cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Construction and Testing of Radio-Controlled Power Augmented Ram Model

Heavy-payload Power Augmented Ram vehicles represent a new class of amphibious transportation means. In the static and low-speed operational regimes, these machines utilize a skirtless pressurized air cushion generated by front jet propulsors. In the high-speed motion, the aerodynamic lift augmented in ground effect becomes the dominant support. The construction of a small-scale radio-controlled Power Augmented Ram model is described. Results of initial static and self-propelled tests on solid surfaces are presented. Future research work and possible full-scale applications are discussed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Recreational benefits of residual open space: A case study of four communities in northeastern New Jersey

Numerous undeveloped and ecologically diverse tracts of land within urban communities in the United States are presently being utilized for a variety of unsupervised recreational activities. The present use and perceived value of residual open spaces adjacent to the Palisades to residents of four communities in northeastern New Jersey was assessed. The results of our survey suggest that parks and open space represent a city service that is not as highly valued as other more visible services, that respondents desire a diversity of recreational experiences, that existing parks and open space provide a narrow range of recreational benefits to users, that benefits of existing parks extend primarily to the provision of active pursuits, and that undeveloped residual open spaces are valued for and provide opportunities for a variety of passive pursuits.
A preliminary report on a chemomechanical means of removing caries

In a two-part study evaluating both a chemical solution and the technique of use, an experimental method of caries removal is investigated for safety and effectiveness. A new experimental method of caries removal using a 0.05% solution of N-monochloroglycine (GK-101) buffered to a pH of 11.4 has been investigated for safety and effectiveness. The solution has been reported to be relatively nontoxic. Results of a double-blind clinical study comparing the compound with saline solution (where the solutions were applied to the lesions using a specially designed pump with a handpiece and removable tip) indicate that GK-101, when used in this total system, is more effective in removing carious material than the placebo. Additional long-term laboratory studies and clinical trials are being conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of GK-101, in compliance with regulations of the Food and Drug Administration.
Close Relationships and Emotional Processing Predict Decreased Mortality in Women with Breast Cancer: Preliminary Evidence

Objective:To examine close relationships and emotional processing as predictors of breast cancer mortality.Methods:Ninety women were enrolled at 14 ± 5 months after diagnosis of Stage II/III breast cancer. The Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) quantified disease severity. Cox proportional hazards an
Relationships among plant available phosphorus, fertilizer sales, and water quality in northwestern Ohio.

Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in northwestern Ohio river water has declined over the past 20 yr in response to decreased applications of fertilizer P. Our objective was to evaluate changes in soluble P (Bray-1 P) levels in the soil over time as influenced by fertilizer P management, cultivation practice, soil properties, and landscape factors. Because soil is the intermediary between added P and SRP measured in river water, we examined the relationship between fertilizer P, soluble soil P, and SRP. Using historical soil survey sample sites as a baseline for original soluble P concentrations (P or ), we resampled Ap horizons to establish current levels of soluble P (P cu ). The P or baseline extended from 1953-1982 and P cu from 1996-1998. Thirty percent of the P cu values and 17% of the P or values were ≥40 mg kg -1 . Log-transformed means for P cu were significantly higher than for P or . The principal determining factors for P or were physiography, soil texture, and soil series. Current P is affected by present tillage practice and drainage class. Change in soluble P in the soil is not as responsive to fertilizer P sales as is SRP in river water. This suggests that as fertilizer P sales decline, a declining percentage of P added as fertilizer is annually dissolved and transported into the drainage system. Soluble P in soil is governed by a combination of fertilizer and tillage management, soil properties, and landscape factors interacting over time.
Quantitative Drug Activity Prediction for Inhibitors of Human Breast Carcinoma

There are sufficient data on a series of N−aryl−N-(2-chloroethyl) ureas tested as inhibitors of human breast carcinoma of the MDA-MB-231 cancer line to allow us to apply the so-called electron-conformational (EC) method in order to predict the drug activity of other molecular systems. The EC method reveals the pharmacophore and predicts the activity quantitatively based on conformational analysis and electronic structure calculations for a set of molecules that were tested for the activity under consideration (the training set). To reveal the pharmacophore of inhibitors of the human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 and to determine the parameters of molecular structure that enhance or diminish the activity, thus providing a tool for further increasing the inhibitor activity. Details of the EC method are described elsewhere. For the training set of the tested molecules, the electronic structure of the lowest conformations is calculated and presented in matrices, which are then processed in comparison with the activity. This reveals the pharmacophore: the special features of the drug molecules that are common for all active compounds and absent in the inactive ones. No arbitrary descriptors are used in the identification of the pharmacophore. The out-of-pharmacophore groups are then analysed and parameterised in an error-minimisation scheme that allows for calculation of the quantitative activity of any molecular system that has the pharmacophore. The pharmacophore of human breast carcinoma inhibitors is given by ten numbers with certain limits of flexibility. They represent four atoms (reactivity positions) with certain interatomic distances within the defined tolerances. Typical out-of-pharmacophore groups in the drug molecule serve as either antipharmacophore shields that diminish the activity or as other factors that may enhance the lipophilicity. A formula is obtained in which the roles of pharmacophore tolerances and out-of-pharmacophore group influences are presented by numerical coefficients, allowing the calculation of the expected activity quantitatively. The formula liability is estimated to be ≈97%. A cross-validation is performed showing that the prediction power is 92%. The pharmacophore evaluation is ≈100% correct, within the accuracy of the experimental data in the training set. An additional simple formula allows for the discrimination of the most active out-of-pharmacophore groups and the most influential pharmacophore tolerance parameters. The pharmacophore of the inhibitors of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 is revealed and allows for high-accuracy data mining for potential drugs. A formula is derived for quantitative prediction of the activity of untested molecules with an expected accuracy of 92%.
Poster — Thur Eve — 67: Tangential Modulated Arc Therapy (TMAT): A Novel Technique using Megavoltage Photons for the Treatment of Superficial Disease

