cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study of fuzzy clustering within the IGSCR framework

The iterative guided spectral class rejection (IGSCR) classification algorithm uses an underlying clustering method and a decision rule to arrive at final classifications for remotely sensed data. Previous versions of IGSCR have used a hard clustering method such as k-means or ISODATA. In an effort to ultimately create a fuzzy version of IGSCR, this work uses an underlying fuzzy clustering algorithm within the IGSCR framework to study the effects of using the fuzzy clustering algorithm. IGSCR with fuzzy k-means was applied to a Landsat ETM+ satellite image to produce a two class classification (forest and nonforest), and results show that although fuzzy k-means did not lead to increased accuracy, the classification results are dramatically different for IGSCR using traditional k-means and fuzzy k-means.
Mathematical Modeling of Aerosol Collection in Fluidized-Bed Filters

In this work, an improved model for aerosol collection in fluidized-bed filters is developed. Based on the multistage three-phase concept of fluidization, a simple yet realistic model is presented. This model takes into account the major hydrodynamic aspects of fluidization as well as the various collection mechanisms. The model equations are solved analytically. Thus, compared with earlier studies, the present work offers the advantage of providing a physically consistent mathematical description that can be solved without the need to employ cumbersome numerical procedures. The model predictions agree reasonably well with the data for aerosol filtration in fluidized beds. The proposed analysis is then used to investigate the influence of various design and operating parameters on the bed collection efficiency. It is shown that for the systems examined in this work, fluidized filters are most efficient for aerosol particles smaller than 0.01 μm or larger than 100 μm. The overall collection efficiency can ...
Adaptive beamforming with TDI CCD-based true-time-delay processing

We present an adaptation of the BEAMTAP (Broadband and Efficient Adaptive Method for True-time-delay Array Processing) algorithm, previously developed for wideband phased array radars, to lower bandwidth applications such as sonar. This system utilizes the emerging time or wavelength multiplexed optical hydro-phone sensors and processes the cohered array of signals in the optical domain without conversion to the electronic domain or digitization. Modulated signals from an optical hydro-phone array are pre- processed then imaged through a photorefractive crystal where they interfere with a reference signal and its delayed replicas. The diffraction of the sonar signals off these adaptive weight gratings and detection on a linear time- delay-and-integrate charge coupled device (TDI CCD) completes the true-time-delay (TTD) beamforming process. Optical signals focused on different regions of the TDI CCD accumulate the appropriate delays necessary to synchronize and coherently sum the acoustic signals arriving at various angles on the hydro-phone array. In this paper, we present an experimental demonstration of TTD processing of low frequency signals (in the KHz sonar regime) using a TDI CCD tapped delay line. Simulations demonstrating the performance of the overall system are also presented.
Merit and race

The stigma which the Nazi ideology hasburned into all forms of racism is now beginning to fade together with the memories of Nazi extermination camps. The current wave of revisionist historical thinking about Hitler has also stimulated second thoughts about racism. And, indeed, Nazi anti-semitism was really rather atypical: it is dubious whether the Jews are a race; the racial inferiority the Nazis accused them of lay not so much in their supposed lesser ability as rather in their inferior mores: egoism, greed, sexual depravity, ritual murder, designs to dominate the world, and so on; and finally, Nazi racism was extreme in its discriminatory practice, involving genocide where most other forms of racism are satisfied with more modest aims, such as discrimination in immigration, education, exclusion from certain walks of life and jobs, various forms of segregation, or prohibition of intermarriage. Indeed, in recent years, many people attracted by racism have refrained from appeals to prejudice and hatred. Instead they tried to find rational support for racism in the sciences that study race, anthropology and biology. Unfortunately, as with the proofs of the existence/nonexistence of God, so with the proofs of racial equality/inequality: those who already believe tend to persuade themselves that the available evidence amounts to proof, or (because they want to believe) continue to look for better evidence, meanwhile clinging to their convictions on what favorable evidence they already have or on what they are willing to construe as such. In this paper I am concerned, not indeed to add to the already vast literature about the merits of the relevant scientific findings, but rather to examine the reasoning by which such findings, whether sound or not , can be brought to bear on certain issues of racism. 1 My paper has two parts. The first delineates the
Deviation-Based Contextual SLIM Recommenders

Context-aware recommender systems (CARS) help improve the effectiveness of recommendations by adapting to users' preferences in different contextual situations. One approach to CARS that has been shown to be particularly effective is Context-Aware Matrix Factorization (CAMF). CAMF incorporates contextual dependencies into the standard matrix factorization (MF) process, where users and items are represented as collections of weights over various latent factors. In this paper, we introduce another CARS approach based on an extension of matrix factorization, namely, the Sparse Linear Method (SLIM). We develop a family of deviation-based contextual SLIM (CSLIM) recommendation algorithms by learning rating deviations in different contextual conditions. Our CSLIM approach is better at explaining the underlying reasons behind contextual recommendations, and our experimental evaluations over five context-aware data sets demonstrate that these CSLIM algorithms outperform the state-of-the-art CARS algorithms in the top-N recommendation task. We also discuss the criteria for selecting the appropriate CSLIM algorithm in advance based on the underlying characteristics of the data.
Localization of calcium and barium in toad retina by secondary ion mass spectrometry.

