cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
UCF Library Express: Planning a Faculty Delivery Service

As it becomes increasingly difficult to demonstrate the worth of the library to the academic community, gate counts and usage statistics are no longer enough. Showing the impact the library has on the community requires planning new services with outcome measurement from the start. This article outlines a project plan for launching a faculty book delivery service at the University of Central Florida's John C. Hitt Library using Rhea Rubin's (2006) Outcome Measurement model. The article reviews the relevant literature, analyzes the current internal and external climate in which the service will be implemented, discusses the logistical aspects of the service such as cost, delivery method, and staffing, and concludes by determining the goals and outcomes of the service based on these factors. This article is the first in a series of three articles that together make up an entire project planning and management document, including planning, marketing, and assessing the service. The plan in its entirety provid...
Normal-state conductance used to probe superconducting tunnel junctions for quantum computing

Here we report normal-state conductance measurements of three different types of superconducting tunnel junctions that are being used or proposed for quantum computing applications: p-Al/a-AlO/p-Al, e-Re/e-AlO/p-Al, and e-V/e-MgO/p-V, where p stands for polycrystalline, e for epitaxial, and a for amorphous. All three junctions exhibited significant deviations from the parabolic behavior predicted by the WKB approximation models. In the p-Al/a-AlO/p-Al junction, we observed enhancement of tunneling conductances at voltages matching harmonics of Al–O stretching modes. On the other hand, such Al–O vibration modes were missing in the epitaxial e-Re/e-AlO/p-Al junction. This suggests that absence or existence of the Al–O stretching mode might be related to the crystallinity of the AlO tunnel barrier and the interface between the electrode and the barrier. In the e-V/e-MgO/p-V junction, which is one of the candidate systems for future superconducting qubits, we observed suppression of the density of states at zero bias. This implies that the interface is electronically disordered, presumably due to oxidation of the vanadium surface underneath the MgO barrier, even if the interface was structurally well ordered, suggesting that the e-V/e-MgO/p-V junction will not be suitable for qubit applications in its present form. This also demonstrates that the normal-state conductance measurement can be effectively used to screen out low quality samples in the search for better superconducting tunnel junctions.
GEEKING UP AND THROWING DOWN: HEROIN STREET LIFE IN DETROIT

This paper reports the results of a field study of 15 street-level heroin dealers in Detroit, Michigan. The techniques used by these heroin dealers are different from those described in most previous literature. The Detroit dealers do not conform to the traditional “hustling” model. They operate within a bureaucracy, do not generally sell heroin to fund their own habit, are relatively young, and largely lack an approval ideology for their activities.
A comprehensive method for preliminary design optimization of axial gas turbine stages. II - Code verification

The present effort represents an extension of previous work wherein a calculation model for performing rapid pitchline optimization of axial gas turbine geometry, including blade profiles, is developed. The model requires no specification of geometric constraints. Output includes aerodynamic performance (adiabatic efficiency), hub-tip flow-path geometry, blade chords, and estimates of blade shape. Presented herein is a verification of the aerodynamic performance portion of the model, whereby detailed turbine test-rig data, including rig geometry, is input to the model to determine whether tested performance can be predicted. An array of seven (7) NASA single-stage axial gas turbine configurations is investigated, ranging in size from 0.6 kg/s to 63.8 kg/s mass flow and in specific work output from 153 J/g to 558 J/g at design (hot) conditions; stage loading factor ranges from 1.15 to 4.66.
Selfconsistent Analysis of Mobility-Lifetime Products and Subgap Absorption on Different PECVD A-SI:H Films

The photoconductivity and subband gap absorption measurements over a wide range of generation rate(G) have been carried out on diluted and undiluted a-Si:H. It is found that in these high quality films there are significant differences in the functional dependence of mobility-lifetime ({micro}{tau}) products on G. In addition to the different values of subgap absorption ({alpha}) there are also distinct differences in the dependence of {alpha} on photon energy (E) as well as G. It is difficult to self consistently analyze the results on the undiluted film with the previously used three gaussian distribution, particularly at high generation rates. Self consistent analysis is obtained when the (+/0) transitions of negative charged defects and the (0/{minus}) transitions of positive charged defects are introduced respectively closer to the valence and conduction bands. This new gap state distribution is a better representation for the defect pool model and potential fluctuation model.
Predictable endodontic and periodontic failures as a result of radicular anomalies

Abstract A pathosis that is associated with developmental radicular anomalies is described. Such conditions are easy to diagnose only when the diagnostician is aware of their existence. At present, since these anomalies constitute unresolvable periodontal problems, extraction of the involved teeth is the treatment of choice.
Calculation of Absorption Rate Constants for Drugs with Incomplete Availability

