cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Career Certainty and Persisting Interest in Stem: AN Analysis of Underrepresented Groups

Increased enrollment has not resulted in more degrees earned by women, minorities, or students with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Although there are numerous reasons, many students drop out or change majors due to a loss of interest in their field. This study focuses on the role that career certainty has on the persistence of interest in STEM. A criterion-group approach employing quasi-experimental survey research methods is used with randomly (n = 608) and non-randomly (n = 123) selected underrepresented student groups participating in two National Science Foundation collaborations. The psychometric attributes of the instrument created for the study are inspected using principle components analysis and Cronbach’s measure of internal consistency. Although an analysis of covariance did not find covariation in career certainty, significant interactions were detected among the three groups of students. A discussion of the results of the 6-year study and conclusions are presented along with implications for research, policy, and practice for those interested in the retention of underrepresented student groups in STEM.
The ambiguous intentions hostility questionnaire (AIHQ): A new measure for evaluating hostile social-cognitive biases in paranoia.

Introduction. This study reports on the development of a new measure of hostile social-cognitive biases for use in paranoia research, the Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire (AIHQ). The AIHQ is comprised of a variety of negative situations that differ in terms of intentionality. Items were developed to reflect causes that were ambiguous, intentional, and accidental in nature. Methods. Participants were 322 college students who completed the AIHQ along with measures of paranoia, hostility, attributional style, and psychosis proneness. The reliability and validity of the AIHQ was evaluated using both correlational and multiple regression methods. Results. The AIHQ had good levels of reliability (internal consistency and interrater reliability). The AIHQ was positively correlated with paranoia and hostility and was not correlated with measures of psychosis proneness, which supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale. In addition, the AIHQ predicted incremental variance in paranoi...
Phase contrast stereometry: Fatigue crack mapping in 3D

Plate-like samples are particularly challenging to reconstruct with computed tomography (CT) while preserving sensitivity to very small features within the sample. Specifically, quantifying fatigue crack openings of ≤ 2.5 μm in compact tension samples with maximum cross-sections of 25 mm is impractical with conventional microCT. If one is constrained to use plate-like samples, then an alternative approach to conventional microCT is needed. Imaging with X-ray phase contrast offers increased sensitivity compared to X-ray absorption-based techniques. Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast microradiographs (propagation method) coupled with multiple-angle stereometry are used to map the 3D position of fatigue crack surfaces within aluminum samples. The method is briefly outlined, and crack positions obtained with phase stereometry are found to agree with those determined from absorption microCT. Preliminary calculations of phase contrast derived from a sample fractured in fatigue are compared with phase micrographs of the same sample: at present agreement is only approximate.
MECHANISM OF CONSTITUTIVE ACTIVATION OF THE AT1 RECEPTOR : INFLUENCE OF THE SIZE OF THE AGONIST SWITCH BINDING RESIDUE ASN111

The AT1 receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR); its activation from the basal state (R) requires an interaction between Asn111 in transmembrane helix III (TM-III) of the receptor and the Tyr4 residue of angiotensin II (Ang II). Asn111 to Gly111 mutation (N111G) results in constitutive activation of the AT1 receptor (Noda et al. (1996) Biochemistry, 35, 16435-16442). We show here that replacement of the AT1 receptors TM-III with a topologically identical 16-residue segment (Cys101-Val116) from the AT2 receptor induces constitutive activity, although Asn111 is preserved in the resulting chimera, CR18. Effects of CR18 and N111G mutations are neither additive nor synergistic. The conformation(s) induced in either mutant mimics the partially activated state (R'), and transition to the fully activated R conformation in both no longer requires the Tyr4 of Ang II. Both the R state of the receptor and the Tyr4 Ang II dependence of receptor activation can be reinstated by introduction of a larger sized Phe side chain at the 111 position in CR18, suggesting that the CR18 mutation generated an effect similar to the reduction of side chain size in the N111G mutation. Consistently in the native AT1 receptor, R' conformation is generated by replacement with residues smaller but not larger than the Asn111. However, size substitution of several other TM-III residues in both receptors did not affect transitions between R, R', and R states. Thus, the property responsible for Asn111 function as a conformational switch is neither polarity nor hydrogen bonding potential but the side chain size. We conclude that the fundamental mechanism responsible for constitutive activation of the AT1 receptor is to increase the entropy of the key agonist-switch binding residue, Asn111. As a result, the normally agonist-dependent R --> R' transition occurs spontaneously. This mechanism may be applicable to many other GPCRs.
Self-protection of individual CD4+ T cells against R5 HIV-1 infection by the synthesis of anti-viral CCR5 ligands.

