cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilization of a Computerized Intravenous Insulin Infusion Program to Control Blood Glucose in the Intensive Care Unit

Background: This proof of concept study was designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an intravenous insulin dosing calculator, the Clarian GlucoStabilizer™ program, and to determine the...
Effect of ibuprofen on doxorubicin toxicity in mice

This study examines the effect of ibuprofen on the toxicity produced in mice by the anticancer drug, doxorubicin. Ibuprofen solution made in 0.02% sodium carbonate, was administered subcutaneously in doses ranging from 10 to 40 mg/kg/day. Sodium carbonate served as a vehicle control and saline was used as a reference control. Treatment with saline, sodium carbonate, or a specific dose of ibuprofen began two days before administration of a single intraperitoneal dose of doxorubicin 17, 20 or 25 mg/kg and then continued for the next thirty days. Mortality was followed for thirty days. The analysis of the data by the Litchfield and Wilcoxon method revealed that there was neither a difference in doxorubicin LD50 values nor in the potency ratios between saline and any dose of ibuprofen treatment. Treatments with sodium carbonate and ibuprofen at 30 mg/kg/day offered slight protection over saline treatment, but it was not statistically significant. All mice, regardless of treatment, receiving doxorubicin showed significant weight loss. It appears that ibuprofen offers little protection against doxorubicin toxicity under these circumstances.
In-situ precipitation of reinforcing titania fillers

The technique developed for precipitating reinforcing silica into an elastomer is extended to titania fillers by hydrolyzing a titanate instead of a silicate. Of the three catalysts studied, namely HCl, NH4OH, and (C2H5)2NH, the NH4OH was the most efficient, introducing as much as 65 wt % titania into a poly(dimethylsiloxane) network in twelve hours. Stress-strain measurements in elongation showed the nature and extent of the reinforcement to be very similar to that obtained from insitu precipitated silica.
Adaptive Nanocomposite Coatings with a Titanium Nitride Diffusion Barrier Mask for High-Temperature Tribological Applications

Abstract Adaptive nanocomposite coatings that demonstrate low friction throughout broad ranges of temperature, wear, humidity and other environments are currently in development. One effective temperature adaptation mechanism at temperatures ≤ 500 °C is diffusion of noble metal to the coating surface, providing a low shear strength interface at the friction contact supported by a hard surface underneath. To prolong the wear lifetime of chameleon coatings relying upon this mechanism for low friction, a coating architecture incorporating a diffusion barrier mask to inhibit noble metal diffusion was employed. The diffusion barrier-capped coating provided lubrication at 500 °C over ten times longer than the monolithic yttria-stabilized zirconia–silver–molybdenum coating of the same thickness without failure. Characterization of coatings after heating with surface analysis and microscopy techniques revealed the mechanism for increased coating life, and allowed for measurement of silver self-diffusion parameters in the adaptive nanocomposite material.
“Fetal Growth Charts”: Comparison of Cross-Sectional Ultrasound Examinations with Birth Weight

We examined the hypothesis that fetal growth curves derived from birth weight data deviate significantly from growth curves generated from cross-sectional ultrasound estimated fetal weight. Fetal g...
Further Characterization of the Major and Minor RabbitFMO1Promoters and Identification of both Positive and Negative Distal Regulatory Elements

Abstract Previously, two promoters were identified for the rabbit FMO1 gene: a major, upstream promoter (P 0 ) that initiates transcription from exon 0 and a second, minor promoter (P 1 ) located approximately 200 bp downstream and initiating transcription from exon 1. Transcription initiation from the P 0 promoter results in elimination of the exon 1 leader sequence from the mature transcript. In this report, we further define the major promoter and identify several positive and negative upstream regulatory domains employing deletion analysis and transient expression in HepG2 cells. Of interest, P 0 and P 1 were equally active in these assays. A 49-bp fragment spanning position −41 to +8 was found essential for the activity of P 0 and also capable of basal transcriptional activity. Interestingly, this same 49-bp region was found necessary for P 1 activity. Upstream of P 0 , three positive regulatory regions (positions −348 to −176, −757 to −584, and −1196 to −829) and two negative regulatory regions (positions −2120 to −1724 and −829 to −757) were identified using deletion mutants. Both P 0 and P 1 share the most proximate, positive regulatory domain but were regulated differentially by more distal 5′ sequences. In addition to the upstream regulatory sequences, a potent negatively acting element was observed within intron 1. Using DNA fragments representing the most potent positive (position −348 to −176) and negative (position −829 to −757) regulatory sequences as probes, we demonstrate the formation of multiple specific DNA/protein complexes with protein factor(s) present in HepG2 nuclear extract.
RADIATION PASTEURIZATION OF SEAFOOD. I. THE COMBINED EFFECT OF SODIUM BENZOATE AND IRRADIATION FOR RETARDING MICROBIAL GROWTH IN DOVER SOLE (MICROSTOMUS PACIFICUS).

