cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interstitial microwave hyperthermia in a canine brain model.

Abstract A dual frequency microwave system was constructed for interstitial heating of brain tissue. Single-junction dipole antennas were tested in a phantom model and in normal dog brain to determine how variations in physical factors affected temperature distributions. Non-survival studies were performed at both 915 and 2450 MHz to determine heating patterns that could be achieved within normal brain using this system. Chronic survival studies were performed using a single dipole antenna inserted laterally into one hemisphere of brain and driven at 2450 MHz. Temperatures of 43 or 44°C for 30 min at a reference point 0.5 cm from the antenna junction were used to induce a thermal lesion of approximately 1 cm diameter in the right cerebral hemisphere of dogs. Neurologic and physical changes in dogs were monitored daily for up to 16 weeks after induction of cerebral lesions. The extent and development of thermal lesions was monitored with weekly computed tomographic (CT) examinations and, after death, at histopathologic examination. Results of the phantom studies showed that the longitudinal heating pattern was bell-shaped at both frequencies used and that there was some variation in heating length that depended on insertion depth. Acute studies in dog brain showed that 915 MHz antennas implanted less than 6.5 cm deep produced erratic heating patterns that usually included excessive heating of the surface of the brain. Conversely, 2 cm-long antennas driven at 2450 MHz gave reproducible temperature distributions both longitudinally along and radially away from the antenna. The steepest gradients—about 1°C/mm—occurred in the radial direction away from the antenna junction. A single 30 min heat treatment produced a large focal lesion that consisted of central coagulation necrosis surrounded by a sharply demarcated hypervascular zone. Edematous changes were minimal and were observed only during the first week after treatment. As assessed by serial CT scans, thermal lesions reached a maximum size by the first week after treatment and were essentially resolved by 16 weeks after treatment.
Metal to Aluminum Correlation in Louisiana Coastal Wetlands: Identification of Elevated Metal Concentrations

Elevated toxic metal concentrations in Louisiana coastal wetlands are obscured by natural heterogeneity in baseline levels. Normalization of heavy metal concentrations to Al is a promising method for intersite comparison and for the identification of metal-contaminated sites. We determined that Al significantly correlates with Pb (r 2 = 0.88), Cd ( 2 = 0.81), Cr (r 2 = 0.45) in sediment samples from coastal Louisiana. These relationships were used to evaluate sites for metal contamination.
Sequence complexity of the RNA accumulated in oocytes of Arbacia punctulata.

The sequence complexity of the RNA present in mature oocytes of the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata was measured by DNA-RNA hybridization. Small quantities of single copy [^3H]DNA were hybridized with large excesses of RNA and the amount of [^3H]DNA-RNA hybrids formed was assayed by hydroxyapatite. At termination of the reaction, which follows pseudo-first-order kinetics, 2.6% of the reactable single copy [^3H]DNA mass is present in RNA-DNA hybrids. This DNA was isolated, shown to be rehybridizable to RNA and, within the range of detectability, to consist solely of nonrepetitive sequences. Assuming asymmetric transcription, 5.2% of the genomic single copy sequence, or 3.0 × 10^7 nucleotides, is represented in oocyte RNA. The kinetics of hybridization indicate that these sequences are included in approximately 1–2% of the oocyte RNA.
Resources of foreign scientific literature: Acquisition on a national scale

Beginning with the premise that information, like education, is a group responsibility rather than an individual one, a brief historical summary moves swiftly to the present-day framework which serves information to the country. The current acquisition of information on a national scale requires the participation of federal agencies, academic institutions, commercial enterprise, and individuals. Up to this time, the possibilities for coordinating the efforts of all these diverse sources are not a national systematic program. Even now it is not practical to regiment such diverse parts into a cohesive whole. Nevertheless, there have been recent indications of implicit recognition of the federal responsibility for leadership in this field. Equally important are new, coordinated efforts by groups of academic institutions, by growing numbers of commercial sources, and even by ever-greater numbers of individuals through their professional associations, each to carry its proper measure of the full load. A plea is made for calm and logical planning by all together in the common interest of assuring full availability, by using carefully articulated physical decentralization with centralized bibliographic control.
The effect of additional hand contact on postural stability perturbed by a moving environment.

Additional hand contact of external objects has been shown to reduce postural instability caused by a deficiency of one or more senses. Little is known, however, if additional contact can help in an environment where the senses are available but conflicting. This question was investigated by analyzing the effect of different types of hand contact on postural stability perturbed by the moving visual scene. While standing for 1 min on a rocker board in front of a screen, eight healthy young subjects observed a projection of a virtual ship rocking on water to simulate standing on the ship's deck. In randomly assigned trials subjects were asked (a) to stand with arms at sides (with no contact); (b) to hold a standard cane parallel to the ground; (c) to lightly touch a rocker cane handle with their index finger; or (d) touch a standard quad cane handle with their index finger. Based on the kinematic data collected, the displacement of the center of mass (COM) and angular displacements in the hip and ankle joints were computed. Results showed that the moving visual scene perturbed body stability. However, additional contact with support of varying stability reduced the destabilizing effect. The results can be potentially used for practical purposes; when in an environment with visual perturbations simply holding an object in hand may help stabilize the body when at risk for a fall.
A model for the dielectric response of Naβ-alumina at intermediate temperatures