The absorption rate constant of a drug as determined by the Wagner–Nelson or Loo–Riegelman method, by nonlinear least-squares regression analysis, or by the method of residuals is in error when drug removal from the absorption site is due not only to absorption but also to other competing processes resulting in reduced availability, regardless of the kinetics of such processes. These methods overestimate the true absorption rate constant, the degree of overestimation increasing with decreasing bioavailability. Accordingly, calculation of absorption rate constants from plasma drug concentration–time data by commonly employed methods cannot be performed with any degree of confidence unless the drug is known to be completely absorbed as such.
The nonoperative treatment of Grade I and 11 medial collateral ligament injuries to the knee

A prospective investigation covering 8 years (1971 to 1978) at a major university was undertaken involving the nonoperative management of medial collateral lig ament injuries to the knee. Rigid diagnostic criteria were used for each injury prior to inclusion in a program of functional rehabilitation without cast immobilization.Eighty-nine fresh ligamentous injuries were reviewed. Thirty-eight knees required surgery. The remaining 51 knees were classified as isolated Grade I or Grade II injuries. Forty-two (80%) successfully completed the program of rehabilitation. Nine (20%) were considered failures. These were attributed to inadequate diagnoses during the early period of the study. Average time required for the athletes to return to full competition was 21 days (range of 9 to 32 days.)
A numerical study of the combined effect of anisotropic surface tension and interface kinetics on pattern formation during the growth of two-dimensional crystals

Abstract We study the combined effect of anisotropic surface tension and interface kinetics on pattern formation during the growth of two-dimensional crystals under conditions such that the growth is governed by interfacial processes. For sinusoidal anisotropies having fourfold symmetry, we compute numerically the trajectories of elements of the interface having constant crystallographic orientation. Our results display many of the features derived from general consideration by Angenent and Gurtin. We concentrate on the formation or suppression of corners (missing orientations) and develop an asymptotic analytical representation to explain our results. As a test of our numerical techniques, we treat the very special case for which the anisotropy of surface tension is proportional to the anisotropy of the interface kinetic coefficient, and show that the growth pattern, starting from a shape similar to the equilibrium shape, preserves its shape, as proven by Soner.
Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels at admission as predictors of duration of acute brain dysfunction in critically ill patients

Introduction: Non-intensive care unit (ICU) cohorts have shown an association between inflammatory disturbances and delirium, though these relationships have not been studied in critically ill patients. This study sought to investigate the relationship between two inflammatory biomarkers, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein (CRP), and duration of acute brain dysfunction in ventilated patients. Methods: Patients enrolled in the Maximizing Efficacy of Targeted Sedation and Reducing Neurological Dysfunction (MENDS) trial were assessed daily for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method-ICU. Plasma levels of procalcitonin and CRP were obtained within 24 hours of enrollment. Proportional odds logistic regression was used to examine the association between procalcitonin and CRP separately with delirium/coma-free days, adjusting for age, acute physiology score (APS) of the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, sedation group (dexmedetomidine vs. lorazepam), and sepsis. Secondary analyses examined the association of these markers with other organ dysfunctions and 28-day survival. Results: Eighty-seven patients were included in this analysis. The median age of the patients was 60 years with APACHE II scores of 28; 68% had sepsis within 48 hours of admission. Higher levels of procalcitonin were associated with fewer delirium/coma-free days [odds ratio (OR), 0.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3 to 1.0; P = 0.04], whereas higher CRP levels showed trends towards fewer delirium/coma-free days (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3 to 1.1; P = 0.08). Similar relationships were found regardless of the presence of sepsis. No associations were found between procalcitonin or CRP with 28-day survival (P = 0.40 and 0.16, respectively). Conclusions: In our pilot study, high baseline inflammatory biomarkers predicted prolonged periods of acute brain dysfunction, implicating inflammation as an important mechanism in the pathophysiology of delirium and coma during critical illness, irrespective of whether patients had sepsis or not.
Conformational analysis of melittin in solution phase: Vibrational circular dichroism study

The vibrational absorption and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of melittin in D2O solutions at different pH values, different salt concentrations, or different 2,2,2-trifluoro- ethanol (TFE) concentrations are recorded in the amide I (1850 -1600 cm 1 ) region. Two models are used to simulate this peptide in different conditions, and a coupled oscillator program is used to obtain the calculated absorption and VCD spectra. This study indicates that melittin adopts a mixed structure in D2O solution at low pH, low salt concentration, or low TFE concentration. With an increase in pH, salt concentration, or TFE concentration, the structure changes to -helix and further increases lead to aggregation. These results demonstrate the versatility of VCD in probing the conformations of peptides under different environmental perturbations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Biospectroscopy) 70: 614 - 619, 2003
Launching A Learning Center: A Case Study

Resource considerations often limit the degree to which educational institutions are able to duplicate technology-based successes that are commonplace in industry. For this reason, despite consistent reports of the success of interactive videodisc-based instruction in industry, many educational institutions have been slow to adopt the technology. In 1988, California State University, Fullerton initiated activities that resulted in establishing an interdisciplinary interactive videodisc learning center. Although the center was created on a minimal budget, the goals, standards, and procedures that were defined, indicate that even within budgetary limitations, industry successes can be replicated at public universities.
Model-based maximum-likelihood estimation for phase- and frequency-encoded magnetic-resonance-imaging data

