cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Differences in Assessment and Treatment of Affective Disorders in a Jail Population

ABSTRACT Previous studies have found significant ethnic differences in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This study investigated ethnic differences in referral, diagnosis and treatment of jail detainees with mental illness. Psychosocial and legal variables were assessed in 136 jail detainees admitted to a psychiatric forensic unit. We found that White patients were more frequently diagnosed with affective disorders and less frequently with psychotic disorders as compared with Black patients. No significant ethnic differences on a variety of legal variables were found. Various hypotheses to explain these results include: possible ethnic differences in rates of affective disorders in the jail population, ethnic differences in help-seeking behavior and misdiagnosis of affective disorders in Blacks by mental health clinicians.
Operative strategies in ontological semantics

In this paper, we briefly and informally illustrate, using a few annotated examples, the static and dynamic knowledge resources of ontological semantics. We then present the main motivations and desiderata of our approach and then discuss issues related to making ontological-semantic applications feasible through the judicious stepwise enhancement of static and dynamic knowledge sources while at all times maintaining a working system.
On fluctuation analysis : a new, simple and efficient method for computing the expected number of mutants

Fluctuation analysis, which is often used to demonstrate random mutagenesis in cell lines (and to estimate mutation rates), is based on the properties of a probability distribution known as the Luria-Delbruck distribution (and its generalizations). The two main new results reported in this paper are (i) a simple, completely general, and computationally efficient procedure for calculating probability distributions arising from fluctuation analysis and (ii) the formula for this procedure when cells in a colony have only grown for a finite number of generations after initial seeding. It is also shown that the procedure reduces to one that was developed earlier when an infinite number of generations is assumed. The derivation of the generating function of the distribution is also clarified. The results obtained should also be useful to experimentalists when only a relatively short time elapses between seeding and harvestint cultures for fluctuation analysis.
Bactericidal activity of organic acids in combination with transdermal compounds againstSalmonella typhimuriumattached to broiler skin

Abstract The aim of this research was to determine the bactericidal activity of low levels of organic acids (0.5% and 1%) when combined with various chemical agents (potential transdermal synergists). The skin attachment model (SAM) was used to determine bactericidal activity of treatments againstSalmonella typhimuriumattached to chicken breast skin. Treatments consisted of the following synergists: no synergist (control), 125ppm sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), 2% ethanol (ETOH), 100ppm sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20), or 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), in combination with acetic, citric, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids at 0.5% (Experiment 1) or 1% (Experiment 2). Treatments were applied during a simulated chill, post-process dip, or scald. The synergists alone were tested and had no bactericidal activity. Addition of ETOH to all organic acids (0.5%) did not increase their activity, and in some cases reduced activity. Addition of SLS to lactic acid in the chiller increased activity (log8cfuskin−1) of the acid against firmly attached cells from 0.16 (control) to 1.29. Addition of DMSO to lactic acid caused a 0.83log8cfuskin−1vs. a 0.36 reduction in the lactic acid control. Adding SLS and DMSO to other acids had little or no effect, and in some cases, decreased activity. Span 20 caused the greatest increase in activity. Addition of Span 20 in the scalder increased activity of all acids against loosely attached cells. Reductions in counts increased by 0.81 (acetic acid) to 2.35 (tartaric acid) log8cfuskin−1. Span 20 also increased activity of citric acid against firmly attached cells by 1.63log8cfuskin−1in the scalder. When added to 1% concentration of the acids, SLS caused the greatest increase in activity. Against firmly attached cells, addition of SLS increased activity of the acids in the dip by 0.61 and 0.40 when combined with citric and tartaric acids, respectively. Against loosely attached cells, SLS increased activity of tartaric acid in the scalder application by 1.16log8cfuskin−1. Activity varied among different potential synergists and was dependent on method of application and acid concentration. In some cases, synergists showed greater activity when combined with 0.5% acid than with 1%. In other cases, the addition of a synergist decreased activity of the acid. In cases where the activity of the acid was increased, the resultant activity was greater than the added activity of the synergist and acid alone, indicating a synergistic effect.
Effect of standard and Aircast tennis elbow bands on integrated electromyography of forearm extensor musculature proximal to the bands

Classic tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, has been described as an overuse or misuse injury resulting in a tendinitis. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) have been impli cated as primary culprits in this pathology. Tennis elbow has been treated using a constrictive band placed several centimeters distal to the origin of these two muscles. Aircast (Aircast Inc., Summit, NJ) has devel oped a new style of band that employs an air-filled bladder as the counterpressure element. This study tested the effect of both standard and Aircast bands on EMG activity of the EDC and ECRB proximal to the band compared to control values.Ten normal subjects, ranging in age from 20 to 43 years, were tested. Right upper extremities were tested in all cases. The subjects' forearms were stabilized in the CYBEX II forearm stabilization V-pad. The ECRB and EDC were then impaled with monopolar EMG needle electrodes. The CYBEX data were recorded using the HUMAC system and the EMG da...
Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Au/Co/Au(1 1 1) films: interface anisotropy and effect of strain

We have studied perpendicular anisotropy in ultrathin Au/Co/Au(1 1 1) films. Misfit strain in Co grown on the Au-underlayer increases monotonically with increasing Au thicknesses from 0 to 5 monolayer (ML). We find that the interface anisotropy shows an abrupt increase for 2 ML of Au-underlayer. The volume anisotropy is larger than the magneto-crystalline anisotropy.
Actions of lattices in semisimple groups preserving a G -structure of finite type

In this paper we study actions of lattices in semisimple groups preserving a G -structure of finite type.
Chemical Sensing in Process Analysis.

