cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SCALE MODELING OF VEHICLE CRASHES--TECHNIQUES, APPLICABILITY, AND ACCURACY COST EFFECTIVENESS

The utility of scale model experiments for crashworthiness research is examined. In Part I, two examples illustrate the use of scale models in crashworthiness research. It is concluded that scale models can be used in place of full-scale experiments for many applications. In Part II, the cost effectiveness of scale modeling is measured by comparing the costs of full-scale experiments with scaled experiments that meet the same objectives. It is concluded that scaled experiments increase the flexibility, reduce the cost, and hasten the completion of a program. /SAE/
Abstract 2523: Mechanism-based inhibitors of HGFA, matriptase and hepsin for breast cancer treatment

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator (HGFA) is a member of the S1 family of trypsin-like serine proteases. Its biological function is to proteolytically process the inactive single-chain zymogen precursors of the receptor tyrosine kinase ligands HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) and MSP (macrophage stimulating protein) resulting in formation of their active heterodimeric forms which initiate ligand-dependent c-MET and RON kinase cell signaling, respectively. We have discovered the first small molecular weight mechanism-based ketothiazole inhibitors of HGFA. The compounds were evaluated for HGFA, matriptase and hepsin inhibition in a protease competition assay using a chromogenic peptide substrate. We have identified several sub-micromolar inhibitors of HGFA and demonstrate they inhibit conversion of the native pro-HGF and pro-MSP substrates into active heterodimers. Finally, we show that HGFA inhibitors cause a dose-dependent decrease c-MET phosphorylation in invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This investigation provides preliminary validation of HGFA as a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer. These initial peptides serve as templates for lead optimization and the structure-based design of other small-molecule inhibitors. Optimized inhibitors will be used to study the role of HGFA in the regulation of growth factors, kinase receptor activation, cell signaling, invasion, and breast cancer metastasis. Citation Format: James Janetka, Zhenfu Han, Peter Harris, Scott Wildman. Mechanism-based inhibitors of HGFA, matriptase and hepsin for breast cancer treatment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2523. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2523
Ornithine Transcarbamylase from Streptococcus faecalis and Bovine Liver I. ISOLATION AND SUBUNIT STRUCTURE

Abstract Procedures are presented for the isolation of ornithine transcarbamylase from Streptococcus faecalis and bovine liver. The enzyme from S. faecalis, homogeneous on electrophoresis in starch gel and in the ultracentrifuge (s20,w = 9.06 S), has a specific activity of 3,200 at pH 8.5, 37°, and an extinction coefficient (A1%280 nm) of 8.32. Its molecular weight is 223,000 in dilute buffer and 38,000 in 6 m guanidine HCl, both determined by measurement at sedimentation equilibrium, and 39,600 by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of dodecyl sulfate. Quantitative determination of the NH2-terminal residues gave one methionine per 40,000. Therefore, the enzyme is a hexamer. In 0.1 m NH4Cl, pH 9.5, the enzyme dissociates to the dimer, which is inactive but reassociates rapidly at pH 6.0 to form the active enzyme. The activity was also recovered nearly quantitatively on reassociation of a sample of the enzyme that had been dissociated in 6 m guanidine HCl. The preparation of bovine liver ornithine transcarbamylase is homogeneous in the ultracentrifuge (s20,w = 5.8 S), but electrophoretograms in polyacrylamide gel show five to six components evenly spaced and present in successively decreasing amounts. These have been separated by isoelectric focusing. They all have approximately the same specific activity and are immunologically identical. The differences in their pI values are consistent with each differing from its immediate neighbor by a single charge, perhaps because of hydrolysis of amide groups. The enzyme has a specific activity of 780 at pH 8.5, 37°, and an extinction coefficient (A1%280 nm) of 12.3. Its molecular weight is 108,000 in dilute buffer and 36,000 in 6 m guanidine HCl, both determined by measurement at sedimentation equilibrium, and 37,800 by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of dodecyl sulfate. Quantitative determination of the NH2-terminal residues gave one aspartic acid per 38,000 g. Therefore, the enzyme is a trimer. The enzyme recovered, with a yield of 50%, after dissociation in 6 m guanidine HCl had the same specific activity and electrophoretic composition as the original.
Photographic Reading Center of the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial (IIHTT): Methods and Baseline Results

