cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vision-based detection of power distribution lines in complex remote surroundings

Inspection and Maintenance of power lines is an important and costly legal responsibility, mainly for public safety, of a power distribution company. The traditional method of manual, on-foot inspections have many disadvantages such as long inspection cycles etc. Due to advances in sensors and flight technology, an emerging cost-effective solution is to employ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for the inspections. Automatic detection and complete extraction of power lines from UAV-based aerial imagery, having complex and varying natural surroundings, is first critical problem to be efficiently solved for enabling detection of line faults. In this paper, we propose a solution based on a novel morphological operator, and a robust image space heuristics for locating and complete extraction of power lines. Our algorithm is a three-stage algorithm, and it focuses on minimization of missed detection of line segments. The entire algorithm was tested on a real outdoor video shot for around 320 meters length of power grid using a fixed-wing UAV. No missed detection of important line segments across the sequence of overhead video frames, and < 3% false positives prove that our approach is very effective. We believe that our algorithm can be easily ported for line detection problem in any other real outdoor video as well.
An industrial dynamics simulation of the process control/business control interfaces of a large firm

Using data from a large primary steel products company, two industrial dynamics simulation models were constructed to study the effects of process control computer-generated information on management control systems. The first model represented the existing system, the other a proposed process control/business control interfaced system. The research provides an initial step in the solution of the problem of integrating process control and management control systems by investigating the relationship between process information and control decisions at the operating level of management. The proposed system model indicated much less fluctuation in inventory levels following changes in demand, lower backlog ratios, higher inventory ratios, lower delivery delay ratios, and higher levels of customer satisfaction. The proposed system was also fairly insensitive to changes in the time between transmissions from the process control system to the management control systems once the interface was effected.
Zero-order bows in radially inhomogeneous spheres: direct and inverse problems

Zero-order ray paths are examined in radially inhomogeneous spheres with differentiable refractive index profiles. It is demonstrated that zero-order and sometimes twin zero-order bows can exist when the gradient of refractive index is sufficiently negative. Abel inversion is used to “recover” the refractive index profiles; it is therefore possible in principle to specify the nature and type of bows and determine the refractive index profile that induces them. This may be of interest in the field of rainbow refractometry and optical fiber studies. This ray-theoretic analysis has direct similarities with the phenomenon of “orbiting” and other phenomena in scattering theory and also in seismological, surface gravity wave, and gravitational “lensing” studies. For completeness these topics are briefly discussed in the appendixes; they may also be of pedagogic interest.
Azoospermia in a 46,xx/47,xxx phenotypic male

We report the unique case of a 34-year-old 46,XX/47,XXX man with complete masculinization and azoospermia. Analysis of the patient's deoxyribonucleic acid failed to detect the azoospermia factor (AZF) region. Lack of germ cell elements on subsequent testicular biopsy illustrates the importance of the AZF region for spermatogenesis. Discussion concerning the genetics of testicular and germ cell formation is undertaken in the context of the patient presented.
Adhesion of polymer thin-films and patterned lines

The adhesion of interfaces in thin-film structures containing ductile polymer blanket films and patterned lines is reported. The intent of the study was to demonstrate that both the film thickness and the aspect ratio of patterned lines have a significant effect on the interfacial fracture energy of interfaces adjacent to the ductile polymer. In particular, there is currently limited understanding of the effect of dimensional constraint in the plane of the film on local plasticity and associated interfacial fracture energies. Accordingly, the interfacial adhesion of patterned structures containing arrays of polymer/SiO2 lines with varying aspect ratios was investigated. Macroscopic adhesion values were determined by measuring the critical strain energy release rate, G c, for debonding of the patterned interface. The yield properties of the polymer films as a function of film thickness was also investigated. Decreasing aspect ratio of the polymer lines was found to significantly increase interface fracture energy and is rationalized in terms of the effect of stress state on the extent of plastic deformation in the polymer line.
Eigensolution of piezoelectric energy harvesters with geometric discontinuities: Analytical modeling and validation

Although cantilevered beams are the most prolific design for resonant piezoelectric energy harvesters, other topologies have been studied for their compactness or conformability to their host structures’ geometry. These more complex structures have been analyzed using custom analytical models developed from the first principles or finite-element methods to compute their eigensolutions and piezoelectric coupling effects. This article discusses the use of the transfer matrix method to derive analytical solutions to beam structures with pointwise discontinuities, bends, or lumped inertias between members or at the tip. Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is used to derive transfer matrices for the uniform beam segments, and point transfer matrices are derived to handle discontinuities in the structure between beam segments. The eigensolution of the transfer matrix is shown to produce the natural frequencies and mode shapes for these structures. Subsequently, the electromechanical coupling effects are incorporated, a...
A Review of Methods for Hemostasis and Renorrhaphy After Laparoscopic and Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