It is well established that paracrine secretion of anti-viral CCR5 ligands by CD8+ and CD4+ T cells can block the infection of activated CD4+ T cells by R5 and dual-tropic isolates of HIV-1. By contrast, because CD4+ T cells can be infected by HIV-1 and at least some subsets secrete anti-viral CCR5 ligands, it is possible that these ligands protect against HIV-1 via autocrine as well as paracrine pathways. Here we use a model primary CD4+ T cell response in vitro to show that individual CD4+ T cells that secrete anti-viral CCR5 ligands are ‘self-protected’ against infection with R5 but not X4 strains of HIV-1. This protection is selective for CD4+ T cells that secrete anti-viral CCR5 ligands in that activated CD4+ T cells in the same cultures remain infectable with R5 HIV-1. These data are most consistent with an autocrine pathway of protection in this system and indicate a previously unappreciated selective pressure on the emergence of viral variants and CD4+ T cell phenotypes during HIV-1 infection.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT AS INVESTING IN ORGANIZATIONAL CAPABILITIES: AN EMPIRICALLY GROUNDED PROCESS MODEL

This article describes a field study in which insights from the resource-based view of the firm were combined with models of capital investment decision making to investigate the decision processes...
The Trail of the Germ-plasm

IN his brilliant analysis of the phenomena of growth, T. B. Robertson (“Chemical Basis of Growth and Senescence,” 1923) starts with the assumption that growth phenomena can be likened to certain chemical reactions which are subject first to an acceleration due to catalysis and in a later phase diminished by the products formed in the course of the reactions (autocatalysis). Growth phenomena so closely resemble such reactions in so many cases cited, that Robertson gradually assumes that his premise is correct, and finally ends in accepting the proof accumulated. Let the thesis be accepted as a working hypothesis. The two most awkward phenomena to bring in line with the hypothesis were found to be the carrying on of the germ-plasm intact in the course of development to the adult gonad, and cancer-like growths. In connexion with this hypothesis the following observations on germ-plasm may be helpful.
Historical narrative or life review?: The role of interpretation in Wallace Stegner's angle of repose

Abstract Gerontologists are finding literature an increasingly valuable resource for studies of images of aging, psychology, and the life review. In this article I explore the life review as it is depicted in Angle of Repose , a novel by the late Wallace Stegner, in which the protagonist finds himself engaged in life review through writing his grandmother's biography. A tale within a tale, the novel portrays the narrator's journey toward self-understanding as it is shaped and illuminated by his family research. I explore the role of interpretation in historical narrative and literature as well as life review, and conclude with consideration of the value of fictitious accounts for real-life situations.
Linear dichroism and fluorescence polarization of diphenyl polyenes in stretched polyethylene films

Abstract A study of the linear diehroism and fluorescence polarization of diphenylpolyenes (C 6 H 5 —(CH=CH) n —C 6 H 5 ) with n = 1,2,3,4,6,8 in stretched polyethylene films shows that the polyenes orient in the anisotropic matrix with their transition dipole (emission and absorption, π → π * ) aligned with the direction of stretch. The maximum dichroic ratio is observed for 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), with n = 3, whereas the values are substantially lower for n n > 3. The high orientation of DPH and poor alignment of the higher polyenes may be accounted for in terms of the growing flexibility of the polyene chains with increasing chain length. The results justify the use of DPH as a convenient fluorescence probe for biological and synthetic membranes.
Drug interactions with the taxanes: clinical implications.

Abstract Background: The taxanes paclitaxel and docetaxel are among the most active antitumor agents. Clinically important pharmacodynamic interactions have been reported to occur with these agents that are sequence or schedule dependent. Because the taxanes undergo hepatic oxidation via the cytochrome P450 system, pharmacokinetic interactions due to enzyme induction or inhibition can also occur. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Medline to identify clinically important drug-interactions with the taxanes. Results: Clinically significant taxane interactions were identified for carboplatin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, docetaxel, epirubicin and anticonvulsants. Doxorubicin and epirubicin should be administered 24 h before paclitaxel, and the cumulative anthracycline dose limited to 360 mg/m 2 . This will prevent the enhanced toxicities due to sequence and schedule dependent interactions between anthracyclines and paclitaxel. Conversely, paclitaxel should be administered at least 24 h before cisplatin to avoid a decrease in clearance and increase in myelosuppression. With concurrent anticonvulsant therapy, cytochrome p450 enzyme induction results in decreased paclitaxel plasma steady state concentrations, possibly requiring an increased dose of paclitaxel. A number of other drug interactions have been reported in preliminary studies for which clinical significance has yet to be established. Conclusion: Clinically significant drug interactions have been reported to occur when paclitaxel is administered with doxorubicin, cisplatin, or anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital).
An expert system for the selection of scheduling rules in a job shop