We propose a new type of treatment that employs a modulated tangential photon field to provide superior coverage of complex superficial targets when compared to other commonly employed methods, and drastically reduce dose to the underlying sensitive structures often present in these cases. TMAT plans were formulated for a set of four representative cases: 1. Scalp sarcoma, 2. Posterior chest-wall sarcoma, 3. Pleural mesothelioma with intact lung, 4. Chest-wall with deep inframammary nodes. For these cases, asymmetric jaw placement, angular limitations, and central isocenter placements were used to force optimization solutions with beam lines tangential to the body surface. When compared with unrestricted modulated arcs, the tangential arc scalp treatment reduced the max and mean doses delivered to the brain by 33Gy (from 55Gy to 22Gy) and 6Gy (from 14Gy to 8Gy), respectively. In the posterior chest wall case, the V10 for the ipsilateral lung was kept below 5% impressively while retaining the 45Gy target prescription coverage by over 97%. For the breast chest-wall case, the TMAT plan achieved reductions in high dose to the ipsilateral lung and heart by a factor of 2–3 when compared to classic, laterally opposed, tangents and reduced the V5 by 40% when compared to standard modulated arcs. TMAT has outperformed the conventional modalities of treatment for superficial lesions used in our clinic. We hope that with the advent of digitally controlled linear accelerators, we can uncover further benefits of this new technique and extend its applicability to a wider section of the patient population.
Cognitive tools and student‐centred learning: rethinking tools, functions and applications

Although student‐centred learning environments have recently attracted attention, such systems often place an unusual cognitive burden on the learner. Recent research suggests that cognitive tools can scaffold student‐centred learning in these types of environments. This paper introduces and analyses problems and issues in the design and use of cognitive tools in student‐centred learning environments and provides an overview of tool functions. A conceptual framework featuring functional cognitive tool classifications (information seeking, information presentation, knowledge organization, knowledge integration and knowledge generation) and principles of design is provided. Prospects and challenges for future research and development in the design and use of cognitive tools are also addressed. Les outils cognitifs et l’apprentissage centre sur l’etudiant: une revision des outils, des fonctions et des applications Bien que les environnements d’apprentissage centres sur l’etudiant aient recemment fait l’objet...
Stable variant of LM fibroblast defective in fluid-phase but competent in receptor-mediated endocytosis.

The F-40 cell line, a stable variant of LM fibroblasts selected for its resistance to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced fusion (Roos and Davidson: Somatic Cell and Molecular Genetics 6:381--391, 1980), has a decreased capacity to internalize fluid-phase markers and nonspecifically surface-bound macromolecules. It is not defective in exocytosis since, after a short sucrose pulse, it releases the same fraction of ingested sucrose into the medium as does the parental line. F40 cells have a normal capacity to carry out receptor-mediated endocytosis, as tested with 125I-alpha-2 macroglobulin (alpha-2 MG) and 125I-transferrin (Tf), and to recycle Tf receptor to the cell surface. These data demonstrate that receptor-mediated and non-receptor mediated endocytosis are distinct processes that can be altered independently. Of the many membrane fusions occurring in the course of endocytosis, the only one that appears associated with the defect in cell fusion characteristic of F40 cells is the formation of primary endocytotic vesicles engaged in non-receptor-mediated internalizations.
The Effect of Sudden Changes in Temperature, Light and Salinity On the Population-Density and Export of Zooxanthellae From the Reef Corals Stylophora-Pistillata Esper and Seriatopora-Hystrix Dana

