cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlling Domain Orientations in Thin Films of AB and ABA Block Copolymers

Domain orientations in thin films of lamellar copolymers are evaluated as a function of copolymer architecture, film thickness, and processing conditions. Two copolymer architectures are considered: An AB diblock of poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) and an ABA triblock of poly(methyl methacrylate-b-styrene-b-methyl methacrylate). All films are cast on substrates that are energetically neutral with respect to the copolymer constituents. Film structures are evaluated with optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. For AB diblock copolymers, the domain orientations are very sensitive to film thickness, annealing temperature, and imperfections in the “neutral” substrate coating: Diblock domains are oriented perpendicular to the substrate when annealing temperature is elevated (≥220 °C) and defects in the substrate coating are minimized; otherwise, parallel or mixed parallel/perpendicular domain orientations are detected for most film thicknesses. For ABA...
Use of global coronary heart disease risk assessment in practice: a cross-sectional survey of a sample of U.S. physicians

Global coronary heart disease (CHD) risk assessment is recommended to guide primary preventive pharmacotherapy. However, little is known about physicians' understanding and use of global CHD risk assessment. Our objective was to examine US physicians' awareness, use, and attitudes regarding global CHD risk assessment in clinical practice, and how these vary by provider specialty. Using a web-based survey of US family physicians, general internists, and cardiologists, we examined awareness of tools available to calculate CHD risk, method and use of CHD risk assessment, attitudes towards CHD risk assessment, and frequency of using CHD risk assessment to guide recommendations of aspirin, lipid-lowering and blood pressure (BP) lowering therapies for primary prevention. Characteristics of physicians indicating they use CHD risk assessments were compared in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. A total of 952 physicians completed the questionnaire, with 92% reporting awareness of tools available to calculate CHD global risk. Among those aware of such tools, over 80% agreed that CHD risk calculation is useful, improves patient care, and leads to better decisions about recommending preventive therapies. However, only 41% use CHD risk assessment in practice. The most commonly reported barrier to CHD risk assessment is that it is too time consuming. Among respondents who calculate global CHD risk, 69% indicated they use it to guide lipid lowering therapy recommendations; 54% use it to guide aspirin therapy recommendations; and 48% use it to guide BP lowering therapy. Only 40% of respondents who use global CHD risk routinely tell patients their risk. Use of a personal digital assistant or smart phone was associated with reported use of CHD risk assessment (adjusted OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.17-2.12). Reported awareness of tools to calculate global CHD risk appears high, but the majority of physicians in this sample do not use CHD risk assessments in practice. A minority of physicians in this sample use global CHD risk to guide prescription decisions or to motivate patients. Educational interventions and system improvements to improve physicians' effective use of global CHD risk assessment should be developed and tested.
Interaction of DNA A-Tract Oligomers with Monovalent Cations

We have characterized a series of 26 bp oligonucleotides containing either one or two A-tracts of variable length, sequence and phasing using capillary electrophoresis. The cation concentration was varied at constant ionic strength by gradually replacing tetrabutylammonium cations in the background electrolyte with the monovalent cation of interest. Three distinct A-tract conformations were detected as the monovalent cation concentration was increased, termed fast, normal and slow because of their electrophoretic mobilities relative to that of a random oligomer containing the same number of base pairs. None of the conformational changes are associated with A-tract bending since they are independent of phasing. Cooperative transitions between the different conformations are produced by the preferential complexation of monovalent cations in the millimolar concentration range. The complexation of Li+, NH4+ and Tris+ is similar and ubiquitous while the complexation of Na+ and K+ is weaker and dependent on A-tract sequence. The stability of the fast and slow conformations as well as their interactions with monovalent cations is markedly diminished by increasing the AT content of the sequences flanking the A-tracts.
Low-energy and secondary (radioactive) ion-beam profile measurements and optimization using modified Gafchromic ® EBT film

Abstract A modified version of Gafchromic ® EBT radiochromic medical imaging film, which is light insensitive and requires no special development or processing, is shown to be useful for imaging low-energy (few MeV) ion beams and radioactive sources. It appears especially well suited for use with low-intensity short-lived (radioactive) secondary beams (RNB). The film can assist in optimizing the collimation needed to minimize unwanted background ions, and to accurately determine the ion-optical alignment of RNB production and transport systems. It allows for effective imaging of beam profiles and relative intensities throughout the beam-transport system and especially at locations not readily accessible to electronic imaging detectors. The special advantages of using the film for RNBs, which often are spatially extended and contaminated with unwanted ions, are demonstrated.
Protecting worker health and safety in photovoltaic research and development laboratories

