cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hospital resource utilization during coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objective: To predict hospital resource utilization for coronary surgery (CABG) from preoperative characteristics and to determine the influence of previous CABG on the results. Design: Two analyses of the data were used to predict hospital costs: I) a univariate analysis of each preoperative variable; and 2) a multivariate analysis of preoperative variables, and interaction terms with previous CABG. Patients: A sample of 418 patients who received CABG at Emory University during 1990. Results: From the multivariate analysis, the determinants of costs were previous CABG (P = 0.0653). female sex (P = 0.1005), diabetes (P = 0.0805), older age (P = 0.0062), and a combination of previous CABG with female sex (P = 0.0017), previous myocardial infarction (P = 0.0636), low ejection fraction (P = 0.0001), and younger age (P = 0.0363). For the univariate analysis, the determinants of increased costs were similar to those from the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The correlation between patients with potential medical difficulties or previous cardiovascular surgery show a positive impact on higher hospital costs.
Frequency and types of spontaneous Hprt lymphocyte mutations in Pms2-deficient mice.

Abstract Deficiencies in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) result in predisposition to neoplasia in both rodents and humans. Pms2 is one of the several proteins involved in the eukaryotic MMR system. In order to determine the effect of Pms2-deficiency on mutation, we measured mutant frequencies in the endogenous Hprt gene of lymphocytes from male Pms2 −/− , Pms2 +/− , and Pms2 +/+ mice. Spleens were removed from mice of various ages and lymphocytes isolated from spleens were cultured to determine the frequency of 6-thioguanine-resistant mutants. Mean mutant frequencies in Pms2 −/− mice at 6, 10, 18, and 34 weeks of age [42.6 × 10 −6 ( n = 6), 38.5 × 10 −6 ( n = 6), 58.2 × 10 −6 ( n = 9), and 49.1 × 10 −6 ( n = 5), respectively] were significantly higher than those of comparably aged Pms2 +/+ and Pms2 +/− mice (all less than 3 × 10 −6 ). Mutant clones from the mice were expanded, RNA extracted, and Hprt cDNA amplified by RT-PCR. DNA sequencing analysis of 221 mutant cDNAs from the three different Pms2 genotypes identified 182 clones with independent mutations, including five clones that contained multiple mutations. When compared to the mutational spectrum observed in Pms2 +/+ and Pms2 +/− mice, the mutational spectrum for Pms2 −/− mice was significantly different. The Pms2 −/− mutational analysis indicated that loss of the Pms2 protein causes increases in the frequencies of strand-slippage-type frameshift mutations and of A:T → G:C transitions in the Hprt gene. The absolute frequencies of A:T → G:C transitions in MMR-deficient mice suggest increases in this mutation may be a common feature of MMR-deficient mice, not just of Pms2-deficient mice, and may be related to the cancer predisposition that results from loss of MMR function.
Redox- and Hypoxia-Responsive MRI Contrast Agents

The development of responsive or "smart" magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that can report specific biomarker or biological events has been the focus of MRI contrast agent research over the past 20 years. Among various biological hallmarks of interest, tissue redox and hypoxia are particularly important owing to their roles in disease states and metabolic consequences. Herein we review the development of redox-/hypoxia-sensitive T1 shortening and paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST) MRI contrast agents. Traditionally, the relaxivity of redox-sensitive Gd(3+) -based complexes is modulated through changes in the ligand structure or molecular rotation, while PARACEST sensors exploit the sensitivity of the metal-bound water exchange rate to electronic effects of the ligand-pendant arms and alterations in the coordination geometry. Newer designs involve complexes of redox-active metal ions in which the oxidation states have different magnetic properties. The challenges of translating redox- and hypoxia-sensitive agents in vivo are also addressed.
Evaluation of N‐butyl phosphorothioic triamide for retardation of urea hydrolysis in soil

Abstract Work reported showed that N‐butyl phosphorothioic triamide (NBPT) is considerably more effective than phenylphosphorodiamidate (PPD) as a soil urease inhibitor and merits consideration as a fertilizer amendment for retarding hydrolysis of urea fertilizer in soil. Studies to determine the factors influencing the effectiveness of NBPT for retardation of urea hydrolysis in soil showed that the inhibitory effect of NBPT on hydrolysis of urea by soil urease increased markedly with the amount of NBPT added and decreased markedly with time and with increase in temperature from 10 to 40°C. They also showed that the ability of NBPT to retard urea hydrolysis in 13 surface soils selected to obtain a wide range in properties was significantly correlated with organic C content (r = ‐0.70**), total N content (r = ‐0.76**), cation‐exchange capacity (r = ‐0.67* ), sand content (r = 0.61*), clay content (r = ‐0.63*), and surface area (r = ‐0.66*), but was not significantly correlated with pH, silt content, urease...
Super Hydrogen and Helium Barrier with Polyelectolyte Nanobrick Wall Thin Film