Abstract A maximum-likelihood (ML)-based magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) reconstruction algorithm is established, based on frequency- and phase-encoded data. The model on which the ML method is based is a superposition of exponentially decaying, sine-modulated sinusoids, arising from the basic Bloch equations for MR spectroscopy, modified to account for the distribution of resonance frequencies and phases used for spatial localization in the image field. Spatial-localizing gradients are assumed to be known linear functions of spatial coordinate position, with the x -encode (frequency) gradient applied continuously during the full duration of data collection, and the y -encode (phase) gradient applied during varying time periods before data collection. A single-voxel emitter becomes sinc -modulated in the x , y directions at rates proportional to voxel size and gradient strengths in the x -encode and y -encode directions. The full two-dimensional MRI signal becomes a superposition of sine-modulated, exponentially decaying, single-sinusoid emitters, one for each voxel. The ML estimation of spin-density and spin-spin relaxation decay time images becomes a nonlinear least-squares optimization problem; it is solved using an iterative expectation-maximization algorithm for estimating multiple modulated sinusoids in noise. Phantom studies are presented, demonstrating the accuracy of the model and the application of the algorithm to spin-density and spin-spin relaxation decay time profiles.
The robust nonlinear servomechanism problem

We study the asymptotic tracking and disturbance rejection property of a general nonlinear multi-input multi-output distributed servomechanism which consists of input as well as output channel nonlinearity. We also explore the robustness of this property of such nonlinear servomechanism. Our result shows that the design principle of the robust linear servomechanism (i.e. replicating the dynamics of the reference and disturbance signals) works well for a large class of nonlinear servos provided that certain stability conditions are satisfied.
The number of gas atoms per bubble of inert gas in a solid

Abstract Two corrections are presented to the usual method used to calculate the number of gas atoms in an equilibrium bubble of an inert gas in a solid. In the first correction, the proper choice of the Van der Waals constant and, alternatively, the use of the virial equation are examined as methods for properly characterizing the compressibility behavior of the gas phase. In the second correction, the proper choice of the surface energy determining the bubble pressure, p = 2γ/r , is considered. The magnitudes of these corrections to the number of gas atoms per bubble for Van der Waals and virial gases and for various values of the surface energy are presented and discussed.
Webz of War: A cooperative exergame driven by the heart

Webz of War is a cooperative two player exergame utilizing a Microsoft Kinect, two Nintendo Wii Balance Boards, two heart rate monitors, and a controller PC. The innovative composition of the game system is discussed, emphasizing the use of heart rate to control the attack power of players as they encounter robot spider villains in the subway tunnel system. Heart rate is also used to track players' cardio workout: Webz of War is designed to be a fun experience which also delivers an effective workout. The production of the game is discussed along with playtests informing the tuning of the game to deliver an engaging experience, one that also happens to provide exercise for the player.
Red Pigments of Dactynotus rudbeckiae and D. ambrosiae [Homoptera, Aphididae]

THE extensive investigations of Lord Todd and his colleagues1 have shown that several related perylene-quinone pigments, the erythroaphins (Fig. 1), can be obtained from many aphid species; the two most completely investigated representatives, the erythroaphins fb and sl, are stereoisomers of the formula C30H22O8. These pigments, however, are not present in the live insect, but are formed through post-mortem enzymatic transformations of yellow precursors, the protoaphins, which do not contain the perylene nucleus1a. In the course of research on naturally occurring perylenequinones2, we have investigated the pigments of two bright red species of-the aphid genus Dactynotus, since it seemed possible that their colour might be due to preformed perylenequinones. Earlier, Todd et al.3 had observed the occurrence of very small amounts of aphin pigments in D.jaceae; D. cirsii, however, was found to contain instead a red pigment which has not been described in detail but which, from its uncharacteristic absorption spectrum, is not a perylenequinone.
Maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation of postoperative cancer patients

Abstract The objective of this article is to emphasize the necessity for dental participation in the treatment planning and rehabilitation of cancer patients. Most of these procedures can be effectively handled by general prosthodontists. General dental practitioners can be called upon to treat the less complicated situations. Therefore, the teaching of the prosthetic management of facial deformities should be an integral part of the undergraduate dental curriculum.
Analysis of selected natural and synthetic hormones by LC-MS-MS using the US EPA method 1694

