cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Melt-Extruded Eudragit® FS-Based Granules for Colonic Drug Delivery

The purpose of this study is to characterize the properties of Eudragit® FS-based granules prepared using melt extrusion process for colonic drug delivery. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), theophylline, and diclofenac sodium were used as the model compounds. Drug and polymer blends were melt-extruded into thin rods using a single screw extruder. Drugs were found to be dispersed as crystalline particles in the granules. A hammer mill was used to reduce the extrudate into 16–40 mesh granules, which were mixed with lactose and filled into hard gelatin capsules. Three-stage dissolution testing performed using USP paddle method was used to simulate drug release in gastrointestinal tract. In this study, melt extrusion has been demonstrated to be a suitable process to prepare granules for colonic delivery of 5-amino salicylic acid. At 30% drug loading, less than 25% 5-ASA was released from melt-extruded granules of 20–30 mesh in the first two stages (0.1 N hydrochloric acid solution and phosphate buffer pH 6.8) of the dissolution testing. All 5-ASA was released within 4 h when dissolution medium was switched to phosphate buffer pH 7.4. Drug loading, granule size, and microenvironment pH induced by the solubilized drug were identified as the key factors controlling drug release. Granules prepared with melt extrusion demonstrated lower porosity, smaller pore size, and higher physical strength than those prepared with conventional compression process. Eudragit® FS was found to be stable even when processed at 200°C.
Automatic Aorta Detection in Non-contrast 3D Cardiac CT Images Using Bayesian Tracking Method

Automatic aorta detection is important for the diagnosis and treatment planning of aortic diseases, such as acute aortic dissection and aneurysm. Manually labeling and tracking the aorta in a large amount of non-contrast CT images are time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this paper, we describe a fully automated method to tackle this problem. We apply General Hough Transom(GHT) to detect the approximately circular shape of the aorta on 2D slices. The k-means clustering algorithm is used to identify two initial points for subsequent vessel tracking. In order to correctly detect the centerline of aorta, the proposed method based on the Bayesian estimation framework incorporates aorta-related prior knowledge. Our approach can handle the variations in the radius along the tubular vessel and the morphological differences of the aortic arch. Initial results on 24 CT datasets from a longitudinal cardiovascular study are encouraging.
Protein Local Tertiary Structure Prediction by Super Granule Support Vector Machines with Chou-Fasman Parameter

Prediction of a protein's tertiary structure from its sequence information alone is considered a major task in modern computational biology. In order to closer the gap between protein sequences to its tertiary structures, we discuss the correlation between protein sequence and local tertiary structure information in this paper. The strategy we used in this work is predict small portions (local) of protein tertiary structure with high confidence from conserved protein sequences, which are called “protein sequence motifs”. 799 protein sequence motifs that transcend protein family boundaries were obtained from our previous work. The prediction accuracy generated from the best group of protein sequence motifs always keep higher than 90% while more than 8% of the independent testing data segments are predicted. Since the most meaningful result published in latest publication is merely 70.02% accuracy under the coverage of 4.45%, the research results achieved in this paper are obviously outperformed. Besides, we also set up a stricter evaluation to our prediction to further understand the relation between protein sequence motifs and tertiary structure predictions. The results suggest that the hidden sequence-to-structure relationship can be uncovered using the Super Granule SVM Model with the Chou-Fasman Parameter. With the high local tertiary structure prediction accuracy provided in this article, the hidden relation between protein primary sequences and their 3D structure are uncovered considerably.
Free Modules, Projective, and Injective Modules

Free modules are basic because they have bases. A right free module F over a ring R comes with a basis {ei} : i ∈ I (for some indexing set I) so that every element in F can be uniquely written in the form Σ ieI e i r i , where all but a finite number of the elements ri e R are zero. Free modules can also be described by a universal property, but the definition given above is more convenient for working inside the free module in question. We can also work with F by identifying it with R(I), the direct sum of I copies of R (or more precisely R R ). The direct sum R(I) is contained (as a submodule) in the direct product R I , which is usually “much bigger”: we have the equality R(I) = R I iff I is finite or R is the zero ring.
Effects of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Mathematics Interventions for Second Graders with Mathematics Difficulties

Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of Tier 2 and Tier 3 mathematics interventions on students with mathematics learning difficulties. In the first study, the work of Bryant et al. was replicated and expanded upon by documenting the sustained effects of a Tier 2 mathematics intervention on mathematics performance by second graders. In the second study, the Tier 2 intervention was intensified to a Tier 3 intervention through increases in two instructional features: group size and dosage. The results of the first study showed that the Tier 2 intervention improved mathematics performance for the majority of student participated in the study, and the effect of the intervention was sustained for the majority of students who responded to the Tier 2 intervention. The results of the second study showed that intensified Tier 3 intervention that involved one-on-one instruction and extended time for daily lessons may benefit students who have persistent difficulties with learning mathematics.
Kinetic Proofreading of Ligand-FcεRI Interactions May Persist beyond LAT Phosphorylation