In an effort to impart light gas (i.e., H2 and He) barrier to polymer substrates, thin films of polyethylenimine (PEI), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and montmorrilonite (MMT) clay are deposited via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. A five "quadlayer" (122 nm) coating deposited on 51 μm polystyrene is shown to lower both hydrogen and helium permeability three orders of magnitude against bare polystyrene, demonstrating better performance than thick-laminated ethylene vinyl-alcohol (EVOH) copolymer film and even metallized polyolefin/polyester film. These excellent barrier properties are attributed to a "nanobrick wall" structure. This highly flexible coating represents the first demonstration of an LbL deposited film with low hydrogen and helium permeability and is an ideal candidate for several packaging and protection applications.
Extended debate and the rules of the United States senate

(1971). Extended debate and the rules of the United States senate. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 57, No. 1, pp. 43-49.
Early Placental Ontogeny in the Mouse

Fundamental to placental morphogenesis is union between the allantois and the chorion, two tissues initially separated in the conceptus. Results of previous studies in the mouse have suggested that chorio-allantoic union is driven by the developmental maturity of the allantois and involves molecular interactions between Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule (VCAM-1) in the allantois and alpha4-integrin in the chorion. Little more is known about the cellular and/or molecular control of this important morphogenetic event in any species.Gross, histological, microsurgical and immunohistochemical analyses in the mouse conceptus revealed that placental ontogeny took place in three major steps. The first, chorio-allantoic contact, was not enduring and was mediated by the allantois' mesothelial surface and the mesodermal component of the chorion. Modest amounts of VCAM-1 were found in distal allantoic mesothelium, whilst levels of alpha4-integrin were high throughout chorionic mesoderm. The second step, chorio-allantoic fusion, was more enduring. During this time, the distal allantoic region contained maximal levels of VCAM-1, and all allantoises had expanded far enough to reach the posterior chorion from where they spread toward a central chorionic depression. The last step, breakdown of chorio-allantoic fusing surfaces, was dependent upon chorio-allantoic fusion and resulted in the intimate juxtaposition of allantoic endothelium and chorionic ectoderm, possibly as a result of VCAM-1-mediated interactions. The umbilical connection was thereafter fixed at its perimeter to the chorionic surface by large amounts of VCAM-1 in disto-lateral allantoic mesothelium and alpha4-integrin in the remaining peripheral mesodermal component of the chorion.Thus, chorio-allantoic union is highly regulated, taking place in multiple steps. It is dependent upon the developmental maturity of distal allantoic mesothelium and involves the mesodermal component of the chorion. Breakdown of fusing surfaces enables penetration of the allantoic vasculature into the chorion. These findings provide a secure developmental foundation in which to elucidate the genetic control of early placentation.
Free energy of a spin glass

Abstract We give the theory of a model spin glass of the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick type. Determining that the free energy is given by the potential function of a two-dimensional electrostatic medium, we find exact expressions for this quantity in terms of a multipole expansion of the charge distribution. We also obtain the internal energy, entropy, and specific heat in the form of explicit integrals over the multipole distributions. Pending the outcome of a quantitative investigation into the structure of these functions, here we discuss their properties in a qualitative way.
Safety of Antidiabetic Therapies on Bone

Osteoporosis and diabetic disease have reached epidemic proportion and create significant public health concerns. The prevalence of these diseases is alarming and indicates that in the United States, 50% of elderly individuals are osteoporotic and almost 20% of population has either diabetic or prediabetic conditions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; http://www.cdc.gov). Osteoporosis and diabetes share many features including genetic predispositions and molecular mechanisms. The linkage between these two chronic diseases, which stems from overlapping molecular controls involved in bone homeostasis and energy metabolism, creates a possibility that certain antidiabetic therapies may affect bone. This concurs with recent findings, indicating that bone status is closely linked to regulation of energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Indeed, bone and energy homeostasis is under the control of the same regulatory factors, including insulin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, gastrointestinal hormones such as glucose inhibitory protein and glucagon inhibitory peptide, and bone-derived hormone osteocalcin. These factors and related mechanisms control glucose homeostasis and fatty acid metabolism in fat tissue, pancreas, and intestine, which are pharmacological targets for antidiabetic therapies. The same factors contribute to the bone quality by their effect on bone cell differentiation and bone remodeling process. This implies that bone should be considered as a vital target for therapies that modulate energy metabolism. This review is summarizing available data on the skeletal effects of clinically approved antidiabetic therapies.
The crystal structures and phase transitions in Y-doped BaCeO3: their dependence on Y concentration and hydrogen doping

