cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Culturally Competent Postpartum Care for Puerto Rican Women: Results of a Qualitative Study

Childbearing Poster Presentation Objective To examine infant care and self‐care knowledge acquisition needs and issues among primiparous Puerto Rican women in the postpartum period. Design A descriptive qualitative study. Setting A northeastern U.S. community. Sample A purposive sample was selected via the social network sampling method. Twenty‐two primiparous Puerto Rican women were included who had no severe intrapartum or postpartum complications and were discharged home with their full‐term, medically uncomplicated infant within the previous 2‐year period. Methods Participants completed a demographic information form with established face and content validity, and 30‐ to 60‐minute semistructured individual interviews were conducted at community sites and continued until saturation of data was achieved. Participants verified transcribed interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Methods to enhance rigor and trustworthiness of the analysis were employed. Results Results supported findings from the literature regarding self‐care and infant care information needs and concerns of new mothers. However, low literacy, language barriers, low socioeconomic status, and access issues were significant for this cultural group. Themes emerged such as transition to motherhood, which included physical recovery from childbirth and mental adjustment to life‐change. A theme entitled influence of culture contained subthemes related to family influence, dilemmas of cultural practices, and cultural conflict. Often research‐based information from health professionals contrasted with culturally influenced advice of trusted friends and family, forcing new mothers to decide which advice to follow and dividing their loyalties. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice Hispanics have been identified as a population at risk for health disparities, and Hispanic women receive fewer preventive services, experience a higher incidence of postpartum complications, and report less satisfaction with the quality of care than non‐Hispanic women. Puerto Ricans are in greater jeopardy of poor health outcomes than any other Hispanic subgroup, yet there have been few studies on this topic. With population growth and increased utilization of services, funding will be increasingly challenging but nurses are well positioned to create innovative programing and to advocate for legislation to support this vulnerable population. Encouraging self‐efficacy in decision making empowers Puerto Rican new mothers to care for themselves and their infants. Increasing cultural competence may be invaluable in improving health outcomes and client satisfaction measures for Puerto Rican clients.
Long-term adjuvant tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer

Tamoxifen (ICI46,474) is a competitive inhibitor of estrogen action which has found ubiquitous application in the treatment of breast cancer. The drug is the front line endocrine therapy for breast cancer and is the proven treatment of choice for the adjuvant therapy of postmenopausal women with node-positive disease. Tamoxifen is available for the treatment of premenopausal patients with advanced disease, and is being evaluated in clinical trials as an adjuvant therapy for premenopausal patients with either node-positive or node-negative disease. Laboratory studies demonstrate that tamoxifen is a tumoristatic agent and long-term treatment strategies (chemosuppression) should be considered to apply the antiestrogen to its maximal therapeutic advantage. Optimal therapy with tamoxifen may also be achieved by treatment strategies to lower circulating estrogen levels in the premenopausal patient. Tamoxifen is a well tolerated drug, and long-term therapy does not appear to induce metabolic tolerance. Concerns about premature osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease appear to be unfounded because tamoxifen has an appropriate level of target site-directed estrogenic activity. Isolated reports about the growth or appearance of endometrial carcinoma during long-term adjuvant tamoxifen therapy must be balanced against the risks of withholding treatment to patients with a fatal disease.
Sedimentology and stable isotopes from a lacustrine-to-palustrine limestone deposited in an arid setting, climatic and tectonic factors: Miocene-Pliocene Opache Formation, Atacama Desert, Chile

Abstract Field relations, petrography, GIS, and geochemistry of a Late Miocene–Pliocene limestone, the Opache Formation, Calama Basin, Atacama Desert, Chile shows that depositional facies, diagenetic histories, and isotopes differ from eastern to western parts of the basin. We recognize two facies; lacustrine, characterized by ostracod-diatom mudstone and wackestone, and palustrine, characterized by both shallow water and pedogenic features. GIS analysis of the basin topography reveals an intrabasinal low in the eastern area and steeper hydrological gradients to the west, with the “Calama constriction”, restricting flow between east and west. Petrography and geochemical results confirm that the Calama constriction influenced depositional parameters, ponding groundwater to the east, forming a shallow lake and creating palustrine conditions to the west. Our analyses indicate that lake waters were less enriched in 13C or 18O than palustrine waters even though petrologic studies show that the lacustrine carbonates have a complex diagenetic history, derived from groundwater-rich in dissolved minerals. This seemingly contrary observation can be reconciled if an important source of water for the western carbonates was sourced from the Pacific Ocean and was less evolved, whereas eastern limestones precipitated from water which had become depleted in 18O during transport from the east. Today, moisture from the Pacific very rarely, if ever, reaches inland as far as Calama, indicating that during the Late Miocene–Mid-Pliocene breakdown in the temperature inversion due to weakened or absent upwelling in the cold coastal Pacific current allowed moisture from the Pacific to reach inland. This changing atmospheric circulation pattern may have also affected upper level airflow that today blocks eastern sourced moisture from crossing the Andes, allowing it to reach farther westward into the Atacama region during the Late Miocene–Pliocene. Together, these moisture sources were sufficient to produce carbonate-rich palustrine and lacustrine environments in the Calama Basin.
Optical coherence tomography of the biliary tree during ERCP