Abstract Photovoltaic research and development laboratories use many chemicals and processing options for the production of photovoltaic devices that can present chemical and physical hazards to human health and safety. Some hazards are well understood and portfolios of administrative, engineering and personal controls are available to reduce them to acceptable levels. Other hazards associated with new materials and processing technology are less well understood because of lack of knowledge of chemical behavior and toxicity or because of inadequate knowledge of process control. Examples of well-understood hazards and hazard management options for the fabrication of selected a-Si, III–V and II–VI devices are presented. Similarly, some less-studied hazards and suggested management options are identified. In addition, the Photovoltaic Environmental, Health and Safety Electronic Bulletin Board available to members of the photovoltaics community is briefly described.
Unification of Three Different Theories Concerning the Ideal Conversion of Enclosed Radiation

The discussion of the ideal conversion of enclosed thermal radiation revolves round three different theories. Each of these theories has been accused to be incorrect. The objective of this paper is to provide a bird's-eye-view of the relationship between these three theories. It is shown that the theories are individually correct, and that they complement (rather than contradict) one another. The present ''unification'' consists of answering two important questions: What is the origin of the assumed blackbody radiation system. What is the ultimate fate of the blackbody radiation system. It is shown that the supply of high-temperature isotropic radiation postulated by all three theories is the result of a heat input from a high-temperature heat reservoir.
‘Splinter in the mind’: a case of penetrating periorbital injury

A case of penetrating orbitocranial injury in a 12-year-old boy is described. The orbital injuries are usually obvious on presentation and receive prompt attention but a high index of suspicion is needed together with specialized imaging to diagnose the frequently coexistent intracranial penetration. Intracranial suppuration is the major complication with combined mortality from all complications reported to be as high as 25%. The value of aggressive antibiotic therapy and formal exploration is emphasized and the importance of wood as a particularly hazardous foreign body is stressed.
Gatekeepers of Organ Growth

When a significant part of the liver of a rat is removed, the remaining tissue is quickly triggered to regenerate via mitotic cell growth. The same process can happen with the kidney and certain other organs. Hepatectomized rats somehow know that their liver-to-body ratio is abnormally low and respond by the selective regeneration of just the right organ. Research carried out in the 1950s and 1960s, championed by W. S. Bullough (1, 2), sought to explore the phenomenon of balanced organ growth from an experimental perspective. Rat liver tissue was dissected, homogenized, and fractionated to separate soluble components from tissue debris. When injected into hepatectomized rats, this liver solute was observed to impede regeneration. Similar experiments carried out with kidney homogenates were reported to impede kidney regeneration. Remarkably, however, liver homogenates failed to block kidney regeneration and kidney homogenates could not block liver regeneration.
A Computationally-Discovered Simplification of the Ontological Argument

The authors investigated the ontological argument computationally. The premises and conclusion of the argument are represented in the syntax understood by the automated reasoning engine PROVER9. Using the logic of definite descriptions, the authors developed a valid representation of the argument that required three non-logical premises. PROVER9, however, discovered a simpler valid argument for God's existence from a single non-logical premise. Reducing the argument to one non-logical premise brings the investigation of the soundness of the argument into better focus. Also, the simpler representation of the argument brings out clearly how the ontological argument constitutes an early example of a ‘diagonal argument’ and, moreover, one used to establish a positive conclusion rather than a paradox.
Speech Perception and Short Term Memory Deficits in Persistent Developmental Speech Disorder

Children with developmental speech disorders may have additional deficits in speech perception and/or short-term memory. To determine whether these are only transient developmental delays that can accompany the disorder in childhood or persist as part of the speech disorder, adults with a persistent familial speech disorder were tested on speech perception and short-term memory. Nine adults with a persistent familial developmental speech disorder without language impairment were compared with 20 controls on tasks requiring the discrimination of fine acoustic cues for word identification and on measures of verbal and nonverbal short-term memory. Significant group differences were found in the slopes of the discrimination curves for first formant transitions for word identification with stop gaps of 40 and 20 ms with effect sizes of 1.60 and 1.56. Significant group differences also occurred on tests of nonverbal rhythm and tonal memory, and verbal short-term memory with effect sizes of 2.38, 1.56, and 1.73. No group differences occurred in the use of stop gap durations for word identification. Because frequency-based speech perception and short-term verbal and nonverbal memory deficits both persisted into adulthood in the speech-impaired adults, these deficits may be involved in the persistence of speech disorders without language impairment.
Detection of surface and subsurface flaws in homogeneous and composite solids by resonant ultrasound

We used resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) to detect two types of flaws: a surface crack in a steel block and an interior void in a bilayered composite block. Detection is possible because cracks alter an object’s macroscopic vibration frequencies, which can be measured to better than 1 Hz in 1 MHz. The surface crack decreased the resonant frequencies up to 50%. The interior flaw in the adhesive joint between an aluminum alloy and a graphite-epoxy layer, increased resonant frequencies with increasing flaw size. We confirmed our measurements with finite-element and Ritz approximation calculations. Our study supports the use of RUS to detect cracks.
Socialism and its Future in the Post‐Soviet Era

