cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Male Gender Role Strain as a Barrier to African American Men’s Physical Activity

Despite the potential health consequences, African American men tend to treat their roles as providers, fathers, spouses, and community members as more important than engaging in health behaviors such as physical activity. We conducted 14 exploratory focus groups with 105 urban, middle-aged African American men from the Midwest to examine factors that influence their health behaviors. Thematic content analysis revealed three interrelated barriers to physical activity: (a) work, family, and community commitments and priorities limited time and motivation for engaging in physical activity; (b) physical activity was not a normative individual or social activity and contributed to men prioritizing work and family responsibilities over physical activity; and (c) the effort men exerted in seeking to fulfill the provider role limited their motivation and energy to engage in physical activity. These findings highlight the need for physical activity interventions that consider how health fits in the overall context of men's lives.
HIV-1 survival kinetics in peritoneal dialysis effluent

HIV-1 survival kinetics in peritoneal dialysis effluent. Viable and potentially infectious HIV-1 has been recovered from the peritoneal dialysis effluent (PDE) of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). No information had previously been available as to how long HIV-1 could survive in this environment, and no data were available as to how long HIV-1 could survive on peritoneal dialysis exchange tubing (PDET). Therefore, this study was designed to answer these questions. HIV-1 Mn was added to PDE and allowed to incubate at room temperature for 0 to 14 days. Following centrifugation, the cellular component of the PDE mixture was placed in co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from HIV negative donors. Aliquots from the co-cultures were removed after 14 days and assayed for the HIV-1-P24 antigen. High levels of HIV P24 antigen were recovered up to and including seven days of room temperature incubation. HIV could not be recovered from PDE that had been incubated at room temperature for 10 to 14 days. Ten milliters of HIV-PDE mixture was placed within PDET and incubated at room temperature for 10 minutes. The solution was then removed by gravity drainage. After drying times of 0 to 168 hours, the tubing was flushed with HIV culture medium and placed in co-culture with PBMCs from HIV negative donors. The culture supernatant was assayed for the HIV-1 P24 antigen as a marker of viral replication. High levels of HIV-1 P24 antigen were recovered from the PDET wash for up to and including 48 hours of drying time. No viable virus could be detected for drying times of between 72 and 168 hours. To determine if common disinfectants found in the dialysis unit could inactivate HIV, dilutions of Amukin™ 50% and household bleach were prepared at final concentrations ranging from 1:32 to 1:2048. These disinfectant solutions were incubated with PDE containing HIV for 10 minutes. The cellular fraction of the PDE was isolated by centrifugation, washed, and placed in co-cultures with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. HIV P24 antigen levels were assayed every three days for 28 days. Amukin™ 50% and a 10% household bleach solution were effective in killing HIV in PDE at dilutions up to and including 1:512. These results indicate that HIV can survive in PDE at room temperature for up to seven days. HIV can survive on peritoneal dialysis exchange tubing for up to 48 hours. Final dilutions of 1:512 Amukin™ 50% and 10% household bleach, after 10 minutes of exposure, are effective viricidal agents in disinfecting PDE.
Ability of stylet-borne and non-aphid-transmissible viruses to infect plants through wounds produced by aphid stylets.

Abstract Leaves of local lesion test plants sprayed with a suspension of any of 3 purified stylet-borne viruses (alfalfa mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, or tobacco etch virus) developed numerous lesions when fed on and probed by aphids. Leaves of the same plants rarely, if ever, developed lesions when sprayed with 2 non-aphid-transmissible viruses, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) or southern bean mosaic virus, and then fed on and probed by aphids. Nicotiana glutinosa was the only local lesion host, of 4 tested, on which significant numbers of local lesions formed when leaves sprayed with TMV were exposed to aphids. It is suggested that low probability of infection through wounds produced by aphid stylets may account, in part, for lack of transmission of certain viruses by aphids. N. Glutinosa , to which aphid transmission of TMV has been reported by others, may be exceptionally sensitive to inoculation of TMV by aphids.
Commissioning a small-field biological irradiator using point, 2D, and 3D dosimetry techniques

