cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Initial Analysis of Structured Video Interviews by Using Multimodal Emotion Detection

Recently online video interviews have been increasingly used in the employment process. Though several automatic techniques have emerged to analyze the interview videos, so far, only simple emotion analyses have been attempted, e.g. counting the number of smiles on the face of an interviewee. In this paper, we report our initial study of employing advanced multimodal emotion detection approaches for the purpose of measuring performance on an interview task that elicits emotion. On an acted interview corpus we created, we performed our evaluations using a Speech-based Emotion Recognition (SER) system, as well as an off-the-shelf facial expression analysis toolkit (FACET). While the results obtained suggest the promise of using FACET for emotion detection, the benefits of employing the SER are somewhat limited.
A tool to minimize the time costs of parallel computations through optimal processing power allocation

In this paper, we present a software system, OPAS (Optimal Allocation System), that incorporates the optimal allocation policy in the analysis of the time-cost behaviour of parallel computations. OPAS assumes that the underlying system which supports the executions of parallel computations has a finite number of processors, that all the processors have the same speed and that the communication is achieved through a shared memory. OPAS defines the time cost as a function of the input, the algorithm, the data structure, the processor speed, the number of processors and the processing power allocation. In analysing the time cost of a computation, OPAS first uses the optimal allocation policy that we developed previously to determine the amount of processing power each node receives and then derives the computation's time cost. OPAS can evaluate different time-cost behaviours, such as the minimum time cost, the maximum time cost, the average time cost and the time-cost variance. It can also determine the speed-up and efficiency, and plot the time-cost curve and time-cost distribution.
Understanding "diastolic" heart failure.

Heart failure is common and costly, and it primarily affects the elderly. As the elderly population expands, there will be marked increases in the number of persons with heart failure. Epidemiologi...
Training and attitudes about contraceptive management across primary care specialties: a survey of graduating residents.

Abstract Purpose Little is known about how physicians' attitudes and knowledge of contraception could impact the unintended pregnancy rate in the United States. The objective of this study was to analyze survey data from physicians in primary care training programs in Pittsburgh, PA. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered to primary care medical residents in Allegheny County, PA. Descriptive statistics were used to illustrate training, attitudes and knowledge regarding contraceptive management. A multivariable analysis was performed to elucidate associations between training, attitudes and behavior. Results Of 143 residents surveyed, 74 (52%) responded. The mean score on contraceptive knowledge assessment was 54%. Obstetrics/gynecology residents performed consistently better on the knowledge index (p Conclusions Most of the responding graduating residents view contraception as an important component of primary care. However, young physicians have a contraceptive knowledge base that is inconsistent across primary care specialties. Improvement in this area might improve the unintended pregnancy rate in the United States.
SELECTIVE RETENTION OF THE FLUORESCENT DYE DASPEI IN A LARVAL GASTROPOD MOLLUSC AFTER PARAFORMALDEHYDE FIXATION

In the vertebrates, the vital mitochondrial dye DASPEI (2-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-N-ethylpyridinium iodide) has been used for the rapid visualization of several distinct classes of epidermal cells in vivo and in vitro: epidermal electroreceptors, mechanoreceptors, and chloride cells in teleosts, and mechanoreceptors in amphibians. I used DASPEI in an attempt to locate a different type of sensory cell, namely, the chemosensory neurons that mediate the initiation of metamorphosis in veliger larvae of the prosobranch gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta. In vivo, bath-applied DASPEI stains entire larvae in a relatively non-specific fashion. After fixation in phosphate-buffered paraformaldehyde, most of the cells in these animals retained relatively little stain, with some exceptions. Significant DASPEI staining was maintained in approximately nine neurons in the apical ganglion, a temporary cephalic structure that is lost at metamorphosis. Little staining was observed in the rest of the larval central nervous system (CNS), nor could any peripheral sensory neurons be definitively identified. DASPEI was also retained by cells in other larval organs such as the velum and buccal mass, and in two acellular structures, the radula and operculum.
A Static Thermionic Tube Frequency Changer

A 300 kva, synchronous type, 60-25 5/7 cycle static frequency changer, which was designed to be changed to a rectifier after the 25 cycle motor load has been replaced by 60 cycle motors, is described in this paper. The problems involved in the design of the control circuits are discussed in some detail, and the performance is described.
Automatic armature and field control of d.c. series motors

This paper discusses the limitations of the methods for inherent automatic weak field control of d.c. series motors and comments on a split-field arrangement where the armature and field current of a d.c. series motor can be continuously controlled. The detailed analysis of such an arrangement is presented. The control characteristics of a typical motor are evaluated and a per-unit normalised torque model, which can be used to determine the torque/speed characteristics, is developed with the relative propagation of series to diverted turns as a parameter.
CX-4945, a selective inhibitor of casein kinase-2 (CK2), exhibits anti-tumor activity in hematologic malignancies including enhanced activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia when combined with fludarabine and inhibitors of the B-cell receptor pathway.

