cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Literature Retrieval and Interpretation: A Nontraditional Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory

ABSTRACTThe project objective was to introduce students to the methods of scientific literature retrieval. We have developed a medicinal chemistry class project to teach scientific literature retrieval methods. Students were presented with lectures and demonstrations of how to search for, analyze, and recover scientific literature from traditional library sources, electronic databases, and the World Wide Web (WWW). Students were presented with a drug name and required to search the literature for various pharmacological aspects of their drug. After the completion of a comprehensive written literature summary, students were divided into groups according to the pharmacological class of their assigned drug and required to present an overview of the pharmacological class. This project provided an innovative mechanism for introducing students to the methodologies of scientific literature retrieval, the use of computer technology, functioning in small problem-based, learning-type groups as well as public presen...
P(VDF-TrFE)-layered silicate nanocomposites. Part 1. X-ray scattering and thermal analysis studies

Abstract X-ray scattering and thermal analyses were used to investigate the effects of organically modified layered silicates (OMS) on the paraelectric and ferroelectric phase transitions in poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)]/OMS nanocomposites. Nanocomposites comprising a 75/25 P(VDF-TrFE) random co-polymer with either Nanomer I.30TC or Lucentite STN OMS were prepared with compositions ranging from 2 to 25 wt% OMS. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) studies show that the silicate gallery spacing increases modestly in the nanocomposites compared to the neat OMS powder, indicating a level of co-polymer intercalation. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that thermal stability is improved in nanocomposites with higher OMS contents: they have substantial increase in weight remaining, both at 500 °C and at 1000 °C, compared to that predicted from the behavior of the neat co-polymer and OMS. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and WAXS results show that thermal transitions in the nanocomposites depend on OMS content. Nanocomposites with 2% OMS exhibited a crystal nucleating effect, which results in significant increase in the amount of ferroelectric crystals formed during cooling. For greater OMS additions (10–25%), the amounts of para- and ferroelectric crystals are reduced. The larger OMS additions depress the melt-to-paraelectric transition temperature, while an increase in the paraelectric-to-ferroelectric transition temperature is observed for all compositions. Upon reheating, the ferroelectric phase transition shows significant hysteresis. We conclude that the addition of either Lucentite or Nanomer OMS to 75/25 P(VDF-TrFE) causes an increase in the temperature stability range for the ferroelectric phase.
Theoretical model of rainfall in tropical cyclones for the assessment of long-term risk

[1] We propose a theoretical model to evaluate the rainfall intensity field due to large-scale horizontal wind convergence in tropical cyclones (TCs). The model is intended as one component of a methodology to assess the risk of extreme rainfall intensities from TCs. The other components are a recurrence relation for the model parameters and track and a statistical representation of the deviations of rainfall intensity from model predictions. The latter are primarily caused by rainbands and local convective activity and are the focus of an upcoming communication. The vertical flux of moisture and the associated surface rain rate are calculated using basic thermodynamics and a simple numerical model for the vertical winds inside the TC boundary layer. The tropical cyclone is characterized by the radial profile of the tangential wind speed at gradient level, the storm translation velocity, the surface drag coefficient, and the average temperature and saturation ratio inside the TC boundary layer. A parametric analysis shows the sensitivity of the symmetric and asymmetric components of the rainfall field to various storm characteristics.
Streptococcal Gangrene of the Eyelids and Orbit

Purpose Streptococcal gangrene, also termed streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis, is resurgent but remains exceedingly rare. Ophthalmologists and dermatologists must be aware of streptococcal gangrene, as eyelids are the most commonly affected area of the head and neck. Methods We studied two cases of streptococcal gangrene of the orbit with clinical manifestations indistinguishable from common nonnecrotizing orbital cellulitis. Results Infection progressed with dramatic rapidity to produce eyelid necrosis, respiratory failure, sepsis, and severe permanent visual loss caused by ophthalmic artery occlusions. Histopathologic analysis disclosed vascular thrombosis, necrosis, acute inflammation, and the presence of gram-positive cocci. Cultures grew heavy group A beta hemolytic Streptococcus. The first patient was infected with M type 1 carrying exotoxins A and B. The second patient was also infected with Streptococcus carrying exotoxin A. Conclusion Early diagnosis of this life-threatening infection is of paramount importance because survival may depend on early surgical debridement.
Image restoration subject to surface area or arc length constraints

The restoration of edges is often degraded by spurious oscillations (Gibbs phenomenon). Constraining the restoration surface area or arc length is an effective method of suppressing these oscillations. Results of iterative restorations using both arc length and positivity constraints show edge gradients that can be enhanced by 5:1 over those of the image, while spurious oscillations can be nearly eliminated.
Establishment of a human polyclonal oral epithelial cell line