Abstract Calcium and barium are found in melanin granules of toad retinal pigment epithelial cells and choroidal melanocytes. Calcium, but not barium, was found in photoreceptor outer segments and this suggests that barium may not serve a major role in the normal processes of dark adaptation in vertebrate photoreceptors.
Regional Credit Market for Species Conservation: Developing the Fort Hood Recovery Credit System

In 2005, Fort Hood Military Reservation (Fort Hood, TX, USA) staff sought assistance from the Texas Department of Agriculture and several partner organizations to develop a mitigation approach that included the ability to mitigate temporary impacts to habitat through temporary mitigation agreements with private landowners. Fort Hood, which is home to the largest known population of the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia; warbler), was at that time facing increased demands for military training activities that had the potential to disturb, but not likely destroy warbler habitat. Texas Department of Agriculture assembled an advisory committee and 3 stakeholder committees (science, economics, and policy), and tasked them with developing a cost-efficient system that provided the desired mitigation, while also contributing to the recovery of the warbler. The resulting Recovery Credit System (RCS) enabled Fort Hood to purchase both permanent and temporary credits that represent habitat conservation actions from private landowners for use to mitigate impacts on the installation. We describe our experiences developing and implementing the RCS and briefly discuss new regional credit markets now underway or in development in Utah, USA, for the Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens); in Texas for the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus), golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla), and lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus); and in Colorado, USA, for the greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Adaptation of orbital bleeding technic to rapid serial blood studies.

SummaryAdaptation of orbital bleeding procedure to rapid, serial blood sampling of mice and other small laboratory animals has been made. Blood (0.2 ml) is collected in disposable, heparinized micropipettes by rupturing the fragile opthalmic venous plexus with tip of blood collection tube. The tube may be sealed and centrifuged for hematocrit determination and plasma separation for enzyme or other biochemical studies. Bleeding procedure for a mouse requires less than 30 seconds, and 100 mice can be bled and processed by a technician in about 1I/2 hours. Appropriate illustrations demonstrate technical details of procedure.
Current Dyspnea Among Long-Term Survivors of Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction Dyspnea is common among lung cancer patients. As most studies of dyspnea have reviewed patients with active cancer or immediately after treatment, its prevalence during the longer-term period once treatment has been completed is not well characterized. This study quantifies the prevalence of dyspnea among lung cancer survivors and identifies potential correlates that may be amenable to intervention. Methods Cross-sectional survey of 342 patients with disease-free, stage I, non-small cell lung cancer, assessed 1 to 6 years after surgical resection. Dyspnea was quantified using the Baseline Dyspnea Index. Any moderate/strenuous physical activity was measured using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. Mood disorder symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine demographic, medical, and health-related correlates of dyspnea. Results Mean age was 68.9 years. Average predicted preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 89.0%. Current dyspnea, defined by a Baseline Dyspnea Index score of 9 or less, existed among 205 (60%) individuals. For 133 (65%) of these patients, dyspnea was absent preoperatively. Multivariate correlates of current dyspnea included preoperative dyspnea (odds ratio [OR] = 5.31), preoperative diffusing capacity (OR = 0.98), lack of moderate/strenuous physical activity (OR = 0.41), and the presence of clinically significant depression symptoms (OR = 4.10). Conclusions Dyspnea is common 1 to 6 years after lung cancer resection, and is associated with the presence of preoperative dyspnea, reduced diffusing capacity, clinically significant depression symptoms, and lack of physical activity. Further research is needed to test whether strategies that identify and treat patients with these conditions attenuate dyspnea among lung cancer survivors.
Demonstration and characterization of cysteine sulfoxide lyase in the cruciferae

Abstract An enzyme which degrades cysteine sulfoxides has been found in members of the genus Brassica of the family Cruciferae. The name 3-alkylsulphinylalanine alkyl sulphenate lyase (deaminating) (cysteine sulfoxide lyase) is proposed for this enzyme. 1 The enzyme has been purified about eleven-fold from broccoli buds. The broccoli lyase is similar in its mode of action to alliinase which has been described in Allium species. The pH optimum of the broccoli enzyme is between 8·4 and 8·6 in borate buffer. The products of the reaction are pyruvate, ammonia, and alkyl alkane thiosulfinates. The Km is 2·7 × 10 −3 M with l -methylsulphinylalanine as the substrate. Studies with acetone powders and aged preparations, and inhibition studies indicate that pyridoxal-5′-phosphate is a coenzyme. s -methyl- l -cysteine was not a substrate, nor did it inhibit the reaction when present in equimolar concentration with the sulfoxide. Equimolar amounts of l -cysteic acid and l -cysteine sulfinic acid resulted in inhibitions of 30–40 per cent in the utilization of l -methylsulphinylalanine.
Kinetics evaluation of using biomimetic IPMC actuators for stable bipedal locomotion