Abstract This paper presents a conceptual framework for the application of expert systems for the selection and development of scheduling rules for a job shop. A portion of the framework is illustrated using an expert system developed using MI™.
Effect of amphetamine on [18F]fallypride in vivo binding to D2 receptors in striatal and extrastriatal regions of the primate brain: Single bolus and bolus plus constant infusion studies

[(18)F]fallypride is a new positron emission tomography (PET) dopamine D(2) receptor radiotracer that provides visualization of D(2) receptors in both striatal and extrastriatal areas. Here, the vulnerability of [(18)F]fallypride binding to endogenous dopamine (DA) levels was evaluated by examining the effect of amphetamine on [(18)F]fallypride binding in striatal and extrastriatal regions. Data were acquired in three male baboons at three different doses of i.v. amphetamine, using two different [(18)F]fallypride administration protocols (single bolus and bolus plus constant infusion). Scans were performed following a single bolus of [(18)F]fallypride under control conditions and following 1 mg/kg i.v. amphetamine and with an [(18)F]fallypride bolus plus constant infusion design under control, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.3 mg/kg amphetamine i.v. conditions. Significant decreases in [(18)F]fallypride binding potential were seen in striatum (-49%, -18%, and -14%), thalamus (-25%, -23%, and -14%), and hippocampus (-36%, -24%, and -12%) following 1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.3 mg/kg doses of amphetamine, respectively. Additional analyses were performed suggesting that these results were not artifacts of nonreceptor-related effects such as regional flow changes or partial volume effects. In conclusion, [(18)F]fallypride binding is vulnerable to endogenous competition by DA in striatum as well as extrastriatal regions, suggesting that this ligand may be suitable for the study presynaptic DA function in striatal and extrastriatal areas.
The Role of Health Education in Public Policy Development

Health educators should view policy development as a unit of professional practice analogous to the individual, the small group, the community, and the organization. The impact of policy on other units of practice and on people served by health educators is too great and the competition for scarce resources for health and human services is too keen to be disregarded. An increasingly active role in the policy process is, therefore, vital to the profession. Unfortunately, many health educators find an active role strange and lack guidelines for effective policy intervention. This paper attempts to mediate that situation. First a conceptual framework is offered. Operational definitions of important terms are given, including policy, public policy, social policy, health policy, and health education policy. A model of the policy development process is presented, detailing the purpose and dynamics of several steps: establishing problem awareness, setting goals and objectives, selecting a course of action, designing alternative courses of action, analyzing policy, assigning implementation responsibility, implementing, and evaluating. Then five categories of intervention strategies encompassing 16 individual suggested roles ranging from indirect influence to direct political involvement are presented. The categories are: acting as a source of policy information, providing technical assistance, organizing, influencing policymakers, and taking direct political action.
Study of jet fragmentation via azimuthal correlations: a probe for the sQGP at RHIC

Two particle azimuthal correlation functions are used to study flow and jet fragmentation in the hot QCD matter believed to be created in Au+Au collisions at RHIC (√sNN = 200GeV). Detailed results on jet topologies and yields, and their flavor dependence are obtained via a novel technique for decomposition of the combined correlations from jets and flow in Au+Au collisions. The results indicate significant broadening of the away-side jet attributable to important interactions between the flowing medium and the scattered partons which fragment into jets.
The Effect of Progesterone Dose on Gene Expression after Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Microarray-based transcriptional profiling was used to determine the effect of progesterone in the cortical contusion (CCI) model. Gene ontology (GO) analysis then evaluated the effect of dose on relevant biological pathways. Treatment (vehicle, progesterone 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg given i.p.) was started 4 h post-injury and administered every 12 h post-injury for up to 72 h, with the last injection 12 hr prior to death for the 24 h and 72 h groups. In the CCI-injured vehicle group compared to non-injured animals, expression of 1,114, 4,229, and 291 distinct genes changed >1.5-fold (p<0.05) at 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days, respectively. At 24 h, the effect of low-dose progesterone on differentially expressed genes was <20% the effect of higher dose compared to vehicle. GO analysis identified a significant effect of low- and high-dose progesterone treatment compared to vehicle on DNA damage response. At 72 h, high-dose progesterone treatment compared to vehicle affected expression of almost twice as many g...
Phosphorus‐containing groups in analyses of carbon‐13 chemical shifts of 1‐hetera‐4‐cyclohexanones

The 13C NMR chemical shifts of a series of phosphorinanes and the corresponding 4-phosphorinanones have been evaluated using ‘double difference’ plots. Most of the compounds fit the same linear relationships for the carbons alpha and beta to the hetera group previously found for the analogous sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen six-membered heterocycles, suggesting that these phosphorus compounds possess similar chair conformations. For the carbons gamma to the hetera group, the plots suggest that there are transannular interactions between the trivalent phosphine groups and the carbonyl group, similar to that previously observed for the sulfide group. In these 1-hetera-4-cyclohexanones, transannular interactions appear whenever a lone pair of electrons on a second-row heteroatom is present in the proper conformation for interaction with the carbonyl group.
Difficult dilemmas: The meaning and dynamics of being out in the classroom