Abstract Objective: To develop a human oral epithelial cell line to constitute a continuous source of cells readily available for human oral epithelial cell research. Study Design: Oral epithelial cells from a 30-week gestational, stillborn male fetus were grown in serum-free medium and transfected by lipid-mediation with the shuttle vector plasmid, pZ189, containing the T-antigen coding region and replication origin from the SV40 virus. Results: Resulting cultures produced foci of rapidly multiplying cells that failed to senesce, in contrast to controls. The transformed culture, designated GMSM-K, was polyclonal. The original culture possessed a normal human male karyotype, and the transformed line was largely hypotetraploid. Multiple clones, isolated from soft agar studies and low density plating, showed decreased doubling times. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry confirmed an epithelial phenotype. Cells did not generate tumors in nude mice. Conclusion: Few human epithelial cell lines are available to investigators and most are tumor-derived. The nontumor-derived GMSM-K line has value as a resource for human oral epithelial cell research. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;90:340-7)
Input-Output simulation of inventory fluctuations

Abstract This paper presents complex multi-sector simulations of the inventory cycle. There are a total of 50 firms in 10 industries. Each firm stocks 10 different inputs in accordance with (S,s) policy and uses a linear decision rule to schedule production. This elaboration on Leontief's dynamic Input-Output model constitutes a disaggregated extension of Lundberg's model of the inventory cycle.
Molecules with shape memory based on restricted rotation.

Diimide 1 and octaimide 2 both adopt two stable conformations at room temperature as a result of restricted rotation about two Caryl−Nimide single bonds, a compact “folded” and an open “unfolded” structure. Predictable ratios of folded and unfolded rotamers can be achieved by heating in solvents of appropriate polarity as measured by the Reichardt's parameter (ET30). On cooling to room temperature, the resulting conformational changes are “locked in” as restricted rotation is reestablished.
AN ANALYSIS OF SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATIONS AND THEIR EFFECT ON PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES

This research examined how operational outcomes, relational outcomes and business performance are affected by a collaboration project between buyers and suppliers in a supply chain. It is hypothesized that interdependence of knowledge and process, supply chain partner insight, and the level of collaboration between the firms affect the outcomes of a collaboration project. Survey data from buyers and suppliers from a wide range of industries and organizations were used in this analysis. Among these participants, higher levels of collaboration led to improvements in operational and relational outcomes, which together led to improvements in asset utilization, competitive position, organizational performance, and profitability.
Symmetric and Asymmetric Capillary Bridges between a Rough Surface and a Parallel Surface

Although the formation of a capillary bridge between two parallel surfaces has been extensively studied, the majority of research has described only symmetric capillary bridges between two smooth surfaces. In this work, an instrument was built to form a capillary bridge by squeezing a liquid drop on one surface with another surface. An analytical solution that describes the shape of symmetric capillary bridges joining two smooth surfaces has been extended to bridges that are asymmetric about the midplane and to rough surfaces. The solution, given by elliptical integrals of the first and second kind, is consistent with a constant Laplace pressure over the entire surface and has been verified for water, Kaydol, and dodecane drops forming symmetric and asymmetric bridges between parallel smooth surfaces. This solution has been applied to asymmetric capillary bridges between a smooth surface and a rough fabric surface as well as symmetric bridges between two rough surfaces. These solutions have been experimen...
Aspects of unsteady incompressible flow simulations

Abstract Since unsteady incompressible flow simulations involving complex geometry require long computing times, it is crucial to select computationally efficient solvers. For this purpose, two numerical procedures, one based on artificial compressibility and the other pressure projection method, are investigated for obtaining time-accurate solutions of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The performance of the two methods is compared by obtaining unsteady solutions for the evolution of twin vortices behind a flat plate. Calculated results are compared with experimental and other numerical results. For an unsteady flow, which requires small physical time step, the pressure projection method was found to be computationally efficient since it does not require a subiteration procedure. It was also observed that the artificial compressibility method requires a fast convergence scheme at each physical time step in order to satisfy the incompressibility condition. This was obtained by employing a GMRES-ILU(0) solver in the artificial compressibility solver.
On the analysis of dislocation networks

Abstract A purely geometrical representation has been developed in order to assign the Burgers vectors to the line segments of a dislocation network. A strict dualism is revealed between configurations of the dislocation lines and those of their corresponding Burgers vectors, which helps to predict modifications of the network by possible dislocation reactions.
Methodological alternatives in the complex therapy of children's communication and speech disorders

