cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of the clinical pharmacist in the management of psychotropic polypharmacy in the treatment of patients with mental retardation and development disabilities

For many individuals with mental impairments/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) that reside in supported living centers, the potential to be placed on a myriad of psychotropic medications to manage both behavioral and neuropsychiatric disturbances exists. There are distinctive obstacles that a clinical pharmacist that works in a facility providing services to individuals with MR/DD can face as it relates the prescribing of psychotropic medications. As a result of the limited data or clinical trials on the use of psychotropic medications in this particular population, problems can be encountered when multiple psychotropic medications are prescribed. Based on the practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with MR/DD, or other comorbid mental disorders published by the American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the problems can include irrational prescribing, inappropriate medication for a given diagnosis, or questionable monitoring of adverse effects. 1 The role of the clinical pharmacist in this practice setting can consist of a continuous assessment of the clinical justification and rationale for why psychotropic polypharmacy is warranted. Polypharmacy can be defined in many different ways and may differ based on the patient population being evaluated. 2 According to Fulton and Allen (2005), polypharmacy is defined as the use of medications that are not clinically indicated; and in clinical practice it is the use of more than a certain number of drugs to treat a condition regardless of its appropriateness. 3 Within an assisted living facility, periodic reviews of drug utilization can be associated with funding for the facility so the evaluation of the appropriateness of medication use, including polypharmacy, may need to be performed on a quarterly, biannual, or yearly basis. The co-occurring use of multiple psychoactive medications in a single patient is becoming an increasingly common and current practice in clinical psychiatry which largely based more on experience rather than evidence. 6 Any patient receiving more than one medication from a specific class (e.g. two antidepressants, two antipsychotics), should have regular reassessment to confirm the necessity of the polypharmacy. In general, polypharmacy is considered to a major health issue not only in primary care setting but in other practice setting as it can lead to unnecessary expenses, wasted time, and possibly mismanagement on the part of the attending clinician if the indication for psychotropic polypharmacy is not routinely evaluated. Furthermore, patients with MR/ DD have an increased potential for drug-drug interactions , side effects of psychotropic medications such as extrapyramidal effects from antipsychotic medications and delirium from benzodiazepines, and possibly unrecognized complications.
Effect of Carbon Dioxide on the Thermodynamic State of Water in Collagen

Thermodynamic activities of polar sites of collagen in the presence of CO2 were observed by inverse gas chromatographic techniques using water as a probe. The interactions between collagen and the water probe were evaluated by determining the specific retention volume (Vg°) and partition coefficient (Kp) at 25°C, 3°C, and 35°C. Thermodynamic parameters were determined from these data. CO2 exhibited a significant effect on the water binding of collagen as shown by increased Vg° and Kp values as compared to N2- and He-treated collagen. The thermodynamic parameters of partial molar Gibb's free energy (ΔT°), partial molar enthalpy (ΔT°) and partial molar entropy (ΔT°) indicated CO2 significantly increased the average energy of water binding by collagen.
Inhibition of new vessel growth in mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization by adiponectin peptide II.

We have investigated the effect of adiponectin (APN) peptide II on new vessel growth in mouse model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) or wet type age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Mice were injected intraperitoneally with APN peptide II, control peptide, or PBS on day 1–7 or day 5–14. APN, AdipoR1, PCNA, and VEGF localization was investigated using confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR. APN peptide II decreased the relative area of FITC-dextran perfused vessels by 4-fold, PCNA expression by 3-fold, and the number of PCNA stained HUVEC and MAVEC cells by 38 and 46%, respectively. We concluded that APN peptide II inhibits CNV size on days 7 and 14 by inhibiting the proliferation of endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro. APN peptide II may have therapeutic potential to inhibit CNV or wet AMD.
Hard and Soft Policies in Music Education: Building the Capacity of Teachers to Understand, Study, and Influence Them

Music education exists within a web of policies. Those most often identified by music teachers and professional associations are the policies imposed on the profession by governmental and regulatory bodies. Advocacy efforts to change policy are mostly directed toward these bodies. However, the practice of music education is perhaps more influenced by subtle policies that affect teachers' values, expectations, and practices. In this article, Nye's concepts of "hard" and "soft" power are adapted and used as a paradigm for categorization and analysis of policy to illustrate this situation. Using this model reveals that while some hard policies specific to music education advocate a progressive music education, other hard policies may interfere with this agenda and soft policies seem to maintain the status quo. Recommendations are made for building the capacity of teachers to understand, study, and influence policy.
Esophageal ulceration associated with 13-cis-retinoic acid therapy in patients with Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by metaplastic columnar epithelium,I,2 Barrett's esophagus is an acquired disorder thought to result from chronic gastroesophageal reflux.,4 It is considered a premalignant lesion for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus,2,5,6 Barrett's esophagus is not an uncommon condition with frequency rates of 4 to 16% among patients undergoing endoscopy for reflux. Aggressive medical and surgical efforts to control reflux have not conclusively shown regression of Barrett's epithelium or prevention of carcinoma. A novel approach to treatment involves the use of differentiating agents, such as vitamin A analogs, based on their success with other preneoplastic disorders. The well-recognized toxicities of retinoids include central nervous system, skin, skeletal, liver, and lipid abnormalities.9 During a phase II trial of 13-cis-retinoic acid (Accutane; Hoffman-La Roche, Inc.) to evaluate its ability to reverse Barrett's mucosa, 2 of 10 patients developed esophageal ulceration. This outcome is being reported to direct attention to this newly recognized complication.
The transport of slow ions in gases: Experiment, theory, and applications