Cells may discriminate among ligands with different dwell times for receptor binding through a mechanism called kinetic proofreading in which the formation of an activated receptor complex requires a progression of events that is aborted if the ligand dissociates before completion. This mechanism explains how, at equivalent levels of receptor occupancy, a rapidly dissociating ligand can be less effective than a more slowly dissociating analog at generating distal cellular responses. Simple mathematical models predict that kinetic proofreading is limited to the initial complex; once the signal passes to second messengers, the dwell time no longer regulates the signal. This suggests that an assay for kinetic proofreading might be used to determine which activation events occur within the initial signaling complex. In signaling through the high affinity IgE receptor FceRI, the transmembrane adaptor called linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is thought to nucleate a distinct secondary complex. Experiments in which the concentrations of two ligands with different dwell times are adjusted to equalize the level of LAT phosphorylation in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cells show that Erk2 phosphorylation, intracellular Ca2+, and degranulation exhibit kinetic proofreading downstream of LAT phosphorylation. These results suggest that ligand-bound FceRI and LAT form a complex that is required for effective signal transmission.
Potato Quality as Affected by Source of Magnesium Fertilizer: Nitrogen, Minerals, and Ascorbic Acid

TWO SOURCES of magnesium fertilizer, Epsom salt and dolomite, were compared as to their effect on nitrogen, mineral, and ascorbic acid contents of Katahdin potatoes. Both Mg sources increased significantly (p < 0.05) the total, nonprotein, and protein nitrogen of both cortex and pith tissues. The pith tissue was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the cortex in total and nonprotein nitrogen. Potatoes fertilized with Epsom salt were higher in nitrogen than those receiving dolomite. Both sources of Mg significantly (p < 0.05) increased Al and Fe contents of tubers, and the greater increase occurred with Epsom salt. Tubers from soils receiving dolomite were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in manganese and cadmium contents than those receiving Epsom salt. No significant differences were observed in ascorbic acid content with either Mg source.
Latexes formed by rapid expansion of Polymer/CO2 suspensions into water. 1. Hydrophilic surfactant in supercritical CO2

Rapid expansion of poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) suspensions in supercritical CO2 containing a hydrophilic as well as a CO2-philic surfactant produced stable aqueous latexes. The hydrophilic surfactants were soluble in both CO2 and water. The aqueous latexes could also be formed after depressurization and resuspension of the polymer dispersion in CO2. Latexes in basic buffer solutions were stable for a few weeks for concentrations up to 15.6% and for several months after sonication. The synthesis of water-dispersible polymer particles in CO2, which may be transferred to water without the need for organic solvents, offers the possibility of new environmentally benign coatings and adhesives.
Comparison of sulfur hexafluoride, fluorescein and rhodamine dyes and the bacteriophage PRD-1 in tracing subsurface flow

Abstract We compared velocities of the subsurface flow from a mounded onsite septic system towards a depressional wetland with three types of tracer; an inert gas, sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ), two fluorescent dyes, fluorescein and rhodamine WT, and a viral tracer, the bacteriophage PRD-1. The movement of both fluorescent dyes was significantly retarded in the soils compared to both SF 6 and PRD-1. In experiments using injection solutions containing both a dye and SF 6 , fluorescein was found to move at least 3–4 times slower than SF 6 , and rhodamine was not observed away from the drainfield. In contrast, the velocities calculated from SF 6 data are very similar to the velocities calculated from the PRD-1 data obtained during the same experiment. At a second site, the movement of fluorescein was half as fast and not as extensive as the movement of SF 6 . The results of these experiments indicate that fluorescent dyes may underestimate velocities of effluent from septic systems adjacent to seasonal wetlands. In contrast, SF 6 was found to perform similarly to the viral tracer PRD-1.
Inhibition of Cell Proliferation and Activation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Mediated by Angiotensin II Type 2 (AT2) Receptor in R3T3 Cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 receptor (AT2) mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) were investigated in R3T3 fibroblast cells selectively expressing the AT2 subtype. Ang II did not alter the cell number of serum depleted R3T3 cells but inhibited basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-stimulated cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner (IC50; 1-5 nM). This inhibitory response was abolished by an concomitant incubation with an AT2 antagonist, PD123319, and was mimicked by an AT2 agonist, CGP42112A. Stimulation of Ang II resulted in a rapid and transient increase in PTP activity as determined by using para-nitrophenyl phosphate (p-Npp) as a substrate in serum depleted R3T3 cells. This PTP activation was mimicked by CGP42112A. We conclude that the AT2 receptor is involved in the inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase.
Visually Controlled Locomotion: 40 years Later