This chapter explores the dilemmas and perceptions of being open regarding nonheterosexual sexual orientations in the higher education classroom from the individual perspectives of the three coauthors.
Advanced modeling and optimization of high performance 32nm HKMG SOI CMOS for RF/analog SoC applications

We demonstrate advanced modeling and optimization of 32nm high-K metal gate (HKMG) SOI CMOS technology for high-speed digital and RF/analog system-on-chip applications. To enable high-performance RF/analog circuit design, we present challenging device modeling features and their enhancements. At nominal L poly , floating-body NFET and PFET demonstrate peak f T of 300GHz and fMAX of higher than 350GHz with excellent model-to-hardware accuracy. For precision analog circuit design, body-contacted (BC) FETs and various passives are offered, and their performance and modeling accuracy are co-optimized to push the technology limit and achieve state-of-the-art circuits, e.g., 28Gb/s serial link transceiver and LC-tank VCO operating at higher than 100GHz.
“Slaughter was going on in the dining room”: Food and Violence in Molly Keane’s Fiction

Molly Keane has made a name for herself as a writer whose novels accurately portray the Ascendancy world of her upbringing. As such, her fiction offers a valuable critical lens through which to exa...
WADM and radiation MHD simulations of compact multi-planar and cylindrical wire arrays at 1 MA currents

Abstract The radiative performance of Z-pinches created by the imploding wire array loads is defined by the ablation and implosion dynamics of these loads. Both these processes can be effectively modeled by the Wire Ablation Dynamics Model (WADM), which extends the formalism exploited earlier for the cylindrical wire arrays to the loads of arbitrary geometries. The WADM calculates the ablation rates for each array wire and provides the important dynamic parameters, such as the specific mass and velocity of the imploding plasma, which can be used to estimate the shapes of the x-ray pre-pulse and, partially, the main x-ray burst. The applications of the WADM also extend to combined material wire array loads. The ablation and implosion dynamics of novel Prism Planar Wire Array (PPWA) and combined material (Mo/Al/Mo) Triple Planar Wire Array (TPWA) loads are discussed in detail. The combined WADM and radiation MHD simulation is applied to model the radiative performance of the precursor plasma column, created by the imploding stainless steel compact cylindrical wire array. As the radiation effects intensify with the mass accumulation at the array center, the simulation reveals the transformation of quasi-uniform precursor column into a heterogeneous plasma structure with strong density and temperature gradients. We find that radiative performance of the precursor plasma is greatly affected by the load geometry as well as by the wire material.
Modeling of transport of small molecules in polymer blends: Application of effective medium theory

This article concerns itself with the prediction of effective diffusion coefficients of small permeants in binary polymer blends of varying degrees of miscibility and microstructural order. Several models have been critically evaluated with the help of previously published experimental data and in terms of consistency of morphological information provided by small permeants serving as morphological probes. Completely random, two-phase media have been modeled in terms of Effective Medium Theory with the coordination number (z) describing the average morphology. A comprehensive analysis of experimental data has shown a correlation between z and various physical situations. Near the percolation threshold, z attains a maximum value while, above it, z tends to decrease with increasing content of the conductive component. Accurate predictions of effective diffusivity can be made for volume fractions between 0.3 and 0.8 by letting z = 6. Evidence for phase inversion was studied in terms of models with ordered microstructure and transport data.
MO‐G‐BRE‐03: Automated Continuous Monitoring of Patient Setup with Second‐Check Independent Image Registration

Purpose: To create a non-supervised quality assurance program to monitor image-based patient setup. The system acts a secondary check by independently computing shifts and rotations and interfaces with Varian's database to verify therapist's work and warn against sub-optimal setups. Methods: Temporary digitally-reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) and OBI radiographic image files created by Varian's treatment console during patient setup are intercepted and used as input in an independent registration module customized for accuracy that determines the optimal rotations and shifts. To deal with the poor quality of OBI images, a histogram equalization of the live images to the DDR counterparts is performed as a pre-processing step. A search for the most sensitive metric was performed by plotting search spaces subject to various translations and convergence analysis was applied to ensure the optimizer finds the global minima. Final system configuration uses the NCC metric with 150 histogram bins and a one plus one optimizer running for 2000 iterations with customized scales for translations and rotations in a multi-stage optimization setup that first corrects and translations and subsequently rotations. Results: The system was installed clinically to monitor and provide almost real-time feedback on patient positioning. On a 2 month-basis uncorrected pitch values were of a mean 0.016° with standard deviation of 1.692°, and couch rotations of − 0.090°± 1.547°. The couch shifts were −0.157°±0.466° cm for the vertical, 0.045°±0.286 laterally and 0.084°± 0.501° longitudinally. Uncorrected pitch angles were the most common source of discrepancies. Large variations in the pitch angles were correlated with patient motion inside the mask. Conclusion: A system for automated quality assurance of therapist's registration was designed and tested in clinical practice. The approach complements the clinical software's automated registration in terms of algorithm configuration and performance and constitutes a practical approach to implement safe and cost-effective radiotherapy.
Algorithmic techniques for robust applications