Abstract Bleaching (loss of pigmentation by corals) is a widespread phenomenon in coral-reef ecosystems. Despite this, the underlying causes of some forms of bleaching are poorly understood. This study explores the conditions that induce bleaching in two species of reef coral-zooxanthellae associations from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Naturally bleached Stylophora pistillata Esper and Seriatopora hystrix Dana, collected from the edge of Lizard Island lagoon, had the same amount of Chl a · zooxanthellae −1 , yet had reduced population densities of zooxanthellae when compared to normal-looking colonies. In this case, the lack of pigment in the bleached corals was explained by low numbers of zooxanthellae and not by pale zooxanthellae. This is contrary to results obtained by some other workers and suggests that closer inspection of the underlying reasons for the pale color of bleached corals is warranted. In laboratory experiments, sudden exposures to full sunlight induced the bleaching of S. pistillata previously grown at 25% sunlight. The pale color of colonies exposed to full sunlight was explained by the low pigment content of the zooxanthellae rather than by low population densities of zooxanthellae. In addition, the specific expulsion rate of zooxanthellae from S. Pistillata and S. hystrix was not influenced by sudden increases in solar irradiance. Sudden exposures to reduced salinities (30%.) did not affect S. Pistillata or S. hystrix in this study. Both species bleached rapidly, however, when exposed to water temperatures of > 30 °C. Bleached corals in this case had reduced population densities of zooxanthellae despite normal zooxanthella pigment contents. The specific expulsion rate of zooxanthellae from both species of coral was very sensitive to temperature. 7-h exposures to 30 and 32 °C resulted in specific expulsion rates of > 1000 times that of controls. Specific expulsion rates remained high, even when corals were returned to control temperatures (27 °C). After high temperature stress, S. Pistillata and S. hystrix had high and sustained colony respiratory rates ( r c ), reduced colony photosynthetic rates ( p c net max ) and reduced P c g max : r c ratios. The O 2 metabolism of the S. pistillata and S. hystrix symbioses remained abnormal for up to 4 days after a 7-h exposure to 32 °C. Evidence suggestive of recovery was apparent 19 days later. By this time, the mean population density of zooxanthellae and p c g max : r c ratios of exposed fragments had returned to normal.
A CEPHALOMETRIC STUDY OF THE SETTLING AND MIGRATION OF DENTURES.

Summary Some dentures obey the ideal desires of prosthodontists and merely "settle" into a closer apposition to the soft tissues. Other dentures exhibit migratory tendencies and assume positions that are not intended by either the dentist or the patient. This study shows the use of cephalometrics in establishing a scientific basis for determining the phenomenon of denture migration. A basis for differentiating between settling and migration is proposed and demonstrated, and quantitative data are given for measuring the direction and magnitude of the migration.
Spin-glass phase microwave study in high-TC superconductors

Abstract Measurement of low-field microwave absorption in single-crystal YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ shows a series of equally spaced, narrow, anisotropic absorption lines. With the external magnetic field parallel to the twin planes, a typical line spacing is about 200 mOe with a linewidth of about 2 mOe. These lines are associated with the motion of fluxons into the regular array of twin planes. The widely observed absorption in the ceramic is therefore a powder spectrum of many small crystallites with similar line spectra, which are unresolved.
Inactivation of enzymes and oxidative modification of proteins by stimulated neutrophils

Differentiated, stimulated HL-60 cells and freshly isolated, stimulated neutrophils inactivate glutamine synthetase (L-glutamate:ammonia ligase (ADP-forming), EC 6.3.1.2) either inside or outside of Escherichia coli. Stimulated neutrophils also inactivate at least four endogenous enzymes which are inactivated by mixed-function oxidation (MFO) systems in vitro (L. Fucci, C. N. Oliver, M. J. Coon, and E. R. Stadtman (1983)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA80, 1521–1525). The inactivation of glutamine synthetase by stimulated neutrophils exhibits characteristics similar to those previously described using both enzymic and nonenzymic MFO systems (R. L. Levine, C. N. Oliver, R. M. Fulks, and E. R. Stadtman (1981)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA78, 2120–2124). Although the reaction occurs in the absence of Fe(III), it is stimulated by added Fe (III). Inactivation required molecular oxygen and is partially inhibited by Mn(II), catalase, superoxide dismutase, and metal chelators, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and o-phenanthroline. Both the kinetics and the extent of glutamine synthetase inactivation differ when neutrophils are stimulated with phorbol esters compared with formylated peptides. Glutamine synthetase inactivation catalyzed by MFO systems is accompanied by the formation of protein carbonyl derivatives which form stable hydrazones when treated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. Multiple carbonyl derivatives are formed in the soluble protein fraction of stimulated neutrophils and these derivatives collectively exhibit an absorbance spectrum similar to that of glutamine synthetase inactivated by liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 MFO system (K. Nakamura, C. N. Oliver, and E. R. Stadtman (1985)Arch. Biochem. Biophys.240, 319–329).
Effect of a Multi-Air-Cushion Biofeedback Device (MABD) on Shoulder Muscles during the Dynamic Hug Exercise.