PURPOSE To describe the methods used by the Photographic Reading Center (PRC) of the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial (IIHTT) and to report baseline assessments of papilledema severity in participants. METHODS Stereoscopic digital images centered on the optic disc and the macula were collected using certified personnel and photographic equipment. Certification of the camera system included standardization and calibration using a model eye. Lay readers assessed disc photos of all eyes using the Frisen grade and performed quantitative measurements of papilledema. Frisen grades by PRC were compared with site investigator clinical grades. Spearman rank correlations were used to quantify associations among disc features and selected clinical variables. RESULTS Frisen grades according to the PRC and site investigator's grades, matched exactly in 48% of the study eyes and 42% of the fellow eyes and within one grade in 94% of the study eyes and 92% of the fellow eyes. Frisen grade was strongly correlated (r > 0.65, P < 0.0001) with quantitative measures of disc area. Cerebrospinal fluid pressure was weakly associated with Frisen grade and disc area determinations (r ≤ 0.31). Neither Frisen grade nor any fundus feature was associated with perimetric mean deviation. CONCLUSIONS In a prospective clinical trial, lay readers agreed reasonably well with physicians in assessing Frisen grade. Standardization of camera systems enhanced consistency of photographic quality across study sites. Images were affected more by sensors with poor dynamic range than by poor resolution. Frisen grade is highly correlated with quantitative assessment of disc area. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01003639.).
Specific interaction of some cartilage proteinpolysaccharides with freshly precipitating calcium phosphate.

Abstract The water-soluble proteinpolysaccharide of bovine nasal cartilage, called PPL, prevents sedimentation of freshly precipitating calcium phosphate below 1,000 x g but not above 10,000 x g. By a method recently described, PPL can be separated into several fractions of which the main ones are PPL-3 and PPL-5. PPL-5, but not PPL-3, resembles PPL in its capacity to inhibit calcium phosphate sedimentation. Precipitation of calcium phosphate in the presence of PPL can be used to separate it into three fractions: the first is associated with calcium phosphate sedimentable below 1,000 x g and resembles PPL-6; the second is associated with calcium phosphate sedimentable above 10,000 x g and resembles PPL-5; the third remains in the supernatant solution and is identical with PPL-3. Thus different fractions of PPL have widely different effects on calcium phosphate precipitation, and, conversely, calcium phosphate precipitation in the presence of PPL can separate it into different fractions. By the procedures described, an entity can be isolated containing 16% PPL-5 and 43% Ca3(PO4)2. Evidence is given which suggests that this may be a chemical compound. Adsorption of different forms of PPL to solid Ca3(PO4)2 seems to be nonspecific and not related to the effect described.
Progress in Protective Coatings for Aircraft Gas Turbines: A Review of NASA Sponsored Research

Problems associated with protective coatings for advanced aircraft gas turbines are reviewed. Metallic coatings for preventing titanium fires in compressors are identified. Coatings for turbine section are also considered, Ductile aluminide coatings for protecting internal turbine-blade cooling passage surface are also identified. Composite modified external overlay MCrAlY coatings deposited by low-pressure plasma spraying are found to be better in surface protection capability than vapor deposited MCrAlY coatings. Thermal barrier coating (TBC), studies are presented. The design of a turbine airfoil is integrated with a TBC, and computer-aided manufacturing technology is applied.
Industrial requiem: management, labor, and investment at the Lowell Machine Shop

In the 1890s, a desire for greater control of shop floor work induced Lowell Machine Shop management to mechanize components of the machine tool manufacturing process. This effort resulted in the removal of the firm’s skilled workers, who were an experienced source of ingenuity and, as others have shown, a community that diffused technical knowledge between firms. At the same time, the firm began paying larger dividends to shareholders instead of investing in the research and development of new products. These decisions damaged the firm, and shortly after the turn of the century, manufacturing operations at the Lowell plant ceased. Because in this period the Lowell Machine Shop was one of the most important capital goods firms in the United States, both in terms of national market share and reputation, this case raises questions about the degree to which specialty producers retained skilled workers and paid dividends.
Benchmark problem for beam pointing control of phased array radar against maneuvering targets in the presence of ECM and false alarms

This paper extends an earlier benchmark problem for beam pointing control of a phased array radar to include the effects of false alarms and ECM. Multiple waveforms are included in the benchmark problem so that the radar energy can be coordinated with the tracking algorithm. The ECM includes a standoff jammer broadcasting wideband noise and targets attempting range gate pull off. The paper presents the radar model, the ECM techniques, the target scenarios, and performance criteria for the benchmark problem.
The neuropathology and cerebrovascular mechanisms of dementia.

The prevalence of dementia is increasing in our aging population at an alarming rate. Because of the heterogeneity of clinical presentation and complexity of disease neuropathology, dementia classifications remain controversial. Recently, the National Plan to address Alzheimer’s Disease prioritized Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias to include: Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and mixed dementias. While each of these dementing conditions has their unique pathologic signature, one common etiology shared among all these conditions is cerebrovascular dysfunction at some point during the disease process. The goal of this comprehensive review is to summarize the current findings in the field and address the important contributions of cerebrovascular, physiologic, and cellular alterations to cognitive impairment in these human dementias. Specifically, evidence will be presented in support of small-vessel disease as an underlying neuropathologic hallmark of various dementias, while controversial findings will also be highlighted. Finally, the molecular mechanisms shared among all dementia types including hypoxia, oxidative stress, mitochondrial bioenergetics, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and blood–brain barrier permeability responsible for disease etiology and progression will be discussed.
askMEDLINE: a free-text, natural language query tool for MEDLINE/PubMed.