Abstract Dielectric data for Naβ-alumina at temperatures between 92 and 141 K are analyzed in terms of the infrared divergence response (IDR) model. The resulting fit to the data provides strong evidence that Naβ-alumina undergoes a glass-like transition near T∼120 K. The parameters obtained from the model fit are related to other measurements such as microwave conductivity and nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation.
Control Strategies for Start-Up and Part-Load Operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Gas Turbine Hybrid System

Control strategy plays a significant role in ensuring system stability and performance as well as equipment protection for maximum service life. This work is aimed at investigating the control strategies for start-up and part-load operating conditions of the solid oxide fuel cell/gas turbine (SOFC/GT) hybrid system. First, a dynamic SOFC/GT hybrid cycle, based on the thermodynamic modeling of system components, has been successfully developed and simulated in the virtual test bed simulation environment. The one-dimensional tubular SOFC model is based on the electrochemical and thermal modeling, accounting for voltage losses and temperature dynamics. The single cell is discretized using a finite volume method where all the governing equations are solved for each finite volume. Two operating conditions, start-up and part load, are employed to investigate the control strategies of the SOFC/GT hybrid cycle. In particular, start-up control is adopted to ensure the initial rotation speed of a compressor and a turbine for a system-level operation. The control objective for the part-load operation regardless of load changes, as proposed, is to maintain constant fuel utilization and a fairly constant SOFC temperature within a small range by manipulating the fuel mass flow and air mass flow. To this end, the dynamic electrical characteristics such as cell voltage, current density, and temperature under the part load are simulated and analyzed. Several feedback control cycles are designed from the dynamic responses of electrical characteristics. Control cycles combined with control related variables are introduced and discussed.
Topological Disorder and Reactivity of Borosilicate Glasses: Quantum Chemical Calculations and 17O and 11B NMR Study

We present 17O and 11B NMR and quantum chemical calculations based on Hartree−Fock (HF) and density functional theory to investigate the site connectivity, the degree of chemical short-range order (CSRO), and the topological short-range order in binary borosilicate glasses, which can serve as a simple model system for more complex borosilicates and other covalent oxide glasses and melts. We also calculate the enthalpy of hydrolysis for each oxygen cluster in such glasses. The stability of [4]Si−O−[3]B was evaluated from the relative energy differences among the bridging oxygen clusters ([4]Si−O−[4]Si, [4]Si−O−[3]B, and [3]B−O−[3]B) calculated at the B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p)//HF/3-21G and B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p) levels of theory as well as data from 17O 3QMAS NMR. The fraction of [4]Si−O−[3]B at a boron mole fraction of 0.57 is about 37% (±1), suggesting a significant inter-dispersion of [3]B and [4]Si, where a random distribution of [4]Si and [3]B and complete phase separation lead to 50 and 0% of [4]Si−O−[3]B, re...
Molecular mechanism for ligand discrimination of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels

Abstract Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels of retinal photoreceptors and olfactory neurons are differentially activated by ligands that vary only in their purine ring structure. The nucleotide selectivity of the bovine rod cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (cGMP > cIMP > CAMP) was significantly altered by neutralization of a single aspartic acid residue in the binding domain (cGMP ⩾ cAMP > cIMP). Substitution by a nonpolar residue at this position inverted agonist selectivity (cAMP > cIMP ⩾ cGMP). These effects resulted from an alteration in the relative ability of the agonists to promote the allosteric conformational change associated with channel activation, not from a modification in their initial binding affinity. We propose a general mechanism for guanine nucleotide discrimination, in common with that observed in high affinity GTP-binding proteins, involving the formation of a pair of hydrogen bonds between the aspartic acid side chain and N1 and N2 of the guanine ring
A Time Series Analysis of the Relationship Between Ambulatory EMG, Pain, and Stress in Chronic Low Back Pain

Twenty-one subjects with chronic back pain (CBP) participated in an ambulatory electromyography (EMG) monitoring study to ascertain the relationships between muscle activity, physical activity, psychosocial stress, and pain. A time-series analysis approach was adopted to investigate both immediate and lagged associations between these variables in an attempt to determine potential causal relationships. Results for group relationships showed a significant relationship between physical activity and pain, self-report of stress and pain, but no relationship between EMG activity and pain. A lagged relationship between physical activity and pain was found, suggesting a causal relationship between physical activity and pain. However, no time lag was observed between stress and pain, hence no causal relationship can be elucidated. Analysis at the individual level indicated stronger relationships between several combinations of these variables, highlighting the need to consider the heterogeneity of the CBP population and etiology of CBP. The use of ambulatory monitoring of pain, stress, and EMG is suggested as one avenue to further explore the population's heterogeneity.
Food and growth relations of the marine microzooplankter, Synchaeta cecilia (Rotifera)

