cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benefit Analysis for Urban Grade Separated Interchanges

A procedure for evaluating the user benefits from highway improvement is demonstrated through a hypothetical case study. A comparison is made between an urban‐grade separated interchange and an at‐grade intersection in terms of the delay, vehicle operating cost, accidents, and vehicle emissions for several traffic demand levels. The results indicate that the urban‐grade separated interchange may be economically viable at an average daily demand as low as 40,000 total entering vehicles. Benefit cost ratios of 2.4 and 3.6 are generated with an initial average daily demand level of 80,000 total entering vehicles depending on the assumed traffic growth rate. A benefit/cost ratio of 2.9 is generated with an initial average daily demand of 60,000 total entering vehicles, assuming a 2.5 percent annual growth rate. Potential reductions in annual delay, fuel consumption, total vehicle emissions, and accident costs amounting to 73, 21, 40, and 80 percent, respectively, are indicated.
Fund Manager Herding: A Test of the Accuracy of Empirical Results Using U.K. Data

The portfolio holdings of 268 U.K. equity mutual funds are employed to test the accuracy of the Lakonishok, Shleifer, and Vishny (1992) measure of herding and test for herding among U.K. mutual fund managers. After adjusting for the biases in the LSV herding measure, the results reveal the existence of a modest amount of fund manager herding in the largest and smallest individual U.K. stocks but little herding in other stocks or stocks aggregated by industry. Contrary to previous U.S. results, we find that U.K. mutual fund managers tend to herd out of large stocks after high excess returns.
Distribution of Molecular Weight in Glyceride Polymerizates or Aggregates of them after Contact with Lunar Grains

An attempt is made to report on experiments in which a molecular-weight increase was determined in thin layers of triglyceride-containing glycerides after thin-layer contact for two years with lunar topsoil grains at 25 C without any thermal activation. It is noted that solidification was observed on both dielectric grains and metal-rich areas and that changes in viscosity and molecular weights were first detected by solidification of surface layers. Gel permeation chromatography is described which detected a general shift of the Gaussian distribution of the molecular-weight data toward generally higher molecular weights as well as an increase in mean molecular weight. Reaction mechanisms are considered, and results of spectrographic analysis are cited which support the interpretations of the molecular-weight data.
ANALYSIS, DESIGN, AND TESTING OF A POSITION SERVO UTILIZING A STEPPER MOTOR

Position control system using a stepper or incremental motor for planetary horizontal platform on spacecraft
Safety performance of Securiflex windshield

An improved windshield with a special, thin, plastic inner surface attached to the inner surface of a three layer windshield similar to those used in the United States minimizes lacerations from occupant impact to the windshield during a collision. The plastic coats the sharp edges of the broken glass preventing or minimizing laceration. It was evaluated by comparing its laceration performance with that of a standard windshiled in simulated barrier crashes at velocities up to 65 km/h. No lacerations resulted from impact to the Securiflex Windshield at Barrier Equivalent Velocities up to 65 km/h. Substantial laceration resulted at velocities above 20 km/h with the standard windshield. It is concluded that the Securiflex Windshield essentially eliminates lacerations in the particular vehicle involved at velocities up to at least 65 km/h. /Author/
Brain RNA synthesis and the retention of learning through metamorphosis in Tenebrio obscurus (Insecta: Coleoptera).

1. 1. Neurochemical events associated with the retention of learning through metamorphosis in the tenebrionid beetle, Tenebrio obscurus, were investigated. 2. 2. Retention of learning of a complex maze task was demonstrated for this species. 3. 3. Learning was accompanied by a significant increase in RNA synthesis within the corpora pedunculata of both larval and adult stages of this holometabolous insect. 4. 4. The implications of these results to the development of the insect CNS during various life cycle stages and the conservation of neural organization within those brain regions associated with the consolidation and storage of experiential information are discussed.
Studies of the molecular basis of gonadal tumors in the marine bivalve, Mya arenaria

Abstract Epizootiological studies of gonadal tumors of Maine soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria) have shown prevalences of over 20% in certain populations in eastern Maine. The etiology of these tumors is unknown, and both environmental as well as genetic factors may play a role. In order to investigate the effect of exposure to environmental contaminants, we initiated a short-term exposure study of M. arenaria to [3H]tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin ([3H]TCDD). Gill, digestive gland, foot and gonad were sampled up to two weeks after a 24-h exposure to a low dose (10 parts per trillion or pptr) or high dose (2000pptr) of [3H]TCDD in the water. In the gill, peak concentrations occurred at the beginning of depuration, whereas peak concentrations in the digestive gland and foot were found 12–24 h after exposure. In contrast, tissue concentrations in the gonad increased through the post-exposure period; at two weeks after exposure, [3H]TCDD concentrations were highest in the gonad. Examination of gill and gonad by differential display polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) identified potential alterations in expression of genes that may be associated with increased cell cycling (heparan sulfate proteoglycan, E3 ubiquinating enzyme) or translation initiation (p68 RNA helicase/initiation factor eIEF-4A). Histopathological analysis indicated no observable alterations in gonadal or gill tissue from exposed animals.
The time-scale of atmospheric diffusion considered in relation to the universal diffusion function, ƒ1

