cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of biorenewable fiber/plastic composites

Plastic fiber composites, consisting of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), and pinewood, big blue stem (BBS), soybean hulls, or distillers dried grain and solubles (DDGS), were prepared by extrusion. Young's modulus, tensile and flexural strengths, melt flow, shrinkage, and impact energy, with respect to the type, amount, and size of fiber on composites, were evaluated. Young's moduli under tensile load of wood, BBS, and soybean-hull fiber composites, compared with those of pure plastic controls, were either comparable or higher. Tensile strength significantly decreased for all the PP/fiber composites when compared with that of the control. Strength of BBS fiber composites was higher than or comparable to that of wood. When natural fibers were added there was a significant decrease in the melt flow index for both plastic/fiber composites. There was no significant difference in the shrinkage of all fiber/plastic composites compared to that of controls. BBS/PE plastic composites resulted in higher notched impact strength than that of wood or soybean-hull fiber composites. There was significant reduction in the unnotched impact strength compared to that of controls. BBS has the potential to be used as reinforcing materials for low-cost composites. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2484–2493, 2004
The heart in fatal unstable angina pectoris

Compared to patients with sudden coronary death and acute myocardial infarction, relatively little morphologic data has been reported in patients with unstable angina pectoris. This article reviews necropsy data collected from one laboratory on unstable angina pectoris. From these data, several observations are appropriate: (1) Patients with unstable angina as a group have more coronary narrowing by atherosclerotic plaque than do patients with sudden coronary death or acute or healed myocardial infarction. (2) Patients with unstable angina have a much higher frequency of severe narrowing of the left main coronary artery than do patients in other coronary subsets. (3) The coronary atherosclerotic plaques in unstable angina consist primarily of fibrous tissue, and they are more similar to those found in patients with sudden coronary death than in patients with acute myocardial infarction. (4) The frequency of acute coronary lesions (thrombi, plaque rupture, and plaque hemorrhage) is similar to that observed in patients with sudden coronary death and significantly less than that observed in acute myocardial infarction. (5) The frequency of multiluminal channels throughout the major coronary arteries is significantly higher in unstable angina compared to sudden coronary death or acute myocardial infarction. (6) The major epicardial arteries and the heart are smaller in patients with unstable angina than in patients with sudden coronary death or acute myocardial infarction. (7) The left ventricular cavity is usually of normal size in patients with unstable angina and therefore left ventricular function is usually normal.
Transmission code for high-speed fibre-optic data networks

A new DC-balanced 8B/10B code for packet transmission on fibre-optic links optimises data integrity, efficiency and implementation cost. It translates eight bits into ten with bounds of five and six on run length and digital sum variation, respectively. Encoders and decoders built with 380 ECL 10K-series gates have passed tests at 20 Mbytes/s.
Low-temperature thermal oxidation of FeNdB powders

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been employed to study low-temperature thermal oxidation of Fe-Nd-B powders. The three exothermic reactions observed cause a significant deterioration of the hard magnetic properties of the resulting magnets. X-ray photoelectron data demonstrate that at least two forms of oxygen are present on such powders.
Persistent, directional motility of cells and cytoplasmic fragments in the absence of microtubules

Directional cell locomotion is displayed by many cell types both in vivo and in vitro. In many instances, persistency and directionality are imposed by external stimuli such as chemical attractants or substrate properties. Some cell types, such as fibroblasts or leukocytes, are capable of migrating in the absence of known stimuli in a pattern known as persistent random walk, where the direction of movement is maintained for at least one cell diameter before the cell performs a sudden directional change. In many examples of persistent motility, microtubules are believed to have a key role as elements that stabilize or even determine a cell's direction of movement. If disassembled, persistency is reduced or impaired. Despite some reports to the contrary, these and other observations have led to the widely accepted view that microtubules may be the overall organizers of cell geometry, polarity and motile activity. Here we report that rapid, directional locomotion of fish epidermal keratocytes is independent of the presence of microtubules. Moreover, small cytoplasmic fragments derived from the anterior lamella of these cells are capable of locomoting in a pattern indistinguishable from that of intact cells. Since these fragments contain no nucleus, microtubules or centrioles, the persistency-determining component must be sought in some other component(s) of the cytoplasm, possibly the motile machinery of the lamella itself.
Design of high-power ISOL targets for radioactive ion beam generation