Provides an overall assessment of problems and prospects for socialism (at a time of the abolition of the old Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and creation of a new “Commonwealth of Independent States”) by examination of three central themes. First, it is shown that because the old Soviet regime departed substantially from the classic conceptualizations of socialism, its demise does not demonstrate a “failure” of socialism or a “victory” of capitalism. Second, dissolution of the old regime does demonstrate serious problems in the actual, over‐centralized, authoritarian, state‐directed Soviet economy. Third, partly because of the confusion between an authentic socialism and the actual Soviet regime, prospects for socialism seem very slim. But socialist ideals of democracy and equality are deeply embedded in the popular psyche and will continue to affect the character and pace of social change.
The Carolina Institute for Research: Early Education for the Handicapped

The Carolina Institute for Research on Early Education for the Handicapped (CIREEH II) concentrates on the needs of parents of moderately and severely handicapped children from birth to 5 years of age. Nine investigators conduct the institute's three research projects. The Fathers Present, Fathers Absent project involves a series of studies of support in two-parent and single-parent families of handicapped children. The purpose of the Facilitating Parent-Child Reciprocity project is to prepare the way for better parent-child interaction by focusing parental attention on child competence. The F.A.M.I.L.I.E.S. project attempts to (1) learn which family variables can be affected by intervention, (2) provide researchers with valid measures and models, and (3) provide a computer-based system for monitoring statewide intervention programs. The institute also develops materials, disseminates findings, and conducts training.
Comparison of three measures of pre-competition arousal.

Arousal was assessed at a practice session and immediately prior to a competitive volleyball match using three measures, the sudorimeter and Palmar Sweat Index measures of palmar sweating and a state-anxiety inventory. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated a significant increase in arousal from practice to pre-competition All three measures for 18 women increased, but low inrercorrelations suggested idiosyncratic patterns of arousal.
TOLERANCE, EMPATHY, OR INCLUSION? INSIGHTS FROM MARTIN BUBER

Given the reality of diversity, particularly religious diversity, in the contemporary world, Marion Larson and Sara Shady explore how educators can help students (and ourselves) consider the following question: How do I balance my own belief commitments with my responsibility to be genuinely open to and challenged by the other's perspective? Larson and Shady describe and evaluate three possible models: (1) tolerance, a neutral openness to the other's position; (2) empathy, a complete absorption of the other's position; and (3) inclusion, genuine dialogue about one's own position and the other's. Using the writings of Martin Buber as a basis, Larson and Shady advocate inclusion and apply this model to classroom teaching, arguing that this model of education promotes a shared reality where all partners in the dialogue come to understand each other's position, even if they do not entirely agree with it.
ANTICIPATING INVASION: MILITARY TRAINING IN TAIWAN’S HIGH SCHOOLS, 1953–1960

When the Guomindang retreated to Taiwan in 1949, Chiang Kai-shek and party leaders feared an imminent Communist invasion. Lacking soldiers in the reserve army, Chiang turned to high school and college students to recruit and train for the armed forces. In 1953, the Ministry of National Defense Political Department implemented mandatory military training in all senior high schools on the island and soon began educating and dispatching military instructors (jiaoguan), both male and female, to gender-segregated schools. Boys received basic infantry training (such as target shooting) while studying GMD revolutionary and military history. Meanwhile, girls participated in similar exercises but also acquired nursing skills. As a result, compulsory military training became a powerful force in Taiwanese high schools throughout the 1950s, preventing student protests against the government and successfully mobilizing male and female youth under an increasingly militarized GMD state.
Properties of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Northwest Photon Dominated Region of NGC 7023. II. Traditional PAH Analysis Using k-means as a Visualization Tool

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission in the Spitzer-IRS spectral map of the northwest photon dominated region (PDR) in NGC 7023 is analyzed using the 'traditional' approach in which the PAH bands and plateaus between 5.2-19.5 μm are isolated by subtracting the underlying continuum and removing H{sub 2} emission lines. The spectra are organized into seven spectroscopic bins by using k-means clustering. Each cluster corresponds to, and reveals, a morphological zone within NGC 7023. The zones self-organize parallel to the well-defined PDR front that coincides with an increase in intensity of the H{sub 2} emission lines. PAH band profiles and integrated strengths are measured, classified, and mapped. The morphological zones revealed by the k-means clustering provides deeper insight into the conditions that drive variations in band strength ratios and evolution of the PAH population that otherwise would be lost. For example, certain band-band relations are bifurcated, revealing two limiting cases; one associated with the PDR, the other with the diffuse medium. Traditionally, PAH band strength ratios are used to gain insight into the properties of the emitting PAH population, i.e., charge, size, structure, and composition. Insights inferred from this work are compared and contrasted to those from Boersma et al. (firstmore » paper in this series), where the PAH emission in NGC 7023 is decomposed exclusively using the PAH spectra and tools made available through the NASA Ames PAH IR Spectroscopic Database.« less
Déjà vu all over again