The crystal structures and phase transitions in BaCe1−xYxO3−δ (0≤x≤0.3) that occur in response to heat treatment in oxidizing, reducing, and water-vapor-containing atmospheres were determined by neutron powder diffraction at room temperature. Single-phase BaCe1−xYxO3−δ (δ≅x/2) can be synthesized by O2-annealing samples prepared by a solid-state reaction method, wherein they crystallize into perovskite-type structures (orthorhombic Pmcn for x≤0.1 and rhombohedral R3c for x≥0.15). Within the composition range of 0.15≤x≤0.25, where maximum total conductivity is observed, the rhombohedral structure converts partially to a monoclinic I2/m structure upon exposure to water- or H2-containing atmospheres (including laboratory air) at elevated temperatures. This study may suggest a correlation between the crystal structures, particularly the I2/m phase, and the proton transport properties.
Randomness of Low-Order Bits in Random Number Generators:

Pseudo-random numbers are widely used in Operations Research and applied mathema tics. With the growth in power of computers and languages, there is some tendency to use lower-significant bits within the pseudo- random number. Theoretical and empirical tests have not been sufficient to assess the randomness of these low-order bits. We show here for two generators that the low- order bits can be empirically tested, after first undertaking a bit-level transformation of the numbers.
Photoacoustic Imaging: Opening New Frontiers in Medical Imaging

In today's world, technology is advancing at an exponential rate and medical imaging is no exception. During the last hundred years, the field of medical imaging has seen a tremendous technological growth with the invention of imaging modalities including but not limited to X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and single-photon emission computed tomography. These tools have led to better diagnosis and improved patient care. However, each of these modalities has its advantages as well as disadvantages and none of them can reveal all the information a physician would like to have. In the last decade, a new diagnostic technology called photoacoustic imaging has evolved which is moving rapidly from the research phase to the clinical trial phase. This article outlines the basics of photoacoustic imaging and describes our hands-on experience in developing a comprehensive photoacoustic imaging system to detect tissue abnormalities.
External carotid endarterectomy

Abstract Forty-nine external carotid revascularization procedures were performed in 36 patients. Indications included transient ischemic attacks, amaurosis fugax, and the procedures as a prelude to extracranial-to-intracranial bypass. Twenty patients had a preoperative neurologic defect. Twelve patients were classified as having bilateral and 24 as having unilateral carotid disease. Unilateral external carotid endarterectomy was performed in 29 patients, with the remaining patients undergoing procedures for additional occlusive lesions. Five patients had operation-related strokes (one death). Three of eight patients with bilateral disease and a preoperative neurologic defect had a stroke. Five additional patients had late neurologic events. Although technically easy, external carotid thromboendarterectomy should be advised with caution in patients with identifiable risk factors. (J VASC SURG 1984;1:398-402.)
Intraoperative Imaging Techniques in Spine Surgery

The conventional method of inserting pedicle screws (ie, plain radiography, standard 2D fluoroscopy, direct palpation) was found to be less accurate with cortical violation ranging from 10 to 50%. Small and variable anatomy of the cervical and thoracic spine poses a particular challenge, and it can lead to a devastating neurovascular complication. With recent advances in imaging technologies, such as computed tomography-based image guidance and isocentric C-arm fluoroscopy, surgeons are now able to visualize hidden pedicles and reduce screw misplacement. Using these various navigation systems, the rate of pedicle screw perforation can be decreased to less than 10% and potentially eliminate clinically significant complications and revision surgeries.
Transactional script theory applied to the pathological gambler

There is evidence that the losing behavior of pathological gamblers may be purposeful. In this paper, I argue that they may lose in order to fulfill a loser script. The script is a decision, or series of decisions, made early in life to accommodate to parents perceived as threatening and omnipotent. The decision, once made, is carried, unwittingly, into later life and is re-enacted repeatedly. The pathological gambler may lose to fulfill parental expectations that he or she has decided to adopt as his or her own. Because the loser script is a decision, or series of decisions, it can be redecided. This is best done with the help of a potent therapist, who is perceived as stronger than the original threatening parents, and in group therapy, wherein group members support one another in the redecision process.
Elevated Temperature Fatigue Crack Growth rate model for NI-BASE Superalloys

Several time-dependent mechanisms are operational in the crack growth process of Ni-base superalloys at elevated temperature. Creep deformation during periods of sustained loading, oxygen diffusion at the crack tip, and oxidation reactions at and in front of the crack tip all contribute to the kinetics of crack growth. A crack growth rate model has been derived that attempts to capture the physics of these various rate processes. The proposed model assumes small-scale creep at the crack tip and incorporates the Hutchinson-Rice-Rosengren stress field equations to satisfy this condition. The model also includes stress-assisted diffusion of an environmental species at the crack tip. A process reaction rate is related to the time-rate of crack growth providing a model that accounts for these time-dependent processes. An evaluation of the form of the model is provided by comparison of the model with experimental crack growth data.
Magnetic susceptibility of solid and liquid metals

