cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation of micropipelines in enable/disable CMOS differential logic

This paper examines an alternative implementation of micropipeline logic/data processing structures. To satisfy the timing requirements of the micropipeline, currently a delay element needs to be introduced in each of its stages. The alternative approach presented here eliminates this by using a differential CMOS logic family-enable/disable CMOS differential logic (ECDL) instead of the conventional static CMOS. This will ease the process of synthesizing micropipeline stages. The effectiveness of this technique in eliminating the delay requirement has been exemplified by presenting an adder implemented using ECDL. >
Minimum density RAID-6 codes

RAID-6 codes protect disk array storage systems from two-disk failures. This article presents a complete treatment of a class of RAID-6 codes, called minimum density RAID-6 codes, that have an optimal blend of performance properties. There are two families of minimal density RAID-6 codes: Blaum-Roth codes and Liberation codes, and a separate special-purpose code called the Liber8tion code. The first of these have been known since the late 1990's, while the latter two are new constructions. In this article, we motivate, demonstrate, and evaluate the minimum density codes, comparing them to EVENODD and RDP codes, which represent the state-of-the-art in RAID-6. Following that, we prove that the codes indeed fit the RAID-6 methodology, and cite their implementation in an open-source library.
The qualitative evaluation of airway responses to immunologic and pharmacologic stimuli in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract This report describes the current status of a colony of rhesus monkeys composed of a group of animals with consistent asthmatic responses to Ascaris antigen challenge, a variable group and a negative group. The cumulative experience with the consistent group of 5 animals totals 144 months of observation with 86 positive respiratory responses to 86 aerosol challenges. Further studies compare rhesus airway responses to Ascaris antigen, anti-IgE, histamine, prostaglandin (PG) F 2α , carbocholine, and physostigmine. We report that two abnormalities of pulmonary function which occur as a result of aerosol challenge, an increase in breathing frequency (f) and pulmonary resistance (PR), differ in degree of abnormality and time of onset following challenge with different agonists. These results indicate that the f and PR changes in response to these agonists are controlled by different physiologic mechanisms in rhesus monkeys. We suggest that the f changes may occur as a result of reflex afferent vagal stimulation and PR changes as a result of direct effect on smooth muscle receptors. The effect of histamine and PGF 2α on the airway of rhesus monkeys more closely simulates the airway response to immunologic stimuli than does the effect of cholinergic type agonists.
Placement optimization of power supply pads based on locality

This paper presents an efficient algorithm for the placement of power supply pads in flip-chip packaging for high-performance VLSI circuits. The placement problem is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP), subject to the constraints on mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) for the pads and the voltage drop in the power grid. To improve the performance of the optimizer, the pad placement problem is solved based on the divide-and-conquer principle, and the locality properties of the power grid are exploited by modeling the distant nodes and sources coarsely, following the coarsening stage in multi-grid-like approach. An accurate electromigration (EM) model that captures current crowding and Joule heating effects is developed and integrated with our C4 placement approach. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated on several designs adapted from publicly released benchmarks.
Cellular and molecular events during embryonic bone development

The cellular events underlying the processes of bone maintenance, remodeling, and repair have their basis in the embryonic production of bone. Although it has been suggested that the cartilaginous model which resides in the center of developing limbs provides the scaffolding for new bone formation, our detailed morphological and histochemical studies indicate otherwise. In particular, there exists a layer of four to six cells, referred to as Stacked Cells, which surrounds a prechondrogenic core of undifferentiated cells in the limb. These Stacked Cells give rise to the lineage of osteogenic cells responsible for the formation of all structural bone. This bone is fabricated outside of the cartilage core, and the core is not replaced by bone, but rather, is replaced by marrow and vascular elements. Several generalizations arise from analysis of the cellular and molecular events of embryonic osteogenesis, and they are as follows: 1) osteogenesis and chondrogenesis are independent events which are programmed early in development, 2) bone formation is a vascular driven phenomenon which is characterized by the directional nature of osteoid secretion, and 3) the fundamental events of bone formation are consistent in chick, rat, and human long bones.
Posterior Parietal Cortex: Space…and Beyond

How do we decide how to react to a stimulus or event? To do so requires recognition of the stimulus itself as well as an appreciation of the context within which that stimulus is encountered. In this issue of Neuron, Stoet and Snyder report that neurons in the parietal cortex of monkeys can carry contextual information related to the rules that are relevant for solving a visual discrimination task.
Estimating the environmental costs of electricity: An overview and review of the issues

This paper provides an overview of the issues associated with environmental costing and the specific questions raised by the effort to measure the environmental costs of electricity. It identifies the key methodology questions identified by these studies and discusses their relevance for more general applications of methods to estimate the monetary losses due to environmental externalities.
Q spoiling and directionality in deformed ring cavities

