cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An i-vector Based Approach to Training Data Clustering for Improved Speech Recognition.

We present a new approach to clustering training data for improved speech recognition. Given a training corpus, a so-called i-vector is extracted from each training utterance. A hierarchical divisive clustering algorithm is then used to cluster the training i-vectors into multiple clusters. For each cluster, an acoustic model (AM) is trained accordingly. Such trained multiple AMs can then be used in recognition stage to improve recognition accuracy. The proposed approach is very efficient therefore can deal with very large scale training corpus on current mainstream computing platforms. We report experimental results on a voice search task with 7,500 hours of speech training data.
Mechanical and Thermal Damage

The current approach to understanding and predicting the behavior of energetic materials (EM) outside their designed mode of operation is through computational modeling. As stated in the introduction to this text, the problem of response prediction from the countless multitude of starting conditions is a dauntingly complex challenge. Although fitting a model to a controlled data set can lead to reliable predictions within the limits of the parameter space used in the experiment, these models often do not capture behaviors outside the applied experimental conditions (e.g., if one changes the volume or geometry of the explosive, the prediction often fails). Sensitivity to variation is exacerbated by the fact that most nonshock events cause damage to the materials, thus the knowledge of the physical state of a pristine material is often of limited use. If a widely applicable model is the end goal, then a realistic characterization of the physical state of the damaged material is the rational starting point. In collaboration with a modeling effort, the experimentalist is charged with providing this useful morphological and mechanical framework to base the models on and behavioral observations to validate the models against.
An Aesthetic Reading of Sexual Sounds

This essay analyzes the experience of overhearing the sexual activity of others. While this auditory experience can be sexually arousing, the author focuses on the times when the sounds of sex are contemplated and enjoyed aesthetically. Using an account of this experience in Paul Simon's 1974 song “Duncan,” the author traces the psychological path of this experience. He argues that it begins with an initial excitement that the sounds are translucent expressions of realities usually mediated and obscured by language. This excitement soon gives way to a disappointment over the inescapable conventionality of all human expression. The experience ends, however, with a Derridian delight in the free-play of the symbolic process itself.
Scalable slot-die coating of high performance perovskite solar cells

Perovskite based photovoltaic devices hold the promise to greatly reduce the cost of solar energy production; however, this potential depends greatly on the ability to deposit perovskite active layers using large scale deposition methods such as slot-die coating without sacrificing efficiency. Using a perovskite precursor ink with long wet-film processing window, we demonstrate efficient perovskite solar cells based on slot-die coated perovskite layer. We found almost no difference in the photophysical and structural details of perovskite films that were deposited by spin coating to films deposited by slot-die coating. We explored various slot-die coating parameters to determine their effect on the performance of the device metrics. In addition to slot-die coating, we demonstrate the versatility of this wide wet-film processing window by fabricating perovskite solar cells with active layers deposited by spin coating, blade coating, and spray coating that all exhibited similar performance.
Growth, survival rate and fatty acid composition of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) larvae fed fatty acid‐enriched Artemia nauplii

We evaluated the growth and survival rate of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) larvae fed Artemia nauplii enriched with Olioω3 or Red Pepper commercial emulsions (BernAqua NV, Belgium). Sterlet larvae, 0.022 ± 0.002 g body weight, were randomly assigned to one of three feeding regimes with two different feeding durations. After administering live feed for 7 or 14 days, larvae were weaned onto commercial food and reared to 36 days posthatching (28 days of feeding). There were no significant differences in body weight among groups at the end of the trial. A significantly higher survival rate (p < 0.05) was observed in larvae fed Artemia enriched with Red Pepper for 14 days compared to other feeding regimes. Based on the analysis of growth parameters, we can conclude that 7 days of live feeding to be sufficient for efficient rearing of sterlet larvae. And longer duration of live feeding with use of special enrichment can be recommended for a higher survival rate.
NHE8 Deficiency Promotes Colitis-Associated Cancer in Mice via Expansion of Lgr5-Expressing Cells.