The US EPA Method 1694 (which is specific to the analysis of pharmaceuticals and personal care products) was evaluated for analysis of selected hormones: 17α- and 17β-estradiol, estriol, estrone, 17α-ethynylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, equilin, equilenin, testosterone, progesterone and norgestrel in filtered sewage influent/effluent and seawater. The extraction of hormones from fortified water matrices with HLB Oasis solid phase extraction cartridges resulted in good recovery efficiencies: 86–113% for seawater and 80–114% for sewage samples with a relative standard deviation of 6–16% (seawater) and 7–14% (wastewater). Natural and synthetic estrogens (17α- and 17β-estradiol, estriol, estrone, 17α-ethynylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, equilin, equilenin) were separated with a Gemini-NX C18 (Phenomenex, Inc.) column and detected by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) in negative ElectroSpray Ionization (ESI) multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Three other hormones (testosterone, progesterone and norgestrel) were separated using an Xterra MS C18 (Waters Corp.) column along with the Group I compounds of the EPA Method 1694 and detected by MS–MS in ESI positive mode. Most compounds were quantified by isotope dilution with matched labeled internal standards. The method was applied to the analysis of effluent and influent from wastewater treatment facilities in South Carolina, USA, and surface seawater samples from Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Only estrone was detected in surface seawater at a concentration of 0.5 ng L−1, which was below the method reporting limit of 1 ng L−1. Estriol, estrone and testosterone were found in influent samples at 155–179 ng L−1, 27–28 ng L−1 and 41–49 ng L−1, respectively. The estrone concentration was 24 ng L−1 in an effluent sample from one of the treatment plants. This study demonstrates that the US EPA Method 1694 can be successfully used for the analysis of natural and synthetic hormones along with the pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) currently listed in the method.
Understanding recycling behavior in Kentucky: Who recycles and why

Recycling behavior and the motivations behind recycling are being analyzed in a collaborative study between the Sloan Industry Center for a Sustainable Aluminum Industry, the Center for Aluminum Technology, Secat, and the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. The goals of this study are to determine why people recycle and to find ways to motivate people to recycle more, using Fayette County, Kentucky, as a sample study. It is hoped that the information gathered through educational and motivational efforts in this county can be used on a larger scale in communities throughout the United States.
Disposition of intra-articularly injected cortisone and hydrocortisone

Cortisone and hydrocortisone labeled with C14 were found to disappear from the synovial cavity rapidly and at the same rate when injected intra-articularly. Only a small portion of injected steroid was metabolized locally. Transformation of cortisone to hydrocortisone by synovial tissue was not observed.
Outcomes of greater occipital nerve injections in pediatric patients with chronic primary headache disorders.

Abstract Background Chronic migraine is common in pediatrics and generally disabling. In adults, infiltration of the area around the greater occipital nerve can provide short- to medium-term benefit in some patients. This study reports the efficacy of greater occipital nerve infiltrations in pediatric patients with chronic primary headache disorders. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients Results Forty-six patients were treated. Thirty-five (76%) had chronic migraine, 9 (20%) new daily persistent headache (NDPH), and 2 (4%) a chronic trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia. Medication overuse was present in 26%. Ages ranged from 7 to 17 years. Follow-up data were available for 40 (87%). Overall, 53% (21/40) benefitted, and 52% (11/21) benefitted significantly. Benefit onset ranged from 0 to 14 days, mean 4.7 (SD 4.3), with mean benefit duration of 5.4 (SD 4.9) weeks. In chronic migraine, 62% (18/29) benefitted, and 56% (10/18) significantly benefitted. In NDPH, 33% (3/9) benefitted; 33% (n = 1) significantly. Neither child with a chronic trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia benefitted. In logistic regression modeling, medication overuse, age, sex, and sensory change in the distribution of the infiltrated nerve did not predict outcome. There were no serious side effects. Conclusions Greater occipital nerve injections benefitted 53% of pediatric patients with chronic primary headache disorders. Efficacy appeared greater in chronic migraine than NDPH. Given the benign side effect profile, a greater occipital nerve infiltration seems appropriate before more aggressive approaches.
1-year results of intravitreal aflibercept treatment for macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion

Evaluation of: Brown DM, Heier JS, Clark WL et al. Intravitreal aflibercept injection for macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion: 1-year results from the Phase III COPERNICUS study. Am. J. Ophthalmol. 155(3), 429–437 (2013).Macular edema due to central retinal vein occlusion is a significant cause of vision loss that had been untreatable until the recent introduction of intraocular triamcinolone injections, dexamethasone inserts and the newly developed VEGF-binding drugs, such as bevacizumab and ranibizumab. The VEGF-binding fusion molecule aflibercept recently completed the Phase III registration trials COPERNICUS (1-year results) and GALILEO (6-month results). Most patients (55.3%) receiving monthly injections of aflibercept in the COPERNICUS trial improved by at least 15 letters of vision at 52 weeks, and they outgained those in the original sham group by an average of 12.4 letters. Based on the results from these trials, aflibercept received US FDA approval for the treatment of cent...
Circadian signatures in rat liver: from gene expression to pathways

