cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Availability of tobacco and alcohol products in Los Angeles community pharmacies.

The availability of tobacco and alcohol products in community pharmacies contradicts the pharmacists’ Code of Ethics and presents challenges for a profession that is overwhelmingly not in favor of the sale of these products in its practice settings. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of pharmacies that sell tobacco products and/or alcoholic beverages and to characterize promotion of these products. The proportion of pharmacies that sell non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products as aids to smoking cessation also was estimated. Among 250 randomly-selected community pharmacies in Los Angeles, 32.8% sold cigarettes, and 26.0% sold alcohol products. Cigarettes were more likely to be available in traditional chain pharmacies and grocery stores than in independently-owned pharmacies (100% versus 10.8%; P < 0.001), and traditional chain drug stores and grocery stores were more likely to sell alcoholic beverages than were independently-owned pharmacies (87.5% vs. 5.4%; P < 0.001). Thirty-four (41.5%) of the 82 pharmacies that sold cigarettes and 47 (72.3%) of the 65 pharmacies that sold alcohol also displayed promotional materials for these products. NRT products were merchandised by 58% of pharmacies. Results of this study suggest that when given a choice, pharmacists choose not to sell tobacco or alcohol products.
Selective Removal of Copper(II) from Aqueous Solutions Using Fine-Grained Activated Carbon Functionalized with Amine

To develop an effective transition-metal-ion adsorbent material, functionalization of amine (−NH2) onto fine-grained activated carbon (AC) was performed via the electrophilic aromatic substitution of nitro (−NO2) groups onto the aromatic backbone of the AC, followed by reduction of −NO2 to −NH2. Fourier transform infrared, Brunauer−Emmett−Teller surface area analysis, gravimetric method, and batch metal ion adsorption experiments were performed in parallel on unmodified AC and amine-functionalized AC (NH2-AC). The competitive adsorption of transition-metal ions (Cd2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+) was measured in batch experiments at pH 2.0−5.8. Metal ions favored the NH2-AC over the unmodified AC. Based on the distribution coefficients (Kd), the NH2-AC had an affinity for metal ions in decreasing order of Cu2+ ≫ Pb2+ > Ni2+ > Cd2+. On the NH2-AC, the copper adsorption equilibrium was reached within 1 min with a saturation loading capacity of 0.86 mmol of Cu/g, 2.5 times greater than that on the unmodified AC. Th...
Characterization of Rous sarcoma virus intronic sequences that negatively regulate splicing

Retroviruses splice only a fraction of their primary RNA transcripts to subgenomic mRNA. The unspliced RNA is transported to the cytoplasm, where it serves as genomic RNA as well as mRNA for the gag and pol genes. Deletion of sequences from the Rous sarcoma virus gag gene, which is part of the intron of the subgenomic mRNAs, was previously observed to result in an increase in the ratio of spliced to unspliced RNA. These sequences, which we termed a negative regulator of splicing (NRS), can be moved to the intron of a heterologous gene resulting in an accumulation of unspliced RNA in the nucleus. We have used such constructs, assayed by transient expression in chicken embryo fibroblasts, to define the minimal sequences necessary to inhibit splicing. Maximal NRS activity was observed with a 300-nt fragment containing RSV nts 707-1006; two noncontiguous domains within this fragment, one of which contains a polypyrimidine tract, were both found to be essential. The NRS element was active exclusively in the sense orientation in two heterologous introns tested and in both avian and mammalian cells. Position dependence was also observed, with highest activity when the NRS was inserted in the intron near the 5' splice site. The NRS element was also active at an exon position 136 nts upstream of the 5' splice site but not at sites further upstream. In addition, it did not affect the splicing of a downstream intron.
Structural identification of long-chain polyamines associated with diatom biosilica in a Southern Ocean sediment core

Long-chain polyamines (LCPAs) constitute a new family of natural organic compounds that have recently been isolated and characterized from the biosilicified cell walls of diatom cultures. To date, diatom-specific polyamines have not been investigated from the marine environment and their fate in the environment is entirely unknown. Here, we report a series of LCPAs in a diatom frustule-rich sediment core (TNO57-13 PC4), originating from the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean and spanning from the Holocene to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS) revealed a complex mixture of linear polyamines with at least 28 individual molecular species. Ion trap mass fragmentation studies, combined with high resolution Time of Flight (TOF) mass spectrometry showed that the polyamine pool consisted of a series of N-methylated propylamine compounds attached to a putrescine moiety, with individual LCPAs varying in chain length and degree of methylation. The structural similarity between LCPAs extracted from the diatom-rich sediment core and those extracted from the frustules of cultured diatoms suggests that sedimentary LCPAs are derived from diatom frustules. We hypothesize that these intrinsically labile organic molecular fossils are protected from diagenesis by encapsulation within the frustule. These compounds constitute a new class of biomarkers that could potentially be indicators of diatom species distribution. Isotopic analysis of LCPAs could be used to improve age models for sediment cores that lack calcium carbonate and to improve current interpretations of diatom-based paleoproxies, including diatom-bound nitrogen isotopes.
Differential role of psoriasin (S100A7) in estrogen receptor α positive and negative breast cancer cells occur through actin remodeling