A ray-optics model is developed to describe the spoiling of the high-Q (whispering gallery) modes of ring-shaped cavities as they are deformed from perfect circularity. A sharp threshold is found for the onset of Q spoiling as predicted by the Kolmogorov-Arnol'd-Moser (KAM) theorem of nonlinear dynamics. Beyond the critical deformation b(c), Q ~ (b - b(c))(-alpha), alpha asymptotically equal to 2.4-2.6. The escaping light emerges in certain specific directions, which may be predicted.
Inductive and Deductive Approaches to Acute Cell Injury

Many clinically relevant forms of acute injury, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and myocardial infarction, have resisted treatments to prevent cell death following injury. The clinical failures can be linked to the currently used inductive models based on biological specifics of the injury system. Here we contrast the application of inductive and deductive models of acute cell injury. Using brain ischemia as a case study, we discuss limitations in inductive inferences, including the inability to unambiguously assign cell death causality and the lack of a systematic quantitative framework. These limitations follow from an overemphasis on qualitative molecular pathways specific to the injured system. Our recently developed nonlinear dynamical theory of cell injury provides a generic, systematic approach to cell injury in which attractor states and system parameters are used to quantitatively characterize acute injury systems. The theoretical, empirical, and therapeutic implications of shifting to a deductive framework are discussed. We illustrate how a deductive mathematical framework offers tangible advantages over qualitative inductive models for the development of therapeutics of acutely injured biological systems.
Finite difference method for nonlinear analysis of structures

Abstract The paper describes a sustained line of development of methods of nonlinear analysis of structural elements and frames using the finite difference method. Analysis for the ultimate load of beam–columns consisting of more than one material was the initial application. Subsequently, the method was extended to composite frames. In recent years, the problem of nonlinear response of structures exposed to fire has also been successfully solved. In all cases, good correlation with experiments has been obtained for deflections, ultimate loads and strains within the cross-section. Apart from use in design, the related computer programs have been successfully used for developing design aids.
An Autoparametric, Electromagnetic Ambient Vibration Energy Harvester

Results are presented for the design and testing of an electromagnetic device to convert ambient mechanical vibration into electricity. The design of the device is based on an Lshaped beam structure which is tuned so that the first two (bending) natural frequencies have a (near) two-to-one ratio. This creates an internal resonance or autoparmetic condition that can result in a nonlinear dynamic response to a sinusoidal (base) displacement excitation over an extended frequency range. This is in contrast to single degree-of-freedom, linear-dynamics based vibration harvesters which convert energy in a very narrow frequency band. Representative measurements of displacement and power generated are presented. The problem of fatigue failure in the devices presents limits to their long-term operation.
Expert systems in public accounting: Current practice and future directions

Abstract The use of expert systems in rapidly pervading the field of accounting. All of the “big six” international accounting firms are either using expert systems in their practices or have systems under development. This paper begins with a taxonomy of the practice areas in which expert systems are now being used. Accounting expert systems currently in use at the big six accounting firms are described. Future directions and concerns for expert systems development by public accounting firms and the accounting profession are discussed.
Social construction of consumer risk assessments

Subjects in a laboratory experiment were randomly assigned to a condition wherein they were able to discuss potential benefits and risks of a new technology within a small group, or a condition wherein they evaluated the new technology as individuals only. Structural equation analysis indicated that perceived risk, when formed through contact with others, had a significantly different impact on risk response, as measured by intentions and behaviour, than perceived risk that was formed without contact with others. Incorporating a social process perspective and methodology into future research may provide improved understanding of the determinates of consumer risk perception and of the relationship between risk perception and risk response.
BET surface area distributions in polar stream sediments: Implications for silicate weathering in a cold-arid environment

Abstract BET surface area values are critical for quantifying the amount of potentially reactive sediments available for chemical weathering and ultimately, prediction of silicate weathering fluxes. BET surface area values of fine-grained ( 2 /g) of surface area values. Samples from one (Delta Stream, Taylor Valley) of the four sampled stream transects exhibit high values (up to 70.6 m 2 /g), which greatly exceed surface area values from three temperate proglacial streams (0.3–12.1 m 2 /g). Only Clark stream in Wright Valley exhibits a robust trend with distance, wherein surface area systematically decreases (and particle size increases) in the mud fraction downstream, interpreted to reflect rapid dissolution processes in the weathering environment. The remaining transects exhibit a range in variability in surface area distributions along the length of the channel, likely related to variations in eolian input to exposed channel beds, adjacent snow drifts, and to glacier surfaces, where dust is trapped and subsequently liberated during summer melting. Additionally, variations in stream discharge rate, which mobilizes sediment in pulses and influences water:rock ratios, the origin and nature of the underlying drift material, and the contribution of organic acids may play significant roles in the production and mobilization of high-surface area sediment. This study highlights the presence of sediments with high surface area in cold-based glacier systems, which influences models of chemical denudation rates and the impact of glacial systems on the global carbon cycle.
Cellular accumulation and DNA damage induced by liposomal cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum+ ++(II) in LoVo and LoVo/PDD cells

