cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Residual Temperature Analysis--Tracking Subsurface Fluid Migration: ABSTRACT

Positive temperature anomalies associated with fluid-migration paths are expected effects within a compacting and dewatering sediment pile. However, temperature anomalies are also produced by lateral variations in thermal conductivity of the sediments. Using established relations between thermal conductivity and seismic velocity, an estimate of regional heat flow, and average surface temperature, it is possible to estimate the local geothermal gradient (due to solid state, one-dimensional conduction) from sonic logs or downhole velocity surveys. Subtraction of such calculated temperatures from corrected bottom-hole or log temperatures produces mappable residual temperature anomalies which can be interpreted as effects of active upward fluid migration. Mapping of such resi ual temperature anomalies and comparison with structural setting provide a stronger tool for interpreting routes of water (and perhaps hydrocarbon) migration, than using temperature values without removal of conductive effects. The procedure is analogous to removing a predicted regional gravity field to produce residual gravity anomaly. Interpretations are strengthened by mapping calculated fluid pressure and salinity anomalies which might also be attributable to fluid movement. Examples from the Louisiana Gulf Coast Miocene illustrate the application and promise of the technique. Residual temperature anomalies occur close to faults, suggesting the potential importance of such structures as routes for fluid escape. The method also provides a means of interpreting correspondence of thermal highs with structural highs as products of either conductive focusing or fluid movement up structure, though two- or three-dimensional modeling is required. End_of_Article - Last_Page 618------------
Ontogenetic patterns of sexual dimorphism in the cranium of Bornean orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus)

Abstract Ontogenetic patterns of cranial sexual dimorphism in a large sample of the Bornean orang-utan ( Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus ) are investigated by means of univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Univariate analyses of 21 linear dimensions reveal that starting at the mid-juvenile stage there is a strong tendency for an increase in number and strength of significant sex differences, all in favor of males. Significant sex differences in the viscero-cranium, reflecting stronger prognathism in males, emerge before those in the neurocranium. Two major growth allometry patterns emerge from bivariate analyses. Ontogenetic scaling is present in 10 dimensions. It is particularly strong in the neurocranium directly associated with brain size, the orbital region and the dental arcade. The heterochronic process of time hypermorphosis is most likely responsible for this pattern. The second growth pattern reflects a departure from ontogenetic scaling with males exhibiting significantly steeper slopes than females. This occurs in 10 cranial dimensions associated with secondary sexual character development: prognathism, canine size and cheek pad area. We suggest that the heterochronic process of acceleration underlies this growth pattern. Principal components analyses reveal two major multidimensional patterns of cranial sexual dimorphism. First, sexual differences at age groups 2 and 3 are primarily the result of differences in principal component II scores, reflecting mainly shape-related differences. Second, age groups 5, 6 and 7 show a trend of stronger size-related shape differences with increasing age in the allometry vector along with decreasing differences in principal component II scores. Age group 4 shows a combination of both patterns. Sexual rather than ecological selection best explains the underlying selective regime of the ontogenetic patterns of cranial sexual dimorphism in orang-utans. Our morphometric analyses clearly corroborate the conclusions of behavioral ecologists in support of the sexual selection theory.
A heuristic ceiling point algorithm for general integer linear programming

This paper first examines the role of ceiling points in solving a pure, general integer linear programming problem P. Several kinds of ceiling points are defined and analyzed and one kind called "feasible 1-ceiling points" proves to be of special interest. We demonstrate that all optimal solutions for a problem P whose feasible region is nonempty and bounded are feasible 1-ceiling points. Consequently, such a problem may be solved by enumerating just its feasible 1-ceiling points. The paper then describes an algorithm called the Heuristic Ceiling Point Algorithm HCPA which approximately solves P by searching only for feasible 1-ceiling points relatively near the optimal solution for the LP-relaxation; such solutions are apt to have a high possibly even optimal objective function value. The results of applying the HCPA to 48 test problems taken from the literature indicate that this approach usually yields a very good solution with a moderate amount of computational effort.
Inhibition of B cell proliferation by antisense DNA to both α and β forms of FcϵR II