Psoriasin (S100A7) is a calcium-binding protein that has shown to be highly expressed in high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and a subset of invasive breast cancers. However, its role in invasion and metastasis is not very well known. In this study, we have shown that S100A7 differentially regulates epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced cell migration and invasion in ERα− MDA-MB-231 cells and ERα+ MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells. Further signaling studies revealed that S100A7 enhances EGF-induced EGFR phosphorylation and actin remodeling that seems to favor lamellipodia formation in ERα− cells. In addition, S100A7 overexpression enhanced NF-κB-mediated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion in MDA-MB-231 cells indicating its role in enhanced invasiveness. However, S100A7 overexpression inhibited migration and invasion of MCF-7 cells by inactivating Rac-1 pathway and MMP-9 secretion. Moreover, S100A7 overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells showed enhanced metastasis compared to vector control in in vivo nude mice as detected by bioluminescence imaging. Our tissue microarray data also revealed predominant expression of S100A7 in ERα− metastatic carcinoma, especially in lymph node regions. Overall these studies suggest that S100A7 may enhance metastasis in ERα− breast cancer cells by a novel mechanism through regulation of actin cytoskeleton and MMP-9 secretion.
An analysis of fluid movements due to hydrodynamic forces in a counter-current system composed of capillary-size vessels

Abstract A model system is used to develop a description of fluid movements due to hydrodynamic forces in a multi-tube, counter-current exchanger composed of capillary-size vessels. The model can be characterized by four dimensionless groups which embody both geometrical and physical parameters. An exact solution to the equations of the model is obtained and used to provide an upper-bound estimate of fluid movements in the system as a function of system parameters. Some limiting cases of the solution are also discussed.
SES Americom maximizes satellite revenues by optimally configuring transponders

SES Americom Inc. will launch AMC-12, the first of its new generation of communication satellites, in early 2004. This satellite has 24 highly sophisticated transponders, each of which can serve up to three markets simultaneously. By changing the configuration of the transponders, we can alter the markets they serve, thereby adjusting the capacity available by market. We developed a pricing- and contract-management system to maximize the revenues that AMC-12 generates. The system tracks signed contracts and projected demands over the life of the satellite, and recommends optimal configurations for the satellite's 24 transponders each month to maximize revenues. We modeled the transponder-configuration problem as a mixed-integer program and developed efficient heuristics for solving the problem. We implemented our algorithms in a Microsoft Excel-based system with a Visual Basic user interface. SES Americom is using the system to manage over $2 billion in revenues. We plan to adapt the system for use in other satellites with similar technology to be launched in the future.
Holdup and flooding in air liquid mixing

The amount of flowing air held up, or retained, under the surface of water and corn syrup solutions was measured in cylindrical tanks of different sizes using turbine type mixing impellers. Holdup is frequently used as an index of the effectiveness of gas-liquid contacting in adsorption or stripping operations; it can be correlated with air flow rate and power input as follows h = a(PT/V)bFc where h is the holdup of air in ft. per ft. of ungassed liquid, a, b, and c, are constants, (PT/V) is the total power supplied by the impeller and air per unit volume, and F is the superficial velocity of the air. Values of a and b vary with tank size. The effect of liquid viscosity is pronounced but not amenable to simple correlations with the constants. Limits of operation to prevent flooding are defined as functions of impeller power and air flow. On a mesure, dans des reservoirs cylindriques de differentes dimensions et en utilisant des palettes a malaxage du genre turbine, la quantite d'air d'ecoulement qui etait retenue sous la surface de l'eau et de solutions de sirop de mais. On emploie frequemment la dite retention comma critere de l'efficacite du contact entre un gaz et un liquide dans des operations d'adsorption ou d'extraction; on peut etablir une correlation entre elle et la vitesse du debit de l'air et l'energie introduite en utilisant l'equation suivante h = a(PT/V)bFc ou h est la retention de l'air en pieds par pied de liquide depourvu de gaz; a, b, et c sont des constantes; (PT/V) est l'energie totale fournie par les palettes et l'air par unite de volume du liquide, et F est la velocite superficielle de l'air. Les valeurs de a et b varient avec les dimensions du reservoir. L'effet de la viscosite du liquide est prononce, mais ne se prěte pas a des correlations simples avec les constantes. On definit les limites d'operation pour empěcher l'injection en fonction de l'energie des palettese et de l'ecoulement de l'air.
Childhood Memories and Receptivity to Corrective Feedback in Group Supervision: Implications for Group Work