Abstract This review is concerned with the two most important transport phenomena in involving slow ions in gases, namely their drift and diffusion in an externally applied electric field. The energy range of interest extends from thermal values at low temperatures up to about 10 eV. The transport phenomena are first discussed in physical terms, and experimental techniques for measuring ionic drift velocities and diffusion coefficients are then described. Brief coverage is given to ionic transport theory up to the time of Wannier's landmark contributions in 1951–1952; later theoretical developments are treated in more detail. Special emphasis is placed on aspects of modern theory that permit the determination of interaction potentials and collision frequencies for momentum transfer from experimental transport data. The review ends with a discussion of several applications of transport data to ionospheric problems.
Demonstration of reaginic antibody (IgE) in canine demodectic mange: An immunofluorescent study

Abstract The presence of reaginic antibody (IgE) in dogs with demodectic mange was investigated in an attempt to determine the extent to which atopic sensitization to the mites ( Demodex canis Leydig, 1859) and their products contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. Canine reagin bound to mast cells in cutaneous biopsies taken from demodectic and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) dogs was demonstrated. The fluorescent antibody technique employed made use of the homology between antigenic determinants present within the Fc region of both human and canine IgE. The specificity of the immunofluorescent system was checked by accepted standards. The percentage of fluorescing mast cells of 20 demodectic and 16 SPF dogs was not significantly different ( P > 0.05). The average intensity of mast cell fluorescence varied from one dog to another and was graded from I to IV. The number of mast cells with demonstrable IgE in demodectic dogs ranged from 2% with an average intensity of grade I to 87% with an average intensity of IV. Similarly, the SPF dogs had a range of 3% with an average intensity of grade I to 33% with an average intensity of III to IV. Since the number of mast cells in the dermis of dogs suffering from demodectic mange is greatly increased, there may in reality be a higher concentration of IgE in these animals.
Phase-change phenomena and acoustic transient generation in the pulsed laser induced ablation of absorbing liquids

The mechanisms of the pulsed laser-induced ablation of strongly absorbing liquids and generation of acoustic transients are studied in the present work. Aqueous solutions of K CrO and pure water are irradiated by a KrF excimer laser l s 248 24 . . nm, FWHMs 24 ns and a CO laser l s 10.6 mm, variable pulse duration , respectively. The ablation process, including 2 the vapor cavity formation and the acoustic wave propagation, is visualized by laser flash photography. The measurement of acoustic transients is performed by a piezoelectric pressure transducer. Simultaneous detection of acoustic wave and optical transmission is also carried out to reveal the vapor-phase dynamics. The mechanisms of liquid ablation and acoustic pulse generation are examined on the basis of the thermoelastic behavior of the liquid medium and the evaporation dynamics. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Thymosin-β4 prevents cardiac rupture and improves cardiac function in mice with myocardial infarction.

Thymosin-β4 (Tβ4) promotes cell survival, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation. Cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction (MI) is mainly the consequence of excessive reg...
Developing Marketable and Nutritious Menus for a New Children's Museum Restaurant

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: Train dietetic students to design creative, marketable and nutritious menus for a new children's museum weekend lunch cafeteria. Dietetic students enrolled in a Menu Planning course were asked to develop a budget, price nutritious recipes and design attractive and marketable menus for a future Children's Museum lunch restaurant. Students met with the museum director, interviewed staff members, as well as, weekend visitors to study the feasibility of this museum restaurant serving lunch to approximately 25 children and their parents or caregivers on each weekend day. Menus were planned to please children between the ages of 3 and 7 and offer food items that could be easily prepared by staff members, and possibly, the children themselves. Some student recipe ideas included: Raspberry-filled Muffins, homemade "Tortellini" soup, vegetarian "Cheese and Broccoli Potato Skins", sandwich wedges, raw veggies and "Dippity Dip", food shakes such as "Cantaloupe Slush", Oatmeal chip cookies and other simple food preparation activities for children and their caregivers. Students were asked to consider current and future needs for equipment, food storage, dining room decor, table arrangements, use of leftovers and labor requirements. Actual food recipe costs were estimated using the Computrition standardized recipe computer program, visits to the grocery store and a consumer survey. The formulation of prices followed business principles taught in class such as the "factor" and "mark-up" methods of pricing. Menus were priced to be profitable, affordable and competitive. Desktop publishing techniques enabled students to create attractive and marketable menus in keeping with the children's theme and decor of the museum. This project proved to be an excellent application of principles learned in a Menu Planning class and enabled our university to develop a working relationship with a local children's museum for future community nutrition education and food service projects in a nontraditional setting.
Nucleosome assembly: the CAF and the HAT.