Abstract A formula for the ƒ 1 - function in Pasquill's well-known diffusion equation, σ y (t) = σ v tƒ 1 (t/t L ) , is derived from the ‘random-force’ model (RFM) of long-range, horizontal diffusion proposed by Gifford (1982a, Atmospheric Environment16, 505–512). When historical and recent plume diffusion data are used to determine ƒ 1 from the empirical formula proposed by Draxler (1976, Atmospheric Environment10, 99–105), which assumes a fully averaged form for the diffusion, i.e. a constant σv, the time-scale parameter of that formula is found to vary by a factor of more than an order of magnitude over the range of the data. Application of the RFM to these data shows that the diffusive motions were only partially averaged over the experimental sampling times, so that the σv describing these plumes is a function of both the diffusion time and the experimental sampling time. When a Lagrangian time-scale of 104 s, as required by the RFM, is used, the free parameter of the RFM-equation for ƒ 1 is found to be practically constant over the data range, in contrast to the large parameter variation required to fit the empirical ƒ 1 - formula to these data.
Movement of ions and electrogenesis in microorganisms.

The relationship between movement of ions and the electrical properties of microorganisms (algae, fungi, and bacteria) are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the giant alga, Nitella , and the fungus, Neurospora . The hypothesis is presented that there are two basically different components to the membrane potential of both organisms: (1) one arising from the diffusion of sodium, potassium, and hydrogen ions down their chemical gradients, and (2) one associated with the utilization of energy and the active efflux of hydrogen ions, and attributed to an “electrogenic H+ pump.” Numerous discrepancies between the measured electrical properties of the algae or fungi and the predictions of ordinary ion-diffusion theory can be accounted for by such an H+ pump, and its existence is further supported by a few indirect experiments on the bacteria.
Generation after generation: exploring the psychological impact of providing genetic services through a cascading approach.

Purpose: The provision of genetic services often occurs in a cascading fashion within families experiencing inherited diseases. This study examines whether previous family experiences with genetic services influences levels of psychological well-being of family members receiving services later. Methods: Two hundred ninety-seven persons from 38 families with Lynch syndrome completed questionnaires before receiving genetic services. Baseline levels of test-related distress, depressive symptoms, and cancer worries were assessed in relationship to the (1) amount of time elapsed since services were provided to the index case and (2) generation of the family member relative to the index case. Results: Family members in the same generation as the index case experienced significant increases in test-related distress (P = 0.003) and cancer worry (P = 0.001) with increasing time between receipt of genetic test results by the index case and provision of services to family members. Change in the number of depressive symptoms was not significant (P = 0.17). Conclusion: The provision of genetic services through a cascading approach significantly increases distress and worry among family members within the same generation as the index case who receive services at increasingly distant time intervals. Additional research is needed to explore social influences after the introduction of genetic services.
Seed predation increases with ground beetle diversity in a Wisconsin (USA) potato agroecosystem

Agri-environmental schemes (AES) are hypothesized to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services in agroecosystems. We investigated how non-crop habitats in one AES influence seed-eating ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and post-dispersal weed seed predation, an ecosystem service provided by these beetles. We found that the abundance of beetles was higher in the non-crop habitats than within the crop fields. Species diversity (measured by Simpson’s D), however, was greater in crop fields than in non-crop habitats. In addition, beetle assemblages were distinct between the crop and non-crop habitats possibly due to differences in the frequency and intensity of disturbance between crop and non-crop habitats. Seed predation by small predators (mainly ground beetles) was greater in the non-crop habitat than within the potato field. Moreover, we found a positive association between seed predation and beetle diversity both within the crop and in the non-crop habitat which provides evidence of a relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, differences in species assemblages suggest that species identity also affects rates of seed predation.
The inhibition of serine metabolism in Leuconostoc mesenteroides P-60. I. Microbiological activity of D- and L-penicillamine.

Abstract Each of the enantiomorphs of penicillamine is able to inhibit the acid production of Leuconostoc mesenteroides P-60 when grown on a synthetic medium in which serine is limiting. The inhibitory effects of penicillamine are reversed by increasing the serine concentration. d - or l -Penicillamine acts synergistically with l -cysteine or l -cystine in stimulating the acid production of Leuconostoc mesenteroides P-60 when grown on a hydrogen peroxide-treated peptone medium in which l -cysteine or l -cystine is limiting. This synergistic effect, however, is not significant on a synthetic medium. d - or l -Penicillamine is unable to act in lieu of or antagonize glycine in the nutrition of Leuconostoc mesenteroides P-60, or valine, threonine, or methionine in the nutrition of Streptococcus faecalis 9790.
Acute Pancreatitis after Transarterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Drug-Eluting Beads

Nontarget embolization is a relatively common cause of post-chemoembolization complications. Clinical presentation following nontarget embolization varies from minimal to fatal, and oftentimes relates to the vascular distribution embolized rather than the amount or type of embolic agent. Post-chemoembolization pancreatitis is an uncommon complication, but one that is known to occur. The following manuscript presents a case of post-chemoembolization pancreatitis, and suggests methods to decrease this complication as well as treatment once the complication occurs.
Use of recombinant interferon in HSV-1 recurrence in the rabbit.