Improvements in process control, which determine production efficiency and product quality, are critically dependent upon on-line process analysis. The technology of the required instrumentation will be substantially expanded by advances in sensing devices. In the future, the hardware will consist of sensor arrays and miniaturized instruments fabricated by microlithography and silicon micromachining. Chemometrics will be extensively used in software to provide error detection, selfcalibration, and correction as well as multivariate data analysis for the determination of anticipated and unanticipated species. A number of examples of monolithically fabricated sensors now exist and more will be forthcoming as the new paradigms and new tools are widely adopted. A trend toward not only on-line but even in-product sensors is becoming discernible.
When administered into the nucleus accumbens core or shell, the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 reinstates cocaine-seeking behavior in the rat.

Nucleus accumbens glutamate transmission plays a critical role in cocaine priming-induced reinstatement of drug seeking. Previous studies have demonstrated that systemic or intra-accumbens shell administration of an NMDA receptor antagonist reinstates cocaine-seeking behavior. However, it is unclear if antagonizing NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens core or shell subregions will differentially affect cocaine reinstatement. To investigate this possibility, we microinjected the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 (0, 3 or 30 μg) into either the nucleus accumbens core or shell and assessed the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior. When microinjected into the shell, both doses of AP-5 produced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. In contrast, when administered into the core, only the highest dose of AP-5 reinstated cocaine-seeking behavior; moreover, the magnitude of this effect was substantially less than when AP-5 was administered into the shell. This study provides evidence that pharmacological antagonism of NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens core or shell promotes the reinstatement of cocaine seeking.
Society, polity, and language community: An enlightenment trinity in anthropological perspective

How do the social institutional agglomerations we call societies interact with levels of political groupness up to and including states and beyond? In the modern First World and more widely, the post-Lockean Enlightenment has brought denotational language itself to the fore as the salient vehicle of mediation — presumed upon by theorists as well as by politicians — by which stable polities have depended upon the existence of social institutions of various sorts. Reciprocally, such mediation has underlain ideological consciousness of what a language community should normatively be like, to wit, a polity-in-potentia able to assert “language rights” in a politics of recognition in a wider social order. This political culture has shaped some of the more salient forces on language communities within the social institutional order of complex, plurilingual speech communities in which people actually live.
A neural ensemble model of the respiratory central pattern generator: properties of the minimal model

Abstract A computational model of the respiratory central pattern generator is considered in this work. The model is based on mutual inhibition of two core neuron pools, which neurons accommodate as the result of Ca influx and activation of Ca-dependent K + channels (J. Neurophysiol. 77 (1997) 1994). The model yields known respiratory neuron types and explains by ensemble features the observable properties of these respiratory neurons. Original procedures for the adequate presentation of the modeling data are described.
Demonstration of imaging via backscattering of annihilation gamma rays

Abstract Imaging via backscattering of annihilation gamma rays (IBAG) is a technique for three-dimensional gamma ray imaging of objects when only one side is accessible, such as for objects behind a wall or other barrier. This technique utilizes a positron source to produce nearly collinear, 511-keV gamma rays in opposite directions. One of these provides timing and directionality tagging, while the other backscatters off the object to be imaged. The scattering location can be reconstructed using the relative timing of the two gamma ray signals and the positions at which they are detected. Excellent timing resolution is required, since the time-of-flight information is essential for reconstruction. Three-dimensional imaging requires two arrays of detectors, one for the 511-keV tagging gamma ray and one for the backscattered gamma ray. We are studying the feasibility of an IBAG system using LaBr 3 to give good timing resolution and energy-based event selection. This paper presents one-dimensional position reconstruction measurements from our laboratory system for a variety of objects and barriers.
Multimarker Panels in Sepsis

Biomarkers differentiate between 2 or more biologic states. The complexity of diseases like sepsis makes it unlikely that any single marker will allow for precise disease specification. Combining several biomarkers into a single classification rule should help to improve their accuracy and, therefore, their usefulness. This article reviews several studies using multimarker panels, and highlights the potential of more sophisticated diagnostic and prognostic techniques in future multimarker panels. More complex algorithms should accelerate the adoption of multimarker panels into the routine management of patients with sepsis, provided that clinicians understand the multimarker approach.
Drawing closed rational surfaces

