cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue Engineering Nanoclay Composite Scaffolds Composed of Poly-Glycerol Sebacate and Poly-Caprolactone

Tissue engineered scaffolds play an important role in the repair or regeneration of tissues and organs. Scaffolds provide strength, stability and support for cell and tissue development and growth. Common scaffold materials are natural and synthetic polymers. However, in recent years, an intense research effort has been directed towards developing new scaffold polymers and composite materials. Research on composite scaffolds is focused on identifying composites with enhanced mechanical properties, sustained drug-releasing capabilities, and the ability to support tissue development and growth. We produced and characterized a novel nanocomposite polymer scaffold composed of poly-glycerol sebacate (PGS), polycaprolactone (PCL) and halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs). PGS, a biodegradable elastomer well known for its desirable mechanical properties and PCL, a hydrophobic aliphatic polyester with exceptional biodegradable and biocompatible properties were used in combination with HNTs, aluminosilicate clay nanotubes to form nanocomposite polymer scaffolds. The HNTs can be loaded with drugs of interest and can be used for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and controlled drug release. The nanocomposite polymer scaffold thin films were prepared by the solvent casting method. We characterized the morphological, structural, thermal and physical properties of these novel nanocomposite polymer (PGS-PCL-HNT) scaffolds. Analysis of these scaffold characteristics showed enhanced structural and physical properties with the ability to provide sustained drug loading.
Choosing the Treatment the Patient Is Most Likely To Use

As clinicians who treat skin disorders, a dilemma dermatologists face when devising a treatment regimen is choosing among several, sometimes dozens of, medications that vary in their efficacy and safety profile, all of which may be appropriate treatments to use. Although there may be a plethora of good treatment options, many patients who are prescribed these treatments will continue to show evidence of disease, often as a result of poor adherence. The goal of this chapter is to first provide an overview on the fundamentals of patient adherence and then to delve into the literature regarding the optimization of four aspects of treatment selection: matters regarding convenience, drug vehicles, treatment efficacy, and preferences regarding adverse effects. The definitive goal is to arrive at a personalized, convenient, tolerable treatment to which the patient is most likely to adhere.
Second-conduction-band relaxation of a photoexcited hot-electron distribution in GaP

Institute for Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Lasers, New York State Center for Advanced Technology for Photonic Materials and Applications, Department of Physics, City College and Graduate School, City University of New York, Convent Avenue at 138th Street, New York, New York 10031 By using a 500-fs 293-nm pump pulse, the dynamics of photoexcited electrons in the k ≠ 0, X6 and X7 satellite valleys of the first and second conduction bands, respectively, were studied. The kinetics of carriers in these valeys were probed by a 500-fs IR (2.5-5.5-μm) pulse that minitored the induced absorption due to the tree-electron populations, see Fig. 1. The technique of using an ultrafast IR probe pulse is seen to be unique in obtaining information about the relaxation of hot electrons.
Natural Meaning and Experience

We have seen that the universe, as presently accessible to us, is religiously ambiguous in that it is capable of being interpreted intellectually and experientially in both religious and naturalistic ways. Even when it has come to be understood, experienced and inhabited in a particular way, whether religious or non-religious, it still retains its ambiguity for the intellect. And so, ideally, the religious person should, even whilst experiencing and living in the world religiously, be able to acknowledge its theoretically equivocal character; and the same holds vice versa for the nonreligious person. However we are now leaving that philosophical ambiguity behind and turning to the ways in which the world is actually experienced and responded to. For whilst the objective ambiguity of our environment consists in the fact that it is capable of being interpreted in a variety of ways, its consciously experienced and actively lived-in character consists in its actually being interpreted as meaningful in a particular way which, whilst it operates, excludes other possible ways.
Sketching-based high-performance biomedical big data processing accelerator

Multi-Sensor health monitoring systems are used to predict near future events of our health system. Each sensor generates humongous amount of data per second and needs to be processed in real-time. At the same time health monitoring systems are battery operated, thus they have rigid constraints on power and area of processing platform. Additionally, health monitoring systems should be accurate, thus we adapt machine learning techniques to improve detection accuracy. We propose a programm able Big Data Processing framework to reduce on-chip communications and computations, thus reducing energy of the processing. We integrate a low-overhead sketching framework with a low-power programmable PENC many-core platform. The sketching technique reduces the data communications and computations, additionally processing time is scaled down by parallel processing on the many-core platform. For demonstration we show seizure detection application with 22-channel of electroencephalograph (EEG), each channel generates 256 samples per second requiring total of 88 Kbps data rate. The computations are reduced by 16× while energy consumption of processing is reduced up to 68%. For compression rates of 2–16×, the seizure detection performance for sensitivity and specificity is degraded by 2.07% and 2.97%, respectively for Logistic Regression classifier.
Community engagement: Universities’ roles in building communities and strengthening democracy