[Purpose] We developed a multi-air-cushion biofeedback device (MABD) to assist the dynamic hug exercise, and investigated the effects of MABD on the shoulder muscles during the dynamic hug exercise. [Subjects] Twelve males aged 22–32 years were recruited. [Methods] We measured the right side serratus anterior, lower trapezius, and upper trapezius muscle activities during the dynamic hug exercise with and without MABD. [Results] The serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles activities significantly increased during the dynamic hug exercise with MABD compared to without it. The upper trapezius muscle significantly decreased during the dynamic hug exercise with MABD compared to without it. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the dynamic hug exercise with MABD is an effective scapular stability exercise.
Bankruptcy outcomes: Does the board matter?

Abstract We examine the association between board composition and bankruptcy outcomes. Preliminary analyses provide no evidence that the proportion of outside directors is significantly associated with the likelihood that a Chapter 11 firm liquidates. Further analyses indicate, however, that the relation between the proportion of outside directors and bankruptcy outcomes is a function of the outside directors' ownership. More specifically, we find that the association is positive when outside director ownership is low and negative when it is high. The overall evidence supports the notion that a one-size-fits-all approach to corporate governance is likely to result in suboptimal board structures and hinder firms' strategies for dealing with poor performance.
Dynamic Nuclear Polarization in Samarium Doped Lanthanum Magnesium Nitrate

The dynamic nuclear polarization of hydrogen nuclei by the solid effect in single crystals of samarium doped lanthanum magnesium nitrate (Sm:LMN) was studied theoretically and experimentally. The equations of evolution governing the dynamic nuclear polarization by the solid effect were derived in detail using the spin temperature theory and the complete expression for the steady state enhancement of the nuclear polarization was calculated. Experimental enhancements of the proton polarization were obtained for eight crystals at 9.2 GHz and liquid helium temperatures. The samarium concentration ranged from 0.1 percent to 1.1 percent as determined by X-ray fluorescence. A peak enhancement of 181 was measured for a 1.1 percent Sm:LMN crystal at 3.0 K. The maximum enhancements extrapolated with the theory using the experimental data for peak enhancement versus microwave power and correcting for leakage, agree with the ideal enhancement (240 in this experiment) within experimental error for three of the crystals.
Toxin Mediated Diarrhea in the 21st Century: The Pathophysiology of Intestinal Ion Transport in the Course of ETEC, V. cholerae and Rotavirus Infection

An estimated 4 billion episodes of diarrhea occur each year. As a result, 2–3 million children and 0.5–1 million adults succumb to the consequences of this major healthcare concern. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to toxin mediated diarrhea by infectious agents, such as E. coli, V. cholerae or Rotavirus. Our understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying these infectious diseases has notably improved over the last years. This review will focus on the cellular mechanism of action of the most common enterotoxins and the latest specific therapeutic approaches that have been developed to contain their lethal effects.
Effects of Reducing Agents, Catalase, and Reuse of Medium on Toxicity of Media for Growth of Ureaplasma urealyticum

The effects of catalase and reducing agents on the growth of Ureaplasma urealyticum type VIII in broth cultures were studied, and used medium was examined for the presence of toxic factors. Growth of U. urealyticum was slower in aged or pre-aerated medium than in fresh medium, although equivalent final yields were achieved. Generation times were 2.9 hr in pre-aerated broth and were 1.34 hr in pre-aerated broth supplemented with either 2 mM dithioerythritol or catalase (300 units/ml). Growth and death of U. urealyticum in cultures rendered the broth medium deficient for growth when reinoculated. Filtration of spent medium, adjustment of pH, addition of urea, and reinoculation permitted growth at the same rate and to the same titer as that observed in unused medium. Omission of filtration allowed growth but the final yield was less than that in filtered medium. Addition of sonicated dead cells to filtered, supplemented, spent medium also resulted in only poor growth. Therefore, spent medium appears toxic because it contains organisms (either whole or disrupted) that hydrolyze the urea added and again render the medium deficient for growth by depleting an essential growth factor. Growth of Ureaplasma urealyticum in broth cultures is unusual in that although the organisms grow rapidly, with generation times of 1-2 hr, the
Apparent Triphasic T-Wave

An apparent “triphasic” t-wave wasseen in a 59-year-old man upon admissionto the intensive care unit. Th e physicianwas called to identify the changein rhythm (Panel A). Th e exam wasunremarkable and the patient remainedhemodynamically stable.
Contrasting effects of dopamine and isoproterenol in experimental myocardial infarction

The comparative effects of dopamine and isoproterenol on local myocardial contraction and ischemic injury after coronary occlusion were evaluated in 10 dogs. Dopamine (2.5 to 5 μg/kg per min) and isoproterenol (0.125 to 0.25 μg/kg per min) were randomly infused for 20 minutes, and segmental tension (Walton-Brodie gauge) of central ischemic, border and nonischemic myocardial zones and epicardial electrograms (10 to 12 sites) were simultaneously recorded. After coronary occlusion, tension in border zones decreased to 73.5 ± 6.4 percent (mean ± standard error of the mean) and tension in central zones to 60.6 ± 9.9 percent ( P P P P P P P P P In summary, both dopamine and isoproterenol decrease contraction abnormalities in the border and nonischemic zones after acute coronary occlusion. Although isoproterenol increases both heart rate and S-T segment elevation, dopamine does not adversely affect either variable.
Combining Access with Ownership: Meeting the Need for Business Articles in Academic Libraries