Apparatus for the measurement of the magnetic susceptibilities of solid and liquid metals at temperatures up to 800°C is described. Prior to studying the susceptibilities of various metals through the melting point, the apparatus was tested by measuring the susceptibilities of tin and lead at room temperature, and the temperature dependences of susceptibility of several pure copper specimens enclosed in quartz bulbs. For copper, in the temperature range 20°C to 700°C,∂χ/∂T = 1.92 × 10−11 emu/g · deg C. This result is discussed in terms of the change of electronic susceptibility with volume expansion.
A novel function of VCP (valosin-containing protein; p97) in the control of N-glycosylation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract α-Chain of T-cell receptor (TCR) is a typical ERAD (ER-associated degradation) substrate degraded in the absence of other TCR subunits. Depletion of derlin 1 fails to induce accumulation of αTCR despite inducing accumulation of α1-antitrypsin, another ERAD substrate. Furthermore, while depletion of VCP does not affect levels of α1-antitrypsin, it induces an increase in levels of αTCR. RNAi of VCP induces preferential accumulation of αTCR with less mannose residues, suggesting its retention within the ER. Mass spectrometric analysis of cellular N-linked glycans revealed that depletion of VCP decreases the level of high-mannose glycoproteins, increases the levels of truncated low-mannose glycoproteins and induces changes in the abundance of complex glycans assembled in post-ER compartments. Since proteasome inhibition was unable to mimic those changes, they cannot be regarded as a simple consequence of inhibited ERAD but represent a complex effect of VCP on the function of the ER.
Effect of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine on growth and differentiation of cultured embryonic retinal pigment cells

Chicken embryo retinal pigment cells cultured for 2 weeks in 1 or 10 μm BrdU accumulate only 25% of the amount of melanin found in controls. Growth is inhibited by 10 μm BrdU but not by 1 μm BrdU. Cells cultured with BrdU had decreased tyrosinase activity and lost the typical epithelial appearance of controls. Equimolar concentrations of deoxythymidine did not prevent the inhibition of melanogenesis due to BrdU but did prevent the growth inhibition of the higher concentration of BrdU (10 μm). Tenfold higher concentrations of deoxythymidine prevented inhibition of epithelial differentiation and melanogenesis. Ultrastructurally, BrdU produced an absence of melanosomes and disruption of the lamellar array of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The perinuclear arrangement of microfilaments became irregular. The cell surface was radically affected as membranes were no longer ruffled and cell junctions disappeared.
Aortic arch interruption: Two-dimensional echocardiographic recognition in utero

A case of aortic arch interruption detected in a 17-week-old fetus and confirmed after therapeutic abortion is reported. The potential usefulness of cross-sectional echocardiography in prenatal detection of aortic arch anomalies is discussed.
Real-time reasoning with PROLOG

In this paper, we present a description of a Prolog implementation of a system (RTR) for “real-time reasoning”, similar to those discussed by Perlis (see [3] and [6]). The reasoning to be performed by the system is “real-time” in two different senses. First, reasoning is considered to be a continuing process rather than an isolated calculation of the consequences of an axiom set, with such a process being analogous to that required to create a computer or robotic system with some autonomy. Secondly, our system addresses the combinatorial problems inherent in theorem proving by applying inference rules to only a small working set of observations and axioms. Such a system provides one approach to non-monotonic reasoning, allowing the derivation of inconsistent facts within the working set and then providing a means of resolving the conflict.
A Computational Starting Point for Rao's Canonical Factor Analysis: Implications for Computerized Procedures

Initial uniqueness estimates given by the diagonal matrix U2 = I are suggested as a useful starting point in carrying out by computers canonical factor analyses.
EFFECT OF DIAMIDE ON FORCE GENERATION AND AXIAL STIFFNESS OF THE COCHLEAR OUTER HAIR CELL

We found that diamide, which affects spectrin, reduces the axial stiffness of the cochlear outer hair cell, the cylindrically shaped mechanoreceptor cell with a unique voltage-sensitive motility. This effect thus provides a means of examining the relationship between the stiffness and the motility of the cell. For measuring axial stiffness and force production, we used an experimental configuration in which an elastic probe was attached to the cell near the cuticular plate and the other end of the cell was held with a patch pipette in the whole-cell recording mode. Diamide at concentrations of up to 5 mM reduced the axial stiffness in a dose-dependent manner to 165 nN per unit strain from 502 nN for untreated cells. The isometric force elicited by voltage pulses under whole-cell voltage clamp was also reduced to 35 pN/mV from 105 pN/mV for untreated cells. Thus the isometric force was approximately proportional to the axial stiffness. Our observations suggest a series connection between the motor and cytoskeletal elements and can be explained by the area motor model previously proposed for the outer hair cell.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES ON THE BACTERIAL FLORA OF MILK.