This article presents findings from an exploration into supervisees’ perspectives on childhood memories and receptivity to corrective feedback in group supervision. Historically, students’ receptivity to corrective feedback has not been explored relative to their childhood memories. Ten graduate students from four practicum groups participated in three rounds of interviews and a focus group. They explored their childhood memories of receiving corrective feedback and the influence of these memories on their receptivity to corrective feedback in group supervision. Findings revealed that those participants’ receptivity to corrective feedback was influenced by their childhood memories. Implications for group work and supervision are suggested.
Pituitary Size in Depression

Magnetic resonance images centered at the pituitary stalk were used to measure pituitary gland size in 19 patients with major depression compared with that in age- and sex-matched controls. Depressed patients had significantly greater pituitary cross-sectional area (P = 0.0009) and volume (P = 0.007) than the controls. This difference was particularly prominent in elderly depressed patients compared to elderly controls. These results provide the first demonstration of structural alterations in the pituitary gland in major depression.
Lattice Parameters of (U,Pu)N Solid Solutions

The lattice parameters of the cubic solid solutions from the system (U1-∞Pu∞)N were measured at 25°C. The lattice constant, a0, of UN was 4.88918±0.00017 A and that of PuN was 4.90476±0.00008 A. The parameter of the solid solution does not depend linearly on the composition parameter, x. The X-ray specimens contained from 600 to 1200 ppm total O+C as impurities; thus, these samples had much lower impurity levels than those of previous investigators. The compositions of the X-ray specimens were corroborated by quantitative chemical analysis. The significant deviation from Vegard's relation and the small variation observed for a0, in this system are discussed in terms of the strongly hybridized electron f–d bands that have been calculated for these compounds.
Predicting paravalvular regurgitation following transcatheter valve replacement: utility of a novel method for three-dimensional echocardiographic measurements of the aortic annulus

Background Studies evaluating three-dimensional echocardiographic (3DE) annular sizing for balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are limited. In this study, a retrospective analysis of transesophageal echocardiographic images was performed to assess the feasibility of multiplanar measurements of annular dimensions by the novel off-label use of commercially available 3DE software and correlate annular sizing with severity of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR). Methods Intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 58 patients undergoing TAVR for severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Off-label use of commercially available software was used to measure transesophageal 3DE volumes. Pre-TAVR annular linear dimensions included two-dimensional echocardiographic sagittal diameter and 3DE measurements of minimal diameter, maximal diameter (MaxDiam), and the average or mean diameter. Three-dimensional echocardiographic average annular diameter derived from annular perimeter (AveAnnDiam P ) and average annular diameter derived from annular area (AveAnnDiam A ) were calculated. A cover index was calculated using each measurement. Short-axis PVR color jet areas were summed after deployment and at the end of study. Results Two-dimensional echocardiographic sagittal diameter was significantly smaller than 3DE MaxDiam ( P P ( P = .017), significantly larger than 3DE minimal diameter ( P P = .36) and AveAnnDiam A ( P = .38). There was a linear relationship between all 3DE annular measurements and immediate post-TAVR PVR area ( P ≤ .0001), with the largest R 2 value (0.48) for 3DE MaxDiam, 3DE AveAnnDiam P , and 3DE AveAnnDiam A . The largest areas under the curve to detect greater than mild PVR were for 3DE AveAnnDiam P cover index (0.772) and 3DE AveAnnDiam A cover index (0.769). Intraclass correlation coefficients for interobserver and intraobserver variability were high for 3DE AveAnnDiam P and 3DE AveAnnDiam A and lower for 3DE MaxDiam. Conclusions Using a novel approach to 3DE annular measurements, 3DE AveAnnDiam P and 3DE AveAnnDiam A can be reliably measured and correlate best with post-TAVR PVR area. New sizing algorithms with 3DE measurements should be developed.
Further Experiments with Detector-Based Conditional Random Fields in Phonetic Recognition

In our prior work with conditional random fields (CRFs), we have shown that it is possible to achieve results in the phonetic recognition task with a CRF that approach the results of a similarly trained HMM system (but with many fewer parameters), and we have shown that using two different feature sets that are supposedly redundant gives an improvement in the performance of the CRF. In this paper, we explore two new areas with our CRF model. First, we show that by using two feature sets that are just transforms of each other, we achieve an improvement of results in the CRF model. Second, we show that by adding a single pass of realignment to our CRF model training, we achieve an accuracy result in the phone recognition task that is superior to that of an HMM system trained with triphone labels, despite only training the CRF on monophone labels with no explicit triphonic context.
Bioprinting: Beyond the Natural Order of Creation