Abstract Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images in vivo. This is a report of the first use of OCT to acquire images of the biliary tree during ERCP. Methods: A 2.6-mm diameter OCT catheter delivered through the accessory channel of a duodenoscope was used to acquire images of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts in 5 patients. Histology-correlated OCT images of 5 cadaveric livers, each imaged at 3 sites, were used to guide interpretation of the in vivo images. Results: Biliary ductal epithelium and subepithelial structures, including peribiliary glands, vasculature, and hepatic parenchyma, were visualized in vivo. The papillary architecture of cholangiocarcinoma was identified by OCT. There were no OCT-related complications. Conclusions: High-resolution OCT imaging of the biliary tree is feasible and may provide useful diagnostic information during ERCP.
Two forms of sensitization of the local bending reflex of the medicinal leech

Sensitization of the local bending reflex of the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis was studied in a semi-intact preparation in which behavioral and electrophysiological recordings were made simultaneously. 1. Sensitization of local bending could be produced in two ways: by repeated stimulation of the mechanoreceptor sensitive to pressure (the P cell), and by stimutlation of the mechanoreceptor sensitive to noxious stimuli (the N cell). 2. Both forms of sensitization produced a central neuronal change, measured as an increase in the number of stimulus-evoked action potentials in cell 3 (an excitor of dorsal longitudinal muscles). 3. Intracellular stimulation of serotonin-containing neurons 21 and 61 mimicked the sensitizing stimuli, but stimulation of the Retzius cell, which also contains serotonin, did not. 4. Stimulation of the Leydig cell, which releases octopamine, decreased the strength of local bending.
Enhanced Aqueous Solubility of Phenolic Antioxidants Using Modified β-Cyclodextrins

AbstractPhenolic antioxidants are useful additives with a possible role in cancer chemoprevention. This study describes inclusion complexation between phenolic antioxidants (butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA; butylated hydroxytoluene, BHT) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrins (HPB) or hydroxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin (HEB) and their characterization by phase solubility analysis, Xray diffraction and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The complexes were prepared by shaking an aqueous mixture of the antioxidant with each of the cyclodextrins (1:1 molar) at 40 °C for six days and lyophilizing the resulting clear solution. Each of the complexes dissolved instantaneously in water. Phase solubility analysis indicated a more pronounced increase in the aqueous solubility of BHA compared to that of BHT. Xray diffraction patterns of the antioxidant-cyclodextrin complexes indicated a shift from crystalline pattern of the antioxidant to an amorphous pattern for the complexes. Also, the IR spectra of the BHA-cyclodextrin complexes indic...
Multiple color changes following laser therapy of cosmetic tattoos.

objective. To emphasize the wisdom of small test areas when treating cosmetic tattoos and the need for multiple laser systems. methods. A 48-year-old woman requested removal of permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoos) of her eyebrows and around her lips. Physical examination revealed a brown tattoo of both eyebrows and dark red lip liner around both lips. A test area was performed on the red tattoo of the lips. A frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 2.0 J/cm2, 2 mm spot size) was used for the lip area, while the same laser at 1064 nm, 3.9 J cm2, 2 mm spot size was utilized for the eyebrows. The lip area immediately turned black. The patient returned for follow-up 1 month later; the black ink on the lip was treated with the same laser at 1064 nm, 3 mm spot size, 4.2 J/cm2, with satisfactory resolution in two monthly treatments. Both brown eyebrow turned bright orange and were treated with 532 nm, 3 mm, 3.0 J/cm2. One month later the eyebrows were a mixture of yellow ink and dark green. The yellow area was treated with 532 nm, 3 mm, 2.3 J/cm2, while the dark green was treated with the 1064 nm, 3 mm spot size, 4.2 J/cm2. One month later little improvement was noted, so Q-switched ruby laser at 694 nm, 6 mm spot size, 16 J/cm2 was utilized. An additional four monthly treatments were given utilizing a combination of both ruby and 532 nm ND:YAG lasers for green and yellow pigment, respectively. results. Significant but incomplete resolution of the tattoo ink was achieved. conclusion. Multiple laser systems are needed to remove cosmetic tattoos. Test areas must be done before treatment.
Equatorial enhancement of the nighttime OH mesospheric infrared airglow