CX-4945, a selective inhibitor of casein kinase-2 (CK2), exhibits anti-tumor activity in hematologic malignancies including enhanced activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia when combined with fludarabine and inhibitors of the B-cell receptor pathway
Information dissemination and publication control

The present issue contains a “Forum on Algorithms” dealing with some of the problems which arise in connection with the algorithm policy of the Communications. Specifically, many ACM members believe that a policy which designates only one language (ALGOL) as appropriate for publication purposes is too restrictive, particularly when this language is not accessible to many members and may not, moreover, be especially well suited for the description of many types of problems. This feeling is reflected in Professor Perlis' comments when he suggests that several languages should be acceptable “one language being selected for each … algorithmic activity, chosen for the lucidity with which it expresses the diverse data manipulations of that area.”
Association of the CT values of real-time PCR of viral upper respiratory tract infection with clinical severity, Kenya.

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay of the upper respiratory tract is used increasingly to diagnose lower respiratory tract infections. The cycle threshold (CT ) values of qRT-PCR are continuous, semi-quantitative measurements of viral load, although interpretation of diagnostic qRT-PCR results are often categorized as positive, indeterminate, or negative, obscuring potentially useful clinical interpretation of CT values. From 2008 to 2010, naso/oropharyngeal swabs were collected from outpatients with influenza-like illness, inpatients with severe respiratory illness, and asymptomatic controls in rural Kenya. CT values of positive specimens (i.e., CT values < 40.0) were compared by clinical severity category for five viruses using Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression. Among children <5 years old we tested with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), inpatients had lower median CT values (27.2) than controls (35.8, P = 0.008) and outpatients (34.7, P < 0.001). Among children and older patients infected with influenza virus, outpatients had the lowest median CT values (29.8 and 24.1, respectively) compared with controls (P = 0.193 for children, P < 0.001 for older participants) and inpatients (P = 0.009 for children, P < 0.001 for older participants). All differences remained significant in logistic regression when controlling for age, days since onset, and coinfection. CT values were similar for adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza virus in all severity groups. In conclusion, the CT values from the qRT-PCR of upper respiratory tract specimens were associated with clinical severity for some respiratory viruses.
Exercise contributes to the effects of DHA dietary supplementation by acting on membrane-related synaptic systems

Dietary omega-3 fatty acid (i.e. docosohexaenoic acid (DHA)) and exercise are gaining recognition for supporting brain function under normal and challenging conditions. Here we evaluate the possibility that the interaction of DHA and exercise can involve specific elements of the synaptic plasma membrane. We found that voluntary exercise potentiated the effects of a 12-day DHA dietary supplementation regimen on increasing the levels of syntaxin 3 (STX-3) and the growth-associated protein (GAP-43) in the adult rat hippocampus region. STX-3 is a synaptic membrane-bound protein involved in the effects of DHA on membrane expansion. The DHA diet and exercise also elevated levels of the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B, which is important for synaptic function underlying learning and memory. The actions of exercise and DHA dietary supplementation reflected on enhanced learning performance in the Morris water maze as learning ability was associated with higher levels of STX-3 and NR2B. The overall findings reveal a mechanism by which exercise can interact with the function of DHA dietary enrichment to elevate the capacity of the adult brain for axonal growth, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function.
Three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy and its application to chromosome structure

This review discusses the exploration of chromosome structure with a recently developed high-resolution microscopy technique, three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3dSIM). 3dSIM surpasses the diffraction limit of conventional widefield optical microscopy, increasing the level of detail in images by a factor of 2, while retaining the sample preparation methods, ease of use and flexibility of conventional microscopy. Special attention will be given to the ways in which imaging beyond the diffraction limit can shed light on the structural organization of meiotic chromosomes.
The Cyclic Nature of Problem Solving: An Emergent Multidimensional Problem-Solving Framework.

This paper describes the problem-solving behaviors of 12 mathematicians as they completed four mathematical tasks. The emergent problem-solving framework draws on the large body of research, as grounded by and modified in response to our close observations of these mathematicians. The resulting Multidimensional Problem-Solving Framework has four phases: orientation, planning, executing, and checking. Embedded in the framework are two cycles, each of which includes at least three of the four phases. The framework also characterizes various problem-solving attributes (resources, affect, heuristics, and monitoring) and describes their roles and significance during each of the problem-solving phases. The framework’s sub-cycle of conjecture, test, and evaluate (accept/reject) became evident to us as we observed the mathematicians and listened to their running verbal descriptions of how they were imagining a solution, playing out that solution in their minds, and evaluating the validity of the imagined approach. The effectiveness of the mathematicians in making intelligent decisions that led down productive paths appeared to stem from their ability to draw on a large reservoir of well-connected knowledge, heuristics, and facts, as well as their ability to manage their emotional responses. The mathematicians’ well-connected conceptual knowledge, in particular, appeared to be an essential attribute for effective decision making and execution throughout the problem-solving process.
Blood lactate and catecholamine levels in the carbon monoxide-exposed rat: the response to elevated glucose