Much recent research suggests significant power and energy benefits of relaxing correctness constraints in future processors. Such processors with relaxed constraints have often been referred to as stochastic processors. In this talk, I will discuss three approaches for building applications for such processors. The first approach relies on relaxing the correctness of the application based upon an analysis of application characteristics. The second approach relies upon detecting and then correcting faults within the application as they arise. The third approach transforms applications into more error tolerant forms. In this paper, we show how these techniques that enhance or exploit the error tolerance of applications can yield significant power and energy benefits when computed on stochastic processors.
Precocious sexual receptivity induced by a juvenile hormone analog in females of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Abstract Females of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti , are refractory to insemination for about 2 days after emergence. This refractory period can be significantly reduced by topical application of a synthetic analog of juvenile hormone. Control females (acetone-treated and untreated) were compared with females treated with the analog as freshly emerged (teneral) adults and as pupae. Earliest insemination for each respective group was at 30, 12, and 8 hours. Time to 50% insemination was 44, 20, and 12 hours.
Weighted Consensus Clustering for Identifying Functional Modules in Protein-Protein Interaction Networks

In this article we present a new approach - weighted consensus clustering to identify the clusters in Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks where each cluster corresponds to a group of functionally similar proteins. In weighed consensus clustering, different input clustering results weigh differently, i. e., a weight for each input clustering is introduced and the weights are automatically determined by an optimization process. We evaluate our proposed method with standard measures such as modularity, normalized mutual information (NMI) and the Gene Ontology (GO) consortium database and compare the performance of our approach with other consensus clustering methods . Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
Making waves: Urban technology and the co–production of place

Over the past several years, as cities in the United States have faced increasing fiscal pressures, there has been a reinvigorated interest in the promise of smart cities, intelligent cities, digital cities, open source cities and media cities, which advocate the use of digital technologies to make cities more efficient, productive, innovative and attractive. However, the appropriation and use of urban technologies have transformed the aesthetic, symbolic and lived experience of cities in important ways, which have not been well described or theorized. Based on theories from communications, science and technology studies as well as more specialized fields such as urban informatics, this article attempts to understand the ways in which urban technologies are appropriated and used to co–produce place relying on empirical examples from art and design, social science, and information and computer science. Finally, it illustrates the ways in which place is constituted at the intersection of socio–technical practices as dynamic, relational and interdependent.
NMR quadrupole structures in dynamic nuclear polarization with inhomogeneously broadened ESR line

Abstract An investigation has been made of the behavior of NMR quadrupole structures under dynamic nuclear polarization (the solid state effect) produced by applying a microwave pumping power at the center of an inhomogeneously broadened ESR line.
Automated Scoring Within a Developmental, Cognitive Model of Writing Proficiency

ETS has recently instituted the Cognitively Based Assessments of, for, and as Learning (CBAL) research initiative to create a new generation of assessment designed from the ground up to enhance learning. It is intended as a general approach, covering multiple subject areas including reading, writing, and math. This paper is concerned with the writing assessment being developed within the CBAL framework, and in particular, with the potential for using automated scoring techniques effectively within such an assessment to support learning.
Skin immunology: The Achilles heel to transdermal drug delivery☆

Abstract There are numerous advantages associated with the development of transdermal delivery systems for pharmacologically active drugs and chemicals. Before the potential of transdermal drug delivery can be fully realized, however, researchers are being forced to cope with the problems associated with the development of allergic contact dermatitis and other types of immune responses that can emerge in individuals receiving this form of therapy. This appears to be a unique problem of the transdermal delivery systems since the same agents, given orally or by injection, are accepted by the body without immunological incident. The development of an immune response to a trans dermally delivered drug could have serious implications. It is conceivable that in addition to the immediate problem of allergic contact dermatitis, an immune response could develop that could neutralize the drug's activity. As a result, the sensitized patient may no longer derive any clinical benefit from its usage or that of chemically related compounds. The reasons why and how such skin-associated immune responses are induced, as well as an overview of the skin as an immunologically important organ system, will represent the major focus of this presentation.
Heparin detection by the activated coagulation time: A comparison of the sensitivity of coagulation tests and heparin assays