Global measurements of the hydroxyl mesospheric airglow over an extended period of time have been made possible by the NASA SABER infrared sensor aboard the TIMED satellite which has been functioning since December of 2001. The orbital mission has continued over a significant portion of a solar cycle. Experimental data from SABER for several years have exhibited equatorial enhancements of the nighttime mesospheric OH (delta v = 2) airglow layer consistent with the high average diurnal solar flux. The brightening of the OH airglow typically means more H + O3 is being reacted. At both the spring and autumn seasonal equinoxes when the equatorial solar UV irradiance mean is greatest, the peak volume emission rate (VER) of the nighttime Meinel infrared airglow typically appears to be both significantly brighter plus lower in altitude by several kilometres at low latitudes compared with midlatitude findings.
Law and Order in Sung China

List of figures, maps and tables Preface List of abbreviations 1. Introduction 2. The historical context 3. Crimes and criminals 4. Informal and semiformal agencies of law enforcement 5. Formal civil agencies of law enforcement 6. The role of the military in law enforcement 7. Supervision of law enforcement - the role of the intendants 8. Personnel selection 9. Urban crime and urban security 10. The Sung penal system 11. Jails and jailers in the Sung 12. Penal registration 13. The death penalty 14. Modifications of penalties 15. Conclusion Glossary Bibliography Index.
A Convenient New Method for Trapping Bicyclic Valence Tautomers of Cyclooctatetraene and 1,3,5-Cyclooctatriene with Singlet Oxygen

Abstract The bicyclic valence tautomers of cyclooctatetraene and 1,3,5-cyclooctatriene were prepared by MnO2 oxidation of the appropriate hydrazo compounds at low temperatures and trapped with singlet oxygen to give the corresponding endoperoxides.
Multi-Dimensional Adaptive Simulation of Shock-Induced Detonation in a Shock Tube

splitting schemes available in the CLAWPACK suite is described. A hybrid Roe{HLLE solver with higher order MUSCL reconstruction is selected as this scheme steers clear of unphysical values due to linearization. One-, two- and three-dimensional detonation simulations for the hydrogen-oxygen reaction mechanism in Cartesian geometry was performed and the strategy for non-equilibrium reaction terms was outlined. A parallelization algorithm for the Berger{Collella scheme based on DAGH framework was developed and implemented. The resolutions attained exceeds previous results, providing new insights in detonation wave propagation.
Large-scale multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock calculations of the hyperfine-structure constants of the 2s 2S1/2, 2p 2P1/2, and 2p 2P3/2 states of lithium.

The hyperfine constants for the ground and two lowest excited states of lithium are calculated in a multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock model. Convergence of the calculated magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole constants is studied as the active set of orbitals is systematically increased. The final results are compared with experimental data and theoretical values obtained from other methods. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Comparative Utilization of Limited Energy for Continuous and Pulse Operations

Comparative utilization of a limited amount of energy for continuous and pulse operations was investigated. Under a restriction that the amount of available energy was limited, general equations for operational hours of the energy source for given power output were derived for both continuous and pulse mode operations. This paper points out that due to various adjustable parameters available for pulse mode operation, if properly designed pulse mode operation produces longer utilization of available energy for required output power than continuous mode operation.
High Prevalence of Allergic Sensitization in Children With Habitual Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Study objective To determine whether allergic sensitization occurs frequently in children with habitual snoring and whether allergy predicts the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in snoring children. Design Prospective study of 39 children with habitual snoring who were referred for polysomnography. Setting Pediatric pulmonary sleep disorders clinic in a tertiary referral center. Measurements Subjects underwent a complete history and physical examination. To assess for the presence of allergic sensitization, a multiantigen radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was performed on serum samples. Subjects then underwent nocturnal polysomnography to determine the presence and severity of OSAS. Results Fourteen subjects (36%) demonstrated sensitivity to allergens; this is higher than expected for the general pediatric population. The frequency of OSAS was increased in subjects with positive RAST results compared to those with negative RAST results (57% vs 40%; x 2 =9.11; p Conclusion Allergy is frequently present in pediatric patients with habitual snoring. Furthermore, the presence of allergy is associated with an increased risk of OSAS in this population.
Metaphyseal sclerosis in patients with chronic renal failure

We reviewed radiographs of the hands and wrists of 33 patients with immature skeletons and chronic renal disease. Various radiographic manifestations of renal osteodystrophy were seen, including osteopenia in 23 patients (70%), subperiosteal resorption in 20 (61%), distal tuft resorption in 14 (42%), sclerosis of vertebral bodies in 2 (6%), and soft-tissue calcification in 1 (3%). We also noted that 13 patients (39%) exhibited metaphyseal sclerosis adjacent to the growth plates. Five of these 13 showed persistent sclerosis years after the growth plates had fused. None of the patients showed other radiographic changes of rickets, and there was no correlation between the serum calcium, phosphorus, or aluminum levels and the presence of metaphyseal sclerosis. Neither was there any association with the underlying cause of renal failure, method of treatment, presence of a transplant, or type of dialysis. We view this finding as another manifestation of renal osteodystrophy. The importance of distinguishing it from other sclerotic lesions is discussed.
Optical band GaP variation in the system (GaP)1−x(ZnSe)x for 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.18☆