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection activates B lymphocyte proliferation through partially understood mechanisms, resulting in phenotypic changes, including the appearance of new antigens. One such antigen is Fc epsilon R II/CD-23 which may be relevant for B cell proliferation. We have used anti-sense oligonucleotides to study the importance of the two forms of this molecule for proliferation in the EBV-transformed, Fc epsilon R II +ve lymphoblastoid B cell line, RPMI 8866. Anti-sense oligodeoxynucleotides were generated to the two forms of Fc epsilon R II; Fc epsilon R IIa (alpha) and IIb (beta) which differ only in their intracytoplasmic domains. Addition of increasing concentrations of anti-sense oligonucleotides, ranging from 1 to 30 microM, significantly decreased cellular proliferation as measured by the incorporation of [3H]thymidine (inhibition range 8-88%). Optimum inhibition of cellular proliferation was apparent at 15 microM concentration of both anti-sense Fc epsilon R IIa and IIb (Fc epsilon R IIa, mean +/- SE = 75 +/- 7% inhibition, p less than 0.001; Fc epsilon R IIb, mean +/- SE = 71 +/- 7% inhibition, p less than 0.001). Anti-sense oligonucleotides complementary to the common part of Fc epsilon R II resulted in a similar inhibition of proliferation. Sense oligonucleotides did not induce significant inhibition. Preincubation of sense and anti-sense oligonucleotides resulted in an abrogation of proliferation inhibition. Moreover, none of these oligonucleotides had any effect on a Fc epsilon R II -ve cell line. Incubation with both anti-sense IIa and IIb resulted in additive, but not synergistic inhibition of proliferation. Addition of soluble Fc epsilon R II did not reverse inhibition of proliferation, suggesting that membrane-bound or intracellular rather than soluble Fc epsilon R II was important for the induced proliferation. Analysis of cell surface expression for Fc epsilon II indicated that while there was a pronounced effect on cell number following incubation with anti-sense oligonucleotides, surface expression of Fc epsilon R II was consistent as measured over different time points. PCR analysis revealed that while most cells expressed either the alpha or the beta form of Fc epsilon R II, EBV-transformed cell lines, particularly RPMI 8866, were found to express both alpha and beta forms simultaneously. This may constitute a mechanism whereby EBV infection confers an immortal state to the cell, resulting in its uncontrolled proliferation. Cell lines expressing only one receptor form, either alpha or beta, were unaffected after incubation with anti-sense oligonucleotides.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Rapid generation of composition profiles for reactive and extractive cascades

A quick method for estimating composition profiles for reactive and extractive cascades in a double-feed column without stage calculations is presented. This profile estimation is based on the feasibility and pinch point analyses. The trajectories of pinch points are determined with material balance equations and phase and reaction equilibrium data. From these pinch point trajectories, the ranges of feasible external reflux ratios and required entrainer flow rates are calculated for a given reaction extent and product purity. Then, for given external reflux ratios, heat balance constraints are imposed to determine the positions of pinch points. Finally, using the internal reflux ratios of these pinch points, manifolds of possible composition profiles are generated. Composition profiles of a reactive/extractive cascade can lie in the section of the reaction equilibrium surface where the internal reflux ratio of a saddle pinch is between the upper and lower bounds of the internal reflux ratio. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 922–930, 2005
Recent developments in cell-based immune therapy for neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common and aggressive tumor of early childhood. To date, treatment with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy has resulted in suboptimal outcomes in those with advanced disease. Immune-based treatments hold promise for patients with recurrent or advanced NB. Here, recent preclinical studies and early stage (phase I) clinical trials using cellular therapeutic approaches for NB are reviewed, including studies of natural killer cells, γδ T cells, chimeric receptor expressing T cells, dendritic cells, and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.
hsp70 is not required for high affinity binding of purified calf uterine estrogen receptor to estrogen response element DNA in Vitro

Bovine estrogen receptor (ER) was purified to near homogeneity by estrogen response element (ERE) affinity chromatography, and its ERE binding ability was measured in vitro. Highly purified ER bound EREs with reduced affinity compared to partially purified ER. Partially purified ER contained hsp70, but highly purified ER did not. We examined whether addition of purified recombinant human hsp70 or purified bovine hsp70 would restore the higher ERE binding affinity, stoichiometry, and ligand retention detected with partially purified receptor and how hsp70 affected the rate of ER-ERE association and dissociation. ER-ERE binding was not affected by antibodies to either constitutive or induced forms of hsp70, regardless of ER purity. Addition of purified hsp70, with or without ATP and Mg2+, did not affect the association or dissociation rates of highly purified liganded ER binding to ERE. hsp70 Did not alter the total amount of ER-ERE complex formed. Similarly, hsp70 did not affect the rate of [3H]estradiol (E2) or [3H]4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) ligand dissociation from ER in the presence or absence of EREs. These data contrast with a report showing that maximal ERE binding by highly purified recombinant human ER required hsp70. We conclude that ER, purified from a physiological source, i.e., calf uterus, does not require hsp70 for maximal ER-ERE binding in vitro. Additionally, once ER is activated and bound by ligand, the receptor assumes its proper tertiary structure, and hsp70 does not impact ER ligand binding domain conformation.
Discovery and Description of the “Davtiani” Morphotype for Teladorsagia boreoarcticus (Trichostrongyloidea: Ostertagiinae) Abomasal Parasites In Muskoxen, Ovibos moschatus, and Caribou, Rangifer tarandus, from the North American Arctic: Implications for Parasite Faunal Diversity