Purpose: To commission a small-field biological irradiator, the XRad225Cx from Precision x-Ray, Inc., for research use. The system produces a 225 kVp x-ray beam and is equipped with collimating cones that produce both square and circular radiation fields ranging in size from 1 to 40 mm. This work incorporates point, 2D, and 3D measurements to determine output factors (OF), percent-depth-dose (PDD) and dose profiles at multiple depths. Methods: Three independent dosimetry systems were used: ion-chambers (a farmer chamber and a micro-ionisation chamber), 2D EBT2 radiochromic film, and a novel 3D dosimetry system (DLOS/PRESAGE registered ). Reference point dose rates and output factors were determined from in-air ionization chamber measurements for fields down to {approx}13 mm using the formalism of TG61. PDD, profiles, and output factors at three separate depths (0, 0.5, and 2 cm), were determined for all field sizes from EBT2 film measurements in solid water. Several film PDD curves required a scaling correction, reflecting the challenge of accurate film alignment in very small fields. PDDs, profiles, and output factors were also determined with the 3D DLOS/PRESAGE registered system which generated isotropic 0.2 mm data, in scan times of 20 min. Results: Surface output factors determined by ion-chamber weremore » observed to gradually drop by {approx}9% when the field size was reduced from 40 to 13 mm. More dramatic drops were observed for the smallest fields as determined by EBT{approx}18% and {approx}42% for the 2.5 mm and 1 mm fields, respectively. PRESAGE registered and film output factors agreed well for fields <20 mm (where 3D data were available) with mean deviation of 2.2% (range 1%-4%). PDD values at 2 cm depth varied from {approx}72% for the 40 mm field, down to {approx}55% for the 1 mm field. EBT and PRESAGE registered PDDs agreed within {approx}3% in the typical therapy region (1-4 cm). At deeper depths the EBT curves were slightly steeper (2.5% at 5 cm). These results indicate good overall consistency between ion-chamber, EBT2 and PRESAGE registered measured OFs, PDDs, and profiles. Conclusions: The combination of independent 2D and 3D measurements was found to be valuable to ensure accurate and comprehensive commissioning. Film measurements were time consuming and challenging due to the difficulty of film alignment in small fields. PRESAGE registered 3D measurements were comprehensive and efficient, because alignment errors are negligible, and all parameters for multiple fields could be obtained from a single dosimeter and scan. However, achieving accurate superficial data (within 4 mm) is not yet feasible due to optical surface artifacts.« less
Effects of self-awareness on antinormative behavior

Abstract Based on Zimbardo's (1970) theory of deindividuation and Duval and Wicklund's (1972) theory of “objective self-awareness” it was predicted that self-awareness would lead to a decrease in transgressive behavior. Subjects were either made self-aware (seated in front of a mirror listening to their own tape-recorded voice) or nonself-aware (seated to the side of the mirror listening to another's voice) and were given an opportunity to cheat on an anagrams test. Significantly more cheated in the nonself-aware condition (71%) than in the self-aware condition (7%). The results support the basic premise of deindividuation theory that self-awareness influences impulsive, counternormative behavior and suggest that an integration of the theories of deindividuation and objective self-awareness is possible.
Synthesis and characterization of novel aromatic polyimides from 4,4-bis(p-aminophenoxymethyl)- 1-cyclohexene

A novel diamine, 4,4-bis(p-aminophenoxymethyl)-1-cyclohexene (CHEDA), was synthesized from 4,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1-cyclohexene and p-chloronitrobenzene by nucleophilic aromatic substitution and subsequent catalytic reduction of the intermediate dinitro compound. A series of aromatic polyimides were prepared from CHEDA and commercial dianhydrides with varying flexibility and electronic character in two-step direct polycondensation reactions. High molecular weight polyimides with intrinsic viscosities between 0.57 and 10.2 dL/g were obtained. Most of these polyimides, excluding those from PMDA and BPDA, were soluble in polar aprotic solvents such as NMP and DMAc, and many were also soluble in CHCl3 and THF. DSC analysis revealed glass transitions in the range of 190 to 250°C. No significant weight losses occurred below 450°C in nitrogen and 350°C in air. Bromination and epoxidation of cyclohexene double bond in CHDEA–6FDA (3e) were investigated as examples of possible polymer modifications. Qualitative epoxidation and selective bromination of the double bond were demonstated. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1189–1197, 1999
Peptidergic co-transmission in Aplysia: functional implications for rhythmic behaviors.

Despite their ubiquitous presence in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the behavioral functions of peptide co-transmitters remain to be elucidated. The marine molluscAplysia, whose simple nervous system facilitates the study of the neural basis of behavior, was used to investigate the role of peptidergic co-transmission in feeding behavior. Several novel modulatory neuropeptides were purified, and localized to identified cholinergic motorneurons. Physiological and biochemical studies demonstrated that these peptides are released when the motorneourons fire at frequencies that occur during normal behavior, and that the peptides modify the relationship between muscle contraction amplitude and relaxation rate so as to maintain optimal motor output when the intensity and frequency of feeding behavior change.
Antimicrobial prophylaxis in appendectomy patients.

Infection commonly follows removal of the gangrenous or perforated appendix. However, if the appendix is normal or simply acutely inflamed, the rate of infection is low. The organisms most frequently isolated from the wound after appendectomy are Bacteroides (especiallyB. fragilis) andEscherichia coli. A combination of chemoprophylaxis effective against these 2 groups of organisms is the most rational choice of antimicrobial cover. Such antimicrobial cover should be given to all patients with a gangrenous or perforated appendix and to all other patients with appendicitis who have compromised immune systems. Prophylaxis is probably unnecessary in patients with a normal immune system who present with uncomplicated appendicitis.
Improving the retrieval of water inherent optical properties in noisy hyperspectral data through statistical modeling