Many universities are making concerted efforts to engage their communities as part of their effort to strengthen democratic principles and processes. These initiatives have included faculty and students assuming both traditional and novel roles to promote community engagement, with varying degrees of success. This article examines university engagement strategies through the lenses of community psychology and community development to identify challenges and opportunities in teaching, research, and service to promote democratic ideals. Specific examples of university practices that engage the community and vary in the advancement of democratic principles are outlined, with suggestions for ways that universities can enhance their ability to promote democratic participation.
The Impact of Mechanic Force on Proliferative Signaling Molecules during Liver Regeneration

Liver, as the central regulator of metabolism, plays numerous functions in human body. When account acute injuries, the liver processes the specific competence to regenerate and return to a constant size. Many signaling molecules have been discovered for the initiation of liver regeneration. However, few mechanical changes have been addressed in the past in terms of liver regeneration and size control. This review discussed the mechanisms of mechanosensing molecules Yap/TAZ, 14-3-3 and their functions in liver regeneration, and how hepatocytes swelling, a physical change after acute liver injury, may initiate liver regeneration.
Language games: a conceptual lens for studying the co-production of materiality, practice, and discourse

ABSTRACTIn this article, I propose Wittgenstein’s language games as a dialectical (i.e. recognising the possible coexistence of supposedly opposing perspectives) and performative concept that allows researchers to study the communicative constitution of organisational culture. Understood as ‘forms of life’, language games emerge through the sociomaterial practices of organisational actors and are constantly co-produced. Language games are diverse and multiple and also share ‘family resemblances’ that enable communication and action. I illustrate the value of this concept for organisational communication research by revisiting studies of organisational culture using language games. In particular, I provide a detailed analysis of Disney ride operators’ language games. I argue that the concept of language games offers valuable insights for extending the communication as constitutive of organisation and sociomateriality perspectives.
Conceptual Disruption: The Self-Anchored Ladder in Critical Feminist Research

In research using self-report measures, there is little attention paid to how participants interpret concepts; instead, researchers often assume definitions are shared, universal, or easily underst...
Cerebral microbleeds shouldn't dictate treatment of acute stroke: a retrospective cohort study evaluating risk of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) after acute ischemic stroke carries the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) may indicate increased risk of hemorrhage and can be seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we examined the association between CMBs and sICH, focusing on the predictive value of their presence, burden, and location. Records from all patients presenting to two academic stroke centers with acute ischemic stroke treated with IV tPA over a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, medical, and imaging variables were evaluated. The presence, number, and location (lobar vs nonlobar) of CMBs were noted on gradient echo MRI sequences obtained during the admission. Univariable and multivariable statistical models were used to determine the relationship between CMBs and hemorrhagic (symptomatic and asymptomatic) transformation. Of 292 patients (mean age 62.8 years (SD 15.3), 49% African-American, 52% women), 21% (n = 62) had at least one CMB, 1% (n = 3) had > 10 CMBs, and 1% (n = 3) were diagnosed with probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy. After treatment, 16% (n = 46) developed hemorrhagic transformation, of which 6 (2%) were sICH. There was no association between CMB presence (p = .135) or location (p = .325) with sICH; however, those with a high CMB burden (> 10 CMB) were more likely to develop sICH (OR 37.8; 95% CI: 2.7–539.3; p = .007). Our findings support prior findings that a high CMB burden (> 10) in patients with acute stroke treated with IV tPA are associated with a higher risk of sICH. However, the overall rate of sICH in the presence of CMB is very low, indicating that the presence of CMBs by itself should not dictate the decision to treat with thrombolytics.
Detection of bisphenol A and derivatives in human urine via cyclodextrin-promoted fluorescence modulation

Reported herein is the sensitive and selective detection of bisphenol A (BPA) and six BPA derivatives in buffer and urine environments. This detection system relies on the ability of γ-cyclodextrin to act as a supramolecular scaffold to promote highly analyte-specific, proximity-induced fluorescence modulation of high quantum yield fluorophores, which led to unique modulation responses for each cyclodextrin–analyte–fluorophore combination investigated in both buffer and urine environments, and high selectivity between structurally similar analytes using linear discriminant analysis of the resulting response signals. This method was sensitive (low micromolar detection limits), selective (able to differentiate between structurally similar analytes), and broadly applicable (with successful detection in both buffer and urine environments), and has significant potential in the detection of BPA and its derivatives in a wide variety of complex environments.
This project is mad : Descartes, Derrida, and the notion of philosophical crisis