Abstract: Collections to explore helminth diversity among free-ranging ungulates in the North American Arctic revealed the occurrence of a third male, or “davtiani,” morphotype for Teladorsagia boreoarcticus. Designated as T. boreoarcticus forma (f.) minor B, the males occurred with T. boreoarcticus f. major and T. borearcticus f. minor A in endemic populations of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus wardi) and barrenground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) on Victoria Island, Nunavut, Canada, and in muskoxen and Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) on Banks Island, Northwest Territories, Canada. These specimens differ from conspecific morphotypes in the structure of the genital cone and Sjoberg's organ. Relative to T. boreoarcticus f. minor A, specimens of T. boreoarcticus f. minor B are consistently smaller, and mean dimensions for the bursa and spicules do not overlap. The robust spicules are similar in form, particularly in the relative length of the dorsal and ventral processes, but mean total leng...
Specific binding to adrenal particulate fraction of cyclo(histidyl-proline), a TRH metabolite

Histidyl-proline diketopiperazine (cyclo(His-Pro), a metabolite of the neuropeptide thyrotropin releasing hormone, has been shown to possess intrinsic biological activities. The binding of this peptide to various tissue particulate preparations was investigated. While the peptide showed no apparent binding to particulate fractions derived from brain, pituitary, and some other tissues, binding to adrenal and liver was demonstrated. The binding of cyclo(His-Pro) to bovine adrenal cortical particles was further characterized. Binding at equilibrium was greater at 4 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. The binding was dependent on tissue concentration, showed a pH optimum between 7 and 8, and was inactivated by treatment of the particulate fraction with trypsin or by boiling. The interaction of cyclo(His-Pro) with the tissue was not associated with any metabolism of the peptide. Kinetic studies of association of cyclo(His-Pro) with adrenal cortical particles indicated a single class of binding sites with a KD of approximately 900 nM and a maximum number of sites of 92 pmoles/mg protein. The binding was stereospecific and the histidine moiety of the peptide was the major determinant of the binding. A variety of catechols, serotonin and histamine competed with cyclo(His-Pro) for binding with IC50's ranging from 17-450 muM. Cyclo(His-Pro) did not affect monoamine oxidase or adenylate cyclase activity in adrenal cortical particulate preparations.
Castilleja chambersii (Scrophulariaceae), a new rare species from the northern Coast Range of Oregon

Castilleja chambersii is described from several collections made in the Coast Range of southwestern Clatsop County, Oregon. The new species is a member of subgenusCastilleja and is most closely related toC. parviflora andC. rupicola. This rare species is known from only three small and geographically restricted populations. Two new meiotic chromosome counts ofn=12 are reported for the new species.
Urban Middle School Students' Perceptions of the Value and Difficulty of Inquiry.

Following their participation in a guided-inquiry unit, 129 seventh-graders from five diverse urban middle schools were asked about their perceptions of specific inquiry tasks, from an expectancy-value framework. Students were asked to rate the interest value, utility value, and task difficulty of (a) data collection design; (b) explanation; (c) data analysis; and (d) citing evidence for claims. The utility of all tasks was rated highly, while interest ratings were moderate. Students perceived these tasks as moderately different from their usual work, and not especially difficult. No gender differences were found in students’ ratings. Investigation tasks were rated as more interesting and useful than argumentation tasks. Students from lower SES schools found all tasks more useful and interesting than their peers in higher SES schools. Students’ justifications for their ratings suggest they valued the utility of knowing how to back up their ideas with evidence.
Religion/Technology, Not Theology/Science, as the Defining Dichotomy

Science and religion are incommensurable: one cannot use centimeters to measure volume. Science's proper cognate is theology. Science and theology are human activities that are basically conceptual (partly fallible) frameworks for explaining experience. Religion and technology, by contrast, involve and control or limit human practice and experience: they involve “sensate” reality—people and things. The study of the interaction of these four terms (or any two) must use the terms more precisely. Science as practiced today has become scientism, another theology. Technology is, without any doubt, the world's most powerful and fastest growing religion. Minor squabbles among theologies, including science, must continue, but it is the tensions between technology and the established religions that will define this century. Battles on three fronts are already clear: the environment, globalization, and economic gaps. But whole–person healing, the replacement for high–tech reductionist modern medicine, is the most significant, because it will undermine science, which has hitched its wagon to this falling star. The end of fundamental science is upon us, because it has been so successful. Science will be increasingly applications–driven, and it will be judged by results. Here, it has met its nemesis in wholeperson healing that incorporates integrative medicine. Scientists must now reconsider their role in society. It will not be easy to accept a humbler position. Moreover, the vague allusions to spirituality by scientists need a more authentic commitment to praxis in lifestyle.
New supersymmetric contributions to $t \to c$ V