The use of the Mahalanobis distance in a lookup table approach to retrieval of in-water Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs) led to significant improvements in the accuracy of the retrieved IOPs, as high as 50% in some cases, with an average improvement of 20% over a wide range of case II waters. Previous studies have shown that inherent noise in hyperspectral data can cause significant errors in the retrieved IOPs. For LUT-based retrievals that rely on spectrum matching, the particular metric used for spectral comparisons has a significant effect on the accuracy of the results, especially in the presence of noise in the data. In this study, we have compared the Euclidean distance and the Mahalanobis distance as metrics for spectral comparison. In addition to providing justification for the preference of the Mahalanobis Distance over the Euclidean Distance, we have also included a statistical description of noisy hyperspectral data.
IMPORTED AND INHERENT FACTORS IN RELATION TO DRINKING, DEVIANCE, AND CRIME: A NEW WAY OF EXAMINING OLD BEHAVIORS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

ABSTRACT In the past two decades, researchers have extensively examined a variety of factors that have contributed to the escalation or curtailing of binge drinking behaviors among college students while infrequently addressing more prevalent drinking behaviors or general deviant or criminal behaviors resulting from intoxication. Broader contextual elements have also been traditionally overlooked when examining correlates related to college students’ alcohol use. Previous research studies have typically centered on students’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to episodic heavy drinking behaviors. Although individual characteristics must be considered, imported factors (i.e., student traits that exist prior to the college experience) as well as inherent factors (i.e., college environmental and social influences) may also contribute to college students’ drinking practices and behaviors resulting from alcohol consumption. The purpose of the present study was to look beyond the commonly examined binge ...
Outcome of a clinical pathway for discharge within 48 hours after laparoscopic gastric bypass

Abstract Introduction: The benefits of laparoscopic gastric bypass include decreased pain, shorter recovery, and shorter hospital stay. Clinical pathways have been utilized to decrease hospital stay. We hypothesized that our clinical pathway for 48-hour discharge after laparoscopic gastric bypass can be implemented safely. Methods: Charts of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who lived within 3 hours distance were discharged in 48 hours if certain criteria were met: normal temperature, clinically stable, normal bowel function, no leukocytosis, and normal upper GI study. Patients were seen within two weeks postoperatively. Results: There were 104 patients with no intraoperative conversions, one late conversion, 5 leaks, 5 reoperations, and no mortality. In our series, 76% (79) of patients were discharged within 48 hours. Gender percentage and mean BMI did not differ between those who were discharged in 48 and those who were not (p = NS). Operative time was shorter in the group who were discharged within 48 hours (183 vs 160 min; p Conclusions: A majority of patients after laparoscopic gastric bypass can safely be discharged in 48 hours. A formal clinical pathway helps decrease hospital stay without adverse patient outcomes.
The irradiation and ignition of wood by flame

The generally accepted models on the ignition of wood are not valid. So say the authors, who present an improved model, which correlates data on five different woods.
THE EFFECTS OF VOICE AND VISIBLE SPEAKER CHANGE ON MEMORY FOR SPOKEN WORDS

Abstract Recent research suggests that voice information is not discarded during word recognition, but is represented in memory and can serve as a retrieval cue for word recognition. The research reported here asks whether other idiosyncratic aspects of an event in which speech occurs are also retained with speech in memory. Four experiments explored the effects of voice and visible speaker change on spoken word recognition. In each experiment, subjects watched a videotape of speakers producing words. When a word was repeated, the visible speaker, his or her voice, and a feature of wearing apparel were either the same or different from the first presentation. Subjects made recognition judgments based on word identity and characteristics of the speaker. The results indicate that the memory subserving spoken word recognition includes detailed information about a talker′s voice and face, but that each is preserved differently.
Some current issues in psychotherapy.

Some of the basic issues in psychotherapy today include: the nature of neurotic symptoms, the role of insight, emphasis on reconstructing the past versus readjusting to the present, the relationshi...
Daily alterations in plasma testosterone in boars at different ages.

Abstract Eighteen purebred Yorkshire boars, reared outdoors on concrete, were randomly assigned in equal numbers to three age groups (150 ± 7, 200 ± 7 and 250 ± 7 days of age) for the purpose of examining endogenous testosterone concentrations over a 24-hr period. Blood was obtained at 30-min intervals for 24 hr, and plasma testosterone concentrations were quantitated by radioimmunoassay. For each set of 24-hr samples, mean concentration (C), frequency (F) and magnitude (M) of secretory spikes of testosterone were determined. There was no difference (P>.10) in C, F and M across the three age groups. When averaged over ages, testosterone mean (± SEM) for C, F and M was 1.4 ± .1 ng/ml, 2.9 ± .5 and 3.0 ± .3 ng/ml, respectively. The results suggest that testosterone secretory patterns are established in boars by five months of age and that these patterns may be influenced by degree of daylinght.
Expression of HSP70 in healing wounds of diabetic and nondiabetic mice