Abstract Previous studies have shown that elevated blood glucose is detrimental to the outcome in acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The present goals were to characterize the blood lactate and catecholamine changes and to determine whether elevated blood glucose results in increases in the levels of these substances. Two groups of adult Sprague-Dawley, Levine-prepared, female rats ( n = 22 each) were exposed to 2400 ppm CO for 90 min: one group received nothing (CO alone), while the other group was infused with a 50% glucose solution (4 ml/kg) (CO + glucose). The usual hypothermia, hypotension, bradycardia and hemoconcentration associated with acute severe CO poisoning were observed. Survival rates were 68% and 54% in the CO alone and CO + glucose groups, respectively. Arterial blood pressure tended to decline more in rats that died; the difference was significant in the CO + glucose group. In the CO alone group, plasma glucose concentration was significantly lower after CO exposure in rats that died than in survivors (35 ± 15 vs. 99 ± 16 mg/dl). In the CO + glucose group, glucose concentration was significantly higher after 45 min in rats that died (d) than in survivors (s) (447 ± 29 vs. 324 ± 31 mg/dl). Elevated blood glucose in the CO + glucose group failed to significantly increase blood lactate; however, lactate tended to be higher in rats that died in both groups {CO alone group: 175 ± 17 (d) vs. 138 ± 9 (s); CO + glucose group: 154 ± 10 (d) vs. 143 ± 8 (s)}. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine increased significantly 6–10-fold and 2–6-fold in each of the two groups, respectively; however, catecholamine levels were not related to either the administration of glucose or survival. With regard to CO poisoning in this animal model, the results do not support the hypotheses that elevated blood glucose exacerbates the increase in blood lactate, that increased catecholamine increases glucose, or that greater CO-induced hypoglycemia results from increased lactate production. The results do show that death is related to abnormally high or low blood glucose, but that it is not due to higher blood lactate or catecholamine levels.
Effect of reactor heat transfer limitations on CO preferential oxidation

Abstract Our recent studies of CO preferential oxidation (PrOx) identified systematic differences between the characteristic curves of CO conversion for a microchannel reactor with thin-film wall catalyst and conventional mini packed-bed lab reactors (m-PBR's). Strong evidence has suggested that the reverse water-gas-shift (r-WGS) side reaction activated by temperature gradients in m-PBR's is the source of these differences. In the present work, a quasi-3D tubular non-isothermal reactor model based on the finite difference method was constructed to quantitatively study the effect of heat transport resistance on PrOx reaction behavior. First, the kinetic expressions for the three principal reactions involved were formed based on the combination of experimental data and literature reports and their parameters were evaluated with a non-linear regression method. Based on the resulting kinetic model and an energy balance derived for PrOx, the finite difference method was then adopted for the quasi-3D model. This model was then used to simulate both the microreactor and m-PBR's and to gain insights into their different conversion behavior. Simulation showed that the temperature gradients in m-PBR's favor the reverse water-gas-shift (r-WGS) reaction, thus causing a much narrower range of permissible operating temperature compared to the microreactor. Accordingly, the extremely efficient heat removal of the microchannel/thin-film catalyst system eliminates temperature gradients and efficiently prevents the onset of the r-WGS reaction.
Sweetening agents of plant origin

The most important sweet substance known is sucrose, which is obtained commercially from sugar cane and sugar beet. Because the intake of sucrose has been associated with a number of adverse effects on health, an intensive search has been undertaken to find alternative substances to satisfy the human craving for a sweet taste. Many other plant‐derived compounds are sweet, ranging in structural complexity from sugars and polyhydric alcohols through diterpene and triterpene glycosides to proteins; some of these compounds are intensely sweet, being hundreds or even thousand times sweeter than sucrose, and offer potential for commercial use in dietetic and diabetic foodstuffs. The present review examines the role of ethnobotany in the discovery of sweet‐tasting plants, the chemical isolation and elucidation of the sweet compounds, and some safety and sensory evaluation aspects of these compounds. A discussion on the future prospects of discovering and developing new plant‐derived sweeteners concludes the review.
Aortoplasty Compared with Resection for Coarctation of the Aorta in Young Children

We repaired coarctation of the aorta in a group of 18 children less than 3 years old, using either resection with end-to-end anastomosis (8 patients, Group 1) or patch graft aortoplasty (10 patients, Group 2). The two groups were similar preoperatively in age, pressure difference between proximal and distal aorta (delta PA0), and severity of aortic arch hypoplasia. Three patients, all less than 2 months old, died early postoperatively. Among the survivors, the right brachial artery systolic pressure was significantly higher in Group 1 (133.1 +/- 7.0 mm Hg) (mean +/- standard error of the mean) than in Group 2 (102.5 +/- 7.2 mm Hg) (p less than 0.05). The delta PA0 was significantly higher in Group 1 (33.0 +/- 7.5 mm Hg) than in Group 2 (5.1 +/- 2.3 mm Hg) (p less than 0.01). Three patients in Group 1 required reoperation and were treated with patch graft aortoplasty; relief of delta PO0 was complete in 2. Patch graft aortoplasty is more effective than resection in reducing proximal aortic systolic pressure and in relieving delta PA0 in infants and small children with coarctation of the aorta.
Formative Evaluation of Computer-Based Training for a University Financial System.

