cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of mammalian species richness in relation to temperature, productivity, and variance in elevation

In Texas, the relationship between environmental factors and species richness of all mammals, bats, rodents, and carnivores was investigated by multiple-regression methods. Variance in elevation was a strong, positive predictor of species richness for all mammals, bats (Chiroptera), and rodents (Rodentia). It was a significant but weak predictor for carnivores (Carnivora). Productivity had significant, negative regression coefficients for all mammals, bats, and rodents. Productivity was positive, significant, and relatively stronger for carnivores. Species richness of all mammals, rodents, and carnivores may follow a hump-shaped curve along a gradient of increasing environmental productivity. Mean-annual temperature range was significant with a negative sign for carnivores and with a positive sign for rodents. Mean intermonthly variability of precipitation had a positive and significant relationship to carnivores, but significant, negative coefficients for bats and rodents. Variation in all mammals and carnivore species richness, and in all mammals and bat richness, was significant, with positive signs, for maximum and minimum temperatures, of record, respectively. All mammals, bat, and rodent richness varied significantly, with negative signs, with the coefficient of variation of mean January temperature. Overall, the climatic-variability indices exhibited only weak control over density of mammalian species. With the exception of productivity their influence on current ecological hypotheses of species richness was complex. Statistical support, contradiction, and statistical lack of significance depended upon the particular combination of environmental factors and taxa under consideration. Results suggest that current ecological hypotheses of species richness often function in directions not concordant with predictions and are not satisfactory as general explanations of biotic richness for these vertebrate groups.
Quality of life after intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis

Aims: This study assessed the functional status and quality of life (QOL) of patients with disseminated peritoneal cancer (DPC) before and after cytoreductive surgery plus intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC).Methods: Patients with confirmed or suspected diagnosis of gastro-intestinal cancer including stomach, pancreas, hepatobiliary and colorectal cancer with peritoneal implants were enrolled in the study. Sixty-four patients completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colon (FACT-C) scale and several other instruments at baseline. Forty-eight, 40, 39 and 31 patients were assessed at approximately 2 weeks post-surgery, and 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. Results: There was a significant overall effect on the physical (P=0.0025), emotional (P<0.0001) and functional well-being (P=0.0044) subscales and the FACT-C (P=0.0076). Physical and functional well-being scores decreased at post-surgery follow-up and increased relative to baseline at 3, 6 and 12 months. Nineteen per cent, 46%, 59% and 74% of patients resumed greater than 50% of their normal activities post-operatively at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. A percentage of patients reported depressive symptoms: baseline (28%), post-operatively (33%), 3 months (23%), 6 months (21%) and 12 months (29%). Conclusions: Cytoreductive surgery followed by IPHC was well tolerated. Most patients returned to baseline or better levels of functioning within 3 months post-treatment.
The 6-thioguanine/5-methyl-2-pyrimidinone base pair

As part of a program to determine the physical possibility of expanding the number of types of base pairs in DNA, the pairing stabilities of the analog bases 6-thioguanine (GS) and 5-methyl-2-pyrimidinone (TH) in oligodeoxynucleotides were measured. Procedures were developed to synthesize oligodeoxynucleotides with the analog bases. The sequences of the synthesized oligomers were T-C-G-A-C-G-G-X-Y-C-C-G. An enzymatic procedure was developed to measure relative association constants of oligomer pairs with the self complementary reference oligomer, X = A and Y = T, K(T/A) = K. The results were K(C/G) = (5 +/- .5)K, K(TH/GS) = K/(1 +/- .5), K(T/G) = K/(9 +/- 3), K(TH/G) = K/(25 +/- 5), K(C/GS) less than K/30, K(TH/A) less than K/40, K(T/GS) less than K/40, K(C/A) less than K/40. The results with the standard bases are consistent with other methods of measurement. The stability of the base pair GS/TH is approximately the same as the standard base pair A/T.
Computation of steady-state performance of an electronically commutated motor

The steady-state performance of round rotor electronically commutated motors driven by a voltage source inverter is investigated. The solution is given for both 120 degrees and 180 degrees modes of inverter operation, with provisions to select the advance firing angle. In the case of discontinuous operation, the commutation angle is calculated and constitutes one of the outputs of the program rather than an input. All equations necessary to determine the steady-state solution are given explicitly in terms of machine parameters, ready for computer implementation. This direct simulation technique provides a convenient and economical means of readily evaluating the effects of system parameters and modes of operation upon the performance of this class of electronically commutated motors. >
Tidal irrigation as treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a sham-controlled, randomized, double-blinded evaluation.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of tidal irrigation (TI) in comparison with a well-matched sham irrigation (SI) procedure as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods One hundred eighty subjects with knee OA were randomized to receive TI or SI, with clinical followup over the ensuing 12 months. The primary outcomes of interest were change in pain and function, as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Subjects and the nurse assessor were blinded, and success of blinding was assessed. Results Although the study groups were otherwise comparable, the baseline WOMAC pain and physical functioning scores were higher (worse) in the SI group. After adjustment for baseline, there were no differences between the effects of SI and TI. Blinding was successful, with ∼90% of SI and TI subjects stating that they had received the TI procedure. Conclusion Most, if not all, of the effect of TI appears to be attributable to a “placebo response.”
Formation of Ordered Multilayers from Polyoxometalates and Silver on Electrode Surfaces