Ionic conducting polymer-metal composites (IPMC) are flexible actuators that can act as artificial muscles in many robotic and microelectromechanical systems. The authors have already investigated the possibility of kinematically stable bipedal locomotion using these actuators. Fabrication parameters of actuators including minimum lengths, installation angles, plating thicknesses and maximum required voltages were found in previous studies for a stable bipedal gait with maximum speed of 0.1093 m/s. Extending the FEA solution of the governing partial differential equation of the behavior of IPMCs to 2D, actuator limits were found. Considering these limits, joint path trajectories were generated to achieve a fast and smooth motion on a seven-degree of freedom biped robot. This study utilizes the same biped model, and focuses on the kinetics of the proposed gait in order to complement the evaluation of using IPMCs as biomimetic actuators for bipedal locomotion. The dynamic equations of motion of the previously designed bipedal gait are solved here to find the maximum required joint torques. Blocking force of a flap of IPMC is found by plugging results of the FEA into a model based on beam theories. This force adequately predicts the maximum deliverable torque of a piece of IPMC with certain length. Feasibility of using IPMCs as joint actuators is then evaluated by comparing the required and achievable torques. This study concludes the previous work to cover feasibility, stability and design of a biped robot actuated with IPMC flaps.
Accelerating K-Means clustering with parallel implementations and GPU computing

K-Means clustering is a popular unsupervised machine learning method which has been used in diverse applications including image processing, information retrieval, social sciences and weather forecasting. However, clustering is computationally expensive especially when applied to large datasets. In this paper, we explore accelerating the performance of K-means clustering using three approaches: 1) shared memory using OpenMP, 2) distributed memory with message passing (MPI), and 3) heterogeneous computing with NVIDIA Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) programmed with CUDA-C. While others have looked at accelerating K-means clustering, this is the first study that compares these different approaches. In addition, K-means performance is very sensitive to the initial means chosen. We evaluate different initializations in parallel and choose the best one to use for the entire algorithm. We evaluate results on a range of images from small (300×300 pixels) to large (1164×1200 pixel). Our results show that all three parallel programming approaches give speed-up, with the best results obtained by OpenMP for smaller images and CUDA-C for larger ones. Each of these approaches gives approximately thirty times overall speed-up compared to a sequential implementation of K-means. In addition, our parallel initialization gives an additional 1.5 to 2.5 times speed-up over the accelerated parallel versions.
Exploration of the environments of nearby stars with the NICMOS coronagraph: instrumental performance considerations

The Near IR Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS), installed into the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in February 1997, incorporates a coronagraphic imaging capability. The coronagraph is comprised of two optical elements. The camera 2 field divider mirror, upon which the HST f/24 input beam is imaged, includes a 170 micrometers diameter hole which contains approximately 93 percent of the encircled energy from a stellar Point Spread Function (PSF) at a wavelength of 1.6 micrometers . The coronagraphic hole lowers both the diffracted energy in the surrounding region by reducing the high spatial frequency components of the occulted core of the PSF< and down stream scattering. The geometrical radius of this occulting spot, when re-imaged through the camera 2 f/45 optics, is approximately 4 pixels at the detector focal plane. An oversized cold pupil-plane mask, with radial structures co-aligned with the HST secondary mirror spider, acts over the whole 19.1 inch by 19.2 field to further reduce the diffracted energy in the direction of the spider vanes. The absolute performance levels of the coronagraph were ascertained during the servicing mission observatory verification program. Using a differential imaging strategy we expect to achieve statistically significant detectors of sub-stellar companions at 1.6 micrometers with a (Delta) H of approximately 10 and separations as close as 0.5 inch. The NICMOS environments of nearby stars programs is exploiting this capability in systematic surveys of nearby, and young stars searching for brown dwarfs and giant planets, and protoplanetary disks around main-sequence stars.
Bayesian inference for pairwise interacting point processes

Pairwise interacting point processes are commonly used to model spatial point patterns. To perform inference, the established frequentist methods can produce good point estimates when the interaction in the data is moderate, but some methods may produce severely biased estimates when the interaction in strong. Furthermore, because the sampling distributions of the estimates are unclear, interval estimates are typically obtained by parametric bootstrap methods. In the current setting however, the behavior of such estimates is not well understood. In this article we propose Bayesian methods for obtaining inferences in pairwise interacting point processes. The requisite application of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques is complicated by an intractable function of the parameters in the likelihood. The acceptance probability in a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm involves the ratio of two likelihoods evaluated at differing parameter values. The intractable functions do not cancel, and hence an intractable ratio r must be estimated within each iteration of a Metropolis-Hastings sampler. We propose the use of importance sampling techniques within MCMC to address this problem. While r may be estimated by other methods, these, in general, are not readily applied in a Bayesian setting. We demonstrate the validity of our importance sampling approach with a small simulation study. Finally, we analyze the Swedish pine sapling dataset (Strand 1972) and contrast the results with those in the literature.
First-passage times for non-Markovian processes: Multivalued noise.

