cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PMD5 Prescription Medication Use in Older Americans

Medication use is under-investigated in the 50 and older population. OBJECTIVE: We used data from the 1995 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) to evaluate prescription medication use in older Americans. METHODS: NAMCS is a nationally representative sample of ambulatory care visits in the United States and contains clinical information concerning each visit, including medication. Non-prescription products and medications typically administered during a physician office visit or hospitalization were excluded from analysis; all other medications were considered prescription medications and eligible for evaluation. We evaluated patients 50 years or older (n = 16,289 visits) and report prescription use by age group and therapeutic and drug class. Analysis is based on NAMCS weighted data. RESULTS: 61% of patient visits included renewal or prescription of at least one medication. Prescription medication use ranged from x = 1.27 prescription medications in patients aged 50–64 to x = 1.58 in patients over 85. Most commonly prescribed therapeutic classes were cardiovascular, pain/anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, central nervous system, and hormone agents. Most commonly prescribed drug classes were non-narcotic analgesics, calcium channel blockers (CCB), diuretics, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. We observed greater use of CCB than beta blockers and diuretics in patients younger than 75 and a significant decrease in estrogen/progestin and antidepressant medication use in older patients. CONCLUSION: We report a cross-sectional evaluation of medication use in the US population 50 and older. Our findings indicate prescribing patterns inconsistent with national guidelines (JNC-V). Given the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy and high prevalence of depression in the elderly, decreased medication use may suggest underprescription. Active intervention may be needed to improve the pharmacological treatment of older patients.
Assessment of coercive and noncoercive pressures to enter drug abuse treatment

This paper reports preliminary data derived from a standardized interview scoring procedure for detecting and characterizing coercive and noncoercive pressures to enter substance abuse treatment. Coercive and noncoercive pressures stemming from multiple psychosocial domains are operationalized through recourse to established behavioral principles. Inter-rater reliability for the scoring procedure was exceptional over numerous rater trials. Substantive analyses indicate that, among clients in outpatient cocaine treatment, 'coercion' is operative in multiple psychosocial domains, and that subjects perceive legal pressures as exerting substantially less influence over their decisions to enter treatment than informal psychosocial pressures. Implications for drug treatment planning, legal and ethical issues, and directions for future research are proposed.
Distribution of globin genes and histone variants in micrococcal nuclease-generated subfractions of chromatin from Friend erythroleukemia cells at different malignant states.

The distribution of the α and β-globin genes and histone variants was examined in micrococcal nuclease-generated chromatin fractions of three Friend murine erythroleukemia cell types differing in malignant potential and inducibility to erythroid differentiation. A preferential concentration of globin gene sequences, as compared to satellite DNA, was noted in a physiological salt-soluble, histone H1-depleted, mononucleosomal chromatin fraction (Sup 120) in all Friend cell types, even those in which the globin gene was not capable of transcriptional activation by chemical induction. The level of globin gene enrichment in the Sup 120 fraction was highest in the most malignant and inducible cell type. The chemical induction of erythroid differentiation in this cell line did not change the distribution of globin genes in the chromatin fractions. The Sup 120 chromatin fraction prepared from mouse brain nuclei was not enriched in globin genes. Besides the previously reported low H2A.1/H2A.2 ratio [Blankstein and Levy: Nature 260:638–640, 1976], chromatin from the most tumorigenic cell type showed the lowest H2B.2 to H2B.1 ratio, highest levels of histone H4 acetylation, and the most pronounced change in relative amounts of two major electrophoretic bands of histone H1 variants as compared to the less malignant cell types. The histone variant content of the micrococcal nuclease-generated chromatin fractions from the three Friend cell types reflected the core histone variant differences for the respective intact nuclei. However, the electrophoretic separation of mononucleosomes by size revealed several classes with different H2A variant ratios. The results demonstrate the existence of structural differences in globin gene and histone variants in erythroleukemia cell chromatin associated with distinguishable phenotypes during malignant cell progression.
1,2-Bis[N-(N′-alkylimidazolium)]ethane salts: a new class of organic ionic plastic crystals

A new class of organic ionic plastic crystals was discovered. A series of alkylene 1,2-bis[N-(N′-alkylimidazolium)] salts with Br− and PF6− anions was prepared and most of the ethylene (C2) linked compounds undergo multiple solid–solid phase transitions as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The salts with longer spacers (C3 or C4) between the imidazolium units do not display any solid–solid transitions. The PF6− salts with terminal C10 and C12n-alkyl moieties are “classical” organic ionic plastic crystals by Timmermans' definition; they have low ΔSf (11 J K−1 mol−1 for C10 and 12 J K−1 mol−1 for C12). Additionally, the C2 linked bis-imidazolium salts with n-butyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl and n-octyl termini all undergo two, three or four solid state transitions and exhibit ΔSf values in the range of 36–49 J K−1 mol−1, which are similar to those of other known ionic plastic crystalline materials. These materials were additionally characterized via ionic conductivity and solid state NMR. These ionic plastic crystals are presumably single-ion conductors, but the ionic conductivities appear to be too low for practical applications. The activation energy for conduction decreases as these compounds are heated through each solid–solid transition. The lack of any change in solid state 2H NMR spectra with temperature indicates that there is no change in phenyl ring flipping, suggesting no change in the imidazolium local environment. A resolution of this apparent dichotomy is perhaps that the counterions reside with the ethylene spacers between imidazolium moieties.
Molybdenum Nanowires by Electrodeposition

