing in municipal bonds. Also, due to unique risk premiums within the municipal bond market, it is important to carefully structure the municipal bond holdings, paying particular attention to duration, within the context of an overall financial plan. There appears to be a benefit to lengthening the duration of the municipal bond portion of the portfolio.
Binary integer programs with two variables per inequality

Several recent papers have shown that some properties of the maximum weight stable set problem hold true in the more general setting of binary integer programs with two variables per inequality. In this paper, we show that in fact the two problems are equivalent by using the transitive closure of the binary integer program and (possibly) reducing the number of variables by fixing, complementing, or identifying them. We use this equivalence to prove two conjectures made by Johnson and Padberg regarding the perfection of bidirected graphs.
Correlates of placebo reaction in an outpatient population

Variable s describing 113 outpatients of a mental health clinic were derived from a Placebo Test, the MMPI, a Symptom Check List, measures of response style, and a questionnaire containing historical and demographic information. Two highly reliable scales, the Placebo Effect Scale (PES) and the Side Effect Scale (SES) were derived from the Placebo Test and served as dependent variables. PES scores were inversely related to reporting symptoms and unrelated to measures of response style. SES scores were directly related to reporting symptoms and with several measures of response style. There was a curvilinear relationship between placebo response and reporting side-effects. Implications of results for further research are presented.
Tunneling in ultrathin SiO2 layers on silicon: Comments on dispersion relations for electrons and holes

Abstract A fundamental asymmetry between the tunneling probabilities for electrons and holes has been observed in ultrathin SiO2 layers (20–30 A). These probabilities have been measured on the same MOS samples using a new experimental technique combining dark characteristics with measurements of photocurrent suppression by the SiO2 layer. Interpretation by Franz dispersion relations using conduction and valence band energies appropriate to thick SiO2 films is not possible even assuming different effective masses in the two bands. This may be attributed to the distortion of the energy bands in the SiO2 caused by the presence of positive oxide charge.
The N-terminal coiled-coil of Ndel1 is a regulated scaffold that recruits LIS1 to dynein

Ndel1 has been implicated in a variety of dynein-related processes, but its specific function is unclear. Here we describe an experimental approach to evaluate a role of Ndel1 in dynein-dependent microtubule self-organization using Ran-mediated asters in meiotic Xenopus egg extracts. We demonstrate that extracts depleted of Ndel1 are unable to form asters and that this defect can be rescued by the addition of recombinant N-terminal coiled-coil domain of Ndel1. Ndel1-dependent microtubule self-organization requires an interaction between Ndel1 and dynein, which is mediated by the dimerization fragment of the coiled-coil. Full rescue by the coiled-coil domain requires LIS1 binding, and increasing LIS1 concentration partly rescues aster formation, suggesting that Ndel1 is a recruitment factor for LIS1. The interactions between Ndel1 and its binding partners are positively regulated by phosphorylation of the unstructured C terminus. Together, our results provide important insights into how Ndel1 acts as a regulated scaffold to temporally and spatially regulate dynein.
A large-scale impact spalling test

Abstract A unique test apparatus is described that effectively produces spalling on wear-resistant alloys and can be used to study the causes of spalling. The work was conducted by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, as part of an effort to minimize the consumption of strategic materials used during the mining and processing of minerals. The test utilizes balls 75 mm in diameter made of the test alloys, which are dropped a distance of 3.5 m. Multiple impacts over a range of energy are produced between the balls. The unique design of the test apparatus provides a multiplying effect that results in 30 000 or more total impacts per hour on 20 or so test alloys. The four major types of failure that were observed on 22 commercial and experimental alloys that received up to 300 000 impacts are discussed.
Associations between race, sex and immune response variations to rubella vaccination in two independent cohorts

Introduction Immune response variations after vaccination are influenced by host genetic factors and demographic variables, such as race, ethnicity and sex. The latter have not been systematically studied in regard to live rubella vaccine, but are of interest for developing next generation vaccines for diverse populations, for predicting immune responses after vaccination, and for better understanding the variables that impact immune response.
A semiparametric hypothesis testing procedure for the ROC curve area under a density ratio model