Abstract The increasing frequency of children's communication and speech disorders has made it necessary to find methodological therapy alternatives which could shorten remission time and consolidate acquisitions by appealing to generalized positive reinforcement. The team entrusted with this problem, made up of psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, art therapists, kineto-therapists, psychotherapists, doctors, has channeled its investigations towards four disorder categories: dyslexic-dysgraphic disorders, disorders that stem from emotional deficiencies, development deficiencies and intellectual deficiencies. For 24 months, educational and therapeutic interventions were carried out intensively, with permanent evaluations of each one, and complex evaluations taking place every six months. Final evaluations have shown that 81% of the cases undergoing therapy registered a positive evolution, 73% of cases improved sufficiently whereas the rest required medicinal or surgical interventions. What were the methodological alternatives used, what the individualized recovery programs and the available material resources consisted of, what were the partnerships involved, and more, will constitute the subject of this paper.
Large margin nearest neighbor classifiers

The nearest neighbor technique is a simple and appealing approach to addressing classification problems. It relies on the assumption of locally constant class conditional probabilities. This assumption becomes invalid in high dimensions with a finite number of examples due to the curse of dimensionality. Severe bias can be introduced under these conditions when using the nearest neighbor rule. The employment of a locally adaptive metric becomes crucial in order to keep class conditional probabilities close to uniform, thereby minimizing the bias of estimates. We propose a technique that computes a locally flexible metric by means of support vector machines (SVMs). The decision function constructed by SVMs is used to determine the most discriminant direction in a neighborhood around the query. Such a direction provides a local feature weighting scheme. We formally show that our method increases the margin in the weighted space where classification takes place. Moreover, our method has the important advantage of online computational efficiency over competing locally adaptive techniques for nearest neighbor classification. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method using both real and simulated data.
How virus induces a rapid or slow onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in a transgenic model

Abstract We developed two distinct transgenic mouse models in which virus induced insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus (IDDM). In one of these lines, the unique viral transgene was expressed in the islets of Langerhans and also in the thymus, but in the other line, expression was only in the islets. Insertion and expression of the viral (self) gene, per se, did not lead to IDDM, (incidence + CTL response to the same virus later in life caused IDDM (incidence + CTL differed in each line. Mice not expressing the viral (self) gene in the thymus developed IDDM 10–14 days after infection. CD4 + T cells played no detectable role, since their depletion failed to alter either the kinetics or incidence of IDDM. By contrast, mice that expressed the viral gene in the thymus required significantly more time to develop IDDM. Their anti-self (viral) CD8 + CTL were of lower affinity and avidity than CD8 + CTL generated by nontransgenic controls. Disease was dependent on T cell help, since deletion of CD4 + cells completely circumvented the IDDM.
An Interactive Modeling Environment for Non-Point Source Pollution Control

ABSTRACT: Non-point source pollution cuntinues to be an important environmental and water quality management problem. For the moat part, analysis of non-point source pollution in watersheds has depended on the use of distributed models to identify potential problem areas and to assess the effectiveness of alternative management practices. To effectively use these models for watershed water quality management, users depend on integrated geographic information systems (GIS)-based interfaces for input/output data management. However, existing interfaces are ad-hoc and the utility of GIS is limited to organization of input data and display of output data. A highly interactive water quality modeling interface that utilizes the functional components and analytical capability of GIS is highly desirable. This paper describes the tight coupling of the Agricultural Non-point Source (AGNPS) water quality model and ARC/INFO GIS software to provide an interactive hybrid modeling environment for evaluation of non-point source pollution in a watershed. The modeling environment is designed to generate AGNPS input parameters from user-specified GIS coverages, create AGNPS input data files, control AGNPS model simulations, and extract and organize AGNPS model output data for display. An example application involving the estimation of pesticide loading in a southern Iowa agricultural watershed demonstrates the capability of the modeling environment. Compared with traditional methods of watershed water quality modeling using the AGNPS model or other ad-hoc interfaces between a distributed model and GIS, the interactive modeling environment system is efficient and significantly reduces the task of watershed analysis using tightly coupled GIS databases and distributed models.
Further evidence for norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter stimulating release of melanin-dispersing hormone in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator: the changes in the melanophores of the crabs following reserpine, 6-hydroxydopamine and bretylium administration.

Abstract 1. 1. The effects on the melanophores of the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator, of the amine depletor reserpine, the catecholamine neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine and the noradrenergic neuron blocker bretylium were investigated. 2. 2. The most striking effect of these drugs was that they strongly reduced the amount of melanin dispersion that normally results on transferring the crabs from a white to a black background. The drugs had no effect on pigment migration in melanophores of isolated legs. These results are in accord with the hypothesis that norepinephrine serves as a neurotransmitter stimulating release of a melanin-dispersing hormone in Uca pugilator. 3. 3. Norepinephrine was found in the central nervous system of Uca pugilator.
Estimating Parametric Survival Model Parameters in Gerontological Aging Studies: Methodological Problems and Insights