M ILK IS pasteurized primarily for the purpose of making it safe for human consumption. This safety is brought about by the destruction of all the pathogenic bacteria that are liable to find their way into the milk. The experimental evidence that has been accumulated by the many investigators has definitely demonstrated that the exposure of the milk to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes destroys the pathogenic bacteria that are of importance in milk sanitation. There is another benefit derived from the pasteurization, namely, the reduction of the miscellaneous bacterial population of the milk. This reduction of the germ life in the milk probably also has some sanitary value. What kind and what numbers of bacteria survive the pasteurization and of what importance they are, both from the sanitary standpoint and also from the dairy industry standpoint, are both interesting and practical questions. Much study has already been devoted to this subject by different investigators. The most extensive work is that of Rogers 1 and of Ayers and Johnson.2 3 These authors also give a large bibliography in their publications. Ordinarily the pasteurization is expected to reduce the germ life in the milk in the neighborhood of 95 to 99+ per cent. However, such reduction is not always obtained. The laboratory technicist frequently encounters samples of pasteurized milk with bacterial counts above the legal limits. How to interpret such counts is often puzzling. The bacteria that survive the pasteurizing in large numbers have the tendency to produce very small colonies on the standard agar plates. The term " Pin Point Colonies " has been coined to describe such colonies. This whole question of the effect of pasteurization on the bacterial flora of milk appeared of sufficient importance and interest to devote to it further study. The work was started about three years ago but is not yet completed. This paper is only a preliminary report.
Occurrence and concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in semipermeable membrane devices and clams in three urban streams of the dallas-fort worth metropolitan area, Texas

Abstract Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and Asiatic clams, Corbicula fluminea (MuLLER), were deployed at stream sites in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area to assess the presence of bioavailable, dissolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Twenty-four PAHs were detected in SPMDs, 20 of which occurred at all sites. Only three PAHs were detected in the co-deployed clams. Throughout all sites, non-alkylated PAHs were found at greater levels in SPMDs than alkylated forms. Nine of 16 Priority Pollutant PAHs were detected in SPMDs. Estimated concentrations of PAHs in water were generally two to three orders of magnitude less than standard minimum analytical reporting levels; however, for benz (a) anthracene, benzo (a) pyrene, and chrysene, estimated concentrations in water exceeded the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's human health criteria for these carcinogens in water and aquatic organisms.
How a GNSS Receiver Is Held May Affect Static Horizontal Position Accuracy

The static horizontal position accuracy of a mapping-grade GNSS receiver was tested in two forest types over two seasons, and subsequently was tested in one forest type against open sky conditions in the winter season. The main objective was to determine whether the holding position during data collection would result in significantly different static horizontal position accuracy. Additionally, we wanted to determine whether the time of year (season), forest type, or environmental variables had an influence on accuracy. In general, the F4Devices Flint GNSS receiver was found to have mean static horizontal position accuracy levels within the ranges typically expected for this general type of receiver (3 to 5 m) when differential correction was not employed. When used under forest cover, in some cases the GNSS receiver provided a higher level of static horizontal position accuracy when held vertically, as opposed to held at an angle or horizontally (the more natural positions), perhaps due to the orientation of the antenna within the receiver, or in part due to multipath or the inability to use certain satellite signals. Therefore, due to the fact that numerous variables may affect static horizontal position accuracy, we only conclude that there is weak to moderate evidence that the results of holding position are significant. Statistical test results also suggest that the season of data collection had no significant effect on static horizontal position accuracy, and results suggest that atmospheric variables had weak correlation with horizontal position accuracy. Forest type was found to have a significant effect on static horizontal position accuracy in one aspect of one test, yet otherwise there was little evidence that forest type affected horizontal position accuracy. Since the holding position was found in some cases to be significant with regard to the static horizontal position accuracy of positions collected in forests, it may be beneficial to have an understanding of antenna positioning within the receiver to achieve the greatest accuracy during data collection.
The genetic response to short-term interventions affecting cardiovascular function: rationale and design of the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention (HAPI) Heart Study.

Background The etiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is multifactorial. Efforts to identify genes influencing CVD risk have met with limited success to date, likely because of the small effect sizes of common CVD risk alleles and the presence of gene by gene and gene by environment interactions. Methods The HAPI Heart Study was initiated in 2002 to measure the cardiovascular response to 4 short-term interventions affecting cardiovascular risk factors and to identify the genetic and environmental determinants of these responses. The measurements included blood pressure responses to the cold pressor stress test and to a high salt diet, triglyceride excursion in response to a high-fat challenge, and response in platelet aggregation to aspirin therapy. Results The interventions were carried out in 868 relatively healthy Amish adults from large families. The heritabilities of selected response traits for each intervention ranged from 8% to 38%, suggesting that some of the variation associated with response to each intervention can be attributed to the additive effects of genes. Conclusions Identifying these response genes may identify new mechanisms influencing CVD and may lead to individualized preventive strategies and improved early detection of high-risk individuals.
Model for noncancellation of quantum electric field fluctuations