After a 10-year struggle within ACM to define a Journal for All Members (JAM), a "new" Communications was launched in the cold of February 1983. CACM was to leave behind its pure research past and transform into a professionally useful, interesting, monthly magazine for all members. The CACM that evolved in the decade following 1983 is substantially the form you find today. I was the EIC who managed the transition.
Peroxidase Activity, Isozyme Patterns and Electrolyte Leakage in Roots of Cocoyam Infected with Pythium myriotylum

Knowledge of host defence response in cocoyam against Pythium myriotylum is essential in understanding disease resistance and the development of effective control measures for the cocoyam root rot disease. Four cocoyam accessions were assessed for root rot disease reaction by inoculating the roots of intact plants in the greenhouse and detached roots in the laboratory with P. myriotylum isolate ‘Mamu’ from Cameroon. Electrolyte leakage in detached infected roots and peroxidase activities and isozyme expressions in crude protein extracts collected from healthy roots of inoculated and non-inoculated plants at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days post inoculation (dpi) were used independently to assess resistance/tolerance. Based on the results, cocoyam accessions RO1054 and RO3015 were rated tolerant/moderately resistant while accessions RO2063 and ‘Local White’ (LW) were rated susceptible to P. myriotylum isolate ‘Mamu’. The time-course spectrophotometric analysis of peroxidase activity showed an increase in activity in the roots of the tolerant RO1054, 8 days after inoculation. One peroxidase isoform (Rf 0.66) was induced only in roots of the susceptible inoculated accessions ‘Local White’ and R02063 at 4 and 6 dpi. One acidic peroxidase isozyme (pI 4.5) and one basic isozyme (pI 7.4) were detected only in roots of inoculated plants. Our results suggest that electrolyte leakage in infected roots can be used to assess tolerance/susceptibility in cocoyam and that tolerance to the root rot disease in cocoyam may be associated in part with an increased generation of peroxidase activity in the roots.
Adaptive scheduling under memory constraints on non-dedicated computational farms

This paper presents scheduler extensions that enable better adaptation of parallel programs to the execution conditions of non-dedicated computational farms with limited memory resources. The purpose of the techniques is to prevent thrashing and co-schedule communicating threads, using two disjoint, yet cooperating extensions to the kernel scheduler. A thrashing prevention module enables memory-bound programs to adapt to memory shortage, via suspending their threads at selected points of execution. Thread suspension is used so that memory is not over-committed by parallel jobs--which are assumed to be running as guests on the nodes of the computational farm--at memory allocation points. In the event of thrashing, parallel jobs are the first to release memory and help local resident jobs make progress. Adaptation is implemented using a shared-memory interface in the/proc filesystem and upcalls from the kernel to the user space. On an orthogonal axis, co-scheduling is implemented in the kernel with a heuristic that boosts periodically the priority of communicating threads.Using experiments on a cluster of workstations, we show that when a guest parallel job competes with general-purpose interactive, I/O-intensive, or CPU and memory-intensive load on the nodes of the cluster, thrashing prevention reduces drastically the slowdown of the job at memory utilization levels of 20% or higher. The slowdown of parallel jobs is reduced by up to a factor of 7. Co-scheduling provides a limited performance improvement at memory utilization levels below 20%, but has no significant effect at higher memory utilization levels.
A Mathematical Model of Spiral Galaxy Disks and Arm Patterns

He (2003) described a preliminary mathematical model of spiral galaxy patterns that assumes light fluxes are arranged in equal ratios along two sides of orthogonal curvilinear coordinate lines. This ‘‘ratio distribution’' is approximately equal to the gradient vector field of the logarithmic light distribution. An equal ratio along any coordinate line means that the gradient components associated with the local reference system of the coordinate lines depend on single curvilinear coordinate variables. A differential equation system which describes the distributions is given in He and Yang (2005). In the present paper a simpler solution to the equation system is found which can represent spiral galaxy disks. The resulting radial density profile of the disk model is exponential which is consistent with the known exponential law of spiral galaxy surface brightness. Spiral arms can be considered perturbation to the disk light in the same coordinate line direction. These arms are logarithmic. Therefore, the two astronomic facts, exponential disks and logarithmic arms, are connected by one coordinate system (λ, μ). He (2005a,b) show that the same method can be used to study light distributions of galaxy bars and ellipticals. A consistent description of all regular galaxy patterns is finally achieved.
Comment on the optical absorption edge in a-Si:H

Abstract The optical absorption edge of undoped amorphous silicon hydride has been measured using optical transmission, photoconductivity, and photothermal deflection spectroscopy. The results obtained by these techniques agree in the exponential edge region. An apparent inconsistency pointed out by Redfield between the optical absorption edge and the valence band tail density of states as measured by drift mobility is attributed to the non-exponential behavior of the absorption edge above α∼10 3 cm -1 .
Using CrowdLogger for in situ information retrieval system evaluation