We propose a semiparametric Wald statistic to test whether a diagnostic test is capable of discriminating between diseased and nondiseased subjects based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area under a two-sample semiparametric density ratio model. The proposed Wald test is constructed on the basis of the maximum semiparametric likelihood estimator of the ROC curve area. The proposed test statistic has an asymptotic chi-squared distribution under the null hypothesis and an asymptotic noncentral chi-squared distribution under local alternatives to the null hypothesis. We present some results on a simulation study and on the analysis of two data sets.
Sol–gel encapsulation of acid phosphatase in the presence of the ionic liquid [BMIM][BF4]

The effect of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]) on acid phosphatase (APase) from wheat germ in solution and in the sol–gel-encapsulated form was investigated to explore new methods of enzyme preparation with improved catalytic performance. APase was encapsulated in hydrogel beads made from tetramethyl orthosilicate. Compared with free APase, 20–28% enzymatic activity was retained in over nine catalytic cycles. Sol–gel encapsulation improved the thermal stability of APase. Heat shock exposure at 60 °C for 1 h resulted in activity decreasing by a factor of three, only, for sol–gel-encapsulated APase, in contrast with a factor of nine decrease for free APase. Addition of 10% v/v [BMIM][BF4] did result in a slight decrease of enzymatic activity for free and sol–gel-encapsulated APase, but resulted in a remarkable increase in alkaline pH tolerance of sol–gel-encapsulated APase.
A dural tale.

A 44-yr-old cushingoid-appearing male was referred to the Massachusetts General Hospital for evaluation of a new sellar mass. He presented with rapid onset of symptoms over 6 months, including weight loss and hypokalemia. The 3-cm T1-enhancing sellar mass tapered posteriorly along the left tentorium, forming a “dural tail” (Fig. 1), suggesting a meningioma. Endocrine evaluation revealed ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, with a urine-free cortisol of 303 g/24 h (normal 20–70 g/24 h) and an ACTH level of 83 pg/ml (normal 6–76 pg/ml). An inferior sinus petrosal catheterization, performed due to the unusual radiological characteristics of the sellar mass and symptoms of weight loss and hypokalemia, confirmed a central source of excess ACTH secretion. Tissue obtained during transsphenoidal debulking revealed a corticotroph macroadenoma without evidence of meningioma. The dural tail sign is usually associated with meningiomas (1–3). The sign was thought initially to be specific for meningioma but has been described in association with other pituitary and intracranial processes. The sensitivity and specificity of the dural tail sign are approximately 60 and 95%, respectively (4). The tail results from a reactive inflammatory process in the dura mater adjacent to the point of tumor attachment rather than direct tumor infiltration. This case demonstrates that the dural tail sign may be seen with pituitary macroadenomas, and such tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis associated with this sign. The tumor in this case is unusual for Cushing’s disease in its size and radiological presentation (5). This case also demonstrates that ACTH-secreting macroadenomas can be associated with severe symptoms of cortisol excess and mimic ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors.
An investigation of pre-activity cardiovascular screening procedures in health/fitness facilities--part I: is adherence with national standards decreasing?

This investigation determined the number of health/fitness facilities within a Midwestern region conducting pre-activity cardiovascular screening procedures (PACSPs) consistent with American Heart Association/American College of Sports Medicine (AHA/ACSM) standards. Interviews were conducted with 123 commercial, community, corporate, and academic settings (84% response rate), with 40 (33%) facilities requiring members to complete a pre-activity screening device. Of those, 20 (50%) required physician clearance for “at-risk” members prior to physical activity participation. Personal training clients completed a pre-activity screening device at 50 (61%) facilities, with 32 (64%) requiring physician clearance for at-risk clients. The data were analyzed by setting, with corporate facilities having a significantly higher (P=.0049) adherence rate with AHA/ACSM standards than other facilities. Data were compared with previous studies and indicated a decrease in the number of facilities conducting PACSPs. Findings indicate that health/fitness personnel need to become aware of the relevance of conducting PACSPs.
Self-diffusion of water in ionic and nonionic microemulsions