This article describes a formative evaluation of a one-day introductory computer-based training (CBT) course for a new on-line financial and purchasing system at a large public university. The purposes of the evaluation were to evaluate the effectiveness of the training and to identify appropriate revisions and incorporate them into the training program. Participants were 78 university employees who were likely future users of the financial and purchasing system. The mean score on an on-line performance posttest that simulated real-work tasks was 94%, and the mean on a 40-item knowledge posttest covering the CBT content was 74%. Learner attitudes toward the course were positive, averaging 4.4 on a 5-point scale. Formative evaluation of the program resulted in revisions that had the potential to improve its effectiveness and provided evidence of the value of ongoing formative evaluation of workplace training.
Yb(III)-daunomycin interactions. Determination of Nature and number of species by matrix rank analysis

The nature and number of species in Yb(III)-daunomycin solutions have been investigated by graphical and computational methods both of which are based on matrix rank analyses. Determination of the rank of an absorbance matrix, which is the largest non-zero determinant of the matrix, permits the determination of the number of species in solution. The multiple regression analyses performed on the Yb(III)-daunomycin system enabled the determination of the nature of a species that exists at different metal to ligand ratios: ML2 at ratios less than 1.5, M2L at ratios greater than 15, and probably predominantly ML in between the two ratios. The matrix rank analyses approach is suited, it was found, to bracket the range of concentration ratios where a particular species predominates. While this is true by and large, it appears that the adequacy of the methods depends on the degree of complexity of the system.
The synthetic utility of p-nitrophenyl 3-bromo-2,2-diethoxypropionate

Abstract The synthesis of p -nitrophenyl 3-bromo-2,2-diethoxypropionate, and its chemoselective reactions for the preparation of highly functionalized small molecules and also novel heterocycles, are described.
Reference Services Review Columns: An Index.

This index accompanies the index that appeared in Reference Services Review 16:4 (1988). As noted in the introduction to that index, the articles in RSR that deal with specific reference titles can be grouped into two categories: those that review specific titles (to a maximum of three) and those that review titles pertinent to a specific subject or discipline. The index in RSR 16:4 covered the first category; it indexed, by title, all titles that had been reviewed in the “Reference Serials” and the “Landmarks of Reference” columns, as well as selected titles from the “Indexes and Indexers,” “Government Publications,” and “Special Feature” columns of the journal.
Effects of Oxygen on Soot Formation in Methane Diffusion Flames

Abstract The effect of small additions of oxygen to the fuel on formation of soot in methane-air diffusion flames was studied over a range of flow rates and of burner diameters. The flames studied were shorter than those of previous studies, purely blue or blue and yellow without soot escape. Heights of various distinctive features were measured, and composition and temperature profiles were obtained; the distinctive features include.onset and termination of visible emission of radiation and deposition of material on a quartz filament inserted into the flame. The results indicate negligible influences of oxygen addition and thereby suggest that ions from the primary mechanism CH+Orarr;CHO++e- are unimportant in soot formation in these flames. A simplified one-step kinetic model accounting for buoyancy and momentum was developed and employed to obtain estimates of overall rate parameters for flame attributes related to soot formation.
Interfacial Improvement of Nanophased Jute-Based Green Composite by Surface Modification

The extensive research efforts are currently on progress all over the world to develop and characterize the green composites with high performance at an affordable cost due to the growing environmental awareness. Biodegradable nanophased jute composites were manufactured using chemically treated jute fabrics, Biopol, and nanoclay using compression molding techniques for this study. Nanoclay infusion into the thermoplastic is a challenging issue and was infused using solution intercalation technique. The surface modification of jute fibers was accomplished by performing subsequent chemical treatments such as detergent washing, dewaxing, alkali and acetic acid treatment. The morphology of the modified surface was studied using SEM and FTIR. Thermal performance of the treated fibers was studied using the TGA. The thermal, dynamic mechanical and mechanical properties of biodegradable nanophased jute composites were evaluated by TGA, DMA and flexure test respectively. Enhanced thermal and mechanical properties were observed in modified and nanophased jute biopol composites.© 2010 ASME
Direct demonstration of heterogeneous, sulfated O -linked carbohydrate chains on an endothelial ligand for L-selectin