We calculate the electroweaklike one-loop supersymmetric contributions to the rare and flavor-violating decay of the top quark into a charm quark and a gauge boson: $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{cV}$, with $V=\ensuremath{\gamma},Z,g$. We consider loops of both charginos and downlike squarks (where we identify and correct an error in the literature) and neutralinos and uplike squarks (which have not been calculated before). We also account for left-right and generational squark mixing. Our numerical results indicate that supersymmetric contributions to $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{cV}$ can be up to 5 orders of magnitude larger than their standard model counterparts. However, they still fall short of the sensitivity expected at the next-generation top-quark factories.
Femtosecond Real-Time Probing of Reactions. 19. Nonlinear (DFWM) Techniques for Probing Transition States of Uni- and Bimolecular Reactions

Degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM), using ∼60 femtosecond (fs) laser pulses, is introduced to study transition-state dynamics of chemical reactions in the gas phase. The ultrafast techniques are applied to a range of systems, atomic, unimolecular, and bimolecular. It is shown how fs DFWM can be incorporated in different temporal pulse schemes to extract the dynamics. The DFWM beams are configured in a folded boxcar geometry, producing a spatially separated, background-free, femtosecond signal pulse. Aspects of the technique, such as absorption, are investigated. We have taken advantage of the relatively broad spectral width of the fs pulses and extended the techniques to two-color grating experiments in the gas phase. The unimolecular system, NaI, provided a means of testing this new approach. Our experimental observations of the wave packet motion are in excellent agreement with results obtained using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). A control experiment was also performed on this system, demonstrating ...
Hyperglycosylated hcg, a potential alternative to hcg in Down syndrome screening

Hyperglycosylated hCG (H-hCG) is a minor variant of hCG with abnormal oligosaccharide side chains. It is the principal gonadotropin detected in the serum and urine of patients with gestational choriocarcinoma. A monoclonal antibody was produced against this antigen and an immunoassay developed. Levels of hCG and H-hCG were determined in 142 urine samples from normal pregnancies from 10 to 21 weeks of gestation. Levels were normalized to urine creatinine concentration, and were each plotted against gestational age. Bi-weekly median values were calculated, the best-fitting regression lines were determined, and multiples of the normal median (MoM) were computed. 10 Down syndrome pregnancy samples were tested from 11 to 21 weeks of gestation. The median hCG and H-hCG levels in the Down syndrome cases were 1·9 MoM and 5·7 MoM of unaffected cases, respectively. Four of 10 hCG measurements and 9 of 10 H-hCG determinations exceeded the 95th centile of unaffected cases. H-hCG identified 90 per cent of Down syndrome cases with a 5 per cent false-positive rate. This is more than twice the number of cases detected by an hCG assay. H-hCG may be an effective replacement for hCG in antenatal Down syndrome screening. This is a preliminary report consisting of only 152 samples. Further studies are needed now to verify the Down syndrome screening utility of this potentially valuable new marker. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult Stem Cells as a Renewable Source of Insulin-Producing Cells

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder resulting from an inadequate mass of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. The replacement or restoration of damaged beta cells would be considered the optimal therapeutic options. Islet transplantation seems to be a promising approach for replacement therapy; however, the main obstacle is the shortage of organ donors. As mature beta cells have been shown to be difficult to expand in vitro, regeneration of beta cells from embryonic or adult stem cells or pancreatic progenitor cells is an attractive method to restore the islet cell mass. So far, multiple studies using various strategies have shown direct differentiation of stem and progenitor cells toward insulin-producing cells. The important issue to be solved is how to differentiate these cells into mature functional insulin-producing cells. Further research is required to understand how endogenous beta cells differentiate and to develop methods to regenerate enough functional beta cells for clinically applicable therapies for diabetes.
Are the salutogenic effects of social supports modified by income? A test of an "added value hypothesis".