ABSTRACT Budget constraints in academic libraries have led them to seek alternative means of providing patrons with articles without subscribing to every journal requested. In order to determine how academic libraries were doing this for business articles, a study was conducted of selected academic libraries at universities offering MBA degrees. The results of the study indicate that academic libraries use a combination of ways to obtain business articles that are not held in their collections. In addition to traditional interlibrary loan, libraries are providing access to full text databases, subscribing to electronic journals and using commercial document delivery services. This article examines the influence that technology and, especially the Internet, has had on the ability to offer patrons quicker, and often better, access than ever before. In spite of tight budgets, academic libraries are finding innovative ways to fund these services in order to provide timely service to their business faculty and...
2-(4-Biphenylyl)ethylamines: Potential Cardiovascular and CNS Agents

The syntheses of some 2-(4-biphenylyl)ethylamines are described. The results of preliminary pharmacological tests are reported.
Fluctuation in leaf wax D/H ratio from a southern California lake records significant variability in isotopes in precipitation during the late Holocene

Abstract The hydrogen isotopic composition of plant molecular markers in modern vegetation and marine sediments in southern California have been intensively studied. Here we report a late Holocene reconstruction from Zaca Lake in coastal southern California, together with modern hydrological and vegetation studies in the catchment. The small catchment and decadal sampling resolution throughout the 9 m, 3000 yr sedimentary record provided a high resolution terrigenous counterpart of nearby marine records from the Santa Barbara Basin. Today, δD values of precipitation average −51.5‰ ± 18 (1 σ , n = 7). Modern plant leaf wax δD values for the C 28 n -alkanoic acid averaged −141‰ ± 11 (1 σ , n = 10) for Quercus agrifolia , with a calculated fractionation relative to precipitation ( e wax/precip ) of −94‰ ± 22 (1 σ , n = 10); in contrast, there was negligible production of the C 28 acid by co-dominant Pinus coulteri . Downcore, the C 28 acid δD values ranged between −101‰ and −177‰ (mean −150‰ ± 8, 1 σ , n = 490). Abundance distributions suggested that the sedimentary C 28 acid was dominated by Quercus , implying that paleoprecipitation varied between extremes of −8‰ and −92‰ (mean −63‰ ± 14, compound 1 σ , n = 490). The 3000 yr leaf wax D/H record from Zaca Lake revealed substantial temporal variability, greater than observed in a speleothem reconstruction of similar resolution. We suggest that the plant-based proxy may magnify the variability by sampling spring precipitation preferentially. Centennial-duration positive isotopic excursions were associated with more sub-tropical moisture sources and drier conditions including during the Medieval Climatic Anomaly, and negative excursions were associated with N Pacific sources and wetter conditions including during the Little Ice Age.
Eugene O'Neill: Beyond Mourning and Tragedy. By Stephen A. Black. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1999; pp. 543. $29.95 hardcover.

Stephen A. Black has brought to an impressive conclusion the important project on which he has been working for a couple of decades, the writing of a psychoanalytic biography of Eugene O'Neill. Black, who is a literature professor, underwent non-medical psychoanalytic training to carry out this work, and the result is a book that conveys both artistic and scientific insight into the self-analytical dramas of O'Neill.
Theory of lossless propagation of simultaneous different-wavelength optical pulses

Abstract Propagation of short different-wavelength optical pulses in many-level absorbers is studied. New analytic solutions to the appropriate Maxwell-Bloch equations having the form of simultaneous different-wavelength optical solitons, so called simulton solutions, have been found. In order for simulton propagation to occur, both the pulses and the medium have to be initially prepared in a manner determined by the medium's physical parameters. The analytic findings are extended with the use of numerical modelling.
Finite boundary interpolation by univalent functions

Etude des fonctions analytiques univalentes dans le disque-unite satisfaisant a l'interpolation frontiere
Rationale for Tobacco Cessation Interventions for Youth