A major hurdle faced by many information retrieval researchers---especially in academia---is evaluating retrieval systems in the wild. Challenges include tapping into large user bases, collecting user behavior, and modifying a given retrieval system. We outline several options available to researchers to overcome these challenges along with their advantages and disadvantages. We then demonstrate how CrowdLogger, an open-source browser extension for Firefox and Google Chrome, can be used as an in situ evaluation platform.
MAKING TURBOFAN ENGINES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

A review of transport aircraft gas turbine engine development and evolution during the past two decades is presented in terms of energy consumption. The interaction and effects of cycle pressure ratio, firing temperature, bypass ratio, and component efficiencies on installed fuel consumption are reviewed. The possibilities for further substantial improvement in energy efficiency with improved operating economics and with improved environmental characteristics are identified and evaluated. Parametric data are presented showing trade-offs in the areas of efficiency and economics. Environmental considerations are also discussed. The balance of these factors in a cost-effective advanced turbofan is discussed. In conclusion, projections are made for the capability of an advanced turbofan engine compared with the goals established by NASA for their Energy Efficient Engine Program. The characteristics of this more efficient, cost-effective power plant, that can be operational in the late 1980’s, are shown in relationship to current turbofan engines.Copyright © 1978 by ASME
Drebrin is a Leaky Capper of Actin Filaments Modulating the Effects of Formins

Drebrin A is neuronal F-actin-binding protein enriched in dendritic spines, which are playing a major role in synaptic plasticity. Molecular cross-talk between drebrin and key neuronal actin-binding proteins is believed to be a part of the cytoskeleton-modulating pathway that is implicated also in synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Down syndrome, epilepsy and normal aging. However, drebrin effects on actin dynamics and its interplay with main neuronal ABPs (such as severing proteins, cappers, elongation factors) are yet to be clarified. Here, we show that drebrin A is a leaky capper of actin filaments. Solution assays monitoring pyrene fluorescence of actin indicate that drebrin affects barbed- but not pointed end polymerization. Real time TIRF assays revealed >2-fold inhibition of F-actin elongation rate by drebrin A. Such inhibition was observed also in the presence of profilin. Moreover, consistent with its capping activity, drebrin inhibits F-actin annealing. These results called for examination of drebrin effects on barbed end binding factors, such as formins. Pyrene fluorescence assays show inhibition of formin-induced actin polymerization by drebrin A in the presence of profilin. The mechanism of such inhibition and its biological implications will be discussed.
Conservation genetics of Butte County meadowfoam (Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica Arroyo), an endangered vernal pool endemic

The endangered annual plant Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica Arroyo is restricted to vernal pools in Butte County, California. To identify populations with unique genetic resources, guide reintroduction efforts, and design seed collection scenarios for long-term ex situ seed storage we determined extant genetic diversity and structure by surveying 457 individuals from 21 distinct populations using nine polymorphic microsatellite markers. We found low within population genetic diversity: low allelic diversity (1.9 [0.06 SE] alleles/locus); low heterozygosity (H obs = 0.10 ± 0.018, H exp = 0.19 ± 0.015), and a high fixation index (0.556 ± 0.044). The number of polymorphic loci ranged between 11 and 89%. Bayesian ordination determined 20 distinct populations and we found high genetic structure among these (F st = 0.65, P < 0.0001). We identified notable gene flow barriers across populations, confirming regional structuring between three previously defined population density centers and two outlying populations (F st = 0.21, P 5,000 extant plants per site. Our study confirms previous isozyme-based results and suggests that the loss of any population would represent a significant loss in the species’ genetic diversity. Recovery requires active restoration of existing populations and permanent habitat protection. We recommend close comparison of microhabitats of declining populations with genetically similar populations, to determine the potential for human assisted gene flow via seed movement to recover declining populations.
Physics-based factorization of Magnetic Tunnel Junctions for modeling and circuit simulation

We present a physics-based factorization of Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJ) in terms of a minimal number of experimentally and theoretically accessible parameters that can be used to optimize existing MTJ designs as well as to probe emerging MTJ devices. Our model fully captures angular/voltage dependence of state-of-the-art MTJs and Spin Valves (SV) and is compatible with existing circuit simulation frameworks such as Verilog-A and SPICE.
Autofluorescence dynamics during reperfusion following long-term renal ischemia in a rat model

Optical properties of near-surface kidney tissue were monitored in order to assess response during reperfusion to long (20 minutes) versus prolonged (150 minutes) ischemia in an in vivo rat model. Specifically, autofluorescence images of the exposed surfaces of both the normal and the ischemic kidneys were acquired during both injury and reperfusion alternately under 355 nm and 266 nm excitations. The temporal profile of the emission of the injured kidney during the reperfusion phase under 355 nm excitation was normalized to that under 266 nm as a means to account for changes in tissue optical properties independent of ischemia as well as changes in the illumination/collection geometrical parameters in future clinical implementation of this technique using a hand-held probe. The scattered excitation light signal was also evaluated as a reference signal and found to be inadequate. Characteristic time constants were extracted using a fit to a relaxation model and found to have larger mean values following 150 minutes of injury. The mean values were then compared with the outcome of a chronic survival study where the control kidney had been removed. Rat kidneys exhibiting longer time constants were much more likely to fail. This may lead to a method to assess kidney viability and predict its ability to recover in the initial period following transplantation or resuscitation.
Ceforanide: In Vitro and Clinical Evaluation