Older adults (54 men, 113 women; M age = 69.5 years) were examined to test the hypothesis that social supports would be more salutogenic (health promoting) for persons with lower incomes than for persons with higher incomes. Interactions of income and social supports (mean of 3 emotional scales of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List) at study entry predicted changes 15-18 months later in a cardiovascular composite (linear combination of high-density lipoproteins-mean arterial pressure; p $29,000/year). In contrast, interactions of the Tangible Support Scale with income did not occur. Persons with lower incomes may derive benefits from social supports that go beyond tangible assistance.
Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Combinations for Glioblastoma Therapy

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common intracranial cancer but despite recent advances in therapy the overall survival remains about 20 months. Whole genome exon sequencing studies implicate mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase pathways (RTK) for driving tumor growth in over 80% of GBMs. In spite of various RTKs being mutated or altered in the majority of GBMs, clinical studies have not been able to demonstrate efficacy of molecular targeted therapies using tyrosine kinase inhibitors in GBMs. Activation of multiple downstream signaling pathways has been implicated as a possible means by which inhibition of a single RTK has been ineffective in GBM. In this study, we sought a combination of approved drugs that would inhibit in vitro and in vivo growth of GBM oncospheres. A combination consisting of gefitinib and sunitinib acted synergistically in inhibiting growth of GBM oncospheres in vitro. Sunitinib was the only RTK inhibitor that could induce apoptosis in GBM cells. However, the in vivo efficacy testing of the gefitinib and sunitinib combination in an EGFR amplified/ PTEN wild type GBM xenograft model revealed that gefitinib alone could significantly improve survival in animals whereas sunitinib did not show any survival benefit. Subsequent testing of the same drug combination in a different syngeneic glioma model that lacked EGFR amplification but was more susceptible to sunitinib in vitro demonstrated no survival benefit when treated with gefitinib or sunitinib or the gefitinib and sunitinib combination. Although a modest survival benefit was obtained in one of two animal models with EGFR amplification due to gefitinib alone, the addition of sunitinib, to test our best in vitro combination therapy, did not translate to any additional in vivo benefit. Improved targeted therapies, with drug properties favorable to intracranial tumors, are likely required to form effective drug combinations for GBM.
Origin of fluorescence and phosphorescence signals re-emitted from tissues

Noninvasive, lifetime-based sensing in tissues depends upon deconvolving the probe lifetime from the photon `time-of-flights' which arise from the strong scattering properties of tissues. In this work, we investigated the utility of employing long-lived probes in order to minimize the contribution of photon migration to the decay kinetics of re-emitted, near IR light. Employing finite element techniques, we computed the spatial and temporal maps of the emission and excitation fluence for the cases of uniform and nonuniform distributions of embedded optical probe. Computations were performed for an incident impulse of light at the surface of tissues containing optical probes with varying lifetimes, (tau) . The results demonstrate that when the probe lifetime is significantly longer than the times associated with photon migration, the origin of the re-emitted light becomes located closer to the tissue surface and the `apparent' image of a fluorescent heterogeneity may be displaced from the true position.
CPRL: a program to plot the cylindrically projected reciprocal lattice for fiber diffraction patterns

The positions of reflections on the diffraction pattern from a polycrystalline fiber are described by a cylindrical projection of the reciprocal lattice. The characteristics of the projection depend on the crystal system and the orientation of the fiber axis relative to the unit-cell axes. The program CPRL plots the positions of the reflections on a diffraction pattern from an oriented polycrystalline fiber (the cylindrically projected reciprocal lattice), for a triclinic unit cell with any orientation of the fiber axis. The results provided by the program facilitate interpretation of fiber diffraction patterns for complex systems.
How to find charged Higgs bosons using jet identification

We describe methods which can be used to search for pair-produced charged Higgs bosons in e+e− collisions. These methods use a jet identification procedure previously developed by the authors. The results of tests on simulated data are presented. We include a study of effects of QCD backgrounds and a crude estimation of the effects of experimental errors.
Biochemical alterations of dopamine receptor responses following chronic l-dopa therapy

Abstract The effects of chronic l -dopa treatment on rat striatal adenylate cyclase and dopaminereceptor binding activities were studied using an oral dose of Sinemet (250 mg l -dopa/25 mg carbidopa). The calculated average daily oral intake of l -dopa was 150 mg/rat. A 4-fold increase in the ec 50 for dopamine on adenylate cyclase activity in homogenstes of the caudate nucleus was observed in the oral drug-treated group with no change in the maximal level of enzyme activity. Binding studies using [ 3 H]spiroperidol, a dopamine-receptor antagonist, revealed a decrease in the dissociation constant from 0.26 nM in the control group to 0.069 nM in the oral drug-treated group. In addition, the B max for [ 3 H]spiroperidol specific binding in the animals receiving oral l -dopa increased by 300 fmoles/mg over that observed in the control group. Dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase and binding activities in animals receiving a lower dose of l -dopa alone, given intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg) twice daily, were determined to be similar to control values. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid biogenic amine metabolites, homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG), by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed a 13-fold increase in HVA following oral l -dopa and a 44 per cent increase in MHPG levels. These data, which demonstrate an increased number of dopamine binding sites following long-term l -dopa therapy, are consistent with demonstrations of behavioral hypersensitivity in animals undergoing this particular drug treatment. The results also suggest that the subsensitivity of the adenylate cyclase system may reflect a side effect of this drug, due to prolonged administration.
Microbial Influences on Local Carbon Isotopic Ratios and Their Preservation in Carbonate