Gibson's article, Visually Controlled Locomotion and Visual Orientation in Animals(1958/this issue), is the leading statement of a nonrepresentational, information-based approach to visual control. The core ideas he introduced 40 years ago resurface, explicitly or implicitly, in much contemporary work on perception and action in humans, insects, robots, and autonomous agents. The purpose of this special issue is to assess the continuing pertinence of these insights and illustrate current directions in research on visually controlled locomotion. In this article, I locate the 1958 article in the context of Gibson's emerging theory of perception, contrast information-based control with standard model-based and cybernetic control architectures, evaluate the current status of Gibson's visual control formulae, and situate visual control within an informational-dynamical approach to agent-environment systems. Locomotion is a biologically basic function, and if that can be accounted for then the problem of human ...
Commentary: The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A national workforce perspective1

The authors describe historical trends in the profession and nursing education and offer a thoughtful synthesis of many complex and inter-related issues influencing the nursing workforce, nursing higher education, and the nation’s healthcare needs. Their main argument is thatmoving education of all advance practice nurses (Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses [APRNs]) from the master’s level to the doctoral level at this time is not in the best interest of the public, the national workforce, or the profession. They argue, with convincing evidence, that continuing APRN education at themaster’s level is appropriate and in the best interests of the public, the national workforce, and the profession. Interestingly, in contrast to prior public statements and writings, they do not argue that the clinical, professional practice doctorate, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), should not be added to the armamentarium of nursing degree programs.
While leaving abusive male partners, women engaged in a 4 stage process of reclaiming self.

(2001) Can J Nurs Res 32, 79. Wuest J, Merritt-Gray M. . Beyond survival: reclaiming self after leaving an abusive male partner. . Mar; . : . –94 . [OpenUrl][1][PubMed][2] QUESTION: What are the experiences of women who have left abusive male partners and have not gone back? Feminist grounded theory. Small towns and rural communities in eastern Canada. 15 Caucasian women identified by lay and professional helpers as having left abusive relationships (age range: late teens to mid 50 y; education level range: elementary school to university degree; employment status: employed, students, or receiving social assistance). All women were interviewed and initially asked to talk about how they had left their relationships. Interviews were transcribed, and concepts were identified in data analysis. Theoretical sampling and coding were used to clarify relationships between concepts and facilitate the development of a theoretical framework. In repeat interviews, emerging theories were shared with participants for discussion and refinement. Reclaiming self was the central social psychological process that emerged, in which women journeyed through 4 stages: counteracting abuse , breaking free , not going back , and moving on . During the … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DThe%2BCanadian%2Bjournal%2Bof%2Bnursing%2Bresearch%2B%253D%2BRevue%2Bcanadienne%2Bde%2Brecherche%2Ben%2Bsciences%2Binfirmi%25C3%25A8res%26rft.stitle%253DCan%2BJ%2BNurs%2BRes%26rft.aulast%253DWuest%26rft.auinit1%253DJ.%26rft.volume%253D32%26rft.issue%253D4%26rft.spage%253D79%26rft.epage%253D94%26rft.atitle%253DBeyond%2Bsurvival%253A%2Breclaiming%2Bself%2Bafter%2Bleaving%2Ban%2Babusive%2Bmale%2Bpartner.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F11928303%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=11928303&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F5%2F2%2F60.atom
ORDER OF GAUSS PERIODS IN LARGE CHARACTERISTIC

Let $p$ be the characteristic of $\mathbb F_q$ and let $q$ be a primitive root modulo a prime $r = 2n + 1$. Let $\beta\in\mathbb F_{q^{2n}}$ be a primitive $r$th root of unity. We prove that the multiplicative order of the Gauss period $\beta+\beta^{-1}$ is at least $(\log p)^{c\log n}$ for some $c>0$. This improves the bound obtained by Ahmadi, Shparlinski and Voloch when $p$ is very large compared with $n$. We also obtain bounds for "most" $p$.
Independent component analysis for remote sensing study

Recently there has been much interest in the Independent Component Analysis (ICA) methods for source signal separation. ICA algorithms can be represented by a neural network architecture to decompose a signal or image into components. The potential use of ICA in remote sensing study is examined. For SAR imagery in particular, the use of ICA to enhance the images and to improve the pixel classification is considered. It is shown that ICA processed images generally have lower contrast ratio (standard deviation to mean of an image) which implies a reduced speckle effect. The features extracted by using ICA also are quite effective for pixel classification. There are five pattern classes considered. By using the 9 original SAR images plus all 6 ATM images, the best overall percentage correct is 86.6% which is the same as using 3 ICA and 6 ATM image data. Also ICA is shown to be better than PCA in classification with the same data set. Although the results presented are preliminary, ICA through its de-mixing operations is potentially a useful approach in remote sensing study.
Review of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicle market modeling Studies