Plain language search tools for MEDLINE/PubMed are few. We wanted to develop a search tool that would allow anyone using a free-text, natural language query and without knowing specialized vocabularies that an expert searcher might use, to find relevant citations in MEDLINE/PubMed. This tool would translate a question into an efficient search. The accuracy and relevance of retrieved citations were compared to references cited in BMJ POEMs and CATs (critically appraised topics) questions from the University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics. askMEDLINE correctly matched the cited references 75.8% in POEMs and 89.2 % in CATs questions on first pass. When articles that were deemed to be relevant to the clinical questions were included, the overall efficiency in retrieving journal articles was 96.8% (POEMs) and 96.3% (CATs.) ask MEDLINE might be a useful search tool for clinicians, researchers, and other information seekers interested in finding current evidence in MEDLINE/PubMed. The text-only format could be convenient for users with wireless handheld devices and those with low-bandwidth connections in remote locations.
Glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis.

Awareness of the need for prevention of glucocorticoid-induced fractures is growing, but glucocorticoid administration is often overlooked as the most common cause of nontraumatic osteonecrosis. Glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis develops in 9–40% of patients receiving long-term therapy although it may also occur with short-term exposure to high doses, after intra-articular injection, and without glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. The name, osteonecrosis, is misleading because the primary histopathological lesion is osteocyte apoptosis. Apoptotic osteocytes persist because they are anatomically unavailable for phagocytosis and, with glucocorticoid excess, decreased bone remodeling retards their replacement. Glucocorticoid-induced osteocyte apoptosis, a cumulative and unrepairable defect, uniquely disrupts the mechanosensory function of the osteocyte–lacunar–canalicular system and thus starts the inexorable sequence of events leading to collapse of the femoral head. Current evidence indicates that bisphosphonates may rapidly reduce pain, increase ambulation, and delay joint collapse in patients with osteonecrosis.
AN UNUSUAL PATTERN OF GENE FLOW BETWEEN THE TWO SOCIAL FORMS OF THE FIRE ANT SOLENOPSIS INVICTA.

Uncertainty over the role of shifts in social behavior in the process of speciation in social insects has stimulated interest in determining the extent of gene flow between conspecific populations differing in colony social organization. Allele and genotype frequencies at 12 neutral polymorphic protein markers, as well as the numbers of alleles at the sex-determining locus (loci), are shown here to be consistent with significant ongoing gene flow between two geographically adjacent populations of Solenopsis invicta that differ in colony queen number. Data from a thirteenth protein marker that is under strong differential selection in the two social forms confirm that such gene flow occurs. Data from this selected locus, combined with knowledge of the reproductive biology of the two social forms, further suggest that interform gene flow is largely unidirectional and mediated through males only. This unusual pattern of gene flow results from the influence of the unique social enviroments of the two forms on the behavior of workers and on the reproductive physiology of sexuals.
Transmission electron microscopy study of hydrogen-induced degradation in strontium bismuth tantalate thin films

The fabrication of nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memories based on SrBi2Ta2O9 (SBT) or other ferroelectric capacitors require exposure of these capacitors to processing gases mixtures including hydrogen. This results in a strong degradation of the capacitor electrical properties, mainly due to the interaction of hydrogen with the ferroelectric layer. Using surface analysis methods, we previously determined that the hydrogen-induced degradation of SBT capacitors might be partially due to the degradation of the near surface region of the SBT layer. It was also demonstrated that oxygen annealing after the hydrogen exposure results in the recovery of the degraded SBT surface layer and the electrical properties of the capacitor. We have now performed detailed cross sectional transmission electron microscopy studies of virgin, hydrogen, and oxygen annealed SBT/Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si heterostructures. These studies combined microstructural imaging with a nanoscale compositional analysis of the SBT layer as a ...
Mood and neuropsychological changes in women with midlife depression treated with escitalopram.

Objective: This study assessed mood and neuropsychological function in a population of middle-aged women with major depressive disorder treated with escitalopram. Methods: Psychometric data measuring severity of depression were collected from 19 women and neuropsychological data were collected from 17 women aged between 45 and 65 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, diagnosis of major depression in a study in the Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Program at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine. All women were treated with escitalopram in an open-label design. Mean age was 55.94 years and mean number of years of education was 16.36 years. Diagnosis of major depressive disorder was assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, and mood was evaluated with the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at baseline and at weekly follow-ups for 12 weeks. Cognition was assessed at baseline and 3 months after treatment using a neuropsychological test battery, which included an abbreviated measure of Full Scale Intelligence Quotient, measures of attention and processing speed, verbal and nonverbal memory, executive functioning, and verbal fluency. Self-report data were collected on current menopause status and current hormone therapy use in the postmenopausal women. Paired sample t tests were used to analyze the change in total HAM-D scores and neuropsychological variables. Results: Statistically significant improvements were found in total HAM-D score, Wechsler Memory Scale III Logical Memory 1st Recall, I, and II scores, Wechsler Memory Scale III Visual Reproduction I scores, and Trail Making Test Part B scores. There was a statistically significant decrease in Controlled Oral Word Association Test FAS scores. Conclusions: Treatment of depression with escitalopram in a population of middle-aged women was shown to improve mood and cognitive efficiency in complex attention, short- and long-term recall of contextual information, short-term recall of visual information, and cognitive flexibility; however, it was shown to worsen phonemic fluency.
Fundamentals of CMP polishing of metallic and hard materials