Abstract Measurements of the optical absorption of single crystalline samples of ( GaP ) 1− x ( ZnSe ) x show a sharp drop in the indirect band gap as x is increased from 0 to 0.02, followed by a gradual increase as x is increased to 0.18. The maximum decrease observed is ∼0.16 eV at room temperature. It is suggested that the band gap is narrowed in the solid solutions as a result of the high density of ions in these non-isoelectronic mixed systems.
The effect of supply and demand shocks on the non-market valuation of local public goods

For local public goods, supply or demand shocks may create periods during which it is welfare enhancing for households to undertake spatial arbitrage by relocating residentially. We point out that the magnitude and direction of the average benefit esti- mate obtained during such a transition period is likely to vary systematically depending upon the magnitude of the shock, the level of transaction costs and the extent to which other affected goods are substitutes or complements. We test a subset of our model's pre- dictions using cross-sectional data on household demand for improved municipal services in post-socialist Romania. Our preliminary empirical analysis suggests that there have been substantial gains in welfare resulting from spatial adjustment following the opening up of housing markets. Furthermore, our results indicate that benefit esti- mates for improved water services during the transition may be substantially higher than long-run estimates. This limited evidence supports our concern that economists may recommend non-optimal levels of long-run investment, regulation, or user fees if they are unaware of the implications of future readjustment to supply or demand shocks.
A k-space method for moderately nonlinear wave propagation

A k-space method for moderately nonlinear wave propagation in absorptive media is presented. The Westervelt equation is first transferred into k-space via Fourier transformation, and is solved by a modified wave-vector time-domain scheme. The present approach is not limited to forward propagation or parabolic approximation. One- and two-dimensional problems are investigated to verify the method by comparing results to analytic solutions and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. It is found that to obtain accurate results in homogeneous media, the grid size can be as little as two points per wavelength, and for a moderately nonlinear problem, the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy number can be as large as 0.4. Through comparisons with the conventional FDTD method, the k-space method for nonlinear wave propagation is shown here to be computationally more efficient and accurate. The k-space method is then employed to study three-dimensional nonlinear wave propagation through the skull, which shows that a relatively accurate focusing can be achieved in the brain at a high frequency by sending a low frequency from the transducer. Finally, implementations of the k-space method using a single graphics processing unit shows that it required about one-seventh the computation time of a single-core CPU calculation.
Gravity-Induced Flocculation

Abstract In polydisperse colloidal systems, flocculation can occur as a result of the differential creaming rates between small and large particles. As an improvement on earlier work, we have rigorously modelled this process of gravity-induced flocculation by incorporating gravitational and interparticle (both attractive and repulsive) forces, as well as hydrodynamic interactions in our analysis. From this analysis capture cross-sections and collision frequencies can be precisely defined and computed. In the absence of electrostatic repulsion, the gravity-induced flocculation rate is approximately proportional to g 0.80 (where g is the local acceleration of gravity) and not g as previously predicted. When electrostatic repulsion is significant, particles can flocculate into either a primary or secondary minimum (as described by DLVO theory), or remain dispersed. The possibility of two different types of doublets leads to an interesting phenomenon. When Brownian motion can be neglected, dilute spherical sols can be unstable at low and high gravitational forces, but stable against gravity-induced flocculation at intermediate values.
Development of an internet based distance learning program at Virginia Tech

A variety of socio-economic and technological factors are converging to create an increased demand for distance education. This increasing demand is in turn fueling a change in the ways and methods of knowledge dispersion. Now, more than any other time in history, educational institutions are turning to non traditional and more technological methodologies to reach a wider audience. In this direction, we believe that videoconferencing over the Internet combined with streaming web access to educational courses is the ideal combination to meet the escalating demands for access to educational programs ``same time, any time and any where''. In this paper we describe the transformation from a traditional to a distance education model that is occurring here at Virginia Tech.
Region-based stereo analysis for robotic applications