A localized charged particle oscillating near a reflecting boundary is considered as a model for noncancellation of vacuum fluctuations. Although the mean velocity of the particle is sinusoidal, the velocity variance produced by vacuum fluctuations can either grow or decrease linearly in time, depending upon the product of the oscillation frequency and the distance to the boundary. This amounts to heating or cooling arising from noncancellation of electric field fluctuations, which are otherwise anticorrelated in time. Similar noncancellations arise in quantum field effects in time-dependent curved space-times. We give some estimates of the magnitude of the effect, and discuss its potential observability. We also compare the effects of vacuum fluctuations with the shot noise due to emission of a finite number of photons. We find that the two effects can be comparable in magnitude, but have distinct characteristics, and hence could be distinguished in an experiment.
Studies on the Stimulation of Thyroidal Inorganic 127Iodide Release in Vitro by Thyrotropin

When beef thyroid slices were incubated with thyrotropin (TSH), inorganic 127iodide accumulated in a rectilinear fashion for up to 8 hr of incubation, whereas little change was noted in controls. An oxygen atmosphere was essential for this effect. The log-dose response curve was biphasic, with hormone concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 100 mU/ml incubation medium. Maximum increases in stable iodide were achieved at 1 mU/ml TSH levels. Thiourea and/or perchlorate did not alter this biphasic response. TSH inhibited the protein binding of added radioiodide after 5 hr of incubation, although slice uptake was not impaired. Again the dose response was biphasic, with 1 mU/ml concentrations appearing to be most effective. In shorter incubations, however, the larger TSH doses increased radioiodine organification. Deiodination per se, as measured by the accumulation of radioiodide from diiodotyrosine- 131I in the presence of an excess of added carrier diiodotyrosine, was not stimulated by TSH. These data indicate ...
Preliminary investigations on the use of spectral methods for flow calculations

Abstract Numerical simulation of fluid flows is increasing in popularity and utility in the study of wind effects on structures. Many different schemes, such as finite difference and finite elements, have been used. For this study, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, many of these methods were studied and compared. A Chebyshev-collocation Spectral method was eventually chosen for its extreme computational efficiency. Spectral Methods have been used in a variety of flow calculation problems. Others have applied it to channel flows and compressible flow problems. The current work is an attempt toward applying the spectral method to flow around bluff bodies, in particular rectangular prisms and flat plates. The first test of the technique was a model of bar deflecting along it's axis due only to it's own weight. Then, a two dimensional Poisson solver was implemented with the method. Next, a uni-domain Navier-Stokes solver was attempted. Currently, a multidomain two dimensional incompressible Navier Stokes solver is under development. In addition, a microcomputer flow visualization program has been developed using a steady state finite difference flow modeler to provide sample data. Finally, some conclusions and areas of future work will be discussed.
Effects of spinal fixation devices on the motion segment mechanics

The finite-element technique is used to analyze the response of an intact ligamentous motion segment in axial compression mode. The three-dimensional nonlinear intact model is modified to simulate spinal stabilization using the Steffee screw-plate system. The results of the two models are compared to study the mechanics of load transfer across the Steffee system. The clinical implications of the results are described. >
Sympathetic trip prevention by applying simple current relays

For any type of shunt faults in power system, all parts of the network will experience voltage sag (voltage dip) for the duration at least equal to the fault clearing time. The percent of this voltage sag at a given point depends to its distance to the fault and fault resistance. If a bus bar supplying a group of induction motors is exposed to such voltage dip, which may be due to a fault at another feeder or higher voltage level, the excessive phase current drawn by the group of motors may cause operation of over current protection of the supplying feeder. When the remote fault is unbalanced, or if the load consists of different size/type of single phase motors, earth fault protection of the feeder may also trip because of zero sequence current created due to unbalance load. These kinds of relay operation which results unwanted tripping of a healthy feeder due to behavior of its specific supplying load in response to a fault elsewhere in the system are called sympathetic tripping. The subject has been discussed in several papers in the past and different solutions proposed which are reviewed shortly in this paper. This paper studies current profile of induction motors load both on-event or during voltage dip, then post-event or right after fault clearing, and describes a solution by implementing a logic in simple current relays to prevent sympathetic tripping based on differences between profiles of internal fault current and such particular load current. A real world case resulted to sympathetic tripping was simulated and stability of an overcurrent relay using the logic was tested successfully.
The breathing bear: effects on respiration in premature infants.

Abstract The sleep states and the regularity of quiet sleep (QS) respiration were investigated in premature infants who were provided a “breathing” teddy bear. The bear (BrBr) is a source of optional rhythmic stimulation that reflects the breathing rate of the individual infant it is with. At 33 weeks CA, 19 premature infants were given a BrBr and 17 were given a nonbreathing bear (N-BrBr). At 35 weeks CA, and again at 45 weeks CA, a 1–2-h interfeed motility recording was obtained. These analog signals were scored for active sleep, QS, and wakefulness; and each 10-s epoch of QS was judged for regularity of respiration using a four-point rating scale. At 35 weeks, the BrBr babies showed slower and more regular respiration during QS. At 45 weeks, the BrBr babies showed more QS and less active sleep. At both ages, only the BrBr babies showed a correlation between respiration regularity and the amount of QS. The findings suggest facilitation of neurobehavioral development as well as entrainment from optional stimulation, which reflects one of the infant's own biological rhythms.
Bimetallic Pt/Ru complexes as catalysts for the electrooxidation of methanol.