Studies of the biology of aging (both experimental and evolutionary) frequently involve the estimation of parameters arising in various multi-parameter survival models such as the Gompertz or Weibull distribution. Standard parameter estimation methodologies, such as maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) or nonlinear regression (NLR), require knowledge of the actual life spans or their explicit algebraic equivalents in order to provide reliable parameter estimates. Many fundamental biological discussions and conclusions are highly dependent upon accurate estimates of these survival parameters (this has historically been the case in the study of genetic and environmental effects on longevity and the evolutionary biology of aging). In this article, we examine some of the issues arising in the estimation of gerontologic survival model parameters. We not only address issues of accuracy when the original life-span data are unknown, we consider the accuracy of the estimates even when the exact life spans are known. We examine these issues as applied to known experimental data on diet restriction and we fit the frequently used, two-parameter Gompertzian survival distribution to these experimental data. Consequences of methodological misuse are demonstrated and subsequently related to the values of the final parameter estimates and their associated errors. These results generalize to other multiparametric distributions such as the Weibull, Makeham, and logistic survival distributions.
High frequency triply resonant broadband transducer array development at NUWC

Summary form only given. With the Navy's current emphasis on detection in littoral environments requires the use of broadband sonar signal processing and frequency agility. This has prompted the need for new classes of broadband sonar transducers that can transmit and receive these complex signals. NUWC has developed and built a new class of novel high-frequency (HF) broadband (electro-acoustic) transducers and arrays that can be configured into conformal arrays for use on the bow or sail of present and future classes of submarines, unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), and on torpedo homing sonar systems. This transducer design, the Triply Resonant Tonpilz (TRT), is a mechanical series arrangement of a piezoelectric ceramic stack, two center masses, two compliant springs, and a tail and head mass, all together generating three resonances. The design produces a flat transmitting response of two octaves when in an array-loaded configuration. The increase in operating bandwidth is achieved without the use of exotic and expensive transduction materials. This triply resonant transducer is a very cost competitive approach to introducing broadband into the Fleet. It provides a 5 kHz to 10 kHz increase in bandwidth at the low end of the band over a traditional tonpilz transducer. A traditional tonpilz designed to encompass this lower frequency would be at least 50% to 75% longer, which is unsatisfactory in these applications that require minimal impact on the submarine. The results of two 36 element planar HF arrays that are currently being designed, fabricated, and tested NUWC is presented, modeled results of a more compacted (22% smaller) Triply Resonant Tonpilz using PMN-PT single crystal as the active driver is also presented. A smaller 9 element VHF array design that is three times smaller than the HF design is also presented.
Mapping molecular orientation and conformation at interfaces by surface nonlinear optics

Second-order nonlinear optics can be used to quantitatively determine the orientation of chemical bonds or submoieties of a fairly complicated molecule at an interface, and therefore completely map out its orientation and conformation. As a specific example, we have studied pentyl-cyanoterphenyl molecules at the air-water interface. We have measured the orientation of all three parts of the molecule (cyano head group, terphenyl ring, and pentyl chain) by optical second-harmonic generation and infrared-visible sum-frequency generation. A quantitatively consistent picture of the molecular configuration has been obtained. The technique can be applied to situations where other methods would fail (e.g., the surface of neat liquids or buried interfaces).
A low-energy electron diffraction study of the Pd{0 0 1}c(2 × 2)-Mn adsorbed system

Abstract An intensity analysis is made of the c(2 × 2) LEED pattern of one- to two-layer Mn films on Pd{0 0 1} to see if a theoretically-predicted antiferromagnetic structure contributes to the LEED intensities. We show that a pure magnetic structure, even if buckled, cannot fit the data. However, a mixed, strongly-buckled MnPd surface layer, with the Mn sublayer above the Pd sublayer, gives a moderately good fit. Annealing of the system produces a bulk Pd3Mn alloy with the Cu3Au structure and a buckled relaxed first atomic layer, but with the Mn sublayer now below the Pd sublayer.
The absorption of deuterium by binary alloys of lanthanum and nickel

Abstract The variation with temperature (500–700 °C) of the equilibrium pressure of deuterium over four alloys of lanthanum (La 5.25 Ni, La 3 Ni, LaNi and LaNi 2 ) and over lanthanum metal was measured for increasing concentrations up to D / La = 2. In each case the pressure-temperature variation (at constant composition) can be expressed in the form of the equation In P = − A / T + B . Pressure versus concentration isotherms are given for temperatures of 600 and 700 °C. The experimental results can be expressed qualitatively by a model of metastable intermediate compounds.
Comparison of nucleoid and alkaline sucrose gradients in the analysis of inhibitors of dna repair in human fibroblasts