Abstract The self-diffusion coefficient of water in four microemulsion systems was measured using an NMR-pulsed field gradient technique. The systems studied were two containing ionic surfactants and two with nonionic surfactants. The dielectric relaxation properties of two of these systems had been previously shown to exhibit large hydration effects. Comparable self-diffusion properties were observed for the water in all of these systems that were interpreted as reflecting a combination of obstruction and hydration effects. An analysis using the Maxwell and Hanai mixture theories shows that the amount of motionally altered water corresponds to approximately two water molecules of hydration per ethylene oxide and hydroxyl group in the nonionic systems, which is in the range expected from chemical considerations. The present results show the large contribution of hydration effects to the bulk transport properties of these microemulsions.
Exploiting structure in adaptive dynamic programming algorithms for a stochastic batch service problem

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the importance of using structural results in dynamic programming algorithms. We consider the problem of approximating optimal strategies for the batch service of customers at a service station. Customers stochastically arrive at the station and wait to be served, incurring a waiting cost and a service cost. Service of customers is performed in groups of a fixed service capacity. We investigate the structure of cost functions and establish some theoretical results including monotonicity of the value functions. Then, we use our adaptive dynamic programming monotone algorithm that uses structure to preserve monotonicity of the estimates at each iterations to approximate the value functions. Since the problem with homogeneous customers can be solved optimally, we have a means of comparison to evaluate our heuristic. Finally, we compare our algorithm to classical forward dynamic programming methods.
A transition to e-mentoring: factors that influence nurse engagement.

E-mentoring is a form of mentoring that uses the Internet to remove the boundaries of traditional mentoring. Instead of face-to-face and synchronous communication, interactions between mentor(s) and protege(s) of e-mentoring relationships are primarily asynchronous. Since there was limited information about nurses and e-mentoring in the literature, this quantitative study was undertaken to explore nurses' attitudes and the identification of facilitators and constraints that could influence the adoption of e-mentoring. Overall, participants (n = 139) had positive attitudes; there were differences in attitudes between participants who had previously experienced mentoring and those who never had (P < .05). The likely-to-engage group had more positive attitudes and identified more facilitators and fewer constraints than did the indecisive and not-likely groups (P < .001). Age and attitudes had a positive relationship with e-mentoring (P = .01). These findings suggest that e-mentoring can be adopted by nurses of all ages, and despite the constraints identified, the benefits of e-mentoring may outweigh the constraints. Organizations considering the adoption of e-mentoring should encourage nurses with positive attitudes and previous mentoring experience to participate in their endeavors. E-mentoring can address today's multigenerational nursing workforce and positively influence the mentoring process.
Alternatives to Using Exercise as Punishment

(2010). Alternatives to Using Exercise as Punishment. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 81, No. 5, pp. 44-48.
Intercorrelations of Some Measures of Self-Concept

Fifty undergraduate psychology students (11 males, 39 females) comprised the sample used in the present study. The scores derived from the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI), Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT), and Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control (LOC) Scale were analyzed by using the Pearson product-moment correlation technique. Significant correlations were obtained between scores on the following instruments: SIT and LOC, LOC and TSCS, LOC and SEI, and SEI and TSCS. Additionally, both race (white or black) and SIT scores and age and LOC scores were significantly correlated.
Environmental Chemistry (Gas and Gas−Solid Interactions): The Role of Physical Chemistry

This paper reviews two physical chemistry topics related to atmospheric chemistry. First, we describe semiempirical models, based on thermochemistry and transition state theory, which are employed to estimate gas phase reaction rates over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. We also review briefly the experimental techniques utilized for measurements of elementary reaction rate constants, which provide the primary input to these models. We then address chemical reactions which take place in the atmosphere on the surface of solid, ice-like aerosol particles, discussing some current views on the mechanisms of these reactions and describing some laboratory techniques for the study of these heterogeneous processes.
Effects of Age on Pain Perception: Thermonociception

The effect of age on pain sensitivity is unclear. Some studies suggest a loss of pain perception with age, whereas other studies indicate either no change or an increase in pain sensitivity with age. The present study assessed perceived intensities of six levels of painful contact thermal stimuli (43 degrees C, 45 degrees C, 47 degrees C, 48 degrees C, 49 degrees C, and 51 degrees C). Magnitude estimation procedures were used, and participants were instructed to provide separate ratings for the perceived sensory intensity and the perceived unpleasantness (affective intensity) of the thermal stimuli during separate sessions. Middle-age adults showed the lowest sensory sensitivity and greatest affective pain ratings. Although results indicate a significant but small tendency for older adults to underrate low and overrate higher intensity contact heat compared with younger adults, similarities in pain perception were stronger than differences among the age groups.
Isomorphous substitution of Al, Fe, B, and Ge into MFI-zeolite membranes