Chemical mechanical polishing has distinguished itself for the past 2 decades in the planarization of metallic materials and dielectrics in semiconductor manufacturing. Recently this technique has become increasingly popular in polishing materials such a silicon carbide, sapphire, diamond, etc., which are mechanically hard and chemically inert. So the mechanisms for achieving a high degree of finish for both these materials systems are quite different. The fundamentals of CMP in metallic and hard materials system to understand the mechanisms and the ability to improve the polishing quality will be discussed. Further, the talk will focus on the tribochemical /electrochemical phenomena in metallic systems and chemical reactions in hard materials systems. The CMP of metallic systems and hard materials needs different scientific methods to achieve planarization according to the requirements. The methods for metal polishing will employ chemistry which will etch the metal, but only under applied pressure and friction conditions. Also in some methods, the metals can form a hard surface, such as forming oxides, which are removed with the use of abrasive particles. In the case of hard materials, CMP is achieved by reaction chemistry at the surface of the material to form soft layer. The soft layer is then peeled off using abrasives that are harder than the soft layer, but softer than the material that under goes polishing. Hence the slurry system and polishing process for the metallic systems and hard materials systems are different. Metallic systems needs ultra-gentle process to avoid defectivity and the removal rates are determined using surface passivation agents. The requirement in polishing metallic systems also demands stringent control over removal rates and defectivity because of their application in nano-structured devices. In the case of hard materials, removal rates are controlled by the rate of soft layer formation on the substrates with the chemistry used. The soft layer formation with the conventional chemistry has limitation due to inertness of hard materials and results in lower removal rates. In recent years there has been significant development in polishing of hard materials with slurry and process engineering. This talk will focus on the distinct differences polishing of metallic and hard materials systems and the progress made in the last 10 years on the CMP of both the materials systems.
Hirudin in acute myocardial infarction. Safety report from the Thrombolysis and Thrombin Inhibition in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 9A Trial.

BACKGROUND The Thrombolysis and Thrombin Inhibition in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) 9A trial compared the efficacy and safety of intravenous hirudin with heparin as adjunctive therapy to thrombolysis and aspirin in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The primary safety end point was the occurrence of major hemorrhage or anaphylaxis. METHODS AND RESULTS Based on experience in phase II trials, TIMI 9A used a hirudin bolus of 0.6 mg/kg followed by a fixed-dose 96-hour infusion of 0.2 mg/kg per hour. A modified weight-adjusted heparin regimen was used (5000-U bolus and infusion of 1000 U/h for patients or = 80 kg) with titration to a target activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 60 to 90 seconds. Because rates of hemorrhage in both treatment arms were higher than expected, randomization was suspended in TIMI 9A after 757 patients had been enrolled. Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 1.7% of patients treated with hirudin and 1.9% of those treated with heparin (P = NS). Major spontaneous hemorrhage at a nonintracranial site occurred more frequently in hirudin--than in heparin-treated patients (7.0% versus 3.0%; P = .02), whereas major hemorrhage at instrumented sites was similar (5.2% in both hirudin and heparin groups). Patients who developed a major hemorrhage were older (P < .001) and had higher aPTT values, especially in the first 12 hours after thrombolysis (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS The rate of major spontaneous hemorrhage for both heparin and hirudin in TIMI 9A was higher than that seen in TIMI 5, TIMI 6, and GUSTO 1. This was possibly a result of high levels of anticoagulation at the doses of heparin and hirudin used, low previous estimates of the hemorrhage risk at the doses of hirudin used in TIMI 9A due to the relatively small number of patients receiving that dose in earlier studies, and enrollment of patients at higher risk of hemorrhage. Because a prolonged aPTT was associated with an increased risk of major hemorrhage in both heparin- and hirudin-treated patients, it now appears important to monitor aPTT on a regular basis when using either antithrombin to identify those patients who require downward adjustment of the infusion. TIMI 9B has therefore been configured with a lower hirudin bolus (0.1 mg/kg) and infusion (0.1 mg/kg per hour) and lower heparin infusion (1000 U/h without weight adjustment). Infusions of both antithrombins will be titrated to a target aPTT of 55 to 85 seconds.
Three dimensional automated visual inspection of surface mounted devices