Background & Aims Lgr5 overexpression has been detected in colorectal cancers (CRCs), including some cases of colitis-associated CRCs. In colitis-associated CRCs, chronic inflammation is a contributing factor in carcinogenesis. We recently reported that intestinal Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 8 (NHE8) plays an important role in intestinal mucosal protection and that loss of NHE8 expression results in an ulcerative colitis–like condition. Therefore, we hypothesized that NHE8 may be involved in the development of intestinal tumors. Methods We assessed NHE8 expression in human CRCs by immunohistochemistry and studied tumor burden in NHE8 knockout (KO) mice using an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate colon cancer model. We also evaluated cell proliferation in HT29NHE8KO cells and assessed tumor growth in NOD scid gamma (NSG) mice xenografted with HT29NHE8KO cells. To verify if a relationship exists between Lgr5 and NHE8 expression, we analyzed Lgr5 expression in NHE8KO mice by polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Lgr5 expression and cell proliferation in the absence of NHE8 were confirmed in colonic organoid cultures. The expression of β-catenin and c-Myc also were analyzed to evaluate Wnt/β-catenin activation. Results NHE8 was undetectable in human CRC tissues. Although only 9% of NHE8 wild-type mice showed tumorigenesis in the azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate colon cancer model, almost 10 times more NHE8KO mice (89%) developed tumors. In the absence of NHE8, a higher colony formation unit was discovered in HT29NHE8KO cells. In NSG mice, larger tumors developed at the site where HT29NHE8KO cells were injected compared with HT29NHE8 wild type cells. Furthermore, NHE8 deficiency resulted in increased Lgr5 expression in the colon, in HT29-derived tumors, and in colonoids. The absence of NHE8 also increased Wnt/β-catenin activation. Conclusions NHE8 might be an intrinsic factor that regulates Wnt/β-catenin in the intestine.
Reactive balance to unanticipated trip-like perturbations: a treadmill-based study examining effect of aging and stroke on fall risk

The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanism of fall risk in community-dwelling ambulatory hemiplegic stroke survivors when exposed to a sudden, trip-like support surface perturbation in ...
Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes: Diagnosis and management

Abstract Hamartomatous polyps of the gastrointestinal tract are one of the major clinical features for several hereditary syndromes. Juvenile polyposis syndrome, Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, and PTEN hamartoma syndrome are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and predispose to formation of such polyps, especially in the colon and rectum. These polyps can lead to increased colorectal cancer risk and therefore should be managed with appropriate surveillance and treatment. In this article, the presentation, colorectal surveillance, and management of the three major hereditary hamartomatous syndromes is discussed.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Glutathione, Garlic Derivatives, and Hydrogen Sulfide

Glutathione and aged garlic extract are sulfur-containing products that play important protective and regulatory roles within the immune system and in oxidative processes. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous, gaseous, signaling transmitter, has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of inflammation. Recent studies have shown that sulfur-containing compounds from garlic have beneficial effects in attenuating outcomes associated with cardiovascular disease and inflammation by a mechanism that may be related to the H2S signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize the main functions of glutathione (GSH), garlic derivatives and H2S and their role in the immune response and impact on health and disease.
Composts of poultry litter or dairy manure differentially affect survival of enteric bacteria in fields with spinach.

Aims The aim was to determine the survival and persistence of Escherichia coli in soil amended with compost from different manure sources. Method and results Complex interactions of abiotic and biotic factors on E. coli survival were characterized in field experiment plots receiving randomly assigned compost treatments: dairy windrow, dairy vermicompost, poultry windrow or no compost. Biomass, activity and function of indigenous microbial communities in the composts and soils were measured concurrently to determine whether mechanisms of compost were driven by biotic or abiotic properties. E. coli persisted in compost containing poultry amendments but not in composts containing dairy or no amendments. Poultry compost contained more NH4 -N and a distinct microbial community compared to dairy and no compost treatments. A laboratory experiment performed on compost extracts suggested that E. coli survived better in extracts devoid of indigenous microbes as long as bioavailable nutrients were plentiful. Conclusions Dairy-based composts are less likely to support E. coli survival than poultry-based composts. Significance and impact of the study Results aid in risk assessment of the use of different types of manure-based compost and soil amendments in fruit and vegetable production by elucidating the roles of nutrient and microbial community composition on survival of E. coli in amended field soils.
Tandem olefin metathesis–elimination reactions. A new route to doubly unsaturated carbonyl derivatives

Cross-metathesis between an activated olefin and an ethereal derivative of homoallylic alcohols leads to products that are subject to facile elimination resulting in α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated esters, ketones, acids, and aldehydes in high yields.
Time allocation to resources by three species of rats (Rattus spp.) in a radial arm maze

Abstract Context Introduced rats (Rattus spp.) can pose a serious threat to native flora and fauna, especially on islands where most species have evolved in the absence of terrestrial predators. Effective detection and eradication methods for introduced rats are essential to the maintenance of insular ecosystem integrity. Thus, it is important to better understand the behaviour of rats when they first arrive in a new setting. Aims To determine whether rats would find some novel stimuli to be significantly more attractive than other novel stimuli. Methods An eight-arm radial maze was used to study the behaviour of three species of Rattus finding themselves in a novel environment with various familiar and unfamiliar stimuli. Key results Although there were some differences in responses by species and by sex, most rats sought out and spent considerable time in the den box, suggesting an immediate need for security when in an unfamiliar setting. Rats also sought out faeces of conspecifics, suggesting the need for social contact or reproduction. The rats, which had not been food deprived, did not seem interested in food sources, although there was some attraction to the water source. Implications The management implications of the present study’s results are two-fold. First, appears that detection of newly arriving rats on islands would be aided by strategic placement of den boxes that are highly acceptable to rats. Managers could then inspect the den boxes periodically (or use a remote sensing system) for evidence of rat presence. Second, the den boxes could be scented with the faeces of other rats to further attract invading rats to the den boxes. This protocol might also hold the rats near the invasion site for a longer period of time before they begin seeking other shelter, food sources or mates. These protocols could give managers increased opportunities to detect any newly invading rats, and potentially increase the available time to deploy a rapid response to the invasion, before the animals begin to widely disperse. Of course, the rats will ultimately seek a source of palatable food, so placing durable, yet palatable, rodenticide bait in the den boxes might further decrease the probability of the invaders establishing a self-sustaining population.
Application of a Skin Adhesive to Maintain Seal in Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: Demonstration of a New Technique.