Metallic molybdenum (Moo) wires with diameters ranging from 15 nanometers to 1.0 micrometers and lengths of up to 500 micrometers (0.5 millimeters) were prepared in a two-step procedure. Molybdenum oxide wires were electrodeposited selectively at step edges and then reduced in hydrogen gas at 500°C to yield Moo. The hemicylindrical wires prepared by this technique were self-uniform, and the wires prepared in a particular electrodeposition (in batches of 105 to 107) were narrowly distributed in diameter. Wires were obtained size selectively because the mean wire diameter was directly proportional to the square root of the electrolysis time. The metal nanowires could be embedded in a polystyrene film and lifted off the graphite electrode surface. The conductivity and mechanical resiliency of individual embedded wires were similar to those of bulk molybdenum.
Requirement of Cysteine-rich Repeats of the Fas Receptor for Binding by the Fas Ligand

The Fas receptor is a member of a family of cell death receptors, including tumor necrosis factor receptor I (TNFR I), death receptor 3 and 4 (DR3 and DR4), and cytopathic avian receptor 1 (CAR1). The Fas receptor is composed of several discrete domains, including three cysteine-rich domains (CRDs), a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain responsible for transmitting an apoptotic signal. While the mechanism of Fas-mediated cell death has become elucidated, the requirements for Fas ligand binding to the receptor have not been fully defined. Using a series of chimeric Fc-receptor fusion proteins between the human Fas receptor and TNFR I, each cysteine-rich domain of Fas was found to be required for interaction with the Fas ligand. Interestingly, TNFR I CRD1 could partially substitute for the Fas CRD1. The importance of this domain was underscored by the analysis of a Fas extracellular mutation (C66R), which resulted in a complete loss of ligand binding. This mutation was cloned from a human patient suffering from Canale-Smith syndrome, which is characterized by autoimmunity resembling that observed in the lpr andlpr cg mice. The localization of essential ligand binding domains in the Fas receptor correlated exactly with the ability of the Fas receptor fusion proteins to prevent cell death mediated by the Fas ligand.
Prevalence and demographic correlates of intimate partner violence in Asian Americans

This study provides the first national estimates of the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Asian Americans. Population estimates are based on data from 1470 Asian Americans interviewed for the National Latino and Asian American Study. Interviews were conducted in English, Chinese, Tagalog, or Vietnamese. Results suggest that rates of IPV among Asian Americans are low compared to the general U.S. population. Minor violence victimization by a current intimate partner was reported by 10.2% of women and 12.0% of Asian American men. Notably, a greater proportion of participants admitted having perpetrated IPV than having been a victim. Predictors of IPV included younger age, higher SES, alcohol- and substance-use disorders, depression, ethnicity, and being U.S.-born. Results suggest the need for additional research to examine the interactions between gender, ethnicity, and acculturation to develop group-specific models of IPV risk and resilience within diverse Asian American groups.
SU‐E‐T‐414: Treatment Delivery with High‐Intensity Flattening‐Filter‐Free Beams for Head‐And‐Neck Cancers: Performance Assessment of Automated IMRT versus VMAT

Purpose: With high‐intensity flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) beams and thenew automation feature of the TrueBeam accelerator (Varian Medical Systems), delivery of fixed‐field IMRT is substantially shortened. We compare treatment delivery time of automated IMRT to highly efficient VMAT for head‐and‐neck cancers. Methods: Ten patients with Stage III–IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were planned and treated with seven‐equi‐spaced‐field IMRT and two‐arc RapidArc using 6MV flattened and 6 and 10MV FFF beams at maximum dose rates of 600, 1400 and 2400MU/minute, respectively. Prescription doses are 70Gy to the primary and 54Gy to the nodal target in 35 fractions. Delivery time, defined as beam‐on time plus beam‐hold time between fields, was assessed for the three different beams in two delivery modes. Results: The mean delivery times are 2.21 minutes for RapidArc and 4.10 minutes for automated IMRT, substantially shorter than 8 – 10 minutes for IMRT without automation. High dose rate FFF beams provided no benefit to RapidArc delivery time as gantry speed limited the actual dose rate. IMRT delivery benefited moderately from the high dose rate of FFF beams with average delivery times of 4.56 minutes for 6MV flattened, 3.93 minutes for 6MV FFF and 3.80 minutes for 10MV FFF beams, respectively. The benefit of higher dose rate was significantly offset by the fact that FFF beams required 1.6 to 3.3 times the MUs of flattened beams. Conclusions: For HN cancers with conventional fractionation schemes, high intensity FFF beams have little impact on RapidArc and moderate benefit to IMRT delivery times. However, IMRT delivery efficiency is substantially improved with the automation feature. High intensity beams have potentially greater benefit for hypo‐fractionated treatment.
A large-scale distributed framework for information retrieval in large dynamic search spaces