Electrochemical oxidations of RuCp(PPh3)(μ-Cl)(μ-dppm)PtCl2 (1) and [RuCp(PPh3)(μ-dppm)PtCl2]PF6 (2) in the presence of MeOH lead to considerable enhancements of the oxidative currents, consistent with the catalytic oxidation of methanol. In the presence of dry methanol, the organic product from the bulk electrolysis of 1 is CH2(OCH3)2. The presence of water is found to further enhance the currents, consistent with formation of an Ru oxo intermediate. Oxidations of 1 in solutions containing wet methanol produce the more highly oxidized methyl formate.
Formation of dimeric products during the steady state hydrogenation of ethylene over nickel

Abstract Analysis of products of the steady state ethylene hydrogenation over reduced nickel oxide reveals a steady state production of C 4 hydrocarbons. Such C 4 products are not formed from ethylene alone. The relative yield of dimers is enhanced by the presence of chemisorbed hydrogen. The distribution of C 4 products is a sensitive function of the H 2 C 2 H 4 ratio in the reactant stream. As this ratio approaches zero, the ratio of cis - to trans -2-butene exceeds 10. These results, coupled with a parallel study of 1-butene isomerization, suggest that a species CH 3 CH bound to either a single surface site by a double bond or to two sites by single bonds is a reactive species present during ethylene hydrogenation.
66 THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROFILE OF THE NON-HANDICAPPED VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (VLBW) INFANT AT 1 YEAR OF AGE

66 THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROFILE OF THE NON-HANDICAPPED VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (VLBW) INFANT AT 1 YEAR OF AGE
Developing functional and personal competencies through an interactive tax research case study

Abstract This article describes an interactive tax research case that can be used to develop many of the functional and personal competencies identified as being essential for a successful career in accounting. During the case, students participate in a series of role-play scenarios related to a line-item audit of an individual income tax return. The role-play scenarios require students to obtain necessary facts from the taxpayer, participate in strategy meetings with a supervisor, conduct a negotiation in an adversarial setting, and make a formal presentation in a mock tax court. The interactive nature of the case allows for the use of an “open-fact” format that more closely resembles what students will encounter as professional tax advisors.
Clinical and Arteriographic Variables Predictive of Survival in Coronary Artery Disease

Survival, subsequent myocardial infarction and current anginal status were determined for 90 nearly consecutive patients who underwent coronary arteriography at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1960 and 1967. All patients had at least one coronary arterial narrowing equal to or greater than 70 percent; 78 of 90 patients would be candidates for coronary bypass surgery by present criteria. Twenty-nine of the 78 surgically "suitable" patients died of cardiac causes; 7 of 49 survivors sustained an acute myocardial infarction (mean follow-up period 9.9 years). Patients with a 70 percent or greater narrowing proximal to the first septal branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery had a significantly greater mortality compared with patients with equivalent narrowing distal to the first septal branch or with patients without 70 percent or greater narrowing of the left anterior descending artery. The patients with a 70 percent or greater narrowing of the left anterior descending artery who died were those with a significant narrowing in at least one other major coronary artery. Multivariate stepwise discriminate function analysis of all clinical, electrocardiographic (except stress electrocardiographic) and arteriographic variables identified three independent predictors of mortality: (1) the simultaneous occurrence of a narrowing in left anterior descending and right coronary arteries, (2) prior myocardial infarction; and (3) 70 percent or greater narrowing proximal to the first anterior descending septal branch. When stress electrocardiographic findings were included, a "positive" stress electrocardiographic test was also an independent predictor of mortality.
Relationship of Fat Patterning to Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Obese Adolescents

Fatness and fat patterning of 27 male and 33 female obese adolescents were identified by principal-components analysis of five skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, iliac, abdominal, and thigh). Correlations were computed between the component scores, based on the eigen vectors, and anthropometric and physiological variables. Overall fatness, component I, was highly correlated with all anthropometric and body composition variables. Also, component I significantly correlated with fasting insulin and VO2 max for both sexes and with basal metabolism and HDL-cholesterol for females and males, respectively. Extremity fat patterning, component II, was poorly correlated with all the anthropometric and physiological variables except diastolic blood pressure for the females. Upper-lower body fat patterning, component III, was correlated with the fewest physiological variables.
Divisions of labor in computer-assisted design: a comparison of cases from work and school

This paper uses the concept of division of labor Strauss, 1985) to explore two design settings (a middle-school classroom and a professional architecture firm) where people use both computer and paper-based practices for designing. report that in both settings collaborative labor is divided between designers who work on paper and draftspersons who work with computers. Reasons for this division are explored, and implications are considered for educational initiatives aimed at supporting design collaboration and learning.
Non-linear cylindrical bending of flat plates