The techniques for management of small renal masses (SRMs) have evolved over the past several years. Radical nephrectomy can lead to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, and the emphasis is now shifting to nephron-conserving techniques. Partial nephrectomy is now considered a standard of care for the management of SRMs, and laparoscopic techniques are becoming popular because they are minimally invasive. The kidneys are extremely vascular organs, and renal hemorrhage is a major cause of morbidity after laparoscopic partial nephrectomies. Control of bleeding and management of calyceal injuries can be difficult and make the procedure technically challenging. This review looks at the various modalities that are available to reduce bleeding and reviews some advances in the area of hemostatic maneuvers during laparoscopic partial nephrectomies.
Variational approach to necklace formation in polyelectrolytes

By means of a variational approach we study the conditions under which a polyelectrolyte in a bad solvent will undergo a transition from a rodlike structure to a “necklace” structure in which the c...
Poly(olefin ketone)s: Comparison of the effects of CH3 and CH3CH2 side groups on the crystal structure

Polyolefin ketone terpolymers with various concentrations of CH 3 and CH 2 CH 3 side groups crystallize with inclusion of substituents in the lattice. The degree of crystallinity falls with side group content in both cases and is lower for materials substituted with the larger CH 2 CH 3 unit. Using considerations of lattice distortion, melting point depression, and changes in the crystal-amorphous interface (assessed by the broadening of the SAXS long period) as criteria, the point at which the lattice begins to exclude side groups was investigated.
The special treatment team: An inpatient approach to the mentally ill alcoholic patient

We review the problems unique to the diagnosis and treatment of patients who suffer both major mental illness and alcohol/drug abuse. We describe the experience and the approach evolved in the Special Treatment Team, a State Hospital unit that has specialized in this work. We discuss in detail the assessment and stabilization of such patients, including psychosocial and pharmacologic strategies, giving special attention to the problem of the unmotivated patient. Several case vignettes illustrate our approach.
Modular flux transfer: efficient rendering of high-resolution volumes with repeated structures

The highest fidelity images to date of complex materials like cloth use extremely high-resolution volumetric models. However, rendering such complex volumetric media is expensive, with brute-force path tracing often the only viable solution. Fortunately, common volumetric materials (fabrics, finished wood, synthesized solid textures) are structured, with repeated patterns approximated by tiling a small number of exemplar blocks. In this paper, we introduce a precomputation-based rendering approach for such volumetric media with repeated structures based on a modular transfer formulation. We model each exemplar block as a voxel grid and precompute voxel-to-voxel, patch-to-patch, and patch-to-voxel flux transfer matrices. At render time, when blocks are tiled to produce a high-resolution volume, we accurately compute low-order scattering, with modular flux transfer used to approximate higher-order scattering. We achieve speedups of up to 12× over path tracing on extremely complex volumes, with minimal loss of quality. In addition, we demonstrate that our approach outperforms photon mapping on these materials.
Identification of specific pathways of communication between the CNS and NK cell system

The specific signals and pathways utilized by the natural killer (NK) cell system and the central nervous system (CNS) that results in the conditioned response (CR) is not clearly understood. Single trial conditioning of the NK cell activity provides us with a model to probe the mechanisms of communication between two major systems (Immune and CNS) which are involved in the health and disease of the individual. The studies show that the IFN-beta molecules possess the properties attributed to the unconditioned stimulus (US). IFN-beta can penetrate the CNS and evoke the elevation of NK cell activity in the spleen. This unconditioned response (UR) can be linked to a specific conditioned stimulus (CS). Specific odors such as camphor provide a neural pathway for the CS to associate with the US. Evidence is presented that in conditioning there are two locations where memory develops. The CS/US association is made centrally and its memory is stored at a central location, but the memory for the specificity of the odor is presumably stored in the olfactory bulbs. The CS recalls the CR by triggering the olfactory neural pathway which, in turn, signals the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to release mediators that modulate the activity of NK cells in the spleen. These results imply that through conditioning one has direct input into the regulatory hypothalamus that controls the internal environment of the organism and the health and disease of the individual. Consequently, it is not inconceivable that through this approach we might be able to alter the course of a disease process.
The relationship between parental age and reproductive effort in the California gull (Larus californicus)