Abstract In this report, we provide lists of refractory oxides, carbides and refractory metals suitable for use as targets for producing short-lived, proton-rich isotopes of elements (He through Pu) and neutron-rich isotopes of elements (As through Dy) for potential use at high-energy, ISOL-based radioactive ion beam facilities. Complex structure, highly permeable C matrices are described for coating with optimum thicknesses of any type of refractory target material (metal, carbide or oxide). Prescriptions are given for the design and fabrication of custom-engineered targets with diffusion lengths compatible with the release of isotopes of interest within their lifetimes. Computationally derived thermal analysis information is presented for selected low-density, fibrous, highly permeable targets, subjected to direct irradiation with 1 GeV, 100–400 kW proton beams. From these studies, internal thermal radiation is reconfirmed as an important heat transfer (cooling) mechanism within low-density, fibrous and composite targets. By utilization of the radiation cooling effect and beam manipulation techniques, in combination with placement of additional heat shielding on the exit end of targets, beam power depositional densities can be controlled and temperatures homogenized to acceptable levels within fast diffusion release, fast effusive-flow ISOL targets subjected to irradiation with 400 kW proton beams, as required at next-generation radioactive ion beam facilities.
High‐Temperature Thermoelectric Power Measurements in Wustite

High-temperature thermoelectric power was measured on single-crystal samples of wustite in equilibrium with a carbon dioxide-carbon monoxide atmosphere. These measurements were made using a “heat pulse” technique which allowed the thermoelectric power of a sample to be determined in seconds. The short time required for this measurement precluded any possibility of an ionic contribution to the measured thermoelectric power. The results of this study are similar to those of earlier workers in that the measured thermoelectric power changed sign from positive to negative with increasing defect concentration. A defect model for wustite is proposed to explain these results. This model assumes a defect structure dominated by clusters of four vacancies coordinated around a trivalent iron cation in a tetrahedral position. Due to the high negative charge of such a cluster, electron holes are trapped in octahedral sites adjacent the cluster vacancies. Conduction occurs through the thermally activated hopping of these trapped holes between cluster near-neighbor sites. The high defect concentrations in wustite result in these near-neighbor sites being shared between different clusters. It is therefore possible for a given electron hole to hop through the crystal on a continuous path of near-neighbor sites. A modified Heikes-type equation is used to show that such a model is consistent with the measured values of the thermoelectric power. The proposed model is qualitatively consistent with other studies using X-ray and neutron diffraction, electrical conductivity, and diffusion.
Association between age and blood loss in children undergoing open heart operations

Abstract Background . Although recent studies indicated young children are at risk for increased perioperative hemorrhage after open heart operations, the associations between patient age, blood loss and blood product transfusions have not been fully defined in children. Methods . Perioperative blood loss and blood product transfusion data were recorded for 414 consecutive children undergoing open heart procedures. The children were in the following age groups: 1 month or younger, group 1; older than 1 month to 12 months, group 2; older than 1 year to 5 years, group 3; and older than 5 years, group 4. Results . Postoperative blood loss and blood product transfusions were inversely related to age and differed significantly between the four age groups. Multiple preoperative and intraoperative factors that possibly influence hemostasis also differed significantly between age groups. Median units transfused within 72 hours differed significantly with age ( p Conclusions . Blood loss and transfusions vary inversely with age. Per kilogram of body weight, neonates bled more and received more donor products than any other age group.
Lead levels in primary feathers of American woodcocks harvested by hunters throughout the United States range.

Levels of lead were determined in primary feathers of 1008 woodcocks (Philohela minor) shot by hunters in 32 states of the species' United States range. Lead levels did not vary by sex or age but varied significantly (P<0.05) by state. Generally, levels were found to be low (<30 μg/g d.w.) in the birds examined. No significant correlations were found between mean lead levels and 10 human population, highway and highway traffic parameters examined.
Longitudinal subtleties in diffusive Langevin equations for non-Abelian plasmas

B{umlt o}deker has recently argued that non-perturbative processes in very high temperature non-Abelian plasmas (such as electroweak baryon number violation in the very hot early Universe) can be quantitatively described, to leading logarithmic accuracy, by a simple diffusive effective theory. B{umlt o}deker{close_quote}s effective theory is intended to describe the long-distance transverse electric and magnetic fields which are responsible for non-perturbative dynamics. His effective theory, however, also contains long-wavelength longitudinal electric fields. We discuss several subtleties in the treatment of longitudinal dynamics which were not closely examined in B{umlt o}deker{close_quote}s original treatment. Somewhat to our surprise, we find that within its domain of validity B{umlt o}deker{close_quote}s effective theory does correctly describe both longitudinal and transverse fluctuations. We also show that, as far as the transverse dynamics of interest is concerned, B{umlt o}deker{close_quote}s effective theory could be replaced by a transverse-only theory that removes the longitudinal dynamics altogether. In the process, we discuss several interesting aspects of stochastic field theories. thinsp {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Conquest of the New Word: Experimental Fiction and Translation in the Americas