Abstract In ultraviolet-irradiated human fibroblasts inhibitors of DNA polymerases alpha (cytosine arabinoside, aphidicolin) and beta (dideoxythymidine) blocked polymerization of repair patches and accumulated large numbers of single-strand breaks in alkaline sucrose (up to 4–5 in 10 8 daltons). In nucleoid gradients, however, the restoration of DNA supercoiling to control levels after relaxation during excision repair was prevented only by aphidicolin, not by cytosine arabinoside or dideoxythymidine. These chain-terminating inhibitors must therefore generate breaks in DNA that are masked by proteins (possibly repair enzymes) that cannot be removed by the high-salt treatment of nucleoid gradients. Alkaline sucrose and nucleoid gradients therefore reveal different facets of the DNA breakage and rejoining during repair. The inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis, 3-aminobenzamide, had no effect on nucleoid sedimentation, implying that synthesis of this polymer plays no significant role in completion of repair of ultraviolet damage in human fibroblasts.
“Moveable currency”: the role of seaports in export oriented vehicle theft

Vehicle theft for export has been identified as a major concern for domestic and international security. Export oriented vehicle theft (EOVT) has become an entrenched transnational activity because, in part, the activity has been linked to the financing of terrorism and transnational organized criminal groups. EOVT has been the focus of previous researchers but none have highlighted the central role of seaports in the movement of stolen vehicles. As a geographical locus point for EOVT and other criminal activities, seaports are a central space for applying environmental criminological approaches. This study examines the role of seaports in EOVT. First, I explore what is known about EOVT networks and their use of maritime methods of transportation; second, I use crime script analysis to examine how EOVT groups use seaports to move vehicles from east coast North American seaports to destinations worldwide, focusing on West Africa; and finally I examine the functional role of stolen vehicles in destination countries as a form of “moveable currency.” To address these lines of inquiry this study utilizes crime script analysis to examine EOVT cases sourced from publicly available legal case files, internal law enforcement case files from the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor and interviews with law enforcement officials at the Port of NY/NJ and the Port of Baltimore.
Environmental Monitoring Using Autonomous Aquatic Robots: Sampling Algorithms and Experiments

This brief presents a practical solution to the problem of monitoring an environmental process in a large region by a small number of robotic sensors. Optimal sampling strategies are developed, taking into account the quality of the estimated environmental field and the lifetime of the sensors. We also present experimental results for monitoring a temperature field of an outdoor swimming pool sampled by an autonomous aquatic surface robot. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the proposed scheme.
Frequency and characteristics of interictal headaches in patients with epilepsy

Using a questionnaire, we studied the incidence and characteristics of interictal headaches (IHs) in 162 patients with epilepsy. IHs occurred in 64% of patients. In this group, the frequency of IHs was weekly or monthly in 69%. IHs had a "pounding" component in 56%, and the severity was moderate to severe (interfering with normal daily activities) in 67%. IHs lasted more than several hours in 67% and were accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and photophobia or phonophobia in 68%, symptoms that are consistent with migraine headaches. There were no differences in the duration of epilepsy, seizure type, or seizure frequency between patients with IHs and patients without IHs. In contrast, the presence of postictal headaches (PIHs) and a family history of migraine were significantly more common in patients with IHs than in patients without IHs.
Presence of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 gene in the nasopharyngeal swabs from patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common head and neck malignancy in southeastern China and Taiwan. Early detection of the local disease followed immediately by proper treatment is essential to increase the cure and survival rates. Because every NPC tumor cell carries Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) genomes, detection of EBV genomic DNA such as latent membrane protein 1 gene (LMP1) might indicate the presence of NPC. We developed a simple and noninvasive technique of nasopharyngeal swabbing to acquire nasopharyngeal cells for detecting the presence of EBV genome. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and reliability of this technique. Methods We collected nasopharyngeal cells by means of a nasopharyngeal swabbing technique and detected the presence of EBV LMP1 with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thirty-eight swab specimens were obtained from patients with NPC who were newly diagnosed or were just beginning radiotherapy. Two groups of control subjects were recruited, including 20 patients with other head and neck cancers and eight family members of the NPC patients. An additional group of 65 NPC patients were enrolled in the course of regular follow-up after definitive radiotherapy. Results All of the samples yielded sufficient DNA for PCR amplification. Thirty-six of 38 NPC swab samples were positive for EBV LMP1, and all the control subjects had swab sample results negative for EBV. All five patients with suspected local recurrence exhibited positive EBV test results. Conclusions Demonstration of EBV LMP1 in the nasopharyngeal swab specimens detected NPC with a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 100%. This study confirms the reliability and feasibility of nasopharyngeal swab in the predicting and screening of NPC. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 194–200, 2001.
Predictive food microbiology

The need to assure the microbiological safety and quality of increasingly complex food products has stimulated interest in the use of mathematical modeling to quantify and predict microbial behavior. During the past several years there has been substantial advancement in both the concepts and methods used in predictive microbiology. Coupled with ‘user-friendly’ applications software and the development of expert system, these models are providing powerful new tools for rapidly estimating the effects of formulation and storage factors on the microbiological relations in foods.
Low-frequency vibrational spectra of some homopolypeptides in the solid state.