Abstract Ceforanide, a new cephalosporin antibiotic with a long half-life (3 h), can be administered twice daily. We evaluated its antimicrobial activity, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy. Twenty-seven patients with infections due to susceptible organisms received ceforanide, 0.5, 1, or 2 g, intramuscularly or intravenously every 12 h for 6 to 28 days. In vitro studies with the clinical isolates from 27 patients treated plus 263 additional isolates showed that ceforanide was active against cephalothin-susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. In addition, ceforanide inhibited 65% of cephalothin-resistant Escherichia coli and 65% of Enterobacter spp. at ≤12.5 μg/ml. After a single 1-g intramuscular dose, the mean peak plasma concentration at 1 h was 48.9 μg/ml and that at 12 h was 4.7 μg/ml. Plasma accumulation occurred in some patients. The infections included 10 pneumonias, 3 with bacteremia and 1 with empyema; 11 soft tissue infections, 4 with abscesses and 3 with sepsis; and 3 urinary tract infections. One case each of endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and septic thrombophlebitis, all due to Staphylococcus aureus, were treated. Clinical response was satisfactory in all patients; bacteriological response was satisfactory in 26 of 27 patients. Ceforanide was well tolerated. Three patients developed mild increases in liver enzymes, and one developed slight eosinophilia. In another case, the antibiotic was discontinued because of a fivefold rise in serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (aspartate aminotransferase) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (alanine aminotransferase) and a twofold rise in lactic acid dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase.
Nickel-Electrode-Confined {Ru(bipyrazine)3[Fe(CN)5]n}2–3n: An Inorganic Structural Matrix Yielding Photoinduced Multinuclear Charge-Transfer Reactivity

The complex {Ru(bpz) 3 [Fe(CN) 5 ] n } 2-3n (where n=1-6 and bpz≡bipyrazine) containing a central ruthenium (II) and an overall octahedral site symmetry can be surface-attached to a variety of electrodes via reaction with electrogenerated nickel ions. The well-defined geometry of this complex allows it to be considered as a «molecular building block» for the construction of microstructure-specific chemically derivatized interfaces
Evaluation of Near-Term Applications for ADS-B/CDTI Implementation

Two studies are reported that evaluated near-term terminal and oceanic applications for ADS-B/CDTI implementation. A brief description of each application is provided with an emphasis on how a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) capability might help to enhance their operations. In experiment 1, sixteen line pilots flew eight terminal visual approach scenarios with target speed cues and ground track vectors presented on a CDTI. Performance measures revealed closer spacing with the CDTI and a safety benefit with respect to enhanced awareness of proximate traffic speed reductions. In experiment 2, eight additional line pilots flew six oceanic scenarios using a CDTI feature set similar to that used in experiment 1. The scenarios were based on the current In-Trial Climb/ln-Trail Descent (ITC/ITD) oceanic procedures and were modified slightly to take advantage of potential CDTI capabilities. The implications of these findings with respect to the current National Airspace System (MAS) are discussed.
The University of Pennsylvania MAGIC 2010 multi-robot unmanned vehicle system

In this report, we describe the technical approach and algorithms that have been used by the University of Pennsylvania in the MAGIC 2010 competition. We have constructed and deployed a multi-vehicle robot team, consisting of intelligent sensor and disrupter unmanned ground vehicles that can survey, map, recognize, and respond to threats in a dynamic urban environment with minimal human guidance. The custom hardware systems consist of robust and complementary sensors, integrated electronics, computation, and highly capable propulsion and actuation. The mapping, navigation, and planning software is organized hierarchically, allowing autonomous decisions to be made by the robots while enabling human operators to interact with the robot team in an efficient and strategic manner. The ground control station integrates information coming from the robots as well as metadata feeds to focus the attention of the operators and respond rapidly to emerging threats. These systems were developed and tested by the UPenn team to complete two phases of the MAGIC 2010 challenge in a safe and timely manner. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethanol production from sorghum by a dilute ammonia pretreatment