Latin American fiction won great acclaim in the United States during the 1960s, when many North American writers and critics felt that our national writing had reached a low ebb. In this study of experimental fiction from both Americas, Johnny Payne argues that the North American reception of the boom in Latin American fiction distorted the historical grounding of this writing, erroneously presenting it as mainly an exotic magical realism. He offers new readings that detail the specific, historical relation between experimental fiction and various authors' careful, deliberate deformations and reformations of the political rhetoric of the modern state. Payne juxtaposes writers from Argentina and Uruguay with North American authors, setting up suggestive parallels between the diverse but convergent practices of writers on both continents. He considers Nelson Marra in conjunction with Donald Barthelme and Gordon Lish; Teresa Porzecanski with Harry Mathews; Ricardo Piglia with John Barth; Silvia Schmid and Manuel Puig with Fanny Howe and Lydia Davis; and Jorge Luis Borges and Luisa Valenzuela with William Burroughs and Kathy Acker. With this innovative, dual-continent approach, Conquest of the New Word will be of great interest to everyone working in Latin American literature, women's studies, translation studies, creative writing, and cultural theory.
Parallel Split-Step Fourier Methods for the Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Type Equations

The nonlinear Schrodinger type equations are of tremendous interest in both theory and applications. Various regimes of pulse propagation in optical fibers are modeled by some form of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation. In this paper we introduce parallel split-step Fourier methods for the numerical simulations of the coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equation that describes the propagation of two orthogonally polarized pulses in a monomode birefringent fibers. These methods are implemented on the Origin 2000 multiprocessor computer. Our numerical experiments have shown that these methods give accurate results and considerable speedup.
Fluid inclusion and carbon isotope studies of quartz-graphite veins, Black Hills, South Dakota, and Ruby Range, Montana☆

Abstract Fluid inclusions and graphite are intimately associated in quartz veins that cut high grade metamorphic rocks in the Black Hills, South Dakota, and at the Crystal Graphite Mine in the southwestern Ruby Range, Montana. Measured fluid inclusion compositions and volumetric properties were compared with calculated compositions of graphite-saturated fluids and with estimates of metamorphic P-T conditions and carbon isotope ratios of graphite were measured to evaluate possible sources of carbon in veinforming fluids. Fluid inclusions from the two areas contrast markedly in their reliability as recorders of metamorphic fluid compositions and metamorphic conditions. The δ 13 C of graphite associated with the veins indicates that the source of carbon was also different in the two areas. In the Black Hills veins, fluid inclusions are dominantly H 2 OCO 2 mixtures with 24–96 mol% CO 2 and a maximum of ∼5 mol% N 2 and ∼ 13 mol% CH 4 . Isochores for the highest density inclusions pass near estimated peak metamorphic conditions (550°–600°C, 4.5–6.5 kbar) and fluid inclusion compositions are compatible with thermodynamic predictions for fluids in equilibrium with graphite in the stated P - T range at geologically reasonable ƒ O 2 .Graphite in a 12-cm wall-rock alteration zone adjacent to one of the veins has uniform δ 13 C of −20.8 ± 0.2%., indicating that carbon in the vein-forming fluid was derived largely from reduced organic carbon. In the Ruby Range, peak metamorphic conditions were higher— ∼750°-850°C, 5–8 kbar. In contrast to the Black Hills veins, fluid inclusions are almost all CO 2 CH 4 mixtures (with unknown N 2 content). Many contain > 20 equivalent mol% CH 4 and mixed H 2 OCO 2 inclusions were observed in only one sample. Inclusions in one vein have ∼ 84–97 mol% CH 4 . Virtually all inclusion compositions are incompatible with computed graphite equilibria and inclusion isochores likewise do not pass through estimated metamorphic conditions. The density and composition of most, if not all, inclusions have been modified subsequent to original trapping, possibly through H 2 O loss. The range of δ 13 C values of vein graphites (−5.8 to −8.6%.) is nearly indistinguishable from values for graphite in dolomitic marble near the veins (−4.8 to −7.1%.). Carbon was probably mobilized through devolatilization reactions in the marble and precipitated as 13 C-rich graphite in the veins at fairly constant temperature and from fluid of fairly constant composition.
Compact electro-optical module with polymer waveguides on a flexible substrate for high-density board-level communication