The authors consider the development of a practical binocular stereo approach for extracting depth information. This approach is particularly well suited for robot vision systems designed for inspection and manipulation tasks. The authors emphasize the importance of semantic content and stability of the primitive used in stereo matching and introduce the use of homogeneous regions as features in stereo matching. Considering the lower number of features and the high discrimination power of the primitive, the region-based matcher is more efficient and accurate than those using edge-based primitives. A region-based matching technique can utilize both local and global information and thus yield a more globally consistent solution. However, region-based matching processes typically yield coarse disparity maps. It is noted that it is critical that an efficient and robust stereo system utilize the most appropriate set of primitives at each state of the process. A hierarchical stereo approach that does so is proposed. Several experiments to evaluate the performance of a region-based stereo matcher and a straightforward disparity and depth generation module are described. >
Seismic imaging of the crust and upper mantle using regularized joint receiver functions, frequency-wave number filtering, and multimode Kirchhoff migration

[1] Receiver functions provide an indispensable tool for producing discontinuity images of the crust and upper mantle from teleseismic earthquake arrivals. However, image quality can be significantly compromised by instabilities inherent in the deconvolution process and by irregularities in data coverage driven by source and/or receiver geometries. We present receiver function estimation and prestack migration techniques which both reduce receiver function deconvolution instability and produce regularized, multimode receiver function images. The receiver function estimation technique exploits frequency–wave number filtering methods using frequency–pseudowave number domain filtering of gathers to enhance arrivals with consistent moveout characteristics. Synthetic tests confirm robust recovery of features in the presence of high noise levels. To process regularized receiver functions into accurate images of the subsurface seismic scattering potential, we employ a regularized Kirchhoff migration that migrates both direct and reverberated P-to-S converted modes to their correct subsurface locations. The subsequent images can be stacked to mute mismigrated modes. Synthetic studies and model resolution tests demonstrate that this methodology is well suited to irregularly spaced stations and uneven data coverage and does not require the recording of a single earthquake at multiple stations.
Cognitive and Affective Benefits of an Animated Pedagogical Agent for Learning English as a Second Language

This study compared the use of ananimated pedagogical agent (agent) with an electronic arrow and voice narration (arrow and voice) in a multimedia learning environment where 74 college level English as a Second Language (ESL) students learned English relative clauses. No significant differences in learning or performance were found between the group receiving the agent and the arrow and voice group. This result provides evidence for Clark's (2001) claim that learning is supported by appropriate instructional methods (in this study directing attention to and voicing key concepts), not a delivery medium (in this study an animated agent or the drawing of an arrow with voice). Clark has also argued against using expensive instructional media when lower cost alternatives achieve the same or similar learning and motivation goals. It was also found that the agent's visual appearances and social behaviors did not motivate, interest, or tutor learners better than the simple arrow with voice. Thus, this result does...
Hourly Evaluation of Indexes for Distribution Networks with Distributed Generation

This article presents a comparative analysis of various indicators that evaluate the impact of a distributed generator (DG) connection in a power distribution system. The goal is to select indicators to have an effective tool for studying and selecting alternatives for size and location of the DG. This analysis is performed on the IEEE 33 test system, considering mean and hourly values for power generation and load demand.
Influence of select extracellular matrix proteins on mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic commitment in three-dimensional contexts

Growth factors have been shown to be powerful mediators of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenic differentiation. However, their use in tissue engineered scaffolds not only can be costly but also can induce undesired responses in surrounding tissues. Thus, the ability to specifically promote MSC osteogenic differentiation in the absence of exogenous growth factors via the manipulation of scaffold material properties would be beneficial. The current work examines the influence of select extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on MSC osteogenesis toward the goal of developing scaffolds with intrinsically osteoinductive properties. Fibrinogen (FG), fibronectin (FN) and laminin-1 (LN) were chosen for evaluation due to their known roles in bone morphogenesis or bone fracture healing. These proteins were conjugated into poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels and their effects on encapsulated 10T½ MSCs were evaluated. Specifically, following 1week of culture, mid-term markers of various MSC lineages were examined in order to assess the strength and specificity of the observed osteogenic responses. PEG-LN gels demonstrated increased levels of the osteogenic transcription factor osterix relative to day 0 levels. In addition, PEG-FG and PEG-LN gels were associated with increased deposition of bone ECM protein osteocalcin relative to PEG-FN gels and day 0. Importantly, the osteogenic response associated with FG and LN appeared to be specific in that markers for chondrocytic, smooth muscle cell and adipocytic lineages were not similarly elevated relative to day 0 in these gels. To gain insight into the integrin dynamics underlying the observed differentiation results, initial integrin adhesion and temporal alterations in cell integrin profiles were evaluated. The associated results suggest that α(2), α(v) and α(6) integrin subunits may play key roles in integrin-mediated osteogenesis.
COMPLIANCE‐GAINING MESSAGE SELECTION BEHAVIOR