Background Circadian rhythms are 24 hour oscillations in many behavioural, physiological, cellular and molecular processes that are controlled by an endogenous clock which is entrained to environmental factors including light, food and stress. Transcriptional analyses of circadian patterns demonstrate that genes showing circadian rhythms are part of a wide variety of biological pathways. Pathway activity method can identify the significant pattern of the gene expression levels within a pathway. In this method, the overall gene expression levels are translated to a reduced form, pathway activity levels, via singular value decomposition (SVD). A given pathway represented by pathway activity levels can then be as analyzed using the same approaches used for analyzing gene expression levels. We propose to use pathway activity method across time to identify underlying circadian pattern of pathways.
Samuel T. Gladding: A Consistent and Creative Voice in the Field of Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Samuel Templeman Gladding has established himself as a creative voice and a pillar in the field of marriage, couple, and family (MCF) counseling. In doing so, Dr. Gladding has served the counseling...
Sporicidal action of peracetic acid and protective effects of transition metal ions

Although peracetic acid (PAA) is used widely for cold sterilization and disinfection, its mechanisms of sporicidal action are poorly understood. PAA at high concentrations (5–10%) can cause major loss of optical absorbance and microscopically-visible damage to bacterial spores. Spores killed by lower levels of PAA (0.02–0.05%) showed no visible damage and remained refractile. Treatment of spores ofBacillus megaterium ATCC 19213 with PAA at concentrations close to the lethal level sensitized the cells to subsequent heat killing. In addition, PAA was found to act in concert with hypochlorite and iodine to kill spores. Antioxidant sulfhydryl compounds or ascorbate protected spores against PAA killing. Trolox, a water-soluble form of α-tocopherol, was somewhat protective, while other antioxidants, including α-tocopherol, urate, bilirubin, ampicillin and ethanol were not protective. Chelators, including dipicolinate, were not protective, but transition metal ions, especially the reduced forms (Co2+, Cu+ and Fe2+) were highly protective. The net conclusions are that organic radicals formed from PAA are sporicidal and that they may act as reducing agents for spores that are normally in a highly oxidized state, in addition to their well known actions as oxidizing agents in causing damage to vegetative cells.
Chromosomal Breakage Induced by Extracts of Human Allogeneic Lymphocytes

A high frequency of chromosomal breakage and rearrangement has been found in fibroblasts treated with extracts of allogeneic human lymphocytes. The fact that these changes were not observed when extracts of autologous lymphocytes were tested indicates that mechanisms involving self-recognition are operative. Abnormalities, such as chromosome lagging and bridges, occurring in anaphase were also served.
Nutritional habits of blacks and whites

Abstract Epidemiologic investigations have implicated various dietary practices in the etiology of prostatic and esophageal cancer. These factors may contribute to differences in cancer incidence observed between blacks and whites in the United States. Data from the Health and Nutrition Examination Survey are reviewed to explore the possibility that excess disease rates in nonwhites may be attributed to differing dietary practices. These data are of some value in explaining differences in cancer incidence between blacks and whites and are of special value as exploratory tools pointing toward fruitful areas of future research.
Effects of Time of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Microinjection on Gene Detection and In Vitro Development of Bovine Embryos

In vivo fertilized embryos were surgically collected from superovulated dairy cows to evaluate microinjection on embryo development and utilized the polymerase chain reaction technique for selection of transgenic embryos. Seventy-two percent of the embryos with visible pronuclei or nuclei were microinjected with DNA, and the remaining 28% served as uninjected controls. All embryos were cocultured with bovine oviductal epithelial cells. Mean final development scores of embryos within the same initial cell stage at collection were unaffected by microinjection. After 144 h of culture, 45% of the microinjected embryos developed to the morula or blastocyst stage. The transgene was detected in 50, 10, and 9% of demimorulae from embryos microinjected at the 1-, 2-, and 4-cell stages. Frequency of transgene detection was higher in morulae from 1-cell embryos than in morulae from 2- and 4-cell embryos. Use of in vitro coculture, embryo bisection, and polymerase chain reaction technique facilitated selection of bovine embryos that carried the transgene.
Large-scale applications: system sizing using modeling and simulation

A set of well-honed procedures have evolved for developing models that realistically reflect the user's application area. The benefits derived from the application of this systematic approach begin to accrue almost immediately. This paper will address the benefits derived from the application of modeling and simulation to areas such as architectural trade-offs, and sizing the system to meet the workload. A variety of practical examples will be included from server systems, telecommunications networks and manual processes. Inherent in the successful application of the modeling and simulation procedures is the requirement that they be applied iteratively and in a manner that produces frequent feedback from the system designers, managers and user community.
Multiple dispatch as dispatch on Tuples