Abstract Recent data argue strongly that a protein complex termed chromatin assembly factor-I (CAF-I) plays a major role in de novo nucleosome assembly during DNA replication. Human CAF-1 deposits newly synthesized, acetylated histones onto replicated DNA in vitro and localizes to sites of DNA replication in S-phase cells. Specific lysines of the histones used for nucleosome assembly are acetylated; in the past year the first gene encoding a histone acetyltransferase was cloned. However, mechanistic links between histone acetylation and nucleosome assembly have not been established in vivo or in vitro.
Estimation of global snow cover using passive microwave data

ABSTRACT This paper describes an approach to estimate global snow cover using satellite passive microwave data. Snow cover is detected using the high frequency scattering signal from natural microwave radiation, which is observed by passive microwave instruments. Developed for the retrieval of global snow depth and snow water equivalent using Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer EOS (AMSR-E), the algorithm uses passive microwave radiation along with a microwave emission model and a snow grain growth model to estimate snow depth. The microwave emission model is based on the Dense Media Radiative Transfer (DMRT) model that uses the quasi-crystalline approach and sticky particle theory to predict the brightness temperature from a single layered snowpack. The grain growth model is a generic single layer model based on an empirical approach to predict snow grain size evolution with time. Gridding to the 25 km EASE-grid projection, a daily record of Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) snow depth estimates was generated for December 2000 to March 2001. The estimates are tested using ground measurements from two continental-scale river catchments (Nelson River and the Ob River in Russia). This regional-scale testing of the algorithm shows that for passive microwave estimates, the average daily snow depth retrieval standard error between estimated and measured snow depths ranges from 0 cm to 40 cm of point observations. Bias characteristics are different for each basin. A fraction of the error is related to uncertainties about the grain growth initialization states and uncertainties about grain size changes through the winter season that directly affect the parameterization of the snow depth estimation in the DMRT model. Also, the algorithm does not include a correction for forest cover and this effect is clearly observed in the retrieval. Finally, error is also related to scale differences between in situ ground measurements and area-integrated satellite estimates. With AMSR-E data, improvements to snow depth and water equivalent estimates are expected since AMSR-E will have twice the spatial resolution of the SSM/I and will be able to characterize better the subnivean snow environment from an expanded range of microwave frequencies. Keywords: Snow depth, snow cover area, passive microwave, DMRT.
Electron microscopy: A new spin on electron beams

Ideas about angular momentum that have been borrowed from optics could allow the magnetic and spin structures of materials to be studied on atomic scales with electron vortex beams.
Probing the Origin of Degenerate Metathesis Selectivity via Characterization and Dynamics of Ruthenacyclobutanes Containing Variable NHCs

The preparation of new phosphonium alkylidene ruthenium metathesis catalysts containing N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) that result in a preference for degenerate metathesis is described. The reaction of the catalysts with ethylene or substrates relevant to ring-closing metathesis (RCM) produced ruthenacyclobutanes that could be characterized by cryogenic NMR spectroscopy. The rate of α/β methylene exchange in ethylene-only ruthenacycles was found to vary widely between ruthenacycles, in some cases being as low as 3.97 s–1 at −30 °C, suggesting that the NHC plays an important role in degenerative metathesis reactions. Attempts to generate RCM-relevant ruthenacycles resulted in the low-yielding formation of a previously unobserved species, which we assign to be a β-alkyl-substituted ruthenacycle. Kinetic investigations of the RCM-relevant ruthenacycles in the presence of excess ethylene revealed a large increase in the kinetic barrier of the rate-limiting dissociation of the cyclopentene RCM product compare...
Electrophysiologic abnormalities of children with ostium secundum atrial septal defect.

Abstract Sinus node (SN) and atrioventricular node (AVN) function were evaluated in 49 patients with secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD). Automaticity and conduction system function were assessed by intracardiac recording of the AH and HV intervals at rest, corrected SN recovery time, sinoatrial conduction time, AVN refractory period and the ability of the AVN to conduct rapidly paced atrial beats to the ventricles. Electrophysiologic abnormalities were found in 41 % of the 34 patients who were studied before surgery. However, no preoperative abnormalities were present in children younger than 2.5 years. If only children older than 2.5 years were analyzed, the incidence of conduction abnormalities was similar for the patients studied before operation (62%) and those studied after operation (71 % ). The size and ejection fractions of the right and left ventricles, the magnitude of shunt flow and the size of the ASD did not differ between the patients with and those without electrophysiologic abnormalities. AVN dysfunction was present in 40% of the patients who were studied after surgical repair. While this frequency was more than twice the preoperative incidence of AVN dysfunction, it was not statistically significant. The data suggest that patient age is the major factor that influences the presence of conduction system dysfunction in patients with ASD.
Error analysis of splitting algorithms for polynomials