Liposomal cis-bis-neodecanato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum (11) (L-NDDP) is a liposome-entrapped platinum complex that has shown partial lack of cross-resistance with cisplatin in human colon carcinoma LoVo cells. We studied the drug accumulation and DNA damage induced by L-NDDP and cisplatin in LoVo and LoVo/PDD cells. Our results indicate that the accumulation of L-NDDP in LoVo cells is several-fold higher than that of cisplatin; that the accumulation of L-NDDP is similar in both cell lines, whereas that of cisplatin is reduced by 2- to 3-fold in LoVo/PDD cells; and that the transmembrane transport of cisplatin is highly dependent on temperature while that of L-NDDP is not. We also found that the cytotoxicity of both agents correlates with the extent of DNA-protein cross-link formation, and that DNA interstrand cross-linking does not appear to play a role in the cytotoxicity of L-NDDP, whereas it correlates with cisplatin cytotoxicity.
DYNAMICAL FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF SOFT TISSUES AS CHEMOELECTRIC POROUS MEDIA

An implicit mixed finite element formulation of hydrated soft biological tissues, based on the Simon model, is presented that incorporates the coupling of solid, fluid, and ion phases as well as the viscoelasticity of soft tissue in the dynamical process. The tissues are modeled as a multi-field viscoelastic body subject to finite deformation. In addition to a three-field (u-w-p) modeling of the porous matrix, the study also includes an ion phase for the ionic solution. After presenting the formulation, an efficient staggered solution scheme is presented: within each time step, the ion charge equation is solved first to give the distribution of the charge concentration, the charge induced osmotic water pressure is then employed in solving the u-w-p equations. The resulting u field becomes a forcing term to the solution of the ion charge concentration equations for iteration. This methodology and codes developed for the study have been verified with one-dimensional (1D) analytical solutions. A 2D chemical electric swelling model illustrates the important role of viscoelasticity. A brain tissue impact example demonstrates the potential application of the model.
Development of an artificial placenta: CO2 elimination and hemodynamics as a function of arteriovenous blood flow.

Abstract Background As a first step toward the development of an artificial placenta, we investigated the relationship between blood flow rate through an arteriovenous (A-V) circuit/oxygenator and both CO 2 elimination and hemodynamic stability in a small animal model. Methods Male New Zealand rabbits (N = 10) with an average weight of 2.7 ± 0.2 kg were anesthetized, paralyzed, and heparinized before carotid-jugular cannulation. A tracheostomy tube, an arterial catheter, and an aortic flow probe were placed. Arteriovenous flow through a custom-made, low-resistance, 0.5 m 2 hollow fiber oxygenator was initiated. Oxygen sweep flow was maintained at 300 mL/min, whereas blood flow was controlled at 10 to 40 mL/(kg min). Ventilation was discontinued during each blood flow rate trial. Hemodynamic and preoxygenator and postoxygenator blood gas data were recorded 30 minutes after initiation of each flow rate. CO 2 removal was the product of the oxygen sweep gas flow rate and the sweep flow exhaust CO 2 content as determined by capnometry. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance with post hoc Dunnett's t test. Results CO 2 removal increased and Paco 2 decreased as a function of A-V blood flow rate. Simultaneously, systolic blood pressure did not significantly change. CO 2 removal was effective at device flows greater than 20% of cardiac output. Conclusion In this rabbit model, A-V blood flows at 25% to 30% of cardiac output allow full gas exchange without hemodynamic compromise. This model raises the possibility of using A-V support and an artificial placenta in newborns with respiratory failure.
Sum frequency generation spectroscopic study of CO adsorption and dissociation on Pt(111) at high pressure and temperature

Abstract Surface vibrational spectroscopy using infrared–visible sum-frequency generation was applied to the study of CO adsorption on the Pt(111) surface under high CO pressure at various temperatures. The temperature variation of the spectrum is reversible below 623 K. At ∼673 K, the spectrum changes with time, showing that most CO is thermally desorbed from the surface, some dissociated leaving carbon on the surface, and the platinum surface is presumably modified. A roughened platinum surface is effectively annealed under high CO pressure at room temperature. CO co-adsorbed with carbon on the surface causes a downshift in the frequency of the CO stretch peak.
A class of singularly perturbed, nonlinear, fixed-endpoint control problems

Singular perturbation techniques are applied to a class of nonlinear, fixed-endpoint control problems to decompose the full-order problem into three lower-order problems, namely, the reduced problem and the left and right boundary-layer problems. The boundary-layer problems are linear-quadratic and, contrary to previous singular perturbation works, the reduced problem has a simple formulation. The solutions of these lower-order problems are combined to yield an approximate solution to the full nonlinear problem. Based on the properties of the lower-order problems, the full problem is shown to possess an asymptotic series solution.
Locally produced C5a binds to T cell–expressed C5aR to enhance effector T-cell expansion by limiting antigen-induced apoptosis