Past compliance-gaining message selection experiments were reviewed, and three strong predictors of persons' compliance-gaining message choices emerged: (1) benefit to other, (2) negativism, and (3) dogmatism. Two major procedural limitations of these studies were identified: (1) a lack of realism, and (2) a lack of attention to change in the use of compliance-gaining messages. Thus an experiment without these limitations was designed. Subjects (Ss)senl messages to a confederate trying to persuade the confederate to change point allocations on an anagram task. These messages were sent under conditions of either high or low benefit to the confederate (other) and high or low benefit to the subject (self). Individual differences also were assessed. Results indicated that persons are concerned with equity, but that they are more concerned with others being treated fairly than they are with self being treated fairly. While dogmatism did not prove to be a strong predictor of compliance-gaining messages directed toward other, other predictors gleaned from past research correlated as predicted. The benefit self treatment proved to be a stronger predictor of compliance gaining message selection than it has in past studies.
Lectin-induced blast transformation of human lymphocytes.

Phytohaemagglutinins1 comprise a class of leguminous plant proteins exhibiting differing specificities for the binding of carbohydrate residues. Despite their shared ability to induce specific precipitation of various polysaccharides, glycoproteins, blood group substances and cellular membranes, only a few phytohaemagglutinins are known to be capable of inducing blast transformation of small lymphocytes. Among such phytomitogens are the lectins from Phaseolus vulgaris2, Lens culinaris3, Wistaria floribunda4 and Canavalia ensiformis5,6. The use of concanavalin A (con A) from Canavalia ensiformis in the detection and preliminary characterization of carbohydrate-containing polymers has been established7. Con A also has been shown to be capable of distinguishing between transformed and normal cells; in vitro agglutination of transformed cells occurs under conditions which produce little agglutination of most normal cells8. A similar preference of con A for tumour cells is exhibited in vivo, resulting in diminished survival of mouse tumour cells (to 1% at 100 mg kg−1 i.p.) (H. Lin, W. R. Bruce and M. J. Walcroft, submitted for publication). The efficacy of con A as a therapeutic agent, however, has been limited by its toxicity and therefore it is of interest to study: (1) other lectins which might manifest similar biological activities but with diminished toxicity; (2) means of chemical modification which might lower con A toxicity without concomitant loss of activity.
Attitude similarity, expectancy violation, and attraction

Three experiments were conducted to determine the conditions under which order effects occur when a target person expresses his opinions and a subject evaluates him. Using the bogus pipeline paradigm—based on convincing the subject that a machine can detect his true feelings, and asking the subject to estimate the machine's reading—there was a preference for the target person who expressed opinions at first dissimilar and then similar to the subject's own. When standard rating techniques were used, there was no such preference. The results are offered in support of a more general proposition that people are gratified to receive agreement from dissimilar others and very disappointed when a similar other disagrees with them.
Managing streaming video: A new role for technical services

BMCC Library is using streaming video technology to extend the electronic reserves service to include audio and videos. We have found that a streaming video project can be managed by non-technical staff with results that empower staff and impress students and faculty with their ease of use. The role of technical services in the library has evolved considerably, a process driven in part by technology. Consistent with this trend, our technical services department was asked to manage an electronic reserves program a few years back. Adding streaming video to its portfolio will invigorate a vital service department in the library. This article will illustrate the process we undertook from start to finish, demonstrating the major concern of streaming media is copyright consideration, not technology.
Intracellular product accumulation in biotin-restricted yeast

Abstract The cells of biotin-restricted yeasts contain 5-aminoimidazole (or its riboside), inosine, and deamido-DPN. In addition to these substances, hypoxanthine and nicotinic acid have been reported in the medium, but are not detectable within the cells. If the biotin-restricted yeasts are supplied with aspartate or biotin, the amount of these materials is markedly decreased.
Survivorship—Competing Mortalities, Morbidities, and Second Malignancies

Mortality of head and neck cancer has declined in the United States over the past 20 years. This improvement has been linked to use of multimodality treatment of advanced disease. Despite this improvement, disease-specific survival remains low. Patients who survive head and neck cancer are exposed to morbidity and mortality secondary to the same factors as the general population. Factors related to cancer and cancer treatment predispose them to increased risk of mortality. Improvements in head and neck cancer treatment have led to a scenario where an increasing proportion of patients die from causes other than the primary cancer, called competing mortalities.
The Human Experience

Computing has transformed humanity in ways that we have only begun to metabolize. Computing amplifies what we celebrate most about being human, but it also has the capacity to magnify that which we mourn. Exploring the story of computing has value, for an educated populace is far more able to reconcile its past, reason about its present, and be intentional about its future.
A priori simulation of tetrachloroethene transport through aquifer material using an intraparticle diffusion model