Sorghum fibers were pretreated with ammonium hydroxide and the effectiveness of the pretreatment evaluated by enzyme hydrolysis and ethanol production. The treatment was carried out by mixing sorghum fibers, ammonia, and water at a ratio of 1:0.14:8 at 160 degrees C for 1 h under 140-160 psi pressure. Approximately 44% lignin and 35% hemicellulose were removed during the process. Untreated and dilute-ammonia-treated fibers at 10% dry solids were hydrolyzed using combinations of commercially available enzymes, Spezyme CP and Novozyme 188. Enzyme combinations were tested at full strength (60 FPU Spezyme CP and 64 CBU Novozyme 188/g glucan) and at half strength (30 FPU Spezyme CP and 32 CBU Novozyme 188/g glucan). Biomass enzyme hydrolysis was conducted for 24 h. Saccharomyces cerevisiae D(5)A was added post hydrolysis for conversion of glucose to ethanol. Theoretical cellulose yields for treated biomass were 84% and 73%, and hemicellulose yields were 73% and 55% for full strength and half strength, respectively. Average cellulose yield was 38% and hemicellulose yield was 14.5% for untreated biomass. Ethanol yields were 25 g/100 g dry biomass and 21 g/100 g dry biomass for full strength and half strength enzyme concentrations, respectively. Controls averaged 10 g ethanol/100 g dry biomass.
Data Mining: An Empirical Application in Real Estate Valuation

This paper presents the insights gained from applying data mining techniques, in particular neural networks for the purposes of developing an intelligent model used to predict real estate property values based on variety of factors. A dataset of over one thousand transactions in real estate properties was used. The dataset included 15 variables obtained from the multiple listing system (MLS) database and captured information on transactions taking place during a period of three years. The results from applying data mining techniques to predict real estate values are promising. Future plans and recommendations for further expanding the study are given.
Photosensitivity Reactions to Vandetanib: Redevelopment after Sequential Treatment with Docetaxel

Vandetanib (ZD6474, Zactima™) is a novel, orally available inhibitor of different intracellular signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, progression, and angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, and rearranged during transfection tyrosine kinase activity. The most frequently reported adverse events attributed to vandetanib include diarrhea, elevated aminotransferase, asymptomatic corrected QC interval prolongation, and hypertension. In a few randomized, double-blinded studies, cutaneous adverse events including these general symptoms have been reported, but there are only a few reports on the photosensitivity reaction to vandetanib domestically as conducted by dermatologists. In this report, we describe two cases of photosensitivity reactions induced by vandetanib. After improvement with steroid and antihistamine, the photosensitivity reaction was redeveloped by sequential treatment with docetaxel.
A survey of efficiency-estimation methods for in-service induction motors

Condition monitoring of electric motors avoids severe economical losses resulting from unexpected motor failures and greatly improves the system reliability and maintainability. Efficiency estimation, which shares many common requirements with condition monitoring in terms of data collections, is expected to be implemented in an integrated product. This brings more considerations into the selection of the efficiency-estimation methods. This paper presents the results of an up-to-date literature survey on efficiency-estimation methods of in-service motors, particularly with considerations of the motor-condition-monitoring requirements. More than 20 of the most commonly used methods are briefly described and classified into nine categories according to their physical properties. Six categories of these methods are more related to in-service testing and are compared in a table summarizing the required tests and measurements, intrusion level, and average accuracy. Estimation of the rotor speed and the stator resistance, the two stumbling blocks of various efficiency-estimation methods, is also carefully studied; commonly used methods are summarized. Based on the survey results, four efficiency-estimation methods are suggested as candidates for nonintrusive in-service motor-efficiency estimation and condition-monitoring applications. Another contribution of this paper is that a general approach for developing nonintrusive motor-efficiency-estimation methods is proposed, incorporating rotor speed, stator resistance, and no-load loss estimations
Socioeconomic variation in participation in colorectal cancer screening

OBJECTIVES: To investigate socioeconomic variation in participation in flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening for colorectal cancer. DESIGN: A prospective study nested within a multicentre randomise...
Preliminary results in routing games

In this paper, we determine routing policies for a data transmission network that are robust with respect to attempts of packet interception by an adversary. This problem is formulated as a zero-sum game between the designer of the routing algorithm and an adversary that attempts to intersect packets. We show that, for some versions of the game, the optimal routing policies also maximize the throughput between the source to the destination node. In this paper, we also list problems in this area that remain open.
Relationships among Perceptual-Motor Measures and their Correlations with Academic Readiness for Preschool Children:

Kindergarten children (N = 39) were administered 4 perceptual-motor tests and 2 academic measures in order to assess the relationship among the perceptual-motor tests and between the perceptual-mot...
X-34, A Fluorescent Derivative of Congo Red: A Novel Histochemical Stain for Alzheimer's Disease Pathology

SUMMARY X-34, a lipophilic, highly fluorescent derivative of Congo red, was examined as a histochemical stain for pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). X-34 intensely stained neuritic and diffuse plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), neuropil threads, and cerebrovascular amyloid. Comparison to standard methods of demonstrating AD pathology showed that X-34 correlated well with Bielschowsky and thioflavin-S staining. X-34 staining of NFTs correlated closely with anti-TAU antibody staining. A 1:1 corre
Continuous intravascular blood gas monitoring