Abstract ZSM-5 zeolite membranes with Al, Fe, B, or Ge substituted for Si in the framework structure were prepared by in situ crystallization onto porous stainless steel supports. Their single-gas and mixture separation properties were compared to a silicalite-1 membrane. For all membranes, single-gas permeances at 473 K showed a decreasing trend as the kinetic diameter of the diffusing molecule increased. All membranes separated n-C4H10/i-C4H10, n-C4H10/H2, and H2/i-C4H10 mixtures, and the selectivities depended on temperature and the substituted cation, but no trend with acidity or hydrophobicity was observed. For most separations studied, the substituted membranes had higher selectivities than a silicalite-1 membrane, and the B-ZSM-5 membrane had the highest selectivities. The n-C4H10/i-C4H10 separation was due to differences in diffusion rates and adsorption coverages, and the highest selectivity was 45. The n-C4H10/H2 separation had a maximum value of 110 at 300 K, and separation was due to preferential adsorption of n-C4H10, which permeated faster than H2. For H2/i-C4H10 mixtures, however, H2 permeated faster, but i-C4H10 adsorption reduced the H2 permeation below the single-gas value so the mixture selectivity was below the ideal value.
Exercise echocardiography is an accurate and cost-efficient technique for detection of coronary artery disease in women☆

Objectives. This study compared the accuracy and cost implications of using exercise echocardiography and exercise electrocardiography for detection of coronary artery disease in women. Background. The specificity of exercise electrocardiography in women is lower than in men. Exercise echocardiography accurately identifies coronary artery disease in women, but its utility in place of exercise electrocardiography is unclear. Methods. One hundred sixty-one women without a previous Q wave infarction underwent exercise echocardiography and coronary angiography. Positive findings were a new or worsening wall motion abnormality on the exercise echocardiogram and ST segment depression >0.1 mV at 0.08 s after the J point on the exercise electrocardiogram (ECG). Results. Coronary artery stenosis >50% diameter narrowing was present in 59 patients; the sensitivity (mean ± SD) of exercise echocardiography was 80 ± 3%. In 48 patients with an interpretable ECG, the sensitivity of exercise echocardiography was 81 ±4%, and that of the exercise ECG was 77 ± 3% (p = 0.50). In 102 patients without coronary artery disease, the overall specificity of exercise echocardiography was 81 ± 4%. In 70 patients with an interpretable ECG, the specificity of exercise echocardiography (80 ± 3%) exceeded that of the exercise ECG (56 ± 4%, p 80%) or low (<20%) posttest probability group. In women without a previous exercise ECG, the specificity of exercise echocardiography continued to exceed that of exercise electrocardiography (80 ± 3% vs. 64 ± 3%, p = 0.05). Exercise echocardiography had the best balance between accuracy and cost for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in women. Conclusions. Exercise echocardiography is more specific than exercise electrocardiography for diagnosis of coronary artery disease in women and is a cost-effective approach to the diagnosis of coronary artery disease because of the avoidance of inappropriate angiography.
Scheduling cells in an input-queued switch

The authors present two algorithms, IRRM and SLIP-IRRM, for scheduling cells in an input-queued cell switch. Both algorithms exhibit asymptotically 100% use factor under high load, SLIP-IRRM within a single iteration.
Optimal Expansion Strategy for a Sewer System under Uncertainty