Abstract Objective : Laboratory and point-of-cared coagulation tests are frequently obtained to determine the presence of heparin after surgical procedures. The objective of this study was (1) to compare the sensitivity of the activated coagulation time (ACT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), protamine titration (Hepcon; HMS Medtronic, Hemotec, Englewood, CO), and thromboelastography (TEG) with heparin anticoagulation and (2) to determine how frequently residual heparin is present in the 24-hour period after heparin neutralization in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) patients. Design : A prospective study. Setting : A tertiary care university teaching center that performs more than 15,000 surgical procedures per year. Participants : Vascular surgical (n = 17) and CPB (n = 29). Interventions : In vascular surgical patients, coagulation tests (ACT, protamine titration [Hepcon], and TEG) were obtained before and 90 minutes after heparin (50 to 60 U/kg IV) and compared with heparin concentration determined by factor Xa inhibition assay. In cardiac surgical patients, ACT and heparin concentrations were measured after anesthesia induction, during CPB, after protamine neutralization, and 3 as well as 6 hours after CPB. In addition to heparin concentrations and ACT measures, platelet counts, fibrinogen levels, and bleeding times were determined before and 3 and 24 hours after CPB. Measurements and Main Results : Ninety minutes after heparin, significant heparin concentrations were present in all vascular surgical patients, but ACT was elevated only 4 of 17 patients. Protamine titration (Hepcon) correlated with the factor Xa inhibitory assay for heparin (r2 = 0.76). All 17 patients had an abnormal TEG (mean “R” time = 81 ± 39 minutes) and a marked elevation of aPTT (135 ± 35 sec [normal 22 to 33 seconds]) 90 minutes after heparin. In CPB patients, ACT did not correlate with heparin assays. After protamine neutralization of heparin in CPB patients, aCT returned to baseline despite the presence of heparin in 3 of 29 patients (0.22, 0.18, and 0.33 U/mL). Conclusions : ACT was les sensitive to residual heparin anticoagulation than aPTT, TEG, and whole blood heparin assay. The whole blood heparin assay (Hepcon) provided sensitive and specific data about the presence of residual heparin. Despite the limitation of ACT in detecting heparin, the investigators found that residual heparin was not common in the period after uncomplicated CPB.
Equation of state for ammonium fluoroberyllate

We determined the equation of state for ammonium fluoroberyllate up to 3 GPa in the temperature range from 160 to 300 K using energy dispersive X-ray diffraction. The bulk modulus and its pressure derivation at room temperature as well as the thermal expansion coefficient at 640 MPa were obtained from these measurements. Our results indicate that the bulk modulus and its pressure derivative have a negligible temperature dependence in this temperature range.
Sulfadimethoxine Degradation Kinetics in Manure as Affected by Initial Concentration, Moisture, and Temperature

Sulfadimethoxine is a widely used sulfonamide veterinary antibiotic and could be a source of agricultural contamination. Therefore, information is needed about its degradation kinetics in manure under aerobic conditions. Based on the analysis of first-order kinetics and the assumption that sulfadimethoxine availability for degradation in manure could be limiting, a new kinetic model was developed and was found to fit the degradation kinetics well. The degradation rate in sterile manure was found to be much lower than in nonsterile manure, indicating that biodegradation was significant. In biologically active manure, the degradation rate constant decreased with increasing initial concentration of sulfadimethoxine, implying that the activity of the degrading microorganisms was inhibited. Increasing moisture or temperature was found to increase sulfadimethoxine degradation in manure. Mixing manure containing high levels of sulfadimethoxine with manure containing lower levels may result in more rapid degradation, thus greatly diminishing sulfadimethoxine contamination in manure and significantly reducing sulfadimethoxine inputs into the environment. During treatment, keeping the manure moist and storing in a moderately warm place under aerobic conditions may also help to diminish sulfadimethoxine contamination.
Crystalline transitions in powders of nylon 66 crystallized from solution

Powders of nylon 66 were crystallized from solution in methanol and in other solvents. These powders exhibit a latent heat of about 4.5 cal/g at the Brill transition near 200°C where the unit cell changes from a triclinic to a pseudohexagonal form. The dimensions of the hydrogen-bonded sheets are almost unchanged up to 240°C, but the separation between the sheets increases with increasing temperature. Above 245°C, the interchain separation increases rapidly, and permits the powder to be extruded in an essentially plastic manner to form coherent extrudates. As the temperature of treatment is increased above 245°C, the latent heat of the Brill transition is reduced toward zero, the heat of fusion is reduced from about 30 cal/g to about 20 cal/g, and an endotherm at 261°C is replaced by one at 267°C.
Assessment and individual recognition of opponents in the pygmy swordtails Xiphophorus nigrensis and X. multilineatus

