cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Remade to Measure: Applying Impact Measurement Theory to Non-profit Organizations -- A Case Study

Non-profit organizations are increasingly called upon by their stakeholders to demonstrate success and impact in the delivery of their mission objectives. Despite sophisticated IT systems in the enterprise, many organizations still struggle to implement processes to meet these demands. This case study examines methodological approaches for data-driven program evaluation and planning based on theoretical frameworks of goal-oriented program planning. We used an iterative approach, combining review of relevant literature and semi-structured interviews with thought-leaders familiar with the challenges of program measurement. Our findings demonstrate that theoretical frameworks, including "Theory of Change," can provide a roadmap for program evaluation, and can be applied to the redesign and modification of existing IT systems in the enterprise. Findings from this case study may contribute to the efforts of other non-profit organizations in making use of readily available data to better identify short, medium, and long-term goals in the service of their missions.
Employee Discipline and Basketball Referees: A Prediction Market Approach

Given confidentiality issues and the proprietary nature of the underlying data, outsiders rarely have the opportunity to test the impetus, impact, and efficacy of employee discipline in the workplace. However, the transparency of NBA basketball officiating allows for such an inquiry, as long-time referee Joey Crawford was involved in a much-publicized 2007 on-court incident with Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs that resulted in a lengthy suspension. Shortly after the suspension, Duncan spoke of Crawford’s “personal vendetta” against him and expressed hope that he and his team would “get a fair shake” and avoid any “backlash” from other referees. Using a prediction market approach, this paper analyzes the interaction between Crawford (and other referees) and the Spurs team and reveals that Duncan’s concerns were illusory in 2007 and remain spurious (pun intended) today. In the course of analyzing every Spurs game (N = 1038) over the course of eleven seasons, neither Crawford nor any of his fellow referees exhibited any systematic bias against Duncan or his team.
Design issues for low voltage, high speed folding and interpolating A/D converters

In this paper are discussed design issues for a folding and interpolating A/D converter (ADC) in 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS technology. A new averaging technique is used for reducing the DNL and INL errors. The goal is a speed of 100 MS/s and a resolution of 10 bits with a supply voltage of 2.5 V or less.
Stable function approximation in dynamic programming

The success of reinforcement learning in practical problems depends on the ability to combine function approximation with temporal difference methods such as value iteration. Experiments in this area have produced mixed results; there have been both notable successes and notable disappointments. Theory has been scarce, mostly due to the difficulty of reasoning about function approximators that generalize beyond the observed data. We provide a proof of convergence for a wide class of temporal difference methods involving function approximators such as k-nearest-neighbor, and show experimentally that these methods can be useful. The proof is based on a view of function approximators as expansion or contraction mappings. In addition, we present a novel view of approximate value iteration: an approximate algorithm for one environment turns out to be an exact algorithm for a different environment.
The Binding of Staphylococcal 125I-α-Toxin (B) to Erythrocytes

Abstract The binding of staphylococcal 125I-α-toxin (B) to rabbit erythrocytes was demonstrated. The binding was found to be complex, consisting of an initial binding followed by a partial release. The capacity of erythrocytes of different species to bind α-toxin is correlated with the known hemolytic specificity of the toxin. The existence of a specific receptor substance for α-toxin in membranes is proposed.
Prediction of Corrosion in Slightly Sour Environments

Oil and gas environments that include small concentrations of H 2S have long been known to be less corrosive than similar environments without H2S. However, since there has not been a procedure for determining the minimum H2S concentration for this corrosion rate reduction, nor has there been a procedure for predicting the corrosion rate, many corrosion engineers continue to use CO 2 corrosion calculations to predict worst case corrosion rates for this service. This can lead to excessively conservative material selections and aggressive corrosion control programs that might not be needed. This work provides a method for the determination of the environmental conditions for many situations where this change from CO2 controlled to H 2S controlled corrosion reactions occur. A procedure is also presented to estimate worst-case corrosion rates for these slightly sour conditions. Finally, a test facility to constructed to simulate low H 2S environments while simultaneously insuring that the small quantities of H 2S provided were not consumed as corrosion products. Tests were then run in this facility to validate both the minimum concentrations required for low H 2S corrosion as well as the worst-case corrosion rate.
Toward Automated Spatial Change Analysis of MEP Components Using 3D Point Clouds and As-Designed BIM Models

The architectural, engineering, construction and facilities management (AEC-FM) industry is going through a transformative phase by adapting new technologies and tools into its change management practices. AEC-FM Industry has adopted Building Information Modeling (BIM) and three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning technologies in tracking changes in the whole lifecycle of building and infrastructure projects, from planning to design and construction, and finally to facilities management. One of the challenges of using these technologies in change management is the difficulties of reliably detecting changes of densely located objects, such as Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) objects in building systems. This paper presents a novel relational-graph-based framework for automated spatial change analysis of MEP components. This framework extract objects and spatial relationships from 3D laser scanned point clouds, and use relational structures of objects in data and designed BIM models for fusing 3D data and as-designed BIM. The authors validated the proposed change analysis approach using data acquired from real building construction sites.
113mIn gelatin complex for placental localization