Optimal wound healing with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) relies on a properly sealed vacuum system. Anatomically difficult wounds impair the adhesive dressing, which results in air leaks that disrupt the integrity of the NPWT system and hinder wound healing. Objective The authors demonstrate a new technique using a cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive to maintain an airtight, durable seal in NPWT. Materials and methods A 52-year-old woman with a degloving injury to the right thigh extending into the groin, resulting in massive necrosis, presented to the emergency department. Using a skin closure system, 2 polyester mesh tape strips were placed near the perineal region of the wound to reinforce the adhesive drape of the NPWT system. Skin grafts were applied over the wound after about 3 weeks of NPWT, and the skin closure system was applied in the same fashion to reinforce the adhesive drape. Results An airtight seal was consistently maintained for several days in between dressing changes. The size of the wound was visibly reduced at each dressing change. An airtight seal was maintained for 5 days after placement of the skin grafts; after 5 days, the dressing was removed without difficulty and skin irritation. The skin grafts appeared healthy with adequate tissue take. Conclusions Maintaining an airtight seal in NPWT is crucial to wound healing. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives appear to be a safe and viable option for creating a durable seal in NPWT for wounds in anatomically difficult locations.
Impact of Hydrogen Sulfide on Photochemical Haze Formation in Methane/Nitrogen Atmospheres

The chemistry of trace sulfur gases in planetary organic haze formation is poorly understood, though both are ubiquitous in planetary atmospheres. Here, we perform laboratory studies to explore how...
On Leadership in Clinical Medicine

In clinical medicine, the role of its leaders is paramount. Academic leaders of the various disciplines of clinical medicine should take active interest in what amounts to genuine and well-qualified leadership in these disciplines, and in what should be understood to be their core responsibilities and missions. As for the latter, at this particular time, they should be in tune with the essence of modern public health and with the opportunities and challenges of this Information Age; and they should understand how study of ‘clinical epidemiology’ for the practice of Evidence-Based Medicine has been an anomalous response to the common absence of appropriate academic leadership in the disciplines of clinical medicine.
Domain Knowledge-Assisted Automatic Diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Using High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) (Student Abstract)

Domain knowledge acquired from pilot studies is important for medical diagnosis. This paper leverages the population-level domain knowledge based on the D-optimal design criterion to judiciously select CT slices that are meaningful for the disease diagnosis task. As an illustrative example, the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) among interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients is used for this work. IPF diagnosis is complicated and is subject to inter-observer variability. We aim to construct a time/memory-efficient IPF diagnosis model using high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) with domain knowledge-assisted data dimension reduction methods. Four two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2D-CNN) architectures (MobileNet, VGG16, ResNet, and DenseNet) are implemented for an automatic diagnosis of IPF among ILD patients. Axial lung CT images are acquired from five multi-center clinical trials, which sum up to 330 IPF patients and 650 non-IPF ILD patients. Model performance is evaluated using five-fold cross-validation. Depending on the model setup, MobileNet achieved satisfactory results with overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy greater than 90%. Further evaluation of independent datasets is underway. Based on our knowledge, this is the first work that (1) uses population-level domain knowledge with optimal design criterion in selecting CT slices and (2) focuses on patient-level IPF diagnosis.
The Deweyan Approach to Learning Victim Advocacy: Seeing Beyond Stigmas and Facilitating Second Chances

Fundamentally, criminal justice practitioners are public safety promoters, yet safety can be compromised if a divide exists between them and the communities they serve. The best way to train future criminal justice practitioners may be found in the progressive education proposed by John Dewey in the early 20th-century. Dewey’s experiential approach, specifically service-learning, has gained traction as an effective teaching tool for broadening perspectives, deepening understanding of diverse populations, and fostering higher order reasoning, all of which are critical characteristics for criminal justice professionals as well as for all American citizens. Undergraduate students participated in service-learning during a semester-long honors course on victim advocacy, and this qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore whether their lived experiences, as revealed in reflective responses to open-ended questions, effectuated learning. Findings were that service-learning involvement generated community commitment and instilled a deeper sense of civic responsibility, both of which have the potential to better promote public safety.
Analytical solution based on spatial distortion for a time-harmonicdipole source in a transverse isotropic viscoelastic solid