Surface Mounted Technology (SMT) has created a demand for machine vision systems that can reliably verify component placement for screening inspection and process improvement. This paper describes a new 3-D computer vision system being developed at the Center for Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) of The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) for the inspection of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). A small range finder, utilizing a laser-based triangulation measurement method, is being employed for the development of an effective high resolution 3-D SMT inspection system.
Review of the simple model for metal cutting with the chemical oxygen-iodine laser

The COIL has drawn considerable attention owing to its short, fiber-deliverable wavelength, scalability to very high powers, and nearly diffraction-limited optical quality. These unique abilities make it an ideal candidate for rapid cutting of thick metals and other laser materials processing applications. Cutting experiments have been conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory Chemical Laser Facility for a number of metals including stainless steel, nickel, copper, titanium and aluminum. A simple model for the cutting performance has been very successful in predicting the cutting sped and depth for most of these materials. Different assumptions of this model produce very little effect on the model predictions at high cutting speeds an a small difference at very slow cutting speeds. Additional physical effects such as the effects of vaporization, which can be significant at slow cutting speeds when cutting very thick sections, is incorporated into the model. This paper demonstrates how various assumptions within the derivation of the model can lead to different forms of the scaling law.
A new mechanism for adaptation to changes in light intensity and quality in the red alga, Porphyra perforata. II. Characteristics of state II-state III transitions.

Characteristics of state II—state III transitions in the red alga, Porphyra perforata, were studied by measuring the fluorescence time course at room temperature and fluorescence spectra at 77 K. The state II to III transition was induced by system II light and was sensitive to uncouplers of photophosphorylation. This state II to III transition has a dark step(s) that could be easily separated from the light process. A state III to II transition occurred in the dark, but system I light accelerated the transition. The accelerating effect of system I light was not sensitive to uncouplers of photophosphorylation, but was inhibited by the addition of valinomycin + KCl or antimycin A. Compared to state I—state II transitions, the state II—state III transitions occurred more rapidly. The state II to state III transitions are different from the state I to state II transitions in that in state III the activity of photosystem II is changed without having any effect on photosystem I activity (Satoh and Fork, Biochim. Biophys, Acta, in press, 1982). It is suggested that the state II—state III transition represents a mechanism by which the alga can avoid photodamage resulting from absorption of excess light energy by photosystem II.
Evolutionary distributions: producer–consumer pattern formation

An evolutionary distribution (ED) is defined as a solution of a system of reaction–diffusion equations that mimic Darwinian evolution. To each ED, there belongs a separate adaptive space in which phenotypes evolve by diffusion along adaptive traits. The diffusion is caused by random mutations. Analysis of a producer–consumer ED in parametric space reveals regions where intricate symmetric patterns emerge. Such patterns emerge from models of evolution by natural selection which may explain why they appear in Nature. The patterns are stationary and stable in time and in the adaptive space. No Turing instability arises for ED systems compared with systems where diffusion is in physical space.
Synthesis and DNA binding of spirocyclic model compounds related to the neocarzinostatin chromophore.

Spirocyclic model compounds which mimic the molecular architecture of one of the decomposition products of the antitumor agent NCS-chrom have been synthesized. These readily accessible molecules bi...
Accumulation of vanadium, manganese, and nickel in Antarctic tunicates

The vanadium, manganese, and nickel contents of nine species of Antarctic tunicates were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The Antarctic species Distaplia cylindrica contained significantly more vanadium (1,445 ppm dry weight) than the other Antarctic tunicates investigated. Antarctic Ascidia sp. was also shown to accumulate considerable amounts of vanadium (567 ppm). Low levels of bioaccumulated manganese (<50 ppm) and nickel (<15 ppm) were observed in all tunicates examined.
FREEDMAN, ANNE (1994). Patronage: An American Tradition. Nelson Hall Publishers, 111 North Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606. 183 pp. $19.95:

Patronage may be the last secret in America. Every day people go on the Phil Donahue or Oprah Winfrey show and reveal the most intimate details of their lives. But its unlikely you'll ever get a gr...
Perceived Weight Gain as a Correlate of Physical Activity and Energy Intake Among White, Black, and Hispanic Reproductive-Aged Women

Abstract Objective: To estimate the effects of perception of weight gain on women's physical activity and eating behaviors over time. Methods: A total of 608 women self-reported their experience regarding perceived weight gain and physical activity at baseline and every 6 months thereafter for 36 months. Data about dietary habits were obtained every 12 months. Longitudinal relationships of perceived weight gain with physical activity and total energy intake were assessed using mixed model regression analysis after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, obesity, and lifestyle variables. Effect of body esteem scores on physical activity and energy intake was also examined. Results: At baseline, of 608 reproductive-aged women, 129 (21.2%) reported perceived weight gain, whereas 479 (78.8%) did not. Perceived weight gain was not associated with changes in physical activity over the period of 36 months (−8.04 min/week, 95% confidence interval [CI] −20.80-4.72 min/week, p = 0.22). A separate mixed model based on an...
Issues in the early termination of the aspirin component of the physicians' health study