We show that multilayers of a common polyoxometalatesilicotungstic anion (STA), α-SiW12O404-are formed on a Ag electrode surface or other electrode surfaces in the presence of Ag+ poised in the cathodic potential region. This effect is not observed on either Au surfaces or C surfaces absent Ag+. Surface X-ray scattering, quartz crystal microbalance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy measurements show that the silicotungstic acid apparently stabilizes the Ag+ cation, which electrostatically assembles with the STA anion or the one-electron reduced species to form ordered multilayers. In contrast to other electrostatically assembled multilayer systems, those formed here exhibit considerable order.
Conclusions about the effects on fertilization of time from aspiration to incubation and blood in the aspirate depend on the use of appropriate statistical techniques

Abstract Objective To examine the effects of exposure to blood and time from aspiration to incubation on oocyte fertilization. Design Retrospective, cohort study. Setting Hospital-based IVF practice. Patient(s) Eighty-two women undergoing IVF procedures. Intervention(s) Patients received a standard gonadotropin protocol or a microdose flare protocol. Main outcomes measure(s) Logistic regression was used to estimate odds of nonfertilization, adjusting for maternal age, time from aspiration to incubation, presence of blood in the aspirate, and a time-by-blood interaction. Two statistical methods were used: an analysis that assumed oocytes were independent and an analysis that adjusted for the lack of independence of oocytes within mothers (i.e., cluster-correlated data). Result(s) The 82 women contributed 1,093 oocytes. In a model with blood dicotomized as present or absent, and with time elapsed and maternal age categorized into quartiles, both time and maternal age were statistically significant when conventional logistic regression was used. In analyses that accounted for clustering within mother, retrieval-to-incubation times more than 4 minutes were associated with an increased risk of nonfertilization, but age and blood were not; there was no evidence of an interaction between time elapsed and blood. Conclusion(s) If appropriate statistics are applied, retrieval-to-incubation times more than 4 minutes are associated with increased risk of nonfertilization.
Plasminogen activator secretion by established lines of human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro

Ten human ovarian carcinoma cell lines (A121, A121[as], Caov-3, Caov-4, NIH:OVCAR-3, OVCA 420, OVCA 429, OVCA 432, OVCA 433, and SK-OV-3) were examined for secretion of plasminogen activators (PAs) using a chromogenic PA assay and SDS-PAGE zymography. PA activity was detected in conditioned media from all 10 cell lines. PA levels secreted by the 10 individual lines in a 24-hr period spanned a large range, with the extremes being 8 and 5244 milliPloug units (mPU)/10(6) cells for SK-OV-3 and OVCA 420 cells, respectively. Secreted PAs were identified as urokinase (UK)-like or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-like using dual criteria of comigration with UK or tPA standards on SDS-PAGE zymography and fibrin-dependence characteristics. Using both criteria, all 10 cell types produced UK-like activity, while tPA-like activity was produced by only 5 of the lines: A121[as], Caov-3, NIH:OVCAR-3, OVCA 429, and OVCA 433. Two additional cell lines produced PA activities that were tPA-like if judged by only one of the two criteria. Thus, Caov-4 cells produced a PA which comigrated with tPA, yet displayed no fibrin-dependent characteristics. Conversely, SK-OV-3 cells produced a fibrin-dependent PA, yet a band comigrating with tPA was not seen on SDS-PAGE zymography. Two lines derived from primary and ascitic sites from the same patient (A121 and A121[as], respectively) produced PAs with markedly different characteristics. Thus, PA produced by A121 cells was 100% UK-like, while that produced by A121[as] cells was greater than 90% tPA-like. Also, the total PA activity secreted by A121 cells was four times that secreted by A121[as] cells. In addition to bands comigrating with UK or tPA, all of the cell lines except Caov-3 and NIH:OVCAR-3 displayed higher molecular weight PA activities suggestive of the SDS-stable complexes between PAs and PA inhibitors reported in other cell types. While our results indicate that PA production may be a general characteristic of ovarian carcinoma cells in culture, individual patterns of UK and tPA production appear to be complex and vary from cell line to cell line. The precise characteristics of PA production in a given cell line may therefore depend on currently unidentified characteristics of the original tumor.
Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Nontraditional Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease

Although a plethora of data support the link between male erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD), no studies specifically address a link between female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and CVD, which is the number one cause of death in women. To explore the hypothesis that FSD, specifically arousal or orgasmic disorders of a vascular etiology, may predict CVD, we examined the literature. All PubMed articles through February 2008 that reported on vascular sexual dysfunction and CVD were reviewed. Search terms included “endothelial dysfunction” and “sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.” The review showed the following: 1) Erectile dysfunction due to endothelial dysfunction predicts CVD in men. 2) Preeclampsia, polycystic ovary syndrome, and surgical menopause (with endothelial dysfunction and the underlying pathophysiology) serve as nontraditional risk factors in predicting CVD in women. 3) Atherosclerosis, hypertension, and the metabolic syndrome via endothelial dysfunction cause arousal and orgasmic disorders in women. These results point to the reasonable conclusion that FSD, specifically arousal and orgasmic disorders related to endothelial dysfunction, is a nontraditional risk factor for CVD.
Detection of diastolic atrioventricular valvular regurgitation by pulsed Doppler echocardiography and its association with complete heart block

Abstract The cineangiographic and hemodynamic presence of diastolic mitral regurgitation has been described in patients with complete heart block, aortic valvular regurgitation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and in patients with long diastolic filling periods in atrial fibrillation. 1–3 However, because of its relatively low velocity, diastolic mitral regurgitation may be difficult to diagnose noninvasively. Pulsed Doppler echocardiography provides noninvasive evaluation of blood flow through cardiac valves and has been shown to be sensitive in the detection of valvular regurgitation. 4,5 We studied 8 consecutive, nonselected patients with complete heart block over a 6-month period, and all had Doppler evidence of diastolic mitral or tricuspid regurgitation.
CANADA'S FUTURE ROLE IN THE WORLD WHEAT MARKET*

Many indicators point to increasing surpluses in the world wheat market. This study presents evidence of this trend by examining the present and projected 1975 levels of import demand and export supply for wheat in the major wheat importing and exporting countries. Domestic policies which directly or indirectly affect the level of wheat trade are also taken into account. The implications for Canada resulting from these developments are indicated in terms of its anticipated level of exports, required wheat acreage adjustments and indirect effects to other sectors of the Canadian economy. LA PARTICIPATION DU CANADA SUR LE MARCHE INTERNATIONAL DU BLE - Plusieurs changements indiquent une augmentation dans le surplus de ble sur le marche international. Cette etude presente une indication de cette tendance en examinant le nrveau actuel et celui de 1975 de la demande d'importation et l'offre d'exportations dans les principaux pays qui importent et exponent le ble. La politique interieure qui touche directement ou indirectement le commerce du ble est aussi consideree. L'implication du Canada est exprimee en fonction du niveau d'exportation anticipe, un ajustement dans la superfine et l'influence apportee aux autres secteurs de l'economie canadienne.
Neuroimaging and clinical features in type II (late-onset) Alexander disease

Objective: To describe the imaging and clinical features in type II (late-onset) Alexander disease (AxD). Methods: We retrospectively identified all cases of type II AxD evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester from January 1996 to February 2012. Clinical and neuroimaging data abstracted from the record included age at onset of symptoms, age at diagnosis, first symptom, neurologic symptoms, physical/neurologic findings on examination, genetic testing and/or biopsy (if performed), and MRI findings. Results: Thirteen patients with type II AxD were identified. Median age at onset was 38 years (range: 12–63). Five patients were female. Eleven of 13 patients had atrophy of the medulla while all 13 had medullary T2 hyperintensity. In 7 patients, these brainstem regions showed patchy enhancement. Five subjects had T2 signal change in the middle cerebellar peduncle, with associated contrast enhancement in 4 subjects. Eleven of 12 patients with T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging had pial FLAIR signal change in the medulla. Nine of 12 patients with spinal cord imaging had cord atrophy, and 3 of 9 of these evaluated with contrast had cervical cord enhancement. Conclusions: Our study confirms prior reports of atrophy and signal change of the medulla and spinal cord in late-onset AxD. We expand on previous imaging studies by identifying middle cerebellar peduncle and pial FLAIR signal changes as important diagnostic clues. Variable patchy enhancement may occur in regions of T2 hyperintensity, leading to diagnostic uncertainty. In addition, we demonstrate that previously emphasized clinical features such as palatal tremor may not be common. We affirm that age at onset predicts clinical phenotype and imaging findings.
AEM analyses of SRL 131 glass altered as a function of SA/V

The goal of the present study was to consider the effects of SVT (svt=surface area-to-volume ratio multiplied by reaction time) scaling on glass/water reactions, particularly with respect to characterizing the alteration layer formed at different values of SVT. Preliminary testing indicated that a Na-rich borosilicate glass, SRL 131, would achieve significant reaction in a relatively short period of time. While 131 glass is not expected to be produced at the defense waste processing facility (DWPF) its composition falls in the range for consideration. The results presented here include a comparison of the solution concentrations and detailed descriptions of the alteration layers that formed, analyzed using Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM). The examination of solution concentrations and solids changes simultaneously allows a more complete assessment of the effects of surface area to volume ratio (SA/V) on glass reaction. 20 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Comment on the equivalence between fracton/spectral dimensionality, and the dimensionality of recurrence

The “fracton/spectral dimensionality” D fracton is an important characteristic of fractal processes. Until now, it has not been interpreted as the fractal dimensionality of any well-defined fractal set, and it has been claimed that D fracton is more “intrinsic” than “the” fractal dimensionality. In fact, D fractol, is best understood as an originaldynamical reinterpretation of a well-defined previously knownkinetic dimensionality: D fracton 's twice the fractal codimensionality of the time instants when a fractal process returns to a point it had previously visited.
Neuronal and synaptic organization of the normal dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the squirrel monkey, Saimiri sciureus.