Elastography refers to mapping mechanical properties in a material by measuring wave motion in it using noninvasive optical, acoustic or magnetic resonance imaging methods. Elasticity and viscosity can depend on location and direction. A material with aligned fibers may have different elastic and viscosity values along the fibers versus across them. Reconstruction refers to converting wave measurements into a mechanical property map. To make reconstruction analytically tractable, isotropy and homogeneity are often assumed. But, isotropic homogeneity is often not the case of interest, when there are pathological conditions or hidden anomalies non-uniformly distributed in fibrous or layered structures. A strategy of spatial distortion to make an anisotropic problem become isotropic has been previously validated in two-dimensional transverse isotropic (TI) viscoelastic cases. Here, the approach is extended to the three-dimensional problem by considering a time-harmonic point force (dipole) in a TI viscoelastic material. The resulting wave field, exactly solvable using a Radon transform with numerical integration, is approximated via spatial distortion of the closed form analytical solution to the isotropic case. Different distortions are used depending on whether or not the polarization of the wave motion is orthogonal to the axis of isotropy resulting in differing levels of accuracy.
Living Quality: A Reprise and More:

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate and elaborate the inherent core knowings of living quality. The core knowings are fortifying wisdom, discerning witness, and penetrating silence. In deep ...
Visual Communications Archives: Connecting Communities Through Media Arts

Founded in 1970, the mission of Visual Communications (VC) is to develop and support the voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers and media artists who empower communities and chall...
EXAMINATION OF THE DISCRIMINATIVE STIMULUS AND CROSS-TOLERANCE INDUCING PROPERTIES OF N-DESMETHYLCLOZAPINE IN C57BL/6 MICE.

EXAMINATION OF THE DISCRIMINATIVE STIMULUS AND CROSSTOLERANCE INDUCING PROPERTIES OF N-DESMETHYLCLOZAPINE IN C57BL/6 MICE. By Jason Wiebelhaus A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2009 Major Director: Joseph H. Porter Professor, Department of Psychology Due to its unique receptor binding profile and its relationship to clozapine, Ndesmethylclozapine (NDMC) has been examined as a possible antipsychotic drug (APD). Clozapine has been trained as discriminative stimulus in our lab, but NDMC has not yet been established as a discriminative stimulus. In experiment 1, 12 C57BL/6 mice were trained to discriminate 10.0 mg/kg NDMC from VEH using a standard-two lever operant procedure to assess antipsychotic substitution. The typical APD clozapine fully substituted for NDMC at 2 doses tested (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg), while typical APD haloperidol failed to substitute for NDMC. In Experiment 2, 11 mice were given repeated administration of
Nuclear-induced XeBr/asterisk/ photolytic laser model

Parameters for a photolytically pumped alkyl iodide lasant gas by the nuclear-induced XeBr excimer fluorescence are calculated according to a detailed kinetic model. High gain on the atomic iodine 2P1/2 state is estimated and 100-mJ pulses with an average power output on the order of 1 kW appear possible.
Cooperative path planning for multiple UAVs in dynamic and uncertain environments

This paper addresses the problem of cooperative path planning for a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The paths are optimized to account for uncertainty/adversaries in the environment by modeling the probability of UAV loss. The approach extends prior work by coupling the failure probabilities for each UAV to the selected missions for all other UAVs. In order to maximize the expected mission score, this stochastic formulation designs coordination plans that optimally exploit the coupling effects of cooperation between UAVs to improve survival probabilities. This allocation is shown to recover real-world air operations planning strategies, and to provide significant improvements over approaches that do not correctly account for UAV attrition. The algorithm is implemented in an approximate decomposition approach that uses straight-line paths to estimate the time-of-flight and risk for each mission. The task allocation for the UAVs is then posed as a mixed-integer linear program that can be solved using CPLEX.
Boundary-Scan Description Language (BSDL)

The chapter of IEEE/ANSI Standard 1149.1 titled “Conformance and Documentation Requirements,” [IEEE01] gives a list of items a designer of an 1149.1 component must document. This information must be provided to users of the component so they may effectively use the Boundary-Scan features. While this list is necessary, it is not sufficient in the practical sense that in nearly all cases software will be utilizing this data. Software cannot read specification documents generated by randomly chosen designers, each with a unique interpretation of the documentation requirements, each with a unique style. On top of this, the propensity of humans to overlook an item or two, or to make mistakes, is high.
Short-term survival and dispersal of hatchery-reared juvenile pallid sturgeon stocked in the channelized Missouri River