Reproductive effort was compared among California gulls ranging in age from 3 to 18 years old. Results indicated that reproductive effort increased with parental age. Older parents (11–18 years old) invested more in foraging effort and in defense of offspring than did younger parents (<10 years old), and did so over a greater period of time. Increases with age in the efficiency of parenting could not be demonstrated. Increased levels of reproductive effort, therefore, appeared to be the main factor responsible for age-related increases in breeding success. The higher levels of reproductive effort of old parents were associated with higher mortality. Thus, data support the prediction that a cost-benefit system of risk of mortality vs reproductive gain operates in this population. Higher levels of reproductive effort can increase an individual's reproductive success; however, it also increases the likelihood that it will die. Therefore, for the young parent, high risks of mortality involved in current production would be too costly (in terms of loss of future reproductive success) to justify the benefit of high current reproductive output. Parents achieve the highest likelihood of maximizing life-time reproductive output by increasing reproductive effort with age as the cost of mortality diminishes. Data testing the relationship between parental age and reproductive effort demonstrate the existence of age-related variation in reproductive investment. They also demonstrate that the concept of reproductive value proposed by Fisher (1930) has validity as a framework which supports much of our theory on life history evolution.
Sensitivity of tire response to variations in material and geometric parameters

A computational procedure is presented for evaluating the analytic sensitivity derivatives of the tire response with respect to material and geometric parameters of the tire. The tire is modeled by using a two-dimensional laminated anisotropic shell theory with the effects of variation in material and geometric parameters included. The computational procedure is applied to the case of uniform inflation pressure on the Space Shuttle nose-gear tire when subjected to uniform inflation pressure. Numerical results are presented showing the sensitivity of the different response quantities to variations in the material characteristics of both the cord and the rubber.
Solar wind disturbances responsible for geomagnetic storms

[1] The superposed epoch method is used to construct a typical behavior of solar wind parameters before and during strong isolated geomagnetic storms. A total of 130 geomagnetic storms during the period of 1966–2000 were analyzed. The results obtained show that the averaged disturbance in the solar wind responsible for geomagnetic storms is associated with the compression of ambient solar wind plasma and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) ahead of a high-speed plasma flow. The magnetic field strength and plasma density start to increase several hours before geomagnetic storm onset. However, the negative IMF Bz (which is responsible for the onset of strong negative Dst) starts to increase approximately 4–5 hours after the maximum variations in plasma density and IMF By. The time delays between peaks in negative IMF Bz and plasma density as well as IMF ∣By∣ (in the solar-magnetospheric coordinate system) may be a result of the compression and three-dimensional draping of the ambient magnetic field about high-speed flows as discussed earlier by some authors. The combined effect of the compression and draping of the ambient magnetic field may lead to an increase in plasma density and IMF ∣By∣ ahead of a high-speed flow followed by an increase in IMF ∣Bz∣ in its central portion. The motion of such structure leads to a time delay between the peaks in the IMF ∣By∣ and ∣Bz∣ observed at satellites.
Long-term follow-up in patients treated with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M-VAC) for transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder: cause for concern.

Abstract Twenty-one patients with high-stage transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder were treated with a combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), and cisplatin (M-VAC). There was a minimum follow-up of thirty-six months (range 36–45) in all patients. Patients were divided into three groups: 10 patients with recurrent TCC post radical cystectomy, 6 patients staged as T 3 T 4 or N1 treated in a neo-adjuvant setting, and 5 patients who received adjuvant M-VAC four weeks post radical cystectomy. The overall initial response rate in patients with measurable disease was 68 percent (11 of 14), complete response rate, 31 percent, and partial response rate 37 percent. There was no response in 31 percent. The durability of response in this series was very disappointing with all complete responders having recurrence of disease, with duration of responses ranging from eight to twenty-one months. Of the 5 patients who received M-VAC as adjunctive therapy, only 1 remains disease free; the other 4 patients experienced disease progression four to seventeen months postoperative, and all have died. There was one drug-associated death due to nadir sepsis, and myelosuppression occurred in 12 patients. While M-VAC seems to be the best protocol currently available, the real durability of response is most disappointing.
An Investigation of Convective Cooling of an Array of Channel-Mounted Obstacles

A numerical investigation of forced convective cooling of an array of obstacles was performed to synthesize the effects of various pertinent parameters on the cooling performance. Reynolds number, channel clearance height-to-element length ratio, spacing-to-channel height ratio, geometric ratio of the blocks, and total number of obstacles were varied to estimate their influence on the cooling process. Two generalized sets of Nusselt number correlations were developed for the obstacles in the channel based on a very large number of computational simulations. The numerical data match the correlation equations quite well.
Estimating the Number of Species: A Review