Low-frequency Raman and far-infrared spectra of polyglycine, poly-L-alanine, and poly-L-valine have been measured. The Raman spectra exhibit an intense band near 100 cm−1 for these homopolypeptides. Lattice calculations of the polyglycines are used to assign the intense Raman band to a rotary lattice mode. For homopolypeptides in the β conformation, an infrared band is observed whose frequency varies inversely with the square root of the mass of the peptide repeating unit. This infrared band is assigned to the hydrogen bond stretching lattice vibration.
Monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factor-like anti-globulins enhance the inhibitory effects of Plasmodium falciparum-specific monoclonal antibodies in vitro

Monoclonal IgM rheumatoid factor-like anti-globulins were produced by in vitro stimulation of naive BALB/c spleen cells with lipopolysaccharide, and by hyperimmunization of mice with merozoites of Plasmodium falciparum, followed by fusion of the spleen cells to mouse myelomas. In vitro, these anti-globulins augmented the inhibitory effects of P. falciparum-specific polyclonal mouse sera and monoclonal IgG1 and IgG2b antibodies by binding to Fc fragments of IgG molecules attached to blood-stage parasites. In some instances, the presence of anti-globulins correlated with an increase in the number of schizonts which failed to disperse merozoites. In other cases, parasitaemia remained low in the absence of the schizont inhibition phenomenon, suggesting that anti-globulins contribute to host cell protection not only by agglutinating merozoites, but also by increasing the density of the antibody coat surrounding the parasites, thus interfering with parasite receptor-erythrocyte ligand interactions. The anti-globulins were not inhibitory when added to parasite cultures containing IgG not specific for P. falciparum. These results may help explain the function of IgM anti-globulins found at elevated serum levels in some patients with malaria or other chronic infectious diseases.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Brief Cognitive Behavioral Skills Group on an Ethnically Diverse Campus

This study examined the effectiveness of a brief cognitive behavioral skills group in reducing anxiety, depression, and worry among a sample of low-income predominantly ethnic minority college students. Students were assigned to a skills group (N = 54) or a wait-list control group (N = 30). Students completed assessment at preintervention, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up. Linear mixed model analyses revealed significant interaction (time × condition) on all outcome variables, although there were different patterns for each dependent variable. Results support the use of a brief cognitive behavioral skills group among low-income predominantly ethnic minority students to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and worry.
Information Technologies and Social Equity: Confronting the Revolution.

Under prevailing policies, serious social equity issues are arising as we move further into the Information Age. Recent surveys indicate that there is a significant gap between the “information rich” and “information poor,” but there is little up-to-date research on the magnitude, nature, and consequences of this gap. As a society we are giving inadequate attention to ensuring that as new computer and telecommunications technologies become more pervasive, their benefits are distributed in ways that don't exacerbate existing disparities between the rich and poor. The underlying issue is one of social empowerment. If “knowledge is power,” then a dominant element of our society for the rest of the century is likely to be a struggle for control of information resources and the power associated with that control. We can begin to deal with these issues by creating a system of National and Regional Institutes for Information Democracy. The Institutes would explore the nature of information-related empowerment issues, the character and causes of the “information gap,” and would develop and implement means for mitigating associated equity problems. They would serve as a development and support structure for state and community-based Experimental Mass Information Utilities, a concept developed by Harold Sackman and his co-workers in the early 1970's. The Institutes system would provide a focus for research and implementation activities designed to mitigate equity problems, and in the process, would expand information industry markets. © 1991 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structural Dynamics Of The Phospholamban-SERCA Complex By Site-Directed EPR Spectroscopy