The use of recombinant human interferon alpha subtype D (RIFNαD) was effective in reducing shedding of herpes simplex virus type-1 induced by iontophoresis of 6-hydroxydopamine and epinephrine. A post stimulation treatment schedule of RIFNαD, one drop four times a day was as effective as pre-treatment, using the same dose regimen. The levels of interferon (IFN) present in the assay system are not sufficient to produce an antiviral effect. The levels of IFN required to suppress cell growth are substantially higher than the concentrations detected in the assay system.
MODULATION OF APOPTOTIC PATHWAYS IN INTESTINAL MUCOSA DURING HIBERNATION

Mammalian hibernation is associated with several events that can affect programmed cell death (apoptosis) in nonhibernators, including marked changes in blood flow, extended fasting, and oxidative ...
Antecedents to member participation within small groups: A review of theory and research

Abstract The member characteristics and conditions that increase the likelihood that someone will participate within a group are discussed in light of the relevant literature
Optimal simultaneous pin assignment and escape routing for dense PCBs

In PCB designs, pin positions greatly affect routability of the design. State-of-the-art pin assignment algorithms are guided by simple (heuristic) metrics to estimate routability and thus have no guarantee to obtain a routable solution. In this paper, we present a novel approach to obtain a pin assignment solution that guarantees routability. We show that the problem of simultaneous pin assignment and escape routing can be solved optimally in polynomial time. We then focus on the pin assignment and escape routing for the terminals in a bus, and present algorithmic enhancements as well as discuss the trade-offs between single-layer and multi-layer implementations. We tested our approach on a state-of-the-art industrial board with 80 buses (over 7000 nets). The pin assignment and escape routing solutions for all the 80 buses are successfully obtainted in less than 5 minutes of CPU time.
Hybrid polymer/sol–gel waveguide modulators with exceptionally large electro–optic coefficients

Electro–optic (EO) modulators are typically made from inorganic materials such as LiNbO3, but replacing them with organic EO materials, that is, ones with optical properties that change in response to an electric field, could be a promising alternative because they offer large bandwidth, ease of processing and relatively low cost. Here we incorporate a doped, crosslinked organic EO polymer into hybrid polymer/sol–gel waveguide modulator devices with exceptional performance. The half-wave voltages of the resulting Mach–Zehnder (MZ) and phase modulators at 1550 nm are 1 V and 2.5 V, respectively. The unique properties of the sol–gel cladding materials used in the hybrid structure result in a 100% device poling efficiency, leading to respective in-device EO coefficients of 138 pm V–1 and 170 pm V–1 in the MZ and phase modulators. These results are the first to show in-device EO coefficients that are five to six times larger than those of the benchmark inorganic material.
Optimal versus nonoptimal conditions for retrieval

In two multitrial free-recall experiments and one multitrial cued-recall experiment with categorized word lists, the recall and relative clustering performance was found to vary with list structure. In the free-recall experiments, organization and recall of a list with 4 categories and 6 items per category were found to be superior to the performance on lists having either 2 categories with 12 items per category or 12 categories with 2 items per category. When free recall was preceded by sorting words into categories, the level of performance increased in all list conditions. The recall of lists having 12 categories with 2 items per category was greatly facilitated by cuing recall. The results were interpreted as supporting the view that a limited capacity retrieval system is bounded by the number of words within a subjective unit as well as the number of subjective units.
A comparison of how the United States and Canada set drinking water regulations

How the United States and Canada approach the process and implementation of drinking water standards is critically examined. Despite many similarities in their approaches to regulating drinking water contaminants, there are a number of important differences, including approaches to dealing with genotoxic versus presumed epigenetic carcinogens and selection of biostatistical quantitative risk assessment models. Such international comparisons provide a valuable means to discern how others have attempted to solve similar problems and thereby provide an excellent opportunity to test the validity of one's own methodologies.
Nd isotope evidence for crust-mantle interaction in the generation of A-type granitoid suites in Labrador, Canada