Abstract The microbial spoilage of Dover sole stored at 42–44°F was retarded when the fish that had been treated with 0.1 percent (1000 ppm) sodium benzoate was given pasteurizing doses of γ-radiation. The benzoate by itself had no microbicidal effect. Samples receiving 0.1 Mrad required 6 days to reach a count of 10 6 microorganisms per gram. A similar sample containing benzoate required 9 days to reach the same count. The untreated sample receiving 0.3 Mrad required 10 days, while the benzoate-treated sample took 19 days to reach a count of 10 6 . Fourteen days were required for the 0.5 Mrad samples to reach this count whereas the benzoate-treated sample did not show growth until the 27th day.
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) pulmonary disease: Immunologic and inhalation challenge studies☆

Abstract Clinical and serologic effects of TDI exposure were studied in 112 occupationally exposed plant workers. Sera were obtained before and after commencement of TDI production. All subjects were skin-tested with common inhalant allergens and a TDI-HSA conjugate. Total eosinophil counts, immunoglobulin quantitations, and specific antibody assays by PCA, P-K, and radioimmunoassay were performed. Clinically "sensitive" individuals were tested by provocative inhalation challenge with from 0.005 ppm to the threshold limit value of 0.02 ppm TDI. No TDI-induced immunologic changes were noted with the exception of 3 individuals who demonstrated small positive wheal-and-erythema reactions to TDI-HSA but not to HSA alone. Inhalation challenge with TDI vapor produced airways obstruction, as measured by FEF( 25–75 ). These responses were of the immediate, delayed, and dual type, and were provoked in some cases with levels as low as 0.005 ppm TDI.
Serologic survey for selected disease agents in wolves (Canis lupus) from Alaska and the Yukon Territory, 1984-2000.

Wolves (SCanis lupus) were captured in several geographic areas of Alaska (USA) and the Yukon Territory (Canada) during 1984–2000. Blood was collected from 1,122 animals. Sera were tested for antibodies against infectious canine hepatitis virus (ICH), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), Francisella tularensis, and serovars of Leptospira interrogans. Antibody prevalence for ICH was >84% for all areas. Area-specific prevalences of antibodies ranged from 12% to 70% for CPV, from 0% to 41% for CDV, and from 4% to 21% for F. tularensis. There was no evidence of CDV exposure at the two southernmost locations in Alaska. Prevalence of antibodies for ICH increased slightly during the 16-yr course of the survey. There was essentially no evidence of exposure to L. interrogans. Prevalences of antibodies for both CPV and CDV were age-specific, with higher values in the adult cohort compared with the pup cohort. There were no sex-specific differences in prevalence of antibodies for any of the five di...
Does anxiety affect children's reports of memory for a stressful event?

The study was conducted to explore the effects of anxiety on children's memory for a naturalistic, potentially stressful event. Eighty children of two age groups, 4-5 and 7-8 years, visited the dentist for either a teeth-cleaning check-up or an operative procedure. Anxiety was assessed by a behavioural rating scale, as well as through Likert-scale ratings by the hygienist, parent, and child. Memory for the event was elicited through free recall and specific central and peripheral questions. High anxiety had a debilitative effect on the reports of the older children, but not on young children's reports. However, experience with the dental event mediated the influence of age and anxiety on memory. Although all measures of anxiety were significantly associated with each other, only the behavioural rating scale yielded statistically reliable effects of anxiety on memory. The anxiety-memory relationship is believed to be more complex than previous research with children suggests.
A new approach of pellet formation of a filamentous fungus -Rhizopus oryzae.

Abstract The effects of inoculum and medium composition (i.e. potato dextrose broth as carbon source, soybean peptone, calcium carbonate, and metal ions) on pellet formation of Rhizopus oryzae ATCC 20344 have been studied. Metal ions were found to have a significant negative effect on pellet formation while soybean peptone had a positive effect. In addition, potato dextrose broth and calcium carbonate were beneficial to R. oryzae for growing small, smooth pellets during the culture. The study also demonstrated that an inoculum size of less than 1.5 × 10 9 spores/L had no significant influence on pellet formation although it had large impacts on pellet growth. Thus, a new approach to form pellets has been developed using only potato dextrose broth, soybean peptone, and calcium carbonate allowing for pellet size to be controlled by adjusting inoculum size and the concentrations of potato dextrose broth, soybean peptone, and calcium carbonate in the medium.
Pulmonary hypertension after operations for congenital heart disease: Analysis of risk factors and management