The normal cellular architecture and synaptic organization of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of Saimiri sciureus has been studied with light and electron microscopic techniques. Golgi preparations reveal at least four types of neurons: type I and II are large and medium-sized cells; type II cells have grape-like dendritic protrusions, while type I cells do not. Type III small neurons have very long dendrites that cross laminar borders freely; and type IV very small neurons resemble glial cells. The last type may correspond to small, spindle-shaped or round, neurons which show somato-dendritic synapses under the electron microscope. Types I and II neurons are regarded as geniculocortical relay cells. Types III and IV are good candidates for interneurons. A serial dorsal to ventral interlaminar dendritic overlap is noted throughout the LGN. With the electron microscope, several types of axonal profiles can be seen: large axons with round vesicles (RL's), small axons with round vesicles (RS's), and intermediate axons with flattened or pleomorphic vesicles (F's). The RL's are retinal terminals; some of the RS's are corticogeniculate fibers; while the F's are believed to be intrageniculate in origin. The F type is then subdivided into F1 and F2; F1 being darker and containing more evenly dispersed synaptic vesicles than F2. There is also a distinct class of presynaptic dendrites, Fd, which contains pleomorphic vesicles and has a light cytoplasmic density similar to that of the F2 profiles. It is possible that some or all of the F2 processes may prove to be dendritic. Somato-dendritic synapses arise from very small neurons and form a part of the normal synaptic organization in the LGN. The RL and RS axons form asymmetrical synaptic contacts, whereas the F (F1, F2 and Fd) processes mainly form symmetrical ones. Non-synaptic filamentous contacts are also found. The rules of synaptic connectivity are such that the RL and RS terminals are never synaptic to either the RL or the RS terminals, and presynaptic to other dendrites. If the F profiles contact each other, the F1 axon is never the post-synaptic element. The RL and F processes synapse upon any part of the perikaryal and dendritic surfaces, whereas the RS terminals do not contact the soma.
Radiation damage and helium diffusion kinetics in apatite

Experimentally determined diffusion coefficients for 39 different samples of apatite demonstrate that the closure temperature (Tc) for helium retention in apatite spans a wider range than previously recognized: from 44 ± 4 C to 116 ± 18 C (for 10 C/ Myr) and correlates with the radiogenic He concentration ([He]) in a given sample. We find no correlation between helium diffusion kinetics and apatite chemistry, including the F/Cl ratio. We argue that [He] is a measurable proxy for the radiation damage which accumulated within each crystal over geologic time. As the volume density of lattice damage sites increases, apatite becomes more helium retentive. This implies that helium retentivity, and hence the effective helium diffusion kinetics, is an evolving function of time. Measured diffusivities thus reflect a snapshot in time and cannot alone be applied to the thermochronometric interpretation of a given sample. Calibrated with diffusion kinetics of 39 different samples of apatite, we present a simple, quantitative trapping model which relates diffusivity to both temperature and [He]. This previously proposed model (Farley, 2000) consists of two Arrhenius relations: one for volume diffusion through undamaged mineral lattice and one for the release of helium from the damage traps back into the undamaged lattice. The model predicts much of the observed log-linear correlation between Tc and [ He]. By inserting this function into a He production-diffusion calculation, the trapping model predicts: (i) that the effective He closure temperature of apatite will vary with cooling rate and effective U concentration (eU) and may differ from 70 C by up to ±15 C, (ii) the depth of the He partial retention zone will depend on accumulation time and on eU, and (iii) samples subjected to reheating after the accumulation of substantial radiation damage will be more retentive than previously expected. These predictions are consistent with recent observations of unexpected apatite (UTh)/He ages in some settings, most noteably (Flowers et al., 2006).
An initial investigation of the orbitofrontal cortex hyperactivity in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Exaggerated representations of anticipated aversive events?