Early Proterozoic “A-type” granite suites in Labrador, northeastern Canada, have initial Nd isotopic compositions that lie between those of a depleted mantle reservoir and the local basement rocks. One of these A-type granite suites consists of a linear array of discrete plutons that crosses the boundary between an Archean craton and an adjoining Early Proterozoic crustal block. The ϵNd of these granites (at formation, t = 1720 Ma) changes from −8 to +4 across this boundary, reflecting changes in the nature and antiquity of the continental crust. However, in both domains, the granites cannot be derived entirely by anatexis of the local basement rocks, and apparently require significant amounts of “juvenile” (mantle-derived) material. A-type granites have been widely interpreted as anatectic derivatives of lower-crustal rocks that were depleted by previous melt extraction. The Nd isotopic data suggest that these Labrador examples were instead mixtures of mantle-derived magmas and overlying lower-crustal rocks, and that new material may have been the volumetrically dominant component (50–90%) in most cases. As an alternative to the prevalent “residual-source” model, it is proposed that the distinctive geochemical characteristics of these A-type granites are a function of the high liquidus temperatures and primitive, Mg-rich character of subcrustal magma fluxes in post-orogenic and anorogenic environments, where such magmas are emplaced into stabilized continental crust. Further Nd isotope studies of other A-type granite suites are required to ascertain if models invoking crust-mantle interaction are more widely applicable.
An Overview of Fishing Rights

Coastal state management of marine harvests within 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones was a new and innovative process during the period from the late 1970s through the 1980s. The spread of conservation-focused harvest management was a key step in the evolution of fishing rights, followed in some nations by a second step of creating more exclusive, individual or group fishing rights. The three main forms of more exclusive fishing rights – limited entry permits, individual fishing quotas (IFQs), and local community-based or co-operative harvesting – vary widely in content and detail. But, when successful, they all increase the economic efficiency of fisheries, and they reshape the economic and political landscape of fisheries. All three types, but particularly IFQs, may initiate radical changes in the economic organization of the fishery, ultimately changing who fishes, where and when they fish, the products sold, the balance of power among industry sectors, incentives to support conservation, the size of incomes from fishing, and the location of shore-side economic activity. Changes of this sort are bound to provoke controversy. The controversies over fishing rights take three forms: disagreements over the meaning and intent of fishing rights, disputes over the distribution of rights and associated economic gain, and concern for disruptions imposed on people who are dependent on the “old order”. This paper provides a short review of the underlying concepts, rights systems, and current controversies concerning fishing rights.
Dehydrocyclization of 1-heptene-1-14C over chromia on non-acidic alumina

The dehydrocyclization of 1-heptene-1-14C has been investigated over a chromia on “nonacidic” alumina catalyst with the aim of determining the14C distribution in the ring of the toluene product. As high as 80% of the14C was consistently found in the methyl position as predicted for direct six-carbon ring formation.
Muscimol facilitates sexual receptivity in hamsters when infused into the ventral tegmentum

Progestogenic stimulation of both the ventral medial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) within the midbrain is critical for normal receptivity in female hamsters. However, few estrogen-induced progestin receptors have been found in the midbrain. In addition, recent evidence suggests that progestin's action in the VTA is mediated nongenomically at the membrane. The present experiment investigated the possible role of GABAA receptors in mediating the effects of progesterone in this brain region. Ovariectomized female hamsters were bilaterally implanted with chronic cannulae aimed toward the ventral mesencephalon. Five days after surgery, animals were injected with 10 μg estradiol benzoate SC. Forty hours later, the same animals were injected with either 25 or 100 μg progesterone and at hour 43.5, 50 ng muscimol was infused in 0.5 μl. Control animals received 0.5 μl vehicle, sterile saline, or no infusion. At hour 44, animals were tested for sexual receptivity by placing them in an observation arena with a sexually experienced male for 10 min, during which lordosis duration was recorded. The following week, the same regimen was given with the alternate dose of progesterone. Histology revealed that only those animals that were infused with muscimol into the VTA had total lordosis durations that were significantly longer than the controls. Implants that missed the ventral tegmental area were much less effective. These results indicate that GABA might play a facilitatory role in enhancing the efficacy of threshold doses of progesterone. Whether this interaction is due to a direct effect of progestins on the GABAA receptor complex awaits further study.
Automatic detection of microcalcifications in digital mammography

We devised, built and tested a detector and segmenter of microcalcifications in mammograms. Our segmenter includes preprocessing, extraction of 17 features, genetic selection of the best subset of six features, and a k-nearest neighbor classifier to suppress false candidates. From regions of interest in 86 clinically proven digital mammograms (one region per mammogram), we constructed a set of 716 manually determined microcalcifications and a set of 1222 false candidates. Our algorithm detected 695 (97%) and missed 21 (3%) of the 716 microcalcifications and produced 220 (18%) false positives among the 1222 false candidates. We evaluated this automated segmenter by comparing its diagnostic efficiency to that of a manual segmenter. All of the cases represented by the 86 regions of interest in our test were biopsied in earlier examinations. Among these 57 were proved benign. The diagnostic system containing the manual segmenter reduced this number to 16 (a 72-percent reduction). The diagnostic system containing our automated segmenter produced 20 benign biopsies (a 68-percent reduction). The loss of these four percentage points (from 72 to 68) is the price paid for elimination of the tedious and costly task of manual segmentation, which suffers from the variability and fatigue associated with human perception.
A detailed study of gold single crystal growth in a silica gel

Gold single microcrystals have been fabricated by electrochemical growth in a silica gel. Structural characterization of the single crystals by backscatter electron diffraction showed a preferred orientation of Au (1 1 1) and a minor orientation of Au (1 0 0). In addition, the influence of additives on the nucleation and growth of gold microcrystals has been studied. It was found that the inclusion of chemical additives in the growth solutions altered the characteristics of the gold crystals. Possible mechanisms for nucleation and growth of these crystals are discussed.
Effect of masking by light on the apparent contrast of flashed gratings.