In “Cogito and the History of Madness,” Derrida maintains that crisis is endemic to philosophy rather than being, as Husserl forcefully argued, a temporary condition that can and must be overcome through the resources of reason. A reflection on the place of madness in Descartes's Meditations serves as the point of departure for demonstrating that Derrida has done an injustice to philosophy; and a comparison of Derrida's views with the thought of Husserl, Heidegger, and Nietzsche reveals that Derrida's position in “Cogito and the History of Madness” entails a sacrifice of the notion of responsibility that lies at the center of meaningful historical action.
Separation of Platelets from Whole Blood by the Use of Silicone Liquids

A method of separating platelets from whole blood has been developed. The method involves simple centrifugation with blended silicone fluids. Quantitative recovery of platelets is achieved. Platelets appear to have no loss of ability to promote clot retraction in platelet poor plasma.
Towards User Tailoring of Self-Adaptation in Ubiquitous Computing

Ubiquitous computing both emphasizes the role of self-adaptation and poses new challenges to self-adaptation. These challenges include the need for new kinds of adaptation and the recast of classic ones, namely self-healing, to fit ubiquitous computing environments. Furthermore, because users will play an increasing role in assembling ubicomp systems, a key question is how to enable users to tailor self-adaptation to their needs.
Nearly Minimax Mixture Rules for One-sided Sequential Testing

We study the behavior of mixture stopping rules in the one-sided sequential hypothesis testing problem with a simple null hypothesis and a composite alternative hypothesis. When the alternative hypothesis consists of a finite set of probability measures, we show how to select a par ticular mixing distribution in order to obtain a nearly minimax mixture test in the sense of minimizing the maximal Kullback-Leibler information. When the alternative hypothesis consists of a continuum of probability measures from a one-parameter exponential family, we extend the results of Pollak (1978) showing that there exists a mixing density such that the corresponding continuous mixture rule is not only second-order, but also third-order asympto tically minimax.
Open science, reproducibility, and transparency in ecology

Reproducibility is a key tenet of the scientific process that dictates the reliability and generality of results and methods. The complexities of ecological observations and data present novel challenges in satisfying needs for reproducibility and also transparency. Ecological systems are dynamic and heterogeneous, interacting with numerous factors that sculpt natural history and that investigators cannot completely control. Observations may be highly dependent on spatial and temporal context, making them very difficult to reproduce, but computational reproducibility can still be achieved. Computational reproducibility often refers to the ability to produce equivalent analytical outcomes from the same data set using the same code and software as the original study. When coded workflows are shared, authors and editors provide transparency for readers and allow other researchers to build directly and efficiently on primary work. These qualities may be especially important in ecological applications that have important or controversial implications for science, management, and policy. Expectations for computational reproducibility and transparency are shifting rapidly in the sciences. In this work, we highlight many of the unique challenges for ecology along with practical guidelines for reproducibility and transparency, as ecologists continue to participate in the stewardship of critical environmental information and ensure that research methods demonstrate integrity.
Nucleosomal remodeling defects at gene promoters underlie cross-phenotype effects in X-linked thrombocytopenia/Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (IRM6P.655)

Loss-of-function mutations in Wiskott-Aldrich-Syndrome (WAS) gene associate with either X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) or XLT that progresses to immunodeficiency, yet the biological basis for gene-pleiotropy remains unknown. WASp, the protein deficient in WAS, generates F-actin in the cytosol via VCA-domain and supports transcription in the nucleus, the latter by an unknown mechanism. We report that nuclear-WASp, independently of its VCA-domain, is required for the recruitment of BAF47, BAF170, and EP400 to IFNG and TBX21 promoters during TH1-differentiation, but not to IL4 or GATA3 during TH2-differentiation. XLT-causing Thr45Met mutation that progresses to immunodeficiency, impairs recruitment of the above chromatin-remodelers, NF-κB(p65), and STAT1 to TH1-gene promoters, which show paucity of H2A.Z containing nucleosomes, and are therefore sub-optimally transcribed. Dissimilarly, Ala236Gly and Arg477Lys mutations that manifest in XLT without progressing to immunodeficiency do not impair TH1-transcriptional reprogramming. We identify a functional link between nuclear-WASp and SWI/SNF-complexes in T lymphocytes, perturbation of which provides a mechanism for the development of clinical crossphenotypes in human XLT/WAS.
Articulating struggle: ESL students’ perceived obstacles to success in a community college writing class

Abstract There are several factors that contribute to a student’s struggles in an ESL writing course, and for community college students, these are often exacerbated by additional challenges like multiple jobs, family demands, and negative prior educational experiences. The myriad challenges that students face can present many obstacles, including course failure and the necessity to repeat the required writing class again, resulting in frustration, anxiety, and a lack of motivation. Considering this issue and its prevalence across many community college developmental writing programs, this Short Communication shares findings from a semester-long qualitative study that focused on how four students, all of whom were repeating the same developmental ESL writing course for the second or third time, articulated their struggles in passing the course. Findings reveal that, when asked to discuss their challenges in detail, students rarely attribute their struggles to only one factor, and often students are not fully aware of the reasons for their challenges in a writing class. Encouraging students to reflect on and discuss their struggles gives both students and instructors a more nuanced perspective of obstacles within the class. This can in turn help both faculty and administrators support ESL students as they develop their L2 writing skills and progress through their academic programs
Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Clinical Management