Abstract Short-lived radioisotopes obtained through the use of nuclide generators permit greatly increased patient doses in placental localization studies because of reduced radiation exposure. We have formulated and tested the most promising of these new agents, 113m In gelatin complex. In a series of 50 patients, 6 of whom were diagnosed as having placenta previa, no false positive or negative studies were obtained. Image quality was excellent, and in many patients the parametrial vessels outlined the lower end of the uterus and the base of the cervix. Borderline or marginal placenta previas were easily separated from the more complete form.
Flaps in nail surgery

Nail surgery, particularly when it involves the matrix, may lead to permanent nail deformity, with associated disruption in digital function. Soft tissue rearrangement of the nail tissues, nail flaps, can be used to reconstruct the nail to preserve a more normal nail plate. Other nail flaps can also be used to correct congenital malalignment, to cover full thickness nail unit defects, and for nail fold reconstruction. The indications and techniques for successful flap reconstruction are reviewed.
12. Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia (PEH) is a potentially life-threatening disorder that primarily affects the elderly. Symptomatic patients who are operative candidates should undergo reduction and repair of the hernia. Most commonly this procedure is done laparoscopically. This chapter outlines the indications, technique, and potential complications for the repair of PEH.
Genetic and environmental influences on pulmonary function in adult twins

As part of the NHLBI Twin Study, pulmonary function tests were successfully administered to 127 monozygotic and 141 dizygotic white male twin pairs 42 to 56 yr of age. Values for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were obtained using a standardized protocol for spirometry. Initial twin analyses showed significant genetic variance (p < 0.001) for both FVC and FEV1, whether or not adjustments were made for Individual differences in age and body size. After adjustment, heritability estimates were 0.91 and 0.77 for FVC and FEV1, respectively. Further analyses indicated that the observed heritability of FVC resulted from the effects of pack-years of smoking as well as from genetic factors related to body size. These findings suggest that there were no other significant genetic determinants of FVC. In contrast, heritability of FEV1 could not be explained by constitutional factors, such as height and weight, or by cigarette smoking or propensity for cardiopulmonary dise...
Using Ambulatory VR to Break the Laws of Physics and Optics

Virtual reality enables researchers to test theories of perception and action by breaking laws of physics and optics. In four studies we manipulate (a) gravity, (b) optics, (c) visual-motor gain, and (d) a non-Euclidean world.
Absolute and Gravitation Systems

THE present condition of things is such that students of engineering need familiarity with, and ability to use, both systems o measuring force and related quantities. It seems necessary, therefore, that the transition from one system to the other should be kept clear of complications, and be presented as the simple matter which it really is. But in two text-books which have come to my notice, each offering points of excellence, and both evidently written by competent hands, a change in the unit of mass occurs in passing from the absolute to the gravitation system. The unit-mass is defined as the mass in which unit-acceleration is produced by unit force, which, of course, gives about 32 pounds as the mass-unit for the British gravitation system.
An allometric analysis of the frequency of hippocampal theta: the significance of brain metabolic rate.

The dominant frequency of hippocampal rhythmic slow activity (RSA) is known to differ among species, even under similar experimental conditions. The cause of these species differences has not yet been
University of Wisconsin cerebroplegia in a piglet survival model of circulatory arrest

Background Previous acute studies in immature piglets at our institution have demonstrated improved recovery of cerebral blood flow, intracellular pH, and high-energy phosphates with the administration of multidose University of Wisconsin solution as cerebroplegia during a period of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA). In an effort to define further the clinical applicability of this technique, we have developed a survival model of swine cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and HCA. Methods 12 Yorkshire pigs (age 4 to 5 weeks) were placed on CPB via the right femoral artery and right atrium. Animals were cooled to a rectal temperature of 15 °C and submitted to 90 minutes of HCA. Group UW (n = 6) received a single infusion of 50 mL/kg of 4 °C University of Wisconsin solution delivered antegrade to the cerebral circulation. The control group (n = 6) received no intervention. Animals were reperfused, rewarmed to 35 °C, and weaned from CPB. Neurologic assessments using neurologic deficit scoring (0 = normal, 500=brain death) and overall performance categories (1 = normal, 5=brain death) were performed at 24-hour intervals for 5 days. On the 5th postoperative day all brains were perfusion-fixed and examined for histologic evidence of neuronal injury (0 = normal, 5=severe injury). Results All animals were extubated 18 to 20 hours postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the mean neurologic score of the two groups. The mean day 5 neurologic deficit score was 108 for the UW group and 68 for the control group ( p > 0.05). The day 5 overall performance category was 2.8 for the UW group and 2.0 for the control group ( p > 0.05). Three of the UW animals but none of the control animals experienced generalized seizures. Histologic examination revealed more severe damage in UW animals, primarily in the cerebral cortex. Injury was more widespread in UW animals, involving cerebellum and hippocampus. The mean histologic injury score was 3.8 for UW animals and 2.4 for the control group ( p = 0.06). Conclusions A clinically relevant survival model of CPB with HCA in immature swine is feasible. Cold UW solution as single-dose cerebroplegia is not beneficial, and may be injurious to the immature swine brain subjected to CPB and HCA. Further studies are indicated to determine optimal composition and administration of cerebroplegic solutions.
Superiority of supine bicycle over isometric handgrip exercise in the assessment of ischemic heart disease: An evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction response using radionuclide angiography