How many kinds are there? Suppose that a population is partitioned into C classes. In many situations interest focuses not on estimation of the relative sizes of the classes, but on estimation of C itself. For example, biologists and ecologists may be interested in estimating the number of species in a population of plants or animals, numismatists may be concemed with estimating the number of dies used to produce an ancient coin issue, and linguists may be interested in estimating the size of an author's vocabulary. In this article we review the problem of statistical estimation of C. Many approaches have been proposed, some purely data-analytic and others based in sampling theory. In the latter case numerous variations have been considered. The population may be finite or infinite. If finite, samples may be taken with replacement (multinomial sampling) or without replacement (hypergeometric sampling), or by Bernoulli sampling; if infinite, sampling may be multinomial or Bernoulli, or the sample may be th...
Promoting Understanding of Diversity Through Mentoring Undergraduate Students

The effective mentoring of a diverse student population requires that faculty examine their own stereotypical thinking, know the social environment of their students, and strive to engage students of color as fully as possible in the educational process.
The role of transporters in cellular heme and porphyrin homeostasis

Abstract Heme, a complex of iron and protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), senses and utilizes oxygen in nearly all living cells. It is an essential component of various hemoproteins, including those involved in oxygen transport and storage (hemoglobin, myoglobin), electron transfer, drug and steroid metabolism (cytochromes), and signal transduction (nitric oxide synthases, guanylate cyclases). The movement of heme into and within cells was thought to occur by diffusion. However, the chemical properties of heme make diffusion too slow to keep pace with biological processes, and accumulation of heme and its pre-cursor porphyrins in membranes can be deleterious. Due to pro-oxidant effects, heme may cause damage to DNA, proteins, the cytoskeleton and membrane lipids. The intracellular localization and concentrations of protoporphyrins and heme are tightly regulated, and elevated levels are linked to pathologic conditions (e.g., anemia, lead poisoning, thalassemias) associated with the formation of membrane lipid-damaging, reactive oxygen species. Until recently a mechanism to transport heme and protoporphyrins into organelles of mammalian cells had not been identified. In this review, we focus on the roles of the recently identified heme/porphyrin transport proteins heme carrier protein 1 (HCP1), FLVCR, Abcg2 and Abcb6 and discuss how these transporters contribute to intracellular heme and porphyrin homeostasis.
Spinning-wire dosimetry for ion-beam analysis of materials

Abstract A novel spinning-wire dosimetry system has been developed for the MeV ion beams normally used in ion-beam analyses of materials. The system consists of a spinning wire that crosses the beam axis before the specimen, a surface barrier detector with externally selectable collimating apertures, and a retractable Faraday cup located behind the retractable specimen holder. The surface barrier detector provides energy spectroscopy of the ions backscattered from the spinning wire as it passes through the ion-beam axis. A high-energy segment of the backscattered spectrum is counted in a single-channel analyzer and calibrated against a simultaneous measurement of the integrated beam current using the Faraday cup. For MeV He+ ions with currents of 2–200 nA, the present system has been shown to provide counts that are proportional to the integrated currents with a precision of 1%.
The Relationship Between Super Users' Attitudes and Employee Experiences With Clinical Information Systems:

The purpose of this study is to examine the manner in which Super User attitudes toward clinical information systems (CIS) are associated with employee experiences with CIS implementation. Super Users (N = 82), selected by hospital administration to assist in implementation of the new CIS, completed a survey that assessed time spent in the Super User role as well as attitudes toward the role. These data were matched with hospital employee (N = 325) survey data about attitudes toward CIS and its impact on work processes. Time spent in the role of Super User was associated with employee attitudes; Super Users' perceptions about qualifications also predicted employee attitudes, particularly about care outcomes and perceptions about implementation of the CIS. The study suggests that as organizations encourage more time in the Super User role and develop more positive attitudes about this role, the possibility of positive employee attitudes toward CIS increases.
prdm12b specifies the p1 progenitor domain and reveals a role for V1 interneurons in swim movements

Proper functioning of the vertebrate central nervous system requires the precise positioning of many neuronal cell types. This positioning is established during early embryogenesis when gene regulatory networks pattern the neural tube along its anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes. Dorsoventral patterning of the embryonic neural tube gives rise to multiple progenitor cell domains that go on to differentiate unique classes of neurons and glia. While the genetic program is reasonably well understood for some lineages, such as ventrally derived motor neurons and glia, other lineages are much less characterized. Here we show that prdm12b, a member of the PR domain containing-family of transcriptional regulators, is expressed in the p1 progenitor domain of the zebrafish neural tube in response to Sonic Hedgehog signaling. We find that disruption of prdm12b function leads to dorsal expansion of nkx6.1 expression and loss of p1-derived eng1b-expressing V1 interneurons, while the adjacent p0 and p2 domains are unaffected. We also demonstrate that prdm12b-deficient fish exhibit an abnormal touch-evoked escape response with excessive body contractions and a prolonged response time, as well as an inability to coordinate swimming movements, thereby revealing a functional role for V1 interneurons in locomotor circuits. We conclude that prdm12b is required for V1 interneuron specification and that these neurons control swimming movements in zebrafish.
Interstitial ordering and precipitation in dilute Ta-O alloys at 100 to 270°C