Jean Gallier Department of Computer and Information Science University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA jean@saul.cis.upenn.edu Abstract. In this short paper, we consider the practical problem of drawing a closed rational surface speci ed by a net of control points. The main result is that for any rational surface F , the entire surface F can be obtained as the union of the three square patches F (u; v), F v u ; 1 u , and F 1 v ; uv , over [ 1; 1] [ 1; 1]. Furthermore, if F is de ned by some triangular net N (consisting of weighted control points), the control nets of six triangular patches corresponding to the above three square patches can be computed very easily from the original control net. In the full paper [9], we illustrate our method on some classical examples (including the \Steiner roman surface"), and we also discuss a method for resolving base points, using some simple \blowing-up" technique involving the computation of new control nets.
The Arctic Tropopause Fold

Abstract Analyses of research aircraft observation, satellite total columnar ozone retrievals and synoptic upper-air soundings are used to describe the structure of Arctic jetstreams and their associated frontal zones and tropopause folds. These analyses document the presence of major tropopause folding events within the Arctic that occur at the flanks of large-scale (∼2000 km) polar vortices. One example shows a polar vortex and its associated tropopause fold and Arctic front that migrated from the high Canadian Arctic southward into midlatitudes over central North America. The frigid cold-air outbreak associated with this migration was an important component in the record setting daily minimum temperatures that were recorded from the Great Lakes to southern Florida. Total columnar ozone measurements from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) are shown to identify the location of polar vortices and the mesoscale (∼200 km) ozone gradients at the flanks of these vortices which coincide with regions o...
A Simple Conductimetric CO2 Analyzer with Automatic Recalibration: III. Dynamic Response

Conductimetric CO 2 analyzers provide an economical means of monitoring and controlling carbon dioxide concentration ([CO 2 ]) in plant growth cabinets. When conductimetric CO 2 analyzers are being used to measure canopy CO 2 uptake over a period and compare that with light received, it is essential to know the time between an air sample leaving the canopy and its [CO 2 ] being registered by the analyzer. A four-way analysis of variance in three replicates of a split split-plot design was used to examine the response time of the conductimetric CO 2 -analyzers to successive step changes in [CO 2 ] (Δ[CO 2 ]) from 200 to 400, 600, 800, and 1000 μL L -1 , at temperatures of 10, 20, 30, and 40 o C, at air flows rates of 540, 1880, and 3700 mm 3 s -1 , and at water flow rates of 1.0, 0.66, and 0.33 mL s -1 . Response times ranged from 30 to 542 s across all treatments. Significant differences were observed between individual conductimetric CO 2 analyzers, with response time means ranging from 99 to 145 s. Each analyzer, therefore, is unique and must be recalibrated following a change in any one component. A significant water flow rate×temperature interaction was observed (response time means ranged from 86 to 177 s). Comparing these response time means to the 900-s sampling period indicates that an individual conductimetric CO 2 analyzer will adjust to the new steady state following a change in control within 9.5 to 20% of the sampling period. Only 1 data record out of 96 within a diurnal cycle is lost if an alteration in the CO 2 control set point for the plant growth cabinet is made. This data loss is acceptable
The morphology of thermally graphitized P-33 carbon black in relation to its adsorbent uniformity

Abstract Electronmicrographs of thermally graphitized P-33 carbon black indicate that the particles are predominantly doubly truncated polygonal bipyramids. The previously determined concentration of strong adsorption sites is an order of magnitude too small to cover the intersections of the individual planes in the surface, supporting the earlier suggestion of Kmetko that these planes are joined to each other by valence bonds.
Cellular invasion and collagen type IX in the primary corneal stroma in vitro

During different stages in the development of the avian cornea, various collagen types have been shown to participate in matrix formation and have been implicated in morphogenesis. One of these is the fibril-associated collagen type IX. This molecule is present when the primary corneal stroma is in a compact state, but rapidly disappears just prior to stromal swelling and its invasion by mesenchymal cells. The temporospatial pattern of the disappearance of type IX collagen in the developing cornea suggests that this molecule may be involved in stabilizing the primary corneal stromal matrix by interacting either with other type IX collagen molecules or with other matrix components. To explore further whether the removal of type IX collagen is involved in stromal swelling, we have employed an in vitro culture system in which swelling of the primary stroma and mesenchymal cell invasion can be experimentally manipulated by culturing chick corneal explants on a Nuclepore filter support in the presence or absence of an associated lens. We have also examined the effect of exogenously added human recombinant tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) on the presence of type IX collagen and cellular invasion. When stage 25—26+ corneal explants were cultured with an associated lens, the primary stroma did not swell; immunohistochemically detectable type IX collagen was still present, and mesenchymal cell invasion failed to occur. Conversely, when the same stages of corneal explants were cultured without an associated lens, the primary stroma swelled; type IX collagen disappeared, and mesenchymal cell migration occurred. Under both conditions, however, the type II collagen of the stroma, which is known to be a component of the striated fibrils, remained clearly detectable and with time even seemed to increase in amount. This result is consistent with the proposition that type IX collagen is one factor involved in maintaining the primary stroma as a compact matrix, possibly by functioning as a bridging/stabilizing factor. When TIMP was added to cultures of corneal explants, type IX collagen remained detectable in focal regions, suggesting that one or more metalloproteinases are involved in the removal of the type IX collagen. In addition, some of these type IX-containing regions contained mesenchymal cells, suggesting that in addition to type IX collagen other factors are likely to be involved in regulating mesenchymal cell migration. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Flow and shear descriptors of preconsolidated food powders