We report on the co-packaging of electrical CMOS transceiver and VCSEL chip arrays on a flexible electrical substrate with optical polymer waveguides. The electro-optical components are attached to the substrate edge and butt-coupled to the waveguides. Electrically conductive silver-ink connects them to the substrate at an angle of 90°. The final assembly contacts the surface of a package laminate with an integrated compressible connector. The module can be folded to save space, requires only a small footprint on the package laminate and provides short electrical high-speed signal paths. With our approach, the electro-optical package becomes a compact electro-optical module with integrated polymer waveguides terminated with either optical connectors (e.g., at the card edge) or with an identical assembly for a second processor on the board. Consequently, no costly subassemblies and connectors are needed, and a very high integration density and scalability to virtually arbitrary channel counts and towards very high data rates (20+ Gbps) become possible. Future cost targets of much less than US$1 per Gbps will be reached by employing standard PCB materials and technologies that are well established in the industry. Moreover, our technology platform has both electrical and optical connectivity and functionality.
Factors contributing to success in mathematical estimation in preservice teachers: Types of problems and previous mathematical experience

Variables that may affect success in mathematical estimation in preservice elementary teachers were studied. A multiple regression analysis was performed in order to predict success on a 25 problem estimation test. Subjects' answer to the question, “Are you good at math?” was the best predictor of success on the estimation test. Other important variables were college grade point average, years of study of mathematics, and enjoyment of mathematics. Not only were average mathematics grades not related to estimation score, but they were negatively correlated to estimation score. Half the subjects saw problems in an applied format, and half saw the same problems in a computational format. The number of subjects answering problems correctly in the application format was significantly greater than the number of subjects answering questions correctly in the computational format. This result was contradictory to results usually found for finding exact answers with pencil and paper. A reason for greater success on problems in the application format may be related to the fact that the applied problems involved money, a very relevant type of problem in which to quickly estimate an answer.
A general model of the banking firm under conditions of monopoly, uncertainty, and recourse

Abstract We develop a stochastic programming model of the monopolistic competition banking firm. It assumes the bank faces a downward-sloping loan demand curve and is a price taker in securities markets. Uncertainty and liquidity requirements are incorporated. Bank decisions are made within a two-stage framework where realized disturbances that violate constraints can be rectified ex post at a cost. The results are: (1) Optimal loan and deposit rates are positive functions of the recourse penalty. (2) Asset/liability decisions are interdependent and elastically supplied deposits lower the loan rate. (3) The effect of uncertainty depends upon the penalty rate level.
Generating Bessel functions in Mie scattering calculations using continued fractions

A new method of generating the Bessel functions and ratios of Bessel functions necessary for Mie calculations is presented. Accuracy is improved while eliminating the need for extended precision word lengths or large storage capability. The algorithm uses a new technique of evaluating continued fractions that starts at the beginning rather than the tail and has a built-in error check. The continued fraction representations for both spherical Bessel functions and ratios of Bessel functions of consecutive order are presented.
Calcific deposits in porcine bioprostheses: structure and pathogenesis.

Abstract Gross, histologic and ultrastructural studies were made of 14 porcine valve bioprostheses that were found to contain calcific deposits at the time of removal either at reoperation (13 patients) or at necropsy (1 patlent). Eleven bioprostheses had been in the mitral position, 1 fn the aortic, 1 in the tricuspid and 1 in a pulmonary condult. The ages of the patients at the time of implantation ranged from 2.5 to 65 years (average 32), and the bioprostheses had been in place from 3 to 94 months (average 39). Analysis of these 14 bioprostheses and review of reports concerning 37 other calcified porcine bioprostheses suggest the following conclusions: (1) Calcific deposits occur commonly in bioprostheses implanted in patients of all ages, but are more likely to become severe and clinically significant in children and in young adults than in older patients. (2) Calcific deposits can lead to prosthetic valve stenosis, because they can limit the mobility of the cusps; however, they can also be associated with prosthetic valve regurgitation. (3) Metabolic disorders that could contribute to bioprosthetic calcification are not identifiable in most patients having calcified prosthetic tissue valves. (4) The two main sites of deposition of calcium phosphate in porcine valve bioprostheses are the connective tissue in the cusps, particularly in the spongiosa, and small thrombi on the surfaces. (5) Calcification of connective tissue first involves the collagen fibrils; calcification of thrombi involves the mitochondria in platelets and leukocytes trapped in the mesh of fibrin. From these two sites, calcific deposits can grow and spread into other areas of the cusps.
Simplifying the complexities of maintaining balance