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in many countries and is increasing in prevalence. The initial stages of dry AMD can be insidious and asymptomatic for many patients. This stage of the disease is characterized by drusen and other clinical abnormalities identified by comprehensive ophthalmoscopic examination of the posterior pole. It is important to recognize the intermediate stage of dry AMD before vision is lost as there are three clinical recommendations that may be able to slow the progression of the disease. Patients should be counseled to not smoke, optimize their cardiovascular risk factors, and consider taking the six supplements studied in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) 2. The advanced forms of AMD, which can cause severe central visual loss, are known as geographic atrophy (GA) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The most common cause of severe vision loss from AMD is secondary to development of CNV. If CNV develops, it can be effectively and safely treated with injections of pharmaceutical agents into the vitreous cavity of the eye that block pathologic levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). While in most eyes these intravitreal injections are not a cure for CNV and repeated, consistent dosing is typically required for extended periods of time, their appropriate clinical use leads to improved visual function on a population basis.
Endometrial cancer recurrence: Adjuvant high-dose rate vaginal brachytherapy (HDR) versus HDR with whole pelvic radiation.

e15504 Background: Investigators hypothesize that patients with endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium treated with adjuvant high-dose-rate vaginal brachytherapy (HDR) alone vs. HDR with whole p...
Zwitterionic Ammoniumalkenyl Ligands in Metal Cluster Complexes. Synthesis, Structures, and Transformations of Zwitterionic Trimethylammoniumalkenyl Ligands in Hexaruthenium Carbido Carbonyl Complexes

Ru6(μ6-C)(CO)17, 1, has been shown to react with C2H2 when activated by Me3NO to yield the complexes Ru6C(CO)15(μ–η2-C2H2NMe3), 2, and Ru6C(CO)14(μ3–η4-C4H4NMe3), 3, containing a bridging 2-trimeth...
Dual-slope imaging in highly scattering media with frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy

We present theoretical and experimental demonstrations of a novel, to the best of our knowledge, diffuse optical imaging method that is based on the concept of dual slopes (DS) in frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy. We consider a special array of sources and detectors that collects intensity (I) and phase (ϕ) data with multiple DS sets. We have recently shown that DSϕ reflectance data features a deeper sensitivity with respect to DSI reflectance data. Here, for the first time, we describe a DS imaging approach based on the Moore-Penrose inverse of the sensitivity matrix for multiple DS data sets. Using a circular 8–source/9-detector array that generates 16 DS data sets at source-detector distances in the range 20–40 mm, we show that DSI images are more sensitive to superficial ( 10mm) perturbations in highly scattering media.
Evaluation of adverse drug reaction formatting in drug information databases

Objective: The research evaluated the differences in formatting of adverse drug reaction (ADR) information in drug monographs in commonly used drug information (DI) databases. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of formatting of ADR information for twenty commonly prescribed oral medications in seven commonly used DI databases was performed. Databases were assessed for presentation of ADR information, including presence of placebo comparisons, severity of ADR, onset of ADR, formatting of ADRs in percentile (quantitative) format or qualitative format, whether references were used to cite information, whether ADRs are grouped by organ system, and word count of the ADR section. Data were collected by two study investigators and discrepancies were resolved via consensus. Chi-square analyses and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate for mean group differences in categorical and continuous data, respectively. Results: The seven DI databases varied significantly on each analyzed ADR variable, including variables known to impact interpretation such as placebo comparisons and qualitative versus quantitative formatting. Placebo comparisons were most common among monographs in Micromedex In-Depth Answers (70%) but were absent among monographs in Epocrates, Lexicomp, and Micromedex. Quantitative information was commonly used in most databases but was absent in Epocrates. Average word counts were higher in Clinical Pharmacology and Micromedex In-Depth answers compared to other databases. Conclusion: Substantial variation in ADR formatting exists between the most common DI databases. These differences may translate into alternative interpretations of medical information and, thus, impact clinical judgment. Further studies are needed to assess whether these differences impact clinical practice.
What Should an Intern Do When She Disagrees With the Attending