Dilute solid solutions of bulk tantalum containing up to 4 at. pct oxygen were aged at tem-peratures from 100 to 270°C. The formation of the most dilute suboxide was monitored using transmission-electron microscopy and diffraction, X-ray diffraction, electrical re-sistivity and microhardness changes. The transformation proceeds in two stages with time exponents of ≈3/2 and 1/2, and both stages have activation energies equal to oxygen diffusion in α-tantalum. The suboxide has ideal composition Ta12O and closely resem-bles the analogous phase V12O of the vanadium-oxygen system. Ta12O manifests different morphologies ranging from the tweed microstructure observed at short aging times, to the periodic arrays of cuboids found at intermediate times, to the lamellae and discs ob-served at long aging times. Crystallographically, Ta12O is described by a long period supercell enclosing 4 × 4 tantalum atom cells in two directions and averaging 3.3 cells in the third dimension. The basic cell describing the supercell is face-centered tetragonal and 4 × 4 × 1 tantalum cells in dimension. The tantalum atoms in the suboxide occupy a body-centered tetragonal lattice withc/a = 0.989. These findings are used to clarify pre-vious electron diffraction data for transformed Ta-O thin films, reinterpret the formation of Ta16O, and discuss static concentration wave calculations of interstitial phases.
Decreased Cyclic Inositol Phosphohydrolase Activity in Hamster Renal Tumors and Human Renal Cell Carcinomas

Abstract Cyclic inositol phosphohydrolase (cIPH) (EC 3.1.4.36) hydrolyzes the cyclic phosphodiester bond of cyclic inositol monophosphate to yield inositol l-phosphate. Renal tissue in various species has been shown to contain the highest activity of this enzyme. Cyclic inositol monophosphate, the substrate for this enzyme, has been implicated in the regulation of cell density. Thus, we determined whether activity of this enzyme is modulated in renal tumor. Samples of hamster renal tumors induced by diethylstilbestrol (DES) demonstrated 87% less cIPH activity than control hamster kidney. After 8 days of DES treatment of hamsters, a 28% decrease in the cIPH activity in kidney was observed. Interestingly, comparison of the cIPH activity in normal human kidney cortex, medulla, and renal cell carcinoma gave the following values (mean ± SD), 10.6 ± 4.6 (9), 6.7 ± 4.6 (5), and 1.9 ± 2.3 (8), respectively. Our study demonstrates that cIPH activity is reduced in hamster and human renal tumors.
An 8-bit 80-Msample/s pipelined analog-to-digital converter with background calibration

An 8-bit 80-Msample/s pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) uses monolithic background calibration to reduce the nonlinearity caused by interstage gain errors. Test results show that the ADC achieves a peak signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio of 43.8 dB, a peak integral nonlinearity of 0.51 least significant bit (LSB), and a peak differential nonlinearity of 0.32 LSB with active background calibration. It dissipates 268 mW from a 3 V supply and occupies 10.3 mm/sup 2/ in a single-poly 0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS technology.
Integration of field and captive studies for understanding the behavioral ecology of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sp.)

Captive and field studies both provide valuable and complementary information that lead to a better understanding of a species' behavioral ecology. Here, we review studies from wild, captive, and semi-free ranging populations of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sp.), in order to (a) provide a more current (1985–2010) review of Saimiri behavioral ecology and (b) illustrate that integrating data collected in a variety of settings is an effective approach to addressing ecological questions in primates. Captive environments, such as zoological facilities and research colonies, can be advantageous to researchers by allowing longitudinal studies of behavior and reproduction, as well as providing opportunities for gathering data on life history, because physiological and life history data are known for individual animals. Studies of field populations can provide contextual information regarding the adaptive nature of behaviors that are studied in captivity. Squirrel monkeys are small, neotropical primates that have extensively been used in captive research. As the last in-depth review of Saimiri biology was published in 1985 [Rosenblum & Coe, The squirrel monkey. New York: Academic Press], we review studies since conducted on Saimiri ecology, life history, social behavior, reproduction, and conservation. Our review indicates that there is much variation in socioecology and life history traits between Saimiri species and, surprisingly, also between populations of the same species studied at different locales. In addition, much is known about squirrel monkey reproductive physiology, basic ecology, and vocal communication, but data are still lacking in the fields of life history and some adaptive components and social behavior. In particular, longitudinal studies in the field would be particularly relevant for a genus with a slow life history such as Saimiri. Finally, few data (captive or wild) are available on S. ustus and S. vanzolinii, though at least one of these species is threatened. Am. J. Primatol. 73:607–622, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cluster analysis of the metastatic patterns of human immunodeficiency virus-associated Kaposi's sarcoma