Because of fast urban sprawl, land use competition, and the gap in available funds and needed funds, municipal decision makers and planners are looking for more cost-effective and sustainable ways to improve their sewer infrastructure systems. The dominant approaches have turned to planning the sanitary sewer systems within a regional context, while the decentralized and on-site/cluster wastewater systems have not overcome the application barriers. But regionalization policy confers uncertainties and risks upon cities while planning for future events. Following the philosophy of smart growth, this paper presents several optimal expansion schemes for a fast-growing city in the US/Mexico borderlands—the city of Pharr in Texas under uncertainty. The waste stream generated in Pharr is divided into three distinct sewer sheds within the city limit, including south region, central region, and north region. The options available include routing the wastewater to a neighboring municipality (i.e., McAllen) for treatment and reuse, expanding the existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the south sewer shed, and constructing a new WWTP in the north sewer shed. Traditional deterministic least-cost optimization applied in the first stage can provide a cost-effective and technology-based decision without respect to associated uncertainties system wide. As the model is primarily driven by the fees charged for wastewater transfer, sensitivity analysis was emphasized by the inclusion of varying flat-rate fees for adjustable transfer schemes before contracting process that may support the assessment of fiscal benefits to all parties involved. Yet uncertainties might arise from wastewater generation, wastewater reuse, and cost increase in constructing and operating the new wastewater treatment plant simultaneously. When dealing with multiple sources of uncertainty, the grey mixed integer programming (GIP) model, formulated in the second stage, can further allow all sources of uncertainties to propagate throughout the optimization context, simultaneously leading to determine a wealth of optimal decisions within a reasonable range. Both models ran for three 5-year periods beginning in 2005 and ending in 2020. The dynamic outputs of this analysis reflect the systematic concerns about integrative uncertainties within this decision analysis, which enable decision makers and stakeholders to make all-inclusive decisions for sanitary sewer system expansion in an economically growing region.
Formulating Weakly Basic HCl Salts: Relative Ability of Common Excipients to Induce Disproportionation and the Unique Deleterious Effects of Magnesium Stearate

Nine common excipients were examined to determine their ability to cause disproportionation of the HCl salt of a a weakly basic compound. The goal was to determine which excipients were problematic and correlate the results to known properties such as surface pH, slurry pH, or molecular structure. Such a correlation enables a general, simple excipient selection process. Binary compacts and “pseudo formulations” are studied after stressing at 40°C/75%RH and 40°C/35% RH for up to 28 days. Near-Infrared (NIR) and X-Ray powder diffraction (XRPD) measurements monitored the conversion of the HCl salt to the free base. The excipients which induced measureable disproportionation were magnesium stearate, sodium croscarmellose, and sodium stearyl fumarate. Magnesium stearate induced the most extensive and rapid disproportionation at 40°C/75%RH and 40°C/35%RH. Samples containing magnesium stearate showed a unique and significant water uptake above 31%RH. The problematic excipients are best explained by the proton accepting capacity of excipient carboxylate groups which have pKa’s higher than the pHmax of the drug salt. Alternative lubricants and disintegrants are suggested and a simple excipient screening process is proposed. Magnesium stearate was the most deleterious excipient for HCl salts due to the formation of the deliquescent salt magnesium chloride.
Alcohol beverage cues impair memory in high social drinkers

This study examined the influence of an alcohol beverage cue on memory processes in social drinkers. High and low drinking college students viewed a series of 15 pictures of common objects with the eighth picture either of an alcohol beverage or a soda. For high drinkers, free recall of the alcohol picture was enhanced, and memory for the pictures immediately following the cue was suppressed, relative to the series containing the soda picture. No such effects were observed for light drinkers. Apparently, alcohol cues affect attention and memory in heavy social drinkers. These results have important implications for theories of memory and attention, for explanations of addictive behaviour, and for effective prevention and treatment of alcoholism.
Medicine: blastomeres and stem cells.

Generating human stem cells from a single cell recovered during preimplantation genetic diagnosis does not, in principle, harm the embryo. Can the approach be used in assisted reproductive technology programmes?
Prehospital administration of nitrous oxide for control of pain

The effects of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen and of 30% nitrous oxide and 70% oxygen were evaluated in 88 patients with significant pain while in the prehospital setting. Under the telemetry physicians' supervision, EMT-Ps directed patients in the technique of self-administration of the analgesic gas. Fifty percent (36/72) reported complete or almost complete amelioration of pain; all but 15% (11/72) reported some degree of relief. No patients experienced clinically deleterious side effects, although 48% (41/85) reported side effects, of which 90% were mild. The analgesic properties, lack of complications, quick onset and short duration of action, and acceptance by patients, physicians, and paramedics make N2O a nearly ideal analgesic agent for advanced life support use in the prehospital relief of significant pain.
The actual practice of compliance seeking