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) response to supine bicycle and isometric handgrip exercise was evaluated in 15 patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD) and stress-induced ischemia using radionuclide angiography. For purposes of analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: group I (n = 7) with single-vessel disease and group II (n = 8) with multiple-vessel disease including 3 with left main artery disease. The studies were repeated 18 days later at similar external workloads to assess reproducibility of both tests. LVEF response to bicycle exercise was different for the two groups. The change in LVEF from rest to peak exercise was +0.04 +/- 0.02 for group I and -0.07 +/- 0.04 for group II (p less than .001). LVEP response to isometric handgrip exercise was not different between the two groups. The change from rest to end of handgrip exercise was -0.02 + 0.02 for group I and -0.05 +/- 0.02 for group II. The reproducibility of LVEF response to bicycle exercise at similar workloads on day 1 and day 19 was good (r = 0.85) while it was poor for isometric handgrip testing (r = 0.67). Our data demonstrate that radionuclide angiographic measurement of LVEF response to supine bicycle exercise testing is superior to LVEF response to isometric handgrip testing in the evaluation of patients with CAD.
Leptin Receptor Signaling in POMC Neurons Is Required for Normal Body Weight Homeostasis

Neuroanatomical and electrophysiological studies have shown that hypothalamic POMC neurons are targets of the adipostatic hormone leptin. However, the physiological relevance of leptin signaling in these neurons has not yet been directly tested. Here, using the Cre/loxP system, we critically test the functional importance of leptin action on POMC neurons by deleting leptin receptors specifically from these cells in mice. Mice lacking leptin signaling in POMC neurons are mildly obese, hyperleptinemic, and have altered expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides. In summary, leptin receptors on POMC neurons are required but not solely responsible for leptin's regulation of body weight homeostasis.
Oldest isotopically characterized fish otoliths provide insight to Jurassic continental climate of Europe

Large, shallow, epeiric seas and adjacent lagoons such as those described herein likely played a significant role in moderating Jurassic coastal and continental climate. Jurassic (Bathonian) ocean surface temperatures in Scotland have been calculated from δ18O(CaCO3) values of a suite of the oldest well-preserved fish otoliths analyzed to date. Otolith δ18O values range from −4.7‰ to −1.9‰ (Vienna Peedee belemnite, VPDB), while δ13C(CaCO3) values vary from −5.4‰ to +1.5‰ (VPDB), representing the oldest stable isotopic record of paleodiet, paleoecology, and fish migration to date. Using a global ocean δ18O(H2O) value of −1.0‰ (Vienna standard mean ocean water, VSMOW) for an ice-free Jurassic, fish species that migrated from estuarine to open marine water record time-averaged temperatures of 23 °C. Estuarine fish, assuming a similar temperature, record variation in δ18O(H2O) values from −3.7‰ to −2.0‰ (VSMOW). That significant mixing of fresh water and seawater occurred in the Jurassic in Scotland is in general agreement with data presented by others (molluscan fauna, lithostratigraphy, paleogeography, and paleocirculation models). The δ18O values and temperatures derived in this study correspond to the meteorologic and hydrologic parameters of a mid-latitude maritime climate with low seasonality, a mean temperature of 23 °C, and abundant precipitation and humidity. The δ18O(H2O) values calculated from estuarine fish indicate that rainfall must have a δ18O(H2O) value lower than −3.7‰ (VSMOW). Values of δ18O and δ13C suggest an environment hydrologically similar to that observed in the Everglades of south Florida or the estuaries of south Texas, both notable fish nurseries today. However, sea-surface temperatures were lower than those of modern Florida or Texas as evidenced by reduced evaporative enrichment of δ18O(H2O) values.
Transport and deposition of functionalized CdTe nanoparticles in saturated porous media