Abstract Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a pleomorphic spindle cell lesion whose incidence has markedly increased among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially among those whose primary risk factor is homo/bisexual transmission. The question as to whether KS is even a true neoplasm still remains largely unsettled due to the body of epidemiologic and histologic evidence suggesting an infectious etiology of the lesion. Accordingly, very few studies have been published regarding systemic distribution or patterns of metastatic progression of the lesion. In the past, such studies have been primarily hampered by inadequate sampling of different tissue specimens and by the lack of a method whereby the data could be rationally interpreted. In the present study we have reviewed the clinical and pathologic features of 169 autopsied patients with either documented HIV infection or the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, among whom 28 patients were found to have KS. Using cluster analysis, we constructed a novel data structure, called a “dendrogram,” whereby patterns of metastasis could be examined. Our results show at least three patterns of metastasis of the lesions, predominantly involving the skin, upper gastrointestinal tract, or midgastrointestinal tract, within this cohort of autopsied patients. These three patterns suggest that there is no single pathogenetic mechanism in the acquisition and dissemination of HIV-associated KS.
Novel flame retardant polyarylethers: synthesis and testing

Abstract Three new polyarylethers A – C based on bisphenol C and its derivatives have been synthesized and tested. These new polymers all show a glass transition temperature and are inherently flame resistant and do not require the use of any flame retardant synergist. The new polyarylethers can all be made in 2–3 steps from available raw materials, keeping cost to a minimum. The thermal and flame retardant properties, such as DSC and UL-94 rating, are examined.
Reverse problem formulation approach to molecular design using property operators based on signature descriptors

Abstract In this work, an algorithm has been developed for the solution of property based molecular design problems. The recently introduced concept of molecular signature descriptors has been used to design molecules that meet the property targets corresponding to a required process performance. It has been shown that a variety of topological indices (TI) of molecules can be represented in terms of molecular signatures. Signatures can be used to represent different molecular groups if the property targets can be calculated using group contribution models as well. Therefore, the developed algorithm has the ability to combine a variety of property models based on group contribution expressions and topological indices based QSAR/QSPR's to track different property targets in molecular design. This algorithm utilizes molecular property operators formed from signatures for solving the reverse problem of obtaining the molecular structures that satisfy the property targets estimated during the process design step. The principles of graph theory are incorporated to ensure that the design provides feasible molecular structures. Since the molecular operators are formed based on molecular signatures, property models based on different TIs can be represented on the same property platform. Techniques have been developed to describe all TIs with a single signature height. The accuracy of this method depends only on how well the actual property–TI relationships are estimated. Since many TIs can be used to describe each property, this algorithm generally provides reliable results. In addition to physical properties, a wide variety of biological activities can be tracked using the correlations with TIs. This contribution will illustrate the developed methods and highlight their use through a case study.
Feedback Specificity Requirements for Learning in Younger and Older Adults: The Role of Cognitive Resources and Task Demand

The amount of feedback needed to learn a new task has long been debated (cf. Schmidt & Bjork, 1992; Van Merrienboer & Sweller, 2005). One potential answer to the amount of feedback required is that feedback should be contingent upon the learner's cognitive resources and demands imposed by the task (McLaughlin, Rogers, & Fisk, 2006). To test this model, a study is proposed that accounts for the learner's cognitive resources by comparing samples of populations with known differences, older and younger adults (Horn & Cattell, 1967; Salthouse & Babcock, 1991). To account for task demands, a simple rule-based cue learning task has been created. Participants will be provided with varying levels of feedback specificty while learning the task. We predict younger adults will benefit from less feedback support while older adults benefit from more feedback support. Theoretical and applied contributions are also discussed.
Gradient flow programming: a coupling of gradient elution and flow programming

Abstract The coupling of flow programming and gradient elution is proposed as an integrated approach to the general elution problem. A model is developed to describe the process in which the flow-rate and mobile phase composition change with time. Experimental results with two model proteins compare favorably with theoretical calculations. A parametric study, experimental and numerical, illustrates the effect of various characteristic parameters. Since initial flow-rates are low, improved front-end resolution can be expected due to an increase in column efficiency. Since the mobile phase composition also changes with time, a wide range of elution strengths can also be applied to the column. This allows for the elution of species which initially are strongly retained.
CHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE IN VITRO CALCIFICATION OF AORTA