An error analysis is given for the general splitting algorithm, proposed by Shaw and Traub, for evaluating a polynomial and some of its derivatives. The results show that the usual synthetic division is least likely to be affected by round-off errors if only single-precision arithmetic is available for all the algorithms. However, the new splitting algorithms are "better" than the synthetic division if extended-precision arithmetic is available for the evaluation of powers ofx.
Krull dimension and torsion radicals

Let R be a ring with Krull dimension α and let τ α be defined on a module M R by . Equivalent conditions for τ α to be a torsion radical are given. The relationship between τ α -criticals and α-criticals is also explored.
CT of aortoenteric fistulas.

Mark AS, Moss AA, McCarthy S, McCowin M. CT of aortoenteric fistulas. Invest Radiol 1985;20:272–275. We compared CT findings with endoscopic, angiographic and surgical results in ten patients suspected of having an aortoenteric fistula (AEF) because of gastrointestinal bleeding (seven) or recurrent sepsis (three). CT correctly diagnosed AEF in six patients and excluded it in the other four. CT findings of AEF consisted of perigraft fluid (PGF) (5/6) and/or gas within the bed of the graft (4/6) later than three months after graft surgery. All six patients with AEF had perigraft infections; PGF with gas was found in 50%, PGF alone in 33%, and in one patient perigraft gas alone was found. Angiography and endoscopy failed to identify AEF. Our findings indicate that CT should be the initial imaging procedure in patients with suspected AEF who do not require immediate surgical intervention.
Adaptive-sized neural-networks-based computer-aided diagnosis of microcalcifications

In this report, we present an adaptive-sized neural network model for the detection of microcalcifications. The neural network has capabilities of automatically adjusting the network size depending on the training set, of rejecting unknown inputs, and of fast learning. When the adaptive-sized neural network is used, the user can find the optimal network size without trial and error. In addition, the reliability of the network performance is high because of the rejection of unlearned inputs. The inputs for the neural network used in this study were 11 X 11 pixel sub-images that were extracted from digitized mammograms. The experiments in 83.3% sensitivity, 84.3% specificity, and 22.4% rejection rate. The weight patterns after learning process and the dependency of the network performance on the order of presenting training examples were also studied.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bile duct brushings in a pig model: examination of intraobserver variability and variability in specimen quality obtained in sequential animals and between two different brushes.

Purpose. In patients with bile duct malignancy, bile duct brushing is plagued by a low yield diagnosing underlying malignancy. There are few data explaining why this is so. This porcine model was designed to examine three variables: 1) examination of inter-observer variability, 2) variability in specimen quality obtained in sequential animals, and 3) variability between two different brushes (one designed for colon with large bristles, one for duodenum with short bristles). Methods. En bloc resection of liver, bile ducts, duodenum, and pancreas was performed on three 6-moold crossbred pigs at the time of commercial slaughter. In each pig, one common hepatic duct and one common bile duct brushing, all performed by the same investigator, were done. Ten identical vigorous passes were done with each brush (long bristle or short bristle) on virgin epithelium. Specimens were graded for cellularity by three cytopathologists who were blinded to the site or brush size. Interobserver variability as well as variability among sequential animals and between the two different brushes was compared. Results. Interobserver variability among the three cytologists was almost nil. Cellularity obtained using the short brush alone varied from unsatisfactory to high. Cellularity obtained using the long brush alone varied from unsatisfactory to moderate. Variability of cells obtained from one pig to the next ranged from unsatisfactory to high. Conclusions. 1) While interobserver variability was very low, variability in cellularity obtained from one pig to the next, and from one brush to the next, was very high. This sampling variability may partially explain the low yield in malignant cells in human malignant biliary brushing. Multiple brushings in one patient may alleviate part of this problem. 2) There was no advantage to either brush type (large bristle or small bristle).
Protein Kinase C-dependent Regulation of NAG-1/Placental Bone Morphogenic Protein/MIC-1 Expression in LNCaP Prostate Carcinoma Cells