Abstract Background. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) stabilize intracellular processes of cells under stress. Little is known about the role of HSPs in wound healing, or whether their expression is altered by systemic disease. The focus of this study was to examine the local heat shock response to wounding in diabetic mice. Methods. Congenitally diabetic and phenotypically normal mice underwent standardized full-thickness cutaneous wounding. Mice were sacrificed at sequential time points and the wound beds excised. Tissues underwent immunohistochemical (IHC) and RT-PCR analyses for inducible HSP70. Results. HSP70 protein expression in the wound bed by IHC peaked at 24 h in the nondiabetic mice. Expression of HSP70 was delayed in the diabetic mice until Day 3, which correlates with the clinical delay in healing seen in this model. The protein was especially prominent in the epithelium and in inflammatory cells migrating into the granulation tissue matrix. RT-PCR demonstrated upregulation of HSP70 mRNA within 12 h after wounding, lasting until Day 3, and decreasing thereafter in both the nondiabetic and the diabetic animals. Conclusion. Cutaneous wounding produces a HSP response in inflammatory cells, and expression of inducible HSP70 is delayed in diabetic mice. This delay may be related to the impaired inflammatory response of diabetics, and may contribute to impaired wound healing. The wound may be a continuing source of the heat shock response in inflammatory cells after injury.
Can the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines Decrease Inappropriate Drug Use

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that half of all medicines are inappropriately prescribed, dispensed, sold, or taken. Selection from a list limited to the best medicines available for the conditions being treated can decrease inappropriate prescribing. It precludes prescribing less effective or more toxic drugs when better ones are on the list. Prescribers need know about fewer drugs, which enables them to have a better understanding of the drugs they do prescribe. The disadvantages of using such a list--limited ability to prescribe unlisted drugs when desired and delay in listing new drugs--can be overcome by administrative actions. Implementing the essential medicines concept will decrease inappropriate drug use. A much more global, comprehensive, and committed approach needs to be taken by all of us to eliminate it.
Exploration of spirituality in doctor of physical therapy students and graduate students in non-health disciplines

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore spirituality in doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students, and to compare these findings with graduate students from other disciplines outside healthcare. An additional purpose was to determine DPT student attitudes towards spirituality and its relevance to their profession. Methods: A brief survey was administered including the 16-item Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (DSES). Findings: A total of 65 DPT students and a total of 132 non-healthcare graduate students completed the survey. Age did not show a statistically significant relationship (r=.051, P>.05) to spirituality in our subjects and was therefore excluded from further analysis. A 2-way, between-subjects ANOVA was performed to test for differences in spirituality scores between the sexes and between the two student groups. There was a significant main effect for sex [F(1,173) =8.771, P=.004]. There was no significant main effect for Academic Major group (P>.05). There were no significant...
The Australasian Cretaceous scene

The Cretaceous saw dramatic changes in the tectonic setting, landscape and biodiversity of Australasia. Continental fragmentation, marine transgression, the rise of ‘modern’ faunas and floras, and the Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction represent key events that set the stage for future evolution of this region's insular Cenozoic biotas. Australasia's rich but scattered Cretaceous fossil record also provides a rare glimpse into austral high-latitude life and environments throughout the breakup phase of southeastern Gondwana.
Analysis of CPAF mutants: new functions, new questions (The ins and outs of a chlamydial protease)

The role of the chlamydial protease CPAF, previously described as a secreted serine protease processing a wealth of host and chlamydial proteins to promote chlamydial intracellular growth, has recently been questioned by studies from the groups of Tan and Sutterlin, who demonstrated that the reported proteolysis of almost a dozen substrates by CPAF occurred during preparation of cell lysates rather than in intact cells. Valdivia et al . have now compared near isogenic pairs of CPAF deficient and secretion deficient mutants of Chlamydia trachomatis and their wild type parent. Their report, published in this issue of Pathogens and Disease , is a landmark study in the emerging era of Chlamydia genetics. The results of Tan and Sutterlin are confirmed with a few additions. While CPAF's role in pathogenesis is diminished considerably from these studies, CPAF remains an important factor in chlamydial biology as (1) CPAF mutants produce less infectious yield than wild type; and (2) CPAF is responsible for proteolytic cleavage of vimentin and LAP 1, but only after lysis of the inclusion membrane, not upon CPAF secretion to the cytosol. Here, we briefly review the evidence in support of CPAF's active secretion from the mid to late inclusion and conclude that new experimentation to establish whether or not CPAF is actively secreted should precede any new investigation of CPAF's cellular activities during mid to late development.
Malignant lymphoma of plasmablastic identity: A neoplasm with both “immunoblastic” and plasma cellular features

Abstract A solitary extramedullary lymphoid neoplasm had characteristics of plasma cell precursors or plasmablasts. Conventional microscopic study classified this tumor as a diffuse large cell lymphoma of "immunoblastic sarcoma" type. Immunologic cell surface markers could not be detected, but cytoplasmic immunoglobulin G (IgG)-kappa was demonstrated by immunoperoxidase technic, and IgG was present in the supernatant of the tumor tissue culture. The distinction between lymphoid and plasma cellular neoplasms is made.
Women's health education initiatives: why have they stalled?