Insights are provided by simple closed-loop models of human postural control. In developing a quantitative model to help us understand the postural control system, one might be tempted to capture as much of the complexity as is known about each of the subsystems. However, this article will follow the approach of Occam's Razor. That is, we begin with the simplest possible representation of each of the subsystems and only add complexity as necessary to be consistent with experimental data. For example, a control model with PD control and a positive force feedback loop provides a better explanation of the low-frequency dynamic behavior than the PID control model. Since both models have the same number of parameters, Occam's Razor favors the positive force feedback model over the PID model or any variation on the PID model that includes additional parameters. While there is some experimental evidence that positive force feedback plays a role in some aspects of motor control its contribution to postural control is unknown. Our model that includes positive force feedback represents a quantitative hypothesis that motivates additional experiments to confirm, or refute the contribution of positive force feedback to human postural control and to investigate the dynamic properties of this feedback loop. An important feature clearly revealed by the model-based interpretation of experimental data is the ability of the human postural control system to alter its source of sensory orientation cues as environmental conditions change. Our relatively simple models allowed us to apply systems identification methods in order to estimate the relative contributions (sensory weights) of various sensory orientation cues in different environmental conditions However, our simple models do not predict how the sensory weights should change as a function of environmental conditions or provide insight into the neural mechanisms that cause these changes.
Reoperations after prophylactic mastectomy with or without implant reconstruction.

BACKGROUND. The authors characterized the unanticipated reoperations after prophylactic mastectomy, with or without implant reconstruction. METHODS. The surgical cohort was comprised of 1417 women with a family history of breast carcinoma. The women received a prophylactic mastectomy with (bilateral, n 593; contralateral, n 506) or without reconstruction (n 318) at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) between 1960 and 1993. Reoperations and indications for reoperation were compiled from medical records and a patient survey. RESULTS. Three hundred eighteen women received a bilateral (n 39) or contralateral (n 279) prophylactic mastectomy without reconstruction. With a median follow-up of 15 years, 18 women (6%) required reoperation. Most of these reoperations occurred within the first year after prophylactic mastectomy. Five hundred ninety-three women had reconstruction with implants following bilateral propylactic mastectomy. Approximately one-half of the women (52%) required at least 1 unanticipated reoperation during a median follow-up of 14 years. Approximately 39% of all reoperations occurred within 1 year of breast reconstruction and 69% within 5 years. Implant-related issues were the most common cause for reoperation. Some women with breast carcinoma elected to receive contralateral prophylactic mastectomy with therapeutic mastectomy for the affected breast. Five hundred six women received reconstruction with implants. During a median follow-up of 8.8 years, 189 women (37%) required unanticipated reoperation. The most common indication was implant-related issues. The time course of reoperations was similar to that for women in the bilateral group. CONCLUSIONS. Surgical reoperations were fairly common among women who received prophylactic mastectomy with implant reconstruction. Most of the reoperations were implant related. Reoperations were fairly uncommon after prophy
On Sorting under Special Transpositions

In this paper, we study a genome rearrangement primitive called block moves. This primitive as a special case of another well studied primitive transposition. We revisit the problem of BLOCK SORTING, which is a sorting problem under the primitive block moves in this work. BLOCK SORTING has been shown to be NP-Complete, and a couple of results have designed factor 2 approximation algorithms for the problem - the best known till date. However whether the problem is APX-Hard, or an improvement over the factor 2 approximation algorithms have been interesting open problems. We design a new factor 2 approximation algorithm for BLOCK SORTING. Our algorithm is equal to the best known in terms of approximation ratio, however, our approach is much simpler and is linear time (O (n)) as compared to the cubic (O (n3)) and quadratic (O (n2)) run-times of the existing algorithms for the problem.
Addition Polymerization of Functionalized Norbornenes: The Effect of Size, Stereochemistry, and Coordinating Ability of the Substituent

The effect of the substituent on the palladium(II)-catalyzed addition polymerization of functionalized norbornene derivatives was examined. Endo-substituted norbornenes are polymerized more slowly than their corresponding exo isomers. The size of the substituent plays a role. However, the coordinating ability of the functionality plays an even bigger role in attenuating polymerization than its size. The formation of chelates upon the coordination of the endo-functionalized norbornene is responsible, in part, for the observed decrease in polymerization rate. A further, and even greater, reason for the diminution of activity of both the endo- and the exo-functionalized isomers is simply the coordination of the functionality to the metal center.
Accuracy and stability for integration of Jaumann stress rate equations in spinning bodies

Analyses several algorithms for the integration of the Jaumann stress rate. Places emphasis on accuracy and stability of standard algorithms available in commercial and government finite element codes in addition to several other proposals available in the literature. The analysis is primarily concerned with spinning bodies and reveals that a commonly used algorithm is unconditionally unstable and only first‐order objective in the presence of rotations. Other proposals are shown to have better accuracy and stability properties. Finally, shows by example that even a consistent and unconditionally stable integration of hypoelastic constitution does not necessarily yield globally stable finite element simulations.
Correlation of 1s binding energy with the average quantum mechanical potential at A nucleus