Comprehensive understanding of the transport and deposition of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) in subsurface is required to assess their potential negative impact on the environment. We studied the deposition behavior of functionalized quantum dot (QD) NPs (CdTe) in different types of sands (Accusand, ultrapure quartz, and iron-coated sand) at various solution ionic strengths (IS). The observed transport behavior in ultrapure quartz and iron-coated sand was consistent with conventional colloid deposition theories. However, our results from the Accusand column showed that deposition was minimal at the lowest IS (1 mM) and increased significantly as the IS increased. The effluent breakthrough occurred with a delay, followed by a rapid rise to the maximum normalized concentration of unity. Negligible deposition in the column packed with ultrapure quartz sand (100 mM) and Accusand (1 mM) rules out the effect of straining and suggests the importance of surface charge heterogeneity in QD deposition in Accusand at higher IS. Data analyses further show that only a small fraction of sand surface area contributed in QD deposition even at the highest IS (100 mM) tested. The observed delay in breakthrough curves of QDs was attributed to the fast diffusive mass transfer rate of QDs from bulk solution to the sand surface and QD mass transfer on the solid phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to examine the morphology and elemental composition of sand grains. It was observed that there were regions on the sand covered with layers of clay particles. EDX spectra collected from these regions revealed that Si and Al were the major elements suggesting that the clay particles were kaolinite. Additional batch experiments using gold NPs and SEM analysis were performed and it was observed that the gold NPs were only deposited on clay particles originally on the Accusand surface. After removing the clays from the sand surface, we observed negligible QD deposition even at 100 mM IS. We proposed that nanoscale charge heterogeneities on clay particles on Accusand surface played a key role in QD deposition. It was shown that the value of solution IS determined the extent to which the local heterogeneities participated in particle deposition.
An independent evaluation of four quantitative emergency department crowding scales.

Background Emergency department (ED) overcrowding has become a frequent topic of investigation. Despite a significant body of research, there is no standard definition or measurement of ED crowding. Four quantitative scales for ED crowding have been proposed in the literature: the Real-time Emergency Analysis of Demand Indicators (READI), the Emergency Department Work Index (EDWIN), the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Study (NEDOCS) scale, and the Emergency Department Crowding Scale (EDCS). These four scales have yet to be independently evaluated and compared. Objectives The goals of this study were to formally compare four existing quantitative ED crowding scales by measuring their ability to detect instances of perceived ED crowding and to determine whether any of these scales provide a generalizable solution for measuring ED crowding. Methods Data were collected at two-hour intervals over 135 consecutive sampling instances. Physician and nurse agreement was assessed using weighted κ statistics. The crowding scales were compared via correlation statistics and their ability to predict perceived instances of ED crowding. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were calculated at site-specific cut points and at the recommended thresholds. Results All four of the crowding scales were significantly correlated, but their predictive abilities varied widely. NEDOCS had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) (0.92), while EDCS had the lowest (0.64). The recommended thresholds for the crowding scales were rarely exceeded; therefore, the scales were adjusted to site-specific cut points. At a site-specific cut point of 37.19, NEDOCS had the highest sensitivity (0.81), specificity (0.87), and positive predictive value (0.62). Conclusions At the study site, the suggested thresholds of the published crowding scales did not agree with providers' perceptions of ED crowding. Even after adjusting the scales to site-specific thresholds, a relatively low prevalence of ED crowding resulted in unacceptably low positive predictive values for each scale. These results indicate that these crowding scales lack scalability and do not perform as designed in EDs where crowding is not the norm. However, two of the crowding scales, EDWIN and NEDOCS, and one of the READI subscales, bed ratio, yielded good predictive power (AROC >0.80) of perceived ED crowding, suggesting that they could be used effectively after a period of site-specific calibration at EDs where crowding is a frequent occurrence.
Fluids of differential type: Critical review and thermodynamic analysis