We have previously identified endothelial ligands for L-selectin as sialylated, fucosylated and sulfated glycoproteins of approximately 50 kDa and 90 kDa (Sgp50 and Sgp90). In this report, we use the beta elimination reaction to demonstrate directly the presence of sulfatedO-linked sugar chains on one of these ligands, after metabolic labeling with radiolabeled sulfate or fucose. All of the sulfated and the majority of the fucosylatedO-linked sugar chains were shown to be sialylated by affinity chromatography on a Limax agglutinin column. Analyses by anion exchange and gel permeation chromatography revealed a complexity of sugar chains, which were heterogeneous both in charge and size. Charged groups other than sialic acid appeared to exert a predominant influence on the total charge of the sugar chains. The probable existence of a varying number of sulfate modifications per sugar chain is discussed.
Substitute blood meal for investigating and maintaining Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

A defined substitute blood meal has been developed for feeding Aedes aegypti (L.), a mosquito that normally requires a vertebrate blood meal to produce eggs. This substitute blood meal is a simple mixture of proteins, with salts and adenosine triphosphate added to induce gorging. Protein appears to be the only nutritional requirement. The mixture consists of gamma-globulins to initiate the hormonal responses necessary for normal egg development, hemoglobin as a visual marker of feeding, and albumin as a concentrated source of protein to achieve egg yields equivalent to those from blood-fed controls. Ae. aegypti has been reared successfully for eight generations on this substitute blood meal.
An evaluation of climate/mortality relationships in large U.S. cities and the possible impacts of a climate change.

A new air mass-based synoptic procedure is used to evaluate climate/mortality relationships as they presently exist and to estimate how a predicted global warming might alter these values. Forty-four large U.S. cities with metropolitan areas exceeding 1 million in population are analyzed. Sharp increases in mortality are noted in summer for most cities in the East and Midwest when two particular air masses are present. A very warm air mass of maritime origin is most important in the eastern United States, which when present can increase daily mortality by as many as 30 deaths in large cities. A hot, dry air mass is important in many cities, and, although rare in the East, can increase daily mortality by up to 50 deaths. Cities in the South and Southwest show lesser weather/mortality relationships in summer. During winter, air mass-induced increases in mortality are considerably less than in summer. Although daily winter mortality is usually higher than summer, the causes of death that are responsible for most winter mortality do not vary much with temperature. Using models that estimate climate change for the years 2020 and 2050, it is estimated that summer mortality will increase dramatically and winter mortality will decrease slightly, even if people acclimatize to the increased warmth. Thus, a sizable net increase in weather-related mortality is estimated if the climate warms as the models predict.
Sexual Selection and Economic Positioning

In their recent survey of Darwinian aesthetics, Grammer et al. (2003) note the surprising lack of a connection between studies related to human beauty and the theory of sexual selection. Understanding this missing link sheds new light on recent research that indicates positional concerns Pingle & Mitchell 2002, Solnick & Hemenway 1998, are important factors in the decision-making process. Integrating the theory of sexual selection into the decision framework found in economics makes it possible to explain why individuals are potentially willing to accept less, as long as it places them in a superior position relative to others.
The Escalation of Great Power Militarized Disputes: Testing Rational Deterrence Theory and Structural Realism.

Realism has been the dominant paradigm in the study of international conflict. Within this paradigm, two leading alternative approaches have been deterrence theory and structural realism. We test the relative explanatory power of these two theoretical approaches on the escalation of deterrence encounters among great powers from 1816 to 1984. We derive a set of hypotheses from each model, operationalize them for systematic empirical analysis, and test the hypotheses on 97 cases of great-power deterrence encounters by means of probit analysis. The results are that the hypotheses derived from deterrence theory receive considerable support, whereas none of the hypotheses derived from structural realism are supported.
Koninginin E: Isolation of a Biologically Active Natural Product from Trichoderma koningii

Koninginin E, a congener of previously isolated Koninginins A, B, and C, was isolated from Trichoderma koningii fermented on a shredded wheat medium. Selective supercritical fluid extraction was used in the rapid isolation of this otherwise intractable compound. Koninginin E inhibited the growth of etiolated wheat coleoptiles by 65% at 10−3 M.
Growth and electronic properties of the SnSe semiconductor

Abstract Large single crystal of SnSe, about 1 cm long and 1 cm in diameter, were grown by the close-tube-vapor-transport technique. These crystals have an average hole concentration of 9.72 x 10 17 cm -3 and mobility of 154 cm 2 /V · s at room temperature. This mobility is proportional to T -1/3 for T T -2.25 for T > 130 K. The index of reflection for SnSe single crysta ls has been determined from a wavelength of 3 μm to a wavelength of 40μm and was found to be 3.120 at 3 μm and 3.095 at 15 μm. An indirect band gap of 0.923 eV was obtained from the optical absorption measurement of thin SnSe wafers. This value is consistent with a value of 0.922 eV derived from the photoresponse measurement on a SnSe diode.
Measuring Scaling Effects in Small Two-Stroke Internal Combustion Engines