The trophic interactions of the marine rotifer Synchaeta cecilia were investigated by determining its feeding and growth rates on a wide variety of marine phytoplankton and by determining its susceptibility to predation by the calanoid copepod, Acartia tonsa. Reproduction of S. cecilia was sustained in four-day feeding trails by 13 of 37 algal species tested. Growth-supporting species included species of Cryptophyceae, Dinophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Haptophyceae in sizes from 4 to 47 μm. Within these taxa, other species in the acceptable size range failed to support growth. No species of Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, or Chrysophyceae supported growth of the rotifer. S. cecilia can be maintained on unialgal cultures of Cryptophyceae but growth is enhanced by a combination of two or three species; a mixture of Chroomonas salina (Cryptophyceae), Heterocapsa pygmaea (Dinophyceae), and Isochrysis galbana (Haptophyceae) has sustained laboratory stocks of S. cecilia for over four years. The expected response of S. cecilia to food quantity was observed: as food concentration was increased from 58 to 1154 μg C 1−1, the population growth constant increased from 0.17 to 0.60 d−1 at 20°C. This is equivalent to population doubling times of 4.0 and 1.1 days at H. pygmaea densities of 500 and 104 cells ml−1, respectively. The susceptibility of S. cecilia to predation was investigated by determining its rate of capture by the omnivorous marine copepod Acartia tonsa. At prey densities of 5 to 35 μg C 1−1 (0.3 to 1.9 individuals 1−1), A. tonsa readily ingested S. cecilia at rates up to 3 μg C copepod−1 day−1.
Computational detection of significant variation in binding affinity across two sets of sequences with application to the analysis of replication origins in yeast

Background In analyzing the stability of DNA replication origins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae we faced the question whether one set of sequences is significantly enriched in the number and/or the quality of the matches of a particular position weight matrix relative to another set.
The metal-surface selection rule for infrared spectra of molecules adsorbed on small metal particles

Abstract The metal-surface selection rule predicts that some infrared absorption bands should be absent from the spectra of molecules adsorbed on metal particles. It predicts that those bands corresponding to molecular vibrations with an oscillating dipole moment parallel to the surface should be suppressed. We calculate that this selection rule should apply to adsorption on metal particles larger than about 20 A in diameter; for smaller particles the rule is weakened.
Adsorption of Aerosol-OT on graphite from aqueous and non-aqueous media

Abstract Efficient dispersion of carbonaceous particles in polar and non-polar liquids is important in the processing and use of paints, pigments, printing inks and tertiary oil. In this study we examined the adsorption of an anionic surfactant, Aerosol-OT (AOT), on graphite particles in cyclohexane and water and the ensuing changes in their dispersion properties. The adsorption of AOT on hydrophobic graphite particles in cyclohexane results from the tendency of the polar head group of the surfactant molecules to partition into hydrophilic domains away from the solvent which is hydrophobic. Fluorescence studies using 1-methyl-8-oxyquinolium betaine as probe reveals the presence of “reverse-micelle”-like surfactant aggregates at the interface at all surfactant concentrations. The observed changes in dispersion stability suggest the formation of interparticle surfactant aggregates at low surface coverages while at higher coverages the aggregates are formed on individual particles. AOT adsorbs on graphite from aqueous solutions as well, despite the unfavorable electrostatic repulsion, evidently through hydrophobic interactions. Such adsorption stabilizes the aqueous dispersions by providing increased electrostatic repulsion among the particles. Desorption of preadsorbed AOT from graphite when contacted with different solvents showed a marked solvent effect with maximum desorption occurring in solvents of intermediate polarity where the hydrophilic and hydrophobic driving forces are balanced.
Revisioning the Buddha

Verbs of seeing so pervade our language of cognition that we are virtually unconscious of their force. Whether we envision new perspectives or reflect on old points of view, thinking-from the most mundane daydreams to the loftiest contemplations-is intimately tied to seeing. In fact, seeing is, for all intents and purposes, the metaphor we think by (cf. Lakoff and Johnson).' The link between seeing and cognition had a profound impact on the conceptualization of the Buddha in the Indian religious milieu. To See the Buddha. A Philosopher's Quest for the Meaning of Emptiness, by Malcolm David Eckel, offers a prolonged meditation on the role of vision in the philosophical thought of the sixth-century Madhyamaka philosopher Bhavaviveka. Eckel has endeavored to take a new approach to some old materials. He has shown how the Buddhist philosophical enterprise could be a kind of "vision quest"-a re-seeing of the Buddha and therefore, ultimately, of reality. To do this he has unpacked the
Marijuana: effect on nonverbal free recall as a function of field dependence.