Our recent studies have shown that immune cell–produced complement provides costimulatory and survival signals to naive CD4+ T cells. Whether these signals are similarly required during effector cell expansion and what molecular pathways link locally produced complement to T-cell survival were not clarified. To address this, we stimulated monoclonal and polyclonal T cells in vitro and in vivo with antigen-presenting cells (APCs) deficient in the complement regulatory protein, decay accelerating factor (DAF), and/or the complement component C3. We found that T-cell expansion induced by DAF-deficient APCs was augmented with diminished T-cell apoptosis, whereas T-cell expansion induced by C3−/− APCs was reduced because of enhanced T-cell apoptosis. These effects were traced to locally produced C5a, which through binding to T cell–expressed C5aR, enhanced expression of Bcl-2 and prevented Fas up-regulation. The results show that C5aR signal transduction in T cells is important to allow optimal T-cell expansion, as well as to maintain naive cell viability, and does so by suppressing programmed cell death.
The evolving understanding of COPI vesicle formation

The coat protein I (COPI) complex is considered to be one of the best-characterized coat complexes. Studies on how it functions in vesicle formation have provided seminal contributions to the general paradigm in vesicular transport that the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) small GTPases are key regulators of coat complexes. Here, we discuss emerging evidence that suggests the need to revise some long-held views on how COPI vesicle formation is achieved.
Aminozuckersynthesen, IX Synthese der 2.6-Diamino-2.6-didesoxy-d-gulose unter Verwendung der Oxazolidon-Schutzgruppe

Ausgehend vom Benzyl-4-acetyl-6-mesyl-α-D-gulopyranosido-[2.3 : 4′.5′]-oxazolidon-(2′) wird uber die 6-Azido-Verbindung das Dihydrochlorid der 2.6-Diamino-2.6-didesoxy-D-gulose synthetisiert.
Enterococci in Young Cheddar Cheese

Abstract In a study of the low-temperature microflora of young Cheddar cheese, 1,117 microorganisms, representing 41 cheese samples, were isolated, characterized, and identified. A total of 578 isolates, 51.7% of the microbial flora, were enterococci. This group of microorganisms constituted the entire population recovered from ten of the samples and more than 70% of the population recovered from 11 other samples. Enterococci were found in all but five samples, occurring much more frequently than any other group of microorganisms. Of the 578 enterococcus isolates, 345 (60%) belonged in the Streptococcus durans group, 159 (27%) were identified as Streptococcus faecalis , 59 (10%) as S. faecalis var. liquefaciens , and 15 (3%) as S. faecalis var. zymogenes . Computed numbers of enterococci ranged from 54×10 3 /gram in one sample, having an agar plate count at 7.2C of 45×10 4 /gram, to 49×10 6 /gram in another sample having an agar plate count of 49×10 6 /gram. The cheese sample containing the highest agar plate count, 100×10 6 /gram, had a computed enterococcus count of 210×10 6 /gram.
Epstein-Barr viral load measurement as a marker of EBV-related disease

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a wide variety of benign and neoplastic diseases. EBV viral load assays that may prove useful in rapid assessment of disease status are now available. The two most common approaches to viral load measurement are quantitative, competitive PCR, and real-time PCR. Laboratory studies have shown that these assays are sensitive and specific for measuring EBV DNA in blood samples. Clinical investigations suggest a role for viral load measurement in predicting and monitoring EBV-associated tumors, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, Hodgkin's disease, and AIDS-related lymphoma. These new laboratory tools show promise in improving clinical management of affected patients.
Anterior pelvic osteotomy. A new operative technique facilitating primary bladder exstrophy closure.

Summary— Posterior iliac osteotomy is a recognised method employed to facilitate and support anterior abdominal wall closure in patients with bladder exstrophy, but it adds considerably to the already lengthy procedure of bladder exstrophy surgery. Anterior pelvic osteotomy of the superior ramus of the pubic bone was developed to overcome this problem and to achieve a stable anterior pelvic ring with tension-free soft tissue closure. It can easily be performed after completing the bladder closure, without the need to turn the patient.
Capillary electrophoresis-based immunoassay for insulin antibodies with near-infrared laser induced fluorescence detection

A noncompetitive capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based immunoassay with near-infrared laser induced fluorescence detection (NIR-LIF) for insulin antibodies has been developed. In the assay, insulin was derivatized with a NIR fluorescent dye (NN382; LI-COR). Insulin antibodies were detected via the formation of an immunocomplex. Parameters affecting the separation such as pH, voltage and ionic strength were investigated. Furthermore, it was found that increasing the ramp time of the applied voltage improved the detection limit of the assay by an order of magnitude. The detection limit of the assay was 1.1 nM.
Root nature of the transverse electric characteristic equation for a dissipative sphere