One of the main problems facing human analysts dealing with large amounts of dynamic data is that important information may not be assessed in time to aid the decision making process. We present a novel distributed processing framework called Intelligent Foraging, Gathering and Matching (I-FGM) that addresses this problem by concentrating on resource allocation and adapting to computational needs in real-time. It serves as an umbrella framework in which the various tools and techniques available in information retrieval can be used effectively and efficiently. We implement a prototype of I-FGM and validate it through both empirical studies and theoretical performance analysis.
Nonlinear dynamics in orthogonal turning process

Abstract In this paper, the nonlinear dynamics methods were applied to analyze the experimental data captured during the orthogonal turning process. The analyzed data were the acquired time series represented by the cutting and thrust forces acting on the cutting tool. Workpieces of aluminum alloy, ductile cast iron, and gray cast iron were machined. The false nearest neighbors and the largest Lyapunov methods were considered to study the nonlinear phenomena occurring in turning process. An index of stability was also defined and used to compare the turning processes of all tested workpieces.
Multiscale Measurement of Extreme Response Style.

This article extends a methodological approach considered by Bolt and Johnson for the measurement and control of extreme response style (ERS) to the analysis of rating data from multiple scales. Specifically, it is shown how the simultaneous analysis of item responses across scales allows for more accurate identification of ERS, and more effective control of ERS effects on the substantive trait estimates, than when analyzing just one scale. Moreover, unlike a competing approach presented by Greenleaf, the current strategy can accommodate conditions in which the substantive traits across scales correlate, as is almost always the case in social sciences research. Simulation and real data analyses are used for illustration.
Evaluation of 2′-deoxy-2′-[18F]fluoro-5-methyl-1-β-l-arabinofuranosyluracil ([18F]-l-FMAU) as a PET imaging agent for cellular proliferation: comparison with [18F]-d-FMAU and [18F]FLT

Clevudine (l-FMAU) an un-natural analogue of thymidine, is in clinical trials for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV). l-FMAU is phosphorylated by cellular kinases such as thymidine kinase 1 and deoxycytidine kinase, and its triphosphate form inhibits HBV deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis. Thus, l-FMAU, radiolabeled with an appropriate isotope, may be useful for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of tumor proliferation. We evaluated [18F]-l-FMAU as a PET imaging agent in tumor-bearing mice and compared the results with those of two other radiotracers, [18F]-d-FMAU and [18F]-FLT. Subcutaneous xenografts of the human lung cancer cell lines H441 and H3255 were established in mice. A micro-PET scanner was used to obtain images of the tumor-bearing animals with [18F]-l-FMAU, [18F]-d-FMAU, and [18F]-FLT. At 2 h postinjection, the tumor uptake (% ID/g) of [18F]-l-FMAU, [18F]-d-FMAU, and [18F]-FLT in the faster-growing H441 cells was 3.13 ± 1.11, 7.74 ± 1.39, and 5.10 ± 1.45, respectively. The corresponding values for the slower-growing H3255 cells were 1.38 ± 0.81, 4.49 ± 1.08, and 0.57 ± 0.33. Tumor/muscle ratios of accumulation for [18F]-l-FMAU, [18F]-d-FMAU, and [18F]-FLT in H441 cells were 4.15 ± 1.82, 3.37 ± 1.19, and 12.94 ± 4.38, respectively, and the corresponding values in H3255 cells were 1.62 ± 0.50, 1.96 ± 0.74, and 1.50 ± 0.90. [18F]-l-FMAU may be a useful agent for imaging tumor proliferation in fast-growing human lung cancers by PET.
Analysis of the cytotoxic effects of light-exposed HEPES-containing culture medium.

The addition ofN-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) to RPMI 1640 medium markedly increases the production of cytotoxic products during exposure of the medium to visible light. The cytotoxicity has been analyzed by measuring uptake of [3H]thymidine by murine thymocytes cultured in preirradiated medium containing 25 mM HEPES. Complete inhibition of thymidine uptake was produced by exposing 50% of the culture medium to light for 3 h before addition of cells. The HEPES-mediated effect requires only that HEPES and riboflavin be exposed to light; other medium constituents are not necessary. Hydrogen peroxide is a principal cytotoxic agent produced in this system. It is demonstrated that most, but not all, of the inhibition of thymidine uptake can be attributed to hydrogen peroxide.
Is Partition Really the Only Hope? Reconciling Contradictory Findings About Ethnic Civil Wars

After decades of statistical studies on interstate wars, 1 political scientists more recently have turned to the question of civil wars. A spate of high-profile internal conflicts during the 1990s—...
Ductile failure of a constrained metal foil

Abstract A metal foil bonded between stiff ceramic blocks may fail in a variety of ways, including de-adhesion of interfaces, cracking in the ceramics and ductile rupture of the metal. If the interface bond is strong enough to allow the foil to undergo substantial plastic deformation dimples are usually present on fracture surfaces and the nominal fracture energy is enhanced. Ductile fracture mechanisms responsible for such morphology include (i) growth of near-tip voids nucleated at second-phase particles and or interface pores, (ii) cavitation and (iii) interfacial debonding at the site of maximum stress which develops at distances of several foil thicknesses ahead of the crack tip. For a crack in a low to moderately hardening bulk metal, it is known that the maximum mean stress which develops at a distance of several crack openings ahead of the tip does not exceed about three times the yield stress. In contrast, the maximum mean stress that develops at several foil thicknesses ahead of the crack tip in a constrained metal foil can increase continuously with the applied load. Mean stress and interfacial traction of about four to six times the yield of the metal foil can trigger cavitation and/or interfacial debonding. The mechanical fields which bear on the competition between failure mechanisms are obtained by a large deformation finite element analysis. Effort is made to formulate predictive criteria indicating, for a given material system, which one of the several mechanisms operates and the relevant parameters that govern the nominal fracture work. The shielding of the crack tip in the context of ductile adhesive joints, due to the non-proportional deformation in a region of the order of the foil thickness, is also discussed.
A new mode of fear expression: perceptual bias in height fear.