The Physicians' Health Study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prevention trial of 22,071 US physicians, using a factorial design to evaluate the role of aspirin in the prevention of cardiovascular mortality and beta carotene in the reduction of cancer incidence. After approximately 5 years of follow-up, the aspirin component was terminated, 3 years ahead of schedule. Several factors were considered in the decision to terminate, including a cardiovascular mortality rate markedly lower than expected in both aspirin and placebo subjects, precluding the evaluation of the primary aspirin hypothesis, and a highly significant (P < .00001) and impressive (44%) reduction in the risk of first myocardial infarction in the aspirin group. Issues in the decision to terminate are described in this report.
Crystal Packing in Planar Platinum(II) and Palladium(II) Complexes. Hydrogen-Bond-Mediated Supramolecular Assembly of Ten Wedge-Shaped Molecules into a Cyclic Array

The molecular packing arrangements for the unsolvated compounds, PtCl2(ATQ-CH2NH2) (1a) and PdCl2(ATQ-CH2NH2) (2) (ATQ = azatriquinane), and two solvates of the platinum complex, 6{PtCl2(ATQ-CH2NH2)}·2(CH3CN) (1b) and 3{PtCl2(ATQ-CH2NH2)}·2(CH2Cl2) (1c), are reported. These planar, d8 complexes have a wedgelike shape due to the presence of the bulky azatriquinane unit coordinated directly to the metal. All of the crystals exhibit hydrogen bonding between the N−H groups of one molecule and the chloride ligands on another. Despite the similar sizes and shapes of the complexes, the unsolvated compounds, PtCl2(ATQ-CH2NH2) (1a) and PdCl2(ATQ-CH2NH2) (2), pack in entirely different fashions, with metallophilic interactions between pairs of cofacial complexes in the palladium complex. The platinum complex lacks the metallophillic interactions. The structure of 6{PtCl2(ATQ-CH2NH2)}·2(CH3CN) (1b) is noteworthy for two features. First, these crystals contain an ordered cyclic assembly of 10 molecules of the complex...
AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING COUNCILS ‘AT RISK’: A REJOINDER TO BOB WALKER AND STEWART JONES

Murray and Dollery (2005) developed a statistical model that sought to determine whether the key performance indicators (KPIs) published by the NSW Department of Local Government (DLG) could adequately predict the ‘at risk’ status of local councils that had partly been assigned to councils on the basis of these KPIs. Walker and Jones (2006) contend that Murray and Dollery (2005) were (i) attacking a ‘straw man’ by erroneously misinterpreting DLG procedures and (ii) their model exhibited various econometric problems. In addition, Walker and Jones (2006) developed an alternative model that defined municipal sustainability as the ability to maintain service provision at pre-existing levels. This Rejoinder addresses the criticisms raised by Walker and Jones (2006) and assesses their alternative model. It is argued that such a concept is more relevant to the public sector than conventional ‘financial distress’ prediction models. The estimates provided by NSW local councils of the cost of upgrading infrastructure to a satisfactory condition were used as a proxy for levels of distress. Independent variables were selected from a range of KPIs published by the DLG. While MD found that most of the DLG performance indicators were not statistically significant in their model (and therefore not useful discriminators of council distress), this study reaches different conclusions using a different selection of indicators, and a distress variable construct more appropriately linked to service delivery.
Creating an adaptive embedded system by applying multi-agent techniques to reconfigurable hardware

This paper describes how the multi-agent paradigm that is so prevalent in today's distributed reactive software systems can be extended to operate in a dynamically adaptable embedded system environment. In this model, both reconfigurable hardware and the embedded system software design space can be partitioned into autonomous units of execution that are called agents, where each agent has the capacity to interact with the environment and other agents in an intelligent manner. The incorporation of agents that reside in reconfigurable hardware makes it possible to create an intelligent system that exploits the speed advantages associated with reconfigurable hardware within the framework of a unified system model that spans the entire hardware/software continuum. In addition to dynamic adaptability, this approach has the potential to greatly facilitate the flexibility, efficiency, fault tolerance, scalability, and reliability of embedded systems. This paper highlights agent-based reconfigurable embedded systems, and illustrates how they can he applied to a real-time sensor fusion type application using a conventional hardware description language.
Effects of chronic ethanol ingestion on long-term potentiation remain even after a prolonged recovery from ethanol exposure.

Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated that memory formation, a behavioral process thought to be at least in part attributed to hippocampal functioning, is severely attenuated following 5 months of chronic ethanol treatment (CET) and 2 months of recovery from CET. Additionally, 48 h following CET, a well-recognized physiological correlate of memory formation, long-term potentiation (LTP), is reduced in the hippocanipus. We hypothesized that the reduction in LTP may in part contribute to the behavioral deficit in memory formation, which is a permanent consequence of CET. In order for the reduction of LTP to be involved with the permanent deficit in memory acquisition, it too must be present following a prolonged period of ethanol abstinence. The present study examined the permanent effect of CET on LTP. Animals were fed a nutritionally complete, ethanol containing diet for 28 weeks and then allowed a 5-7 month abstinence period. A control group was fed the same diet except sucrose was isocalorically substituted for ethanol. Neurophysiological methods measured the capacity of synaptic connections onto CA1 pyramidal cells to support LTP in response to a variety of conditioning trains. The magnitude of LTP was reduced in CET animals as compared with pair-fed controls. LTP induction is mediated by activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex and is modulated by activation of β-amino-butyric acid (GABA)ergic synaptic transmission. The effect of CET on LTP magnitude may be due to effects on the NMDA-induced induction itself or on the GABAergic modulation of induction. To distinguish between these possibilities, the induction of LTP was tested in the presence of bicuculline methiodide (a specific antagonist to the GABAA receptor). Under these conditions, the ethanol-induced deficit in LTP was abolished. On the basis of these results we hypothesized that the CET reduction in LTP magnitude observed in the absence of bicuculline was due to a permanent alteration of GABAergic modulation of LTP induction. Portions of this paper have been presented previously in abstract form [Tremwel and Hunter (1990), Soc. Neurosci Abstr., 980]. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An Algorithm for Excluding Redundant Assessments in a Multiattribute Utility Problem

Abstract The construction of a multiattribute utility function (MUF) is a fundamental step in decision analysis and can be a difficult task to perform unless some decomposition of the utility function is performed. When partial utility independence conditions exist, the functional form is decomposed into a number of lower-order utility assessments. Often the functional form, resulting from such independence conditions, includes duplicate and redundant assessments. This paper introduces a twos-complement exclusion algorithm for determining the minimal set of utility assessments required for a MUF with partial utility independence. The algorithm uses a ternary matrix representation of utility assessments. A comparison with a “brute-force” approach is also provided.
Reflection of Hydrostatic Gravity Waves in a Stratified Shear Flow. Part I: Theory

Abstract Continuous partial reflection of linear hydrostatic gravity waves that propagate through a stratified shear flow is examined. The complex reflection coefficient R satisfies a Riccati equation, which is a first-order nonlinear differential equation. It is shown that |R|<1 since critical levels and overreflection are not considered. In this case the conservation of wave action flux may be expressed as a relationship between |R| and El−1, where E is the wave energy and l a characteristic inverse vertical length scale of the background state. It is demonstrated that R for a layered model represents a limiting solution of the Riccati equation. A general solution is also derived, under the assumption that the characteristic woe l is directly proportional to the inverse scale height of the characteristic impedance associated with a stratified shear flow. It is shown that the vanishing of |R| at a specific level is analogous to the vanishing of |R| in a three layer model, when the characteristic impedanc...
Fuzzy Logic Control of Projectile Fin Angle Using Piezoelectric Beam Actuator

Fin of a subsonic projectile produce maneuvering force and moment that control the rotation angle of a projectile fin during flight. The objective of this paper is to study the feasibility of using piezoelectric actuator and fuzzy logic control to create a smart fin. The fin is rotated by a beam-based piezoelectric actuator, which has an end fixed to the rotation axle of the fine while the other end is pinned at the tip of the fin. A model of the dynamics of the system is obtained using the finite element approach. A fuzzy logic controller for the fin is designed. The membership functions of the fuzzy variables for this controller are determined using a hybrid genetic algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed controller worked satisfactorily.© 2004 ASME
Effect of environmental and cultural conditions on medium pH and explant growth performance of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) shoot cultures

The medium pH level of plant tissue cultures has been shown to be essential to many aspects of explant development and growth. Sensitivity or tolerance of medium pH change in vitro varies according to specific requirements of individual species. The objectives of this study are to 1) determine medium pH change over time in storage conditions and with presence of explants, 2) evaluate the effects of medium pH change on explant growth performance and 3) assess the effects of adding a pH stabilizer, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) that is commonly used in Douglas-fir micropropagation medium. Vegetative buds were collected in the spring before breaking dormancy from juvenile and mature donor trees for conducting these evaluations. Medium, with or without MES, was pre-adjusted to five pH levels before adding MES, agar and autoclaving. Medium pH changes and explant growth parameters were measured at eight different incubation times. Overall, MES provided a more stable medium pH, relative to starting pH values, under both light and dark storage conditions as well as with presence of explants. A general trend of decreasing medium pH over time was found comparing explants from juvenile and mature donor genotypes. Explant height and weight growth increased over time, but differ among explants from juvenile and mature donor genotypes. Our findings suggest that a 21-day subculture practice may best sustain medium freshness, medium pH level and desirable explant growth.
Microtubular proteins and tubulin pool changes during zoospore germination in the fungus Blastocladiella emersonii