A new method for the calculation of first-passage times for non-Markovian processes is presented. In addition to the general formalism, some familiar examples are worked out in detail.
On solvability and unique solvability of two-point singular boundary value problems

Abstract For the differential equation u ″ = f ( t , u , u ′ ) , where the function f : ( a , b ) × R 2 → R has nonintegrable singularities with respect to the time variable at t = a and t = b , new unimprovable sufficient conditions of solvability and unique solvability of the boundary value problems u ( a ) = 0 , u ( b ) = 0 and u ( a ) = 0 , u ′ ( b ) = 0 are established.
A lower bound on the essential dimension of simple algebras

Let p be a prime integer and F a field of characteristic different from p. We prove that the essential p-dimension edpCSA(pr) of the class CSA(pr) of central simple algebras of degree pr is at least (r−1)pr+1. The integer edpCSA(pr) measures complexity of the class of central simple algebras of degree pr over field extensions of F.
SNARE Protein Trafficking in Polarized MDCK Cells

A key feature of polarized epithelial cells is the ability to maintain the specific biochemical composition of the apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains. This polarity is generated and maintained by the continuous sorting of apical and basolateral components in the secretory and endocytic pathways. Soluble N-ethyl maleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNARE) proteins of vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) and syntaxin families have been suggested to play a role in the biosynthetic transport to the apical and basolateral plasma membranes of polarized cells, where they likely mediate membrane fusion. To investigate the involvement of SNARE proteins in membrane trafficking to the apical and basolateral plasma membrane in the endocytic pathway we have monitored the recycling of various VAMP and syntaxin molecules between intracellular compartments and the two plasma membrane domains in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Here we show that VAMP8/endobrevin cycles through the apical but not through the basolateral plasma membrane. Furthermore, we found that VAMP8 localizes to apical endosomal membranes in nephric tubule epithelium and in MDCK cells. This asymmetry in localization and cycling behavior suggests that VAMP8/endobrevin may play a role in apical endosomal trafficking in polarized epithelium cells.
Gradient-Zone Erosion by Extraction in Solar Ponds

The erosion of the dynamically stable gradient zone of a salinity-gradient solar pond, due to the extraction of fluid from the storage zone, is numerically investigated. The effects of fluid withdrawal rate, density stratification level, pond and diffuser geometries, and diffuser placement are considered. It is found, for a typical salinity-gradient solar pond with uniform salinity in the storage zone and a continuous salinity gradient above that a finite amount of fluid entrainment from the gradient zone is inevitable. That is, a finite density difference across the interface is always required for a finite extraction rate under steady-state conditions. The magnitude of the density difference is predicted as a function of the geometric and flow parameters. From the results, it is possible to predict the total amount of fluid entrained from the gradient zone as the pond reaches steady-state for prescribed operating conditions.
Corning ULE glass can meet P-37 specifications

Corning ULE® glass is a binary SiO 2 + TiO 2 composition formed directly using a flame hydrolysis process. ULE possesses a very low thermal expansion range that can also be accurately adjusted for various applications including EUV photolithography. For ULE to be used for mask blanks and optics applications, it is also necessary that the material be capable of meeting stringent flatness and roughness specifications. For ULE, small compositional striations have been shown to affect the surface quality by inducing mid-spatial frequency roughness during polishing. Therefore, the main challenge has been to reduce mid-spatial frequency roughness to an acceptably low level by diminishing compositional striations present in the glass. Recently, a combination of predictive modeling and experimentation has resulted in a process that reduces striae to the levels needed for EUV masks and optics. These models have enhanced the fundamental understanding of the glass forming process, leading to process adjustments both in oscillation patterns and additional thermal treatments producing glass with improved striae characteristics. ULE masks with reduced striae have been polished to mid-spatial frequency roughness peak-to-valley levels of less than 8 nm. This sub-8 nm topography accounts for less than 20% of the total 50 nm flatness error budget allowable for EUVL masks. These results indicate that Corning's ULE product can meet the P-37 surface finishing specifications, and combined with ULE's superior CTE performance is positioned as the material of choice for EUV mask blanks.
Deprotonation of cationic tungsten(IV) aqua-oxo-alkyne complexes to form dioxo-vinyl tungsten(VI) complexes.