We examined factors that determine the outcome of agonistic encounters between male pygmy swordtail fish. Xiphophorus nigrensis and X. multilineatus males formed dominance relationships based on body size in staged laboratory encounters. There was a significant negative correlation between size asymmetry and fight intensity, suggesting that males assessed size in the encounters. However, a significant proportion of the variation in fight intensity in contests that escalated to bites could not be explained by size asymmetry. Aggressive motivation may also influence the outcome of contests and could be assessed in agonistic encounters. Theory suggests that signals of aggressive intention will be evolutionarily stable if individuals can recognize opponents and encounter one another repeatedly. In addition, individual recognition is one way that dominance hierarchies can be maintained. Here we demonstrate that males from both species can recognize individuals. In addition, at least some X. nigrensis males were site-faithful in the field, suggesting males encounter the same opponents repeatedly.
Archiving of Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFRs) on State Government Web Sites

Rising cost and declining revenues have hampered the financial affairs of state governments, forcing many to curtail services, reduce employee benefits, and trim the workforce, calling into question the fiscal sustainability of many state governments. As a result, stakeholders are demanding greater accountability and increased transparency into state government finances. An important link or communication tool between state governments and stakeholders is the comprehensive annual financial report. The comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR), produced by state governments, provides some insight into how taxpayer dollars are spent and the benefits derived therefrom. This article analyzes the extent to which the states electronically archive the CAFR on their websites and the accessibility of the reports to users searching state government websites.
External validation of the Ottawa subarachnoid hemorrhage clinical decision rule in patients with acute headache

We aim to externally validate the Ottawa subarachnoid hemorrhage (OSAH) clinical decision rule. This rule identifies patients with acute nontraumatic headache who require further investigation. We conducted a medical record review of all patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with headache from January 2011 to November 2013. Per the OSAH rule, patients with any of the following predictors require further investigation: age 40 years or older, neck pain, stiffness or limited flexion, loss of consciousness, onset during exertion, or thunderclap. The rule was applied following the OSAH rule criteria. Patients were followed up for repeat visits within 7 days of initial presentation. Data were electronically harvested from the electronic medical record and manually abstracted from individual patient charts using a standardized data abstraction form. Calibration between trained reviewers was performed periodically. A total of 5034 ED visits with acute headache were reviewed for eligibility. There were 1521 visits that met exclusion criteria, and 3059 had headache of gradual onset or time to maximal intensity greater than or equal to 1 hour. The rule was applied to 454 patients (9.0%). There were 9 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), yielding an incidence of 2.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0%-3.9%) in the eligible cohort. The sensitivity for SAH was 100% (95% CI, 62.9%-100%); specificity, 7.6% (95% CI, 5.4%-10.6%); positive predictive value, 2.1% (95% CI 1.0%-4.2%); and negative predictive value, 100% (95% CI, 87.4%-100%). The OSAH rule was 100% sensitive for SAH in the eligible cohort. However, its low specificity and applicability to only a minority of ED patients with headache (9%) reduce its potential impact on practice.
Behavioral strategies of individuals who have maintained long-term weight losses.

MCGUIRE, MAUREEN T., RENA R. WING, MARY L. KLEM, AND JAMES O. HILL. Behavioral strategies of individuals who have maintained long-term weight losses. Obes Res. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the behaviors of individuals who have achieved long-term weight loss maintenance with those of regainers and weight-stable controls. Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects for the present study were participants in a random-digit dial telephone survey that used a representative sample of the U. S. adult population. Eating, exercise, self-weighing, and dietary restraint characteristics were compared among weight-loss maintainers: individuals who had intentionally lost ≥10% of their weight and maintained it for ≥1 year (n = 69), weight-loss regainers: individuals who intentionally lost ≥10% of their weight but had not maintained it (n = 56), and weight-stable controls: individuals who had never lost ≥10% of their maximum weight and had maintained their current weight (±10 pounds) within the past 5 years (n= 113). Results: Weight-loss maintainers had lost an average of 37 pounds and maintained it for over 7 years. These individuals reported that they currently used more behavioral strategies to control dietary fat intake, have higher levels of physical activity (especially strenuous activity), and greater frequency of self-weighing than either the weight-loss regainers or weight-stable controls. Maintainers and regainers did not differ in reported levels of dietary restraint, but both had higher levels of restraint than the weight-stable controls. Discussion: These results suggest that weight-loss maintainers use more behavioral strategies to control their weight than either regainers or weight-stable controls. It would thus appear that long-term weight maintenance requires ongoing adherence to a low-fat diet and an exercise regimen in addition to continued attention to body weight.
In Vitro Metabolism of Estradiol-17β by Human Fetal Liver: Formation of Estriol, 16-Epiestriol, Estrone and an Estriol Glucosiduronic Acid

Human fetal liver tissue was incubated with estradiol-17β-16-C14. By the carrier dilution technique, radioactive estriol, 16-epiestriol and estrone were identified and their radiochemical purity was established. In addition, a radioactive estriol glucosiduronic acid was found and purified. The poor yields of these metabolites, the low recovery of the substrate and the demonstration of conjugate formation point to an active role of the fetal liver in the metabolism of maternal estrogens.
L-type Ca2+ channels in fetal and adult ovine cerebral arteries.