Disagreements, including those between residents and attending physicians, are common in medicine. In this Ethics Rounds article, we present a case in which an intern and attending disagree about discharging the patient; the attending recommends that the patient be hospitalized longer without providing evidence to support his recommendation. Commentators address different aspects of the case. The first group, including a resident, focus on the intern's potential moral distress and the importance of providing trainees with communication and conflict resolution skills to address inevitable conflicts. The second commentator, a hospitalist and residency program director, highlights the difference between residents' decision ownership and attending physicians' responsibilities and the way in which attending physicians' responsibilities for patients can conflict with their roles as teachers. She also highlights a number of ways training programs can support both trainees and attending physicians in addressing conflict, including cultivating a learning environment in which questioning is encouraged and celebrated. The third commentator, a hospitalist, notes the importance of shared decision-making with patients and their parents when decisions involve risk and uncertainty. Family-centered rounds can facilitate shared decision-making.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Six-Degree-of-Freedom Satellite Aero-Assisted Maneuvers

An examination of aero-assisted atmospheric entry dynamics of “generic” satellites is presented rather than for space planes or trans-atmospheric vehicles, as shown by legacy and contemporary liter...
Cause of death during prostate cancer survivorship: A contemporary, US population-based analysis.

Background More than 3.6 million men in the United States harbor a diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). The authors sought to provide in-depth analyses of the causes of death for contemporary survivors. Methods The authors performed a population-based cohort study in the United States (2000-2016) to assess causes of death for men diagnosed with PCa stratified by demographics and tumor stage. Using general population data, they calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) as observed-to-expected death ratios. Results In total, 752,092 men with PCa, including 200,302 who died (27%), were assessed. A total of 29,048 men with local/regional disease (17%) died of PCa, whereas more than 4-fold men died of other causes (n = 143,719 [83%]). SMRs for death from noncancer causes (0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-0.78) suggested that these men were less likely than the general population to die of most other causes. The most common noncancer cause of death was cardiac-related (23%; SMR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.75-0.77). Among men with distant PCa, 90% of deaths occurred within 5 years of diagnosis. Although deaths due to PCa composed the majority of deaths (74%), SMRs suggested that men with distant PCa were at heightened risk for death from most other noncancer causes (1.50; 95% CI, 1.46-1.54) and, in particular, for cardiac-related death (SMR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.41-1.54) and suicide (SMR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.78-2.96). Further analyses demonstrated that causes of death varied by patient demographics. Conclusions Causes of death during PCa survivorship vary by patient and tumor characteristics. These data provide valuable information regarding health care prioritization during PCa survivorship. Lay summary Men with early-stage prostate cancer are 4-fold more likely to die of other causes, whereas those with advanced prostate cancer are at increased risk for several causes not related to prostate cancer in comparison with the general population. These findings can help guide physicians taking care of men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Densitometry of thin-layer chromatograms using polaroid projection film

Abstract A method for quantitative densitometry of thin-layer chromatograms using Polaroid Type 46-L projection film and a conventional thin-membrane densitometer is described. Standard curves prepared from fucose and glucose visualized with aniline—diphenylamine—phosphoric acid showed a linear relationship between the peak areas and the amount of sugar present on the chromatographic plate. The applicability of the method to biological materials is demonstrated by its successful use in determining plasma fucose concentrations. The method is applicable to the quantitative densitometry of chromatographic and electrophoretic systems where the properties of the substances to be analyzed and the physical characteristics of the separation system make direct densitometric analysis technically difficult.
69 Quantifying the energy landscapes of ribosome function through simulation

The breadth of information available on ribosome structure and dynamics makes it the ideal system for systematically investigating the physical-chemical properties that enable large-scale biologica...
Mutations in the L3 loop of zinc-binding domain of p53 are poor prognostic indicators of Caucasians with colorectal adenocarcinomas

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 2548 Background: We previously reported that abnormalities in p53 have different biologic consequences in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) when analyzed based on patient race. Therefore, in the current study, we assessed the mutational patterns of p53 gene in CRCs collected from Caucasians and African-Americans, and correlated with patient survival. Methods: We collected frozen tissues from 121 Caucasian and 63 African-American CRC patients from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. The status of p53 gene was assessed by direct sequencing of all coding regions (exons 2 - 11), using exon-specific primers. The DNA binding domain (exons 5 - 8) of p53 includes all important structural motifs like L2 and L3 zinc-binding domains and LSH (loop-sheet-helix) motif. Univariate Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to assess the prognostic significance of p53 mutations based on race. Results: The incidence of point mutations in p53 was higher in Caucasian (60 of 121, 50%) than in African-American (23 of 63, 37%) patients. The prevalence of mutations at hotspot codons 175, 245, 248, 273, or 282 (52% vs . 35%), particularly in the L3 loop of zinc-binding domain (28% vs . 9%) was more common in Caucasians than in African-Americans. In contrast, polymorphic mutations at codon 72 (Arginine to Proline) were more frequent in African-Americans (14%) than in Caucasians (4%). Caucasians with mutations in L3 domain had higher mortality than those with wild type p53 (5-year, log-rank, P=0.0377). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the mutational pattern of p53 gene differs in CRCs of Caucasian and African-American patients; specifically, mutations within the L3 loop of zinc-binding domain of p53 are associated with poor clinical outcome of Caucasian patients. Thus, mutations in the L3 loop of p53 may be indicators of aggressive phenotypic behavior of colorectal adenocarcinomas . These studies are supported by NCI/NIH grants RO1-CA98932-01 and RO3-CA097542-01.
RELIABILITY OF SCIENTISTS In SUPPLYING TITLES: Implications for Permutation Indexing