Orbitofrontal cortical (OFC) dysfunction has been repeatedly involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder, but the precise significance of this abnormality is still unclear. Current neurocognitive models propose that specific areas of the OFC contribute to behavioral regulation by representing the anticipated affective value of future events. This leads to the hypothesis that these OFC areas are hyperactive in patients, reflecting ruminative preoccupation with future aversive events. In experimental situations, such hyperactivity should be triggered by negative affect in response to high likelihood of events such as the conflict between simultaneously active incompatible responses, which can potentially lead to poor task performance. We tested this hypothesis by examining fMRI indices of brain activity of 15 OCD patients and 15 matched controls. Subjects were scanned while performing a cognitive task which involved responding to cues and subsequent probes, and some of the probes elicited response conflict. Relative to controls, the lateral OFC of patients was specifically hyperactive to cues associated with high proportion of subsequent high-conflict probes. The level of OFC hyperactivity correlated directly with the severity of anxiety symptoms. These results support the hypothesis that OCD is characterized by exaggerated OFC representations of anticipated aversive events.
Capitalist Diversity and the International Regulation of Hedge Funds

ABSTRACT After years of acrimonious debate among leading industrialized states, the G20 reached an agreement in 2009 on the regulation of hedge funds. Anchored in an institutional theory of government action that draws on historical institutionalism, this article finds that cleavages between liberal market economies (US, Britain) and organized market economies (Germany, France) determined the failure to regulate hedge funds in the 1990s, the origins of a self-governance regime in the mid-2000s, as well as the nature of the G20 agreement in 2009. Historical institutionalism offers an important complement to theoretical traditions in international political economy (IPE) that stress the role of states’ market power in shaping international regulatory regimes, especially in accounting for how the evolution of state preferences affect the nature of international regulation over time. The article concludes with suggestions for how historical institutionalism can be extended beyond its typical purview in compar...
Human Genomics and Its Impact on Arrhythmias

Investigation of families with monogenic arrhythmia syndromes has identified genes whose further study has proven extraordinarily valuable in further understanding variability in cardiac electrophysiology and its response to exogenous stressors. One lesson being learned from this work is that individuals from the same kindred with the same disease-associated DNA variant may nevertheless display strikingly different phenotypes. Further, common function-altering polymorphisms are being identified in these and other genes controlling cardiac excitability. These findings, combined with the recognition that very common arrhythmia syndromes (such as atrial fibrillation or sudden arrhythmic death) include a genetic component, raise the prospect that analysis of genomic variability among individuals and populations may in the future be used to manage patients
Surface tension measured by vibrating membranes: An application to smectic- A and - B phases

A technique is proposed to measure the surface tension of nonfluid materials by monitoring the resonance frequencies of drumhead vibrations of freely suspended films. It has been applied to the smectic-$A$ and -$B$ phases of a liquid-crystal BBOA (butyloxybenzylidene octylaniline). The anomalous temperature dependence of the surface tension is in accordance with that previously suggested surface ordering above the bulk $A\ensuremath{-}B$ transition temperature.
Inhibition of Influenza Virus Multiplication with a Glucose Antimetabolite (2-deoxy-D-glucose)

OPTIMAL in vitro multiplication of influenza virus in the chorioallantoic membrane of the chick embryo is dependent upon the presence of glucose in the medium1. Evidence on the importance of endogenous glucose in in vivo synthesis of influenza virus is lacking. The relatively low toxicity in both experimental animals2 and humans3 of the potent glucose antimetabolite 2-deoxy-D-glucose suggested the feasibility of employing this compound in in vivo influenza virus infection. The present studies, undertaken in the intact chick embryo, demonstrate that the synthesis of influenza virus is markedly inhibited by 2-deoxy-D-glucose. Ancillary studies with in vitro systems show this inhibition to be reversible with glucose and therefore not related to permanent host cell damage.
The meaning of terrorism for the military commander

Although terrorism has certainly become a problem of considerable urgency, its precise meaning remains markedly unclear. For the military commander, such ironic ambiguity may make it difficult to identify and carry out particular counterterrorism operations. This article suggests that greater attention must now be directed to conceptual clarification of terrorism and to associated rejection of geopolitical definitions. With such attention, military commanders would be better able to allocate precious resources in a rational manner and with expanded opportunities for success on the ground. It follows that such increased attention to the meaning of terrorism would offer distinctly pragmatic operational benefits as well as generally enhanced respect for justice and law.
Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Renal Failure During High-Dose Haloperidol Therapy

Severe adverse reactions to neuroleptic medications are not uncommon and include the neuroleptic malignant syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. The neuroleptic malignant syndrome consists of hyperthermia, diaphoresis, tachycardia, tachypnea, abnormal blood pressure, alteration of consciousness, and extrapyramidal rigidity. Rhabdomyolysis--which might be due to hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and/or metabolic changes in skeletal muscle function--results in acute renal failure. We report a patient with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure that developed after large doses of haloperidol were given, but without muscle rigidity or hyperthermia. This patient's presentation illustrates that high-dose haloperidol therapy might cause rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure without significant rigidity or hyperthermia.
Disequilibrium Market Analysis: An Application to the U.S. Fed Beef Sector