Emotion and psychopathology researchers have described the fear response as consisting of four main components—subjective affect, physiology, cognition, and behavior. The current study provides evidence for an additional component in the domain of height fear (perception) and shows that it is distinct from measures of cognitive processing. Individuals High (N 35) and Low (N 36) in acrophobic symptoms looked over a two-story balcony ledge and estimated its vertical extent using a direct height estimation task (visual matching), and an indirect task (size estimation); the latter task seems to exhibit little influence from cognitive factors. In addition, implicit and explicit measures of cognitive processing were obtained. Results indicated that, as expected, the High Fear group showed greater relative, implicit height fear associations and explicit threat cognitions. Of primary interest, the High (compared to Low) Fear group estimated the vertical extent to be higher, and judged target sizes to be greater, even when controlling for the cognitive bias measures. These results suggest that emotional factors such as fear are related to perception.
Continued mission of ThPOK.

ThPOK, the critical transcription factor for differentiation of the helper T cell lineage in the thymus, continues to function as a gatekeeper to maintain helper T cell identity by repressing the transcription factor Runx3 in mature T cells.
Distribution and localization patterns of estrogen receptor-beta and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors in neurons and glial cells of the female rat substantia nigra: localization of ERbeta and IGF-1R in substantia nigra

Although several studies have focused on the neuroprotective effects of estrogen (E2) on stroke, there have been tantalizing reports on the potential neuroprotective role of E2 in degenerative neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (PD). In animal models of PD, E2 protects the nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) system against neurotoxins. However, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) involved by which E2 elicits its neuroprotective effects on the nigrostriatal DA system. A preferred mechanism for neuroprotection is the interaction of E2 with specific neuroprotective growth factors and receptors. One such neuroprotective factor/receptor system is insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). E2 neuroprotective effects in the substantia nigra (SN) DA system have been shown to be dependent on IGF-1. To determine whether E2 also interacts with the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and to determine the cellular localization of estrogen receptor (ER) and IGF-1R, we compared the distribution of ER and IGF-1R in the SN. Stereological measurements revealed that 40% of the subpopulation of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir) SN pars compacta (SNpc) DA neurons are immunoreactive for estrogen receptor-beta (ERbeta). No immunolabeling for ERalpha was observed. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry studies confirmed the expression of IGF-1R mRNA and revealed that almost all TH-ir SNpc DA neurons were immunoreactive for IGF-1R, respectively. Moreover, one-third of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP-ir) cells in the SN were ERbeta-ir, and 67% of GFAP-ir cells expressed IGF-1R-ir. Therefore, the localization of ERbeta and IGF-1R on SNpc DA neurons and astrocytes suggests a modulatory role of E2 on IGF-1R, and this modulation may affect neuroprotection.
Ethnic Political Power in a Machine City: Chicago's Poles at Rainbow's End

Machine politics in Chicago has been described as a successful example of exchange theory in which political party members received benefits in return for loyalty to the party. In 1988, Erie rejected the rainbow theory of machine politics, arguing that the Irish received the lion's share of political benefits while other white-ethnic groups, such as Poles, were given limited and often symbolic rewards. These authors show that Chicago's Poles were not fully incorporated into the rainbow of groups that benefited from and supported the machine. This led to a pattern of independence in voting and lends considerable support to Erie's supply-side model of machine politics.
Thick CZT detectors for spaceborne x-ray astronomy

Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detectors are having a major impact on the field of hard X-ray astronomy. Without the need for cryogenic cooling they achieve good spatial and energy resolutions over the broad energy range from 10 keV to ~600 keV. In this paper, we briefly review the historical development of detectors used in X-ray astronomy. Subsequently, we present an evaluation of CZT detectors from the company Imarad. The standard 2x2x0.5 cm detectors, contacted with 8x8 In pixels and an In cathode, exhibit FWHM energy resolutions of 7 keV at 59 keV, and 10 keV at 662 keV. A direct measurement of the 662 keV photopeak efficiency gives 67%. We have started a detailed study of the performance of Imarad detectors depending on surface preparation, contact materials, contact deposition, post-deposition detector annealing, and detector passivation techniques. We present first results from contacting detectors with Cr, Ag, Au, and Pt.
Pair Production by Photons on Electrons