This study proposes a friction based index to characterize food powder strength during flow and shear. It is shown that the peak strength of powders observed in direct shear tests consists of interlocking and intrinsic value of friction between particles. These components were determined separately using the energy input and dissipation characteristics of powders during shearing. Friction value was determined on commercial powdered salt, sugar, cocoa, and cheese and compared to different bulk and flow properties such as angle of repose, cohesion, angle of internal friction, and unconfined yield stress. Measurements of friction values showed better repeatability than the angle of repose technique, commonly used in the food industry for flowability determination. Lower angles of internal friction found in cohesive cocoa and cheese powders agreed with lower friction values obtained for these powders. This indicated the prevalence of interlocking and frictional forces at peak failure in comparison to adhesive and other attraction forces of lower magnitude.
The impact of tissue factor pathway inhibitor on coagulation kinetics determined by thrombelastography.

BACKGROUND: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a 40-kDa, endogenous protein that inhibits tissue factor (TF)-initiated coagulation by bonding with activated factor X (FXa). The TFPI/FXa complex then subsequently binds with TF/activated factor VII (FVIIa) complex, ultimately inhibiting thrombin generation. Heparin administration causes endothelial release of TFPI concentrations up to sixfold normal values. Thrombelastography (TEG®) is often used to monitor hemostasis in the perioperative period, and TFPI could potentially affect the diagnostic interpretation of TEG-based data, given its inhibition of both common and TF coagulation pathways. Thus, in this study we characterized the effect of TFPI on coagulation kinetics via TEG. METHODS: Whole blood, Factor VII-deficient plasma, and normal plasma were exposed in vitro to various concentrations of TFPI, after which unmodified, celite-activated, and TF-activated TEG were performed. RESULTS: The addition of 87.5 ng/mL TFPI (twice normal concentration) was required to prolong clot propagation in whole blood, with propagation and strength only significantly affected by the addition of 175 ng/mL concentrations. Experiments with Factor VII-deficient plasma demonstrated that TFPI-mediated suppression of coagulation kinetics at these concentrations was secondary to FXa inhibition. Celite activation markedly attenuated TFPI-mediated effects on coagulation kinetics, whereas TF activation accentuated TFPI-mediated prolongation of clot initiation and diminution of propagation. CONCLUSIONS: In settings involving heparin administration (e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass), TFPI-mediated inhibition of coagulation should be considered during TEG-based hemostatic monitoring.
Collaborative Development of a Clinical Pathway for Congestive Heart Failure

Bon Secours Hospital, a 304-bed community hospital in Grosse Pointe, MI, decided to target high-volume and high-cost DRGs for clinical process improvement. Working collaboratively with members of the medical staff, the cardiac team set out to improve outcomes by reducing the non-value-added costs and the variations in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). A comprehensive program of care for these patients, that included the full continuum of care, from prevention to maintenance, is being developed, using a clinical pathway to manage the acute phase of treatment.
Civic Socialization in Public and Fundamentalist Schools

Objective. Critics of schools governed by fundamentalist religions are concerned that these schools will not socialize students to the attitudes and values appropriate for citizens of a pluralistic liberal democracy. Among these values are support for democratic norms, political tolerance, moral reasoning and autonomy, duty to community, and acceptance of nontraditional lifestyles. This article examines the empirical basis for the critics' concerns. Methods. Using difference-of-means tests and multivariate regression, we compare students in the 10th and 12th grades attending regular public and fundamentalist Christian schools. Results. The 10th-grade comparisons of the two sets of students confirm many of the expectations of critics of fundamentalist schools. By the 12th grade, however, the students in fundamentalist schools have surpassed students in regular public schools on many of the desired attitudes and values, but the fundamentalist school students remain less accepting of nontraditional lifestyles. Conclusion. For the most part, fundamentalist Christian high schools do as well or better than regular public schools in socializing their students to the values appropriate to citizenship in liberal democracies.
Brain frequency magnetic fields alter cardiac autonomic control mechanisms