Analysis of the carbon isotopic composition of carbonates is a valuable tool for studying microbial processes and looking for evidence of life. Microbial fixation of CO2 and conversion of organic carbon to CO2 can produce measurable δ13C shifts in a microbial mat environment. Diffusion modeling demonstrates that substantial isotopic shifts can develop within the mat and in the diffusion boundary layer in the fluid when CO2 fixation is rapid and prolonged for several hours. Carbonates that precipitate during rapid CO2 fixation can preserve these microbially produced isotopic shifts. However, continued precipitation during intervals when respiration dominates or after the cessation of active microbial growth commonly dilutes autotrophic isotopic signatures. Thus, preserved isotopic signatures rarely reflect the magnitude of isotopic shifts within the mat. Interpretation of observed isotopic shifts in microbial mat carbonate depends on fully characterizing ambient δ13C and eliminating other origins for isoto...
The state of health economic and pharmacoeconomic evaluation research in Zimbabwe: A review

BACKGROUND: Economic evaluation of health care has developed into a substantial body of work, and its contribution to medical decision making is increasingly being recognized. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics and quality of health economic (including pharmacoeconomic) evaluation research studies related to Zimbabwe. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted to identify published health economic evaluation studies related to Zimbabwe. HEED, PubMed, MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, EconLit, and PsycINFO databases and sociological and dissertation abstracts were used to search for economic analyses. The searches used the following terms alone and in combination: costs, budgets, fee, economics, health, pharmacy, pharmacy services, medicines, drugs, health economics, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, cost-minimization, cost utility analysis, and Zimbabwe. Only original applied economic evaluations addressing a health-related topic pertaining to Zimbabwe and published in full were included. Two reviewers independently evaluated and scored each study in the final sample using the data collection form designed for the study. RESULTS: Fifty-nine studies were identified in the database searches, 18 of which were excluded because they were not about Zimbabwe (3 studies) or were not health related (15). Of the 41 remaining studies, 8 were excluded after further review because they were not original research, 6 because they were not economic analyses, and 1 because it was not about Zimbabwe. The final 26 studies appeared in 13 different journals (based mostly [17 (65%)] outside of Zimbabwe). The mean (SD) number of authors of each study was 3.36 (2.13); most of the authors had medical/clinical training. The number of studies peaked between 1994 and 1997. Based on a 10-point scale, with 10 indicating the highest quality, the mean (SD) quality score for all studies was 5.40 (1.56); 8 of the studies (31%) were considered to be of poor quality (score ≤4). The quality of the studies reviewed was significantly (all, P pharmaceutical interventions), the number of authors (more authors = higher), and year of publication (more recent = higher). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the use of health economic (including pharmacoeconomic) evaluation research in Zimbabwe was low, and 31 % of the studies were of poor quality. More and better quality health economic research in Zimbabwe is warranted.
Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for the Determination of the Chromium Content of Selected U.S. Foods

Abstract A graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry method was used to determine the chromium content of selected foods following a modified dry ashing sample preparation procedure. Platform atomization is used and quantitation is accomplished using peak area measurements. Both direct calibration against aqueous standards and the use of method of additions provide accurate results. The method provides an instrumental detection limit of 5.6 pg chromium and a characteristic mass of 3.2 pg. This corresponds to a method detection limit of approximately 1 ng/g for a 20 μl injection of a digest of a typical 3-g sample diluted to a final volume of 10 ml. The method was validated using commercial standard reference materials. More than 40 frequently consumed foods were analyzed and the chromium content is reported. When available, data are compared with previous literature reports. There is, as expected, a reasonable amount of variability in the chromium content of some products. Those foods which are the best sources of chromium tend to be cereals and grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Comparison testings between two high-temperature strain measurement systems