After a lag period, rat aortas incubated in rat serum in vitro accumulated substantial quantities of calcium and phosphate. Examination of the tissue by x-ray diffraction, microradiography, electron diffraction, and electron microscopy indicated that the calcium-phosphate phase which formed was hydroxyapatite and that the crystals were localized almost exclusively in elastin. Selective elimination of various components of the aorta with proteolytic enzymes indicated that the presence of elastin was required for mineralization. Collagen fibers did not appear to be required for the initiation of calcification, nor did they seem to undergo appreciable calcification in the time periods studied. Analysis of the initial lag period suggested that at least two changes occurred in serum prior to the mineralization of this tissue. Inhibitors of the reaction were destroyed, and the level of dialyzable calcium was elevated owing to its release from serum protein.
Residual Structure and Dynamics in Parkinson's Disease-associated Mutants of α-Synuclein

alpha-Synuclein (alpha S) is a pre-synaptic protein that has been implicated as a possible causative agent in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Two autosomal dominant missense mutations in the alpha S gene are associated with early onset PD. Because alpha S is found in an aggregated fibrillar form in the Lewy body deposits characteristic of Parkinson's patients, aggregation of the protein is believed to be related to its involvement in the disease process. The wild type (WT) and early onset mutants A30P and A53T display diverse in vitro aggregation kinetics even though the gross physicochemical and morphological properties of the mutants are highly similar. We used high resolution solution NMR spectroscopy to compare the structural and dynamic properties of the A53T and A30P mutants with those of WT alpha S in the free state. We found that the A30P mutation disrupts a region of residual helical structure that exists in the WT protein, whereas the A53T mutation results in a slight enhancement of a small region around the site of mutation with a preference for extended conformations. Based on these results and on the anticipated effects of these mutations on elements of secondary structure, we proposed a model of how these two PD-linked mutations influence alpha S fibril formation that is consistent with the documented differences in the fibrillization kinetics of the two mutants.
Direct and indirect effects of stress on bulimic symptoms and BMI: The mediating role of irrational food beliefs

Abstract Objective To test the possible mediating role of irrational food beliefs (IFBs) in the connection between stress and bulimic symptoms and BMI in a subclinical population. Methods Participants were college students (N = 356) administered measures of daily hassles, IFBs, and bulimic symptoms. Simple mediation analyses using bootstrapping methods were performed to examine the potential direct effects of stress, and indirect effects of stress through IFBs, on bulimic symptoms and BMI. Results Daily hassles exerted a direct effect on bulimic symptoms, but not on BMI. Indirect effects of daily hassles, through IFBs, on both bulimic symptoms and BMI were observed. The pattern of results was not altered when gender was included in the models as a covariate. Conclusions The findings support a cognitive mediation model of the effects of stress on eating disorder symptoms and body mass through irrational food beliefs in both men and women.
Fractionation and characterization of an amidated thermal 1:1:1-proteinoid

Abstract 1. 1.|Earlier studies indicating sharply limited heterogeneity in thermal proteinoids (polyanhydro-α-amino acids containing some proportion of each amino acid common to protein) have been extended. For this purpose, another type of proteinoid has been amidated and the resultant polymer fractionated on DEAE-cellulose. Six relatively symmetrical major peaks were obtained. After further purification, only small compositional differences between three of the fractions and the crude polymer were found in amino acid analyses. 2. 2.|The three fractions studied were individually examined further for heterogeneity by Sephadex exclusion and Bio-Gel exclusion, by high-voltage electrophoresis, and by ultracentrifugal analysis. The total results and related inferences are interpreted to signify a high degree of compositional uniformity throughout the original polymer. 3. 3.|Partial hydrolyzates of the three purified fractions yield ‘fingerprints’ which are similar and which contain 39–41 peaks in chromatograms. When viewed in the light of the compositional uniformity and earlier results indicating spontaneous ordering of residues in the synthesis of proteinoids, a high degree of sequential uniformity in the total polymer is suggested. 4. 4.|The significance of these results in the context of evolution of protein molecules is discussed.
Mimic: a fast system/370 simulator

Software simulation of one computer on another tends to be slow. Traditional simulators typically execute about 100 instructions on the host machine per instruction simulated. Newer simulators reduce the expansion factor to about 10, by saving and reusing translations of individual instructions. This paper describes an experimental simulator which takes the progression one step further, translating groups of instructions as a unit. This approach, combined with flow analysis, reduces the expansion factor to about 4. The new simulator simulates System/370 on a RISC, namely the IBM RT PC.
Dual dopamine/serotonin releasers as potential medications for stimulante and alcohol addictions