AbstractSince the U.S. Congress first requested an assessment of women's health content in medical school curricula ten years ago, surveys indicate at least a two-fold increase in the number of schools with a women's health curriculum and no change in the number that offer a women's health clinical
How hormone receptor-DNA binding affects nucleosomal DNA: the role of symmetry

Molecular dynamics simulations have been employed to determine the optimal conformation of an estrogen receptor DNA binding domain dimer bound to a consensus response element, ds(AGGTCACAGTGACCT), and to a nonconsensus response element, ds(AGAACACAGTGACCT). The structures simulated were derived from a crystallographic structure and solvated by a sphere (45-A radius) of explicit water and counterions. Long-range electrostatic interactions were accounted for during 100-ps simulations by means of a fast multipole expansion algorithm combined with a multiple time-step scheme in the molecular dynamics package NAMD. The simulations demonstrate that the dimer induces a bent and underwound (10.7 bp/turn) conformation in the DNA. The bending reflects the dyad symmetry of the receptor dimer and can be described as an S-shaped curve in the helical axis of DNA when projected onto a plane. A similar bent and underwound conformation is observed for nucleosomal DNA near the nucleosome's dyad axis that reflects the symmetry of the histone octamer. We propose that when a receptor dimer binds to a nucleosome, the most favorable dimer-DNA and histone-DNA interactions are achieved if the respective symmetry axes are aligned. Such positioning of a receptor dimer over the dyad of nucleosome B in the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter is in agreement with experiment.
Is there a black hole in the sky

The consequences of the hypothesis that a supermassive black hole can serve as a gravitational lens are analytically studied. It is shown that the presence of a black hole could be established by the unique property that it would appear against the microwave background as a black spot with a diameter of 0.1 arcsec or greater. The only instrument capable of either resolving the black spot or at least noticing it as a negative luminosity source is the Very Large Array.
Akathisia: a review and case report following paroxetine treatment.

Although akathisia is most commonly associated with neuroleptic medication, few cases of paroxetine-induced akathisia have been reported. A review of the authors' charts (C.F.B., A.N., S.N.G., and G.S.S.) was conducted to determine an estimated incidence for paroxetine-induced akathisia. Three cases of akathisia were reported in 67 patients treated with paroxetine. A case of akathisia secondary to paroxetine in an 18-year-old female is presented. Given the potential untoward effects of this syndrome, early diagnosis is essential. Clinical presentations and differential diagnoses are discussed.
Description of a novel missense mutation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene associated with asymptomatic high enzyme deficiency.

We report a case of an asymptomatic young subject affected by severe deficiency of Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity. A novel genetic mutation (G130A) in the third exon was found. We named this novel mutation the “G6PD RIGNANO variant”. These findings may contribute to a better knowledge of molecular epidemiology of the G6PD mutation and may represent an additional variant to be studied for a deep comprehension of in vivo compensation mechanisms of G6PD deficiency.
Hybrid Clouds brokering: Business opportunities, QoS and energy-saving issues

Abstract Hybrid Clouds couple the scalability offered by public Clouds with the greater control supplied by private ones. A (hybrid) Cloud broker acting as an intermediary between users and providers of public Cloud services, may support customers in the selection of the most suitable offers, optionally adding the provisioning of dedicated services with higher levels of quality. The paper presents a Cloud brokering algorithm delivering services with different level of non-functional requirements, to the private or public resources, on the basis of different scheduling criteria. With the objective of maximize user satisfaction and broker’s revenues, the algorithm pursues profit increases by reducing energy costs, through the adoption of energy saving mechanisms. A simulation model is used to evaluate performance in terms of broker’s revenue, user satisfaction and energy behavior of various allocation policies. Simulation results show that differences among policies depend on system loads and that the use of turn on and off techniques greatly improves energy savings at low and medium load rates.
The symmetrization method for enhancement of digital ESDIAD measurements ― increased resolution for study of adsorbate bond directions

Abstract A new data smoothing method for distinguishing the symmetrical features of digital ESDIAD patterns has been developed. The method is based on the assumption that ESDIAD patterns from adsorbed molecules on an “ n ”-fold symmetric single crystal surface should in principle contain the same “ n ”-fold symmetry, although in some cases this may be below the detection limit. The symmetrization method is applied to real ESDIAD data with the expected enhancement of the azimuthal symmetry of the ESDIAD pattern. Two strenuous tests have been devised to determine the reliability of the method: (i) quantitative comparison of azimuthal symmetry elements in the digital ESDIAD pattern with the substrate symmetry as determined by digital LEED in the same apparatus; (ii) qualitative comparison of physically-meaningful symmetry elements with non-physical symmetries. It is also shown in model calculations that the symmetrization procedure is effective in removing systematic noise from digital ESDIAD data.
Marihuana effects on learning, attention and time estimation