Abstract Thermodynamics, in the form of a dissipation inequality and the commonly accepted idea that the stored energy should have an extremum in equilibrium, is used to find restrictions on the response functions for the stress and the stored energy in incompressible fluids of differential type. For those special fluids of differential type known as grade n fluids these thermodynamic restrictions have been a source of some controversy and much confusion not withstanding the fact that they are in complete harmony with results achieved by either linear or nonlinear stability analysis. In order to clarify the issues that seem to underlie this controversy, we provide an extended analysis of the genesis and development of fluids of differential type. As part of our analysis, we will show that certain ideas of flow retardation and model approximation have been consistently misinterpreted. Additionally, we establish several new results concerning the thermodynamics of these materials. A special application of our results reveals that work of Joseph [1, 2] and Renardy [3] on the instability of the rest state for certain, very special grade n fluids is in fact inapplicable to all those grade n fluids that are consistent with thermodynamics.
Acute Endothelin-Receptor Inhibition Does Not Attenuate Acetylcholine-Induced Coronary Vasoconstriction in Experimental Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract —Endothelin (ET) may mediate the enhanced coronary vasoconstriction associated with hypercholesterolemia. We hypothesized that short-term inhibition of ET receptors attenuates the coronary epicardial vasoconstrictor response to acetylcholine in experimental hypercholesterolemia. ET-1 (group I, n=5; 5 ng · kg−1 · min−1) and acetylcholine (group III, n=7; 10−6 to 10−4 mol/L) were given by intracoronary infusion in pigs. ET-1 and acetylcholine were also infused with the specific ETA-receptor blocker FR-139317 (5 μg · kg−1 · min−1; group II, n=6; group IV, n=6). Acetylcholine was also infused with the combined ET-receptor blocker, bosentan (0.5 mg/kg plus 1 mg · kg−1 · h−1, group V, n=5). The ETB-receptor agonist sarafotoxin 6c (5 ng · kg−1 · min−1; n=4) was also infused. The percentage change in coronary artery diameter (%ΔCAD) to the infusions was measured at baseline and after 10 weeks of high-cholesterol diet in all animals. Sarafotoxin 6c mildly reduced %ΔCAD at baseline and 10 weeks (−10±2% and −12±3%, respectively). FR-139317 did not attenuate the epicardial vasoconstrictor response to ET-1 at baseline (%ΔCAD −18±8% for group I versus −12±6% for group II; P =NS) but did at 10 weeks (%ΔCAD −77±14% for group I versus −14±6% for group II; P <.05). FR-139317 did not affect the response to acetylcholine at baseline (%ΔCAD 5±2% for group III versus 7±3% for group IV, P =NS) or at 10 weeks (%ΔCAD −23±12% for group III versus −19±7% for group IV; P =NS). Bosentan did not affect the response to acetylcholine at baseline or 10 weeks. Short-term ET-receptor inhibition in experimental hypercholesterolemia attenuated the enhanced coronary epicardial vasoconstrictor effects of ET-1 but not acetylcholine-induced coronary epicardial vasoconstriction, suggesting that acetylcholine-induced coronary epicardial vasoconstriction may not be mediated by ET receptors.
Tests for Normality and Measures of Skewness and Kurtosis: Their Place in Research Reporting

Even though research interest is typically greatest for questions pertaining to central tendency and, to a lesser degree, variability, knowledge about the nature of a measure or variable is impoverished when information about the shape of the frequency distribution is ignored. This paper makes the point that descriptive and inferential measures of non-normality should be a routine part of research reporting, along with graphic displays of the frequency distribution of important variables. This point is especially true for research involving measures with non-arbitrary metrics where the shape of the distribution is not affected by measurement artifacts.
The acceleration of ribonucleic acid synthesis in cleaving sea urchin embryos.

Abstract The incorporation of guanosine into GTP and RNA has been measured in unfertilized, fertilized, and cleaving eggs of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus . At all stages examined, guanosine is concentrated from the seawater and converted to GTP. Using the methods described, there is little detectable incorporation of isotope into RNA prior to fertilization, nor is there any detectable change in incorporation following fertilization. Detectable incorporation is present, and synthesis of RNA is intense after the third cleavage division. RNA synthesis could occur prior to this time, but at rates probably less than 10% that at the 16-cell stage. Hence, there is a considerable change in rate of net RNA synthesis shortly after the third cleavage division.
Recovering shape characteristics on near-flat specular surfaces

We consider the problem of capturing shape characteristics on specular (refractive and reflective) surfaces that are nearly flat. These surfaces are difficult to model using traditional methods based on reconstructing the surface positions and normals. These lower-order shape attributes provide little information to identify important surface characteristics related to distortions. In this paper, we present a framework for recovering the higher-order geometry attributes of specular surfaces. Our method models local reflections and refractions in terms of a special class of multiperspective cameras called the general linear cameras (GLCs). We then develop a new theory that correlates the higher-order differential geometry attributes with the local GLCs. Specifically, we show that Gaussian and mean curvature can be directly derived from the camera intrinsics of the local GLCs. We validate this theory on both synthetic and real-world specular surfaces. Our method places a known pattern in front of a reflective surface or beneath a refractive surface and captures a distorted image on the surface. We then compute the optimal GLC using a sparse set of correspondences and recover the curvatures from the GLC. Experiments demonstrate that our methods are robust and highly accurate.
A study of video-based versus text-based labs for a management information systems course

In this paper we study key differences between video-based and text-based instructions by developing and testing an interactive website for delivering lab material in our Management Information Systems course. In a face-to-face lab setting, we tracked the performance and surveyed the impressions of 80 students where approximately half received video instructions while the other half received text instructions. The results indicate no statistically significant difference in students' correctness in answering lab questions, but slight differences in completion time and impression. We discuss our results and suggest ways to use video instruction effectively based on our results and observations.
FRUMP...FRUMP...FRUMP...