The effect of marijuana on the free recall of nonverbal memory was evaluated by presenting 22 male volunteers with line drawings of geometric figures for ten acquisition trials. Each subject served as his own drug control. The study was performed over two sessions with drug condition and list of stimulus materials counterbalanced. Recall varied with drug condition and scores obtained on the embedded Figures Test. Marijuana reduced recall mainly in those subjects making two or more errors on the Embedded Figures Test, but had little effect on subjects making one or no errors. Intrusion errors were also elevated following marijuana intoxication, but this effect was unrelated to embedded-figures performance. These results are discussed with reference to degree of field dependence and cognitive style.
Biomedical Applications of On-Line Preconcentration-Capillary Electrophoresis Using an Analyte Concentrator: Investigation of Design Options

Abstract A method to perform on-line sample preconcentration of serum immunoglobulin E by affinity capture is described. Purified anti-IgE antibodies were covalently bound to an analyte concentrator-reaction chamber or cartridge. The immunoglobulins (IgE) were bound to and eluted from the cartridge by the optimum dissociating buffer system, and the eluent(s) were then subjected to capillary electrophoresis. The first design used was a 5 mm solid-phase cartridge fabricated by assembling a bundle of multiple microcapillaries in which a monoclonal antibody directed against IgE was covalently bound to the surface of every microcapillary. The whole assembly was connected, through sleeve connectors, to the capillary column for affinity capillary electrophoresis. The second design used consisted of an analyte concentrator-reaction chamber that was fabricated from a solid rod of glass. Several small diameter passages or through holes containing a similar surface area was tested for the same experiments and perfor...
Multiresolution extended Kalman filter to estimate parameters of a passive acoustic signal

This paper investigates the application of a multiresolution extended Kalman filter to estimate signal parameters of a passive helicopter signal impinging upon a simple acoustic array of microphones. This approach circumvents some of the problems associated with the initial phase estimate when using an extended Kalman filter to estimate signal parameters of a passive signal. A multiresolution extended Kalman filter uses a wavelet transform to form filter observations at multi-scale resolutions. These wavelet transformed observations are processed from coarser scales to finer scales to jointly estimate all signal parameters including signal phase. By using multi-resolution observations the extended Kalman filter can tolerate larger initial phase errors than a conventional extended Kalman filter. Once the filter has been initialized using the wavelet transformed observations, the filter then uses the highest resolution observations (i.e. not wavelet transformed) from that time on.
Enantioselective synthesis of the top half of tetronolide

Abstract A highly enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of the top half spirotetronate subunit ( 3 ) of tetronolide is described.
Experimental contact of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) with horses and cattle, and comparison of neutrophil sensitivity to Pasteurella haemolytica cytotoxins.

Peripheral blood neutrophils from horses, cattle, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) were evaluated for susceptibility to cytotoxin-dependent lysis of different biotypes and serotypes of Pasteurella haemolytica of domestic sheep, cattle, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat (Oreamnos americana) origin utilizing a cytotoxicity assay which measures the degree of bacteria cytotoxin-killing of neutrophils. All isolates of P haemolytica (biotypes A and T) were noncytotoxic to horse neutrophils. Thirteen of 18 P. haemolytica biotype A isolates were cytotoxic (>50% neutrophil death in vitro) to bighorn sheep neutrophils, and four of 10 P. haemolytica biotype A isolates were cytotoxic to neutrophils of cattle; P. haemolytica biotype T (= Pasteurella trehelosi) isolates were noncytotoxic to neutrophils of bighorn sheep and cattle. When six bighorn sheep were pastured with three horses, only P. haemolytica biotype T isolates were recovered from the bighorn sheep throughout the study; Pasteurel...
Diffraction pattern of a defect: Two-dimensional angular correlation of positron-annihilation radiation studies of defects in semiconductors

Electron-positron momentum spectra of defects in semiconductors contain more information about the nature of the defects than has been recognized previously. Diffraction patterns that arise both from the nature of the electronic states and from the geometric structure can be seen in the simulated two-dimensional angular correlation of annihilation radiation spectra for positrons annihilating at a model vacancy in a tetrahedrally coordinated semiconductor. These should be experimentally observable in high-resolution spectra.
Optimal Search for a Maximum with Sequences of Simultaneous Function Evaluations

A minimax search plan is developed for locating the maximum of a unimodal function of one variable with a sequence of blocks of simultaneous function evaluations. The proposed “block search strategy” is described for any number of simultaneous function evaluations experiments and for any number of blocks in the sequence. For one experiment per block it reduces to the Fibonacci strategy; in the case of only one block of experiments, to the simultaneous search plan. The “block search strategy” is optimal in the sense that for a required final interval of uncertainty, known to contain the point where the function attains its maximum, and for any given number of simultaneous experiments and blocks, it has the largest possible starting interval. A discrete variable version of the proposed search strategy is also described.
Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Orbit: A Clinicopathologic Study