Abstract Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs) are emerging automotive products that have the capability to increase vehicle fuel economy, but at an incremental purchase cost relative to conventional vehicles. In general, their reduced petroleum consumption and improved efficiency provides life cycle economic benefits to consumers, society, automakers, and policymakers. These stakeholders have sought to understand the role of HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs in the future vehicle fleets by estimating the diffusion rate of these technologies into the automotive marketplace. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the literature of HEV, PHEV and EV penetration rate studies, their methods, and their recommendations. These studies have applied a suite of analytical and computational tools to model the consumer acceptability of these technologies under a wide variety of policy and macroeconomic scenarios. The results of these studies are compared and synthesized to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the field and to propose further means for improvement of advanced technology vehicle market modeling exercises. On the basis of this review, the authors recommend that modeling of HEV, PHEV and EV penetration rates should include improved interfaces with consumer surveys, modeling of automakers' actions, federal and state policy and its effect on automotive markets, competition among technologies, market volume, vehicle classifications, and model parameters sensitivity analysis.
Studies of immunosuppressive potency of rabbit antimouse antisera raised in response to various murine tissues.

Abstract Antilymphocytic sera (ALS) capable of delaying rejection of A/J strain skin by C57BL/6J mice were produced in rabbits by the injection of (a) lyophilized thymic tissue from C57BL/6J mice, or (b) certain subcellular fractions of the thymus, including a crude nucleoprotein fraction and a crude insoluble fraction. Serum raised in response to a crude soluble fraction was ineffective. Sera produced by injecting rabbits intravenously with epidermal cells or intraperitoneally with fresh or lyophilized brain tissue from C57BL/6J mice failed to delay rejection of A-strain skin by C57BL/6J mice. All the sera tested were lymphocytotoxic in vitro, whether they were immunosuppressive or not, showing again that cytotoxicity in vitro is not a reliable indication of immunosuppressive action in vivo.
Stochastically minimizing the makespan in two-machine flow shops without blocking

Abstract This paper deals with a two-machine stochastic flow shop with an infinite storage between the machines. We present a new sufficient condition on the job processing time distributions that implies that the makespan becomes stochastically smaller when two jobs in a given job sequence are interchanged. This condition is weaker than that given by Ku and Niu (P.-S. Ku, S.-C. Niu, On Johnson's two machine flow shop with random processing times, Opns. Res. 34 (1986) 130–136), and is not restricted to adjacent jobs. It is claimed that all optimal scheduling rules for minimizing the makespan, that have been identified so far in the literature, can be derived from the new condition. Examples and generalizations of known results are presented.
Projected Twenty-First-Century Changes in Temperature, Precipitation, and Snow Cover over North America in CCSM4

AbstractResults from a suite of ensembles of twenty-first-century climate projections made using the Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4) are analyzed to document model bias and to explore possible future changes in air temperature, precipitation, and snow cover over North America. Large biases still exist in all analyzed fields in this version of the model, and the necessary assumption in future climate projections is therefore that the bias persists into the future, such that the differences in a field between two time periods are meaningful indications of potential changes. Projected temperature increases show strong regional patterns with spatial similarities for all the emissions scenarios considered, although there are considerable differences in the magnitude of the projected change. Projections indicate an increase in total precipitation over much of North America for all emissions scenarios, with the exception of the Southwest United States. All of North America except parts of north...
An Integrated Cognitive Architecture for Cognitive Engineering Applications

The increasing complexity of computational cognitive architectures may increase both their modeling capabilities and their difficulty to learn and use as cognitive engineering tools. This paper reports our work dedicated to enhance the usability and the cognitive engineering applicability of a complex computational cognitive architecture called QN-ACTR, which integrates two complementary architectures Queueing Network and Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational. The aim is to provide an easy-to-use interface and intuitive modeling that support both inexperienced and experienced users in using this complex and powerful architecture. The process of model development is greatly simplified with improved visualization and validation methods. The results were examined using heuristic evaluation. The benefits and practice implications are discussed.
Adoption and diffusion of an innovation of uncertain profitability

The argument has frequently been made that the pattern of diffusion associated with most new innovations will typically have certain characteristics. A diffusion curve for an innovation is usually defined as the proportion of its potential users who have already adopted as a function of time (measured from the first adoption). Many empirical studies by both economists and other social scientists have shown that diffusion curves nearly always have two distinct characteristics: (i) they are “S-shaped” (the proportion adopted is an increasing function of time which is initially convex but eventually becomes concave); and (ii) they tend to be right-hand skewed (the inflection point occurs at a time corresponding to a proportion adopted which is less than one half, so that the function is concave over the greatest amount of time; in fact, this skewing is occasionally severe enough to make the diffusion curve appear concave everywhere). ’ The focus of most empirical studies of innovation diffusion has centered on identification of either the major determinants of the speed of diffusion or the characteristics of firms which determine how long they delay adoption.* The seminal contributions are Griliches’ [6] study of hybrid corn and Mansfield’s [ 121 study of 12 industrial innovations. These studies, and most of the similar ones following, conclude that diffusion is faster for innovations with higher profitability and that large firms tend to be the earliest adopters. Some studies (e.g., Mansfield [ 121, Herregat [ 71) have attempted to ascertain
Selective 5' modification of T7 RNA polymerase transcripts.