The cross section for production of electron pairs by unpolarized photons in the field of an electron is calculated. The total cross section is obtained by numerical integration. The contributions to the total cross section from different diagrams (exchange and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}e$ terms) are calculated separately, and it is shown that Borsellino's result for the cross section is valid for photon energies above about 8 MeV, the deviation from the correct cross section being of order 1% at this energy. Votruba's results for the total cross section are confirmed for energies very close to threshold (within about 10 keV of threshold). The results of Kopylov et al. appear to be in error by a factor of 2. Dividing their results by this factor, we find agreement with ours within limits of error. The recoil momentum distribution is computed numerically for some energies and it is found to agree with the results of Borsellino. At high energies it is also in agreement with the results of Suh and Bethe. The momentum distribution for pair production in the field of a very heavy particle is also calculated for some energies from the formulas of Borsellino and Jost et al. From a comparison of the recoil distributions for pair production on electrons with that on very heavy particles, an estimate of the error in the Wheeler-Lamb results can be made. Comparison with some experiments is given.
An Extension of the Metropolis Algorithm

Abstract The Metropolis algorithm and its variants are perhaps the most widely used methods of generating Markov chains with a specified equilibrium distribution. We study an extension of the Metropolis algorithm from both a decision theoretic and rate of convergence point of view. The decision theoretic approach was first taken by Peskun (1973) who showed some optimality properties of the classical Metropolis sampler. In this article, we propose an extension of the Metropolis algorithm which reduces the asymptotic variance and accelerates the convergence rate of its classic form. The principle method used to improve the properties of a sampler is to move mass from the diagonal elements of the Markov chain's transition matrix to the off-diagonal elements. A low dimensional example is given to illustrate that our extended algorithm converges to stationary distribution in the fastest possible order n steps, while the conventional Metropolis chain takes at least order n 2log(n) steps.
Rhondonite solubility and thermodynamic properties of aqueous MnCl2 in the system MnOSiO2HClH2O

Abstract The solubility of rhodonite, represented by the reaction MnSiO 3 ( rhodonite ) + 2 HCl 0 = MnCl 2 0 + SiO 2 ( quartz ) + H 2 O , was investigated experimentally in the temperature range 400°–700°C at 1 and 2 kbar by rapid-quench hydrothermal techniques and the Ag-AgCl buffer methods. Variations in the molalities of associated hydrogen chloride ( m HCl 0 ) as a function of the molalities of total Mn indicate that Mn in the fluid in equilibrium with the assemblage rhodonite + quartz is predominantly associated as MnCl 2 0 . The Mn:Cl in the fluid ≅2, indicating that Mn +2 is the dominant oxidation state. The solubility data were used to calculate the equilibrium constant of the above reaction as a function of temperature, pressure, and the difference in Gibbs free energy of formation between MnCl 2 0 and HCl 0 . The equilibrium constants of solubility for Mn minerals for which thermochemical data are available were also calculated. Calculated mineral solubilities were used in conjunction with the data of Frantz et al . (1981) to calculate the composition of supercritical fluids in equilibrium with Mn-bearing phases and assemblages. At 400°C and 1000 bars, supercritical fluids in equilibrium with olivines of compositions similar to those present in MORB tend to be enriched in Mn, despite the low mole fraction of tephroite in the olivine. Supercritical fluids in equilibrium with the assemblage quartz-hematite-rhodonite at 500° and 400°C and 1000 bars show high concentrations of Mn relative to Fe. Manganese concentrations in the fluids increase with decrease in the mole fraction of H, whereas Fe concentrations decrease. The data indicate that H fugacity plays a significant role in the separation of Mn from Fe in chloride-bearing hydrothermal fluids at supercritical temperatures.
Estimates of reproductive parameters for free-ranging Ateles geoffroyi

Six and a half years of data collected on the reproductive parameters of a population of free-rangingAteles geoffroyi show the following characteristics: seasonality of births; interbirth interval of ca. 32 months; nursing by infants for more than 2 years; and reproductive life span of females continuing beyond 20 years of age. These characteristics appear to reflect adaptations to a primary resource base, ripe fruit, that is very low in protein and patchily distributed in space and time in tropical forests.
SU‐FF‐J‐51: The Impact of Source‐To‐Background Ratio, Tumor Size, Scan Duration, and Smoothing Filter On a Two‐Stage PET Tumor Segmentation Method

Purpose: This work systematically evaluates the effect of source‐to‐background ratio, tumor size, scan duration, and smoothing filter on a novel two‐stage PETtumor segmentation method in phantoms. The two‐stage method uses an adaptive region‐growing algorithm and a dual‐front active contour model, resulting in advantages of reproducibility and no need of choosing a threshold. Method and Materials: Six spherical tumor phantoms (0.5 – 20 mL) in a warm cylindrical container were scanned for 120 minutes in a PET/CT scanner. The source‐to‐background (S/B) ratio ranges from 16 to 0.5. For every 2‐min scan, three PETimages were reconstructed using the iterative Ordered Subset Expectation Maximization (OSEM) algorithm with 5mm‐FWHM, 2mm‐FWHM post‐reconstruction smoothing filters and without the filter, respectively. At S/B ratio 2, images for longer scan durations were also generated. The two‐stage method was applied to segment the tumor phantoms with optimized parameters. Results: The segmentation accuracy depends mainly on the S/B ratio and tumor size, with a higher accuracy for larger tumor or higher S/B ratio. The 5mm‐FWHM filter reduces more noise than the 2mm‐FWHM filter and the unsmoothed. This leads to better segmentation for images smoothed with the 5mm‐FWHM filter. Lengthening scan duration did not improve the segmentation for tumors ⩾ 6 mL, but made the imperceptible 1 mL tumor detectable. The overall differences were not statistically significant between scan durations or between OSEM‐2mm and unsmoothed, but were statistically significant between OSEM‐5mm and unsmoothed. Conclusions: We concluded that a computerized PETtumor segmentation method should incorporate these factors (S/B ratio, tumor size, scan duration, and smoothing filter) if known or estimable. Secondly, it is very important to use the same PET/CT protocol for consistent quantitative evaluation. Finally, longer scan duration improves small tumor detection in PET.
Treating animals as ends