Abstract : As internal combustion (IC) engines decrease in displacement, their cylinder surface area to swept volume ratio increases. Examining power output of IC engines with respect to cylinder surface area to swept volume ratio shows that there is a dramatic change in power scaling trends at approximately 1.5 cm-1. At this size, thermal quenching and friction losses are expected to dominate , so power production and efficiency characteristics suffer. Furthermore, small IC engines (100cc displacement) have limited technical performance data compared to IC engines in larger size classes. Therefore, it is critical to establish accurate performance figures for a family of geometrically similar engines in the size class of approximately 1.5 cm-1 in order to better predict the phenomena that contribute to lower efficiencies in small ICEs. A series of three two stroke, single cylinder, spark ignited, air cooled, and carbureted IC engines were tested in this study. They had a displacement of 28cc, 55cc and 85cc corresponding to cylinder surface area to swept volume ratios of 1.81 cm-1, 1.46 cm-1, and 1.28 cm-1 respectively. The engines share design features like compression ratio, gas exchange port design, and scavenging method.
Phase II trial of ixabepilone in patients with cisplatin-refractory germ cell tumors.

In a phase I study, ixabepilone, a novel non-taxane microtubule-stabilizing agent, demonstrated activity against both paclitaxel-sensitive and paclitaxel-refractory solid tumors. We conducted a phase II trial of this agent in patients with advanced germ cell tumors (GCT) who were resistant to conventional therapies.
Forces That Drive Self-Assembly of Ternary Epilayer on a Solid Surface

Experimental evidence has accumulated in the recent decade that nanoscale patterns can self-assemble on solid surfaces. This paper reports the development of a continuous phase field model that accounts for the self-assembly of a ternary monolayer. Coarsening due to phase boundary energy and refining due to surface stress competes, which determines the feature size and spatial ordering. A set of nonlinear diffusion equations couple the two concentration fields in the epilayer and the stress field in the substrate. Numerical simulations reveal the exciting possibility of controlling a nanoscale self-assembly process with designed pre-patterns.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Hydrogenation of ethylene over molybdena-alumina catalysts

The hydrogenation of ethylene was studied at 25 and -76/sup 0/C over a molybdena-..gamma..-alumina (8% Mo) catalyst which had been reduced to different extents (from 0.2 to 1.6 e/Mo). Both a static reactor (with recirculating gas) and a microcatalytic pulse reactor were used in this work. The catalytic activity increased with the extent of reduction of the catalyst. Nearly 100% C/sub 2/H/sub 4/D/sub 2/ was obtained from a 1:1 mixture of C/sub 2/H/sub 4/ and D/sub 2/ as the initial product at low and intermediate extents of reduction (in the circulation system). At the highest extent of reduction, ethane-d/sub 2/ was still the chief deuterated species but now accounted for only 60% of the initial products. Similar results were obtained with less reduced catalysts when the D/sub 2//olefin ratio was greatly increased and with the pulse reactor. In all cases, the unreacted ethylene showed very little exchange. These results are discussed in terms of the current literature. It is suggested that formation of a carbene intermediate is responsible for the multiple exchange pattern. The relationship of the results to polymerization and olefin metathesis is pointed out.
Preliminary Results of a Police-Advocate Home-Visit Intervention Project for Victims of Domestic Violence

A police-advocate home-visit intervention project was conducted with 204 women who were victims of domestic violence requiring police intervention. These women, who resided with their children at the time of the incident, received law enforcement-advocacy services through a home-visit project conducted by neighborhood patrol officers and battered women's advocates. A comparison group of battered women, receiving the intervention, and a matched group of battered women, receiving standard police intervention, revealed a significant reduction in calls for police service for the intervention group, for a 12-month period following the intervention. Additional investigation is required to fully understand the reason for this difference and the potential utility of this type of domestic violence intervention.
Calcium mobilizing hormones activate the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump of pancreatic acinar cells

45Ca fluxes and free-cytosolic Ca2+([Ca2+]i) measurements were used to study the effect of Ca2+-mobilizing hormones on plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability and the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump of pancreatic acinar cells. We showed before (Pandol, S.J., et al., 1987. J. Biol. Chem. 262:16963-16968) that hormone stimulation of pancreatic acinar cells activated a plasma membrane Ca2+ entry pathway, which remains activated for as long as the intracellular stores are not loaded with Ca2+. In the present study, we show that activation of this pathway increases the plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability by approximately sevenfold. Despite that, the cells reduce [Ca2+]i back to near resting levels. To compensate for the increased plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability, a plasma membrane Ca2+ efflux mechanism is also activated by the hormones. This mechanism is likely to be the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump. Activation of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump by the hormones is time dependent and 1.5-2 min of cell stimulation are required for maximal Ca2+ pump activation. From the effect of protein kinase inhibitors on hormone-mediated activation of the pump and the effect of the phorbol ester 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol, 13-acetate (TPA) on plasma membrane Ca2+ efflux, it is suggested that stimulation of protein kinase C is required for the hormone-dependent activation of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump.
Analysis of Association Between the Serotonin Transporter and Antidepressant Response in a Large Clinical Sample