Abstract Objective : Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive indicator of sympathetic and vagal cardiovascular control known to be tightly correlated with sleep stages. Recent studies indicate that HRV in humans is altered by nocturnal exposure to power-frequency (60 Hz) magnetic fields. Given the central origin of autonomic cardiac control, we determined if field exposure in the beta 1 EEG/MEG frequency range was a more effective stimulus for HRV alteration than 60 Hz fields, and explored the mechanisms involved. Methods : Healthy young men were exposed ( n =9) overnight to an intermittent magnetic field (16 Hz, 28.3 microTesla, μT), or sham exposed ( n =9), under blind test conditions in a laboratory exposure facility. Results : Field exposure was associated ( P Conclusions : Magnetic field exposure in the EEG/MEG beta 1 frequency range alters HRV via a CNS effect. Phase-resetting experiments rule out a direct effect on the cardiac pacemaker. Biophysical calculations of the intensity of the electric fields induced in brain versus heart under the present exposure conditions are also consistent with and support a central rather than a peripheral site of action.
Correction of inclination shallowing and its tectonic implications: The Cretaceous Perforada Formation, Baja California

Abstract A paleomagnetic and magnetic fabric study of the Aptian to Albian Perforada Formation, the oldest sedimentary unit of the Cretaceous Valle Group, was conducted to determine whether the Perforada inclination had been shallowed by burial compaction and to correct the inclination for any shallowing. The Perforada Formation is located on the Vizcaino terrane of the Vizcaino Peninsula of west central Baja California. An accurate paleolatitude will indicate whether the Vizcaino terrane is far-travelled. Eighty-eight specimens from 43 independently oriented hand samples and cores were collected from 11 sites. A small (10 m) fold was sampled in order to constrain the age of the magnetization with a fold test. Thermal and alternating field demagnetization was able to isolate characteristic magnetizations for most samples. Maximum unblocking temperatures near 580 °C indicate that magnetite is the magnetic carrier. The characteristic magnetization passes the fold test at the 99% confidence level. Anisotropy of anhysteretic remanence (AAR) and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) measurements show that five sites had well-developed bedding-parallel foliations, while four sites had poorly developed AAR fabrics but foliated AMS fabrics. The remaining two sites had poorly developed foliations for both AMS and AAR. The mean inclination (I=35.6°) of the five sites with well-developed AAR foliations is 13.7° shallower than the mean inclination (I=49.3°) of the two sites with poorly developed AAR and AMS fabrics. When the inclinations of the sites with well-developed AAR foliations are corrected using an individual particle anisotropy of 1.5, determined from magnetic extract/epoxy samples dried in 30–50 mT DC magnetic fields, the corrected mean inclination (I=50.1°) is indistinguishable from the mean inclination of the sites with poorly developed AAR fabrics. A corrected formation mean direction for the Perforada Formation (D=311.8°, I=47.0°, α95=9.3°) indicates a 33.5°±11.1° counterclockwise rotation and 5.6°±7.7° of post-Cretaceous northward motion, after 3° of Neogene fault motion has been removed. These results indicate that the Vizcaino terrane has moved little with respect to the Peninsular Ranges terrane and cratonic North America since the Cretaceous.
Conduction system abnormalities in symptomatic mitral valve prolapse: An electrophysiologic analysis of 60 patients

This study examined the site of atrioventricular (AV) block in mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Sixty symptomatic patients with MVP underwent electrophysiologic study; 49 had documented arrhythmias and 28 had syncope. Eight patients had spontaneous second- or third-degree AV block and 10 had chronic bundle branch block. Electrophysiologic study revealed abnormal sinus node function in 8 patients, prolonged HV interval in 10, intra-Hisian delay in 9, and functional bundle branch block in 15. Dual AV nodal pathways were demonstrated in 24 patients. Comparison with 101 similarly symptomatic patients without MVP revealed a greater prevalence of dual AV nodal pathways in the MVP patients. Infranodal conduction abnormalities and dual AV nodal pathways are frequently revealed by electrophysiologic testing in symptomatic patients with MVP.
Enhanced IL-10 production in vitro by monocytes in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

Our previous studies on autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) have shown a hyperactivation concerning cytokine production in T and B lymphocytes obtained from AIHA patients. In this study the production of interleukin (IL)-10, basal and stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), was determined in cultured monocytes obtained from patients affected by AIHA, either idiopathic or associated with other autoimmune diseases, e.g. idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), myastenia gravis (MG). In cultured AIHA monocytes the IL-10 basal production (mean ± SD) was increased in all but one patient, compared to the controls, 125.96±76.10 pg/mL and 19.18±15.80 pg/mL respectively. Specifically, LPS stimulation was able to induce a higher IL-10 production by monocytes in two AIHA cases, whereas in five patients there was no difference and in two cases the LPS stimulated IL-10 production was even decreased compared to the levels observed in the controls. Interestingly in the latter two c...
Thermally Cross-Linkable Hole-Transporting Materials on Conducting Polymer: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications for Polymer Light-Emitting Devices