This study is an outgrowth of a broader one being conducted by the Biological Sciences Communications Project on the validity or relevance of titles in describing the content of biological articles. It is restricted to the psychology portion of the total sample. The purpose of the study was to assist the author in gaining insight into the problems of documentation research, and to provide the project with a pilot study—one of several.
A rapid in situ respiration test for measuring aerobic biodegradation rates of hydrocarbons in soil

An in situ test method to measure the aerobic biodegradation rates of hydrocarbons in contaminated soil is presented. The test method provides an initial assessment of bioventing as a remediation technology for hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. The in situ respiration test consists of ventilating the contaminated soil of the unsaturated zone with air and periodically monitoring the depletion of oxygen (O2) and production of carbon dioxide (CO2) over time after the air is turned off. The test is simple to implement and generally takes about four to five days to complete. The test was applied at eight hydrocarbon-contaminated sites of different geological and climatic conditions. These sites were contaminated with petroleum products or petroleum fuels, except for two sites where the contaminants were primarily polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Oxygen utilization rates for the eight sites ranged from 0.02 to 0.99 percent O2/hour. Estimated biodegradation rates ranged from 0.4 to 19 mg/kg of soil/day. These rates were similar to the biodegradation rates obtained from field and pilot studies using mass balance methods. Estimated biodegradation rates based on O2 utilization were generally more reliable (especially for alkaline soils) than rates based on CO2 production. CO2 produced from microbial respiration was probably converted to carbonate under alkaline conditions.
“Men I Mess with Don't Have Anything to do with Aids”: Using Ethno-theory to Understand Sexual Risk Perception

Pivotal in HIV/STD intervention and prevention is how individuals perceive risk. This article discusses how ethnotheory can be used to understand the underpinnings of risk perception from the subje...
Qos-aware Middleware for Mobile Multimedia Communications

Next generation wireless communications system will be required to support the seamless delivery of voice, video and data with high quality. Delivering hard Quality of Service (QOS) assurances in the wireless domain is complex due to large-scale mobility requirements, limited radio resources and fluctuating network conditions. To address this challenge we are developing mobiware, a QOS-aware middleware platform that contains the complexity of supporting multimedia applications operating over wireless and mobile networks. Mobiware is a highly programmable software platform based on the latest distributed systems technology (viz. CORBA and Java). It is designed to operate between the application and radio-link layers of next generation wireless and mobile systems. Mobiware provides value-added QOS support by allowing mobile multimedia applications to operate transparently during handoff and periods of persistent QOS fluctuation.
Controversies in the use & implementation of drug-eluting stent technology

The introduction of drug eluting stents has resulted in dramatic reductions in the rates of restenosis and the need for repeat revascularization. In the last several years, concern has been raised regarding the long-term safety of this technology, particularly in the area of late restenosis and stent thrombosis. The development of newer anti-restenotic drug coatings, biodegradable polymers and even completely bioabsorbable stents offer the potential to address these limitations. Additional questions that have recently come to the forefront include the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy, the use of platelet reactivity assays and genetic testing and drug eluting stent use in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. This article will attempt to address these and other areas of controversy in the use and implementation of drug eluting stents.
A Few Thoughts on Cognitive Overload

Reflexions sur la surcharge cognitive. Cet article aborde le probleme de la saturation cognitive tel que les individus le vivent au quotidien sur leur lieu de travail. Il examine d'abord une serie d'hypotheses sur les causes de ce phenomene : trop d'information en push et en pull, le multi-tâche et les interruptions, un environnement de travail mal concu. En passant, il pose une serie de questions : la mesure de la qualite de l'information, la forme de sa fonction d'utilite, la pertinence de differentes strategies de gestion des flux. Ensuite, il cherche a bâtir un cadre d'analyse pour ameliorer la conception des environnements de travail. Il enrichit la formalisation de Simon et Newell sur l'espace de la tâche, en montrant que les strategies cognitives du sujet peuvent l'amener a des detours qui, sans etre des tâches proprement dites, sont des reformulations du probleme qui facilitent sa resolution. Cette avancee permet de poser plus clairement la question de la charge cognitive et des couts cognitifs qui decoulent de l'environnement. L'article distingue notamment la charge de calcul, la memoire, la concentration, le stress. Il montre sur quelques exemples simples comment un reamenagement de l'environnement peut abaisser la structure de couts pour l'operateur, et lui procurer une aide dans son travail cognitif.
Solution of Distributed Sparse Linear Systems Using PSPARSLIB