Abstract Background: Management of pulmonary hypertension, a potentially fatal complication of operations to correct congenital heart disease, has evolved through the last 15 years. Monitoring of pulmonary arterial pressure and mixed venous saturation became available, and prophylactic use of α-blockers and other vasodilators increased. This study examines risk factors for morbidity and mortality from pulmonary hypertension after operations to correct congenital heart disease and evaluates the impact of management changes on outcomes. Methods: By means of multivariable logistic regression analysis, 880 high-risk patients with congenital heart disease (of 2484 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass between January 1980 and December 1994) were analyzed to determine which were at risk for postoperative pulmonary hypertension and its associated morbidity and mortality. Results: Patients with atrioventricular canal ( n = 182), truncus arteriosus ( n = 47), total anomalous pulmonary venous connection ( n = 90), transposition of great arteries ( n = 97), hypoplastic left heart syndrome ( n = 50), and ventricular septal defect ( n = 414) demonstrated a higher risk of postoperative pulmonary hypertension. By multivariable logistic regression, preoperative pulmonary hypertension ( p p p = 0.0004) significantly increased postoperative pulmonary hypertension. Preoperative pulmonary hypertension ( p p = 0.0004) were significant risk factors for in-hospital death related to pulmonary hypertension. Repair at older age (except in the case of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection) was a significant risk for postoperative pulmonary hypertension ( p = 0.03). Conclusion: Mixed venous saturation monitoring and α-receptor blockade reduced the incidence of pulmonary hypertension after operations for congenital heart disease. Early definitive repair reduced morbidity and mortality from postoperative pulmonary hypertension. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1996;112:1600-9)
α-Diimine Ligand Coordination and C–H Bond Activation in the Reaction of Os3(CO)10(MeCN)2 with 6-R-2,2′-Bipyridine (where R = Et, Ph): X-ray Diffraction Structures of the Ortho-Metalated Hydride Clusters HOs3(CO)9(N2C10H6-6-R)

The reactivity of the labile cluster Os3(CO)10(MeCN)2 (1) with the monofunctionalized heterocyclic ligands 6-R-2,2′-bipyridine (where R = Et, Ph) has been investigated. The alkyl-substituted heterocycle 6-Et-2,2′-bipyridine reacts with 1 in refluxing CH2Cl2 to give an isomeric mixture of HOs3(CO)9(N2C12H11) due to cyclometalation of the side-chain ethyl group (2) and ortho metalation of the unsubstituted bipyridine ring (3). The solid-state structure of the latter cluster, HOs3(CO)9(N2C10H6-6-Et) (3), has unequivocally established the site of the C-H bond activation in the product. Treatment of 1 with the aryl-substituted ligand 6-Ph-2,2′-bipyridine proceeds similarly with ortho metalation at the ancillary phenyl group and the C-6′ ortho site of the unsubstituted bipyridine ring, as verified by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction structure of the thermodynamically more stable bipyridine-metalated cluster HOs3(CO)9(N2C10H6-6-Ph) (5) has been determined. The course of these reactions is discussed with respect to our recent study involving the reaction of cluster 1 with the ligand 6-Me-2,2′-bipyridine. The reaction between the labile cluster Os3(CO)10(MeCN)2 (1) and the monofunctionalized heterocyclic ligand 6-Et-2,2′-bipyridine proceeds readily at room temperature to furnish an isomeric mixture of the cyclometalated and ortho-metalated hydride-bridged clusters HOs3(CO)9(N2C12H11) (2 and 3). Treatment of 1 with 6-Ph-2,2′-bipyridine also yields two distinct hydride-containing clusters that result from independent ortho-metalation paths involving the 6-phenyl substituent and unsubstituted bipyridine group. The bipyridine-derived ortho metalation attendant in the new clusters HOs3(CO)9(N2C10H6-6-Et) (3) and HOs3(CO)9(N2C10H6-6-Ph) (5) has been established by X-ray crystallography.
Design-simulation-optimization package for a generic 6-DOF manipulator with a spherical wrist

Robot manipulators are built to meet certain predetermined performance requirements. The question of whether the robot will have the desired functionality (e.g. dexterity, accuracy, reliability, speed, etc.) needs to be answered before the robot is actually built.We have developed a software package that can greatly ease the design of a generic 6-DOF manipulator with a spherical wrist. Our package will accept as input the configuration of a generic robot in D-H parameter form and the robot dynamics parameters and produce a variety of closed form solutions that are essential to the robot designer. The package can also be used as a simulation tool that can tell the designer whether the manipulator meets the desired functionality. It will also optimize several control and structure parameters for the generic manipulator based on simulated task descriptions.
Interpolation on non-uniformly separated sequences in a weighted Bergman space

Abstract We consider a definition of interpolation, called O-interpolation, that includes the possibility of sequences that are not uniformly separated. We prove that the density condition used to describe classical interpolation sequences is actually sufficient to give O-interpolation.
Measurement Suitability of the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale among Older Urban Black Men

This study investigated the measurement suitability of the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CED-S) when it was administered to older urban black men. This study used two samples of older black men in the Harlem Men’s Health Study (clinic, N = 404; community, N = 319). Three factors emerged in both the clinic and the community samples instead of four factors originally found in Radloff’s study. Depressive and somatic factors merged as one factor instead of as separate distinct factors to explain about 31% of the variance in the clinic sample and 37% of the variance in the community sample. Interpersonal distress measured differently in the two Harlem samples. The “crying” item (depressive affect item) loaded as interpersonal distress in both the clinic and the community samples. These results showed that the four-factor model of CES-D may not be applicable to older urban black men; therefore, caution should be exercised when interpreting CES-D results on populations of older black men.
Improved model to predict properties of