The benefit of a continuous intra-arterial blood gas monitor is apparent to any physician who has ever waited for the return of blood gas values at the bedside of a critically ill patient. The potential for rapid detection and prompt treatment of blood gas changes, coupled with immediate evaluation of the effectiveness of a therapeutic intervention, appears great. Whereas these systems may offer a tremendous advance in the physician's ability to track and treat alterations in cardiopulmonary physiology, no large-scale in vivo human trials have yet been reported. The only data available on accuracy, bias, precision, drift, and complication rate are from relatively small trials. Hopefully, when large-scale trials are completed, these systems will live up to their tremendous potential.
Assessing Uncertainty in Urban Simulations Using Bayesian Melding

We develop a method for assessing uncertainty about quantities of interest using urban simulation models. The method is called Bayesian melding, and extends a previous method developed for macrolevel deterministic simulation models to agent-based stochastic models. It encodes all the available information about model inputs and outputs in terms of prior probability distributions and likelihoods, and uses Bayes’s theorem to obtain the resulting posterior distribution of any quantity of interest that is a function of model inputs and/or outputs. It is Monte Carlo based, and quite easy to implement. We applied it to the projection of future household numbers by traffic activity zone in Eugene-Springfield, Oregon, using the UrbanSim model developed at the University of Washington. We compared it with a simpler method that uses repeated runs of the model with fixed estimated inputs. We found that the simple repeated runs method gave distributions of quantities of interest that were too narrow, while Bayesian melding gave well calibrated uncertainty statements. � 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Does additional surgical training increase participation in randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background The prospective randomized controlled trial (PRCT) is agreeably the gold standard in reporting data on patient management. This study evaluates the impact of specialty training on the leadership, development, and enrollment in PRCT. Methods Questionnaires were sent to surgical oncology as well as general surgery graduates from 1985 to 1999. Results A total of 67% (201 of 300) of the surgeons responded, with one half of the respondents completing a surgical oncology (SO) fellowship (50%, 100 of 201), 33% (66 of 201) another type of fellowship (OF), and 17% (35 of 201) general surgery (GS) training alone. The utilization of PRCT in the decision making of their clinical practice was reported by a majority of SO graduates (99%) as well as GS graduates (88%) with a smaller number (77%) of OF trained surgeons. The opinions on PRCT were evenly distributed with breast disease, colorectal cancer, and melanoma having the greatest impact on surgeons practicing in these fields. A greater percentage of SO (89%) reported participation in a PRCT than did the GS (42%) or OF (54%). The most frequent reason for the lack of participation in a PRCT by both GS and OF trained graduates was absence of active recruitment (80%) to participate with the second most common being no time available (18%). Conclusions PRCT are utilized and continue to change surgeons’ decision making for a majority of the surgeons surveyed. There are certain disease sites for which PRCT have failed to influence practice decisions. Unfortunately, few surgeons take a leadership role in PRCT. Emphasizing the existence of PRCT at both meetings, and in journals, with a more aggressive recruitment of participating surgeons with minimal time commitment, should enhance the patients included in prospective randomized controlled trials.
Transport parameters in a porous cellulose acetate membrane.

The transport parameters of a cellulose acetate membrane prepared from a mixture of cellulose acetate, formamide, and acetone, 25:25:50 by weight, were studied. The membrane consists of a thin, porous layer, the skin, in series with a thick, highly porous layer, the coarse support. In the skin the diffusional permeability coefficient, ω, of a number of small amides and alcohols depends critically upon the partition coefficient, Ks, the size of the molecule, and the apparent hydrogen-bonding ability, Ns, of the solute. These observations are in general agreement with our earlier conclusions on the properties of nonporous membranes. On the other hand, the corrected reflection coefficient, σ', is not a very sensitive function of either Ns or Ks taken separately. The correlation between σ' and molecular diameter is reasonably good; however, it is much improved when both Ns and Ks are taken into consideration. Isotope interaction was also studied in the present preparation and was found to provide only a small (5–8%) contribution to the diffusional permeability coefficient of ethylene glycol. The contribution of solute-water friction was found to be less than 24% of the total solute friction.
Minimum mean-square error design of decorrelator detectors for QS-CDMA

We consider a quasi-synchronous CDMA cellular system (QS-CDMA), in which all users attempt to transmit in synchrony using local GPS-derived clocks. A linear decorrelator detector for QS-CDMA is presented, which is designed according to a minimum mean-square error (MMSE) criterion. By using a time-averaged version of the interfering signal covariance matrix, it is shown that multiuser interference can be rejected without the need to estimate signal time-of-arrival. Furthermore, unlike previous MMSE receiver designs, estimation of the received signal covariance matrix is not required. Bit-error rate results are presented which demonstrate the superiority of the MMSE receiver compared with the conventional matched-filter detector under strong near-far conditions.