In a parallel linear system solution, an efficient usage of a multiprocessor system is usually achieved by implementing algorithms with high degree of parallelism and good convergence properties as well as by tuning parallel codes to a particular system. Among the software tools that facilitate this development is PSPARSLIB, a suite of codes for solving sparse linear systems of equations. PSPARSLIB takes a modular approach to constructing a solution method and has logic-transparent computational kernels that can be adapted to the problem at hand. Here, we outline a few parallel solution methods incorporated recently in PSPARSLIB. We give a rationale for implementing these techniques and present several numerical experiments.
Purification of the threonine-sensitive aspartokinase--homoserine dehydrogenase complex using chromatography on substituted Sepharose columns.

Abstract The use of cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose condensed with amines containing alkyl and ω-aminoalkyl groups has provided a series of columns for attempted purifications of the threonine-sensitive aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli . Among the alkyl-substituted Sepharose derivatives (Sepharose ∼ NH-(CH 2 ) X H), there was no retardation on the ethyl derivative, slight retardation on the propyl derivative, retardation over a broad band with low yield on the butyl derivative, and strong binding on the pentyl derivative from which active enzyme was not eluted by increased salt concentrations or by a number of other potential eluants. On the ω-aminoalkyl-substituted Sepharose derivatives (Sepharose ∼ NH-(CH 2 ) X -NH 2 ), there was observed no retention on the aminobutyl derivative, retardation with good purification on the aminohexyl and aminoheptyl derivatives, and strong binding on the aminononyl derivative from which active enzyme was not eluted by the several methods attempted. Thus, an appropriate functional group in addition to lengthening the hydrocarbon chain may be necessary for the success of this type of chromatography.
Numerical simulation of vortical flows on flexible wings

A procedure to simultaneously solve the Navier-Stokes equations and modal structural equations of motion is presented for computing aeroelastic responses of wings. The Navier-Stokes flow equations are solved by a finite-difference scheme with dynamic grids. The coupled aeroelastic equations of motion are solved using the linear-acceleration method. The aeroelastic, configuration-adaptive dynamic grids are time-accurately generated using the aeroelastically deformed shape of the wing. The unsteady flow calculations are validated with the experiment. Present development is demonstrated for computing vortical flows over flexible wings.
Subcortical connections of visual areas MST and FST in macaques

To examine the subcortical connections of the medial superior temporal and fundus of the superior temporal visual areas (MST and FST, respectively), we injected anterograde and retrograde tracers into 16 physiologically identified sites within the two areas in seven macaque monkeys. The subcortical connections of MST and FST were found to be very similar. Both areas were found to be reciprocally connected with the pulvinar, mainly with its medial subdivision, and with the claustrum. Nonreciprocal projections from both MST and FST were consistently found in the striatum (caudate and putamen), reticular nucleus of the thalamus, and the pontine nuclei. The labeled terminals in the pons were in the dorsolateral, lateral, dorsal, and peduncular nuclei. Additional nonreciprocal projections were found in one MST and one FST case to the nucleus of the optic tract, and, in one FST case, to the lateral terminal nucleus. Finally, three cases showed a nonreciprocal projection to FST from the basal forebrain. The subcortical structures containing label following MST and FST injections were largely the same as those labeled after injections of the middle temporal visual area (MT), but the label within each structure after MST and FST injections was more widespread than that from MT, overlapping the distribution of label that has been reported after injections of parietal visual areas. This finding is consistent with the known contributions of MST and FST to the functions of parietal cortex, such as eye-movement control.
Can estrogen influence the response to noxious stimuli

Abstract Study Objective: To evaluate estrogen-induced alternations in noxious stimuli response. Design: Randomized, prospective, double-blind study. Setting: Tertiary-care academic medical center. Patients: 40 ASA physical status I and II women at the beginning and conclusion of an in vitro fertilization stimulation cycle. Interventions: Stimuli were applied to the fingers of the dominant hand via a Basile Analgesy-Meter, which applied increasing pressure (g/cm 2 ) in a continuous fashion, and ice water immersion. Measurements: Serum hormonal concentrations and responses to noxious (pressure and cold thermal) stimuli were studied. Main Results: Estrogen and progesterone concentrations changed from 377 ± 323.42 pg/mL to 2078.05 ± 1175.92 pg/mL ( p p = NS), respectively. Although no significant difference was noted in the response to pressure (16.92 ± 4.41 to 17.85 ± 4.95 g/cm 2 ), a significant reduction in the tolerance to ice water immersion (34.18 ± 28.29 to 24.05 ± 23.02 s) was observed. Conclusions: High estrogen concentrations are associated with significantly lower tolerance to cold, but not pressure stimuli.
Sex differences in same-sex friendship