A series of novel hole-transporting materials (HTMs) bearing thermally cross-linkable styryl groups have been synthesized and characterized. These HTMs could be in situ cross-linked under mild thermal polymerization without any initiator. The cross-linking temperatures (150–180 °C) for these HTMs are substantially lower than that typically used for curing perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB)-based HTMs (230 °C). After cross-linking, the resultant HTMs form robust, smooth, and solvent-resistant networks, which enables the subsequent spin-coating of emissive layer (EML). The HTMs based on an ether linkage connecting triarylamine dimers exhibited better hole-transporting ability compared to their corresponding monotriarylamine compounds due to higher content and closer distance of the hole-transporting units. Most importantly, the milder cross-linking condition for these HTMs allows the commonly used conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), to be incorporated as the b...
BPEL4WS unit testing: framework and implementation

The business process execution language for Web services (BPEL4WS) offers a new standards-based approach to building flexible business processes by orchestrating multiple Web services. Unit testing is critical to guarantee the creation of correct and reliable BPEL4WS business processes. Yet this is a topic that is still to be explored, both in research and industry. Lack of unit test tooling support has affected BPEL4WS process development in terms of quality and efficiency. This paper proposes a BPEL4WS unit test framework, which includes a BPEL4WS process composition model, a test architecture, a lifecycle management schema and a test design outline. An example implementation of the framework illustrates the whole approach. By adopting this test framework, the experience of developing, testing and debugging a BPEL4WS processes will be greatly improved.
Excess molar volumes and deviations from congruence of some binary solutions of an n-alkane in another n-alkane

Abstract Excess molar volumes of some n-alkane solutions: “x C 8 H 18 + (1 − x) C 9 H 20 ’ , “x C 8 H 18 + (1 − x) C 10 H 22 ’ , “x C 9 H 20 + (1 − x) C 11 H 24 ’ , and “x C 9 H 20 + (1 − x) C 13 H 28 ’ , are reported at 288.15 and 298.15 K. The results are most efficiently described in terms of their deviations from the Bronsted-Koefoed principle of congruence. Polynomial expansions are employed for this purpose. During collection of results particular attention was paid to the region of low mole fraction of the smaller species where positive excess volumes were observed.
Characterization of polymeric films derived from α- and β-substituted N-vinylpyrroles

Abstract Electrochemical oxidation of N-vinyl-2-(2-thienyl)pyrrole (TP) and N-vinyl-2-(2-furyl)pyrrole (FP) in Bu4NClO4+CH3CN solutions leads to the formation of polymeric films that exhibit voltammetric doping and de-doping waves similar to those of poly(pyrrole) and poly(thiophene). The films generated from the oxidation of TP and FP are stable upon electrochemical cycling for hundreds of scans in acetonitrile media, and in their dry, doped state exhibit conductivities in the ∼10 mS cm−1 range. Organic dielectric films can be formed from the oxidation of N-vinyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindole (THI) in Bu4NClO4+CH3CN solutions. Poly(THI) films prepared by scanning the potential nine times between 0 and +1.4 V vs. SSCE block the rotated-disk voltammetric response of decamethylferrocene and ferrocene by 94 and 48%, respectively. The observation that film permeabilities are dependent on redox probe molecular volume indicates that the films are not riddled with pin-hole defects. In addition, although the surface of the poly(THI) films is relatively hydrophilic, as noted by aqueous contact angle measurements, the permeability of the films toward redox probes dissolved in aqueous electrolyte is substantially lower than that found for probes in acetonitrile media.
Communicating Social Support to Grieving Clients: The Veterinarians' View

This exploratory study examines veterinarians' perceptions of how they offer social support to grieving clients. Because many clients cannot find the social support they would like from other sources when grieving the death of a pet, the role of the vet in offering support becomes increasingly important. The results indicate that vets perceive that they do offer social support; however, they have not been provided with training in how to do so. Limitations to the study and future directions are also discussed.
Surface patterning by atomically-controlled chemical forces : molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract The use of atomically-controlled reactive chemical forces via modified scanning-probe microscope tips provides a potentially powerful way of building nanodevices. In this work, we use atomistic simulations to explore the feasibility of one such system, namely the selective abstraction of hydrogen from a diamond surface using a tip with a chemisorbed ethynyl radical. We characterize reaction rates and energy flow at the tip, and conclude that they are sufficiently fast to make this approach feasible. We propose a novel tip design to perform the abstraction without inadvertently damaging the surface or probe tip.
Dealing with noisy gaze information for a target-dependent neural decoder

We tend to look at targets prior to moving our hand towards them. This means that our eye movements contain information about the movements we are planning to make. This information has been shown to be useful in the context of decoding of movement intent from neural signals. However, this is complicated by the fact that occasionally, subjects may want to move towards targets that have not been foveated, or may be distracted and temporarily look away from the intended target. We have previously accounted for this uncertainty using a probabilistic mixture over targets, where the gaze information is used to identify target candidates. Here we evaluate how the accuracy of prior target information influences decoding accuracy. We also consider a mixture model where we assume that the target may be foveated or, alternatively, that the target may not be foveated. We found that errors due to inaccurate target information were reduced by including a generic model representing movements to all targets into the mixture.
Influence of the Shape of Dispersed Particles on the Elastic Behavior of Composite Materials