Ten young, healthy male volunteers smoked a marihuana cigarette with 2.5% δ9-THC and a THC-exhausted placebo cigarette. The marihuana administration was associated with an increase in heart rate, elevation of systolic blood pressure, conjunctival reddening and specific airway conductance increase; time perception and Automated Digit Symbol Substitution Test performance were impaired. Diastolic blood pressure and attention measured by the Continuous Performance Task were not affected.
Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement in multiple myeloma: Limitations of southern blot analysis

Thirty-six patients with early and advanced multiple myeloma were investigated with Southern blot analysis to determine the presence of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement as evidence of clonality. Rearrangements were not uniformly found, being detected in only 14 of 19 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma and in 15 of 17 cases of clinically advanced myeloma. A correlation between percentage of bone marrow plasma cells and detection of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement was noted; however, in four cases of early myeloma with > 10% marrow plasma cells, no rearrangement was found. These results suggest that Southern blot analysis may not be an optimal method for the determination of clonality in plasma cell dyscrasias or, alternatively, that a proportion of the plasma cells found on bone marrow examination in some patients with early myeloma may not be monoclonal.
A mechanism for solar ultraviolet flux variability

Solar UV emission observed by a filter photometer on Nimbus IV from 1969 to 1973 is examined in an attempt to understand the short term (27 day) and secular variability. Two models are discussed to explain the variations - a calcium plage model and a chromospheric network (faculae and spicule) structure model. Both relate to the remnant magnetic fields of active regions. An association between UV brightenings and the large scale magnetic field has been found consistent with the network model. An increase in UV emittance can be achieved by raising the effective chromospheric temperature closer to a photospheric level. If the Sun's luminosity is constant on these time intervals, the enhanced UV radiation could be partiallly offset by an overall decrease in photospheric temperature as measured by Livingston in visible photospheric profiles. Total solar luminosity may then show less variability, however, the UV to visible luminosity variation may have significant planetary influences. Lockwood and Thompson (1979) report a relation between solar activity and planetary albedos, and Schatten (1979) discussed a long-suspected relationship between solar activity and the Great Red Spot appearance.
Maximum likelihood parameter estimation and subspace fitting of superimposed signals by dynamic programming—an approximate method

Abstract The problem of fitting a model composed of a number of superimposed signals to noisy data using the criteria of maximum likelihood (ML) and subspace fitting is considered. Using a Local Interaction Signal Model, established through a study of the Cramer-Rao bound for the estimation accuracy, an approximate dynamic programming algorithm (ADP) for signal parameter estimation is proposed. It yields estimates close to the global maximum of the ML or subspace fitting criteria with a computational cost only linear in the number of signals, rather than exponential as in the case of exhaustive search. The ADP algorithm improves on our previously proposed Basic Dynamic Programming (BDP) and Robust Exact Dynamic Programming (REDP) algorithms by further reducing the computational requirements and by being applicable to the multiple snapshot scenario, at the cost of slightly reduced accuracy. For example, for m sinusoids the computation is reduced from O( mq 6 ) in BDP and REDP to O( mq 2 ), where q is the number of grid points per dimension for the parameter search, which determines the resolution of frequency. Like the BDP and REDP, the ADP algorithm is adapted to determine the number of signals, and is applicable to arbitrary signal sampling or sensor array geometry. The ADP estimates converge almost surely to their noiseless values with increasing number of snapshots. Computer simulation results of several examples are presented.
HPLC Determination of Idarubicinetoposide and Idarubicin-Ondansetron Mixtures in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP

Abstract High performance liquid chromatographic methods have been developed for the assays of idarubicin-etoposide and idarubicinondansetron mixtures in 0.9% sodium chloride injection USP. The separation and quantitation of the idarubicin-etoposide mixture was achieved on an octylsilane column at ambient temperature using a mobile phase of 73:27 v/v 0.02 M aqueous monobasic sodium phosphate - acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with UV detection at 254 nm. The separation was achieved within 13 min. The method showed linearity for idarubicin hydrochloride and etoposide in the 2–32 and 10 – 160 μg/L ranges, respectively. Accuracy and precision were in the 0.1 – 2.9% and 0.1 – 2.1% ranges, respectively, for both analytes.
Access Impediments to Health Care and Social Services Between Anglophone and Francophone African Immigrants Living in Philadelphia with Respect to HIV/AIDS

Objectives To describe the social and cultural differences between Anglophone and Francophone African immigrants which define the impediments that Francophone African immigrants face trying to access health and human services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Methods Surveys and personal interviews were administered to participants in social events, community meetings, and health centers. A Chi-squared analysis was used to contrast the communities. Results Francophone Africans demonstrated less acculturation, education, English fluency, and more legal documentation problems, and thus face greater challenges accessing health care. Anglophone Africans had a higher level of acculturation, fewer language problems, and perceived fewer barriers in accessing health care than Francophone Africans. Conclusions Educating new immigrants, through a more culturally sensitive infectious disease treatment and prevention program, is integral to achieving a higher access and utilization rates of available services; especially in recent Francophone immigrants. A larger study is needed to extend the findings to other cities where immigrants with similar backgrounds or acculturation issues reside.
MULTIPLE CLAIMS IN CONSTRUCTION LAW: EDUCATIONAL CASE STUDY