Chiral tungsten(IV) aqua−oxo−alkyne complexes, [Tp‘W(O)(H2O)(RC⋮CR)][OTf] (R = H (1); R = Me (2)); (Tp‘ = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate; OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate), have been prepared by halide abstraction from iodide precursors. These cationic complexes have been characterized with triflate as the counteranion. The tautomeric dihydroxo isomer has not been observed. The neutral triflate adduct Tp‘W(O)(OTf)(HC⋮CH) (3) has also been isolated. Cationic complexes 1 and 2 undergo deprotonation and isomerization when exposed to Al2O3 to give the dioxo−vinyl compounds Tp‘W(O)2(CHCH2) (6) and Tp‘W(O)2[C(Me)C(H)(Me)] (7), reflecting the conversion of the WIV(OH)(RC⋮CR) fragment to WVI(O)(RCCHR). The presumed intermediates, neutral oxo−hydroxo compounds Tp‘W(O)(OH)(RC⋮CR) (R = H (9); R = Me (10)), can be accessed by deprotonation of 1 or 2 with NaOH. Conversion of 9 to 6 was achieved thermally upon heating at 100 °C for 2 days. X-ray structural data have provided solid-state structures of both the ...
User-friendly systems instead of user-friendly front-ends

Most commercial online retrieval systems are not designed to service end users and, therefore, have often built “front-ends” to their systems specifically to serve the end-user market. These front-ends have not been well accepted, mostly because the underlying systems are still difficult for end users to use successfully in searching. New techniques, based on statistical methods, that allow natural language input and return lists of records in order of likely relevance, have long been available from research laboratories. This article presents four prototype implementations of these statistical retrieval systems that demonstrate their potential as powerful and easily used retrieval systems able to service all users.
A covalent fluorescence probe based on excited-state proton transfer.

Abstract The lactone (I) of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaleneacetic acid was developed as a reagent for novel, highly efficient, covalent attachment of an excited-state proton transfer fluorescence probe (i.e. 2-naphthol) to protein amino groups. The lactone (I) was shown to react with amines faster than it was hydrolyzed. Reaction of the lactone (I) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was faster than its reaction with corresponding concentrations of small organic amines, which suggested that the lactone (I) first adsorbed to BSA and subsequently reacted covalently; data are presented which suggest that this covalent binding occurs at a unique, single site on BSA (i.e., affinity labeling). Equilibrium studies involving instantaneous and time-dependent fluorescence changes were interpreted in terms of a 1:1 lactone:BSA labeling ratio at neutral pH. Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy of the 1:1 lactone:BSA conjugate and of the conjugate of the lactone with glycine ethyl ester were recorded, compared and interpreted in terms of the microenvironment of the protein-bound fluorescence probe. Applications are suggested for use of this new and powerful procedure for study of the conformational changes and molecular interactions in other proteins.
Effect of surrounding inhomogeneities on whispering gallery modes in spherical resonators

The Amsterdam discrete dipole approximation (ADDA) is used to study the effects of an inhomogeneous refractive index in the surrounding medium of a microspherical resonator on the quality and position of the whispering gallery modes (WGMs). The model consists of a polystyrene microsphere with a refractive index, n, of 1.587 surrounded by water (n=1.333) and an inhomogeneity (n=1.5) on top of the microsphere. The effect of the area of the inhomogeneity on the WGMs is modeled using the ADDA code and compared with Lorenz–Mie code. WGMs of various quantum dot embedded microspheres mounted on atomic force microscope cantilevers are experimentally measured and shown to be consistent with the model.
Are n-3 fatty acids still cardioprotective?

Purpose of reviewSeveral recent randomized trials and subsequent meta-analyses have questioned the value of n-3 fatty acid supplementation in cardiovascular disease risk reduction.Recent findingsThis report focuses on four clinical trials published between 2010 and 2012 that have failed to show bene
Dispersion and deposition of particles in a turbulent pipe flow with sudden expansion

Abstract Numerical simulations of dispersion and deposition of particles in an axisymmetric turbulent pipe flow with sudden expansion are performed. The cases that particles of different sizes are released from point sources and/or are uniformly distributed are studied. The effects of turbulence diffusion, Brownian dispersion, lift force, and gravity are included in the computational model. A thermodynamically consistent, rate-dependent algebraic stress model is used to simulate the mean velocity and turbulent intensity fields. The instantaneous fluctuating velocity is simulated as a continuous Gaussian random vector field. The Brownian force is modeled as a Gaussian white noise random process. Ensembles of several thousand particle trajectories are evaluated and are statistically analyzed. The effects of particle source location, particle size, and gravity on dispersion and deposition are studied. The particle capture efficiency for an initially uniform distribution is also evaluated. The predicted particle and fluid velocities are compared with the available experimental data and reasonable agreement is observed.
Behavior therapy: Problems in Generalization

The often seen relapses after various forms of behavior therapy are related, in part, to a generalization-decrement phenomenon. Various means of increasing generalization were sought by reviewing experiments in generalization and transfer of training. In particular, conditioning at an unaware or noncognitive level is considered an important means of minimizing the generalization decrement. Examples of behavior therapy wherein learning without awareness is inadvertently employed are given.
Theoretical and computational basis for drug bioavailability determinations using pharmacological data. II. Drug input ⇄ response relationships