NAG-1 (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene), a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, is involved in cellular processes such as inflammation, apoptosis/survival, and tumorigenesis and is regulated by p53, Sp1, and Egr-1. In the current study, the regulation of NAG-1 expression in LNCaP human prostate carcinoma cells by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was examined. TPA treatment increased NAG-1 protein and mRNA levels in a time- and concentration-dependent manner as well as NF-κB binding/transcriptional activity in LNCaP cells. Pretreatment with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor blocked the TPA-induced increase in NAG-1 protein levels and NF-κB binding/transcriptional activity, whereas an inhibition of p38, JNK, MEK activity had no effect on TPA-induced NAG-1 levels and NF-κB transcriptional activity. Expression of constitutively active PKCs induced an increase in NF-κB transcriptional activity and NAG-1 protein levels in LNCaP cells. The expression of NF-κB p65 induced NAG-1 promoter activity, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay for p65 showed that NF-κB binds the NAG-1 promoter in LNCaP cells. Inhibition of TPA-induced NAG-1 expression by NAG-1 short interfering RNA blocked TPA-induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells, suggesting induction of NAG-1 negatively affects LNCaP cell survival. These results demonstrate that NAG-1 expression is up-regulated by TPA in LNCaP cells through a PKC-dependent pathway involving the activation of NF-κB.
Exchanges of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water in the caecilian Dermophis mexicanus.

Oxygen consumption was measured in five Dermophis mexicanus and averaged (±SEM) 0.047 ± 0.004 ml O2 g−1 h−1. Carbon dioxide production averaged 0.053 ± 0.005 ml CO2 g−1 h−1 in the same five animals 1 week later. This metabolic rate is similar to metabolic rates of other Gymnophionans but lower than metabolic rates reported for Anurans and Urodeles. Total nitrogen excretion averaged 1.37 μmol N g−1 h−1 which is higher than that found for other amphibians. Of this, 82.5% (1.13 μmol N g−1 h−1) was in the form of urea while 17.5% (0.24 μmol N g−1 h−1) was in the form of NH3 + NH+4. Such ureotelism is typical of terrestrial amphibians like D. mexicanus. Osmotic water flux averaged 0.0193 ml g−1 h−1 in control (sham injected) animals and was not significantly altered by injection of either arginine vasotocin or mesotocin. This osmotic flux is similar to osmotic fluxes found for other terrestrial amphibians. The combined data suggest that metabolism in D. mexicanus is, like most other Gymnophionans, lower than other amphibians. The high rates of nitrogen (especially urea) excretion suggests that this fossorial animal accumulates urea like other burrowing amphibians.
Opioids modulate N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-evoked responses of neurons in the superficial and deeper dorsal horn of the medulla (trigeminal nucleus caudalis)

Abstract Extracellular single unit recordings were made from 74 neurons in the superficial and deeper dorsal horn of the medulla (trigeminal nucleus caudalis). N -methyl- d -aspartic acid (NMDA) excited nociceptive as well as non-nociceptive neurons. NMDA receptor antagonist, dl -2-Amino-5-Phosphonovaleric acid (AP-5), blocked the NMDA-evoked excitation. Microiontophoretic application of a selective μ-opioid receptor agonist, [ d -Ala 2 ,N-Me-Phe 4 ,Gly 5 -ol]lenkephalin (DAMGO), reduced the NMDA-evoked responses of 100% of nociceptive specific (NS), 93% of wide dynamic range (WDR) and 86% of low threshold (LT) neurons in the superficial and deeper dorsal horn of the medulla. In contrast, application of a selective δ 1 -opioid receptor agonist, [ d -Pen 2,5 ]enkephalin (DPDPE), reduced the NMDA-evoked responses of 90% of NS neurons, 72% of WDR neurons and 67% of LT neurons in the superficial and deeper dorsal horn of the medulla. DPDPE also produced excitatory or biphasic effects. The inhibitory actions of DAMGO and DPDPE were reversed by naloxone and/or 7-benzylidenenaltrexone (BNTX), μ- and δ 1 -receptor antagonists. It is concluded that μ- and σ-opioid receptor agonists produce a predominantly inhibitory modulation of the NMDA-evoked responses of nociceptive and non-nociceptive neurons in the medullary dorsal horn.
Performance evaluation for four classes of textural features

Abstract Textural features for pattern recognition are compared. The problem addressed is to determine which features optimize classification rate. Such features may be used in image segmentation, compression, inspection, and other problems in computer vision. Many textural features have been proposed in the literature. No large-scale objective comparative study has appeared. The goal is comparing and evaluating in a quantitative manner four types of features, namely Markov Random Field parameters, multi-channel filtering features, fractal based features, and co-occurrence features. Performance is assessed by the criterion of classification error rate with a Nearest Neighbor classifier and the Leave-One-Out estimation method using forward selection. Four types of texture are studied, two synthetic (fractal and Gaussian Markov Random Fields) and two natural (leather and painted surfaces). The results show that co-occurrence features perform best followed by the fractal features. However, there is no universally best subset of features. The feature selection task has to be performed for each specific problem to decide which feature of which type one should use.
Laminar Mixed Convection in a Lid-Driven Square Cavity with Two Isothermally Heated Square Internal Blockages