A construction case is analyzed where there is a potential for involvement of multiple claims between owner, architect, contractor, subcontractor, and manufacturer. A particular event at a building site causes disturbances where multiple parties are affected. Different questions arise as to the duties and liabilities of the different parties. How does this situation of multiple claims affect the parties responsible? This hypothetical case study used in an educational setting analyzes the liabilities and responsibilities of different parties. Case law support is provided. The study of such a case encourages student learning of the application of contract law in practice.
The SNAP space mission

Abstract The SNAP space mission concept is designed to explore dark energy with Type Ia supernova distance–luminosity measurements and with weak lensing angular distance correlation power spectrum. The supernova program uses photometric discovery and detailed follow-up observations of at least 2000 Type Ia supernovae with redshifts ranging from 0.3 to 1.7. The weak lensing program uses a deep small field survey and a shallower large field survey with photometry, position and shape measurement of several million galaxies. The instrument sits at the focus of a ∼2-m diameter three-mirror anastigmat telescope with a 1.4 deg2 field of view. It consists of an imager that instruments 0.7 deg2 of the field of view, and a low-resolution spectrograph. Both the photometer and spectrograph use visible and near-infrared detectors to span the wavelength range 400–1700 nm. Wavelength is covered with two detector materials implemented with different readout architectures—CCDs for the visible and HgCdTe hybrid pixel detectors for the near-infrared. While these detector technologies are familiar in HEP experiments, they used in a very different manner, namely photon counting. The physics, architecture and characteristics of these detectors and how they are used will be presented.
Chemistry of C-trimethylsilyl-substituted heterocarboranes. 29. Synthetic and structural studies on lanthanacarboranes with two and three carbons apart carborane cages bonding to Ln(III) metal (Ln(III) = Nd, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tb, Lu)

The reactions of closo-exo-5,6-Na(THF) 2 -1-Na(THF) 2 -2,4-(SiMe 3 ) 2 -2,4-C2B4H4 (1) with anhydrous LnCl 3 (Ln = Nd, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tb, Lu), in molar ratios of 2:1 in dry benzene (C 6 H 6 ) at 60 °C, produced the full-sandwich lanthanacarborane complexes 2,2',4,4'-(SiMe 3 ) 4 -3,5',6'-[μ-H)3Na[(X) n (Y) m ]-1,1'-commo-Ln(η 5 -2,4-C 2 B 4 H 4 ) 2 (2, Ln = Nd, X = THF, n = 2, Y = none; 3, Ln = Gd, X = THF, n = 3, Y = none; 4, Ln = Dy, X = THF, n = 1, Y = TMEDA, m = 1; 5, Ln = Ho, X = DME, n = 1, Y = none; 6, Ln = Er, X = THF, n = 1; Y = none; 7, Ln = Tb, X and Y = none; 8, Ln = Lu, X = THF, n = 2) in 70-93% yields. However, the reactions of 1 at 60 °C with anhydrous LnCl 3 (Ln = Dy, Er), at carborane to Ln molar ratios of 3:1 in dry benzene (C 6 H 6 ), gave novel metallacarboranes, analogues of Cp 3 Ln, with the formula [Na 3 ][1,1'-[5,6-(μ-H) 2 -nido-2,4-(SiMe 3 ) 2 -2,4-C 2 B 4 H 4 ] -2,2',4,4'-(SiMe 3 ) 4 -1,1'-ommo-Ln-(2,4-C 2 B 4 H 4 ) 2 ] (9, Ln = Dy; 10, Ln = Er) as yellow crystalline solids in 78 and 82% yields, respectively. While compounds 2-5 and 8-10 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, the diamagnetic compound 8 was also characterized by 1 H, 1 3 C, and 1 1 B NMR spectroscopy and compounds 2, 3, and 5 were studied by EPR spectroscopy. Compounds 2, 4, and 8 were found to be isostructural with bent-sandwich geometries, in which a Ln(III) center is coordinated to two carborane ligands. The solvated Na + ions, present in each molecule for charge compensation, do not seem to influence the cage geometries. Complexes 2, 4, and 8 crystallized in the triclinic space group P1, complexes 3, 9, and 10 were found to crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2 1 /n, and complex 5 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The final refinements of 2-5 and 8-10 converged at R1 = 0.0223, 0.0664, 0.0418, 0.0557, 0.0639, 0.0596, and 0.0770 and at wR2 = 0.0593, 0.1265, 0.1125, 0.1457, 0.1413, 0.1225, and 0.1594, respectively. The room-temperature magnetic susceptibilities of 9 and 10 were found to be 10.4 and 9.76 μB per metal atom, respectively.
The Beauty of Self-Adjoint Symmetry†