Starting with a moral theory famous for being antagonistic toward animal rights, I have argued that we do have direct duties toward some animals, specifically those animals most closely related to human beings, whose behavior is reasonably interpreted as the result of conscious choice. Like animal rights views, the Kantian view escapes the intuitive counter-examples leveled at simple versions of utilitarianism. It rules out causing pain to the protected animals and also rules out killing them painlessly. But the Kantian view does not rule out painless experimentation at the cost of ruling out even harmless observation of animals. Nor is it restricted to a doctrine of negative obligations. The Kantian view forbids actions we intuitively think are wrong, allows those we think are permissible, and enjoins those we think are praiseworthy.
Unconstrained iris acquisition and recognition using COTS PTZ camera

Uniqueness of iris patterns among individuals has resulted in the ubiquity of iris recognition systems in virtual and physical spaces, at high security facilities around the globe. Traditional methods of acquiring iris patterns in commercial systems scan the iris when an individual is at a predetermined location in front of the scanner. Most state-of-the-art techniques for unconstrained iris acquisition in literature use expensive customequipment and are composed of amulticamera setup, which is bulky, expensive, and requires calibration. This paper investigates a method of unconstrained iris acquisition and recognition using a single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, that is compact and that reduces the cost of the final system, compared to other proposed hierarchical multicomponent systems. We employ state-of-the-art techniques for face detection and a robust eye detection scheme using active shape models for accurate landmark localization. Additionally, our system alleviates the need for any calibration stage prior to its use. We present results using a database of iris images captured using our system, while operating in an unconstrained acquisition mode at 1.5m standoff, yielding an iris diameter in the 150-200 pixels range.
TU‐A‐116‐07: Comparison and Evaluation of Commercially Available CMOS X‐Ray Detectors for Neurological Endovascular Image Guided Interventions (neuro‐EIGI's)

Purpose: To evaluate three commercially available CMOS x‐ray detector systems as potential dual fluoroscopic and angiographic, high‐resolution, ROI detectors for neuro‐endovascular image‐guided interventions (neuro‐EIGIs) and to compare them to other experimentally evaluated or simulated neuro‐EIGI detectors. Methods: Each CMOS detector was exposed to a standard RQA5 x‐ray spectrum obtained by adding 21 mm of aluminum to a 70 kVp x‐ray beam. Flat‐field images were acquired by each detector and exposure per frame was determined using an ion chamber. From these images and exposures, sensitivity in digital numbers (DN/μR) and instrumentation noise‐equivalent exposure (INEE) was found for each detector. These values were used to compare the three commercial detectors to other neuro‐EIGI detectors previously built or simulated. Results: Detector A has a 12‐bit ADC, a pixel size of 100 μm, and a full well capacity (FWC) of 2.2 million electrons (Me‐). The sensitivity was found to be 5.8 DN/μR and the INEE was found to be 7.58 μR. Detector B has a 14‐bit ADC, a pixel size of 75 μm, and a FWC of 0.36 Me‐for the high sensitivity mode and 1.4 Me‐for the high saturation mode. The sensitivity was found to be 28.9 DN/μR and the INEE was found to be 2.04 μR in the high sensitivity mode. Detector C has a 14‐bit ADC, a pixel size of 100 μm and a FWC of 1.5 Me‐. The sensitivity was found to be 15.1 DN/μR and the INEE was found to be 3.04 μR. The previous neuro‐EIGI detectors had similar sensitivities of 10s–100s DN/μR, but much lower INEEs of <0.2 μR. Conclusion: While the commercial CMOS x‐ray detectors are improving, it remains a desirable goal to further reduce the commercial detector pixel size and instrumentation noise to approach the values seen with the previously built and simulated neuro‐EIGI detectors. Supported by NIH Grant 2R01EB002873 and an equipment grant from Toshiba Corporation.
Heat Transfer Predictions in a Laminar Hypersonic Viscous/Inviscid Interaction