Previous models of quench sensitivity of age-hardening alloys have been extended to include loss of toughness as well as loss of yield strength upon postquench aging. Loss of toughness on slow quenching was modeled by the loss of solute to grain-boundary precipitates that promote intergranular fracture. The phenomena are modeled using differential equations, and the model includes temperature-dependent values of the minimum toughness and strength expected after extended isothermal hold times. Time-temperature-property (TTP) curves for the postaging yield strength and toughness were used to provide empirical kinetic and property data for fitting the proposed relationship. The model was tested against experimental data, both nominally isothermal and truly continuous cooling, for an Al-Cu-Li alloy plate. For nominally isothermally cooling, the model proved to be capable of accurately describing the loss of toughness and the loss of strength to a much larger loss in strength than previous models. The model also successfully predicted the loss of strength on continuous cooling but provided a conservative overestimate of the loss of toughness under the same continuous-cooling conditions. It is suggested that this bias arises from the lack of consideration of differences in the microstructure of the precipitates formed during isothermal treatments and those formed during continuous cooling.
Development of a Human Cardiac Tissue-Based Angiogenesis Model

Background Previous angiogenesis models use animal tissues such as the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) or the rabbit cornea. These models may not accurately reflect the mechanisms responsible for human angiogenesis. Materials and methods We hypothesized that fragments of human myocardial tissue would develop an angiogenic response from the cut edges of vessels contained within the tissue. To test these hypotheses, we obtained human atrial appendage tissue at the time of cardiac bypass. Fragments of atrial tissue were then incorporated into fibrin thrombin clots. Tissue fragments were observed, and the percent of wells that developed neovessel invasion into the clot was calculated (%I). The subsequent growth of cardiac-derived microvessels was rated and scored over time (Angiogenic Index). Results There were 20 human atrial appendages plated (n = 24 to 60 wells/specimen) and evaluated in this model. Out of the 20, 16 (80%) atrial appendages developed an angiogenic response in the majority (>50%) of wells plated. Neovessel growth was progressive over 14 to 16 days in culture in all specimens tested. The mean angiogenic index of all specimens was 8.59 ± 0.91. Conclusions This human cardiac tissue-based assay might be useful to screen compounds designed for use in human trials or provide highly vascularized cardiac tissue for autotransplantation. Additionally, the assay provides the foundation to study an individual patent’s cardiac tissue and its response to angiogenesis stimulators or inhibitors. This may allow the development of patient-specific therapies designed to enhance revascularization or repair of injured cardiac muscle.
Definitions of terms for practical superconductors: 4. Josephson phenomena

Abstract The definitions of terms used in describing the phenomenology and measurement practices of practical superconductive materials are proposed. The definitions cover the subject categories of: 1, fundamental states and flux phenomena, 2, critical parameters, 3, fabrication, stabilization, and transient losses, and 4, Josephson phenomena. It is intended that these terms will become the basis for development of standard measurement practices and responses are invited.
Developmental Toxicology of Industrial Alcohols: A Summary of 13 Alcohols Administered by Inhalation to Rats:

The developmental toxicology of 13 industrial alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, tertiary-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 1-octanol, 1-nonanol, and 1-decanol), and the behavioral teratogenicity of 4 of these alcohols, were assessed in a series of experiments. The results of individual alcohols have been published previously, but the present paper summarizes the results in view of structure-activity relationships among these alcohols. The alcohols were administered by inhalation for 7 hours per day (6 hours/day for 1-decanol) on gestation days 1-19 to groups of approximately 15 pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. For developmental toxicology evaluations, dams were sacrificed on gestation day 20. Fetuses were serially removed, weighed, sexed, and examined for external malformations. The frequency of visceral malformations and variations was determined in one-half of the fetuses, and the frequency of skeletal deviations was determined in the other half. Behavioral teratology endpoints were investigated in groups of 15 pregnant rats exposed to one of four alcohols (ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, and tertiary-butanol) and also involved groups of 18 male rats which were exposed to the same concentrations of each alcohol for 6 weeks, and then mated to untreated females. In the behavioral teratology evaluations, all litters were culled to eight pups and fostered to unexposed mothers. Offspring were tested from days 10-90 on a series of behavioral tests designed to evaluate neuromotor integrity, activity levels, learning, and memory. Additionally, brains were removed from 10 offspring per group at 21 days of age, and were dissected into cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, and midbrain; these samples were assayed for steady-state levels of protein and the neurotransmitters acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), substance P, B-endorphin, and met-enkephalin. Congenital malformations were noted for methanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol, and 1-butanol, but only at concentrations in excess of 5000 ppm. These concentrations also produced toxicity in the maternal animals; thus, there was little evidence of selective developmental toxicity among the alcohols. Although sporadic behavioral and neurochemical deviations were detected, no consistent pattern of effects was seen for any of the alcohols we tested. It should be noted that alcohols with chain lengths longer than the butyl series could not be generated as vapors at sufficiently high concentrations to produce observable toxicity in the maternal animals. This limits the generality of these findings to the possible developmental effects of these alcohols when taken through other routes of exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The effect of age and tongue exercise on BDNF and TrkB in the hypoglossal nucleus of rats.