Summary In the summer and fall of 2014, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission crews monitored juvenile pallid sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus (Forbes & Richardson, 1905) (age-1 and age-4) implanted with telemetry tags that were stocked in a side channel of the Missouri River in Nebraska, USA to gain knowledge into post-stocking survival and dispersal. For this study, specific questions were asked: (i) what is the short-term survival of stocked pallid sturgeon, (ii) do pallid sturgeon stocked in summer exhibit decreased survival rates due to increased water temperatures or high river discharge, and (iii) how quickly do pallid sturgeon disperse from a stocking site? Detection histories for two rounds were used to estimate apparent survival (O) and detection (p) rates using maximum likelihood estimators based on the standard mark-recapture Cormack-Jolly-Seber model structure within program MARK. Overall apparent survival was 98.6% and dispersal was rapid; therefore, moratoriums on stocking pallid sturgeon during summer months or during high flow events do not appear to be warranted.
Multiple component chromospheric models for AR lacertae

Current models of stellar chromospheres match either the global flux in the far ultraviolet emission lines or the details of a global line profile in order to obtain the atmospheric temperature structure. With this, it has been possible to model the global energy balance and derive a solution to the globally averaged physical properties of stellar chromospheres. However, such one component models do not actually characterize the physical structures which comprise the chromosphere, only the apparent mean structure.
Genetic control of yeast mannan structure. Complementation studies and properties of mannan mutants.

Abstract Four Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan mutants have been analyzed to assess the effect of the mutations on the properties of the cells and to determine the complementation patterns. The mutants were defective in the formation of an α-1→3-mannosyltransferase (mnn1), two different α-1→2-mannosyltransferases (mnn2 and mnn3), and a mannosylphosphate transferase (mnn4). The latter mutant was obtained from S. cerevisiae 4484-24D, while the first three came from S. cerevisiae X2180-1A and X2180-1B in a previous study (Raschke, W. C., Kern, K. A., Antalis C., and Ballou, C. E. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 4660). These two parent strains possess easily distinguishable immunochemical determinants in their mannans, X2180 being characterized by a mannotetraose unit [αMan(1→3)αMan(1→2)αMan(1→2)Man] while 4484-24D has a mannosylphosphorylmannotriose unit [see PDF for equation] instead of the mannotetraose side chain. It was shown previously (Antalis, C., Fogel., S., and Ballou, C. E. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 4655) that the diploid cross between these two strains had on its surface mannan of the X2180 chemotype. We now find that the mnn1 mutants of X2180 make mannan of the 4484-24D chemotype, which indicates that the mannosylphosphate transferase gene is present in the X2180 strain but is not expressed on the cell surface in the presence of an active α-1→3-mannosyltransferase, either in the wild type X2180 haploid or in the heterozygous diploid of X2180 x 4484-24D. Thus, these two structural features of the mannan have an epistatic relationship, with the mannotetraose unit appearing to be dominant. The various mutant strains have been analyzed for their ability to bind alcian blue dye. Strain 4484-24D binds very strongly and X2180 very weakly, reflecting the relative surface accessibility of mannosylphosphate groups in their cell walls. On the other hand, the mutants lacking phosphate (4484-24D-1 because it had a defective mannosylphosphate transferase, and X2180-1A-5 because it made no side chains to which mannosylphosphate groups could be attached) did not bind the dye at all. Thus, in these strains of S. cerevisiae it is clear that the primary ability to bind this dye was directly related to the presence of mannosylphosphate groups on the cell surface or in the cell wall. The diploid formed from a cross of X2180-1A-5, and 4484-24D-1 had the properties of the X2180 wild type, while the X2180 mnn1 mutants bound the dye in a manner characteristic of the 4484-24D wild type, a result that is consistent with the increased amount or accessibility of the mannosylphosphate group in the mnn1 mutants. Tetrad analysis of the hybrid diploids obtained from crosses between the various mutants, and between the mutants and the wild type parent, gave preliminary evidence that mnn1, mnn2, and mnn4 mutants are not linked.
The Romanovs: Ruling Russia 1613–1917 – By Lindsey Hughes

This author's final book is a timely, balanced history that accentuates the cultural legacy of the dynasty that opened Russia's window to the West. Calling her book “a study of rulers and rulership...
Preservation of Foods by Drying

The preservation of foods by drying is based on the fact that microorganisms and enzymes need water in order to be active. In preserving foods by this method, one seeks to lower the moisture content to a point where the activities of food-spoilage and food-poisoning microorganisms are inhibited. Dried, desiccated, or low-moisture (LM) foods are those that generally do not contain more than 25% moisture and have an aw between 0.00 and 0.60. These are the traditional dried foods. Freeze-dried foods are also in this category. Another category of shelf-stable foods are those that contain between 15% and 50% moisture and an aw between 0.60 and 0.85. These are the intermediate-moisture (IM) foods. Some of the microbiological aspects of IM and LM foods are dealt with in this chapter.
Developing a formulary for enteral nutrition products