Laminar mixed convection in a lid-driven square cavity with two isothermally heated square internal blockages is numerically investigated. The top lid of the cavity is moving rightwards with a constant speed. The two blockages are maintained at an isothermal hot temperature, while the walls of the cavity are maintained at a cold temperature. The flow and heat transfer behavior is studied for various placements of the blockages through analyzing the local Nusselt number distribution around the edges of the blockages and the average Nusselt number at the blockage surfaces at various Richardson and Reynolds numbers. Investigations are performed in a range of Reynolds number (100–500), Richardson number (0.1–10), and at a fixed Prandtl number (0.71). Computations are done using the ANSYS FLUENT commercial code based on a finite volume method. It is observed that, the average Nusselt number on the blockage surfaces increases with increasing Reynolds number at any Richardson number. The average Nusselt number c...
Aluminum films deposited by rf sputtering

The feasibility of depositing aluminum thin films by means of rf sputtering has been investigated. Film characteristics compatible with the requirements of conductive stripes in integrated circuits have been obtained. The rate of film deposition has been related to rf power dissipation, argon pressure, geometry, and magnetic field. Film characteristics such as electrical resistivity, stress, grain size, and orientation have been studied and compared to the characteristics of films deposited by means of evaporation. The effects of annealing on some of these characteristics have been determined.
Relaxation times for the organic radical signal in the EPR spectra of oil shale, shale oil, and spent shale

The X-band continuous wave saturation behavior of the organic radical signal in the EPR spectra of two oil shales, a shale oil, and the corresponding spent shale was examined at room temperature. Computer simulation of the spectra and power saturation curves was used to determine values of T1 and T2 for the unpaired electrons. The short T1 values observed in the raw and spent shale samples indicated substantial spin-spin interaction with other paramagnetic centers in the shale.
Distribution Characteristics as Predictors of Error in Intuitive Estimation of Means

33 university students made intuitive estimates of the means of 27 lists of two-digit whole numbers. The lists varied independently with respect to length (3, 5 and 7 numbers), standard deviation (approximately 6, 12 and 24) and distribution shape (symmetrical, positively skewed and negatively skewed). Multiple regression analysis showed these three variables taken together to be a fairly efficient set of predictors of absolute estimation error. List standard deviation was the best predictor, with list-length and distribution-shape accounting for much smaller proportions of criterion variance.
Finite sets of points on a sphere with each nearest to five others

For n = 12, the points form the vertices of an icosahedron. For n = 24, 60, the points form the vertices of Archimedean polyhedra. In the remaining two cases, n = 48, 120, the configurations do not seem to have been considered previously. A detailed description of the various configurations is given in § 7. It may be noted here that none of the configurations except the first have central symmetry; indeed, the others exist in right and left hand versions. Notice that if a is the minimum spherical distance between any pair of points, then there cannot be more than five points at the distance a from any point P of the set. Indeed, if P is joined by the shortest arcs to all the points at a distance a from it, then each angle at P is > 60 °. Thus we have assumed that each point of the set has the maximum possible number of closest possible neighbors. An assumption which appears weaker than the one made, but which is easily seen to be sufficient, is that, for each point P of the set, there are at least five points of the set which are as near to P as any point is to P. Indeed, if we start with two of the points on the sphere at the minimum possible distance a from each other, then each of these must be at the distance a from four others. Working out, we obtain a set of points satisfying the original conditions. These points will form one of the five configurations, and do not leave room for any additional points. The same problem may be considered in the elliptic plane. A configuration of n points in the elliptic plane corresponds to a configuration of 2n points on the sphere with central symmetry. Since only one of the five configurations obtained in the main theorem has central symmetry, we deduce the following corollary.
Effects of ceftriaxone on GLT1 isoforms, xCT and associated signaling pathways in P rats exposed to ethanol

Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between extracellular glutamate concentration in the mesolimbic reward pathway and alcohol craving. Extracellular glutamate concentration is regulated by several glutamate transporters. Glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) is one of them that regulates the majority of extracellular glutamate concentration. In addition, cystine/glutamate antiporter (xCT) is another transporter that regulates extracellular glutamate. We focus in this study to determine the effects of ceftriaxone, β-lactam antibiotic, on glial proteins such as GLT1 isoforms, xCT, glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST), and several associated signaling pathways as well as ethanol intake in P rats. Additionally, to examine the onset of signaling pathways associated with GLT1 upregulation following ceftriaxone treatment, we tested 2- versus 5-day daily dosing of ceftriaxone. Ceftriaxone treatment (100 mg/kg), 2 and 5 days, resulted in about five fold reduction in ethanol intake by P rats. The reduction in ethanol intake was associated with significantly enhanced expression of GLT1, GLT1a, GLT1b, and xCT in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 5-day ceftriaxone-treated P rats. Two-day-treated P rats showed marked changes in expression of these glutamate transporters in the PFC but not in the NAc. Importantly, ceftriaxone-treated P rats (2 and 5 days) demonstrated enhanced phosphorylation of Akt and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB) in the NAc and PFC compared to control animals. These findings demonstrate that ceftriaxone treatment induced upregulation of GLT1, GLT1 isoforms, and xCT in association with activation of the Akt-NFκB signaling pathway.
Beta-blocking drugs and anxiety.