A 9-year-old Latin American girl developed proptosis of the left eye associated with pain in the left ear of one month's duration. Ophthalmoscopic examination of the left eye disclosed retinal striae with venous tortuosity and papilledema. CT scan of the orbit showed a nonenhancing, irregular intraconal mass. CT scan of the brain demonstrated an enhancing left temporoparietal mass. Craniotomy revealed a 7 cm, extra-axial mass that was attached to the dura mater. Histologic examination, including a positive Leder stain, established the diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma. At that time, the results of the laboratory studies, including complete cell blood count, were normal. Periodic clinical and hematologic evaluation was recommended. Twenty-five days after craniotomy, examination of the peripheral blood disclosed 56% myeloblasts and the bone marrow contained 30% blast cells. The problem in histologic differential diagnosis and a review of the literature is discussed.
Structure of Somatostatin Isolated from Bovine Retina

: Somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI) from bovine retina was purified and its structure determined. Retinal tissue (1868 g) extracted with 3% acetic acid yielded 18.6 nmol SLI. This peptide was purified by chromatography on an affinity column made with anti-somatostatin antiserum, a reverse-phase C-18 HPLC column, and three sequential applications on a reverse-phase phenyl HPLC column. The peptide was purified 103,000-fold from the initial extract with an overall yield of 14.4%. Amino acid sequence determination by an automatic Edman degradation technique revealed the sequence to be as follows: Ser - Ala - Asn - Ser - Asn - Pro - Ala - Met - Ala - Pro - Arg - Glu - Arg - Lys - Ala - Gly - (Cys) - Lys - Asn - Phe - Phe - Trp - Lys - Thr - (Phe, Thr, Ser, Cys). The apparent identity of this peptide with somatostatin octacosapeptide (S28) purified from other mammalian tissue indicates the phylogenetic conservation of its structure and facilitates the use of the retina as a model system for studying the neurotransmitter function of somatostatin.
Reaction of a Tungsten(II) Methylene Complex with Excess Base To Form a C3H5-Bridged Dimer

Reaction of [Tp‘(CO)(PhC2Me)WCH2][PF6] (1) with excess base (NaOH/H2O or KH) in methylene chloride yields the C3H5-bridged dimer [Tp‘(CO)(PhC2Me)WCH2C(H)CH2W(PhC2Me)(CO)Tp‘][PF6] (2). Dimer 2 is reproducibly formed in yields of 10−15%; it is inert toward a variety of nucleophiles. Structural and spectroscopic features of 2 form the basis for a discussion of the bonding in this unusual complex. Bonding extremes for the hydrocarbon bridge include an allylic C3H5 fragment bound to the two tungsten centers through opposite faces of the allyl ligand, a linkage which is σ-bonded at each metal with a carbocationic central carbon, and a σ,π-bridging system. Metric parameters in the solid state and 1H, 13C NMR and infrared spectroscopies suggest that the dominant resonance contribution derives from the allylic formalism. A surrogate solvent (1,2-dichloroethane) results in no observable change in the reaction, and thus, the methide source needed to link the two monomeric fragments is believed to originate from the ...
Absorption of Sunlight by Water Vapor in Cloudy Conditions: A Partial Explanation for the Cloud Absorption Anomaly

The atmospheric radiative transfer algorithms used in most global general circulation models underestimate the globally-averaged solar energy absorbed by cloudy atmospheres by up to 25 W/sq m. The origin of this anomalous absorption is not yet known, but it has been attributed to a variety of sources including oversimplified or missing physical processes in these models, uncertainties in the input data, and even measurement errors. Here, a sophisticated atmospheric radiative transfer model was used to provide a more comprehensive description of the physical processes that contribute to the absorption of solar radiation by the Earth's atmosphere. We found that the amount of sunlight absorbed by a cloudy atmosphere is inversely proportional to the solar zenith angle and the cloud top height, and directly proportional to the cloud optical depth and the water vapor concentration within the clouds. Atmospheres with saturated, optically-thick, low clouds absorbed about 12 W/sq m more than clear atmospheres. This accounts for about 1/2 to 1/3 of the anomalous ab- sorption. Atmospheres with optically thick middle and high clouds usually absorb less than clear atmospheres. Because water vapor is concentrated within and below the cloud tops, this absorber is most effective at small solar zenith angles. An additional absorber that is distributed at or above the cloud tops is needed to produce the amplitude and zenith angle dependence of the observed anomalous absorption.
Synchronization dynamics of two coupled neural oscillators receiving shared and unshared noisy stimuli

The response of neurons to external stimuli greatly depends on the intrinsic dynamics of the network. Here, the intrinsic dynamics are modeled as coupling and the external input is modeled as shared and unshared noise. We assume the neurons are repetitively firing action potentials (i.e., neural oscillators), are weakly and identically coupled, and the external noise is weak. Shared noise can induce bistability between the synchronous and anti-phase states even though the anti-phase state is the only stable state in the absence of noise. We study the Fokker-Planck equation of the system and perform an asymptotic reduction ρ 0. The ρ 0 solution is more computationally efficient than both the Monte Carlo simulations and the 2D Fokker-Planck solver, and agrees remarkably well with the full system with weak noise and weak coupling. With moderate noise and coupling, ρ 0 is still qualitatively correct despite the small noise and coupling assumption in the asymptotic reduction. Our phase model accurately predicts the behavior of a realistic synaptically coupled Morris-Lecar system.
Using Needs Assessment to Determine Library Services for Distance Learning Programs