Many popular object-oriented programming languages, such as C++, Smalltalk-80, Java, and Eiffel, do not support multiple dispatch. Yet without multiple dispatch, programmers find it difficult to express binary methods and design patterns such as the "visitor" pattern. We describe a new, simple, and orthogonal way to add multimethods to single-dispatch object-oriented languages, without affecting existing code. The new mechanism also clarifies many differences between single and multiple dispatch.
The use of thermal analysis and mass spectrometry to study the solid state behavior in pharmaceutical tablet mixtures

Abstract The behavior of aspirin in the presence of tablet excipients and in the presence and absence of moisture was investigated. The methods used for investigation were differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG), and direct ionization probe mass spectrometry (DIP-MS). In addition, the degradation of aspirin in the absence of moisture was investigated by TG, and the residue after the first decomposition on the TG curve was subjected to DIP-MS. A degradation mechanism for dry aspirin is postulated. Aspirin in tablet form was shown to be stabilized in the presence of increasing amounts of corn starch. These and related studies on the shelf-life of pharmaceutical products indicate possible interactions between the active ingredient and other ingredients of product formulations.
Pharmacological and chemical screening of Byrsonima crassifolia, a medicinal tree from Mexico. Part I

Abstract Leaf and bark extracts of Byrsonima crassifolia displayed concentration-dependent, spasmogenic effects on rat fundus in vitro and biphasic effects on rat jejunum and ileum in vitro. Dose-related in vivo effects in intact rats using hippocratic screening were: decrease in motor activity, mild analgesia, back tonus, enophthalmos, reversable palpebral ptosis, ear blanching, Robichaud positive, catalepsy (awake) and strong hypothermia. Rat fundus in vitro was used as the bioassay to carry out an activity-directed separation. Bioactive material was concentrated in a 2% acetic acid leaf extract (HOAcE). Potency of HOAcE was increased by the presence of pargyline in the bathing solution. HOAcE was antagonized noncompetively by l(I-naphthyl) piperazine (I-NP) and cyproheptadine and antagonized competitively by atropine (ATR). Cumulative concentration-response curves of HOAcE and serotonin (5-HT) did not show significant departure from parallelism (P > 0.1) and 5-HT potency was 6040 times that of HOAcE (95% confidence limits: 4620–7850). Solvent extraction of HOAcE split the spasmogenic activity of HOAcE into two types: (i) high-efficacy, low-potency, n-butanol-extracted, pargyline- and 1-NP-sensitive, ATR-insensitive activity, and (ii) low-efficacy, high-potency, ethyl acetate-extracted, pargyline-insensitive, ATR- and 1-NP-sensitive activity. HOAcE lacked muscarinic and nicotinic effects on rat jejunum and frog rectus abdominis. Results suggest the presence of more than one spasmogenic compound in the plant.
Siegel domain realization of pseudo-Hermitian symmetric manifolds

For some pseudo-Hermitian symmetric manifolds there are Zariski open subsets which are biholomorphically equivalent to tube domains. These tube domains correspond to homogeneous nonconvex cones.
Mazindol treatment for cocaine dependence

This double-blind placebo-controlled treatment study tested the efficacy of mazindol in currently cocaine-dependent out-patients. Forty-three patients were randomized to mazindol (2 mg QD) vs. placebo treatment for 6 weeks. All patients received weekly group counseling. Patients improved with respect to objective (urine toxicology) and subjective (self-report of times used, dollars spent, craving, etc.) measures. There was no response difference between patients treated with mazindol and those who received placebo.
Stereotypes as Source-Monitoring Cues: On the Interaction Between Episodic and Semantic Memory

This research examined the use of stereotypic expectancies as source cues for biographical memories. Participants were more likely to misattribute stereotypical than counterstereotypical behaviors to a target person. However, this was true only when the original source of the behaviors was difficult to assess (there was source confusion) and recollective processes were impaired. Thus, when recollection of episodic details is disrupted, perceivers may still rely on semantic knowledge to interpret memories. These results demonstrate that stereotype use is efficient not only during the encoding of social information, but also during its retrieval. However, there are also significant costs associated with using stereotypes as source cues. Implications of these findings for social perception and eyewitness testimony are discussed.
Enhanced sensitivity of PTEN-deficient tumors to inhibition of FRAP/mTOR

Recent evidence places the FRAP/mTOR kinase downstream of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase/Akt-signaling pathway, which is up-regulated in multiple cancers because of loss of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene. We performed biological and biochemical studies to determine whether PTEN-deficient cancer cells are sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition of FRAP/mTOR by using the rapamycin derivative CCI-779. In vitro and in vivo studies of isogenic PTEN+/+ and PTEN−/− mouse cells as well as human cancer cells with defined PTEN status showed that the growth of PTEN null cells was blocked preferentially by pharmacologic FRAP/mTOR inhibition. Enhanced tumor growth caused by constitutive activation of Akt in PTEN+/+ cells also was reversed by CCI-779 treatment, indicating that FRAP/mTOR functions downstream of Akt in tumorigenesis. Loss of PTEN correlated with increased S6 kinase activity and phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 protein, providing evidence for activation of the FRAP/mTOR pathway in these cells. Differential sensitivity to CCI-779 was not explained by differences in biochemical blockade of the FRAP/mTOR pathway, because S6 phosphorylation was inhibited in sensitive and resistant cell lines. These results provide rationale for testing FRAP/mTOR inhibitors in PTEN null human cancers.
The Causes and Consequences of Polyploidy in Normal Development and Cancer