Abstract Age-associated changes in tongue musculature may contribute to dysphagia. One possible treatment is tongue exercise. Exercise induces synaptic plasticity by increasing neurotrophic factors in spinal cord and limb musculature. However, effects of exercise on neurotrophic factors in the cranial sensorimotor system are unknown. Our purpose was to examine the effects of age and exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB in the rat hypoglossal nucleus. Young, middle-aged, and old rats were assigned to exercise or no-exercise control conditions. Exercise animals were trained to perform a tongue press task for 8 weeks. Samples from the hypoglossal nucleus were analyzed for BDNF and TrkB immunoreactivity. Baseline maximum tongue forces were similar in all age groups and increased significantly following exercise. BDNF immunoreactivity did not show a significant decrease with age in control group. However, in the exercise group, BDNF was significantly increased in young animals. TrkB immunoreactivity decreased significantly with age in control group, but did not change with exercise. BDNF and TrkB immunoreactivity levels were positively correlated with exercise in young and middle aged animals, but were negatively or weakly correlated with exercise in old animals and with a lack of exercise in no-exercise controls. Tongue exercise was associated with increased tongue forces in rats at all ages. While increases in BDNF and TrkB levels associated with exercise may play a role in mechanisms contributing to increased tongue forces in young and middle-aged rats, other mechanisms may be involved in increased tongue forces observed in old rats.
Decision making, computer attitudes and expert systems: What is our direction?

Expert systems have been concerned with applications dealing with medical diagnosis, mineral exploration, and computer configuration, with some efforts relatively successful in achieving results at least as good as human experts. Today, much is being written about these systems and managerial decision-making activities in organizations and the positive impact that they can have in these situations. However, it appears that expert systems could become somewhat of a panacea for some organizational ailments as research, development, and marketing of them continues at a fast pace. What may be forgotten in this technological thrust is the individual decision maker and his/her unique style of decision making which could affect acceptance and use of these systems. Another important consideration is the attitude people have toward computers and computer systems, which along with decision-making styles could certainly affect expert system effectiveness and ultimate success in organizations. This paper provides a discussion of potential problems that could occur regarding individual decision making and attitudes and their relationships to these systems.
Teaching Eighteenth‐Century Women Writers

Although the availability of classroom texts and scholarship on 18th century British women writers has grown substantially in the past 20 years, little has been written about the classroom experience. This essay surveys the questions and materials that shape the teaching of female authors from Behn to Barbauld (roughly 1660–1800). Beginning with the arguments on recovery and esthetic or cultural appreciation, the essay reviews available texts (paper and digital sources), organization and methods of teaching, and further resources for the instructor. Throughout, the essay includes strategies for recursive critical reading and achieving general education learning objectives, thus demonstrating how the classroom can be used as a critical space for feminist recovery of early women writers.
Trajectories of Health for Older Adults over Time: Accounting Fully for Death

The process of healthy aging can best be described by plotting the trajectory of health-related variables over time. Unfortunately, graphs including data only from survivors may be misleading because they may confuse patterns of mortality with patterns of change in health. Two approaches for creating graphs that account for death in such situations are 1) to incorporate a category or value for death into the longitudinal health variable and 2) to measure time in years before death or some other event. The first approach has been applied to self-rated health (excellent to poor) and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). It allows for flexible and interpretable analyses and may be appropriate for other variables as well. The second approach also accounts fully for death, but the questions it can address are limited. Both approaches are useful and should be used at a minimum for supporting analyses in longitudinal studies in which persons die during observation.
Relevance of risk assessment to exposed communities.

Current environmental policy tends to evaluate potential, theoretical exposure to health risks by evaluating one chemical or hazard at a time. Risk assessment techniques used by the U. S. Environme...
Variable frequency sweeping of a dye laser.