Natural frequencies of the transverse electric (TE) modes of a dissipative sphere with Debye-type permittivity are evaluated numerically for different relaxation times. Results provided strong evidence for the influence of dielectric dispersion and dissipation on the resonant behavior. It is show that the TE characteristic equations of the lossless spheres have only simple roots. Based on numerical studies on the dissipative sphere, it is deduced that if a higher-order root should occur, it is not an intrinsic feature of the problem, but merely a consequence of the choice of the numerical values for the physical parameters. From the continuity of the scattering coefficients on the branch cut associated with the square root of the complex permittivity, it is concluded that the branch cut does not contribute to the transient scattered field. It is shown that the branch points do not give rise to extra poles. >
Phase-only beam broadening in large transmit arrays using complex-weight gradient descent

Day recently obtained phase-only element weights for a large transmit array of arbitrary geometry by optimizing complex weights using an objective function that penalized amplitude variation. He used gradient descent modified with a classic SVD technique to create point and sector nulls as desired. Here Day's approach is extended to allow for main-beam broadening as might be needed to illuminate multiple receive beams. This is done by adding a second objective term, one penalizing variation in array-factor amplitude across a grid of beamspace points covering the desired broad main beam. The tension between the two objective terms turns out to be challenging to manage, and at this preliminary stage of algorithm development, parameter scheduling across a sequence of stages of the optimization is required to obtain good solutions.
Famous or infamous? The influence of celebrity status and race on perceptions of responsibility for rape

Although an extensive literature has explored the effects of race, socioeconomic status, and attractiveness on perceptions of rape defendants, few studies have considered the influence of celebrity status (and its potential interaction with race) on people's perceptions of events related to rape. As part of a 2 x 2 between-subjects design, 71 undergraduates (32 men, 39 women) read a fictitious newspaper account of an alleged rape that varied the defendant's race (Black or White) and celebrity status (famous or nonfamous), and they were then asked to make judgments in response to the event. As predicted, being a celebrity had distinct advantages for White defendants, whereas for Black defendants, being a celebrity was a liability. This apparent backlash against Black celebrities is consistent with aversive racism theory (Gaertner & Dovidio, 1986), which proposes that although most people today are not openly racist, a subtle form of prejudice appears when people feel safe to express it and when they can ju...
Estimating Waterfowl Densities in a Flooded Forest: A Comparison of Methods

Abstract During winter, aerial surveys are used to estimate densities of ducks that occupy open-water habitats. However, such surveys are ineffective for sampling forest-dwelling species, especially Aix sponsa (Wood Ducks), Anas platyrhynchos (Mallards), and Lophodytes cucullatus (Hooded Mergansers). We evaluated fixed-radius plot (FRP) and Reynolds and Goodrum variable-radius plot (VRP) methods for estimating waterfowl densities in a flooded hardwood bottomland. We constructed 15 elevated blinds on the Angelina River flood plain in eastern Texas and established a 1-ha FRP around each blind; color-coded markers were placed at fixed intervals from each blind. Observers surveyed waterfowl from blinds for 21 mornings during January–March, 1990. For FRPs, species, sex, and time a bird entered and exited the plot were recorded. For VRPs, similar data and estimated observer-to-bird distance were recorded. Data were arranged in a randomized block design and tested using 1-way analyses of variances. Wood Ducks, M...
Improvement of Surface Roughness on ABS 400 Polymer Using Design of Experiments (DOE)

The objective of this research was to find the best combination of factor levels that minimized the surface roughness of prototyped samples from Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Two sets of experiments were conducted for that purpose; a two-level three-factor full factorial experiment and a three-level two-factor full factorial experiment. The parameters chosen for this research were model temperature, layer thickness and part fill style. The results obtained from both experiments were compared and analyzed in order to determine the best combination of factors that minimized the surface roughness of the specimens. The significant factors, their interactions and the optimum setting are presented in this paper
Adverse reactions to isosulfan blue during selective sentinel lymph node dissection in melanoma.

Background: Selective sentinel lymph node (SLN) dissection can spare about 80% of patients with primary melanoma from radical lymph node dissection. This procedure identifies the SLN either visually by injecting isosulfan blue dye around the primary melanoma site or by handheld gamma probe after radiocolloid injection. Methods: During selective SLN mapping, 1 to 5 ml of isosulfan blue was injected intradermally around the primary melanoma. From November 1993, to August 1998, 406 patients underwent intraoperative lymphatic mapping with the use of both isosulfan blue and radiocolloid injection. Three cases of selective SLN dissection, in which adverse reactions to isosulfan blue occurred, were reviewed. Results: We report three cases of anaphylaxis after intradermal injection with isosulfan blue of 406 patients who underwent intraoperative lymphatic mapping by using the procedure as described above. The three cases we report vary in severity from treatable hypotension with urticaria and erythema to severe cardiovascular collapse with or without bronchospasm or urticaria. Conclusions: In our series, the incidence of anaphylaxis to isosulfan blue was approximately 1%. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not recognized and treated rapidly. Operating room personnel who participate in intraoperative lymphatic mapping where isosulfan blue is used must be aware of the potential consequences and be prepared to treat anaphylaxis.
Clinical and financial impact of removing creatine kinase-MB from the routine testing menu in the emergency setting.