This article provides guidance in using the needs assessment process as a planning tool specifically for library services supporting distance learning programs. The first section covers pre-assessment planning activities, which include defining the specific purpose or purposes of the assessment, assigning responsibility for various aspects of the project, establishing time frames, and defining target groups. The section related to conducting the assessment itself discusses, along with other issues, selecting data collection tools and constructing questions. Promotion of the assessment and methods of encouraging participation are also considered. Since Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery personnel are an integral part of library services, they may be called upon to support distance learning programs. Thus, topics discussed in this article will be applicable to their situations.
Nonpharmacological response in hospitalized children with conduct disorder

ABSTRACT Objective There is a paucity of research regarding the effects of hospitalization and/or the response to placebo in children with conduct disorder who are hospitalized for chronic and severe aggression. However, many children with this problem are hospitalized and immediately begin pharmacotherapy. In this report, the effects of hospitalization and placebo administration were examined. Method Subjects were forty-four children (37 males, 7 females) with conduct disorder, aged 9.83 to 17.14 years, who were hospitalized for chronic and severe aggression. This was a 4-week double-blind and placebo-controlled study with a 2-week single-blind placebo lead-in period. During the 2-week placebo baseline period, aggression was measured on a 24-hour basis, using the Overt Aggression Scale. Only subjects meeting a specific aggression criterion were randomized to the treatment period of the trial. Results Of the 44 subjects enrolled, 23 (52.3%) met the aggression criteria for entering the treatment period (baseline nonresponders), while 21 (47.7%) did not (baseline responders). Thus, almost half of the subjects, while taking no active medication, benefited from the inpatient milieu/structure and/or placebo. Conclusion This finding has important treatment and research implications. Medication to treat aggression should not be initiated immediately upon hospitalization because improvements associated with hospitalization may be attributed inaccurately to pharmacotherapy, resulting in unnecessarily medicating children. A placebo baseline period is essential to decrease the risk of a type II error in pharmacological research concerning aggression.
A time-dependent formulation of the scattering matrix for the collinear reaction H + H2 (υ) » H2 (υ′) + H

Abstract Scattering matrix elements for the collinear reaction H + H 2 (υ) » H 2 (υ') + H are computed using a new time-dependent method based on the Moller operator formulation of scattering theory. Reaction dynamics are determined by the LSTH potential energy surface where attention is focused on two asymptotic wave packets. One wave packet is prepared in a single reactant channel and propagated forward in time while the other wave packet is prepared in a single product channel and propagated backward in time. The time correlation function between reactant and product wave packets is used to determine the S -matrix element between the corresponding reactant and product channels.
Assessment of chemical coexposure patterns based upon phthalate biomonitoring data within the 2007/2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

As regulatory initiatives increasingly call for an understanding of the cumulative risks from chemical mixtures, evaluating exposure data from large biomonitoring programs, which may inform these cumulative risk assessments, will improve the understanding of occurrence and patterns of coexposures. Here we have analyzed the urinary metabolite data for six phthalates (di-butyl phthalate; di-isobutyl phthalate; butyl-benzyl phthalate; bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; di-isononyl phthalate; and di-isodecyl phthalate) in the 2007/2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data set. For the total data set (N=2604), the co-occurrence of multiple phthalates at the upper percentile of exposure was infrequent. There were no individuals in the NHANES sample who were exposed to >95th percentiles for all six phthalates. For 75% of individuals, none of the six phthalates were above the 95th percentile of their respective exposure distributions. These data suggest that high exposure to multiple phthalates is infrequent in the NHANES population. This analysis solely focused on the pattern of contribution of individual phthalates to total exposure. It did not address the pattern of contribution to potential risk. The approach presented could potentially be used to provide insight into understanding the coexposure patterns for other chemicals.
GenomeView: a next-generation genome browser

Due to ongoing advances in sequencing technologies, billions of nucleotide sequences are now produced on a daily basis. A major challenge is to visualize these data for further downstream analysis. To this end, we present GenomeView, a stand-alone genome browser specifically designed to visualize and manipulate a multitude of genomics data. GenomeView enables users to dynamically browse high volumes of aligned short-read data, with dynamic navigation and semantic zooming, from the whole genome level to the single nucleotide. At the same time, the tool enables visualization of whole genome alignments of dozens of genomes relative to a reference sequence. GenomeView is unique in its capability to interactively handle huge data sets consisting of tens of aligned genomes, thousands of annotation features and millions of mapped short reads both as viewer and editor. GenomeView is freely available as an open source software package.
Synthesis and Molecular Structures of Perfluoro-n-alkyl Complexes of Platinum(II) and Platinum(IV) Containing Tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) or 1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (DPPE) Ligands