We have developed two methods for selective 5' modification of RNAs generated by enzymatic synthesis using T7 RNA polymerase. The first method involves a two-step procedure. Transcription reactions are performed under standard conditions except that GTP is replaced by GTP gamma S. Since the polymerase initiates transcription with GTP, every transcript contains a 5' gamma-thiophosphate group which is modified with the thiol-specific reagent of choice (e.g., iodoacetyl dansyl derivative) in the second step. In an alternative method, transcription and modification reactions are carried out in a single step, using a mixture of dansylated GTP and GTP. Under the appropriate conditions, dansylated GTP effectively competes with GTP in the initiation reaction but does not substantially inhibit the elongation reaction. Yields of fluorescent 64-mer RNA ranging from 30 to 70% of the total transcription product have been obtained using these methods in combination with HPLC purification. This approach is amenable to large scale synthesis reactions and can be used to produce a wide variety of 5'-modified RNAs of virtually any size for structural or functional studies.
Creating the boundaryless organization: The radical reconstruction of organization capabilities

Steven Kerr, Vice President of Leadership Development at General Electric and David Ulrich, Professor of Business Administration at the University of Michigan's School of Business, discussed their various processes for organizational renewal in a dual keynote presentation. First, Dave Ulrich describes the drivers of organizational change and his process for responding to the new demands. Steve Kerr follows with some insights from his work within GE. These presenters have co‐authored a book, The Boundaryless Organization: Breaking the Chains of Organization Structure (Jossey‐Bass) due out in September.
Direct Observation of Teacher-Directed IEP Meetings: Establishing the Need for Student IEP Meeting Instruction

The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) called for an increase in student involvement in individualized education program (IEP) meetings. To determine the extent of student involvement in educational planning, this study observed 109 middle and high school IEP meetings; 90% of the participants completed a postmeeting survey. There were statistically significant differences by role between those present throughout the meetings, and those who participated intermittently. Special education teachers talked 51% of 17,804 observed 10-s intervals, family members 15%, general educators and administrators 9%, support staff 6%, and students 3%. Students seldom exhibited leadership behavior, and scored significantly lower on IEP meeting knowledge questions compared to other meeting participants. The results from this study support research suggesting that students need to be taught effective meeting participation skills to enhance participation by all parties and result in ...
Genetic approaches to the neurobiology of electroconvulsive therapy

Although electroconvulsive therapy effectively treats severe psychiatric disorders, its neurobiologic mechanisms are not fully understood. Also unclear is the basis for variability in seizure threshold and duration among patients. We used multiple strains of rats and mice to test for genetic variation in the properties of seizures induced by electroconvulsive shock (ECS). We specifically measured seizure duration, sensitivity to proconvulsant actions of caffeine, and relative refractoriness to postictal induction of further seizures, all of which showed significant interstrain variability. In addition, tonic-clonic seizure durations correlated with rates of immediate mortality, suggesting variations in underlying levels of cellular excitability across strains. By using quantitative autoradiography to relate these findings to neurobiologic mechanisms, we found significant correlations between hippocampal A1-receptor binding, cortical and striatal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor binding, and the modification of seizure duration by caffeine. These studies suggest that heritable factors modulate the neurobiologic determinants of electrically induced seizures. Furthermore, they suggest that genetic factors may contribute to clinically observed variability in seizure thresholds. Finally, the data provide a basis for future molecular genetic approaches to link ECS-induced changes in seizure properties to relevant transmitter systems.
Biogeographic analysis of the Uhu and LOA elements in the Hawaiian Drosophila.

Two transposable elements have been isolated from the Hawaiian Drosophila, the Uhu and LOA elements. The Uhu element has been shown to be present in a group of closely related species, the planitibia subgroup of the picture-winged Drosophila. This study examines the distribution of the Uhu element in several other subgroups of the picture-winged Drosophila, as well as the modified-mouthparts and antopocerus groups of the Hawaiian Drosophila. The LOA element has a much more limited distribution, having only been found in representatives of the planitibia and grimshawi subgroups of the picture-winged Drosophila. For both the Uhu and LOA elements there is an inverse correlation between the copy number of the element and the age of the island on which the species is endemic, i.e., species endemic to the Island of Hawaii, the youngest island, have the highest copy number, while species endemic to Kauai, the oldest island, have the lowest copy number of the element. The correlation suggests there is a relationship between speciation and the activity of transposable elements.
Initiation of Assertive Community Treatment Among Veterans With Serious Mental Illness: Client and Program Factors