A formulary for enteral nutrition products was developed at a university hospital. Advice was solicited from clinical dietetics and the medical staff. Reported important product variables were osmolality, caloric density, protein content and source, fat content and source, freedom from lactose, and, for oral supplements, available flavors. Data were also obtained from manufacturers regarding the composition of their products. Products were categorized as follows: liquid supplemental feedings, high calorie supplemental feedings, isotonic tube feedings, high caloric/high nitrogen tube feedings, high nitrogen tube feedings, and blenderized tube feedings. Bids were solicited in April 1981 (and annually thereafter) from manufacturers of the classified enteral nutrition products, and a contract was signed with the manufacturer in each category submitting the lowest bid. In contrast with previous experience, there was no loss from outdated products during the first year of the formulary. Categorizing enteral nutrition products into therapeutic categories appears to be a workable method to limit the number of products used in a hospital, thereby potentially decreasing inventory, waste, and hospital costs. The descriptive category titles also may encourage rational use of these products without promoting allegiance to a particular company or product.
The Effect of Contact Pressure and Test-Foot Sliding on Slip Resistance: Experimental Results

Since the inception of interest in friction, the effect, if any, of contact pressure has been investigated. DaVinci, Amontons, and Coulomb, three early investigators, found no effect. The development of interest in walkway safety tribometry, the measurement of friction at the shoe-bottom/walking-surface interface, suggests a reassessment of the applicability of Amontons-Coulomb because the shoe bottom is resilient and because the interface between the shoe bottom and the walkway surface is frequently contaminated, for example, with a liquid such as water. In any such reassessment, the relationship between contact pressure and the friction coefficient becomes worthy of attention. Contact pressures in normal walking can vary upwards from a few psi to over a thousand psi (heelstrike in high-heeled shoes). This paper will explore the historical background and experimental research in the literature and present the results of our experiments which explore the relationships between contact pressure and friction. The effect on friction of test-foot sliding is experimentally analyzed. The relationship between the tribological results presented here and real-world walkway safety are discussed. The effect of test-foot polishing is analyzed. Future areas of investigation are discussed.
Use of the Berthelot Reaction in the Automated Analysis of Serum Urea Nitrogen

A method is presented for the automated determination of urea nitrogen using the Berthelot reaction for measuring the ammonia released by the enzymatic action of urease. The method compares favorably with the automated diacetyl monoxime method and employs less dangerous and less expensive reagents.
The effect of structure of Mannich base prodrugs of 6-mercaptopurine on their ability to deliver 6-mercaptopurine through hairless mouse skin

Abstract Mannich base prodrugs of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) have been prepared and evaluated for their ability to deliver 6-MP through hairless mouse skin from isopropyl myristate (IPM) and dimethylformamide (DMF). For a series of straight chain dialkylaminomethyl derivatives (Mannich bases) of 6-MP their ability to enhance the delivery of 6-MP was not related to their solubility in the vehicle; the least soluble member of the series was the second most effective prodrug. The best derivative was the dipropylaminomethyl derivative which delivered 6-MP over 180 times faster than 6-MP from IPM or over 3 times faster than the best acyloxymethyl-6-MP derivatives from IPM. Although the Mannich bases were stable in IPM, when suspensions of the Mannich bases in IPM were applied to mouse skin in diffusion cells they underwent decomposition to 6-MP during the diffusion experiments. However, apparent steady-state rates of delivery of 6-MP by the Mannich bases could be determined by using very high suspension concentrations or by applying fresh suspensions every 6–12 hours. Although two of the Mannich bases were several orders of magnitude more soluble in DMF than in IPM, either only a small increase or a small decrease in rate of delivery of 6-MP from DMF compared to IPM was observed. The prodrugs/IPM did not, while the prodrugs/DMF did appear to cause more irreversible damage to the skin than the vehicles themselves as determined by second application experiments.
Lecture-size molecular models with magnetic couplings

Describes the design and use of large, lecture-size molecular models held together by magnetic couplings.
In-sample and out-of-sample properties of linear and nonlinear Taylor rules

Abstract This paper examines the in-sample and out-of-sample properties of linear and nonlinear Taylor rules using real-time US data. We find that: (i) in-sample and out-of-sample performance measures generally select the same functional form for the Taylor rule and that (ii) the form of the Taylor rule differs across the pre-Greenspan and Greenspan sample periods. However, when we compare the out-of-sample forecasting performance of the Taylor rules to those of univariate models of the federal funds rate, we find it quite interesting that the univariate models forecast better than the Taylor rules after, but not before, 1979.
SELF-ASSESSMENT MATERIALS FOR USE IN PORTFOLIOS