Mathematical expressions and approaches to the computation of rates and extents of drug bioavailability for implementation on analog and digital computers are derived. The equivalency of expressions derived on the basis of assuming compartment models to an approach based on using experimentally determined weighting functions is demonstrated. The relative merits of the two techniques are discussed: their application for use with temporal pharmacological data is emphasized. The applicability of the computational techniques to determining the availability of drugs at local sites of action (biophasic availability) and to computing preabsorptive drug release into the gastrointestinal contents (gastrointestinal bioavailability) is pointed out. An approach to computationally predicting in vivo blood level or pharmacological response vs. time profiles from in vitro dissolution testing results is presented and its limitations are discussed.
Specificity and idiotype analysis of a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody☆

Abstract The binding properties and idiotypes of a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody were studied to investigate the control of specificity in this autoimmune response. This antibody, A9, was derived from the fusion of spleen cells of an MRL - lpr lpr mouse and the cell line X63-Ag8.653. In inhibition binding studies, A9 showed preference for single-stranded DNA and bound both ribo- and deoxyribohomopolymers. An antiserum prepared in a rabbit against A9 showed anti-idiotypic specificity after absorption with BALB c immunoglobulins and the BALB c myeloma MOPC 195. At least two distinct idiotypic specificities could be demonstrated by this serum, one apparently exclusive to A9 and one commonly expressed in sera of MRL - lpr lpr mice. Serum levels of the commonly expressed A9 idiotype were also elevated in sera of C3H mice expressing the lpr gene suggesting association with B-cell activation induced by this genetic mechanism. The demonstration of a commonly expressed A9 idiotype indicates that some autoantibody variable region determinants may be genetically controlled.
Localized Grounding, Excavation, and Dissection Using In‐Situ Probe Techniques for Focused Ion Beam and Scanning Electron Microscopy: Experiments With Rock Varnish

Summary While investigating rock varnish, we explored novel uses for an in-situ micromanipulator, including charge collection, sample manipulation, as well as digging and dissection at the micron level. Dual-beam focused ion beam microscopes (DB-FIB or FIBSEM) equipped with micromanipulators have proven to be valuable tools for material science, semiconductor research, and product failure analysis. Researchers in many other disciplines utilize the DB-FIB and micromanipulator for site-specific transmission electron microscope (TEM) foil preparation. We have demonstrated additional applications for in-situ micromanipulators. SCANNING 34: 279–283, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Research on Guinea Fowl in the United States

Although little research has been done on the guinea fowl in the United States, interest has increased in recent years. This bird appears to have potential as a specialty item. Research on the guin...
Ion/molecule reactions of sputtered species

Abstract An ion source that uses particle-induced emission processes to desorb organic and inorganic species from solid and liquid substrates into a high-pressure reaction region is described. Some preliminary studies performed with this ion source are reviewed, which illustrate the variety of ion/molecule reactions that can be performed on sputtered species. The types of reaction reported include: collisional stabilization, protonation, hydride abstraction, and addition reactions. The effects of collisional stabilization on sputtered matrix ions, analyte ions sputtered from a matrix, and analyte ions sputtered from a solid substrate are compared and discussed in detail. Similarities to chemical ionization sources with respect to control of fragmentation in the ion source and the internal energies of ions that are emitted from the ion source are observed. The use of the ion source to study the reaction chemistry of metal clusters with hydrocarbons is also reviewed.
Working memory and secondary memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease

The memory loss associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) may have multiple cognitive components. Working Memory appears to be impaired due to failures of a Central Executive System. Secondary Memory, on the other hand, is affected due to poor encoding or mediational processes. An analysis of the performance of 71 AD patients on tests related to these neuropsychological constructs revealed that they could indeed be dissociated. In fact, individual patients were identified with significantly different, and unique, patterns of impairment which were consistent with the two-component model. These data, therefore, lend preliminary support for the notion of multiple cognitive impairments being responsible for the memory loss in AD.
Physiological control of brain norepinephrine synthesis by brain tyrosine concentration.

Abstract The intraperitoneal administration of tyrosine to rats causes proportional increases in brain tyrosine levels and in the accumulation of the norepinephrine metabolite 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylethyleneglycol-sulfate (MOPEG-SO4) after probenecid. Brain tyrosine level after tyrosine administration or after the consumption of a single meal is also positively correlated with brain MOPEG-SO4 accumulation in rats that do not receive probenecid but are subjected to cold stress. These observations extend our earlier finding that brain tyrosine level can affect the rates at which catecholaminergic neurons synthesize and turn over their transmitters.
Metabolic Rehabilitation: Science Gathers to Support a New Intervention to Prevent Stroke