The tubulin proteins of Blastocladiella emersonii have been characterized, and the pool sizes of soluble tubulins measured to evaluate turnover during early development. The axonemal tubulins and soluble tubulin dimers were typical of tubulin proteins from other eukaryotes.
A Spitzer IRAC Search for Substellar Companions of the Debris Disk Star ∊ Eridani

We have used the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on board the Spitzer Space Telescope to search for low-mass companions of the nearby debris disk star Eri. The star was observed in two epochs 39 days apart, with different focal plane rotation to allow the subtraction of the instrumental point-spread function, achieving a maximum sensitivity of 0.01 MJy sr-1 at 3.6 and 4.5 ?m, and 0.05 MJy sr-1 at 5.8 and 8.0 ?m. This sensitivity is not sufficient to directly detect scattered or thermal radiation from the Eri debris disk. It is, however, sufficient to allow the detection of Jovian planets with mass as low as 1MJ in the IRAC 4.5 ?m band. In this band, we detected over 460 sources within the 570 field of view of our images. To test if any of these sources could be a low-mass companion to Eri, we have compared their colors and magnitudes with models and photometry of low-mass objects. Of the sources detected in at least two IRAC bands, none fall into the range of mid-IR color and luminosity expected for cool, 1 Gyr substellar and planetary mass companions of Eri, as determined by both models and observations of field M, L, and T dwarfs. We identify three new sources that have detections at 4.5 ?m only, the lower limit placed on their [3.6]-[4.5] color consistent with models of planetary mass objects. Their nature cannot be established with the currently available data, and a new observation at a later epoch will be needed to measure their proper motion in order to determine if they are physically associated to Eri.
Rheumatoid Pericarditis Presenting as a Mass Lesion

The findings of a loculated pericardial effusion presenting as a mass lesion are described in a 54-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis who exhibited findings of both cardiac tamponade and of constrictive pericarditis.
REPETITIVE PSYCHOMETRIC MEASURES: MEMORY-FOR-FACES

interviews, and psychomotor or psychophysical measures to assess many of the attributes which are best measured by traditional psychometric techniques. Recently, consuuction was begun on a battery of brief Repetitive Psychometric Measures (RPM) designed specifically for making multiple repetitive measurements on the same individual for extended periods of time (Moran & Mefferd, 1959). The first six tests of the battery provided 20 alternate forms equated empirically for difficulty level. These followed the format of tests in French's (1954) kit of reference aptitude and achievement factors. The present report describes a seventh brief repetitive test, Memory-for-Faces. Unlike the ocher six tests, Memory-for-Faces was not selected because it represented a distinct factor. However, the test has face validity as a measure of recognition memory, an ability not measured directly by the other six tests. Moreover, comparable measures of the abiliry to recognize faces have been employed in attempts to measure "social intelligence" (Gilliland & Burke, 1926; Hunt, 1928; Thorndike & Stein, 1937; Kraess & Witryol, 1955), a personality correlate which would be of value to measure in conjunction with the various abilities measured by the RPM. However, it is not the purpose of the present report to establish correlates of Memory-for-Faces, but rather to present a progress report on the construction and preliminary standardization work with the test. The report also may be used as a preliminary manual by investigators who might wish to use the repetitive measure in exploratory research.
The relationship between organizational support, employee development, and organizational commitment: An empirical study

An empirical study conducted in a major midwestern hospital found that organizational commitment and perceived organizational support were significantly correlated with satisfaction with career development. Results suggested that when organizations make efforts to develop their managers, the managers become more committed to the organization and also more likely to develop their employees.
Suppression of Photon-Echo As a Signature of Chaos

The paper discusses the effect of quantum chaos on photon-echo signals of two-electronic-state molecular systems. The temporal profile of photon-echo signals is shown to reveal key information about nuclear dynamics on the excited electronic state surface. Specifically, the suppression of echo signals at a particular value of the delay time τ1 between the first and second excitation pulses is demonstrated as a signature of quantum level statistics that corresponds to the classically chaotic nuclear motion in the excited electronic state surface.
Role of Semiconducting and Metallic Tubes in P3HT/Carbon-Nanotube Photovoltaic Heterojunctions: Density Functional Theory Calculations

A density functional theory approach is employed to investigate poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) interfaced with both a semiconducting and metallic carbon nanotube (CNT). For the semiconducting CNT, a type-II heterojunction can form, making such an interface desirable as a photovoltaic heterojunction. In contrast, with the metallic CNT, substantial charge redistribution occurs and the interaction is strongly enhanced. The built-in-potential is, however, quite small, and P3HT becomes electrostatically more attractive for electrons. These observations together indicate that, in a photovoltaic heterojunction based on a mixed CNT distribution, the majority of interfaces are with metallic CNTs and inefficient.