Although nearly all mammalian species are diploid, whole-genome duplications occur in select mammalian tissues as part of normal development. Such programmed polyploidization involves changes in the regulatory pathways that normally maintain the diploid state of the mammalian genome. Unscheduled whole-genome duplications, which lead primarily to tetraploid cells, also take place in a substantial fraction of human tumors and have been proposed to constitute an important step in the development of cancer aneuploidy. The origins of these polyploidization events and their consequences for tumor progression are explored in this review.
Birdbrains could teach basal ganglia research a new song.

Recent advances in anatomical, physiological and histochemical characterization of avian basal ganglia neurons and circuitry have revealed remarkable similarities to mammalian basal ganglia. A modern revision of the avian anatomical nomenclature has now provided a common language for studying the function of the cortical–basal-ganglia–cortical loop, enabling neuroscientists to take advantage of the specialization of basal ganglia areas in various avian species. For instance, songbirds, which learn their vocal motor behavior using sensory feedback, have specialized a portion of their cortical–basal ganglia circuitry for song learning and production. This discrete circuit dedicated to a specific sensorimotor task could be especially tractable for elucidating the interwoven sensory, motor and reward signals carried by basal ganglia, and the function of these signals in task learning and execution.
Efficient implementations of a class of +or-2/sup b/ parallel computations on a SIMD hypercube

The authors identify an important class of parallel computations, called +or-2/sup b/-descend, with an efficient implementation on a hypercube. Given the input A(0:N-1), a computation in this class consists of log N iterations. Iteration b, b=log N-1, . . ., 0, computes the new value of each A(i) as a function of A(i), A(i+2/sup b/) and A(i-2/sup b/). They obtain a general algorithm for implementing any computation in this class in O(log N) time on a SIMD hypercube. Their general descend algorithm results in an efficient O(log N) implementation of the Batcher odd-even merge algorithm on a hypercube. The best previously known implementation of odd-even merge on a SIMD hypercube requires O(log/sup 2/ N) time. >
Development of a secondary-electron ion-microscope for microbeam diagnostics

We describe a novel secondary-electron ion microscope (SEIM), designed for diagnostics of the upcoming submicron Columbia University charged-particle microbeam. This secondary-electron ion microscope allows much higher resolutions, at higher single particle detection efficiencies, than previously available, for rapid and accurate diagnostics of sub-micron charged-particle beams. Based on ion electron-emission microscopy (IEEM) and photo-electron microscopy (PEM), the SEIM involves conversion of the incident projectiles on a secondary-electron emitting film. The ejected electrons are focused using a unipolar electrostatic lens and conical electrostatic mirror to form a magnified image on a microchannel plate (MCP). The flight path of the electrons includes two 45� bends; this ‘‘folded’’ geometry results in lower aberrations than a ‘‘straight’’ design, and enables efficient beam imaging down to 100 nm resolution with >50% single electron transfer efficiency. � 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Fault-tolerant wearable computing system architecture for self-health management

One of the most important applications of wearable computing or smart textiles is biomedical monitoring for self-health management. In this paper Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP) for smart textiles is defined. The goal is an optimized fault tolerant on-body sensor network. A novel event-driven architecture for smart textiles is proposed. A correlation between the architecture and the design features is established for optimized signal collection, fault tolerance and simplified interconnects. As part of the reliability analysis, this work proceeds to present the description of faults. Then a suitable fault model is defined supporting the defect distribution. Finally, the simulator based on Mealy machines was designed to correlate all the features defined during the course of work. In the end, the proposed architecture has shown significant improvement in terms of highest path reliability over a simplistic system with a single data collecting point.
Analyses of cross species polymerase chain reaction products to infer the ancestral state of human polymorphisms.

In numerous population genetic and disease association studies decisions about the ancestry of polymorphic alleles are often made based on the relative frequency of the alleles in the extant populations with the most frequent allele being deemed as ancestral. However, the frequency of an allele in a population is generally not a perfect indicator of its ancestral status. A more accurate method to assess ancestral/derived status of polymorphic alleles involves identification of shared alleles between species. We used this strategy to examine genomic regions homologous to several human polymorphisms in four species of non-human primates. Cross species polymerase chain reaction (CS-PCR), with primers designed from human sequence, was used to investigate regions of interest. Nineteen polymorphisms at six loci (DRD2, HOXB@, PAH, D4S10, RBP3, and RET) were examined either by restriction fragment length analysis of PCR products (PCR-RFLP) or by direct sequencing. At seventeen of the eighteen PCR-RFLPs, non-human...
Toughening of SMA copolymers with an SAN‐grafted rubber