Reaction of (TMEDA)Pt(CH3)2 with n-perfluoropropyl iodide in hexanes results in an apparent cis addition of the perfluoroalkyl iodide to give the six-coordinate Pt(IV) complex (TMEDA)Pt(n-C3F7)(CH3)2I (6a). Complex 6a slowly and reversibly reductively eliminates CH3I in solution to afford an equilibrium with the Pt(II) complex (TMEDA)Pt(n-C3F7)(CH3) (9a). Addition of triethylamine drives the equilibrium toward 9a. Identical reactions of perfluoroethyl iodide are observed to afford 6b and 9b. Reaction of 6a with AgBF4 generates the cationic Pt(IV) complex [(TMEDA)Pt(n-C3F7)(CH3)2(OH2)]BF4 (11), which reacts with NaCl to form (TMEDA)Pt(n-C3F7)(CH3)2Cl (12); both reactions retain the cis stereochemistry of the starting material 6a. Reaction of 9a with CF3SO3H in moist solvents generates the cationic Pt(II) complex [(TMEDA)Pt(n-C3F7)(OH2)]O3SCF3 (17), which reacts with iodide to afford the neutral iodide complex (TMEDA)Pt(n-C3F7)I (14). Reaction of complex 9a with I2 in hexanes results in trans addition of I2...
Multivariate comparison of the efficacy of intraureteral versus subtrigonal techniques of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection

Purpose: Numerous factors have been postulated to increase success rates for dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection for vesicoureteral reflux. Ureteral hydrodistention combined with intraureteral injection reportedly improves injection success rates. We combined the results of 5 pediatric urologists to evaluate the efficacy of this technique compared to that of subtrigonal-only injection in relation to other factors.Materials and Methods: Patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux undergoing dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection from April 2002 to December 2005 at 2 institutions were eligible. Only patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux were included in the study. Injection success was defined as the complete absence of reflux on followup voiding cystourethrogram or radionuclide cystogram. Predictors of a successful outcome were analyzed statistically with logistic regression. Factors included in our analysis were gender, age, vesicoureteral reflux grade, dysfunctional voiding, amount of injected dex...
Fast ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography: On‐column UV and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric detection

An ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system capable of generating 52,000 psi (3,600 bar) was constructed. Fused-silica capillaries with inner diameters of 29 μm and lengths up to 70 cm were packed with nonporous 1.5-μm isohexylsilane-modified (C6) silica particles using a carbon dioxide enhanced slurry packing method. The system performance was evaluated by monitoring the UV absorbance of small organic compounds on-column. At optimum linear velocity, efficiencies as high as 570,000 plates m−1 (k=0.5) were obtained. Analysis times could be reduced significantly, both by operating at higher than optimum linear velocities and by shortening the column. Selected benzodiazepines and triazine herbicides were separated in less than 60 s. The UHPLC system was also coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer for the separation and detection of selected benzodiazepines. A loss in efficiency due to the liquid sheath interface was observed. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 11: 631–643, 1999
Semiconductor device physics and modelling. 2. Overview of models and their applications

For pt.1 see ibid., vol.139, no.6, p.645-54 (1992). The classic semiconductor device models are reviewed and discussed. They include the generic models for more accurate device modeling such as the Linvill lumped-circuit model and the Sah transmission-line circuit model, and the conventional models aimed at predicating the first-order device behaviour, such as the drift-diffusion model. Specific applications of these models on an n-p junction diode are illustrated. The increasingly important Monte Carlo simulation, which is a numerical technique for solving the Boltzmann transport equation, and which has become a standard method for simulating free-carrier transport in advanced semiconductor devices, is also briefly reviewed and discussed.
Extended Hansen Approach: Calculating Partial Solubility Parameters of Solid Solutes

A multiple linear regression method, known as the extended Hansen solubility approach, was used to estimate the partial solubility parameters, δd, δp, and δh for crystalline solutes. The method is useful, since organic compounds may decompose near their melting points, and it is not possible to determine solubility parameters for these solid compounds by the methods used for liquid solvents. The method gives good partial and total solubility parameters for naphthalene; with related compounds, less satisfactory results were obtained. At least three conditions, pertaining to the regression equation and the solvent systems, must be met in order to obtain reasonable solute solubility parameters. In addition to providing partial solubility parameters, the regression equations afford a calculation of solute solubility in both polar and nonpolar solvents.
2D-3D transitions in the quantum Stark effect in self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots

Abstract In self-assembled quantum dots (SAD), the relation between the electric dipole moment arising from the electron–hole separation and the Stark shift takes different forms as a function of SAD shape and composition. This effect is attributed to the strain field distribution that strongly influences the rapidly varying confining potential for holes, and changes substantially with the dot morphology. In particular, truncated pyramidal or elongated lens-shaped SADs exhibit the normal linear dependence of the Stark shift on the electric dipole moment, thereby reflecting a 2D character in the electron–hole confinement. At the opposite, SADs with large aspect ratio between height and base, e.g., with pyramidal or hemispherical shapes, show significant deviations of the Stark shift from the normal linear dependence on the dipole moment. We point out that this absence of correlation between the Stark shift and electric dipole moment reflects a true 3D confinement in SADs.
Energetics of metal–organic interfaces: New experiments and assessment of the field