Objectives: Ensuring equitable access to mental health services is a national priority. The authors examined assertive community treatment (ACT) services initiation in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system among program-eligible patients. Methods: The VA’s National Psychosis Registry included 6,540 patients who met program eligibility criteria (mental illness diagnosis and prior hospitalization) in fiscal year (FY) 2003 (FY 2003) and had not received VA ACT services in FY 2001–FY 2003. Receipt of VA ACT services during FY 2004 was assessed with generalized estimating equations. Independent variables included age, gender, race and ethnicity, marital status, service-connected disability benefits, substance use disorder, psychiatric inpatient days in FY 2003, distance to the nearest facility with a VA ACT team, presence of an onsite team at the facility where the last VA psychiatric hospitalization occurred, and number of open slots with the nearest ACT team. Results: A total of 452 of the eligible patients (7%) received VA ACT services in FY 2004. In multivariate analyses, older age was associated with reduced odds of receiving ACT services (odds ratio [OR]=.92 per five years); being female (OR=1.86) and having schizophrenia (OR=1.64) were positively associated with ACT services initiation. Individuals living farther from ACT sites were less likely to receive ACT services (OR=.95 per ten miles). The marginal effects of distance were most substantial in the first 30 miles and beyond 100 miles. Conclusions: Most patients who were eligible for yet not already receiving VA ACT services went without these services in FY 2004. Geographic distance limited services initiation. Focused efforts are needed to enhance ACT services initiation and delivery, particularly for individuals in remote locations. (Psychiatric Services 60:196–201, 2009)
Hodgkin's disease of the head and neck in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

Abstract Introduction: Hodgkin's disease can occur in immunocompromised patients. However, the head and neck manifestations of Hodgkin's disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients remain ill defined. The aim of this study was to describe Hodgkin's disease of the head and neck in HIV-infected patients and compare it with noninfected patients. Materials and Results: Sixteen patients presented with Hodgkin's disease of the head and neck to the King's County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, New York, beginning in January of 1991. Five patients were infected with HIV. Hodgkin's disease involved the head and neck regions in 90.5% of cases, occurring in 100% of HIV-infected and in 81% of noninfected patients. Manifestations of Hodgkin's disease were isolated to the head and neck region in only 20% of HIV-infected and in 27% of noninfected patients. Lymphatic structures were involved in all cases with head and neck involvement. Systemic or group B symptoms (fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss of more than 10% of normal body weight) were present in 40% of HIV-infected patients and in 27% of noninfected patients. Advanced stage disease (Stage III/IV) was diagnosed in 80% of HIV-infected patients compared with 45% of noninfected patients. The mixed cellularity subtype was most common in HIV-infected patients (75%), whereas the nodular sclerosis subtype predominated in noninfected patients (50%). Conclusions: The data combined with our report of the literature suggest that the course, presentation, and outcome of Hodgkin's disease is markedly altered in HIV-infected patients. An aggressive approach to the diagnosis and management is suggested in this patient population. (Am J Otolaryngol 2002;23:12-16. Copyright © 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company)
Oscillographic Study of the Current and Voltage in a Permeameter Circuit

The purpose of the investigation was to study the form of the voltage-time and current-time curves, existing in a permeameter circuit, and to reduce the time required for the reversal of the magnetizing current. The permeameters used in the investigation were of the U-shaped yoke type. Oscillograms were taken of the current and of the induced voltage during the opening and also during the reversal of the magnetizing current. The permeameter, with which the investigation was started, was fitted with brass end pieces to support the magnetizing coil. The oscillograms showed that the flux change lagged behind the magnetizing current. In fact, the secondary e. m. f. continued for about one second after the current change was completed. The cause of this lag was found to be due to eddy currents set up in the short-circuited paths provided by the brass end pieces. After these were removed oscillograms showed that the lag in flux behind the magnetizing current was negligible. This brought out clearly the fact that short-circuited paths in which eddy currents may be induced should be avoided in permeameter construction. Two new permeameters were then constructed of the same type; one of these was made with a solid core of silicon steel and the other with a laminated core of the same material. Tests of these showed that use of the laminated core materially reduced the time required for the reversal of the current. Several different types of switches were used for opening and reversing the magnetizing current. The oscillograms showed clearly that a quick-break snap switch operating under oil is superior to other types of switches.
CRT-411 Discrepancies Between Direct Catheter And Echocardiography Based Values In Aortic Stenosis And Impact On Clinical Decision

Current guidelines discourage aortic stenosis (AS) evaluation by direct pressure measurement if echocardiography (echo) is adequate. Crossing the valve at catheterization (cath) is a class III recommendation due to potential stroke risk and the fact that echo derived AVA correlates highly with cath
The Frist-Rockefeller scenario.