Two observers judged the apparent contrast of briefly flashed gratings with spatial frequencies of 0.25, 1.0, or 4.0 cycles per deg. The stimuli had equal physical contrasts and were either preceded or followed by an overlapping white masking flash. When the masking flash preceded the stimulus flash (forward masking), there was a linear increase of apparent contrast with spatial frequency, indicating the presence of lateral-inhibitory activity in the visual system. When the masking flash followed the stimulus flash (backward masking), there was no increase of apparent contrast with spatial frequency, indicating the absence of lateral-inhibitory activity. To account for these results, a model of the visual system was formulated in which the neural response to a stimulus is presumed to consist of an early excitatory and a lagging inhibitory component. According to this model, a forward mask disrupts the excitatory-response component to a relatively greater extent than the inhibitory component, whereas the opposite is true for a backward mask.
Development of a selective pseudosubstrate-based peptide inhibitor of pp60c-src protein tyrosine kinase

Using a combinatorial peptide library method, we identified YIYGSFK as an efficient and specific peptide substrate for pp60c-src protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) [Lam et al., Int. J. Pept. Protein Res., 45 (1995) 587]. Employing YIYGSFK as a template, we synthesized and evaluated a series of pseudosubstrate-based inhibitors for pp60c-src. We found that the efficiency of a given inhibitor was highly dependent on the specific tyrosine analog used at the phosphorylation site of the substrate. One of these pseudosubstrate inhibitors, YI(2′-Nal)GSFK, selectively inhibited the kinase activity of pp60c-src, with a Ki of 24 μM. This peptide inhibitor exhibited selectivity for pp60c-src as compared to other PTKs tested, such as c-Abl and Bcr-Abl. Our results suggest that selective inhibitors for a specific PTK can be developed when the structure of a specific and efficient small peptide substrate for this PTK can be used as a template for structure modification.
Selling a super cosmeceutical: Contextualising risk in direct-to-consumer advertising of BOTOX® Cosmetic

Botulinum Toxin Type A, otherwise known as BOTOX®, has dramatically changed the face of modern cosmetic medicine. This study examines the communication of the product's risks and benefits in online direct-to-consumer marketing by Allergan, maker of BOTOX Cosmetic, BOTOX Therapeutic, and BOTOX for Severe Underarm Sweating. Findings suggest that Allergan's heavy reliance on existing social norms of ideal beauty – as youthful, gendered, and self-actualised – for marketing BOTOX Cosmetic cultivates a meta-message of greater social and psychological risks associated with not using the product. In addition, the drug's medical indications are routinely conflated with its cosmetic purpose, resulting in a redefinition of the product as a ‘super cosmeceutical’. These observations have important implications for how social representations of risk may detract from consumer perceptions of physical harms and further promote risk-taking in the widespread pursuit of idealised beauty.
OBG: A Report on 17 Years' Experience with Early Introduction of Solids

(1967). OBG: A Report on 17 Years' Experience with Early Introduction of Solids. Hospital Topics: Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 97-106.
Radiation-induced cardiovascular dysfunction

Abstract Despite previous reports of an extraordinary surgical mortality rate in the repair of radiationinduced valve disease, it appears that such patients can be successfully managed surgically with a low complication rate.
Automotive transmission clutch fill optimal control: An experimental investigation

Clutch to clutch shift control technology, which is the key enabler for a compact and low cost automotive transmission design, is important for both automatic and hybrid transmissions. To ensure a smooth clutch to clutch shift, precise synchronization between the on-coming and off-going clutches is critical. This further requires the on-coming clutch to be filled and ready for engagement at the predetermined time. To optimize this process, the clutch fill was formulated as an optimization problem in our previous work and a customized dynamic programming method was proposed as a solution. Following this idea, this paper presents the clutch fill experimental setup and the optimal control implementation. First, a clutch fill dynamic model, which captures the key dynamics in the clutch fill process, is constructed and analyzed. Second, the customized DP method is implemented to obtain the optimal pressure profile subjected to specified constraints. To validate the proposed method, a transmission clutch fixture has been designed and built in the laboratory. Finally, the experiment is conducted to track the optimal input pressure for clutch fill.
Progenitor Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Central Nervous System Injury: A Review of the State of Current Clinical Trials