The output from a cavity dumped argon ion laser was used to pump a jet-stream dye laser. It was found that lasing consistently begins at the shortest wavelengths and sweeps in time to longer wavelengths. (AIP)
Flashing Message Features on Changeable Message Signs

Studies were conducted with a driving simulator to determine the effects of displaying changeable-message-sign messages with dynamic features consisting of (a) flashing all lines simultaneously in a one-phase, three-line message and (b) flashing one line (top line) of a one-phase, three-line message. In the first dynamic feature, all three lines were flashed. Only the top line was flashed for the second dynamic feature. Messages with these two dynamic features were compared with comparable static messages. No differences in average reading time were found between the messages in which all three lines flashed and static messages. However, the results suggest that flashing an entire one-phase message may have adverse effects on message understanding for drivers who are unfamiliar with this dynamic mode of display. A significant percentage of the subjects preferred the static display. The average reading time for the flashing line (top line) messages was significantly longer than for the static messages. The results also suggest that unfamiliar drivers will be adversely affected by this particular display feature, relative to comprehension of the entire message. The subjects liked the flashing line and static messages equally well. No differences were found by age, education, and gender among the three dynamic message modes and their alternatives. In addition, no differences were noticed in driving performance.
Efficient adenoviral gene transfer to early venous bypass grafts: comparison with native vessels.

Objectives : Gene therapy may provide new approaches to reduce vein graft failure following coronary or peripheral bypass surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative efficacy of intraoperative adenoviral gene transfer to vein grafts, comparing transgene expression in vein grafts with that in matched native vessels in the same animal. In addition, we assessed the impact of bypass grafting on the cellular targets of gene transfer. Methods : New Zealand White rabbits underwent interposition bypass grafting of the carotid artery, using the ipsilateral external jugular vein, which was infected with an adenovirus expressing β-galactosidase immediately prior to bypass grafting ( n = 16). The contralateral native jugular vein ( n = 16) and carotid artery ( n = 8) were infected concurrently with the same adenoviral preparation. After 3, 7 or 14 days, β-galactosidase protein expression was quantified by ELISA, and specific cell types expressing β-galactosidase were identified by X-Gal staining and by immunohistochemistry. Results : After 3 days, endothelial cells were efficiently transduced in all vessels; medial smooth muscle cells were transduced infrequently. In contrast to jugular veins after gene transfer, endothelium in vein grafts showed expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, and intense inflammation with CD18+ leukocytes. Transgene expression in vein grafts at day 3 was maintained at levels approximately 50% of that in ungrafted jugular veins, but continued to decrease through day 7. Conclusions : Although vascular injury in early venous bypass grafts reduces gene transfer efficacy, significant transgene expression is maintained for at least 7 days. These findings have important implications for intraoperative gene transfer strategies in vein grafts.
Training a retarded child as a behavioral teaching assistant

Abstract After baseline observations were made of the classroom disruptive behavior of three retarded children, a behavior modification program was initiated. Hector, a 14-yr-old boy with an IQ of 42 distributed candy reinforcers to the best behaved pupils in a class for the severely retarded. The two most distruptive children in the class were made targets for behavior modification by Hector, who was first required to earn the privilege of being a teaching assistant by behaving well in his own classroom. Hector's appropriate behavior increased when he was reinforced by serving as a “helper” and the target children behaved more acceptably through the behavior modification program even though the reinforcers were delivered by a peer.
Should behavior therapists stop using reinforcement ? A reexamination of the undermining effect of reinforcement on intrinsic motivation

In two experiments the effect of monetary reinforcement on college students' intrinsic motivation was examined in an attempt to compare two competing explanations of the effects of tangible reinforcement on intrinsic motivation: discrimination training and cognitive evaluation theory. In Experiment 1, students were administered the typical methodology used to study the effects of tangible reinforcement on intrinsic motivation with the addition that the verbal instructions prior to the posttreatment session that inform participants regarding the lack of reinforcer availability were manipulated experimentally. The results supported the hypothesis that discrimination training accounts for the undermining effect. Experiment 2 replicated the findings of Experiment 1 and included tests of the cognitive evaluation theory account of the undermining effect. Several results of Experiment 2 were inconsistent with predictions based on cognitive evaluation theory, whereas the discrimination training hypothesis received additional support. The advantages of the discrimination training account of the undermining effect and the implications for the use of reinforcement in applied settings were discussed.
Conformational energy studies on N‐methylated analogs of thyrotropin releasing hormone, enkephalin, and luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone

Empirical conformational energy calculations have been carried out for N-methyl derivatives of alanine and phenylalanine dipeptide models and N-methyl-substituted active analogs of three biologically active peptides, namely thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), enkephalin (ENK), and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). The isoenergetic contour maps and the local dipeptide minima obtained, when the peptide bond (ω) preceding the N-methylated residue is in the trans configuration show that (1) N-methylation constricts the conformational freedom of both the ith and (i + 1)th residues; (2), the lowest energy position for both residues occurs around ϕ = −135° ± 5° and ψ = 75° ± 5°, and (3) the αL conformational state is the second lowest energy state for the (i + 1)th residue, whereas for the ith residue the C5 (extended) conformation is second lowest in energy. When the peptide bond (ωi) is in the cis configuration the ith residue is energetically forbidden in the range ϕ = 0° to 180° and ψ = −180° to +180°. Conformations of low energy for ωi = 0° are found to be similar to those obtained for the trans peptide bond. In all the model systems (irrespective of cis or trans), the αR conformational state is energetically very high. Significant deviations from planarity are found for the peptide bond when the amide hydrogen is replaced by a methyl group. Two low-energy conformers are found for [(N-Me)His2]TRH. These conformers differ only in the ϕ and ψ values at the (N-Me)His2 residue. Among the different low-energy conformers found for each of the ENK analogs [D-Ala2,(N-Me)Phe4, Met5]ENK amide and [D-Ala2,(N-Me)Met5]ENK amide, one low-energy conformer was found to be common for both analogs with respect to the side-chain orientations. The stability of the low-energy structures is discussed in the light of the activity of other analogs. Two low-energy conformers were found for [(N-Me)Leu7]LHRH. These conformations differ in the types of bend around the positions 6 and 7 of LHRH. One bend type is eliminated when the active analog [D-Ala6,(M-Me)Leu7]LHRH is considered.
Inkjet printed chemical sensor array based on polythiophene conductive polymers