Abstract Changes in binding energies of 1s core electrons for C, N, O, and F atoms in different molecular environments have been studied by examination of negatives of inner-shell orbital energies (−ϵ Is ) from ab initio “double-ξ” quality LCAO SCF MO wavefunctions. As contrasted with many previous correlations of binding energies with point charge models, changes of orbital energies have been related to the potential at the nucleus on which the 1s orbital sits, properly calculated as a quantum mechanical expectation value. The contribution of the 1s to the potential is insensitive to environment, and consideration focuses on the “external potential” Φ ext due to the remainder of the system outside of the 1s. Shifts in −ϵ 1s are in all cases nearly the same as shifts in Φ ext (using atomic units), the average of eleven cases giving Δ(−ϵ 1s )/Δ(Φ ext ) = 1.11. An analysis of the equations, based on localized valence MO's and supported by numerical examples, shows this to be a generally expected result, with some possible exceptions being outlined.
Career Self‐Interest and Concern for Others—The Effects of Co‐Worker Attitudes on Fraudulent Behavior

The numerous corporate scandals in recent years raise questions as to why experienced business leaders would make unethical, and often illegal, decisions. Research (Collins et al. 2004a, 2004b; Shaub et al. 2005) has demonstrated that measures of self‐interest and concern for others influence the likelihood that an individual will commit egregious acts of self‐interest. The current study examines the moderating effects of co‐worker attitudes on the relationship between career self‐interest, concern for others, and the likelihood of committing egregious acts of self‐interest. We find that co‐worker attitudes do affect ethical decision making. The potential effect of peer opinion on individuals in the workplace highlights the importance of organizational culture in controlling incidents of unethical behavior, a matter of public interest (Harrison and Huntington 2000).
Selective breeding in aquaculture

Abstract The basic techniques for selective breeding with cultured aquatic species were described and apparently practiced very early in the annals of aquaculture history; however, this approach has not been utilized in modern aquaculture as prevalently or as effectively as with terrestrial agricultural species. A large part of the aquaculture industry relies on naturally produced organisms as the primary source of seed‐stock, a practice with several negative aspects that limit the production potential of aquaculture species. Selective breeding could be very beneficial to the aquaculture industry in providing the efficient, domesticated stocks that are needed to enhance production. The process of selective breeding is very similar to architecturally creating a structure of original design with available materials. By using the gene differences as “building blocks,” organisms containing the genes which will produce the most beneficial characteristics can be “constructed” and propagated. Although there are ...
Circadian patterns of premating behavior in Teleogryllus oceanicus Le Guillou under laboratory and field conditions

The temporal relationship between male-calling and female-walking of Teleogryllus ocearicus has been studied. Both behaviors are under circadian control. A comparison of singingactivity under controlled environmental conditions and in the field at LD 13.75:10.25 h revealed that in spote of the very different situations, calling occurred during darkness; the times of onset, termination of singing and the calling quantity agreed as well. However, significant individual differences in singing activity were observed in either environment, and for specific males on consecutive nights.
The Interaction Effect of Bacterial Vaginosis and Periodontal Disease on the risk of Preterm Delivery

The objective of this article is to determine if coexistence of periodontal disease (PD) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) is synergistic on the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD). The study design was secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Women were screened 6 to 20 weeks gestation for PD and BV. Groups were defined by presence of BV and stratified on PD. The primary outcome was sPTD <37 weeks gestation. Univariable, stratified, and multivariable analyses were performed to estimate the main and interaction effects of BV and PD on sPTD. Of 1453 women screened, 792 (54.5%) were diagnosed with BV. Neither women with BV in the first trimester nor PD was at higher risk of sPTD (risk ratio [RR] for BV 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.8-1.5, and RR for PD 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7-1.3). The interaction between BV and PD did not statistically significantly impact the odds of sPTD. Coexistence of PD and BV did not have a synergistic effect on sPTD.
In Situ Electrode Calibration Strategy for Voltammetric Measurements In Vivo

Technological advances have allowed background-subtracted fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to emerge as a powerful tool for monitoring molecular fluctuations in living brain tissue; however, there has been little progress to date in advancing electrode calibration procedures. Variability in the performance of these handmade electrodes renders calibration necessary for accurate quantification; however, experimental protocol makes standard postcalibration difficult or in some cases impossible. We have developed a model that utilizes information contained in the background charging current to predict electrode sensitivity to dopamine, ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and pH shifts at any point in an electrochemical experiment. Analysis determined a high correlation between predicted sensitivity and values obtained using the traditional postcalibration method, across all analytes. To validate this approach in vivo, calibration factors obtained with this model at electrodes in brain tissue were compared to values...
Intraoperative rapid autologous blood transfusion.