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Four of every five persons who use tobacco begin before they reach adulthood; more than 3,000 young persons begin smoking each day. In addition, smoking is addictive-three of four teenagers who smoke have made at least one serious, yet unsuccessful, effort to quit. The importance of tobacco use cessation programs for youth is addressed in Healthy People 2000: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives and in recently passed legislation related to the Goals 2000 National Education Goals. CDC's Guidelines for School Health Programs to Prevent Tobacco Use and Addiction states that tobacco cessation programs are needed to help young persons who already use tobacco. In 1994, both the Surgeon General's Report, Preventing Tobacco Use among Young People, and the Institute of Medicine's report, Growing Up Tobacco Free, indicated that there were very few effective cessation programs for youth and that more research is needed in this area. This project convened experts to provide recommendations on the design of a tobacco cessation intervention for youth, including helping pregnant teenagers who smoke to stop. This program is based on effective adult cessation programs with modifications relevant to adolescent development. During the first year the major foundational work for this project was accomplished. A database of key contacts and other related interventions in tobacco cessation for youth was developed, a review and analysis of prevalence and trends in adolescent smoking were conducted, and a cooperative agreement with the American Medical Association was established to complete the design, implementation, and evaluation of an effective tobacco cessation program for youth. During the second project year, this program was tested through quasi-experimental research at various school-based health clinics throughout the country. The third year involved follow-up data collection and program modification based on the results. Plans for dissemination of the intervention to youth-serving agencies across the nation will be developed. This is a 3-year project.
Crystallite orientation in stretched polychloroprene networks. II

The orientation of crystallites grown isothermally in several drawn trans-polychloroprene networks is studied as a function of crystallization temperature tx, degree of crystallinity ω, and elongation ratio α. The orientation distribution is particularly simple for this polymer since the crystallographic c axis (chain axis) orients preferentially along the stretching direction, while a and b are randomly arranged about c. Hence the parameter cos2 χc adequately characterizes the distribution, where χc is the angle between the c axis and the fiber axis, and the average is taken over all crystallites. A treatment due to Krigbaum and Roe is utilized to obtain values of v (the number of statistical segments comprising the crystallization nucleus of critical size) through comparison of the average orientation of crystallites and amorphous statistical segments. The behavior observed falls into two categories. First, if the initial amorphous network is well oriented, 〈cos2 χc〉 is independent of crystallinity during both crystallization and melting, and v varies with tz (or the degree of supercooling) as predicted by nucleation theory. If different networks are to have the same crystallite orientation distribution, they must not only be crystallized at the same supercooling, but must also have the same distribution of amorphous segment orientations. Both the relative elongation and the network crosslink density affect the latter distribution. Next, we consider the second category. If the initial amorphous orientation is poor, 〈cos2 χc〉 decreases linearly during crystallization and increases along approximately the same path during melting. Further, 〈cos2 χc〉 for a given tz yields v values which are too large. These two behaviors can be explained if, in the former case, nucleation involves the best oriented statistical segments of all network chains, while in the latter there is a selection according to the chain displacement vector orientation. Thus, if the amorphous orientation is poor, both the orientation and thermodynamic stability of the crystallites decreases with further crystallization. If this decreased stability is reflected in shorter fold lengths, the reversible variation of long period spacing with temperature reported earlier for an oriented polychloroprene network can also be explained as a preferential melting process.
A Conic Section Classifier and its Application to Image Datasets

Many problems in computer vision involving recognition and/or classification can be posed in the general framework of supervised learning. There is however one aspect of image datasets, the high-dimensionality of the data points, that makes the direct application of off-the-shelf learning techniques problematic. In this paper, we present a novel concept class and a companion tractable algorithm for learning a suitable classifier from a given labeled dataset, that is particularly suited to high-dimensional sparse datasets. Each member class in the dataset is represented by a prototype conic section in the feature space, and new data points are classified based on a distance measure to each such representative conic section that is parameterized by its focus, directrix and eccentricity. Learning is achieved by altering the parameters of the conic section descriptor for each class, so as to better represent the data. We demonstrate the efficacy of the technique by comparing it to several well known classifiers on multiple public domain datasets.
FGF-20 and DKK1 are transcriptional targets of β-catenin and FGF-20 is implicated in cancer and development

β-catenin is the major effector of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Mutations in components of the pathway that stabilize β-catenin result in augmented gene transcription and play a major role in many human cancers. We employed microarrays to identify transcriptional targets of deregulated β-catenin in a human epithelial cell line (293) engineered to produce mutant β-catenin and in ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinomas characterized with respect to mutations affecting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Two genes strongly induced in both systems—FGF20 and DKK1—were studied in detail. Elevated levels of FGF20 RNA were also observed in adenomas from mice carrying the ApcMinallele. Both XFGF20 and Xdkk-1 are expressed early in Xenopus embryogenesis under the control of the Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, FGF20 and DKK1 appear to be direct targets for β-catenin/TCF transcriptional regulation via LEF/TCF-binding sites. Finally, by using small inhibitory RNAs specific for FGF20, we show that continued expression of FGF20 is necessary for maintenance of the anchorage-independent growth state in RK3E cells transformed by β-catenin, implying that FGF-20 may be a critical element in oncogenesis induced by the Wnt signaling pathway.
Color changes in Palaemonetes