ABSTRACT The issue of how to develop student, class or teaching portfolios in mathematics is a murky one because so much of the evaluation in mathematics classes has heretofore been “summative” or based on tests, which cannot demonstrate how learning is occurring. Suggested here are (1) self-assessment assignments which ask students to report on their own learning, and (2) methods for building class, teaching, or student portfolios from this information. While these techniques have a natural affinity with collaborative learning techniques and are not necessarily original, they have been tweaked to include the added variable of self-reflection. Hopefully these assignments will serve as a springboard to motivate the instructor to experiment with more individualistically-suited assessment projects, compatible with the paradigm of the interactive classroom.
Effect of increased atmospheric CO2 on shallow water marine benthos

[1] The decision to sequester CO2 in the deep ocean should ultimately be based not only upon what would happen to deep sea marine biota but also upon what would happen to surface organisms if nothing were done to limit atmospheric CO2. Thus such a decision should be based on a proper understanding of long-term chronic effects, from the global-scale perturbation in near-surface ocean CO2, in addition to acute effects, from large local increases in CO2 caused by purposeful sequestration. Here we focus on the long-term chronic effects of CO2 on shallow water benthic organisms that have calcium carbonate shells. With two duplicate 6 month manipulative experiments, we demonstrate that a 200 ppm increase in CO2 adversely affects the growth of both gastropods and sea urchins. Thus even moderate increases in atmospheric CO2 that could well be reached by the middle of this century will adversely affect shallow water marine benthic organisms. This provides another reason, beyond concerns for climate, to enhance efforts to limit increases in atmospheric CO2 to the lowest possible levels.
Characterization of individual nanomagnets by the local Hall effect

Abstract We describe a straightforward approach to the characterization of individual thin-film NiFe ferromagnets, useful from cryogenic to room temperature. The technique is based upon the local Hall effect (LHE), in which strong fringe fields present near the edge of a ferromagnet induce a Hall voltage in a nanoscale semiconducting cross-junction. Hysteresis loops are obtained for individual nanomagnets of widths ranging from 1 μm to less than 100 nm. The LHE is an intrinsically non-perturbative technique, ideal for application to soft ferromagnetic systems. We anticipate that the theoretical sensitivity of this arrangement can rival that of thin-film SQUID susceptometers, with the added benefit that it is simpler and does not require low temperatures.
Nutritional dwarfing: growth, dieting, and fear of obesity.

(1988). Nutritional dwarfing: growth, dieting, and fear of obesity. Journal of the American College of Nutrition: Vol. 7, No. 5, pp. 367-76.
The role of ion optics modeling in the design and development of ion mobility spectrometers

Detection of trace gases by ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) has become common in recent years. In fact, IMS devices are the most commonly deployed military devices for the detection of classical chemical warfare agents (CWA). IMS devices are protecting the homeland by aiding first responders in the identification of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and providing explosive and narcotic screening systems. Spurred by the asymmetric threat posed by new threat agents and the ever expanding list of toxic chemicals, research in the development, improvement, and optimization of IMS systems has increased. Much of the research is focused on increasing the sensitivity and selectivity of IMS systems. Ion optics is a large area of study in the field of mass spectrometry, but has been mostly overlooked in the design and development of IMS systems. Ion optics provides insight into particle trajectories, duty cycle, and efficiency of these systems. This paper will outline the role that ion optics can have in the development of IMS systems and introduce the trade space for traditional IMS as well as differential mobility spectroscopy.
Detection of Copying on Multiple-Choice Tests: An Update

Six years ago, we (Bellezza & Bellezza, 1989) suggested a procedure for the statistical detection of copying after the administration of multiple-choice tests. In this update, we outline several issues not fully discussed in our earlier article. These include other measures for detecting cheating and the importance of establishing appropriate probabilities of false detection.
SU‐FF‐T‐321: Spatial and Contrast Resolution of a New Electronic Portal Imaging Device

Purpose: A new amorphous silicon portal imager has become available which can be operated in two spatial resolution modes and can gate the beam to avoid irradiating the patient during imager dead time. This study will evaluate the spatial and contrast resolution of this device. Method and Materials: A diagnostic imaging phantom was placed near isocenter of a megavoltage linac and the portal imager was located 40 cm below the phantom. Near the center of the phantom are 21 groups of five bars and four spaces of various widths. Around the perimeter of the phantom are 18 circular details of various thicknesses. Spatial resolution was determined by locating the highest frequency pattern that could be resolved in the portal images. Contrast resolution, dominated by photon statistics, was evaluated qualitatively by comparing the number of contrast details visible in images of two to eight MU for each scanning mode. Results: With the imager in half resolution mode neighboring pixels are binned together resulting in pixels that project to approximately 0.6 mm at isocenter. In this mode 0.8 line pairs/mm can be resolved. In the un-binned mode the spatial resolution is increased to only 0.9 line pairs/mm, as the focal spot size of the accelerator begins to dominate the resolution. Contrast resolution is shown to depend on integrated dose. When the imager holds the beam during readout dead time photons are collected more efficiently and contrast resolution for a given MU set is improved compared to the ungated acquisition. Conclusion: Operation of the imager in full resolution mode results in modest improvements in spatial resolution. Contrast resolution for a given MU set is improved by the imager's ability to gate the beam during readout dead time.
Trace Rare-Earth Element analysis of briny groundwaters