Abstract : Young's modulus was measured on a series of composites of magnesium oxide containing low concentrations of graphite in the shape of flakes, fibers and nearly spherical particles. Comparison of the measured modulus with predictions of elastic behavior based on particle shape was in excellent agreement. The results indicate not only that accurate predictions of elastic moduli are possible, but also, that dispersed particle shape has a dominating influence on the elastic properties of composite materials at low concentrations of an included phase. (Author)
Expert systems for multivariate calibration, trendsetters for the wide-spread use of chemometrics

Abstract Gerritsen, M., Van Leeuwen, J.A., Vandeginste, B.G.M., Buydens, L. and Kateman, G., 1992. Expert systems for multivariate calibration, trendsetters for the wide-spread use of chemometrics, Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems , 15:171–184. Chemometrics is less applied in practice than desirable. One of the reasons is the lack of software tools that allow an easy application of chemometrics by non-experts. A possible solution to this problem is the integration of expert systems with software for data analysis. This is illustrated with an example on high-performance liquid chromatography—ultraviolet data analysis. The integration of expert knowledge with chemometrical software will probably become an important future trend in chemometrical research as it is not restricted to multivariate data analysis.
Science simulations for the New Worlds Observer

The New Worlds Observer, currently studied under a NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts grant, will be a pinhole camera in space designed to directly detect and study extrasolar terrestrial planets. An apodized occultor or pinhole creates an image of the planetary system in the focal plane far away, where a second telescope craft orbits to detect the light. In this study we simulate the expected signal of NWO to find the optimal configuration and specifications of the two craft. The efficiency of direct detection through photometric imaging depends strongly on occulter and telescope size, while preliminary studies on absorption biomarker detection and photometric variability measurements are summarized.
Type IIβ Regulatory Subunit of cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase: Purification Strategies to Optimize Crystallization

Abstract To elucidate the structural basis for important differences between types I and II regulatory subunit isoforms (RI and RII) of adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase, the full-length RIIβ isoform and five RIIβ deletion mutants were constructed, expressed, purified, and screened for crystallization. Only one of these six proteins yielded diffraction quality crystals. Crystals were grown of the RIIβ deletion mutant (Δ1–111) monomer potentially in complex with two cAMP molecules. X-ray diffraction quality data were obtained only after significant modification to existing purification procedures. Modifications required a Sepharose, not agarose, support for cAMP affinity chromatography followed by rapid, quantitative removal of free cAMP by size-exclusion chromatography under reducing conditions. Data to 2.4 A resolution were collected at 29°C using synchrotron radiation on a single crystal measuring 0.2 × 0.3 × 1.2 mm 3 . Data were 99% complete. The hexagonal crystal belonged to space group P6 (1) or P6 (5) with unit cell dimensions a = b = 161.62 A and c = 39.66 A.
Interaction of opiates with dopamine receptors: Receptor binding and behavioral assays

We examined the hypothesis that opiates act as dopamine (DA) receptor-blocking agents thereby inducing a compensatory increase in DA receptor density during chronic administration, and that increased receptor density could account for the behavioral hypersensitivity to DA agonists seen after treatment with opiates. Morphine and methadone did not inhibit the specific binding of 3H-spiroperidol to DA receptors in vitro, nor did they decrease affinity or apparent receptor density in the striatum when administered acutely in vivo in behaviorally effective doses. In contrast, neuroleptics had the expected inhibitory effect in both these experiments. Stereotypy and locomotion in response to apomorphine were measured before and after a 3-week treatment with saline or methadone. About half the methadone-treated rats showed significant increases over predrug baselines in stereotypy or locomotion, as did a few saline-treated animals. However, in those animals showing enhanced stereotypy or locomotion, DA receptor density was not elevated in striatum or mesolimbic areas respectively. These results indicate that opiates do not act as antagonists at DA receptor sites, and that changes in DA receptor density cannot account for opiate-induced behavioral hypersensitivity.
Negotiating with Terrorists

Negotiation with non-ideological ethno-nationalist terrorists is more common and more successful than with other kinds of terrorists. Additional strategies for dealing with terrorists include combating, isolating, and mainstreaming. There are many arguments against negotiatng with terrorists, but most of them do not apply to secret, backchannel talks, which are usually the method of choice in first approaching these groups. The success of negotiation depends on the development of flexibility by both the terrorists and the authorities. These and other points are illustrated with case materials from the Northern Ireland peace process, and the analysis is extended, on a speculative basis, to negotiation with several Islamic terrorist groups.
Design and fabrication of a glass waveguide optical add–drop multiplexer by use of an amorphous-silicon overlay distributed Bragg reflector

We report the fabrication of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) on a silver ion-exchanged glass waveguide with a patterned overlay of sputter-deposited amorphous silicon (a-Si). Using this high-refractive-index overlay DBR technology, we demonstrate a fully functional glass-integrated optic add-drop multiplexer (OADM). The OADM consists of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) containing overlay DBR gratings in both arms. The design, fabrication, and characterization procedures of the sputter-deposited a-Si overlay DBR and the ion-exchanged glass waveguide MZI are discussed in detail. The completed 3-cm-long OADM exhibited a 24-dB transmission dip with a 3-dB bandwidth of 0.5 nm. The 1-cm-long a-Si overlay DBR induced an additional attenuation of 1.2 dB. A simplified method for overlay DBR fabrication that utilizes a lift-off technique is also proposed and demonstrated.
Substrate specificity of esterases in a solitary bee, Megachile rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae): variability in sex, age and life stage.