Recently, we reported that, whereas in cerebral arteries of the adult a majority of norepinephrine (NE)-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) comes from release of the sarc...
Content Protection through Multicast IP Flow Aggregation in Optical Networks

In this paper, we study the content protection problem through multicast flow aggregation (CPMFA) in which programs with protection requirement are aggregated into different light trees at the access routers and delivered from the head end to one or more destinations. We first use a tri-partite graph to describe the problem and show that the problem is NP-complete. We then formulate the problem as an interger linear program (ILP) and give results for small scale problems. Two hueristic appoaches, named two-step separated multicast flow aggregation (S-MFA) and mixed multicast flow aggregation (M-MFA), are presented. Numerical results show that S-MFA and M-MFA achieve good results in both large and small scale problems.
Surface driven orientational transitions of liquid crystals in a confined micro-structure

this paper reports an optical observation of surface driven orientational transitions of liquid crystals (LCs) in a confined micro-structure. The gold micron-structure was fabricated on a glass substrate. Deionized (DI) water and cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) aqueous solution were used to trigger the orientational transitions that were easily observed optically.
Perception and use of herbals among students and their practitioners in a university setting.

Purpose To determine the extent of herbal use among students at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and to examine the campus health services practitioners' attitudes toward herbals. Data Sources An exploratory study of a nonrandom sampling of 1,754 students and 40 practitioners. The student t test and chi-square comparisons were used to analyze the data. Conclusions Over half of the students surveyed were using herbals, primarily for relief of physical symptoms, prevention of illness, and improvement of general well-being. Many students lacked accurate or sufficient information about herbals and were not seeking medical guidance. Although the practitioners asked students about herbal use and sometimes even encouraged it, 75% noted the need for additional professional education about herbals. Implications for Practice Practitioners in the college health setting need to be cognizant of students' self-medication with herbals and need to have the knowledge to guide students appropriately.
Minimax long range parameter estimation

This paper derives a robust long range prediction error estimator. The long range minimax prediction error (MPE) algorithm is developed by combining the robust (H/sub /spl infin//) linear predictor and long range prediction error method. The resulting identification algorithm, which minimizes the peaks of the error spectrum rather than its integral on the unit circle, is shown to have better robustness properties than recursive least squares with ad hoc data prefiltering. The frequency domain properties of the MPE estimator indicate that the MPE estimator is equivalent to the RLS algorithm with prefilter. The MPE estimator can provide a better estimated model for the model based long range predictive controller. The resulting self-tuning predictive controller will have better overall stability and robustness properties then the H/sub 2/ self-tuning algorithms. >
Extending the creation operation in the Schematic Protection Model

Protection models provide a formalism for specifying control over access to information and other resources in a multi-user computer system. Useful protection models must balance expressive power with the complexity of safety analysis i.e. the determination of whether or not a given subject can ever acquire access to a given resource. The authors argue that, in terms of expressive power, a joint creation operation is a natural candidate for inclusion in an access control model, particularly in the context of integrity considerations. They extend the Schematic Protection Model (SPM) to allow for groups of subjects to jointly create other subjects and objects. They discuss the safety properties of ESPM. Despite the increase in expressive power, ESPM retains tractable safety analysis for many cases of practical interest. >
Inductance of a shielded coil

Models are developed for the inductance of a helical coil and a helical coil inside a conducting shield. Values of inductance are found from analysis. The dependence of inductance on the presence of the shield is assessed quantitatively and explained on the basis of physical principles, and the significance of skin and proximity effects in the wire coil is outlined. The inductance of an isolated, one-turn loop and a one-turn loop inside a conducting tube are measured and are found to be in excellent agreement with computed data. When the conducting shield and coil are very close, the inductance of the coil is found to be greatly diminished suggesting that one must account for the presence of shields when characterizing inductors, which might be used for loading and tuning of antennas. A nearby conducting shield must be accounted for in inductance calculations if reasonable accuracy is expected.
Transglutaminase activation in neurodegenerative diseases.

The following review examines the role of calcium in promoting the in vitro and in vivo activation of transglutaminases in neurodegenerative disorders. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease exhibit increased transglutaminase activity and rises in intracellular calcium concentrations, which may be related. The aberrant activation of transglutaminase by calcium is thought to give rise to a variety of pathological moieties in these diseases, and the inhibition has been shown to have therapeutic benefit in animal and cellular models of neurodegeneration. Given the potential clinical relevance of transglutaminase inhibitors, we have also reviewed the recent development of such compounds.