The pigmentary system of Palaemonetes vulgaris contains four pigments. These are red, yellow, blue, and white. With the exception of the blue all are found exclusively within chromatophores and are capable of becoming either dispersed into chromatophore branches or concentrated into chromatophore centers. The state of dispersion or concentration of each pigment is quite independent of the state of any other pigment and is determined by the color of the background upon which the animal lies. It is by the mixing of appropriately colored pigments by dispersion of those pigments that the animal adapts itself to its background. The blue pigment appears to be in the same chromatophore with the red but its dispersal is not restricted by the confines of the pigment cells, and its disappearance from tissues seems to be a case of destruction in situ. The rates of measured in background changes. In the case of each pigment, concentration was more rapid than dispersion and the rates for the red and white pigments were approximately the same.
Effects of funding and its return on product quality in new ventures

Most entrepreneurs must rely on external financing when their new venture is based on the development of a new product. External financing, however, is usually uncertain in magnitude and timing, thus creating tradeoff between the advantage of waiting-to generate more money-and improve the product versus releasing the product before competition increases. This tradeoff is investigated through a dynamic programming framework for which a simple, easy-to-implement optimal stopping rule is identified for a special class of revenue functions. The model is utilized to characterize how the amount of funding and its variability are expected to affect the quality of the product at time to market. The model also studies how the release-time strategy is affected by the expectation and the variability of the effect that each unit of funding has on the quality of the product under development. The author shows that an increment in funding does not always lead to a product of higher quality. He also shows that an improvement in the effect of investment on quality does not necessarily lead to an enhanced product.
Oil Field Subsidence--Susceptibility and Monitoring Techniques: ABSTRACT

The possibility of oil-field subsidence is an important environmental consideration in both urban and rural areas. Current policies of various agencies require a subsidence-susceptibility appraisal prior to drilling operations. A hostile environment for oil-field operations can mean the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara areas as well as north of the Arctic Circle. Estimations of subsidence susceptibility are divided into two basic methods--the comparative-empirical and the analytic. The comparative-empirical method is considered best when undeveloped areas are examined. In this method, the geologic history, structure, and competency, of the area are compared with known subsiding areas. In the analytic method, core compressibility data, estimated stress changes, and sometimes, structural configuration, are applied mathematically to the estimation of reservoir compaction and subsidence. Many of the necessary data are not available until field development is well under way. Some combination of these methods should be used wherever possible. Monitoring techniques include precision leveling, horizontal movement measurement, in-zone compaction measurements by collar logging, mechanical extensometers for shallow zones, tide gages, and special seismograph installations. Operational monitoring of casing derangements might also be important to locate compacting intervals. Application of these and other techniques pertaining to the geologic aspects of environment will be increasingly important in the future. End_of_Article - Last_Page 766------------
School Performance, Academic Aspirations, and Drug Use among Children and Adolescents

The relationship between drug use, school performance, and academic aspirations among 446 Anglo and Hispanic youths, age nine to seventeen, is explored. Two groups of subjects–current substance users and non-users–were interviewed. Subjects in each comparison group were similar in age, ethnicity, and gender. Overall results, consistent with prior research, indicate a significant relationship between current school performance, future educational aspirations, and drug use. No difference was noted between substance use groups on indicators of general interest in school work or probability of dropping out of school. Important differences in response patterns occurring with age, ethnicity, and gender were found.
A Comparison of Retrospective Accounts of Childhood Near-Death Experiences with Contemporary Pediatric Near-Death Experience Accounts

I compared five childhood near-death experiences (NDEs) reported by adults and another five NDEs reported by minors, in terms of Ring's five NDE stages, Greyson's four NDE components, Moody and Perry's 12 NDE traits, Sabom's 16 general characteristics, and Gallup and Proctor's 10 basic positive experiences. In this combined pool of 47 NDE characteristics (which were interdependent), only two relating to time sense showed significant differences between the adults' retrospective reports of childhood NDEs and the children's contemporary NDE reports, and that number of differences would be expected by chance. This study therefore supports the claims of previous researchers that adults' retrospective reports of childhood NDEs are not embellished or distorted.
The tragedy of the microarray anticommons.

The public awareness of gene patenting has grown because of the most recent court ruling on the BRCA patents held by Myriad Genetics ( Association for Molecular Pathology v. United States Patent and Trademark Office , US District Court, Southern District of NY, March 29, 2010). Many scientists and professional societies have advocated a change in the practice of patenting and licensing individual human genes, but most of the discussion has focused on the mutational analysis of single genes. In the past decade, numerous multimarker microarray and proteomic assays with potential clinical use have been developed. Each of these assays contains dozens of markers that are all required for clinical utility; however, the creators of these assays do not typically address the potential problems that may occur when one or more of the biomarkers of interest have already been patented and licensed by another party. The barrier to utilizing a technology that contains multiple pieces of intellectual property assigned to multiple owners is reminiscent of the predicted “tragedy of the anticommons” (1). The concept of the tragedy of the anticommons in biomedical research was described a decade ago as the underutilization of a scarce resource with too many overlapping owners (1). It is an adaptation of the “tragedy of the commons” explanation for the opposite type of problems, which occur when shared public resources are overused because no individual has the ownership authority to prevent use by another. The result of this unrestricted use was hypothesized to be the cause of overpopulation, pollution, deforestation, and depleted fisheries (2). As an example of the tragedy of the commons, imagine 2 sheepherders overgrazing the same public field (a common) until the land was overused and could no longer support any …
Slicing spreadsheets: an integrated methodology for spreadsheet testing and debugging