Abstract The esterases of Megachile rotundata (F.) were examined with respect to 36 substrates and comparisons were made between males and females. Differences in substrate disposition with respect to aromatic, aliphatic and thioesters were found between life stages. Overall, thioesters and relatively short aliphatic chain (3–4C) aromatic esters were metabolized most readily. With respect to age, males lose significantly more esterase activity with time than females, which may be a consequence of overall protein Ioss in late life. Based upon evidence from other bee families, possible ecological roles of M. rotundata esterases in nesting are suggested.
High pressure water injection injuries of the foot: a report of two cases

Few cases of high pressure water injection injuries of the foot have been reported. These cases suggest that only minimal soft tissue destruction results and that, with con servative or limited surgical management, full recovery should be expected.1,9 This is a report of two cases of this “benign variant” of high pressure water injection injury that resulted in toe amputations.
Biodegradable Polymers: Opportunities and Challenges

As we are approaching the 21st century, the plastics industry may be witnessing a paradigm shift—a move from an all-petroleum-based industrial economy to one that encompasses a broader base of mate...
516: Perinatal survival after third-generation laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome

TRANSFUSION SYNDROME RAMEN CHMAIT, AMER KHAN, DAVID MILLER, TERRI MAITINO, LARISA YEDIGAROVA, ISTVAN SERI, THOMAS MURPHY GOODWIN, University of Southern California, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Los Angeles, California, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California OBJECTIVE: There have been conflicting reports regarding perinatal outcome after selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) for the treatment of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The aim of this study was to assess perinatal outcome in TTTS cases treated by third-generation SLPCV. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study was performed on all patients who underwent treatment for mid-trimester TTTS at USC between March 2006 and July 2007. TTTS was diagnosed and staged using the Quintero Staging System. Third generation SLPCV mandates selective approach and utilizes the sequential approach whenever technically feasible. Sequential SLPCV technique requires obliteration of all artery-to-vein communications from the donor-to-recipient prior to the recipient-to-donor. Primary outcome variable was survival at 30 days after delivery of one or both twins treated with laser therapy. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were referred for treatment of suspected TTTS during the study period. 68 met criteria for TTTS, of which 66 had SLPCV, one underwent pregnancy termination, and one patient opted for purposeful septostomy of the dividing membrane that was performed at another center. Forty-nine of the 66 patients who had SLPCV delivered at least 30-days prior to the close of this study. Out of these 49 patients, 16 (32.7%) had Stage I or II and 33 (67.3%) had Stage III or IV TTTS. The mean (range) of gestational age at SLPCV and delivery were 21 1/7 (16 1/7 26 5/7) and 32 2/7 (20 1/7 39 2/7) weeks, respectively. 30-day postnatal survival of one or both twins was 91.8%, with a recipient and donor survival rate of 85.7% and 71.4%, respectively, and a dual survival rate of 65.3%. There was no difference in any outcome measure based on Stage of disease. CONCLUSION: Treatment of mid-trimester TTTS via third-generation SLPCV results in favorable perinatal outcome. A prospective randomized trial is planned to compare perinatal outcomes of sequential SLPCV with standard SLPCV.
The Lyman Alpha Line Wing in Hydrogen-Rich White Dwarf Atmospheres

We present calculations of the line profile of Lyman alpha, including the very far wing out to 4000 A. We demonstrate that absorption during the close collision with one or more atoms or ions is probable, and produces significant effects throughout the line wing. New satellites are predicted near 1900 and 2400 A due to three-body H 3 + and H3 interactions. Such effects are identified in some IUE white dwarf spectra.
Black College Students' Extropunitive and Intropunitive Responses to Prejudice: Implications for Concrete Attitudes Toward School in a Predominantly White Institution

The present research examined whether individual differences in extropunitive (i.e., distrust, dislike, and discriminatory expectations of Whites) and intropunitive (i.e., internalization of societ...
Efficient Parallel Learning Algorithms for Neural Networks

Parallelizable optimization techniques are applied to the problem of learning in feedforward neural networks. In addition to having superior convergence properties, optimization techniques such as the Polak-Ribiere method are also significantly more efficient than the Backpropagation algorithm. These results are based on experiments performed on small boolean learning problems and the noisy real-valued learning problem of hand-written character recognition.