See related article, page 3347. Type 2 diabetes is a well-recognized risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. In this issue of Stroke , Thacker et al1 demonstrate that earlier abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose tolerance are also associated with increased risk for cerebral ischemic events. These findings are reliable and timely, and they have immediate implications for the design of the next generation of stroke prevention trials. Abnormal carbohydrate metabolism comprises a spectrum of disorders characterized by impaired energy utilization. Early manifestations include obesity, decreased insulin sensitivity, impaired fasting glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance. The latter 2 conditions are often referred to as “prediabetes,” a stark description of their typically progressive nature. The most advanced manifestation, type 2 diabetes, results from the inexorable loss of insulin secretory capacity in the face of well-established insulin resistance. These metabolic states have become endemic in most countries as westernized lifestyles are adopted. In the United States alone, there are now 26 million individuals with diabetes and 79 million with prediabetes. Globally, the number of diabetic patients is now estimated to be 366 million. Clinicians who care for stroke patients know that metabolic disease is also prevalent in this population. Among patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease, 18% to 30% are obese, 25% to 30% are insulin-resistant, 23% to 28% have impaired glucose tolerance, and 13% to 36% have diabetes.2–5 The Figure illustrates a model of impaired glucose regulation and its potential causal relationship to stroke. Each of its cardinal manifestations (ie, obesity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, diabetes) have been associated with increased risk for stroke.6 However, the evidence is strongest for obesity and diabetes, possibly because these are easiest to measure and classify. Obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) doubles the risk for ischemic stroke, …
Decay Estimates for the Solutions of Some Nonlinear Evolution Equations

Abstract We study decay estimates for the solutions and their derivatives to the initial value problems for some generalized nonlinear evolution equations which have lower order diffusion terms.
Long-delay spatial discrimination learning in monkeys (Cebus apella

The position and arm preferences of four cebus monkeys were assessed before they were trained on a simple visual discrimination between the black and striped arms of a T-maze. Only the animal for which the preferred arm served as S+ “learned” the visual discrimination. Extensive preextinction sessions given to one animal failed to abolish a left-turn preference, which reemerged and increased during visual discriminative training. The methodological significance of preexisting and concurrently formed stimulus and response preferences in long-delay learning was discussed.
Stability in phonational frequency range.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to investigate the stability of total phonational frequency range, and the stability of the elements from which it is calculated—lowest fundamental frequency and highest fundamental frequency—both within a single day and over a prolonged period. Twenty adult subjects were instructed to produce vowel vocalizations at the extremes of their frequency ranges. Lowest and highest frequencies were converted to semitones, and total range in semitones was calculated. Data were collected three times per day for two days 1–2 months apart. Results revealed that for the average subject, all measures varied by at least several semitones. Further research is needed in order to determine the sources of this intrasubject variability before these measures can be applied to clinical populations.
Technical brochure preparation

Recent practical experience in applying computer and machine technology to the preparation of the text and graphics of a 16-page full color technical brochure is described. Emphasis is on problems in estimating costs, preparing a draft, enhancing a halftone illustration, buying printing, and choosing between perfect and pleasing color reproduction.
Synthesis and characterization of nylon‐grated polyphenylene ether

Polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin (a homopolymer made from 2,6-xylenol with an i.v. of 0.46) was reacted with phenyl acrylate, p-substituted phenyl acrylates, and diphenyl fumarate in an extruder or in solution. The number of olefinic molecules that had been grafted onto the PPE backbone was determined by FTIR or NMR methods, and the grafting efficiency and mechanism were examined. The grafted PPE resins were used to promote the anionic polymerization of e-caprolactam, and the quantity and the composition of the PPE–nylon 6 copolymers isolated were correlated with the number of promoter groups attached to the PPE resin.
Comparison of two prevention strategies for neonatal group B streptococcal disease.

Background: Neonatal group B streptococcal disease is a serious infection, causing more than 2,000 cases of sepsis annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended two alternative strategies to prevent infection, but few data directly compare the two in terms of intrapartum antibiotic administration, protocol feasibility, newborn laboratory evaluation, and costs. Methods: We collected data on intrapartum antibiotic administration, protocol compliance, newborn laboratory evaluation, and maternal-newborn length of stay for 347 mother-infant pairs in a family practice residency maternity service. During the first study period, laboring women were managed under the screening strategy, and during the second study period, laboring women were managed under the risk factor strategy. Results: Of those women who qualified for antibiotic prophylaxis, only 28% of women in the screening group and 47% of women in the risk factor group actually received the recommended two or more doses of intrapartum antibiotics. Ninety-one percent of women in the screening group had prenatal cultures done appropriately. Newborns in the screening group had an increased risk of having a complete blood count (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01, 1.80). There was no difference between groups in maternal or newborn length of stay. Conclusions: A minority of laboring women in either strategy received the recommended doses of intrapartum antibiotics. Feasibility of obtaining prenatal screening cultures is high. Although newborn laboratory testing increased with the screening strategy, overall costs and length of stay were comparable. (J Am Board Fam Pract 2002;15:272‐ 6.)
Relapse Prevention in Alcohol Aftercare: effects on drinking outcome, change process, and aftercare attendance