In this paper current theory and estimation procedures are applied in an analysis of disequilibrium price behavior in the U.S. fed beef sector. Although tests of equilibrium versus disequilibrium hypotheses are not well developed, results indicate the possible presence of disequilibrium prices in the market for fed beef; at least the hypothesis of significant disequilibrium could not be rejected.
Muon and neutron-induced background in gamma-ray spectrometry

Abstract A low-background γ-ray spectrometer for environmental surveillance, emergency response, and environmental health research has been constructed. It consists of a 132% efficient HPGe detector, graded lead shielding, and muon-rejection shielding, as well as external steel and building shielding. Detailed operation of the γ spectrometer and all of its components is described. Cosmic-ray muon and cosmic–neutron-induced background was accurately measured, and is discussed. We have achieved an overall background reduction by a factor of 9436 relative to the ambient level. Our integrated background rate in the γ energy range of 50–2700 keV was measured as 2.3 counts per min, corresponding to 15 counts ks−1 kg−1 Ge. Future directions in low-background γ spectroscopy at our facility are described.
Risk Adjustment for Measuring Health Care Outcomes, 3rd edition

Lisa I. Iezzoni (editor) Hardback, 508 pp, August 2003, ISBN 1-56793-207-X, $76.50, AcademyHealth/HAP (http://www.ache.org/hap.cfm) Lisa Iezzoni and colleagues produced the first edition of Risk Adjustment for Measuring Health Care Outcomes nearly 10 years ago. At that time, payers and researchers were concerned with risk adjustment primarily as a tool for hospital payment and for assessing hospital performance. Although the Health Care Financing Administration had ceased issuing Medicare risk-adjusted mortality rate reports, several other hospital performance reporting projects were then underway, such as New York State’s coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery mortality project, Pennsylvania’s hospital outcomes reporting project, and the Cleveland Health Quality Choice program. In the years since the publication of the first edition, interest in risk adjustment in health care has expanded greatly. Risk adjustment continues to be used in hospital quality and efficiency reports, but now it is also a frequent input to health plan capitation calculations, and it is used with increasing frequency for measuring and reporting the performance of physicians, networks, groups, and even individuals. In addition to state agencies, researchers, and health plans, now purchasers—primarily large employers and business coalitions—have entered the field as major consumers of health provider performance information. Additional types of outcomes and new data sources and statistical methodologies have emerged, …
ASTRO-FOLD 2.0: An enhanced framework for protein structure prediction

The three-dimensional (3-D) structure prediction of proteins, given their amino acid sequence, is addressed using the first principles–based approach ASTRO-FOLD 2.0. The key features presented are: (1) Secondary structure prediction using a novel optimization-based consensus approach, (2) β-sheet topology prediction using mixed-integer linear optimization (MILP), (3) Residue-to-residue contact prediction using a high-resolution distance-dependent force field and MILP formulation, (4) Tight dihedral angle and distance bound generation for loop residues using dihedral angle clustering and non-linear optimization (NLP), (5) 3-D structure prediction using deterministic global optimization, stochastic conformational space annealing, and the full-atomistic ECEPP/3 potential, (6) Near-native structure selection using a traveling salesman problem-based clustering approach, ICON, and (7) Improved bound generation using chemical shifts of subsets of heavy atoms, generated by SPARTA and CS23D. Computational results of ASTRO-FOLD 2.0 on 47 blind targets of the recently concluded CASP9 experiment are presented. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Feasibility of Radiofrequency Powered, Thermal Balloon Ablation of Atrioventricular Bypass Tracts Via the Coronary Sinus: In Vivo Canine Studies

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of left-sided accessory pathways is technically demanding and usually requires left heart catheterization. The feasibility of creating lesions from within the coronary sinus of sufficient size to ablate accessory pathways in humans using a thermal balloon catheter was studied in 20 dogs. In group 1 (n = 14), 17 thermal inflations were performed in 12 dogs at either 70 degrees, 80 degrees, or 90 degrees C each for 30 or 60 seconds (in 2 dogs two non-thermal control inflations were performed). Animals were sacrificed 6.3 +/- 1.6 days later. In group 2 (n = 6), seven thermal inflations were performed at 90 degrees C each for 180, 300, or 360 seconds. Group 2 animals received antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy for 1 week and were sacrificed at 13 +/- 10.7 days. In both groups, hemodynamic, angiographic, and electrocardiographic studies were performed at baseline, 1 hour after inflation, and prior to sacrifice. All dogs remained clinically stable throughout the procedure and no complications were attributed to the effect of thermal inflation. Thermal lesions measured 14.4 +/- 4.4 mm in length and extended from the coronary sinus intima to a mean depth of 2.9 +/- 1.2 mm (range 1.4-6.5 mm). Group 2 lesions were significantly deeper than group 1 lesions (P = 0.03). Of the 24 thermal lesions created, atrial necrosis was present in 23 and ventricular necrosis in 11. In all lesions there was some degree of either atrial necrosis, ventricular necrosis, or both. A variable degree of coronary sinus thrombus was present in 18 dogs without clinical sequelae. It is concluded that radiofrequency balloon heating via the coronary sinus can create thermal lesions in the atrioventricular sulcus of dogs that may be of sufficient size to ablate accessory left-sided pathways in humans.
THE STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE SEPTATE AND GAP JUNCTIONS OF HYDRA