Multiple regioregular polythiophene polymers with a variety of side chains, end groups and secondary polymer chains were used as active sensing layers in a single chip chemresistor sensor array device. A custom inkjet system was used to selectively deposit the polymers onto the array of transduction electrodes. The sensor demonstrated sensitivity and selectivity for detection and discrimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The conductivity responses to VOC vapors are dependent on the chemical structure of the polymers. For certain VOCs, conductivity increased in some polymers, while it decreased in others. Principal component analysis (PCA) of sensor responses was used to discriminate between the tested VOCs. These results are correlated to the chemical structures of the different polymers, and qualitative hypothesis of chemical sensing mechanisms are proposed. This research demonstrates the potential for using such devices in VOC detection and discrimination sensing applications.
Neutral fermion, charge-e boson excitations in the resonating-valence-bond state and superconductivity in La 2 CuO 4 -based compounds

We derive the neutral fermion excitation spectrum in the resonating-valence-bond state based on a fermion-boson field theory. It is formally shown that charge-$e$ bosons are created upon doping while the neutral fermion excitation remains gapless, predicting a linear low-temperature specific heat $C\ensuremath{\propto}\ensuremath{\gamma}T$ in the superconducting state. Bose condensation in doped samples leads to the observed superconductivity with true "off-diagonal long-range order."
Sisterdjs in the House: Electronic/dance Music and Women-Centered Spaces on the Net

This essay examines the role of women DJs and their positioning within electronic/dance music culture, which is overwhelmingly dominated by men. The Sisterdjs listserv is an educating and encouraging space for its participants with very few offline equivalents. Using Butler's theory of performativity, I argue that list discourse positively impacts the identity construction of women DJs by drawing attention to the ways that women are discursively positioned at the intersections of music, technology, and cuture.
Air pollution indicators predict outbreaks of asthma exacerbations among elementary school children: integration of daily environmental and school health surveillance systems in Pennsylvania.

Objectives of this study are to determine if a relationship exists between asthma exacerbations among elementary school children in industrialized countries (with climatic seasons) and exposure to daily air pollution with particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ozone, when controlled for potential confounders; and, if so, to derive a statistical model that predicts variation of asthma exacerbations among elementary school children. Using an ecological study design, health records of 168 825 students from elementary schools in 49 Pennsylvania counties employing “Health eTools for Schools” were analyzed. Asthma exacerbations were recorded by nurses as treatment given during clinic visits each day. Daily air pollution measurements were obtained from the EPA's air quality monitoring sites. The distribution of asthmatic grouping for pollen and calendar seasons was developed. A Poisson regression model was used to predict the number of asthma exacerbations. The greatest occurrence of asthma exacerbations was in autumn, followed by summer, spring and winter. If the number of asthma exacerbations on a day is N and the daily mean of asthma exacerbations for the three-year period is 48, the probabilities of N > 48 in tree pollen and grass pollen seasons were 56.5% and 40.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). According to the Poisson regression, the week number and prior day CO, SO2, NO2, NOx, PM2.5, and O3 had significant effects on asthma exacerbations among students. Monitoring of air pollutants over time could be a reliable new means for predicting asthma exacerbations among elementary school children. Such predictions could help parents and school nurses implement effective precautionary measures.
Metagenomic Insights into the RDX-Degrading Potential of the Ovine Rumen Microbiome

The manufacturing processes of royal demolition explosive (RDX), or hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine, have resulted in serious water contamination. As a potential carcinogen, RDX can cause a broad range of harmful effects to humans and animals. The ovine rumen is capable of rapid degradation of nitroaromatic compounds, including RDX. While ruminal RDX-degrading bacteria have been identified, the genes and pathways responsible for RDX degradation in the rumen have yet to be characterized. In this study, we characterized the metabolic potential of the ovine rumen using metagenomic approaches. Sequences homologous to at least five RDX-degrading genes cloned from environmental samples (diaA, xenA, xenB, xplA, and xplB) were present in the ovine rumen microbiome. Among them, diaA was the most abundant, likely reflective of the predominance of the genus Clostridium in the ovine rumen. At least ten genera known to harbor RDX-degrading microorganisms were detectable. Metagenomic sequences were also annotated using public databases, such as Pfam, COG, and KEGG. Five of the six Pfam protein families known to be responsible for RDX degradation in environmental samples were identified in the ovine rumen. However, increased substrate availability did not appear to enhance the proliferation of RDX-degrading bacteria and alter the microbial composition of the ovine rumen. This implies that the RDX-degrading capacity of the ovine rumen microbiome is likely regulated at the transcription level. Our results provide metagenomic insights into the RDX-degrading potential of the ovine rumen, and they will facilitate the development of novel and economic bioremediation strategies.
HistoRIA: a new tool for simulation input analysis