Recent preclinical work investigating the role of progenitor cell therapies for central nervous system (CNS) injuries has shown potential neuroprotection in the setting of traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and ischemic stroke. Mechanisms currently under investigation include engraftment and transdifferentiation, modulation of the locoregional inflammatory milieu, and modulation of the systemic immunologic/inflammatory response. While the exact mechanism of action remains controversial, the growing amount of preclinical data demonstrating the potential benefit associated with progenitor cell therapy for neurological injury warrants the development of well-controlled clinical trials to investigate therapeutic safety and efficacy. In this paper, we review the currently active or recently completed clinical trials investigating the safety and potential efficacy of bone marrow-derived progenitor cell therapies for the treatment of TBI, SCI, and ischemic stroke. Our review of the literature shows that while the preliminary clinical trials reviewed in this paper offer novel data supporting the potential efficacy of stem/progenitor cell therapies for CNS injury, a great deal of additional work is needed to ensure the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of progenitor cell therapy prior to widespread clinical trials.
Comparison of modern and ancient barite-bearing acid-sulphate soils using micromorphology, geochemistry and field relationships

Although pedogenic barite has been documented in many modern soils and palaeosols, no actualistic studies on its formation have been reported. Because barite is stable over the entire range of pressure and temperature of the Earth's crust, it preserves reliable data about the original environment in which it formed. Pedogenic barite and barite-bearing soils have been used as indicators of landscape stability, environmental conditions, climate and microbial acti-vity. This study compares field data, micromorphology and stable isotope geochemistry of a barite-bearing palaeosol from the Morrison Formation (Jurassic) and a modern analogue soil in south-central Texas, USA. Morrison barite-bearing palaeosols are over-thickened cumulic palaeosols that developed in subaerially exposed lacustrine sediments during an extended lake contraction event. Lateral facies relationships document changes in hydrology and duration of episaturated conditions (perched water table above the Btg horizons) that correspond to differences in barite nodule morphology and abundance. Barite precipitation occurred at a redox boundary higher on the landscape after organic matter was completely oxidized. Sulphur isotope data indicate that the initial source of sulphur was soil organic matter. Meteoric water is the likely source of oxygen for the sulphate. Barium sourced from weathering feldspars and clays. The modern analogue displays similar catenary relationships, redox features and micromorphological characteristics compared to the Morrison palaeosols, suggesting that similar pedogenic processes led to barite precipitation. Synthesized data suggest that conditions favourable to barite-bearing soil formation are low-gradient basins that have received feldspar-rich sediments (i.e. volcanically influenced basins), soils that developed near salt domes, soils that developed in exposed wetland or lacustrine sediments and coastal plain deposits. When studied in a well-documented palaeogeographic context, barite-bearing soils are valuable to palaeoclimate, palaeoenvironmental and palaeohydrological studies. Combined with regional interfluve palaeosols, barite-bearing palaeosols may document temporal changes in drainage, surface stability, and accommodation consistent with sequence boundaries/maximum flooding surfaces and climate changes.
1828 PNEUMOGRAMS IN SIDS SIBLINGS

We studied 12 hour pneumograms (PPG) in 17 siblings of SIDS. Mean postnatal age of study is 8.61 ± 16.9 weeks at a mean post-conceptual age of 47.88 ± 17.38 weeks. The following criteria were used in the interpretation. A6/D% ( 0.5%). These pneumograms were done earlier than the group who had normal PPG. It is possible to speculate that some of those with normal PPG might have had an abnormal PPG earlier. Ventilatory response to CO2 is abnormal in 2/3 of the normal PPG group and is valuable in assessing ventilatory control in these infants. We recommend a 12 hour nocturnal pneumogram on all SIDS siblings during the first week of life and a ventilatory response to CO2 test if the PPG is normal.
Optimal body temperatures with shuttling: desert antelope ground squirrels

A variety of animals periodically shuttle between two sites, such as one containing food and another containing oxygen, water, or conditions for heat exchange. The amount of a non-food resource obtained, together with its rate of use, influences travelling and foraging time. Three criteria are evaluated to examine how control of body temperature may be optimal with shuttling: (1) maximizing proportion of time foraging, (2) maximizing rate of net energy gain for a shuttle cycle and (3) maximizing time travelling and foraging relative to time spent at a heat-exchange site. Detailed information on heat exchange by desert antelope ground squirrels, Ammospermophilus leucurus, cooling in their burrows and heating while travelling and foraging on the hot desert surface is used to calculate body temperatures that maximize each criterion. Results also are discussed for analogous models for intermittent bird incubation and ectotherm basking. The third criterion is rejected based on published body temperature patterns. The other criteria are plausible but assume temperature control in anticipation of environmental conditions. Body temperatures that maximize the first criterion maximize rates of net energy gain when the rate of gross energy gain is constant. The optimal body temperatures of ground squirrels exiting a burrow should decrease with: (1) increasing travel time, (2) higher heating or cooling rates, (3) decreased body temperature upon return to a burrow and (4) higher rates of gross energy gain.
Comparison of RBF and SHL Neural Network Based Adaptive Control

Modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are required to perform complex maneuvers while operating in increasingly uncertain environments. To meet these demands and model the system dynamics with a high degree of precision, a control system design known as neural network based model reference adaptive control (MRAC) is employed. There are currently two neural network architectures used by industry and academia as the adaptive element for MRAC; the radial basis function and single hidden layer neural network. While mathematical derivations can identify differences between the two neural networks, there have been no comparative analyses conducted on the performance characteristics for the flight controller to justify the selection of one neural network over the other. While the architecture of both neural networks contain similarities, there are several key distinctions which exhibit a noticeable impact on the control system's overall performance. In this paper, a detailed comparison of the performance characteristics between both neural network based adaptive control approaches has been conducted in an application highly relevant to UAVs. The results and conclusions drawn from this paper will provide engineers with tangible justification for the selection of the better neural network adaptive element and thus a controller with better performance characteristics.
Community Food Webs

Community food webs describe the feeding relationships, or trophic interactions, between the species of an ecological community. Both the structure and dynamics of such webs are the focus of food web research. The topological structures of empirical food webs from many ecosystems have been published on the basis of field studies and they form the foundation for theory concerning the mean number of trophic levels, the mean number of trophic connections versus number of species, and other food web measures, which show consistency across different ecosystems. The dynamics of food webs are influenced by indirect interactions, in which changes in the level of a population in one part of the food web may have indirect effects throughout the web. The mechanisms of these interactions are typically studied microcosm experiments, or sometimes in-field experiments. The use of mathematical models is also a major approach to understanding the effects of indirect interactions. Both empirical and mathematical studies have revealed important properties of food webs, such as keystone predators and trophic cascades. Keywords: food web structure; functional response; connectance; food chain; indirect effects; stability; omnivory
Characterization of the vasoconstrictor activity of indomethacin in the mesenteric vascular bed of the cat.

The effects of indomethacin on vascular resistance were investigated in the feline mesenteric vascular bed under conditions of constant blood flow. Indomethacin produced mesenteric vasoconstriction that was dose-dependent but was less active than U46619, the thromboxane mimic, angiotensin II, PGF2α and norepinephrine. The vasoconstrictor response to indomethacin was not altered by meclofenamate and phenoxybenzamine. Indomethacin, in a dose that blocked the systemic vasodepressor response to arachidonic acid, did not alter mesenteric vasoconstrictor responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation, norepinephrine, angiotensin II, U46619, and U44609. The present data suggest that in the feline intestinal vascular bed indomethacin has marked vasoconstrictor activity that occurs independent of activation of alpha-adrenoceptors and formation of cyclooxygenase products possessing pressor activity. The present data suggest that cyclooxygenase products do not modulate vasoconstrictor responses as well as the sympathetic nervous system in the intestinal vascular bed of the cat.
An Infant Intracardiac Suction Instrument

An infant intracardiac suction instrument that neither sticks against the heart wall nor obscures the operative field is described.
Fountain-like flow of heavy oxygen ions from the Earth's ionosphere in response to transverse heating

Normally, the gravitationally bound heavy O/sup +/ ions in the Earth's ionosphere are in a diffusive equilibrium. However, when energized to superthermal energies of a few electron volts transverse to the geomagnetic field, the combined effects of the downward gravitational and the upward electric and mirror forces produce interesting flow patterns in the vertical direction, as in a pulsating fountain. This flow pattern is studied by means of a particle-in-cell code.
National trends in antidepressant medication treatment among publicly insured pregnant women.

Abstract Objective The risk of depression in women is greatest at childbearing age. We sought to examine and explain national trends in antidepressant use in pregnant women. Methods This was a cohort study including pregnant women aged 12–55 who were enrolled in Medicaid during 2000–2007. We examined the proportion of women taking antidepressants during pregnancy by patient characteristics (descriptive), by region (mixed-effects model) and over time (interrupted time series). Results We identified 1,106,757 pregnancies in 47 states; mean age was 23 years, and 60% were nonwhite. Nearly 1 in 12 used an antidepressant during pregnancy. Use was higher for older (11.2% for age ≥ 30 vs. 7.6% for Conclusions Antidepressant use during pregnancy remains high in this population; treatment patterns vary substantially by patient characteristics and region. Comparative safety and effectiveness data to help inform treatment choices are needed in this setting.
Optimum Plant Population of Bt and Non-Bt Corn in Wisconsin

Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids resist Euro- pean corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner)) damage and lodge less, creating interest among growers, agronomists, and seed companies in their yield response to increasing plant population. Corn hybrids with Bt and non-Bt traits were evaluated from 2002 to 2004 across 10 loca- tions in Wisconsin in 76-cm rows at target populations from 61750 to 123 500 plants ha 21 to (i) determine the agronomic and economic op- timum plant population for corn and (ii) identify agronomic and economic optimum plant populations for Bt and non-Bt hybrids. The quadratic model for both grain yield and grower return response to plant population was significant. The maximum yield plant popula- tion (MYPP) for Bt and non-Bt corn was 104500 and 98800 plants ha 21 , respectively. The overall MYPP for corn was 102 400 plants ha 21 , which is 28 300 plants ha 21 more than the current Wisconsin recommendation of 74100 plants ha 21 . Planting corn to the MYPP increased grain yield by 4.2% over the current population recom- mendation. However, the economically optimum plant population (EOPP) for both Bt and non-Bt corn was 83 800 plants ha 21 . It was concluded that Bt corn hybrids require higher plant populations for maximizing yield potential; however the higher harvest costs related to those greater yields and the higher seed costs associated with attaining those populations resulted in no difference in the EOPP between Bt and non-Bt corn. Plant population recommendations for corn should be near 83 800 plants ha 21 , the point where the EOPP was achieved. Since this recommendation is affected by rising seed and management costs and variable market prices, a periodic evaluation of plant popu- lation response for newly released hybrids should be done.
Issues in low-cost manufacture of reliable optoelectronic systems

A product with high assembly efficiency will, in general, have a low defect count. So, it may be expected that the application of DFA would improve the reliability of optoelectronic systems. Nevertheless, detailed reliability assessment of the product is necessary during the product design and development phase either to compare alternate designs or to assess potential reliability problems in a candidate design. The procedures for such a reliability assessment are discussed. The reliability of the "electronics" in an optoelectronic system is typically a function of component, interconnection, board, and subassembly reliabilities.
Technology and teaching: Avoiding the pitfalls, increasing student engagement, and improving outcomes

In an ever-changing educational landscape challenged by rapidly evolving technological advances, nursing educators are challenged to incorporate their best teaching approaches in the classroom and beyond to ensure student engagement and best learning outcomes. Innovation is then balanced with student needs and learning styles. As we respond to the demands of an ever changing health care environment and a new generation of nursing students with a variety of learning styles, we focused our efforts to help these students incorporate challenging material and use their critical thinking skills. We also focused on developing their roles as nurse practitioners who utilize the latest evidence based practice. At the same time, we are trying daily to avoid the educational pitfalls of the past, and to transform curriculum to meet the needs of the students and the pediatric population they will serve. Adapting new technologies should be carefully weighed against the traditional methods of lecturing. Increasingly, hybrid courses, a combination of teaching in the digital environment (online) and face-to-face interaction between students and faculty, are proving to be very effective, and the student feedback regarding this teaching method is overwhelmingly positive. In this article, we share some of our best practices to teaching in this hybrid, digital environment.
Angle-independent and multi-dimensional myocardial elastography – From theory to clinical validation

The angle-independent myocardial elastography, which shows good performance in our proposed theoretical framework using a three-dimensional, ultrasonic image formation model based on well-established, 3D finite-element, canine, left-ventricular models in both normal and left-circumflex ischemic cases, is employed as well as validated in vivo to assess the contractility of normal and pathological myocardia. Angle-independent myocardial elastography consists of: (1) iterative estimation of in-plane and out-of-plane cumulative displacements during systole using 1D cross-correlation and recorrelation techniques in a 2D search; (2) calculation of in-plane finite strains from the in-plane cumulative motion; and (3) computation of in-plane principal strains from the finite strains by eigen decomposition with a classification strategy. The in vivo raw data of healthy and pathological human left ventricles were acquired at 136 fps in a short-axis echocardiographic view. Similar to theory, the elastographic estimates in normal clinical cases showed radial wall thickening and circumferential shortening during systole through principal strain imaging, while those in a pathological case underwent opposite strains. The feasibility of angle-independent myocardial elastography with an automated contour tracking method was hereby demonstrated through imaging of the myocardial deformation, and principal strains were proven essential in the reliable characterization and differentiation of abnormal from normal myocardia, without any angular dependence.
Capecitabine Plus Paclitaxel As Front-Line Combination Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Phase II Study

Purpose The goal of this multicenter, open-label phase II study was the clinical evaluation of combination therapy with the oral fluoropyrimidine capecitabine and the taxane paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Patients and Methods Forty-seven patients with MBC received oral capecitabine at 1,650 mg/m2/d (825 mg/m2 twice daily) on days 1 through 14, and intravenous infusion of paclitaxel at 175 mg/m2 on day 1 of each 21-day treatment cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or patient's decision to discontinue. Patients (35 to 76 years old) had a median Karnofsky performance status of 90%. Forty-four patients (94%) received study treatment as first-line therapy for metastatic disease. Results Objective responses occurred in 24 (51%) patients; seven (15%) complete responses and 17 (36%) partial responses. Stable disease lasting 180 days or more was observed in nine (19%); the clinical response rate was 70%. Median duration of response was 12.6 month...