One of the newest A.I. projects at Yale is a program called FRUMP (Fast Reading, Understanding and Memory Program). It is designed to skim newspaper stories rather than reading them in detail and is an attempt to augment the reading abilities of SAM. The goal of the FRUMP project is to develop a program that will understand the most important points in a newspaper article and incorporate them with facts it previously learned from reading other articles.
Dielectrically Transduced Single-Ended to Differential MEMS Filter

A single-ended input to balanced output 425MHz mechanically coupled electromechanical filter is presented. This technology provides 1MHz channel select filtering while eliminating the need for RF switches and baluns in front-end transceivers. The filter achieves 8dB insertion loss with -50dB stop-band rejection and -48dB common-mode suppression
Improved echocardiographic delineation of left ventricular thrombus with the use of intravenous second-generation contrast image enhancement.

Abstract Transthoracic echocardiography is the most widely used diagnostic test for left ventricular (LV) thrombus, which must be distinguished from other intraventricular structures and image artifacts. To determine whether second-generation intravenous echocardiographic contrast agents provide better delineation of LV thrombus, we reviewed the results of 2-dimensional echocardiographic studies that were performed in 409 patients over a 1-year period to detect LV thrombus. Studies of 190 (46%) patients were interpreted as nondiagnostic for this purpose, of which 48 patients underwent an additional study after intravenous injection of 0.5 to 2 mL of human albumin microspheres within 1 to 4 days. In 43 (90%) of these 48 patients the contrast-enhanced study was definitive and diagnostic for either the presence or absence of an LV thrombus ( P P = .004) in 11 (79%) of them. Thus intravenous contrast image enhancement improves the diagnostic yield of echocardiography in patients in whom initial images are nondiagnostic for LV thrombus. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:1022-6.)
The effect of target modality on visual and proprioceptive contributions to the control of movement distance

The goal of this study was to determine whether the sensory nature of a target influences the roles of vision and proprioception in the planning of movement distance. Two groups of subjects made rapid, elbow extension movements, either toward a visual target or toward the index fingertip of the unseen opposite hand. Visual feedback of the reaching index fingertip was only available before movement onset. Using a virtual reality display, we randomly introduced a discrepancy between actual and virtual (cursor) fingertip location. When subjects reached toward the visual target, movement distance varied with changes in visual information about initial hand position. For the proprioceptive target, movement distance varied mostly with changes in proprioceptive information about initial position. The effect of target modality was already present at the time of peak acceleration, indicating that this effect include feedforward processes. Our results suggest that the relative contributions of vision and proprioception to motor planning can change, depending on the modality in which task relevant information is represented.
Natural and experimental Borrelia burgdorferi infections in woodrats and deer mice from California.

Sequestration of spirochetes and concurrent histopathologic lesions were evaluated in tissues of Borrelia burgdorferi-infected dusky-footed woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Rodents were either wild-caught and naturally infected or were experimentally infected by tick bite, by intramuscular (i.m.) injection of cultured spirochetes, or by i.m. injection of tick suspensions. Samples of host tissues, including skin, blood, ear, brain, eye, heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and urinary bladder, were removed from up to 21 woodrats and four deer mice and cultured in BSK II medium. Borreliae-positive cultures of ear punch biopsies were obtained from 10 of 11 woodrats and from all of four deer mice. Additionally, positive cultures were obtained from three of 36 skin biopsies of woodrats, and from one of 36 cultures of woodrat blood. In contrast, spirochetes were not observed in 505 cultures of internal organs or whole blood. Samples of tissues from seven naturally infected woodrats, four experimentally infected woodrats, and nine experimentally infected deer mice also were examined for histopathologic lesions. Nonsuppurative cellular infiltrates were recognized in samples from most tissue types from woodrats, but few lesions were observed in tissues from deer mice. Recognized lesions in woodrats that were consistent with infections of Lyme borreliosis in other species included synovitis, myositis, and myocarditis. Such lesions were more common in woodrats than in deer mice. Inflammatory lesions, especially synovitis, were more common in woodrats with long-term infections than in woodrats with relatively short-term infections. No clinical signs of disease were observed in either species of rodent.
Velocity and Orientation Dependence of Solute Trapping

The fraction of impurity atoms in the liquid at the solid-liquid interface that join the crystal, known as the segregation coefficient k, during rapid crystal growth is known to deviate away from the equilibrium value towards unity as the interface speed v increases. Several plausible models have been proposed that account qualitatively for this behavior with different functional forms of k(v). We report measurements of the segregation behavior during rapid solidification following pulsed laser melting of Bi-implanted Si. The velocity dependence and the orientation dependence of the segregation coefficient of Bi in Si has been determined to sufficient accuracy to allow us to distinguish between models. Implications for the mechanism of solute trapping are discussed.
Comparison of amphiphilic properties of low-equivalent-weight organic salts with surfactants

Donnees sur les prototensioactifs ou sels organiques de faible poids equivalent, analogues aux tensioactifs anioniques, qui possedent un groupe de tete polaire (-SO 3 Na ou -COONa) et des queues hydrophobes. Comparaison du comportement de ces prototensioactifs avec celui des agents de surface dans divers systemes. Par exemple comparaison des courbes des limites des phases des systemes contenant des prototensioactifs (alkylbenzene-sulfonate) ou des agents de surface (benzenesulfonate de Na), du toluene, de l'eau et du butanol-1
Phospholipid metabolism in cultured neuroblastoma and glioma cells incubated with carbamylcholine and norepinephrine.