Abstract An analysis is made of a long plate, supported along its long edges in such a manner as to prevent rotation and both in-plane and lateral deflection, when loaded by a uniform surface pressure. The problem is non-linear since the plate deflection is limited by a rigid flat foundation placed an arbitrary distance below and parallel to the plate; and also because of the in-plane forces created by the large deflections. (The solution was developed in the course of an investigation an stresses and deflections in thin plates used as containers for a shielding material with a gap being required between plate and shielding.)
Is there a cost of virus resistance in marine cyanobacteria

Owing to their abundance and diversity, it is generally perceived that viruses are important for structuring microbial communities and regulating biogeochemical cycles. The ecological impact of viruses on microbial food webs, however, may be influenced by evolutionary processes, including the ability of bacteria to evolve resistance to viruses and the theoretical prediction that this resistance should be accompanied by a fitness cost. We conducted experiments using phylogenetically distinct strains of marine Synechococcus (Cyanobacteria) to test for a cost of resistance (COR) to viral isolates collected from Mount Hope Bay, Rhode Island. In addition, we examined whether fitness costs (1) increased proportionally with 'total resistance', the number of viruses for which a strain had evolved resistance, or (2) were determined more by 'compositional resistance', the identity of the viruses to which it evolved resistance. A COR was only found in half of our experiments, which may be attributed to compensatory mutations or the inability to detect a small COR. When detected, the COR resulted in a approximately 20% reduction in relative fitness compared to ancestral strains. The COR was unaffected by total resistance, suggesting a pleiotropic fitness response. Under competitive conditions, however, the COR was dependent on compositional resistance, suggesting that fitness costs were associated with the identity of a few particular viruses. Our study provides the first evidence for a COR in marine bacteria, and suggests that Synechococcus production may be influenced by the composition of co-occurring viruses.
A Framework for Evaluating and Planning Assessments Intended to Improve Student Achievement

Assessments labeled as formative have been offered as a means to improve student achievement. But labels can be a powerful way to miscommunicate. For an assessment use to be appropriately labeled “formative,” both empirical evidence and reasoned arguments must be offered to support the claim that improvements in student achievement can be linked to the use of assessment information. Our goal in this article is to support the construction of such an argument by offering a framework within which to consider evidence-based claims that assessment information can be used to improve student achievement. We describe this framework and then illustrate its use with an example of one-on-one tutoring. Finally, we explore the framework's implications for understanding when the use of assessment information is likely to improve student achievement and for advising test developers on how to develop assessments that are intended to offer information that can be used to improve student achievement.
Low temperature grüneisen parameter of RbI from elasticity data

Abstract The elastic constants and their pressure derivatives of rubidium iodide were measured at 295° and 195°K by the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The results are: dC 11 dP dC 12 dP dC 44 dP 295°K 13.16 1.66 −0.51 195°K 12.83 1.78 −0.55 The low temperature Gruneisen parameter was calculated and found to be negative in agreement with that predicted by G.K. White on the basis of thermal expansion data. These results can be understood qualitatively via a simple Born model.
A monolithic spectral BIST technique for control or test of analog or mixed-signal circuits

Intelligent radio frequency (RF) front ends make use of MMIC and MEMS devices to provide a limited range of programmability to what have historically been fixed resistive, capacitive, and inductive impedance matching networks. Many BIST methods for mixed-signal systems can also be used to monitor and provide feedback for the control of such RF systems. For example, spectral techniques can be used to analyze and determine the center frequency of a bandpass filter. Information relative to the center frequency can then be fed back into the system, and adjustments can be made to fine tune the filter. In this paper, we outline our spectral based, mixed-signal approach for monitoring the health of analog and RF components in mixed-signal systems on-chip. In our approach we use well known DSP techniques based an the FFT for on-chip signal generation and analysis. We reduce required hardware by using the same functional block to analyze analog output signals that we use to generate m tone stimulus signals. By providing an on-chip functional test capability, we also reduce the test time required on expensive ATE. Our techniques have been prototyped and demonstrated on a Xilinx Virtex-II FPGA using an off-chip ADC and DAC, and we are currently implementing the technique on an ASIC using a 0.13 /spl mu/m process with target execution speeds of 2-16 GHz.
Analysis of turn-to-turn faults in surface PM machines with multi-layer fractional-slot concentrated windings

Permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machines are becoming increasingly popular for a wide range of applications. This is mainly due to the significant advantages they provide in terms of power density and efficiency. One of the key challenges of using PM machines is fault-tolerance issue as the machine cannot be simply de-excited. This becomes even more important in safety-critical applications. The most severe and probable type of fault is the turn-to-turn fault. This paper provides a thorough analysis of turn-to-turn faults in surface PM machines with multi-layer fractional-slot concentrated windings. Different winding arrangements, and different slot/pole combinations are analyzed.