Science headlined an article in News Focus by David Malakoff, “Community divides over push for bigger budget,” “A plan to double federal civilian research spending over a decade is surprisingly contentious because it could cramp biomedicine's push for even faster growth” (28 May, p. [1452][1]). Nothing could be further from the truth. The doubling measure proposed by U. S. senators Bill Frist (R-TN) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), to which the article refers, was amended during its Senate Commerce Committee mark-up specifically to meet that concern and its corollary that other science agencies could be hurt by rapid growth of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The amendment is simple—not complex, as the article reports: If any agency exceeds an 8% growth rate, it is removed from the base calculation of the bill, which treats civilian research in the aggregate. Therefore, NIH or, for that matter, any other agency that develops political steam, can grow much more rapidly than the annual 5.6% aggregate called out in the bill without harming other accounts. In addressing the NIH issue, the bill's Senate sponsors worked closely with a number of science, math, and engineering organizations to prevent any disciplinary rifts from developing. They succeeded admirably. Moreover, inspired, in part by intersociety cooperation on the Frist-Rockefeller bill, the presidents of the American Chemical Society, the American Mathematical Society, the American Physical Society, and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology recently presented joint testimony before the House Veterans' Administration-Department of Housing and Urban Development appropriations subcommittee. The article also states that backers of the Frist-Rockefeller bill were attempting to do an “end run” around House Science Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), who has shown “distaste” for the bill, by having the Commerce Committee take the lead. The truth is that last year U.S. Representative Heather Wilson (R-NM) submitted the bill in the House, and she is a member of the Commerce Committee. This year, the science and engineering communities have been working with both House committees, since both lay jurisdictional claim to the proposed legislation. Finally, the article presents pie charts projecting how NIH and other civilian research agencies would fare proportionately in the year 2003 under the Frist-Rockefeller scenario. The charts are now moot, because the amended Frist-Rockefeller bill establishes no constraint on the growth of any agency and no penalty for the remaining ones, if appropriators or authorizers see fit to exceed the 8% threshold established in the legislation. Therefore, no projections can be made, absent assumptions not present in the legislation. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.284.5419.1452
The vertical response of an ocean bottom seismometer: Analysis of the Lopez Island vertical transient tests

A lumped-parameter model was developed to predict the response of an ocean bottom seismometer, resting on relatively non-stiff sediments, to vertical ground-motion. The model predictions were compared with the response of an instrument on a foundation of foam rubber to a sinusoidal input. Comparison of the model data to the measured Lopez Island vertical transient test data showed that bearing pressure of the instrument in a nonuniform vertical soil profile causes certain instruments to experience a shear modulus higher than the mean.
Problem of Phase Variation with Wavelength in Dielectric Films. Extension of Interferometric Standards into the Infrared

A purely interferometric method is suggested by which known standard wavelengths in the visible part of the spectrum are used to determine new wavelength standards in the infrared. The application of the method of exact fractions to measurements made using a Fabry-Perot interferometer whose plates are coated with highly reflecting dielectric films is discussed. It is shown that the large phase corrections introduced by these films may be reduced to differential corrections if relative wavelength measurements are made near wavelengths for which the phase change on reflection is π. A method of experimentally determining both the differential correction and wavelengths at which the phase change of π occurs is suggested.
Designing Fibroblast Growth Factor with Higher Heparin Binding Affinity

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play significant roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, differentiation, tumor formation, embryonic growth, invasion, inflammation, and tissue repair. FGFs are also able to improve wound healing caused by metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, infection, chronic liver failure, malnutrition, and second-degree burns. Studies have indicated that FGFs produce biological responses by binding to two types of receptors on the cell surface. The first class is a high-affinity family of transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors called FGFRs. The second class of receptors is the family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), which have a low affinity for FGFs. The macromolecular interactions of the growth factors, HSPGs, and FGFRs that lead to signal transduction are key to signaling by this important class of molecules. Proteoglycans, such as heparin, are required for the cell proliferation activities of FGFs. Additionally heparin helps to increase the affinity and half-life of the FGF-FGFR complex, which is crucial for signal transduction. The three-dimensional structure of the FGF-heparin complex show that the sulfate groups in the proteoglycans contribute significantly to binding. Residues involved in heparin binding correspond to amino acid 126 to 142 of the human FGF-1 sequence. In this context, we examined the role of additional lysine residues in the putative heparin-binding region of wild-type FGF-1, as introduced by single and double -site mutagenesis on binding, stability, and structure using various biophysical techniques including multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The results clearly indicate that the introduction of lysine residues in three different positions in the heparin-binding pocket significantly increases binding to sucrose octasulfate (SOS, a heparin analog) and conformational stability. In addition, results of this study provide a valuable basis for novel therapeutics targeting this interaction.
Socioregulatory effects on squirrel monkey pituitary-adrenal activity: A longitudinal analysis of cortisol and ACTH