We are using site-directed spin-labeling (SDSL) and EPR spectroscopy to study the structural dynamics of phospholamban (PLB), a 52-residue integral membrane protein that regulates the SR calcium ATPase (SERCA). PLB binds and inhibits SERCA at sub-micromolar calcium concentrations, while phosphorylation of PLB at Ser16 relieves this inhibition without dissociating the two proteins (Mueller et al., 2004). Employing solid-state peptide synthesis, we have created PLB analogs in which the spin-labeled amino acid TOAC is substituted for residues along the backbone. Doubly-labeled proteins were studied by DEER, a pulsed EPR experiment that can measure inter-spin-label distances from 2 to 7 nm. Our results agree with previously published EPR dynamics data showing that PLB exists in both a compact, ordered (T) state and an extended, dynamically disordered (R) state (Karim et al., 2006). Alone, PLB primarily occupies the (T) state, while this equilibrium shifts in favor of the (R) state upon SERCA binding or PLB phosphorylation. However, SERCA-bound PLB becomes more ordered and compact upon phosphorylation. We are also using relaxation enhancement to study the movement of PLB's single transmembrane (TM) helix relative to the membrane plane. In these experiments, the spin-lattice relaxation rate of excited spins is enhanced by the presence of paramagnetic relaxation agents (PRAs), which collide with these spins and cause them to relax faster. For spin-labels incorporated into the TM domain, PLB motions that reposition this helix will make the spin-label more or less accessible to water-soluble PRAs, while having the opposite effect for lipid-soluble PRAs. The magnitude of change in the relaxation rate can be used to gauge the movement of the TM helix upon SERCA binding and following phosphorylation. With these experiments, we are constructing a more complete model of PLB dynamics during its interaction with SERCA.
Emergent Organization as a Practical Strategy: Executing Trustee Functions in Alcoholics Anonymous:

Trusteeship functions in nonprofit organizations are most often analyzed by drawing on ideas from the world of proprietary firms and organizational theories that have their roots in the theory of b...
The Relationship between Parental Efficacy and Depressive Symptoms in a Diverse Sample of Low Income Mothers

We examined the relationship between parental efficacy and depressive symptoms in a diverse sample of low income mothers. The sample consisted of 607 European American, African American, and Hispanic mothers who participated in The Early Steps Project, a multi-site, longitudinal, preventative intervention study. Parental efficacy was found to be significantly associated with depressive symptoms in the entire sample of low income mothers. Ethnicity moderated results, however, such that parental efficacy was significantly associated with depressive symptoms for European American mothers but was not for the African American and Hispanic mothers. Ethnic differences in the various categories of depressive symptoms (i.e., total, somatic, and psychological) were also explored, with the results showing that African American mothers reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than both European American and Hispanic mothers in each of the categories. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results are discussed.
On the statistically optimum FIR filter bank design

The paper is concerned with the analysis and design of statistically optimum FIR filter banks. In such systems, the analysis/synthesis system and the subband quantizers are designed jointly to provide the minimum distortion in the reconstructed signal. In the paper, a new approach to this problem is introduced. Using the time-domain formulation of Nayebi et al. [1992], the present authors derive a formula for the mean square error (MSE) of the output signal. The resulting formulation provides a general framework for the optimum filter bank design problem and includes previous reported formulations. This approach can be used to design the optimal filter bank and quantizers for a given wide sense stationary signal. >
Laser therapy may be better than topical desensitizing agents for treating dentin hypersensitivity.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Effectiveness of laser therapy and topical desensitising agents in treating dentine hypersensitivity: a systematic review. He S, Wang Y, Li X, Hu D. J Oral Rehabil 2011;38(5):348-58. Reviewer Markus B. Blatz, DMD, PhD, Dr med dent habil Purpose/Question To determine the effectiveness of laser therapy as compared with topical desensitizing agents for the treatment of patients with dentin hypersensitivity and the safety of laser application based on the relevant studies Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Systematic review Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence
Ranitidine Interference with the Monoclonal EMIT d.a.u. Amphetamine/Methamphetamine Immunoassay

The interference of ranitidine with the monoclonal EMIT d.a.u. amphetamine/methamphetamine immunoassay (ME) was investigated. Urine specimens collected from 23 patients receiving 150-300 mg of ranitidine daily were found to contain 7-271 mg/L of the drug when analyzed by Remedi automated high pressure liquid chromatography. Only patient specimens and urine samples with ranitidine added at concentrations greater than 91 mg/L gave false positive ME results. Of the 63 patient urine samples analyzed by ME, 12 gave false positive results. All false positive results occurred in the first or second void after ingestion. No false positive results occurred with the polyclonal EMIT d.a.u. amphetamine or TDx amphetamine/methamphetamine II assays.
Free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction in solid organ transplant patients