Recent work has suggested that sorption rate limitations may have important implications on the fate and transport of organic chemicals in the subsurface. In previous batch work, tetrachloroethene (PCE) exhibited diffusion-limited uptake onto sand-sized grains of aquifer material with a high internal porosity. In this work, the breakthrough of PCE through packed columns of this same aquifer material was studied, and a transport model incorporating intraparticle diffusion was used to simulate the experimental results. All model parameters were determined by independent measurements, allowing a true prediction of the breakthrough curve. Batch isotherm data were collected over a wide concentration range using both unaltered and pulverized material, with the latter used to shorten the equilibration time. Although consideration of all data suggested significant isotherm nonlinearity, data collected over a concentration range relevant to the column experiments and encompassing two orders of magnitude suggested that a linear approximation of sorption capacity might be adequate for modeling purposes. Model predictions showed excellent agreement with column breakthrough data, supporting the hypothesis of intraparticle pore diffusion as the causative mechanism of slow sorption in this material. 32 refs., 13 figs., 3 tabs.
Electrodiagnostic Evaluation of Myopathies

Electrodiagnostic studies play an important role in the evaluation of patients suspected of having a myopathic disorder. They are used to exclude alternative diagnoses, confirm the presence of muscle disease, narrow down the differential, and identify an appropriate biopsy site. The most informative part of the electrodiagnostic study is needle electromyography. This allows for the analysis of spontaneous activity and motor unit action potential morphology and recruitment patterns. This article proposes a practical electrodiagnostic approach and describes the electrophysiologic patterns of the most commonly encountered myopathies.
Redistribution of Magnetic Helicity at the Sun

Evolution of magnetic loops associated with filaments and coronal mass ejections involves a redistribution of solar magnetic helicity. Two mechanisms of the helicity redistribution are discussed. The first one involves magnetic reconnections among magnetic loops and can introduce helicity into an erupting magnetic field accompanied with an encapture of helicity by the Sun. The second one involves the MHD helicity redistribution in the Sun and indicates that the magnetic helicity of each hemisphere of the Sun oscillates about a mean with the half-period of the solar cycle (11 years), but does not change sign from one 11 year period to the next.
Ensemble encoding for time series forecasting with MLP networks

Neural networks represent a promising approach to time series forecasting; however, the problem of obtaining good network generalization continues to present a challenge. As a means of improving network generalization ability for time series forecasting applications, this paper investigates the utility of a biologically inspired scheme that employs receptive fields for encoding network inputs. Both single- and multi-step forecasting performances are studied in the context of the sunspot series. Additionally, a heuristic for selecting the placement and dilations of the receptive field functions is presented. The performance of multi-layered perceptron networks trained using the data arising from the encoding scheme is assessed. The heuristic for placing and dilating the receptive fields yielded networks that learn rapidly and have consistently good multi-step prediction capability as compared to other published results.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Melatonin and Chlorpromazine: Thermal Selection and Metabolic Rate in the Bullsnake, Pituophis melanoleucus

Abstract We investigated the effects of melatonin (MEL) and chlorpromazine (CPZ) on the thermal selection and metabolic rate of the bullsnake, Pituophis melanoleucus. Adult snakes were acclimatized for 5 weeks to a constant temperature of 25 ± 1°C (range) and an L12:D12 photoperiod; photophase was centered on 1200 hr CST and began at 0600 hr. Temperatures selected by snakes in response to intraperitoneal (IP) injections of saline (control), MEL (5 mg kg−1 body mass), and CPZ (25 mg kg−1 body mass), a melatonin antimetabolite, were measured in a linear thermal gradient over a 36-hr experimental period. Using a repeated measures design, we showed that mean preferred body temperature (Tb) of snakes when receiving either MEL (19.6°C, SE = 1.86, n = 11) or CPZ (15.7°C, SE = 1.12, n = 11) differed significantly from the preferred Tb of animals receiving control injections of saline solution (24.1°C, SE = 1.90, n = 11). Changes in metabolic rate were determined with closed system respirometry to measure oxygen consumption before and 3 hr after treatments of: 1) non-injected control, 2) injected-saline control, 3) MEL (5 mg kg−1 body mass), and 4) CPZ (25 mg kg−1 body mass). Static samples of oxygen consumption before and after treatments showed that MEL and CPZ had no significant effect upon the resting metabolic rate (RMR) 3 hr after injection. A multiple comparisons test of the among-treatment differences indicated that there were no statistically significant changes in RMR (F = 0.975; df = 3,27; P = 0.419). However, the difference between before and after mean RMR for the CPZ experiment was almost significant (W = 35; df = 9; P = 0.084), and may be biologically meaningful. Both exogenous and endogenous MEL may play a role in behavioral and physiological thermoregulation of vertebrates and also may influence metabolic rate.
Application of metal-organic chemical vapor deposition to vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We have successfully used low-pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (LP-MOCVD) to grow GaAs/A1GaAs vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers containing graded-index distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirrors. The continuously-graded mirror heterojunctions were obtained by maintaining a constant growth temperature while ramping the reactant gas flows. Graded interfaces were found to reduce the energy-band discontinuities, resulting in improved electrical charteristics. A 35 p.m diameter device has a series resistance of 22 , a CW output power of 2 mW, a threshold current density of 1.2 kA/cm 2 , an overall power efficiency of 3.0%, and a turn-on voltage of 2.3 V.
A Simplified Method for Chronic Portal Vein Cannulation in the Rat