Abstract Context Cardiac troponins T and I have replaced creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) as the criterion standard for diagnosing myocardial injury. However, many laboratories still routinely perform a high volume of CK-MB testing in conjunction with troponin. Purpose The purpose of this study is to study the clinical and financial impact of removing CK-MB from the routine emergency department (ED) test menu at a large academic medical center. Methods Creatine kinase-MB was removed from ED ordering templates and laboratory requisitions (ie, intervention), although the test could still be manually ordered. Data for creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, and troponin T (TnT) specimens ordered during a 12-month period (6 months preintervention and 6 months postintervention) (n = 14 571) was downloaded from our laboratory information system. All specimens with (1) normal TnT (ie, 6.6 ng/mL), and (3) elevated CK-MB index (ie, > 5) were considered discrepant and independently reviewed by 2 ED clinicians for the presence of an acute coronary syndrome and for documentation of final diagnosis. Creatine kinase, CK-MB, and TnT ED volumes preintervention and postintervention were analyzed to assess laboratory cost savings. Results Of the 6444 cases included in the analysis, only 17 were discrepant. Of all 17 cases, no patients were diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. After removing CK-MB from the templates and requisitions, CK-MB and CK volumes decreased by 80% and 76%, respectively, translating to annual reagent cost savings of approximately $47 000. Conclusions Creatine kinase-MB can be removed from the routine ED test menu without adversely affecting patient care. In addition, substantial cost savings can be achieved by reducing unnecessary CK-MB testing and associated CK orders.
Progressive Care Units: Different but the Same

Progressive care units are increasingly common in hospitals in the United States. These units are often used to bridge the gap between intensive care units and medical-surgical units, with the goal of providing cost-effective, high-quality, safe care. Although progressive care units today may seem to provide care for a wide variety of patients, these patients do share certain typical features: they require a high intensity of nursing care and/or a high level of surveillance. Nurses working in progressive care units all must have certain basic competencies. Those core competencies have been identified and should form the basis for education and training of progressive care nurses.
The Recent National Lipid Association Recommendations: How Do They Compare to Other Established Dyslipidemia Guidelines?

The National Lipid Association (NLA) recently released recommendations for the treatment of dyslipidemias. These recommendations have commonalities and differences with those of other major societies with respect to risk assessment, lifestyle therapy, targets of therapy, and the use of non-statin agents. In this review, we compare the basic elements of the guidelines from each major society to provide clinicians with a comprehensive document reviewing the key principles of each.
Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services (DS 285)

The controversial gambling decision of the Appellate Body is mostly important because of examination of the nature of Access under Article XVI GATS, the relationship of that Article to Articles XIV and XVII GATS, and the parallels with Articles III, XI, and XX GATT. Notably, the Appellate Body took the position that an apparant internal regulatory measure, which, nonetheless, had equivalent effect to a zero quota, violated Article XVI GATS. A similar measure in the area of goods would have been examined under Article III GATT and require a showing of discrimination. The facts of the case would have allowed the decision to be based on Article XVII GATS. Most of this paper deals with this issue. We agree with this interpretation of Article XVI by the Appellate Body but are critical of its hermeneutics, suffering from a textual fetish and a policy phobia. Some other elements in the decision are also examined critically.
Assessing Institutional Development: The Legal Framework That Shapes Public Institutions

This paper provides an introduction to the law of public institutions and the way that the law shapes institutions that provide goods and services to the public. (Institutions intended primarily to serve political, legislative or judicial functions are not discussed.) This introduction is intended to help evaluators distinguish basic institutional types and understand how institutional choices can affect performance, capacity, accountability, and potential life cycles. Evaluators can then apply the conceptual framework of the law of public institutions to their diagnoses of the source of institutional shortcomings and the prescription of remedies. The second section of the paper outlines the legal framework that helps to determine the quality of public institutions. It distinguishes between (1) agencies of government, including departments and government enterprises, and (2) private instrumentalities of government—that is, private entities that serve public purposes under the law. The law governing each of these types of institution contrasts with the legal framework that applies to (3) private companies that serve private goals. The paper's third section reviews some of the ways that the legal
Role of obesity in GORD-related disorders

Obesity satisfies several criteria for a causal association with GORD and its complications including generally consistent association and some dose-response relationship. Abdominal obesity seems to explain a considerable part of this association operating mostly by increasing intragastric pressure, gastroesophageal gradient, TLOSR, and oesophageal acid exposure. Additional humoral mechanisms may be important in Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma but this remains poorly examined. Maintaining normal weight may reduce the likelihood of developing GORD and its potential complications.
Brake Squeal Analysis by Finite Elements