We discuss the aesthetic attributes of self-adjoint symmetry in the analysis of natural systems and find them to be in accord with the physical traits. The elegance of its symmetric structure, besides being beautiful, is a boon to efficient computation.
Sa1649 Double Balloon Enteroscopy-Assisted Stricture Dilation Delays Surgery in Patients With Small Bowel Crohn's Disease

small intestine. 134 enteroscopies were performed in 116 patients with suspected small bowel Crohn’s disease (clinical suspicion, and uncertain radiological and/ or capsule endoscopy results). The DBE in these cases were carried out after negative diagnosis with other endoscopic methods colonoscopy and gastroscopy. Enteroscopy was performed with propofol sedation; patients examined by oral approach were intubated and mechanically ventilated. No severe complications were encountered in all cases. Results. DBE detected lesions typical for small bowel Crohn’s disease in 75 patients (65% of examined group). Exclusion of Crohn’s disease, based on different enteroscopic findings was made in 35 patients (30%). Only in 6 cases diagnosis was uncertain because of lack of endoscopic findings (5%). 12 patient’s with diagnosed Crohn’ disease (16% of total) required immediate endotherapy. 8 patients uderwent dilations of the intestinal strictures and in 4 cases argon plasma coagulation or injection therapy were used to successfuly stop bleeding from small bowel ulcers in Crohn’s disease. In our material, enteroscopy enable to make proper diagnosis in 95% of patients with suspected Crohn’s disease (confirmation or exclusion) Conclusion. DBE appears to be very useful and important tool in the diagnosis and endotherapy of the small bowel Crohn’s disease with no detected lesions during routine endoscopy.
The effects of childhood disruptive disorder comorbidity on P3 event-related brain potentials in preadolescents with ADHD.

The present study examined the degree to which the P300 component of the visual brain event-related potential and associated task performance deficits often observed in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are attributable to comorbid childhood disruptive disorders using a community sample of 11-year olds from the Minnesota Twin Family Study. Subjects were divided into “ADHD-pure” (ADHD without oppositional defiant disorder, ODD, or conduct disorder, CD), “ADHD-comorbid” (ADHD with ODD or CD), and comparison (no childhood disruptive disorder) groups using DSM-III-R diagnoses. Results showed that ADHD-comorbid but not ADHD-pure subjects displayed significant P3 amplitude reduction and poorer task performance compared to controls. No group effects for P3 latency or reaction time were seen. Although ADHD-comorbid children had marginally more ADHD symptoms compared to ADHD-pure children, this did not account for their reduced P3, suggesting that the observed neurobehavioral deficits reflected the effects of co-occurring childhood disruptive disorders.
The impact of information systems on the efficiency of banks: an empirical investigation

Financial institutions, and banks, in particular, are one of the largest investors in information systems (IS) and information technologies (IT) and there are indications that this trend is likely to continue. However, there is growing concern that IS investments are not yielding the anticipated results, an issue that is of grave concern to many CEOs and top managers. One way to address this concern is to analyse the relationship, if any, between investments in IS and an organization’s efficiency measures. Reports the results of an empirical study that assesses the role and contribution of ISs to a bank’s efficiency, based on a study of nationalized banks in the state of Florida. More specifically, reports on the role of ISs in achieving business goals, improving productivity, and enhancing customer service in banks.
The Social Misperception Syndrome in Children with Learning Disabilities Social Causes Versus Neurological Variables

Family shortcomings or other intrinsic psychological deficits are frequently viewed as contributing factors to the social misperceptiveness frequently seen in children with learning disabilities. This article attempts to synthesize research defining the social problems of some children with learning disabilities. Particularly emphasized is the role of communication skills deficits. Breakthroughs in neurophysiology negate, to a large extent, traditional emphases on family dysfunction, school failure, or personality distrubances as primary causes of the social problems of some children with LD. Advances in vision and language research allow departure from the social paradigm of the "misperceptive syndrome" to consider constitutionally based hypotheses of neural dysfunction. Neural aberrations are viewed as triggering deficient language processing, which in turn may lead to unsatisfactory social interactions. Several correlates and characteristics of family, school, and environmental systems are discussed in the context of their impact on personality development and on changes in the life adjustments of both children and adults with learning disabilities.
The Analysis of Dissolved Metals in Natural Waters After Preconcentration on Biosorbents of Immobilized Lichen And Seaweed Biomass in Silica

Abstract A new type of sorbent has been developed in which dried lichen and seaweed biomass is entrapped in silica gel. Biomass of the lichens Bryoria sp., Letharia sp. and the brown seaweed Sargassum sp. were immobilized in silica gel. The immobilized biomass was investigated for use as an absorbent for copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, iron, cobalt, aluminum, silver, gold, and mercury. Metal solutions were loaded onto columns containing one gram of biosorbent at pH 5.5 and then stripped with 0.05 M sodium or ammonium acetate solution at pH 1.5–2 or 1 M HNO3. A complexing agent such as 0.1 M thiourea was required to completely strip gold. The use of biosorbent columns for preconcentrating metal ions from natural waters was demonstrated by spiking deionized water with Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn. Recoveries for all metals were close to 100%. Biosorbent columns were used to concentrate dissolved metals ten-fold from drinking waters before analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry. The performance of b...