The septate junctions and gap junctions of Hydra were studied utilizing the extracellular tracers lanthanum hydroxide and ruthenium red. Analysis of the septate junction from four perspectives has shown that each septum consists of a single row of hexagons sharing common sides of 50–60 A. Each hexagon is folded into chair configuration . Two sets of projections emanate from the corners of the hexagons. One set (A projections) attaches the hexagons to the cell membranes at 80–100-A intervals, while the other set ( V projections) joins some adjacent septa to each other. The septate junctions generally contain a few large interseptal spaces and a few septa which do not extend the full length of the junction. Basal to the septate junctions the cells in each layer are joined by numerous gap junctions. Gap junctions also join the muscular processes in each layer as well as those which connect the layers across the mesoglea. The gap junctions of Hydra are composed of rounded plaques 0.15–0.5 µ in diameter which contain 85-A hexagonally packed subunits. Each plaque is delimited from the surrounding intercellular space by a single 40-A band. Large numbers of these plaques are tightly packed, often lying about 20 A apart. This en plaque configuration of the gap junctions of Hydra contrasts with their sparser, more widely separated distribution in many vertebrate tissues. These studies conclude that the septate junction may possess some barrier properties and that both junctions are important in intercellular adhesion. On a morphological basis, the gap junction appears to be more suitable for intercellular coupling than the septate junction.
Mitochondrial Inheritance Is Delayed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells Lacking the Serine/Threonine Phosphatase PTC1

In wild-type yeast mitochondrial inheritance occurs early in the cell cycle concomitant with bud emergence. Cells lacking the PTC1 gene initially produce buds without a mitochondrial compartment; however, these buds later receive part of the mitochondrial network from the mother cell. Thus, the loss of PTC1 causes a delay, but not a complete block, in mitochondrial transport. PTC1 encodes a serine/threonine phosphatase in the high-osmolarity glycerol response (HOG) pathway. The mitochondrial inheritance delay in the ptc1 mutant is not attributable to changes in intracellular glycerol concentrations or defects in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, epistasis experiments with ptc1Δ and mutations in HOG pathway kinases reveal that PTC1 is not acting through the HOG pathway to control the timing of mitochondrial inheritance. Instead, PTC1 may be acting either directly or through a different signaling pathway to affect the mitochondrial transport machinery in the cell. These studies indicate that the timing of mitochondrial transport in wild-type cells is genetically controlled and provide new evidence that mitochondrial inheritance does not depend on a physical link between the mitochondrial network and the incipient bud site.
41 Process design with catalyst deactivation

Abstract A methodology is described for obtaining first estimates of process designs with catalyst deactivation. A variety of commercial deactivation strategies are discussed, and detailed calculations are presented for an operating policy of constant feed rate to the reactor and constant reactor temperature. The economic tradeoffs are discussed for this operating policy, and the optimum initial and final conversions are estimated.
A field enhanced thermionic emitter and its thermionic cooling effect

In this paper thin films of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are grown on metal foil substrates using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. The surface of the CNTs is further functionalized by sputter deposition of a thin layer of low-work function barium strontium oxide. The combination of low work function surface coating and high field effect from CNTs resulted in a highly efficient field enhanced thermionic emitter. Strong thermionic emission is observed. The electrons emitted are mostly hot electrons which carried energy away from the emitting surface. A large thermionic cooling effect is observed, and temperature drop as large as 100 °C is achieved on the emitting surface. The detail characterizations of the electron emission properties of these functionalized CNTs including work function measurements are presented. The thermionic cooling effect or temperature drops at various initial temperatures and emission currents is also presented. The potential to use this functionalized CNTs thin film as a micro thermionic cooler is also discussed.
Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema

Unilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is a rare complication of the treatment of lung collapse secondary to pneumothorax, pleural effusion, or atelectasis. Although RPE generally is believed to occur only when a chronically collapsed lung is rapidly reexpanded by evacuation of large amounts of air or fluid, in this review 15 of 47 cases of RPE available for assessment occurred when the pulmonary collapse was of short duration or when the lung was reexpanded without suction. The pathogenesis of RPE is unknown and is probably multifactorial. Implicated in the etiological process of RPE are chronicity of collapse, technique of reexpansion, increased pulmonary vascular permeability, airway obstruction, loss of surfactant, and pulmonary artery pressure changes. Since the outcome of RPE was fatal in 11 of 53 cases reviewed (20%), physicians treating lung collapse must be aware of the possible causes and endeavor to prevent the occurrence of this complication.
Polymerization of poly(p-phenylene sulfide) from a cyclic precursor