Resultsaredocumentedofablindvalidationstudytocharacterizetheaccuracyofanupwind-biasede nitevolume methodinpredictingthesurfaceloadscaused byalaminarviscous/inviscidinteraction.Theeffortsupportsarecent Research and Technology Organization code validation initiative and considers a benchmark cone guration of the Working Group 10, consisting of Mach 9.5 e owpast a 25/55 deg sharp-tipped doubleconeat a Reynolds number of 1.39435 £ 10 6 /m. Roe’ s e ux-difference splitting scheme is employed with a nominally third-order reconstruction method and harmonic limiting. An extensive iterative- and grid-convergencestudy is performed to ensure solution accuracy. Comparison with experimental data shows that overall the numerical method reproduces the features of the interaction, including location and extent of separation to a degree that may be characterized as adequate for engineering purposes. However, upstream of separation and in the narrow peak heating region, discrepancies in heat transfer rates between computation and experiment range between 10 and 15% of maximum values. An exploration of the sensitivity of the solution to small variations (up to 10%) in several e ow and numerical parameters reveals only modest ine uence on the nondimensionalized quantities.
Factors affecting selection of information sources: a study of Ramkhamhaeng University Regional Campuses graduate students

Regional students succeed in their studies when they can easily access information through convenient sources. Therefore, the researcher will investigate factors affecting regional students' selection of information sources to meet their information needs, as well as investigate these regional students' satisfaction with Ramkhamhaeng University (RU) Regional Library Services and their satisfaction with the perceived quality of information retrieved from other information sources. The researcher applies The Principle of Least Effort for this study. This principle governs and predicts the choices of these regional students' selection of information channel qualities (i.e. convenience, ease of use, familiarity, availability, accessibility, and proximity of libraries to home or work), whereas Simon's Satisficing Theory explains the selection and use of the information retrieved without considering whether the information is optimal. Furthermore, the researcher will determine to what extent information channel qualities affect how often students use information sources. This means that the most convenient, easier to use, and familiar the information channel qualities are, the most information sources will be selected and used. The researcher will gather the data with a survey method. The population is composed of approximately 3,000 graduate students who will enroll in classes in the spring of 2011 at RU Regional Campuses (RURCs). The researcher will employ a stratified random sampling technique to select a sample from the population that is divided into separate groups (strata) by geographical locations (South, North, Central, and Northeast). The total sample size of this study is 353 representatives of these graduate students. The researcher will analyze data by using the Statistics Package for Social Science (SPSS) program for Windows The researcher will use both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics consist of frequency, percentage rate, arithmetic mean, and standard deviation. The inferential statistics will be evaluated using a multiple regression method. The researcher will discuss the results from this study and compare them with previous research. The researcher expects the finding to provide practical advice to librarians to improve their services and to provide suggestions for administrators of RU's library systems for improving the information sources and the quality of information retrieved. The researcher will provide a new model of information-seeking behavior to contribute new knowledge of library services to the Thai community in the field of library and information science. This study will help stakeholders provide new technologies, such as Web portal to library services, in order to allow equal access to information of students at each RURCs.
Infrared emission spectra of ammonia-oxygen and hydrazine flames

Abstract The infrared emission spectra of a hydrazine decomposition flame and of an ammonia-oxygen diffusion flame have been studied with high-resolution grating spectrometers in the spectral range 600–4000 cm−1. Emission spectra of the hydrazine flame were recorded at various heights in the flame and at two burning pressures. High-resolution absorption spectra of ammonia and hydrazine vapor have been recorded on the same scale for comparison. Emission spectra have also been recorded from two areas of the ammonia-oxygen diffusion flame, one in the ammonia-rich part of the flame and the other in the region of intense yellow radiation due to the NH2 radical. An oxy-hydrogen diffusion flame was examined to establish the spectrum emitted by hot water vapor and by the OH radical. The high-resolution absorption spectrum of ammonia was again recorded on the same scale. There are many emission lines from the hydrazine decomposition flame which can be assigned neither to ammonia nor to hydrazine. These lines are pointed out and discussed, but no definite assignment seems possible from the data because of the large number of short-lived species that might exist in this flame, all containing only nitrogen and hydrogen, and hence all having their infrared bands in similar spectral regions. Nearly all of the emission lines from the ammonia-oxygen flame have been assigned to water, ammonia or the OH radical. Several lines of uncertain assignment appear near 1100 cm−1. These may be due to ammonia, but no correlation exists between them and the ammonia absorption spectrum such as is found in other regions. The most striking new lines are found in the region 2700–3050 cm−1, where a series of twenty-three almost evenly spaced lines occur which cannot be assigned to known lines of water, ammonia or OH. The new lines have tentatively been ascribed to the NH2 radical. In the emission of both flames, the R-branch of the band due to the inversion vibration at 950 cm−1 in ammonia is easily visible, but the P-braneh is not. This phenomenon is attributed to an effect, previously observed in diatomic molecules, which increases the intensity of either the P-branch or the R-branch of a band at the expense of the other branch.
Alterations in low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein subclasses among Hispanic women with polycystic ovary syndrome: influence of insulin and genetic factors.