Abstract Because of their antianxiety effects, beta-adrenergic blocking drugs represent alternatives to the benzodiazepines in patients with anxiety disorders. Although possibly less effective than the benzodiazepines, the beta-blockers may be useful in controlling the somatic symptoms of anxiety. They lack addictive potential and have not been associated with cognitive impairment. They are also well tolerated. Future research will more precisely determine their usefulness.
Perceived Burdensomeness and Suicide Ideation in Older Adults

Older adults have the highest risk of death by suicide in the United States. Improving our understanding of the factors that lead to increased risk of suicide in older adults will greatly inform our ability to prevent suicide in this high-risk group. Two studies were conducted to test the effect of perceived burdensomeness, a component of the interpersonal-psychological theory of suicide (Joiner, 2005), on suicide ideation in older adults. Further, gender was examined as a moderator of this association to determine if perceived burdensomeness exerted a greater influence on suicide ideation in males. The results of these studies suggest that perceived burdensomeness accounts for significant variance in suicide ideation, even after predictors such as depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and functional impairment are controlled. Gender did not moderate the association. The implications of these findings for treatment of older adults with suicide ideation and elevated suicide risk are discussed.
The Monodromy of a Degenerating Family of Curves

In this paper we analyze the homological monodromy of a degenerating family g: V-*D of complex curves over the disk, in particular developing a necessary and sufficient criterion for it to be of finite order. This criterion is in terms of what we call the number of cycles in the special fiber g-l(0). A one-dimensional analytic space contains cycles when its components intersect to form circular chains. We look at this in two cases, the special fiber of the degenerating family, and the exceptional locus in the resolution of a surface singularity. If the degenerating family is normal, that is, the special fiber is a reduced curve with at most ordinary double points, we show by a topological argument that the monodromy is the identity or of infinite order, the latter occuring precisely when g-l(0) contains cycles (Theorem 1). Mumford's semistable reduction theorem asserts that any degenerating family is dominated by a normal degenerating family (Proposition 2). The main result of this paper (Theorem 2) asserts that if the special fiber of an arbitrary degenerating family contains cycles, then its monodromy is of infinite order, and that its monodromy is of finite order precisely when the normal degenerating family dominating it contains no cycles. To prove this, we completely analyze dominating families (Proposition 1). Finally, we specialize to the case where the degenerating family consists of local curves, that is, the local monodromy of an analytic function f (x , y) of two variables. We show that it is of infinite order if the singularity f (x , y ) z" = 0 contains cycles for some n > 0, and that it is of finite order precisely when f ( x , y ) z N = 0 contains no cycles, where N is computed from the multiplicity sequence of f. I_~ [6] proved in the local case that the monodromy is of finite order when f is irreducible; A'Campo [I] provided another proof, and the first example of infinite order with f reducible. We present another example (Example 3). The methods of this paper allow one to easily decide whether the monodromy of any degenerating family of curves (local or not) is of finite order: One only need blow up at points of curves on the non-singular surface V, keeping track of multiplicities. Another criterion for infinite order by way of knot theory is presented in [3], and generalized in [13]. Throughout this paper we will use the term curve (surface) for a pure one (two) dimensional complex analytic space. We include the possibility that a curve or surface Z have boundary, namely that Z is a topological space with two subsets S z and B z such that (i) S z and B z are disjoint, (ii) Z S z is a smooth manifold with boundary B z, (iii) Z B z is a complex analytic space with singular
Effectiveness of a fluorinated nickel surface in catalyzing the decomposition of a perfluoropolyether analog

Abstract We describe ultrahigh vacuum studies of a perfluoropolyether analog, perfluorodiethoxymethane (PFDEM), interacting with a partially fluorinated nickel surface. Results of temperature-programmed desorption studies show that PFDEM does not undergo CF bond cleavage and subsequent formation of nickel-fluorine bonds. The use of a defect-rich surface has no effect on the results.
A PHYSICO-CHEMICAL STUDY OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LOW AND INTERMEDIATE MOISTURE FOODS.