Abstract Intraoperative rapid autologous blood transfusion is a resource that is available in many operating suites but is currently underused in gynecologic surgery. A case is presented in which an intraoperative autotransfusion of 1560 ml of free intraperltoneal blood was performed to aid in resuscitation of a 31-year-old woman with a ruptured tubal pregnancy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1989;160:1226-7.)
Improving Academic Achievement, But at What Cost? The Demands of Diversity and Equity at Birch Middle School

This case focuses on an urban middle school that has recently seen much improvement in the academic performance of its students and its reputation within the community. These positive changes, however, have come about largely because of what might be perceived as a narrow focus on standardized curricula, pedagogy, and assessment techniques. Readers are asked to consider the relative costs and benefits of this focus; the implications of change for faculty, administrators, students, and the larger community; and what it really means to lead with a goal of social justice or equity in mind given the nuances presented in this case—nuances that are shared by many urban schools across the nation.
A Multi-Institutional Survey of Newer Surgery Faculty on the Impacts of Education Debt and Debt Repayment Strategies

Background The cost associated with becoming a physician is significant, and studies have shown that surgeons, in particular, accrue higher debts than matched controls from other specialties, and the public. These findings, along with the current era of economic turmoil, prompted our investigation into the effects of educational debt on the career, family and lifestyle choices of recently graduated surgeons. Our goal was to query young surgical faculty about the education debt carried, the burden it presents as they embark on a career, and the financial management strategies employed to pay down their debt. Study Design This study is a one-time, cross-sectional survey of regular and adjunct faculty from the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic-Rochester. Participation was voluntary and responses were collected anonymously via SurveyMonkey. Respondents were sorted into two groups: those with and without education debt at the time of residency graduation. We compared these groups on a number of variables. Results Of the 111 respondents (111/152, 73% response rate), 69 (62.2%) carried debt at the time of graduation from residency. The median educational debt at graduation was $100,000, and surgeons with educational debt carried a significantly higher burden of consumer and total debt than those without educational debt at graduation (p Conclusions Educational debt places a large financial responsibility on the shoulders of most newer faculty. The debt-to-income ratio demonstrated through our results was considerable for both study groups, and unwise according to financial literature. This is of utmost importance to leaders in academe, as salaries are generally lower than private practice colleagues. This can begin in residency with explicit and practical information on surgeon reimbursement, income ranges, and revenue sources (faculty, clinical), debt repayment strategies, and overall training on financial matters early in their residency.
Marking Territory Legislated Genres, Stakeholder Beliefs, and the Possibilities for Common Ground in the Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project

This article reports the results of a study analyzing the interaction of administrative genres and stakeholder beliefs in the Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project (MWBRRP) in New Mexico a...
The infinite loop Adams conjecture via classification theorems for -spaces

We prove the following generalized version of the complex Adams conjecture (see Theorem 10·4), as announced in (5).
Good News for Women Living with HIV

Early in the epidemic of AIDS, when we were just recognizing its existence and transmission patterns—as well as not so early, during the long years before truly effective therapy was developed—many women with HIV infection or AIDS were told by their physicians that it would be immoral for them to become pregnant, because there was an ∼25% risk of transmitting their illness to their infants. The official recommendation was that women “delay” childbearing [1]. At the time, we did not know whether a woman’s own HIV disease would progress more rapidly because of pregnancy, but we—and she— could be nearly certain that, if she were symptomatic because of HIV infection, she herself would not live past the child’s early years. We have traveled a long road since then. Our understanding of HIV pathophysiology, our ability to identify the predictors of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), and, most importantly, our ability to prevent or reverse HIV-induced immunodeficiency in those infected and to prevent MTCT have favorably have altered many aspects of HIV infection, including its impact on women’s and couples’ decision making regarding childbearing. Motherhood is of great importance to
Dramatic Variation in the Global Burden of Esophageal Cancer: A Disability-Adjusted Life Years Approach

• Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. As a significant cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality, it places a considerable humanitarian and economic burden on society. • This burden has not been fully characterized on either a national or global scale. • The aim of this study is to describe the global burden of esophageal cancer through estimation of the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to this disease throughout the world. • DALYs represent the time lost from both morbidity and mortality. Objectives
Genesis of a Late-Holocene Soil Chronosequence at the Lubbock Lake Archaeological Site, Texas