Abstract Objective: To examine the influence of hyperandrogenism on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass levels as well as lipoprotein (a) levels in hyperandrogenic women compared with a control group. Design: Case-control study. Setting: University-based outpatient clinic. Patient(s): Sixteen Hispanic women with polycystic ovary syndrome were compared with 21 controls matched for age, weight, and ethnicity. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Fasting serum levels of testosterone, insulin, and lipoproteins. Result(s): Compared with controls, women with polycystic ovary syndrome had significantly lower levels of apolipoprotein A-I (95 ± 28 mg/dL versus 144 ± 42 mg/dL) and HDL 2a (30.9% ± 4.4% versus 36.6% ± 5.4%) but significantly higher levels of HDL 3c (5.1% ± 2.2% versus 2.4% ± 1.5%). There were no statistically significant differences in LDL subclasses between groups, but there was a high incidence (54%) of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype B in this Hispanic population. As a group, Hispanic women with the abnormal B phenotype had significantly higher levels of insulin, HDL, HDL 2b , and triglycerides. Conclusion(s): Hyperandrogenemia may have an adverse effect on serum lipoproteins through effects on HDL subclasses. Hispanic women may have a higher incidence of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype B, which may increase their risk for atherosclerosis.
Enzymatic reduction and oxidation of glutathione by illuminated chloroplasts.

Abstract 1. 1. The photochemical reduction of oxidized glutathione has been demonstrated in the presence of washed spinach chloroplast fragments, glutathione reductase preparations, and a catalytic concentration of triphosphopyridine nucleotide. 2. 2. Reduction of as much as 90 % of the oxidized glutathione added was obtained. Initial rates of reduction were observed which approached 50 % of the rate of reduction of quinone measured under similar conditions. 3. 3. Oxygen production never exceeded 80 % of the equivalent amount of reduced glutathione formed. Possible explanations for this discrepancy are discussed. 4. 4. A light-catalyzed oxidation of reduced glutathione by molecular oxygen was observed in the presence of chloroplasts and certain of the reductase preparations.
Identification of DNA Adducts of Acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde is a mutagen and carcinogen which occurs widely in the human environment, sometimes in considerable amounts, but little is known about its reactions with DNA. In this study, we identified three new types of stable acetaldehyde DNA adducts, including an interstrand cross-link. These were formed in addition to the previously characterized N(2)-ethylidenedeoxyguanosine. Acetaldehyde was allowed to react with calf thymus DNA or deoxyguanosine. The DNA was isolated and hydrolyzed enzymatically; in some cases, the DNA was first treated with NaBH(3)CN. Reaction mixtures were analyzed by HPLC, and adducts were isolated and characterized by UV, (1)H NMR, and MS. The major adduct was N(2)-ethylidenedeoxyguanosine (1), which was identified as N(2)-ethyldeoxyguanosine (7) after treatment of the DNA with NaBH(3)CN. The new acetaldehyde adducts were 3-(2-deoxyribos-1-yl)-5,6,7, 8-tetrahydro-8-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimido[1,2-a]purine-10(3H)one (9), 3-(2-deoxyribos-1-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-(N(2)-deoxyguanosyl+ ++)- 6-methylpyrimido[1,2-a]purine-10(3H)one (12), and N(2)-(2, 6-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-4-yl)deoxyguanosine (11). Adduct 9 has been previously identified in reactions of crotonaldehyde with DNA. However, the distribution of diastereomers was different in the acetaldehyde and crotonaldehyde reactions, indicating that the formation of 9 from acetaldehyde does not proceed through crotonaldehyde. Adduct 12 is an interstrand cross-link. Although previous evidence indicates the formation of cross-links in DNA reacted with acetaldehyde, this is the first reported structural characterization of such an adduct. This adduct is also found in crotonaldehyde-deoxyguanosine reactions, but in a diastereomeric ratio different than that observed here. A common intermediate, N(2)-(4-oxobut-2-yl)deoxyguanosine (6), is proposed to be involved in formation of adducts 9 and 12. Adduct 11 is produced ultimately from 3-hydroxybutanal, the major aldol condensation product of acetaldehyde. Levels of adducts 9, 11, and 12 were less than 10% of those of N(2)-ethylidenedeoxyguanosine (1) in reactions of acetaldehyde with DNA. As nucleosides, adducts 9, 11, and 12 were stable, whereas N(2)-ethylidenedeoxyguanosine (1) had a half-life of 5 min. These new stable adducts of acetaldehyde may be involved in determination of its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.
Counterregulatory Responses to Hypoglycemia Differ Between Glimepiride and Glyburide in Non Diabetic Individuals

Objective Reported rates of hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are lower with glimepiride as compared to glyburide. The aim of this study was to determine whether physiologic differences in counterregulatory neuroendocrine and metabolic mechanisms during hypoglycemia provide a basis for the observed clinical differences between glimepiride and glyburide.
Two-dimensional turbulent separated flow

TkJTANY different flow cases with nominally twolYJLdimensional turbulent separated flow regions are discussed in Refs. 1 and 2. Because intermittent flow reversal and backflow occur in the near-wall region, directionally sensitive measurement techniques must be used to examine the flow structure. The experimentally-observed structure of detached flows on streamlined surfaces and around sharp-edged corners is discussed in detail for steady and unsteady incompressible and compressible cases. In all cases, large-scale structures dominate the flow behavior, producing large shearing stresses in the middle of the detached shear flow and strongly influencing the local intermittent backflow. The turbulence structure strongly lags the mean flow behavior in the detachment and reattachment processes. For unsteady periodic separation, there is considerable hysteresis of the flow during a cycle. A number of differential and integral calculation methods are discussed. Traditional attached flow turbulence models and correlations do not describe detached flows well. Methods that include experimentally-observed features and/or correlations of detached flow parameters seem to perform best, although further improvements are still needed.