An experimental evaluation was conducted at NASA Lewis Research Center to compare and contrast the performance of a newly developed resistance strain gage, the PdCr temperature-compensated wire strain gage, to that of a conventional high-temperature extensometry. The evaluation of the two strain measurement systems was conducted through the application of various thermal and mechanical loading spectra using a high-temperature thermomechanical uniaxial testing system equipped with quartz lamp heating. The purpose of the testing was not only to compare and contrast the two strain sensors but also to investigate the applicability of the PdCr strain gage to the testing environment typically employed when characterizing the high-temperature mechanical behavior of structural materials. Strain measurement capabilities to 800°C were investigated with a nickel base superalloy IN100 substrate material, and application to titanium matrix composite (TMC) materials was examined with the SCS-6/Ti-15-3 [0]8 system. PdCr strain gages installed by three attachment techniques—namely, flame spraying, spot welding and rapid infrared joining—were investigated.
Multipoint audio and video control for packet-based multimedia conferencing

With the advent of broadband integrated services data network (B-ISDN) technologies such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, packet-based multimedia (e.g., live audio and video, animation, and text) conferencing is becoming a viable means for achieving virtual proximity, which enables us to overcome the physical separation in space and time and to interact more effectively in our science and engineering endeavors. To bring about the reality of virtual proximity, many technical issues need to be addressed. One important issue is to develop an efficient multipoint audio and video control scheme. This paper discusses the related issues and outlines a solution.
Design of a Lightweight Hyper-Redundant Deployable Binary Manipulator

This paper presents the design of a new lightweight, hyper-redundant, deployable Binary Robotic Articulated Intelligent Device (BRAID), for space robotic systems. The BRAID is intended to meet the challenges of future space robotic systems that need to perform more complex tasks than are currently feasible. It is lightweight, has a high degree of freedom, and has a large workspace. The device is based on embedded muscle type binary actuators and flexure linkages. Such a system may be used for a wide range of tasks, and requires minimal control computation and power resources.@DOI: 10.1115/1.1637647#
Waiting Patiently: An Empirical Study of Queue Abandonment in an Emergency Department

We study queue abandonment from a hospital emergency department. We show that abandonment is influenced by the queue length and the observable queue flows during the waiting exposure, even after controlling for wait time. For example, observing an additional person in the queue or an additional arrival to the queue leads to an increase in abandonment probability equivalent to a 25-minute or 5-minute increase in wait time, respectively. We also show that patients are sensitive to being "jumped" in the line and that patients respond differently to people more sick and less sick moving through the system. This customer response to visual queue elements is not currently accounted for in most queuing models. Additionally, to the extent the visual queue information is misleading or does not lead to the desired behavior, managers have an opportunity to intervene by altering what information is available to waiting customers. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Spatial Dependence of Inverse Raman Signals

The spatial dependence of inverse Raman signal intensities was investigated. Aqueous 0.5 M potassium nitrate in cells ranging from 1 to 50 mm was used as the test system. Three focusing lenses were used. The data do not fit the arctan dependence derived for Gaussian beams. The deviations are ascribed to the non-Gaussian profile of the pulsed dye laser beam.
Interband cascade lasers with separate-confinement layers

Interband cascade lasers with separate-confinement layers have been demonstrated in cw at temperatures up to 213 K for broad-area lasers, and to 266 K near 3.43 mum and 238 K near 4.04 mum for narrow ridge-waveguide lasers.
Boosting a teen substance use prevention program with motivational interviewing.

A brief motivational interviewing (MI) intervention may be a viable adjunct to school-based substance abuse prevention programs. This article describes the development and implementation of a brief MI intervention with 573 adolescents (mean age 16.8; 40.3% female, 68% Latino) enrolled in eight continuation high schools in Southern California. Study participants were assigned to the MI condition in a randomized controlled trial of Project Toward No Drug Abuse. Data are provided on dosage, topics discussed, and quality of MI determined with the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC). Results suggest that the protocol was feasible and implemented with adequate fidelity. The study’s limitations are noted.
Constrained search for a moving target

We consider the problem of constrained path planning for one or two agents in search of a single randomly moving target such that we maximize the probability of intercepting the target at some time in its trajectory. We assume the agents operate in a receding-horizon optimization framework with some finite planning horizon. We present and compare two search path planning methods. This problem is particularly applicable in the case of wide area search munitions searching and engaging moving ground targets
Condition, innate immunity and disease mortality of inbred crows

Cooperatively breeding American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) suffer a severe disease-mediated survival cost from inbreeding, but the proximate mechanisms linking inbreeding to disease are unknown. Here, we examine indices of nestling body condition and innate immunocompetence in relationship to inbreeding and disease mortality. Using an estimate of microsatellite heterozygosity that predicts inbreeding in this population, we show that inbred crows were in relatively poor condition as nestlings, and that body condition index measured in the first 2–33 days after hatching, in addition to inbreeding index, predicted disease probability in the first 34 months of life. Inbred nestlings also mounted a weaker response along one axis of innate immunity: the proportion of bacteria killed in a microbiocidal assay increased as heterozygosity index increased. Relatively poor body condition and low innate immunocompetence are two mechanisms that might predispose inbred crows to ultimate disease mortality. A better understanding of condition-mediated inbreeding depression can guide efforts to minimize disease costs of inbreeding in small populations.
Leading Generative Groups: A Conceptual Model.