Abstract Field and laboratory data combined with geochronological information were used to investigate the nature and rates of pedogenesis of three late Holocene soils at the Lubbock Lake archaeological site (Southern High Plains of Texas). A variety of pedologic characteristics become better expressed with time, and aerosolic additions and burial of the soils significantly affect the development of these characteristics. Organic carbon accumulates rapidly in initial stages of development of the A horizon: mollic epipedons form in about 100 years and steady-state conditions of organic carbon content are attained in about 1000 years. Upon burial, organic carbon content of the A horizon quickly decreases. Calcic horizons form in 200 years and minimally developed argillic horizons form in 450 years, the result of infiltration of clay and carbonate derived from aerosolic dust. Horizonation is better expressed with time, and B-horizon hues redden from 10YR to 5YR in 3500 years. Locally, landscape position is a...
Why Europeans will not embrace constitutional patriotism

Europeans will not become constitutional patriots any time soon. The fi rst part of the article argues that this is not because of anything inherently implausible about the idea, either generally, or when applied to the European Union. But the actual institutional features of European politics make it improbable that Europeans will develop allegiances to the European Union grounded in shared constitutional ideals. Without meaningful electoral politics at the heart of the European political process, the citizenry’s attitude toward European institutions will continue to oscillate between disinterest, fi ckle support, and resentment. In the European Union (EU), the nationals of member states are also European citizens, 1 although many do not conceive of themselves that way. The lackluster interest in the constitutional debates accompanying the negotiations and deliberations on the draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (hereinafter constitutional treaty or CT), followed by the resounding “ no ” of French 2 and Dutch 3 voters, and the dismal and decreasing turnout for elections to the European Parliament, 4 as well as the various responses to
Multidimensional multirate filters and filter banks derived from one-dimensional filters

A method by which every multidimensional (M-D) filter with an arbitrary parallelepiped-shaped passband support can be designed and implemented efficiently is presented. It is shown that all such filters can be designed starting from an appropriate one-dimensional prototype filter and performing a simple transformation. With D denoting the number of dimensions, the complexity of design and implementation of the M-D filter are reduced from O(N/sup D/) to O(N). Using the polyphase technique, an implementation with complexity of only 2N is obtained in the two-dimensional. Even though the filters designed are in general nonseparable, they have separable polyphase components. One special application of this method is in M-D multirate signal processing, where filters with parallelepiped-shaped passbands are used in decimation, interpolation, and filter banks. Some generalizations and other applications of this approach, including M-D uniform discrete Fourier transform (DFT) quadrature mirror filter banks that achieve perfect reconstruction, are studied. Several design example are given. >
The Importance of Clinical Severity in the Measurement of Hospital Readmission Rates for Medicare Beneficiaries, 1997-2007

In the coming years, assessing the impact of efforts to reduce hospital readmissions will be important to policy makers and hospitals. To inform such assessments, we sought to define preexisting trends in readmission rates for patients by level of clinical severity using a difference-in-differences analysis of Medicare inpatient claims data from 1997, 2002, and 2007 for patients with acute myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. We also examined trends in length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and postdischarge mortality by severity level to provide additional context for interpreting readmission rate trends. From 1997 to 2007, the difference in readmission rates between the highest and lowest severity quartiles increased. Length of stay and in-hospital mortality decreased for all patients; however, postdischarge mortality increased for the highest-severity patients and decreased for the lowest-severity patients. Assessments of recent policy reforms and quality improvement programs should acco...
Short-Term Effects of Beaver Dam Removal on Brook Trout in an Appalachian Headwater Stream

In North America, Castor canadensis (Beaver) impoundments of low-order streams greatly modify ecological processes, influence stream biota, and impact fish movement. We evaluated the short-term effects of removing a beaver dam from an Appalachian headwater stream on a Salvelinus fontinalis (Brook Trout) population. Prior to dam removal, we found only one marked trout that had navigated the dam moving upstream and no marked trout from above the dam moving downstream. Immediately following dam removal, trout abundance above and below the dam increased 67.1% and 46.0%, respectively. During later samples, however, declines in both trout abundance and relative weight suggest the initial large increases in our study sections after dam removal may have led to increased competition among trout, causing large numbers to move several hundred meters further upstream, beyond our study site, in order to find acceptable habitat. These results demonstrate that the presence and subsequent removal of a beaver pond on a Brook Trout stream can be considered both beneficial and harmful; thus, site-specific evaluation is necessary to determine best whether to retain or remove ponds.