Squirrel monkeys show unusually prolonged elevations in plasma cortisol when separated from like-sex social companions. To determine whether this hypersecretion of cortisol reflects a deficiency in feedback mechanisms that normally inhibit the prolonged activation of the pituitary-adrenal axis, we simultaneously measured plasma cortisol and corticotropin (ACTH) in 30 juvenile monkeys housed in established groups, individual cages, and newly formed groups. As found in recent longitudinal studies of adults, when juveniles were living without companions, mean cortisol titers were consistently higher than those observed when the same juveniles were living in like-sex social groups. When cortisol was elevated, however, ACTH titers were significantly and chronically reduced. These results suggest that elevated cortisol does inhibit ACTH synthesis or release, and that hypercortisolism in squirrel monkeys living without companions is not a consequence of chronic elevations in ACTH. Similar peculiarities in pituitary-adrenal activity are evident in a number of affective disorders in human beings.
Within-subject analysis of autogenic training and cognitive coping training in the treatment of tension headache pain.

Abstract Previous research on muscle-contraction headache pain suggests that relaxation training or cognitive coping training may be effectively used as alternatives to traditional medical interventions. Although each has been shown to be beneficial, a combination of the two procedures may facilitate the effects attained when one is used alone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the separate and combined effects of relaxation training and cognitive coping training in the treatment of muscle-contraction headache pain, using single-subject methodology. This methodology provides a better opportunity to examine the day-to-day variability encountered in headache treatment, which is not usually evidenced with group designs. In addition, single-subject designs offer the practicing clinician an empirical method of evaluating treatment procedures. Fourteen muscle-contraction headache sufferers were asked to self-monitor their headache frequency, intensity, and duration for either 1 or 2 weeks. Following this baseline period, subjects received three sessions of cognitive coping training or relaxation training, followed by both treatments combined. Six additional subjects received six sessions of either coping, relaxation, or coping plus relaxation. Results showed that both coping and relaxation used alone were effective in reducing headache pain. It also appeared that in some instances, the combined effects of both treatments facilitated this reduction.
The elastic constants of uranium-7.5% niobium-2.5% zirconium as a function of pressure

Abstract The elastic constants of uranium-7.5 wt.% niobium-2.5 wt.% zirconium (Mulberry) were measured in the pressure range from 1 bar to 18 kbar (1 bar = 105n/m2). Initial values of C11 and C12 were found to be 1.34 and 0.92 mbar. For dC 11 dP and dC 12 dP , values of 5.8 and 4.1 were obtained. The initial bulk modulus, K, was 1.06 mbar, and dK dP was determined to be 4.6.
Mechanisms of inhibition of the host interferon α/β-mediated antiviral responses by viruses

Complex multicellular organisms have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to prevent and control infection by pathogens. Among these mechanisms, the type I interferon or interferon alpha/beta system represents one of the first lines of defense against viral infections. Typically, viral infection induces the synthesis and secretion of interferon alpha/beta by the infected cell, which in turn activates signaling pathways leading to an antiviral state. As a counter measure, many viruses have developed intriguing mechanisms to evade the interferon alpha/beta system of the host. In this review, we will summarize recent research developments in this interesting field of virus-host cell interactions.
Optimization of ZnO Nanorod Array Morphology for Hybrid Photovoltaic Devices

Hybrid inorganic oxide/conjugated polymer photovoltaic devices using ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) instead of planar films as the electron-transport layer exhibit significant improvements in performance that have been attributed to increased heterojunction surface area, although the relationship has not been quantitatively established. Here, we independently measure the surface area of ZnO NRAs and quantify its effect on the performance of ZnO NRA/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) photovoltaic devices. We find that a device utilizing a vertically aligned 180 nm ZnO NRA exhibits an ∼2.7× enhancement in the short-circuit current compared with that of a bilayer device, in excellent agreement with the increase in surface area. In addition, we show that a subtle difference in the NRA morphology can impact P3HT crystallinity in the photoactive region. Improved P3HT crystallinity leads to an ∼25% enhancement in the short-circuit current for devices with the same surface area. On the basis of these findings, we modify th...
Design and characterization of a programmable step generator with very fast settling performance

A pulse generator for testing the step response of waveform recorders is described. The initial and final levels of voltage steps are each programmable within the range of ± 1 V for a 50-Ω termination. Voltage steps within this range settle to within ±0.2 and ±0.1 percent of full-scale range (FSR) in approximately 4 and 6 ns, respectively. The 10–90 percent transition duration (T R ) is approximately 1.7 ns.