Abstract : The objective of this project is to understand the effect of carbon fibers and other high performance reinforcing fibers on the structure of high performance resins such as poly(phenylene sulfide) and epoxies. Of particular interest is the molecular structure/property relationships. Our approach for this project utilized molecular vibrational technique for the understanding of the structure of polymers. Significant scientific conclusions are that we have investigated detailed structural aspects of a cyclic poly(phenylene sulfide) for its crystal structure and polymerization characteristics. As the interest in cyclic compounds as precursors for polymers became strong in recent several years, the conclusion obtained in this study will help evaluate feasibility of using cyclic poly(phenylene sulfide) as potential raw materials for advanced composite materials. We have also studied the state of cure of epoxy resin around an organic fiber using infrared microscopy. With a site specific information on curing, we were able to map the state of cure around a single reinforcing filament, thus enabling the study of the fiber surface on the curing reaction of the matric resin.
Morphologic and metabolic changes in rat osteoblast cultures during the dark reaction with 8-methoxypsoralen.

Abstract The dark reaction of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) with cultured rat osteoblasts did not cause significant changes in cellular replication rates or in the synthesis RNA and proteins. Microscopic examination, however, revealed that the dark reaction resulted in massive accumulation of perinuclear lipids and in the statistically significant enhancement of alkaline phosphatase activity. A sharp, and statistically significant, upsurge of lipid synthesis in osteoblasts preceded microscopically detectable accumulation of lipids and occurred only during the initial, but not during the subsequent stages of the dark reaction. These results suggest that in the course of the dark reaction the plasma membrane of osteoblasts is a target of psoralen.
Lyapunov stability and precise control of the frictional dynamics of a one-dimensional particle array

Using Lyapunov theory and numerical simulations, we analyze the local stability of an array of mechanically coupled particles whose frictional dynamics is described by the Frenkel-Kontorova model, and design feedback controls to precisely control the friction. We first establish the asymptotic stability of the system around the equilibrium positions of the particles. We then show how to construct efficient feedback control laws to achieve any predestined average velocity of the particle array, with no fluctuation, and irrespective of the detailed nature of the interparticle coupling. These rigorous results are supported in extensive numerical simulations, and are expected to be applicable to other related physical systems as well.
Effects of dispersant addition on the synthesis of indium-doped calcium zirconate by co-precipitation techniques

The synthesis of In2O3-doped CaZrO3 by solid oxide and oxalate co-precipitation routes has been studied. The effects of using polymeric surfactants (PEG) and ball milling on the synthesis were determined by characterizing the materials at various stages using SEM, XRD, FTIR and particle size analysis. PEG addition and ball milling led to the formation of smaller particles which reduces the time and temperature needed for perovskite formation.
MAXIMALLY FLAT RATIONAL APPROXIMANTS IN MULTIDIMENSIONAL FILTER DESIGN

Explicit conditions required to be satisfied by the numerator and denominator polynomial coefficients of a magnitude-squared rational response function, ¦S21(jωi, jω2) ¦2, so that it might approximate an ideal low-pass characteristic along any straight line in the plane through (0,0) in a maximally flat manner, are obtained. The condition for attenuation along all radial directions through (0,0) is expressed in terms of the positivity of a form in two variables. The technique is easily extended to the multidimensional case and can be used to design filters other than those of the low-pass type. The theory could be used to design lumped-distributed and variable-parameter filters.
Subordinating Truth – Is Acceptability Acceptable?

Argumentation logicians have recognized a specter of relativism to haunt their philosophy of argument. However, their attempts to dispel pernicious relativism by invoking notions of a universal audience or a community of model interlocutors have not been entirely successful. In fact, their various discussions of a universal audience invoke the context-eschewing formalism of Kant’s categorical imperative. Moreover, they embrace the Kantian method for resolving the antinomies that continually vacillates between opposing extremes – here between a transcendent universal audience and a context-embedded particular audience. This tack ironically restores the very external mediation they thought to obviate in their aim to ‘dethrone’ the absolutism and totalitarianism of formal logic with a democratic turn to audience adherence, the acceptability of premises and inferential links, and a contextual, or participant-relative, notion of cogency.
Irony and Public Administration Ethics: An Examination of Niebuhr's Irony of American History and Its Relevance to Contemporary Ethical Problems

Reinhold Niebuhr used the concept of irony to analyze the ethical issues presented by the cold war and to propose a realistic way to counter communism in keeping with fundamental American values. This article suggests that Niebuhr's concept of irony can be a valuable tool in dealing with the global war on terror and rethinking ideas of political ethics in light of new threats. Like the cold war, the war on terror requires an examination of the ethical grounding of the use of power to combat a foe whose illusions often mirror those of the United States. The Christian grounding of Niebuhr's concept is a possible impediment to incorporating it in the secular setting of public administration. A form of realism that combines Niebuhr's irony-based realism with a realism derived from ethical ideas of prudence is suggested.