— Cultures of cloned neuroblastoma cells (N1E) in stationary phase and cloned glioma cells (C21) in confluency showed substantial differences in phospholipid composition. As a percentage of lipid P, N1E contained more phosphatidylcholine, less ethanolamine phosphoglycerides and much less sphingomyelin than C21. When incubated with 32Pi both cell lines incorporated comparable amounts of radioactivity into total phospholipids. In NIE, phosphatidylcholine contained much more and phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidic acid somewhat less label as compared to C21. The presence in the incubation medium of either norepinephrine or carbamylcholine failed to elicit stimulation of 32P incorporation into any phospholipid class.
Do Students Need to Be Taught How to Reason

Abstract In this theoretical essay, the author addresses the existence of divergent evidence, portraying both competence and lack of competence in a fundamental realm of higher order thinking – causal and scientific reasoning – and explores the educational implications. Evidence indicates that these higher order reasoning skills are not ones that can be counted on to develop naturally among students exposed to a traditional curriculum. Instead, it is argued, such skills warrant attention in their own right as legitimate and significant educational objectives.
Observations of a diatom chytrid parasite in the lower columbia river

Abstract Often overlooked, zoosporic fungal parasites of phytoplankton (‘chytrids’) are present in aquatic systems worldwide. Although extensive studies in lakes give insight into potential impacts of chytrid epidemics on phytoplankton blooms and organic matter cycling, the ecological significance of chytrid infections of phytoplankton is still poorly understood in lotic systems. Here, we report the first observations of chytrid parasites attached to multiple diatom species in the lower Columbia River. We isolated a chytrid parasite of the dominant spring bloom diatom, Asterionella formosa, and sequenced DNA from several regions within the ribosomal RNA gene. We also investigated the specificity of the A. formosa chytrid to host and non-host diatoms with isolated cultures and found no cross infection at the species level. In the Columbia River, alterations in the hydrograph following the installation of hydroelectric dams may have opened a niche for chytrid parasites. Greater retention times may allow dia...
The Dynamic And Thermal Characteristics Of Shape Memory Actuators

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical study of the dynamic and thermal characteristics of SHAPE MEMORY ACTUATORS (SMA). The actuators are made of a NIckel-TItanium (NITINOL) wires formed in the shape of helical coils that are capable of generating large deflections when subjected to low voltage excitations. The deflections produced are accompanied by significant forces resultingfrom the unique phase transformation of the NITINOL alloy as it is heated past its transition temperature. The effect of varying the wire diameter and length of the actuator on its dynamic and thermal behavior is measured both in the time and frequency domains. The actuators' behavior is monitored at different levels of excitation voltages as well as different heating and cooling strategies. The experimental results obtained are utilized to guide the development of mathematical models that describe the actuators' behavior as influenced by their design parameters and operating conditions. The experimental results and mathematical models presented are invaluable in guiding the selection of the design parameters of NITINOL actuators that are suitable for particular operating conditions.
Isolation and characterization of a 21 kDa whey protein in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) milk.

Abstract A soluble protein in Rhesus monkey milk was isolated to apparent homogeneity by FPLC gel filtration, anion-exchange and reverse-phase chromatography. It is a major milk protein and is present at 2.5—3.0 mg/ml milk throughout lactation. It is only found in the whey fraction of milk; acid precipitation of casein does not result in any significant change in its concentration. A molecular weight (MW) of about 21.6 kDa was estimated from gel filtration and SDS gel electrophoresis and also calculated from its amino acid composition. The amino acid composition of this protein is similar to that of bovine β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg), but it is larger in size, possibly representing a family of primate β-Lgs.
Excimer laser coronary angioplasty: clinical results and future directions

Despite four years of intensive clinical investigation, excimer laser coronary angioplasty has not been accepted by the interventional cardiology community as the intervention of choice for any lesion type. Although the preliminary analysis presented here shows that the new technology shows promise for the treatment of saphenous vein graft lesions, aorto-ostial lesions and other lesions, these lesion types account for only about 5 - 10% of cases currently targeted for angioplasty and can frequently be treated with other interventional methods. Broader use of excimer laser angioplasty requires convincing proof that the new technology has clear superiority over other interventional techniques for a wider range of lesion types. Furthermore, the mechanisms of vessel dissection, perforation and abrupt closure need further clarification. Thus, the major challenges for excimer laser angioplasty include: (1) randomized trials to document the superiority of excimer laser over balloon angioplasty; (2) improved catheter designs, including devices for eccentric lesions and total occlusions; and (3) a better understanding of laser-tissue interactions to reduce the unpredictability of unfavorable angiographic outcome.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of blood transfusion and hemorrhage on the cardiovascular dynamics in dogs with arteriovenous fistula.