Rare-Earth Element (REE) concentrations in briny groundwaters are very low, and range from ppb to ppt levels. REE can be measured at these low levels using prechemistry to concentrate the REE, postchemistry as an REE group separation following neutron activation, and reactivation for chemical yields. The brine solutions appear to be stable with respect to trace elements (such as the REE) over the four years of sample storage. The brine REE patterns are highly fractionated from light REE to heavy REE, including a negative Eu anomaly. The REE patterns appear to be characteristic of each formation and its source region.
Superresolving optical microscope by means of two-photon entanglement

We propose a two-photon imaging system and formulate the property of the system into an image-formation formulae. The idea of two-photon image-formation, in which the entangled photon pairs are utilized, unveils the possibility of the advancement in resolution. We show that the two-photon microscopy beats the diffraction limit and discuss the resolution of this high-resolving optical system.
Key technologies for high-accuracy large mesh antenna reflectors

Abstract Nippon Telephone and Telegram Corporation (NTT) continues to develop the modular mesh-type deployable antenna. Antenna diameter can be changed from 5 m to about 20 m by changing the number of modules used with surface accuracy better than 2.4 mm RMS (including all error factors) with sufficient deployment reliability. Key technologies are the antenna's structural design, the deployment mechanism, the design tool, the analysis tool, and modularized testing/evaluation methods. This paper describes our beam steering mechanism. Tests show that it yields a beam pointing accuracy of better than 0.1°. Based on the S-band modular mesh antenna reflector, the surface accuracy degradation factors that must be considered in designing the new antenna are partially identified. The influence of modular connection errors on surface accuracy is quantitatively estimated. Our analysis tool SPADE is extended to include the addition of joint gaps. The addition of gaps allows non-linear vibration characteristics due to gapping in deployment hinges to be calculated. We intend to design a new type of mesh antenna reflector. Our new goal is an antenna for Ku or Ka band satellite communication. For this mission, the surface shape must be 5 times more accurate than is required for an S-band antenna.
Characterizing relevance with eye-tracking measures

Relevance, a fundamental concept in information search and retrieval, is 80-years old [4]. The recent decades have been ripe with work that brought a much better understanding of this rich concept. Yet, we still don't know which cognitive and affective processes are involved in relevance judgments. Empirical work that tackles these questions is scarce. This paper aims to contribute toward better understanding of cognitive processing of text documents at different degrees of relevance. Our approach takes advantage of a direct relationship between eye movement patterns, pupil size and cognitive processes, such as mental effort and attention. We examine gaze-based metrics in relation to individual word processing and reading text documents in the context of a constricted information search tasks. The findings indicate that text document processing depends on document relevance and on the user-perceived relevance. Statistical analyses show that relevant documents tended to be continuously read, while irrelevant documents tended to be scanned. Most eye-tracking-based measures indicate cognitive effort to be highest for partially relevant documents and lowest for irrelevant documents. However, pupil dilation indicates cognitive effort to be higher for relevant than partially relevant documents. Classification of selected eye-tracking measures show that an accuracy of 70-75% can be achieved for predicting binary relevance. These results show a promise for implicit relevance feedback.
The Treatment of Solvent in Multiscale Biophysical Modeling

Different approaches for treating the solvent in biophysical simulations are reviewed. They include explicit atomistic (classical fixed-charge, polarizable, or ab initio), explicit coarse-grained (polarizable or not), and implicit approaches (dielectric-based or empirical). The solvent is usually an aqueous electrolyte solution, but it can also be an aqueous mixture or heterogeneous, as in micelles and lipid bilayers. The treatment of the solvent is tied to that of the solute, with implicit solvation exhibiting the highest versatility. Applications of implicit and coarse-grained solvent modeling include a wide range of biological processes, such as protein folding, ligand binding, lipid self-assembly, and transmembrane translocation. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed and thoughts are offered on the optimal choice of method for different problems.
Repeated administration of opioids alters characteristics of membrane-bound phorbol ester binding in rat brain

Abstract Scatchard analysis of saturation binding data indicated that dissociation constant ( K D ) of [ 3 H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) binding to the membrane-bound protein kinase C of rat cortex and midbrain was significantly decreased following systematic repeated administration of morphine (μ-opioid receptor agonist) and butorphanol (μ/δ/κ-mixed opioid receptor agonist). No change in the receptor density ( B max ) of [ 3 H]PDB binding was found following repeated treatment with morphine and butorphanol. On the other hand, neither the B max nor K D values in pons/medulla were altered in these rats. These results suggest that systematic repeated opioid treatment, such as morphine and butorphanol leads to an increased affinity for phorbol ester binding to the membrane-bound protein kinase C in rat cortex and midbrain.