A number of textural properties of precooked, freeze-dried beef were examined by a cutting-extrusion test (force) and by a compression test (seven different properties). The tests were performed at different points of the moisture sorption isotherm over the complete range of water activity, Aw . In cutting-extrusion experiments (Allo Kramer Shear Press), a maximum in the force vs. Aw curve was observed at about Aw = 0.85. In compression experiments (Instron Universal Testing Apparatus), important changes of the textural properties were found in the range Aw = 0.15-0.30. These changes were paralleled by changes in the thermodynamic functions of water vapor sorption, especially in the standard differential entropy. Thermodynamic theory and mechanical measurements were used to interpret the textural changes in terms of increased crystallinity and subsequent swelling of the food structure.
The Moderating Effect of Type of Deviance on the Relationships among Gender, Morality, Deviant Peers, and Deviance

Empirical research indicates that males are not only more likely to associate with deviant friends, but are also more strongly affected by such association than females. Literature to date also finds that the gendered effect of deviant association is explained by the gender difference in morality, such that weaker morality leaves males more susceptible to the effect of deviant association. This study replicates previous research but goes further by utilizing unique self-reported data (N = 502) that contains 15 deviant behaviors and examines how the type of deviance moderates relationships among gender, morality, deviant association, and deviance.
Nanoparticle Concentration in Buoyancy Flows

The presence of nanoparticles in buoyancy-driven flows affects the thermophysical properties of the fluid and consequently alters the rate of heat transfer. The focus of this paper is to estimate the range of volume fractions that results in maximum thermal enhancement in buoyancy-driven nanofluids. In this study, a two-dimensional rectangular enclosure with isothermal vertical walls and adiabatic horizontal surface is filled with 27nm Al2 O3 - H2 O nanofluid. The volume fraction is varied between 0 to 12%. Results shows that for small volume fraction, 0.2≤Φ≤2%, the presence of the nanoparticles does not impede the free convective heat transfer, rather it augments the rate of heat transfer. However, for large volume fraction, Φ>2%, the convective heat transfer coefficient declines due to reduction in the Rayleigh number but the rate of thermal diffusion is enhanced.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Inventory investment in the United States, 1920–1941

Abstract An inventory investment function for the inter-war period in the United States is estimated using recently published quarterly data. The estimates obtained are consistent with plausible lag structures. An increase (decrease) in sales causes unplanned inventory decumulation (accumulation) in that quarter but by the end of a year more than half of the adjustment of inventories to a new equilibrium is complete.
Municipal and regional habitat connectivity planning

Abstract Planning for safe passage of wildlife involves understanding the complexities of natural and human landscapes and incorporating connectivity assessments in local and regional planning. The present study describes a novel landscape analysis approach that was used in the context of municipal open space planning and regional land use and transportation planning. The project approach focused on two principles: (1) wildlife movement is not limited to formally managed reserves and corridors, but occurs across a gradient of land uses in the human landscape, and (2) that local and regional planners should be included in the process of identifying habitat connectivity needs and in turn incorporate connectivity in their own planning processes. In the first case, a species-specific combination of landscape disturbance and least-cost modeling was based on the concept that wildlife originate their movement from anywhere within suitable habitat and move in a least-costly direction. This results in a “least cost surface” of possible wildlife movement based on habitat preference and barriers to safe passage. In the second case, planners at two geographic scales – municipal and regional – were informed of landscape connectivity principles and their needs incorporated into the assessment itself. The least cost surface approach allows for the integration of modeled connectivity and disturbance with site-specific municipal planning activities. However, the potential for this type of local planning to be folded into local decision-making processes can be dependent on the interests of individual planners rather than being systematic in nature.
Death and burial of Roman children: the case of the Yasmina cemetery at Carthage-Part II, The archaeological evidence

Roman social structure is complex and subtly nuanced and the place of children within it is distinct from that of adults. In Part I we situated children within the social fabric of Roman life, conc...
Wheat anther culture: effect of genotype and environmental conditions

Twenty-two cultivars and lines of winter and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were studied, most for the first time, for their anther culture response. The response was genotype dependent. Plants grown in the field gave higher callus induction frequency than those grown in the greenhouse and the controlled environment chamber. Donor plants grown in a season of low drought stress as compared to a season of severe drought stress resulted in a higher frequency of callus induction. Spherical microcalli were observed in two wheat genotypes in some of only those anthers that were placed with only one loculus in contact with the medium. Wheat lines that were more responsive to anther culture were identified.
Platinum-group elements and Os isotopic characteristics of the lower oceanic crust

Abstract We present osmium isotopic compositions and Os, Re and platinum-group element (PGE) contents in the lower oceanic crust gabbros from ODP Site 735B on the Southwest Indian Ridge. The average gabbros are very depleted in PGEs, e.g. the Os concentrations are very low and range from 0.5 to 38 ppt. One troctolite sample is an exception, containing, e.g. 376 ppt Os, 396 ppt Ir and 8 ppb Pd. Re contents are extremely heterogeneous, ranging from 128 ppt to 28 ppb. The present day 187Os/188Os varies from 0.140 to 0.467, and correlates with Rb/Cs, suggesting that seawater alteration affected the Os isotopic system. The average Os content in the lower oceanic crust is about 9 ppt while median value for Re is about 487 ppt. Such very high Re/Os is relatively similar to the upper MORB-type oceanic crust, indicating that recycled ocean crust basalts and gabbros will rapidly develop very radiogenic Os isotopic signatures.