An approximate analysis method for brake squeal is presented. Using MSC/NASTRAN, a geometric nonlinear solution is run using a friction stiffness matrix to model the contact between the pad and rotor. The friction coefficient can be pressure dependent. Next, linearised complex modes are found where the interface is set in a slip condition. Since the entire interface is set sliding, it produces the maximum friction work possible during the vibration. It is a conservative measure for stability evaluation. An averaged friction coefficient is measured and used during squeal. Dynamically unstable modes are found during squeal. They are due to friction coupling of neighbouring modes. When these modes are decoupled, they are stabilised and squeal is eliminated. Good correlation with experimental results is shown. It will be shown that the complex modes base-line solution is insensitive to the type of variations in pressure and velocity that occur in a test schedule. This is due to the conservative nature of the approximation. Convective mass effects have not been included.
Hatchery performance of early benthic juvenile American lobsters (Homarus americanus) fed enriched frozen adult Artemia diets

One of the main factors hindering aquaculture production of American lobsters (Homarus americanus) is the need for a cost-effective and nutritionally sound diet. Live Artemia results in good growth, but is expensive and is a constant source of contamination. Frozen Artemia, although lower in cost, generally results in decreased survivorship and growth relative to live Artemia. The recent advent and mass production of enriched frozen Artemia products may provide for a cost-effective and nutritionally complete food source for culturing American lobsters. Here, commercially available frozen adult Artemia enriched with either n-3 fatty acids, or Spirulina was fed to juvenile American lobsters, and their growth and survivorship for three months was compared with that of animals fed unenriched frozen adult Artemia. Both enriched Artemia products produced survivorship superior to that for animals fed unenriched Artemia. Results for growth were equivocal although animals fed the Spirulina-enriched Artemia had the greatest condition factor. Although more costly by the end of the experiment, enriched diets were more economically efficient than unenriched Artemia. This research demonstrates that enriched feedstuffs are cost-effective over longer time intervals, and benefits may continue beyond the hatchery-rearing phase. Enriched diets may also yield animals with a better condition factor, which may further influence their survivorship when released to the wild in enhancement programmes.
Design considerations for battery-powered electronics

In this paper, we consider the problem of maximizing the battery life (or duration of service) in battery-powered CMOS circuits. We first show that the battery efficiency (or utilization factor) decreases as the average discharge current from the battery increases. The implication is that the battery life is a super-linear function of the average discharge current. Next we show that even when the average discharge current remains the same, different discharge current profiles (distributions) may result in very different battery lifetimes. In particular, the maximum battery life is achieved when the variance of the discharge current distribution is minimized. Analytical derivations and experimental results underline the importance of the correct modeling of the battery-hardware system as a whole and provide a more accurate basis (i.e., the battery discharge times delay product) for comparing various low power optimization methodologies and techniques targeted toward battery-powered electronics. Finally, we calculate the optimal value of V/sub dd/ for a battery-powered VLSI circuit so as to minimize the product of the battery discharge times the circuit delay.
Similarity of the relaxation modulus of polydisperse polymers

A similarity rule due to Markovitz is used for the correlation of the relaxation modulus for different polymeric materials. This rule has long been employed implicitly in the empirical shifting rules for the reduction to common curves of viscoelastic data measured on the same polymer over a range of temperatures and concentrations. It is shown here for the rubbery regime of polydisperse polymers that when relaxation moduli are scaled with the steady-state compliance and the time with the mean relaxation time, data for a variety of amorphous polymeric materials tend to plot on a common curve. This suggests that the dimensionless rubber modulus is, to first order, a common function of dimensionless time for materials which include whole polymers and polymer solutions, the effects of temperature and concentration being automatically incorporated into the two scaling parameters. For materials with sufficient polydispersity the correlation appears to be valid over a wide range of the available experimental data. These amorphous materials appear to share only one feature, flexible molecules with broadly distributed molecular weights. For narrowly dispersed polymers the modulus in the terminal zone is also correlated according to the above rule, but the influence of other parameters appears as the transition to the glassy regime is approached. An additional application of the similarity rule allows the relaxation modulus computed from molecular dynamics simulations of idealized polymers to be compared with experimental moduli for real materials even though the characteristic times for these systems differ by more than ten orders of magnitude.
Effect of $\hbox{SiN}_{x}$ Gate Dielectric Deposition Power and Temperature on a-Si:H TFT Stability

The stability of thin-film transistors (TFTs) of hydrogenated amorphous-silicon (a-Si:H) against gate-bias stress is improved by raising the deposition power and temperature of the silicon nitride gate dielectric. We studied the effects of power density between 22 and 110 mW/cm2 and temperature between 150degC and 300degC . The time needed to shift the threshold voltage by 2 V varies by a factor of 12 between low power and low temperature, and high power and high temperature. These results highlight the importance of fabricating a-Si:H TFTs on flexible plastic with the SiNx gate dielectric deposited at the highest possible power and temperature.
Inhibition of Src expression/activity delays development of metastases in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma

METHODS: Src expression in L3.6pl human pancreatic tumor cells was reduced by stable expression of a plasmid encoding siRNA to c-Src. Proliferation in vitro was measured by MTT assay; cytokines in culture supernatants were assayed by ELISA. Tumor growth was assessed 30 days following implantation of 1x106 cells in the pancreas of nude mice. BMS-354825,* a novel, oral multi-targeted kinase inhibitor that targets Src, was utilized (15mg/kg/day, oral gavage) to assess the impact of reducing Src on in vivo growth. Signaling molecules in cultured cells were examined by Western blot; in mouse tumor tissue by Immunohistochemistry and Western blots. *The small molecule inihibitor to a non-tyrosine protein kinase drug was provided for investigational purposes by Bristol-Meyers Squibb.
GLC‐MS Analysis of Fatty Acids From Five Black Walnut Cultivars

The lipids from kernels of five black walnut cultivars were extracted by solvent extraction and the fatty acids were analyzed as their methyl esters by GLC-MS analyses. Twenty-one fatty acids were identified in each cultivar. Five acids, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic, were present in quantities greater than 1% of total lipids present. Quantities of the individual fatty acids varied significantly among cultivars (P > 0.05) except for palmitic. Linoleic was the predominant fatty acid in all cultivars. Oleic and linoleic comprised greater than 85% of the lipids present in the walnut kernels.
Totalsynthese des Vancomycin-Aglycons – Teil 1: Synthese der Aminosäuren 4–7 und Aufbau des AB-COD-Ringgerüsts

Eine Triazeneinheit als Schlusselstruktur fur die Synthese komplexer Biarylether und eine Suzuki-Kupplung waren die wesentlichen Merkmale beim Aufbau der Vorstufe 1 des Aglycons von Vancomycin, die bereits das vollstandige Grundgerust der Zielverbindung enthalt; dabei wurde die Triazen-Methode im Zuge dieser Synthese entwickelt. Die Abspaltung der Triazeneinheit vom D-Ring und die Entfernung der ubrigen Schutzgruppen fuhrten dann zum Aglycon von Vancomycin. Diese Strategie sollte sich auch erfolgreich fur die Synthese anderer naturlich vorkommender Glycopetid-Antibiotika einsetzen lassen und bietet Moglichkeiten fur den Aufbau kombinatorischer Bibliotheken von Verbindungen der Vancomycin-Familie fur biologische Studien.
Specific repression of the yeast silent mating locus HMR by an adjacent telomere.

Abstract The yeast silent mating loci HML and HMR are located at opposite ends of chromosome III adjacent to the telomeres. Mutations in the N terminus of histone H4 have been previously found to derepress the yeast silent mating locus HML to a much greater extent than HMR. Although differences in the a and alpha mating-type regulatory genes and in the cis-acting silencer elements do not appear to strongly influence the level of derepression at HMR, we have found that the differential between the two silent cassettes is largely due to the position of the HMR cassette relative to the telomere on chromosome III. While HML is derepressed to roughly the same extent by mutations in histone H4 regardless of its chromosomal location, HMR is affected to different extends depending upon its chromosomal positioning. We have found that HMR is more severely derepressed by histone H4 mutations when positioned far from the telomere (cdc14 locus on chromosome VI) but is only minimally affected by the same mutations when integrated immediately adjacent to another telomere (ADH4 locus on chromosome VII). These data indicate that the degree of silencing at HMR is regulated in part by its neighboring telomere over a distance of at least 23 kb and that this form of regulation is unique for HMR and not present at HML. These data also indicate that histone H4 plays an important role in regulating the silenced state at both HML and HMR.
Bacterioplankton and Phytoplankton Populations in a Rapidly-Flushed Eutrophic Reservoir

Densities of bacterioplankton and phytoplankton were studied in relation to water retention time, temperature, nutrient concentrations, and other variables in a eutrophic montane reservoir (Bluestone Lake, West Virginia, U.S.A.). Weak temperature stratification occurred occasionally during the summer, but the reservoir did not become anaerobic. Water retention times were short (3.9 to 9.7 days between June and December), and differences in flushing rate within that range were important in regulating phytoplankton populations. Green algae and planktonic diatoms were dominant in summer during periods when water residence times were shorter. The occurrence of blue-green algal blooms in fall was related to increased water residence times. Retention time was highly correlated with the percent composition of phytoplankton represented by Anabaena spp. and Microcystis sp. (r=0.898, p<0.001). Advective effects limited phytoplankton biomass when retention time was shortest, but were not as important when retention times were longer. Peaks in bacterial densities often coincided with decreases in viable algal cell densities, so bacterioplankton were less directly related to retention time.