The discipline dependence of citation statistics

This study compares the citations characteristics of researchers in engineering disciplines with other major scientific disciplines, and investigates variations in citing patterns within subdisciplines in the field of engineering. Utilizing citations statistics including Hirsch’s (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102(46):16569–16572, 2005) h-index value, we find that significant differences in citing characteristics exist between engineering disciplines and other scientific fields. Our findings also reveal statistical differences in citing characteristics between subdisciplines found within the same engineering discipline.     

The Diffuse Interstellar Cloud Experiment: a high-resolution far-ultraviolet spectrograph

We have designed, assembled, and launched a sounding rocket payload to perform high-resolution far-ultraviolet spectroscopy. The instrument is functionally a Cassegrain telescope followed by a modified Rowland spectrograph. The spectrograph was designed to achieve a resolving power (R=λ/δλ) of 60,000 in a compact package by adding a magnifying secondary optic. This is enabled by using a holographically ruled grating to minimize aberrations induced by the second optic. We designed the instrument to observe two stars on opposing sides of a nearby hot/cold gas interface. Obtaining spectra of the O VI doublet in absorption toward these stars can provide new insight into the processes governing hot gas in the local interstellar medium. Here we present the optical design and alignment of the telescope and spectrograph, as well as flight results.     

Progressive spastic paraparesis and adrenal insufficiency

A 10-year-old boy with progressive paraparesis, personality change, and seizures had laboratory evidence of adrenal insufficiency. Pathologic study showed cerebral edema, but no loss of myelin. Notable pathologic changes were limited to the spinal cord, where the corticospinal and spinocerebellar tracts were demyelinated. Lipid analysis of the brain was normal apart from the finding that galactocerebroside contained a higher proportion than normal of alpha-hydroxy fatty acids. We suggest that this case represents a distinct disease, differing importantly from adrenoleukodystrophy. The underlying defect appears to be in the early enzymatic pathway before cholesterol synthesis, although it is also possible that the defect is at the cell membrane.     

Abortifacient effect of intramuscular prostaglandin F2alpha analogue in early midtrimester pregnancy

Official physical examinations of migrant workers upon immigration are required before work permits are issued. The screening of 74,983 applicants during 1972 to 1974 revealed sera reactive to serological tests for syphilis in 0-8 per cent. (range 0-5 to 1-1 per cent.) of all persons concerned and fifteen cases of early syphilis. The incidence of recent infections among immigrants is lower than that reported among the inhabitants of Vienna. General statistics on the spread of venereal diseases among immigrant workers are not available after they start work. Some evidence is provided by those who had to be traced for compulsory examination because they had defaulted from treatment or follow-up, because they were suspected of clandestine prostitution, or because they were reported to be sources of infection. 257 (60-6 per cent.) of 414 individuals who were wanted for reasons of syphilis control could be located and eighteen (7 per cent.) of those who were examined had early infectious lesions.