Background SLC6A4 encodes the serotonin transporter, the protein primarily responsible for the termination of serotonin neurotransmission. Because many antidepressants inhibit the transporter, it has been the focus of intense pharmacogenetic analysis. We sought to replicate our previous findings that SLC6A4 is associated with response to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in a large case–control study. Methods Genotypes at the SLC6A4 locus were obtained for 1,914 subjects in the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study and then tested for association to treatment response of the SSRI citalopram. Results Nine tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms and two variants previously associated with antidepressant response, including a promoter repeat polymorphism, were genotyped. Single marker and haplotypic analyses failed to detect association with antidepressant response in the largest clinical sample studied to date. Conclusions The lack of association between response to an SSRI and variation at the SLC6A4 locus in this large sample, carefully characterized for response to citalopram, strongly suggests that SSRI response in major depression is not determined by DNA variation at this locus. These findings do not replicate findings of a number of studies with considerably smaller sample sizes. Other genetic determinants of SSRI response in depression should be sought.
Scalings in the statistical failure of brittle matrix composites with discontinuous fibers—I. Analysis and Monte Carlo simulations

Abstract This paper addresses the statistical aspects of the failure of unidirectional composites having brittle matrices reinforced with discontinuous brittle fibers. The failure process involves quasi-periodic matrix cracking, frictional sliding of the fibers in fiber break zones and fiber bridging of matrix cracks in a global load-sharing framework. We consider a composite section of “characteristic” length and develop its distribution for strength in terms of certain characteristic stress and length scales. Continuous sections of the fibers follow the usual Weibull distribution for strength. We also introduce random discontinuities along the fiber, originating say from processing damage whose spacins follow a Poisson process where the rate α is the mean number of discontinuities per characteristic length of the fiber. We derive two approximations for the mean and standard deviation of such characteristics composites. A realistic Monte Carlo simulation model is developed to test these analytical results and to study the fiber pull-out properties. The composites turn out to be quite insensitive to initial damage. The mean pull-out length is found to increase with increasing α and becomes independent of the Weibull modulus for large values of α.
Drugs causing liver damage

The study of drug induced toxicity is a mixture of prospective studies, retrospective review of case notes, isolated case reports and in vitro studies looking at the mechanisms involved. Unlike other areas of medical science, it is difficult to be certain about the association between drug and possible toxicity in the majority of cases. The recognition that a drug may be responsible for liver disease depends on clinicians having an open mind as to aetiology and a good pharmacy department who can provide and evaluate the necessary background literature about previously recognised drug toxicity. A list of the 600 drugs that can potentially cause liver damage is of little value to the practising clinician. It is, however, beneficial to consider those drugs that are most likely to cause liver damage in children (Table 1).
On the validity of density overrides for VMAT lung SBRT planning

Purpose: Modeling dose to a moving target in lung is a very difficult task. Current approaches to planning lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) generally calculate dose on either free breathing or average computed tomography (CT) scans, which do not always accurately predict dose to parts of the target volume not occupied by tumor on the planning scan. In this work, the authors look at using density overrides of the target volumes to more accurately predict dose for lung SBRT using the analytic anisotropic algorithm (AAA). Methods: Volumetric modulated arc therapy plans were created on free breathing scans (FBP), time average scans (AVGP), free breathing scans with the internal target volume overridden to tumor density (ITVP), free breathing scans with the planning target volume overridden to tumor density (PTVP), and free breathing scan using a hybrid scheme with the internal target volume set to tumor density and the planning target volume minus the internal target volume set to a density intermediate between lung and tumor (HP) for the case of a 4D motion phantom and five patient cases. Radiochromic film measurements were made for the phantom plans, with gamma analysis used to compare the planned to delivered dose. The patient plans were recalculated on each of the phases of a 4DCT to evaluate tumor coverage and conformity index (CI). A modified modulation complexity score (MCSv) and average open area per control point (AA) metrics were used to evaluate multileaf collimator (MLC) modulation for each of the plans. Results: The HP plans showed significantly higher gamma passing rates (p < 0.05) than the FBP, AVGP, and ITVP for criteria of 2 mm/2% and 1 mm/1%. No significant correlation was observed between gamma values and AA or MCSv. The tumor volume was covered by the prescription dose on all phases of the 4DCT for all patient plans. The PTVP and HP yielded lower mean CI than the other plans for all five patients, with three of the cases showing statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). No meaningful correlation was observed between the mean CI and AA or MCSv. Conclusions: These measurements suggest that the HP planning method may provide more accurate dose modeling and decreased normal lung irradiation for lung SBRT compared to the commonly used FBP and AVG planning methods when used with the AAA. The HP method does not appear to have a strong relationship with MLC modulation.
Power of analysis of covariance tests under conditional specification