SummaryThe effects of changes in blood volume by blood transfusion and hemorrhage on the cardiovascular dynamics were studied in dogs with a large A-V fistula. It was found that the increased blood volume by continuous blood transfusion progressively increased mean systemic arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, left and right atrial pressures, total cardiac output and systemic blood flow, and decreased heart rate, and systemic and pulmonary peripheral resistances. In contrast, the decreased blood volume by hemorrhage increased heart rate, and total, systemic and pulmonary peripheral resistances, and decreased systemic, and pulmonary arterial pressures and left and right atrial pressures. In either instance, the magnitude of the changes in A-V fistula flow was markedly smaller than that in total cardiac output and systemic blood flow. It is concluded that the magnitude of A-V fistula flow is not modified directly by the blood volume or systemic blood flow, but mainly by the A-V pressure gradient ...
Report of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease terminology and classification of vulvodynia.

BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare tumor of the vulva; it accounts for approximately 2% to 4% of vulvar cancer. CASE A 73-year-old woman was referred because of a 2-cm ulcerative lesion on her perineum, near the anus. Punch biopsy showed BCC. She underwent wide local excision of tumor without any damage to the anal sphincter. The postoperative period was uneventful and the cosmetic results were good. CONCLUSIONS BCC most commonly occurs in sun-exposed areas, but it may be seen in rare locations, such as in perineum. In our case, chronic irritation secondary to long-term chronic candidiasis in the presence of diabetes mellitus may have been contributory to the development of vulvar BCC.
Structural evolutions from polycarbosilane to SiC ceramic

The pyrolysis process of a polycarbosilane into a microcrystalline silicon carbide ceramic has been followed up to 1700 ° C mainly by means of solid state29Si and13C nuclear magnetic resonance, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. A structural model has been proposed for the amorphous silicon carbide phase that is formed during the pyrolysis process. The ceramic obtained at high temperature is formed by a mixture of β-SiC and α-SiC; however, some difficulties in the identification of the crystalline phases have been pointed out.
The cannabis conundrum

Richard Miller. The debate about cannabis (also known as marijuana or Indian hemp) continues. Is it “dangerous”? Is it “addictive”? Does it make you “crazy”? Everybody has an opinion, but what is the truth of the matter and how should this influence the legal status of the drug? At the present time the cannabis laws in the United States are very confusing. Consider this: the federal government has classified cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug, the same status accorded heroin. Schedule 1 drugs are supposed to have no medical applications or therapeutic uses whatsoever and are also supposed to be the most easily abused and the most addictive. It is difficult to obtain such drugs, even for research purposes. On the other hand, many individual states have moved to decriminalize the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis. The major psychotropic molecule in cannabis, Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), is actually available by prescription throughout the United States. The drug, known as dronabinol and sold under the trade name Marinol, is … [↵][1]1E-mail: r-miller10{at}northwestern.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
VALUE TRADE‐OFFS AND PRODUCTIVITY: THE TRANSPOLITICIZATION OF THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

The political values in the American public sector are presented through the case of the postal system and i t s reorganization In 1971. This change (from the Post Office Department to the United States Postal Service) reflected an attempt to '8depoliticize11 and professlonalize postal operations. The article suggests that the results have been the TRANSpoliticization of the postal system to a corporate model of behavior and political influence, and have led to the limitation of any broadly considered public role. This i s evident in the consideration of employment and the emphasis on productivity. The corporate model undermines the public nature of the post office, and the connection between postal service and public benefits.
Modeling the thermodynamic and transport properties of decahydronaphthalene/propane mixtures: Phase equilibria, density, and viscosity

Abstract The density and viscosity of propane mixed with 66/34 trans/cis -decahydronaphthalene were measured over a wide range of temperatures (323–423 K), pressures (2.5–208 bar), and compositions (0–65 mol% propane). For conditions giving two phases, the composition of the dense phase was measured in addition to the density and viscosity. The modified Sanchez-Lacombe Equation of State (MSLEOS) was used with a single linearly temperature-dependent pseudo-binary interaction parameter to correlate the phase compositions and densities. The compositions and densities of the mixtures were captured well with absolute average deviations between the model and the data of 5.3% and 2.3%, respectively. The mixture viscosities were computed from a free volume model (FVM) by using a single constant binary interaction parameter. Density predictions from the MSLEOS were used as input mixture density values required for the FVM. The FVM was found to correlate well with the mixture viscosity data with an absolute average deviation between the model and the data of 5.7%.