We specify 2 independent theoretical frameworks in which it is a practical necessity to engage in compliance seeking incrementally and interactively in order to establish the social meanings of solicitation and of response. One theoretical framework ties social meaning to the interactional positioning of solicitation and response; the second framework ties social meaning to the way solicitation and response each are framed relative to shared cultural or other premises about persuadables and about the rights and obligations of each party. Accordingly, the chief communication mechanism that promotes compliance must be a give-and-take process in which each party can influence, and accommodate, the other's understanding of what solicitation and response mean. We analyze 2 naturally occurring compliance-seeking episodes and find support for our initial theorizing and discuss consequences for theory.
712-6 Detecting Myocardial Stunning During CABG Surgery with Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography (MCE)

During cardiac surgery, differentiating between ischemic and non-ischemic LV dysfunction is critical for prognosis and therapeutic strategies. We hypothesized that flow determined with myocardial contrast echo and wall motion analysis would enable identification of stunned myocardium. Twelve patients who received aortic root injections of AlbunexRcontrast during elective CABG surgery were compared to 14 matched controls for contrast agent safety. CPK enzymes, EKG, and hemodynamics were measured (pre- and post-op) for 72 hr. Baseline wall motion was scored (0–4) in contrast patients from 4 equally divided LV mid-papillary, short-axis regions and after CPB at the following intervals: 15, 30, 60 min.; 12 hr.; 5–8 days; and 30 days. Recorded images were analyzed off-line by 3 observers blinded to outcome. Contrast enhancement of myocardial perfusion at the time of surgery was also assessed in equally divided LV regions from the short-axis, LV echo image. Relationships between flow and function were described based on acute function (AF) (the avg. of scores at 15, 30, and 60 min after CPB). chronic function (CF) (the avg. of scores at 12 hr., 5 days, and 30 days), and intraoperative flow score. Results There were no significant differences pre- and post-op between control and contrast groups with respect to CPK enzymes, EKG changes, and hemodynamics. When coupled to function, flow was measured 60% of the time (29 of 48) Four relationships of flow and function were defined (function score of 0–2 = abnormal; 3–4 = normal): Normal AF = 3–4 flow normal CF = 3–4 Stunned AF = 0–2 flow nomal CF = 3–4 Hyperdynamic AF = 3–4 flow abnormal CF = 0–2 Other (post-op event) AF = 3–4 flow normal CF = 0–2 Relationship of Flow and Function by Region Region Normal Stunned Hyper Other Anterior 7 6 - - 1 Posterior 9 6 3 - - Septal 7 5 - 2 - Lateral 6 5 - 1 - 76% 10% 10% 4% Conclusion Differentiation of non-ischemic and ischemic LV dysfunction appears possible with MCE and wall motion analysis. Myocardial stunning occurred 10% of the time after elective CABG surgery. Intraoperative flow and chronic function after CABG surgery are strongly linked (96%).
Geometric Optimization of Periodic Flow and Heat Transfer in a Volume Cooled by Parallel Tubes

We address the fundamental problem of maximizing the thermal contact between an entire heat-generating volume and a pulsating stream of coolant that bathes the volume. The coolant flows through an array of round and equidistant tubes. Two laminar flow configurations are considered: stop-and-go flow, where the reservoir of coolant is on one side of the volume, and back-and-forth flow, where the volume is sandwiched between two reservoirs of coolant. The total heat transfer rate between the volume and the coolant is determined numerically for many geometric configurations in the pressure drop number range 10 2 ≤B≤10 6 . and Pr≥I. The optimal tube radius and the maximum volumetric heat transfer rate are determined numerically. The numerical optimization results are later predicted based on scale analysis by matching the longitudinal and transversal time scales of the temperature field in each tube, for each pulsation stroke. The predicted scales lead to power-law formulas that correlate the results and summarize the optimal geometry. The optimal tube size is nearly the same in stop-and-go flow and back-and-forth flow, and is independent of the pulsation frequency
Kinetic Modeling of Supercritical Water Reformation of JP-8 Fuel