A simple technique is described for chronic cannulation and repeated blood sampling from the portal vein of the conscious undisturbed rat. The method employs a straight cannula and allows precise location of the tip. Blood flow in the portal vein is not obstructed. The present technique was used in combination with chronic cannulation of the superior vena cava. Simultaneous blood sampling from the two cannulas was successfully carried out at fifteen minute intervals over six hour periods. The system and the sampling were well tolerated by the rats.
Pentecostal theology of mission in the making

While Pentecostals are known for productive and widespread mission work, theological reflection has not kept up with praxis. In recent years, however, a number of leading Pentecostal theologians have started to reflect on key issues such as what are the underlying motifs and distinguishing features as well as urgent challenges facing Pentecostal mission, social concern and relation to other religions, among others. This essays attempts to offer a state‐of‐art critical survey based on English speaking literature at the international level.
Chemical Failure Mode Addition to the Failure Mode Taxonomy

The research objective of this article is to fortify the failure mode taxonomy by including chemical failures. This inclusion would enable comprehensive risk analysis in technology-based products. As technology improves at an exponential rate, partially owing to chemical advances in the semiconductor industry, failure identification tools must keep up with the pace. While the current version of the failure mode taxonomy does consider multiple domains of failure, it does not include a comprehensive collection of chemical failures. Therefore this taxonomy is insufficient for a large number of new products. The research presented here includes identifying chemical failures from publications in the semiconductor industry. These failures were then analyzed to determine the rudimentary failure modes in each case. Finally the newly identified failure modes were added to the failure mode taxonomy. A case study is presented to demonstrate using the updated failure mode taxonomy to identify both potential failures and product risks.
Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with different degrees of sulfonation has been prepared and evaluated as proton exchange membrane electrolytes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The membranes have been characterized by ion-exchange capacity, proton conductivity, and liquid uptake measurements. The proton conductivity of the SPEEK membranes increases with increasing sulfonation level, and are lower than that of Nafion. The percent liquid uptake increases with increasing temperature, methanol concentration, and degree of sulfonation. Within a narrow range of sulfonation of ∼50%, the SPEEK membranes exhibit electrochemical performances comparable to or exceeding that of Nafion at 65°C, making it an attractive low-cost alternative to Nafion. The better performance of the SPEEK membranes is due to the suppression of methanol permeability as indicated by a lower methanol crossover current density at the cathode.
Automated Axon Segmentation from Highly Noisy Microscopic Videos

We present a novel method for automated segmentation of axons in extremely noisy videos obtained via two-photon microscopy in awake mice. We formulate segmentation as a pixel-wise classification problem in which a pixel is classified into "axon" or "non-axon" based on its feature vector. In order to deal with high levels of noise, the features of our classifier are derived from spatio-temporal Independent Component Analysis (stICA) which effectively isolates noise from signal components while leveraging temporal coherence from the video. We fit parametric models to represent the distribution of the extracted features and apply a probabilistic classifier over stICA components to determine the label of each pixel. Finally, we show compelling qualitative and quantitative results from very challenging two-photon microscopic, demonstrating the usefulness of our approach. An example time-series of two-photon images with our automated ROI extraction over layed is available with the supplemental materials.
Central ventilatory depression by oral propranolol

Propranolol, 20 mg, was given orally four times daily for 5 days and placebo four times daily for 5 days in a randomized, double-blind fashion to nine healthy subjects. At the beginning of the study and on the last day of each medication pulse rate, blood pressure, airways resistance, maximum expiratory flow versus volume (using air and using 80% helium and 20% oxygen), spirometry before and after inhaled isoproterenol, and ventilatory and occlusion pressure responses to rebreathing carbon dioxide were measured. Results were compared by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Propranolol was associated with decreases in pulse rate (P = 0.002), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.024), and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.027). There were no differences in airway resistance or the change of expiratory flow with helium-oxygen. Propranolol did not alter the preisoproterenol spirometry values but did reduce the response to isoproterenol. There were decreases in ventilatory responses (P = 0.004) and occlusion pressure responses (P = 0.006) at an end-tidal carbon dioxide of 60 mm Hg. Propranolol's beta-adrenergic blockade supresses central ventilatory response to carbon dioxide. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 30, 758–764; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.235