This article presents a conceptual model of leadership in generative groups. Generative groups have diverse team members who are expected to develop innovative solutions to complex, unstructured problems. The challenge for leaders of generative groups is to balance (a) establishing shared goals with recognizing members’ vested interests, (b) maintaining control with empowering members, (c) encouraging exploration with conceptualizing meaning, and (d) taking action with making time for reflection. Propositions suggest how members’ metacognitive skills, member diversity, and electronic modes of interaction influence leadership strategies to maintain balance, develop elements of group-level social cognition, and produce generative outcomes. The article concludes with directions for research and practice.
Some Statistical and Synoptic Characteristics Associated with El Niño

Abstract A 49-year time series of sea surface temperatures along the Peruvian coast is analyzed in order to find antecedent and subsequent indicators of El Nino (abnormally warm water) and its inverse. Precursory signs show up in certain statistics gathered seasons before the event, and these should be useful in forecasting the occurrence or non-occurrence of this economically important phenomenon. The macroscale processes implied by the above data are explored with the help of Northern Hemisphere pressure patterns and geostrophic wind profiles. There is a strengthening of the North Pacific winter westerlies when El Nino occurs as suggested by Bjerknes, that is, through momentum transports from a variable Hadley cell. However, El Nino appears to be associated with an appreciably weakened Pacific High over the eastern third of the North Pacific during the preceding year. This lends support to the theory that generation of El Nino is a long-term large-scale process in which reduced wind strew permits an acc...
The Confrontation-Sensitivity (C-S) Group

The confrontation group or encounter is basic to most treatment in therapeutic communites for drug abusers. Other types of groups and encounters have also been used with some success in treating people with drug problems. At the University of Colorado Therapuetic Community (PEER I), the staff and senior residents have attempted to bring together a variety of techniques into one comprehensive group, called The Confrontation-Sensitivity (C-S) Group. It may appear evident to the observer that the C-S Group is an eclectic system drawing from such diverse sources as The Synanon and Mendocino Game (Yablonsky, 1965; Brewster and Garrigues, 1974), Daytop Village Encounters, Marathon Group Encounters, Gestalt “Primitive Explosion”, Sensitivity Training (Shaffer and Galinsky, 1974), and Reality Therapy (Glasser, 1965).
A 1 × 2 triple‐band printed antenna array for use in next generation flying AD‐HOC networks (FANETs)

A triple-band 1 x 2 microstrip patch antenna array is proposed for use in next generation flying ad-hoc network (FANET) communication in multi-UAV systems. The antenna array resonates in the 3.6 GHz, 5.2 GHz and 6.7 GHz frequency bands, respectively. The antenna was designed and simulated using Agilent ADS Momentum using FR4 epoxy glass substrate (er = 4.2 and h = 1.66mm). A hybrid feed technique is used for antenna arrays with quarter-wave transformer based network to match the impedance from the feed-point to the antenna to 50Ω. The antenna is optimized to resonate at triple-bands by introducing two symmetrical slits at the non-radiating edges of the patch. The bandwidths achieved for the three bands are 130 MHz, 125 MHz and 180 MHz, respectively, which are very practical. The antenna array design is less complex and can be used for the advanced antenna beam-steering systems in next generation FANETs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:606–611, 2016
The Art of Being a Scientist: Publishing a paper

Publications are the primary means for distributing, establishing, and archiving scientific results. The decision to hire or promote somebody is often based to a large extent on the number and quality of publications that the individual has written. Because, typically, the number of copies of a journal article that are printed is orders of magnitude larger than the number of thesis copies made, papers in technical journals are of much larger value to the scientific community than are theses. Because most graduate students must prepare and defend a thesis, the best of both worlds for them exists in graduate programs that both encourage students to publish their research work during the course of their studies and allow them to use their published or submitted papers, perhaps in an adapted form, as chapters in their thesis. For all the above reasons, scientific publications are of great importance. In this chapter we suggest questions to contemplate prior to writing a paper, steps to take during the submission and review process, and actions to consider while the paper is in press and afterward. BEFORE YOU START WRITING Before writing a manuscript you need to decide in which journal you intend to publish your work. The choice of journal for publication can be of crucial importance. Among other reasons, this decision can influence the tone and content of the paper, its length, and the format you use.