Styrene/maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymers were toughened by blending with a styrene/acrylonitrile (SAN) grafted rubber. The AN content of the SAN graft was fixed at 22.5% and the MA content of the SMA matrix was varied from 8 to 25%. The maximum impact strength was observed for blends based on SMA copolymers containing 14–17% MA (depending on the rubber content). These compositions are near the boundary of miscibility between the SMA matrix and SAN graft since miscibility of SMA and SAN occurs when the MA and AN contents are about the same in each Dilatational processes were shown to be the major mechanism of defor-mation for these blends. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe fracture surfaces as the miscibility between SMA and SAN or as the rubber content was changed. Toughening of miscible SMA/SAN matrices by this impact modifier was also examined. The results are discussed in terms of a variety of possible contributing factors including the coupling of the rubber to the matrix via miscibility of the latter with the SAN graft.
Electroactive Polymers as Artificial Muscles - Reality and Challenges

Electroactive Polymers (EAPs) are emerging as effective displacement actuators. These materials offer the closest resemblance of biological muscle potentially enabling unique capabilities changing the paradigm about robots construction. Under a NASA task, several EAP driven mechanisms were developed including dust wiper, gripper, and robotic arm EAP are inducing a low actuation force limiting the applications that can use their current capability. In recognition of this limitation a series of international forums were established including SPIE conference, Webhub, Newsletter, and Newsgroup. A challenge was posed to the EAP community to have an arm wrestling between robot that is equipped with EAP actuators and human.
Vehicle Length Measurement and Length-Based Vehicle Classification in Congested Freeway Traffic

Classified-vehicle counts are a critical measure for forecasting the health of the roadway infrastructure and for planning future improvements to the transportation network. Balancing the cost of data collection with the fidelity of the measurements, length-based vehicle classification is one of the most common techniques used to collect classified-vehicle counts. Typically, the process of classifying vehicles by length uses a pair of detectors in a given lane to measure effective vehicle length. While the calculation is simple and seems well-defined, this paper demonstrates that small changes in the calculations can lead to large differences in performance during challenging conditions. In particular, most conventional calculations assume that acceleration can be ignored, and this assumption simply is not the case in congested traffic. As a result, many operating agencies are reluctant to deploy classification stations on roadways where traffic is frequently congested. This study examined six variations ...
Health Belief Factors and Dispositional Optimism as Predictors of STD and HIV Preventive Behavior

Identifying factors predictive of youth's engaging in preventive behaviors related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV remains a prominent public health concern. The utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) continues to be suggested in identifying preventive behaviors. This study sought to examine the full HBM, including self-efficacy, with regard to STD and HIV preventive behavioral intentions in college students. Self-efficacy was identified as the primary predictor for each of the behavioral intentions (condom use, STD testing, and HIV testing), whereas response efficacy was only predictive of testing intentions. Inconsistent with HBM assumptions, perceived HIV severity was negatively related to HIV testing intentions. Students who perceived HIV as high in severity were less likely to intend to obtain HIV testing. Overall, the utility of the HBM in predicting college students' sexual preventive behavior was unsupported. An argument for a change in the direction of research, away from the continued emphasis on the study of cognitive variables, is made.
Yield potential of spring-harvested sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) depends on autumn planting time

Abstract Sugar crops grown for biofuel production provide a source of simple sugars that can readily be made into advanced biofuels. In the mild climate of the southeastern USA, sugar beet can be grown as a winter crop, providing growers with an alternative crop that is complementary to existing summer crops. Experiments evaluated autumn planting dates from September to December on the yield of five varieties of sugar beet harvested in the spring. A linear relationship existed between sugar beet canopy width and thermal time. Plant canopy diameter increased
Accuracy of smartphone applications in the field measurements of tree height

As tree height is one of the important variables measured in forestry, much effort is made to provide its fast, easy and accurate determination. We analysed precision of two widely available smartphone applications (Smart Measure and Measure Height) during the field measurements of tree height. The data was collected in three Scots pine stands in central Poland. We found negative systematic error of both tested applications regardless the distance of the measurement (15 or 20 m). RMSE values of the height estimates varied from 1.01 to 2.46 m depending on the application used and the distance of the measurement. Value of the calculated absolute and relative errors significantly (p < 0.015) positively depended on the actual height of the measured trees and was more diverse for higher trees. Smartphone applications seem to be promising measurement tool for tree height determination, however as for the time being they require improvement before wider introduction into the forest practice.
Orthogonal Networks

This paper establishes the mathematical structure of orthogonal networks where both open-and closed-path currents flow simultaneously. A summary of the augmented all-mesh and inverse networks is presented. The structure of the network laws of all variables in the orthogonal networks is derived and simplifications of the conventional mesh and open-path networks are presented.