An important step in input modeling is the assessment of data being independently and identically distributed (IID). While this is straightforward when modeling stationary stochastic processes, it becomes more challenging when the stochastic process follows a non-stationary pattern where the probability distribution or its parameters depend on time. In this paper, we first discuss the challenges faced by using traditional approaches. We then introduce the Histograms and Rates for Input Analysis (HistoRIA) as a tool to facilitate input modeling. The tool automates the analysis process and significantly reduces the amount of time and effort required to test the IID assumptions. The generated HistoRIA plot is capable of effectively illustrating changes in the rate and distribution over time. Although originally designed and developed for simulation input analysis, the paper demonstrates how the tool can potentially be applicable in other areas where non-stationarity in the data is also common.
Sophistic aspects of Pappus's collection

Dans cet article, l'auteur donne une nouvelle interpretation de l'introduction du troisieme livre des collections mathematiques de Pappus d'Alexandrie, et plus precisement montre les similarites entre la description de Pappus et les procedures utilisees par les sophistes de son epoque.
Organization of membrane motor in outer hair cells: an atomic force microscopic study.

Using atomic force microscopy, we imaged the cytosolic surface of the lateral plasma membrane of outer hair cells from guinea pigs’ inner ear. We used a “cell-free” preparation, in which a patch of plasma membrane was firmly attached to a substrate and the cytoplasmic face was exposed. The membrane patches contained densely packed particles whose diameter, after correcting for the geometry of the probing tip, was ∼10 nm. The particles were predominantly aligned unidirectionally with spacing of ∼36 nm. The density of the particle was ∼850 μm−2, which could be an underestimate presumably due to the method of sample preparation. Antibody-labeled specimens showed particles more elevated than unlabeled preparation indicative of primary and secondary antibody complexes. The corrected diameters of these particles labeled with anti-actin were ∼12 nm while that with antiprestin were ∼8 nm. The alignment pattern in antiprestin-labeled specimens resembled that of the unlabeled preparation. Specimens labeled with actin antibodies did not show such alignment. We interpret that the particles observed in the unlabeled membranes correspond to the 10-nm particles reported by electron microscopy and that these particles contain prestin, a member of the SLC26 family, which is essential for electromotility.
Diffusion of chemically reactive species in a porous medium over a stretching sheet

Solutions for a class of nonlinear second-order differential equations, arising in diffusion of chemically reactive species of a non-Newtonian fluid immersed in a porous medium over a stretching sheet, are obtained. Furthermore, using the Brouwer fixed point theorem, existence results are established. Moreover, the exact analytical solutions (for some special cases) are obtained. The results obtained for the diffusion characteristics reveal many interesting behaviors that warrant further study of the effects of reaction rate on the transfer of chemically reactive species.
Do phase 1 patients have greater needs for palliative care compared with other cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Phase 1 oncology trial participants often are excluded from hospice. However, it is not known whether they would benefit from hospice services. The objectives of the current study were to define the palliative care needs of these patients and to determine whether their needs are greater than those of other cancer patients. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-seven patients who were undergoing cancer therapy and 69 patients who were enrolled in phase 1 trials at 7 oncology clinics in an urban cancer network were recruited and consented to participate in interviews. Interviewers assessed the prevalence and severity of 10 symptoms using the Global Distress Index of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and patients' perceived need for 4 services typically provided through hospice: a chaplain, counselor, home health aide, and visiting nurse. RESULTS: Patients in the 2 groups had a similar symptom burden. However, after adjusting for Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status scores, phase 1 patients were more likely to have 5 of the 10 symptoms and reported greater severity for 6 of the 10 symptoms. Compared with other patients, phase 1 patients were less likely to say they needed a home health aide (4 of 69 patients [6%] vs 198 of 297 patients [67%]), a chaplain (7 of 69 patients [10%] vs 134 of 297 patients [45%]), or a counselor (11 of 69 patients [16%] vs 160 of 297 patients [54%]; chi-square test: P < .001 for all). They were equally likely to say they needed a visiting nurse (30 of 69 patients [44%] vs 142 of 297 patients [48%]; chi-square test: P = .516). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other patients who had cancer, patients who were participating in phase 1 trials were less likely to want several home care services, although they experienced a greater symptom burden. Further research will be needed to define the palliative care needs of this population. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.