Spreadsheet languages, which include commercial spreadsheets and various research systems, have proven to be flexible tools in many domain specific settings. Research shows, however, that spreadsheets often contain faults. We would like to provide at least some of the benefits of formal testing and debugging methodologies to spreadsheet developers. This paper presents an integrated testing and debugging methodology for spreadsheets. To accommodate the modeless and incremental development, testing and debugging activities that occur during spreadsheet creation, our methodology is tightly integrated into the spreadsheet environment. To accommodate the users of spreadsheet languages, we provide an interface to our methodology that does not require an understanding of testing and debugging theory, and that takes advantage of the immediate visual feedback that is characteristic of the spreadsheet paradigm.
A Second Life for Electric Vehicle Batteries: Answering Questions on Battery Degradation and Value

Battery second use – putting used plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) batteries into secondary service following their automotive tenure – has been proposed as a means to decrease the cost of PEVs while providing low cost energy storage to other fields (e.g. electric utility markets). To understand the value of used automotive batteries, however, we must first answer several key questions related to National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a methodology and the requisite tools to answer these questions, including NREL’s Battery Lifetime Simulation Tool (BLAST). Herein we introduce these methods and tools, and demonstrate their application. We have found that capacity fade from automotive use has a much larger impact on second use value than resistance growth. Where capacity loss is driven by calendar effects more than cycling effects, average battery temperature during automotive service – which is often driven by climate – is found to be the single factor with the largest effect on remaining value. Installing hardware and software capabilities onboard the vehicle that can both infer remaining battery capacity from in-situ measurements, as well as track average battery temperature over time, will thereby facilitate the second use of automotive batteries.
A Sensemaking Approach to Ethics Training for Scientists: Preliminary Evidence of Training Effectiveness

In recent years, we have seen a new concern with ethics training for research and development professionals. Although ethics training has become more common, the effectiveness of the training being provided is open to question. In the present effort, a new ethics training course was developed that stresses the importance of the strategies people apply to make sense of ethical problems. The effectiveness of this training was assessed in a sample of 59 doctoral students working in the biological and social sciences using a pre-post design with follow-up, and a series of ethical decision-making measures serving as the outcome variable. Results showed that this training not only led to sizable gains in ethical decision-making, but that these gains were maintained over time. The implications of these findings for ethics training in the sciences are discussed.
THRESHOLD AUTOREGRESSION WITH A UNIT ROOT

This paper develops an asymptotic theory of inference for an unrestricted two-regime Ž. threshold autoregressive TAR model with an autoregressive unit root. We find that the asymptotic null distribution of Wald tests for a threshold are nonstandard and different from the stationary case, and suggest basing inference on a bootstrap approximation. We also study the asymptotic null distributions of tests for an autoregressive unit root, and find that they are nonstandard and dependent on the presence of a threshold effect. We propose both asymptotic and bootstrap-based tests. These tests and distribution theory Ž. Ž allow for the joint consideration of nonlinearity thresholds and nonstationary unit . roots . Our limit theory is based on a new set of tools that combine unit root asymptotics with empirical process methods. We work with a particular two-parameter empirical process that converges weakly to a two-parameter Brownian motion. Our limit distributions involve stochastic integrals with respect to this two-parameter process. This theory is entirely new and may find applications in other contexts. We illustrate the methods with an application to the U.S. monthly unemployment rate. We find strong evidence of a threshold effect. The point estimates suggest that the threshold effect is in the short-run dynamics, rather than in the dominate root. While the conventional ADF test for a unit root is insignificant, our TAR unit root tests are arguably significant. The evidence is quite strong that the unemployment rate is not a unit root process, and there is considerable evidence that the series is a stationary TAR process.
An osteopathic approach to treating women with chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain is a common gynecologic complaint, affecting about 5% of American women. The differential diagnosis is broad, including many medical diseases, surgical indications, musculoskeletal problems, and somatic dysfunction. Women are more affected than men by pelvic pain because their bodies are subject to more changes. These changes include a cyclic hormonal milieu, major alterations in biomechanics during pregnancy, psychosocial stress, and other modifications during childrearing, and more adjustments during menopause. Both medical and surgical approaches to management exist, but integrative modes of therapy address the body-mind-spirit continuum. Osteopathic manipulative treatment is a valuable option for many affected women from childbirth to menopause.