Abstract Considerable research and development means have been focused in the past decade on organic semiconductor thin films and devices with applications to full color displays, flexible electronics and photovoltaics. Critical areas of these thin films are their interfaces with electrodes, with other organic films and with dielectrics, as these interfaces control charge injection and transport through the device. Full understanding of the mechanisms that determine the electronic properties of these interfaces, i.e. the relative position of molecular levels and charge carrier transport states, is an important goal to reach for developing reliable device processing conditions. This report provides an extensive, although probably somewhat biased, review of polymer– and small molecule–metal interface work of the past few years, with emphasis placed specifically on (i) the electronic structure and molecular level alignment at these interfaces, (ii) the perceived differences between small molecule and polymer interfaces, (iii) the difference between organic-on-metal and metal-on-organic interfaces, and (iv) the role played by electrode surface contamination in establishing interface energetics. Environmental conditions, e.g. vacuum vs. ambient, are found to be critical parameters in the processing of polymer and small molecule interfaces with metals. With similar processing conditions, these two types of interfaces are found to obey very similar molecular level alignment rules.
Facing the food crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Starting with the premise that the complexity of the food crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa makes a universal explanation or a method of resolution tenuous, this paper proposes a method of classifying the crisis as an analytical strategy towards more valid and rigorous explanations. That, essentially, is a prerequisite for effective interventions. Drawing upon available literature, it (a) uses the characteristics of the countries' institutional structures, productive forces, and predominant ecosystems as classificatory items; and (b) uses infant mortality rates and agriculture and food production indices of the same countries as criteria variables for assessing the merit of the classification. Although the results are encouraging, detailed analyses of the agrarian situation in more countries than have been examined here are still required before much confidence can be placed in the classification.
Activation sequences following failed atrial defibrillation

Objectives The purposes of this study were to examine the first activations following atrial defibrillation shocks to help understand how and where atrial fibrillation (AF) relapsed following failed shocks and to assess the difference in postshock activation between failed and successful shocks. Background While many studies have investigated the mechanism of ventricular defibrillation, much less is known about the mechanisms of AF. Methods Sustained AF was induced electrically after pericardial infusion of methylcholine in 10 sheep. Biphasic subthreshold shocks were delivered to three configurations: right atrium to distal coronary sinus (RA-CS), sequential shocks with RA-CS as the first pathway followed by proximal CS to superior vena cava as the second pathway (Sequential), and right ventricle to superior vena cava plus can (V-triad). In eight sheep, global atrial mapping was performed with 504 electrodes spaced 3 to 4 mm apart. Results Earliest postshock activations mostly arose from the left atrium for V-triad but arose from either atrium for RA-CS and Sequential. Preshock AF cycle lengths were significantly shorter at the earliest activation sites than at seven of eight other sites globally distributed over both atria. In all type B successful episodes in which one or more rapid activations occurred after the shock and in 50 of the 72 failed episodes analyzed, activation fronts spread away from the earliest site in a focal pattern, and discrete nonfragmented activation complexes were present in the first derivatives of the electrograms. In the other 22 failed episodes, earliest activation fronts spread in a nonfocal pattern, and earliest postshock electrogram derivatives were fractionated. To better interpret the activation pattern in the fragmented regions, a 504 electrode plaque with 1.5-mm electrode spacing was placed on the right atrial appendage in two additional sheep. In 11 of 108 failed episodes, earliest postshock activation appeared inside the plaque and spread in a focal pattern with nonfragmented electrogram derivatives in 10 episodes and in a reentrant pattern with fragmented electrogram derivatives in the other. Conclusions (1) The electrode configuration influenced the location of earliest postshock activation. (2) Earliest postshock activation occurred where the preshock AF cycle length was short. (3) Earliest activations following all type B successful and most failed episodes were not fragmented and spread in a focal pattern. (4) The region of earliest postshock activation in the failed episodes without a focal postshock activation pattern exhibited regions of fragmented electrogram derivatives that may represent conduction block and possibly reentry.
Simultaneous diffusion of a radio-isotope by two different modes: Sulfur-35 in nickel oxide crystals

Abstract Anomalous diffusion behavior may occur when the same diffusing species can occupy two different lattice sites in the base compound. In an ionic crystals, the same diffusing species may occupy two different lattice sites and become positively or negatively ionized. When the reaction rate is negligibly small between these two oppositely charged diffusing ions, the diffusion proceeds by a double mode independent diffusion mechanism. An application is given to sulphur tracer diffusion in nickel oxide. The ionization status of sulfur in nickel oxide is also discussed.
State and Local Government Finances: Was There a Structural Break in the Reagan Years?

The Reagan administration's “New Federalism” and tax reform proposals were expected to have chilling effects on growth of state and local government revenues and expenditures. This paper examines the hypothesis that there was a structural break in state and local government fiscal behavior in the 1980s. Although the evidence is far from conclusive, it does suggest some different fiscal patterns in this decade. However, the real structural break appears to have occurred in the late 1970s and these trends have continued during the Reagan years.