The procedure-wise power functions of two strategies for balanced single-factor analysis of covariance in the presence of possibly unequal regression slopes are evaluated and illustrated. The strategies differ in the action to be taken following a re-^ jection by the preliminary test for equal slopes. The first strategy simply discards the covariate and respecifies the model as the one-way ANOVA model for testing factor effects. The second leaves the unequal slopes covariance model intact, but respecifies the factor effects hypothesis to address the factor level means adjusted to the sample average of the covariate. One additional strategy, that of testing factor effects only if the preliminary slopes test does not reject, is included for comparison purposes. Computation of the power functions requires extensive use of the results obtained in Hawkins and Han (1986) concerning the bivariate distributions of certain ratios of independent noncentral chi-square random variables.
Integrated flight/propulsion control for helicopters

Presented is a procedure for improving the communication of requirements and specifications in the early design phases of an integrated helicopter/engine control system. The procedure is based on establishing a bound on a transfer matrix that relates blade cyclic and collective inputs to rotor speed variations. This bound becomes a new specification for the propulsion control system designer that embodies the mission-level performance goals of the helicopter. An example application of the procedure is provided for a Blackhawk/T700 system undergoing vertical accelerations from hover.
A Review of the Racial Biases of Social Welfare Policies

Social welfare policies are crucial in advancing the well-being of individuals, yet they recreate the social disadvantage they attempt to ameliorate. Notably, these policies have perpetuated racial inequality in our society by implicitly or explicitly disadvantaging certain groups. This paper presents a review of the biases of social welfare policies. Using components of social construction and critical race theories, this paper highlights the ways the design and implementation of policies are racially bias. Among the policies it examines are mothers' pension, Social Security Act, and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.
PortEco: a resource for exploring bacterial biology through high-throughput data and analysis tools

PortEco (http://porteco.org) aims to collect, curate and provide data and analysis tools to support basic biological research in Escherichia coli (and eventually other bacterial systems). PortEco is implemented as a ‘virtual’ model organism database that provides a single unified interface to the user, while integrating information from a variety of sources. The main focus of PortEco is to enable broad use of the growing number of high-throughput experiments available for E. coli, and to leverage community annotation through the EcoliWiki and GONUTS systems. Currently, PortEco includes curated data from hundreds of genome-wide RNA expression studies, from high-throughput phenotyping of single-gene knockouts under hundreds of annotated conditions, from chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments for tens of different DNA-binding factors and from ribosome profiling experiments that yield insights into protein expression. Conditions have been annotated with a consistent vocabulary, and data have been consistently normalized to enable users to find, compare and interpret relevant experiments. PortEco includes tools for data analysis, including clustering, enrichment analysis and exploration via genome browsers. PortEco search and data analysis tools are extensively linked to the curated gene, metabolic pathway and regulation content at its sister site, EcoCyc.
Thermodynamic calculation of the AlMg phase diagram

Abstract Thermodynamic descriptions for the various phases in the binary Al-Mg are presented. These descriptions were obtained by optimization using the thermodynamic and phase equilibrium data available in the literature. The calculated phase diagram of Al-Mg using these thermodynamic descriptions is in excellent agreement with experimental phase equilibrium data reported in the literature. In comparison to earlier evaluations of Al-Mg, we use considerably less model parameters. Yet, the model-calculated thermodynamic values and phase diagram are in good, if not better, agreement with experimental data than those obtained using previous descriptions.
An empirical analysis of participation in US government farm programmes

Factors affecting the participation of individual Kansas farms in government programmes are considered. A sample drawn from over 1600 Kansas farms for nine years is used in the context of a simultaneous equation Tobit regression to investigate the effects of various factors on the probability and expected level of participation in farm programmes. The results suggest that differences in farm sizes, incomes, types and farming practices influence participation in government programmes. Small, sole-proprietor, livestock operations with low debt levels receive the lowest levels of support. Conversely, large corporate crop farms receive the highest levels of government support.
An indirect method of information retrieval

Abstract The information retrieval process, treated strictly as a matching procedure, has the defects that the whole file must be probed for each query, and that it overlooks the fact that the relevance of the information from one document depends upon what is already known about the subject, and in turn affects the relevance of other documents subsequently examined. A mathematical model of a search technique in which the defects of the direct method are taken into account is demonstrated by an experiment in which a given paper is treated as an enquiry and the references cited in the paper are treated as relevant answers. The results in two tests show much better results than those achieved by the direct method. No spurious material was retrieved by either method.