Two studies examined sex differences in the same-sex friendships of college men and women. In a questionnaire study, self-reports were obtained of number o f friends and frequency of interaction, typical and preferred kinds of interactions with friends, and emotional intimacy. A role-play study provided more direct information about conversations between friends. Men and women did not differ in quantitative aspects o f friendship such as number of friends or amount of time spent with friends, nor in the value placed on intimate friendships. However, clear sex differences were found in both studies in the nature of interactions with friends. Women showed emphasis on emotional sharing and talking; men emphasized activities and doing things together. Results are discussed in terms of life-cycle constraints on friendship, and the possibility of sex differences in standards for assessing intimacy in friendship is considered.
Fate of Rising CO2 Droplets in Seawater

The sequestration of fossil fuel CO2 in the deep ocean has been discussed by a number of workers, and direct ocean experiments have been carried out to investigate the fate of rising CO2 droplets in seawater. However, no applicable theoretical models have been developed to calculate the dissolution rate of rising CO2 droplets with or without hydrate shells. Such models are important for the evaluation of the fate of CO2 injected into oceans. Here, I adapt a convective dissolution model to investigate the dynamics and kinetics of a single rising CO2 droplet (or noninteracting CO2 droplets) in seawater. The model has no free parameters; all of the required parameters are independently available from literature. The input parameters include: the initial depth, the initial size of the droplet, the temperature as a function of depth, density of CO2 liquid, the solubility of CO2 liquid or hydrate, the diffusivity of CO2, and viscosity of seawater. The effect of convection in enhancing mass transfer is treated ...
Nutrition Education for Homeless Women—Challenges and Opportunities: A Pilot Study

The study purpose was to identify if homeless women's food and nutrition knowledge and the nutritional value of their food selections improved after they attended a series of nutrition education classes. The food behavior and food and nutrition knowledge of fifty women residing at two homeless shelters were pre-and post-tested. Comparison of the differences between mean rank scores on test scores was done using the Wilcoxon sign-ranks test. Following the classes, participants consumed significantly more fruit and vegetables, yogurt, bread, cereal, pasta, and rice per day and demonstrated significantly improved food knowledge.
Light, Temperature, and Moisture Effects on Apothecium Production of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of light, moisture, and temperature on apothecium production of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Sclerotia were placed in sand beds in crispers and exposed to two light intensities. For each light intensity, sclerotia were subjected to five temperature levels and three moisture levels. The results showed that the optimal temperature and temperature range for germination of sclerotia were affected by both light intensity and the moisture level of the sand. At light intensity of 80 to 90 mol m-2 s-1 (low light intensity treatment), the optimal temperatures were in the range of 12 to 18°C regardless of moisture level. At light intensity of 120 to 130 mol m-2 s-1 (high light intensity treatment), the optimal temperature was shifted to 20°C when the soil moisture level was high. Under high light intensity, only a few days were needed for initials to develop into apothecia. Under low light intensity, several weeks were needed for initials to develop into apothecia. The frequency with which initials developed into apothecia was high under high light intensity (80%) but low under low light intensity. The initials produced at low light intensity and high temperature (25 to 30°C) were thinner and longer. The apothecia also were smaller at low light intensity than those produced at high light intensity at any temperature. The periods for apothecium production were longer under lower temperature treatments. The relationship between apothecium production and degree days was analyzed. Apothecium production began at about 160 degree days and ceased at about 900 degree days at high light intensity. However, production began at about 760 degree days and ceased at 1,720 degree days at low light intensity. Nonlinear regression equations which describe the relationship between cumulative formation of apothecia and degree days were highly significant. The deviation between the observed value and the predicted value increased as degree days increased.
Phenotypic comparison of ileal intraepithelial lymphocyte populations of suckling and weaned calves

Abstract Ileal intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) suspensions from suckling calves (1–3 weeks old) and weaned calves (3–6 months old) were phenotyped to determine whether there were differences in the lymphocyte populations consistent with postnatal maturation of the mucosal immune system. Flow cytometric comparisons of IEL from the two age groups revealed the presence of significantly larger proportions of CD4 + T lymphocytes and CD8 + T cells in the weaned animals. In contrast, there was a significantly larger proportion of B-B2 + IEL in the suckling calves. Freshly isolated IEL from both groups of calves expressed mRNA for TNF-α and IFN-γ, but not IL-4 or IL-10. The B-B2 + IEL population was more closely examined by flow cytometry. These cells co-expressed IgM and CD21. However, they did not express IgA, IgG1, nor any of several additional leukocyte differentiation molecules. Immunohistochemical data confirmed the presence of IgM + lymphocytes, and the paucity of IgA + and IgG1 + lymphocytes in suckling calf ileum. However, substantial numbers of IgA + and IgG1 + cells were observed in weaned calf ileum. Together, the data are consistent with ongoing postnatal maturation of the gut mucosal immune system.