Abstract A global first-order kinetic study is conducted for a novel supercritical water reformation process of JP-8 fuel. The process uniquely employs supercritical water both as a homogenizing reaction medium and also as a highly energetic reactant of reformation. The complex reaction chemistry is mathematically modeled using two simplified reaction mechanisms involving two different reaction sequences and routes between pyrolysis and reformation reaction steps. First-order kinetics are assumed for all mechanistic reaction rates. The mathematical models are analyzed using the kinetic data obtained on a Generation-I reactor made of Inconel 625 Grade I alloy. The crossover temperature is defined and computed as the temperature above, which the mechanistic rate of reformation of JP-8 overtakes that of the pyrolysis of JP-8 hydrocarbons. The Arrhenius kinetic parameters for both pyrolysis and reformation reactions are found based on the two mechanistic routes proposed. It is found that the two mechanistic m...
Water quality assessment and ecoregional comparison of a reservoir in east-central Indiana

Abstract Popovicova, J. 2009. Water quality assessment and ecoregional comparison of a reservoir in east-central Indiana. Lake Reserv. Manage. 25:155–166. This study assessed water quality of a reservoir in an agricultural watershed of east-central Indiana, examined the effects of a thermal and oxygen regime on cycling of nutrients, and compared the results to ecoregional data and reference guidelines. Two locations were monitored biweekly from May through September 2007 for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, Secchi disk transparency (SD), chlorophyll a, and nutrient concentrations. The reservoir did not stratify during the monitoring season, although both anoxia and reoxygenation of the hypolimnion were observed. These conditions affected nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling because nitrification was found to occur in the hypolimnion, and both internal load and water column mixing affected the concentrations and distribution of P. The reservoir was characterized as a eutrophic water body b...
An empirical study of the corporate choice among common stock, convertible bonds and straight debt: A cash flow interpretation

Abstract This study develops the rationale that links a firm's financial health, measured by its cashflow components, to the type of security it offers when raising external capital. Based on the literature associated with the peeking order hypothesis, five empirical hypotheses are presented. The findings show that cash flow components provide fresh insights to the explanation as to why firms choose to offer debt, convertible bonds or common stock. The findings are consistent with the implications of the financial health/pecking order hypothesis. That is, financially healthy firms choose more senior securities in their external financing decisions.
Built-In Self-Test of programmable input/output tiles in Virtex-5 FPGAs

A Built-In Self-Test (BIST) approach is presented for the logic resources in the programmable input/output (I/O) tiles in Virtex-5 field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). A total of 15 BIST configurations were developed to test the I/O cell programmable logic resources in all modes of operation. The approach utilizes dedicated I/O buffer bypass routing in the I/O tile such that the BIST is package independent and applicable to all levels of testing from wafer-level to system-level. The approach offers control of BIST execution and maximal diagnostic resolution of faulty I/O tiles for device and package independent testing. Either the Boundary Scan interface or a simple system-level interface may be used for BIST execution, control, and diagnosis independent of the configuration interface. Experimental results are presented including fault detection capabilities.
Magnetic anisotropy of glide-distorted fcc and of bcc ultrathin Fe/Cu(001) films

The effective anisotropy fields, ${H}_{\mathrm{eff}}$, of Fe films of 2 to 15 monolayers thick grown on Cu(001) were measured at 100 K for two growth conditions; 100 K growth with a room temperature anneal and room-temperature growth. First-order anisotropy constants, ${K}_{v}$ and ${K}_{s}$, are derived for the thickness independent anisotropy energy term and the thickness dependent anisotropy energy term, respectively. For 100 K growth, ${K}_{v}$ for the glide-distorted fcc Fe film is two orders of magnitude larger than for the bcc Fe film and g30 times larger than for bulk bcc Fe. The fcc film has ${K}_{s}=0.26$ ergs/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, compared to 0.94 ergs/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for the bcc Fe film. The perpendicular easy axis in the glide-distorted fcc Fe, for either growth temperature, is observed only because both ${K}_{v}$ and ${K}_{s}$ result in large perpendicular anisotropy energies. A conversion to an in-plane easy axis occurs as the thickness dependent anisotropy energy decreases with increasing Fe thickness in the bcc phase and is not directly a result of the phase transformation to bcc Fe. Room-temperature growth gives similar anisotropy constants.