Summary Aftercare contributes to improved drinking outcome, yet maintenance has been overlooked as a point for intervention. This project evaluated the effect of cognitive-behavioural relapse prevention (RP) and interpersonal process (IP) aftercare groups for recently hospitalized alcoholics, consisting of eight weekly 90 min sessions delivered by three co-therapy teams conducting one group in each condition. Six cohorts of patients were assigned to conditions (N=39) and assessed at pretreatment, post-treatment, and 6 month follow-up. RP and IP resulted in comparable improvement/outcome on alcohol consumption, alcohol-related impairment, cognitive coping, drinking days, time to first drink, abstinence, and aftercare attendance. In secondary analyses, improvement on temptation was attributed to RP, on behavioural coping to IP, and effects on self-efficacy appeared marginally related to greater short term improvement for RP. The lack of differential outcome is discussed with respect to inadequate power, possible ceiling effects in outcome, the brevity of the follow-up period, and the possibility that treatments may have been more similar in implementation than intended. Suggestions for improving aftercare and relapse prevention research are presented.
The Role of Confirmation Bias in the Treatment of Diverse Patients

Providing effective treatment within a diverse population is complex and difficult. Issues such as a limited amount of time that can be spent with patients and the need to make decisions based on limited information can lead to information processing errors that have a detrimental impact on treatment outcomes. Cognitive biases (e.g., confirmation bias) may further compound this issue by making it less likely that a health care provider will make adjustments to treatment plans. Steps to minimize the potential for cognitive biases are discussed.
Aortic root dilation after the Ross procedure

This study evaluated changes in neoaortic root geometry in patients who underwent the Ross procedure. Serial postoperative echocardiographic measurements of the neoaortic root indexed to the square root of body surface area (centimeters divided by meters) were obtained from 30 patients (age range 3.1 to 31.4 years) and compared with paired preoperative and immediate postoperative values. Normal aortic root diameter Z scores were derived from root dimensions obtained from 217 healthy controls. Compared with preoperative values, an immediate stretch of the neoaortic versus pulmonary root (annulus and sinuses of valsalva) was observed at a mean follow-up period of 1 week. Additional aortic annular dilation from baseline prehospital discharge values was observed at 2 to 12 months (baseline vs follow-up annulus Z score: 1.4 vs 2.6, p <0.01, n = 16) and at 16 to 33 months follow-up (0.8 vs 2.0, p <0.05, n = 12). In a similar fashion, there was additional enlargement of the aortic sinus from its stretched state at hospital discharge at 2 to 12 months (baseline vs follow-up sinus Z score: 2.0 vs 3.3, p <0.01, n = 17) and at 16 to 33 months (1.7 vs 3.0, p <0.01, n = 13). There were no differences in root size between 2 to 12 and 16 to 33 months after surgery. There was a decrease in left ventricular size with no alteration in blood pressure or degree of aortic valve regurgitation. Thus, aortic root dilation occurs up to the first year after the Ross procedure but does not appear to progress beyond this time.
Atlas: A Service-Oriented Sensor Platform: Hardware and Middleware to Enable Programmable Pervasive Spaces

Pervasive computing environments such as smart spaces require a mechanism to easily integrate, manage and use numerous, heterogeneous sensors and actuators into the system. However, available sensor network platforms are inadequate for this task. The goals are requirements for a smart space are very different from the typical sensor network application. Specifically, we found that the manual integration of devices must be replaced by a scalable, plug-and-play mechanism. The space should be assembled programmatically by software developers, not hardwired by engineers and system integrators. This allows for cost-effective development, enables extensibility, and simplifies change management. We found that in a smart space, computation and power are readily available and connectivity is stable and rarely ad-hoc. Our deployment of a smart house (an assistive environment for seniors) guided us to designing Atlas, a new, commercially available service-oriented sensor and actuator platform that enables self-integrative, programmable pervasive spaces. We present the design and implementation of the Atlas hardware and middleware components, its salient characteristics, and several case studies of projects using Atlas.
Small-Mammal Data on Early and Middle Holocene Climates and Biotic Communities in the Bonneville Basin, USA

Archaeological investigations in Camels Back Cave, western Utah, recovered a series of small-mammal bone assemblages from stratified deposits dating between ca. 12,000 and 500 14C yr B.P. The cave's early Holocene fauna includes a number of species adapted to montane or mesic habitats containing grasses and/or sagebrush (e.g., Lepus townsendii, Marmota flaviventris, Reithrodontomys megalotis, and Brachylagus idahoensis) which suggest that the region was relatively cool and moist until after 8800 14C yr B.P. Between ca. 8600 and 8100 14C yr B.P. these mammals became locally extinct, taxonomic diversity declined, and there was an increase in species well-adapted to xeric, low-elevation habitats, including ground squirrels, Lepus californicus and Neotoma lepida. The early small-mammal record from Camels Back Cave is similar to the 11,300–6000 14C yr B.P. mammalian sequence from Homestead Cave, northwestern Utah, and provides corroborative data on Bonneville Basin paleoenvironments and mammalian responses to middle Holocene desertification.