Background. Patients with head and neck malignancies who have had solid organ transplant and require free tissue transfer are a unique population. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of immunosuppression on the rate of perioperative complications and the success of free tissue transfer in the head and neck. Methods. Complications in solid organ transplant patients undergoing free tissue transfer for reconstruction of head and neck malignancies from 1998 to 2010 were evaluated. Results. A total of 22 flaps in 17 patients were performed. Eight patients (11 of 22 flaps) had complications. The median hospital stay was 6 days (range, 4-26 days). The median length of follow-up was 13.5 months (range, 3.5-49.9 months). Conclusions. Solid organ transplant patients are at an increased risk of de novo malignancies due to chronic immunosuppression. This study demonstrates that free tissue transfer is a viable option in transplant patients with morbidity similar to nontransplant patients. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 34: 1143-1146, 2012 Solid organ transplant patients with head and neck malig- nancies requiring free tissue transfer are a unique popula- tion. The number of solid organ transplants in the United States increased by 29% from 1998 to 2007 (Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients). 1 Patient 5-year graft survival rates after single solid organ transplantation range from 36.3% to 80.7% (Scientific Registry of Trans- plant Recipients) and continue to increase. The use of immunosuppressive agents increases the risk of de novo malignancy, including cutaneous malignancies. 2-5 There is a cumulative risk of cutaneous malignancy reported at 5% per year. 6 The increasing number of organ transplants and rates of graft survival will likely lead to greater rates of de novo malignancies. Organ transplant patients with head and neck malignancies occasionally require free tis- sue transfer for reconstruction of large defects. The presence of comorbidities potentially affecting wound healing is an important consideration in the preoperative workup. 7 Potential factors that may compromise wound healing include smoking, diabetes, malnutrition, previous irradiation, and immunosuppression. 8-10 Initiation of the inflammatory cascade is an essential step in wound healing. Immunosuppression has been shown to affect wound healing through inhibition of necessary inflammatory mediators. 11 A recent study of free tissue transfer in solid organ transplant patients was performed, but the majority of the reconstruc- tion sites were in distal extremities (11 of 19) with relatively few head and neck patients (5 of 19). 12 This study was per- formed to evaluate the effect of immunosuppression on the rate of perioperative complications and success of free tissue transfer in the head and neck.
Drug use and achievement.

The relationship between lowered achievement and nonmedical use of drugs has become a concern as drug use increases. Two hundred sixty-six young males, some of whom were marihuana smokers, and some of whom used other drugs also, were interviewed about their levels of achievement and drug use. It was found that lowered levels of achievement were associated with higher rates of drug experience for both marihuana and other psychedelic drugs. Goal setting varied as a function of the decision to use drugs or not, rather than amount of drugs used. These two findings, taken together, suggest that observed lowered achievement is not the result primarily of a change in values, but of perhaps several factors which are discussed.
USE OF AGUADAS AS WATER MANAGEMENT SOURCES IN TWO SOUTHERN MAYA LOWLAND SITES

Aguadas, either natural or human-made ponds, were significant sources of water for the ancient Maya. Aguadas are common features in the Maya Lowlands and make valuable locations for collecting archaeological and paleoenvironmental data. This article discusses research conducted at four aguadas around two adjacent Maya sites, San Bartolo and Xultun in Peten, Guatemala. Both San Bartolo and Xultun were established during the Preclassic period. However, the fates of the two sites differed, as Xultun continued to prosper while the city of San Bartolo was abandoned near the close of the Late Preclassic period. We argue that aguadas provide important clues for understanding the fate of these two ancient communities and many others in the Maya Lowlands.
Echocardiography to Individualize Treatment for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Treatments for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are largely selected based on patient symptoms and echocardiographic findings. Moreover, all the advanced treatments for heart failure symptoms depend on such imaging for planning and monitoring response to therapy. Risk of sudden death correlates with maximum left ventricular (LV) wall thickness. Massive LV thickening of 30 mm or more is an indication for primary prevention of sudden death with an implanted defibrillator. In this review, we will underscore potential pitfalls in echocardiographic diagnosis. Also we will review, a newly appreciated pathophysiologic mechanism in obstruction dynamic systolic dysfunction due to gradient.
Astronomy for astronomical numbers: A worldwide massive open online class

Astronomy: State of the Art is a massive, open, online class (MOOC) offered through Udemy by an instructional team at the University of Arizona. With nearly 24,000 enrolled as of early 2015, it is the largest astronomy MOOC available. The astronomical numbers enrolled do not translate into a similar level of engagement. The content consists of 14 hours of video lecture, nearly 1,000 Powerpoint slides, 250 pages of background readings, and 20 podcast interviews with leading researchers. Perhaps in part because of the large amount of course content, the overall completion rate is low, about 3%. However, this number was four times higher for an early cohort of learners who were selected to have a prior interest in astronomy and who took the class in synchronous mode, with new content being added every week. Completion correlates with engagement as measured by posts to the online discussion board. For a subset of learners, social media like Facebook and Twitter provide an additional, important mode of engagement. For the asynchronous learners who have continuously enrolled for the past 15 months, those who complete the course do so quickly, with few persisting longer than two months. The availability of a free completion certificate had no impact of completion rates when it was added midway through the period of data analyzed in this paper. This experiment informs a new offering of an enhanced version of this MOOC via Coursera, along with a co-convened “flipped” introductory astronomy class at the University of Arizona, where the video lectures will be online and class time will be used exclusively for small group labs and hands-on activities. Despite their typically low completion rates, MOOCs have the potential to add significantly to public engagement with science, and they attract a worldwide audience.