We have advocated the idea of agonist therapy for treating cocaine addiction. This strategy involves administration of stimulant-like medications (eg, monoamine releasers) to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prefent relapse. A major limitation, of this approach is that many candidate medicines possess significant abuse potential because of activation of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons in central nervous system reward circuits. Previous data suggest that serotonin (5-HT) neurons can provide an inhibitory influence over mesolimbic DA neurons. Thus, it might be predicted that the balance between DA and 5-HT transmission is important to consider when developing medications with reduced stimulant side effects. In this article, we discuss several issues related to the development of dual DA/5-HT releasers for the treatment of substance use disorders. First, we discuss evidence supporting the existence of a dual deficit in DA and 5-HT function during withdrawal from chronic cocaine or alcohol abuse. Then we summarize studies that have tested the hypothesis that 5-HT neurons can dampen the effects mediated by mesolimbic DA. For example, it has been shown that pharmacological manipulations that increase extracellular 5-HT attenuate stimulant effects produced by DA release, such as locomotor stimulation and self-administration behavior. Finally, we discuss our recently published data about PAL-287 (naphthylisopropylamine), a novel non-amphetamine DA-/5-HT-releasing agent that suppresses cocaine self-administration but lacks positive reinforcing properties. It is conclude that DA/5-HT releasers might be useful therapeutic adjuncts for the treatment of cocaine and alcohol addiction, obesity, and even attention deficit disorder and depression.
Avenues for improvement in the design and calibration of VHF-UHF noise and field strength meters

Increased accuracy of measurement of VHF-UHF field strength may be obtained by improveing the impedance match of the antenna-balun assembly and by taking into account the measured gain of the antenna system, rather than by relying on the assumption that the antenna performance approximates that of the idealized half-wave dipole. The latter assumption appears to be the basis of present practice. Although the standard field method of calibration is theoretically available as an over-all calibration procedure, the present types of instruments depart from ideal in a manner so complex with respect to frequency that it becomes a prohibitive task to make detailed periodic calibrations by the standard field method, aside from the difficulties in the technique of the standard field method itself. A simple form of the reciprocity method is shown for measurement of the effective gain of the antenna-balun assembly under essentially free-space conditions. It is argued that the calibration of field strength meters should be carried out under conditions equivalent to free space.
A 13C-methylation study of glycophorin A in intact erythrocytes by 13C-NMR spectroscopy

N-terminal Nα-[13C]monomethylamino derivatives for the N-terminal serine and leucine residues of glycophorins AM and AN, respectively, were obtained by reductively 13C-methylating homozygous human erythrocytes (MM, NN). The 13C-labeled glycophorins, AM and AN, were then isolated. A unique structural state was observed in solution reductively 13C-methylated glycophorin AM that was not observed in glycophorin AM derived from 13C-methylated erythrocytes. We attribute this state to the fact that some of the glycophorin AM forms a head-to-head dimer when subjected to reductive 13C-methylation in aqueous solution. The 13C chemical shift data and pH titration data for the N-terminal [13C]dimethylamino and [13C]monomethylamino groups of glycophorin AM and AN derived from reductively 13C-methylated erythrocytes were in agreement with the chemical shift and titration data previously obtained for the N-terminal [13C]dimethylamino groups of solution reductively 13C-methylated glycophorins and related glycopeptides and peptides and N-terminal [13C]monomethylamino groups of related glycopeptides and peptides.
Preservice and Inservice Reading Teachers' Knowledge of Literary Concepts and Literary Analysis.

Abstract Preservice and inservice reading teachers’ knowledge about literature and their skill in analyzing literature appropriate for middle and upper grades was assessed. Twenty‐two undergraduate preservice teachers and 11 graduate inservice teachers were tested on the definitions of 45 common literary terms, their ability to state and explain the theme of a short story, their ability to interpret and explain a common poem, and their ability to answer inferential questions on the poem. Results indicated that on average the undergraduates knew about half of the literary terms and were unable to analyze either the story or poem adequately despite their relative simplicity. The graduate students fared predictably better, but few achieved the highest scores on any of the measures. Correlational analyses suggested that literary ability occurs in levels from basic definitional knowledge through inferential ability to analytical ability. This study contributes to a growing body of research indicating that teac...
Anxiety disorders: efficient screening is the first step in improving outcomes.

In this issue, Kroenke and colleagues discuss 4 important findings about anxiety disorders in primary care: 1) the high prevalence of the 4 most common anxiety disorders; 2) the association of thes...
Characterization of a disulfide bridge linking the J chain to the α chain of polymeric immunoglobulin A

Summary The “J chain” has been shown to be an integral part of polymeric IgA and IgM molecules and to be disulfide bridged. Diagonal electrophoresis has localized a disulfide bridge to the cysteine in the carboxy terminal peptide: Ala-Glu-Val-Asp-Gly-Thr-Cys-Tyr of the α chain and the J chain peptide Ala-Cys-Arg.