The design of new biomaterials that are durable, lightweight, and tunable requires the ability to arrange materials in complex hierarchical patterns, mimicking naturally occurring composites such as those found in bone. Bone is strong and tough owing to the highly ordered microstructure of its two constituent materials, soft collagen protein and stiff hydroxyapatite mineral. Currently used bone substitutes exhibit far inferior mechanical properties, even when natural bone components are used, because they do not recapitulate the intricate composite structure required to improve fracture-resistance beyond that of the constituent materials. In a recent paper, Dimas et al. used soft and stiff polymers placed in computer-optimized geometric configurations that replicate nature’s own patterns and a three-dimensional (3D) printer that prints two materials at once in order to successfully build bonelike materials featuring fracture resistance similar to that of natural bone. The authors used stereolithography (“3D printing”) to print two materials with dramatically different stiffnesses into three composite structures so as to mimic the structure of bone, biocalcite, or a rotated bone-like geometry. The authors performed mechanical characterization of the individual materials and developed a computer simulation of deformation and fracture of these composites under tensile strain. The resulting model showed a great deal of agreement with the experimental data. Notably, much of the strain was carried by the more compliant component and served as the site of fracture propagation, akin to the way it functions in natural bone. The bonelike topology exhibited the highest resistance to fracture, with toughness values more than 20 times those of its individual components. This increased toughness was due to the tortuous path of crack propagation around the stiffer “plates” of mineral-like material, which were capable of absorbing much of the energy. Interestingly, other topologies did not show as much improvement in toughness, despite containing virtually the same materials. The combination of detailed computer modeling and rapid prototyping paves the way for the creation of multicomponent materials, arranged in any variation of patterns. Such materials could be custom-designed to perform specific functions and have predictable properties for medical applications, enabling rapid preclinical to clinical translation. The performance of these materials in preclinical models and in vivo biocompatibility have yet to be demonstrated. However, bioprinting of biologically relevant materials, such as collagen and calcium phosphate in the case of bone substitutes, can open up new avenues for developing superior devices to address unmet clinical needs. L. S. Dimas et al. , Tough composites inspired by mineralized natural materials: Computation, 3D printing, and testing. Adv. Func. Mater. , published online 17 June 2013 (10.1002/adfm.201300215). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.201300215/abstract
A New Species of Nycteridopsylla (Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae) from Southwestern United States, With a Key to the North American Species

A new species of Nycteridopsylla (Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae) is described from the United States, and the other 2 North American taxa are discussed and illustrated. A summary of the biology, host preferences, and distribution of all 3 species is included, along with a key to both sexes.
A holistic model for biological mass exchange

The author introduces several new algebraic structures to study the exchange between circulating fluids and organs in a living organism.
Personality Scale for Shallow Affect

A dimension of individual differences in shallow affect is proposed on theoretical grounds. One hundred items were prepared and comprised a provisional Shallow Affect Scale. When administered with ...
What have hard probes taught us about the quark–gluon plasma as measured in CMS?

Abstract This paper reviews recent CMS measurements from hard probes and their implications in assessing the properties of the QGP. Results from pPb collisions are compared and contrasted to measurements in PbPb collisions. The role of pPb collisions as a “control experiment” separating initial from final state effects is discussed.
Oxidation of several aromatic hydrocarbons using dimethyl sulfoxide exposed to the atmosphere

Summary 1,2,5,6-dibenzanthracene and several other carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons are oxidized to the corresponding quinone derivatives in basic dimethyl sulfoxide. This oxidation can occur in the absence of molecular oxygen, and also in dimethyl sulfoxide that has not been properly dried.
Adaptive multimedia caching strategy in heterogeneous application environments

Caching strategies for real-time multimedia systems are investigated in this research. We study the effect between caching algorithms and various consuming rates as a result of different requirements of quality of services (QoS), media types and network configurations. In particular, we examine two models targeting at rate heterogeneity and propose two interval based schemes called PIB and PISB. It is demonstrated by experimental results that PISB, which takes both the file size and the consuming rate into account, performs consistently better. Finally, we extend our discussion to the adaptivity to interactive operations and the relationship between the Internet proxy caching and the memory hierarchy caching.
Ultra-Wide Bandwidth and Very-Low Voltage Substrate-Removed Electro-optic Intensity Modulators

Ultra-wide bandwidth, very-low drive voltage modulators using substrate-removed waveguides with MQW cores and loaded line traveling wave electrodes are presented. 1 cm long electrode devices have 0.77 V Vpi and bandwidth exceeding 67 GHz at 1550 nm.
Role of Superoxide and Trace Transition Metals in the Production of α-Hydroxyethyl Radical from Ethanol by Microsomes from Alcohol Dehydrogenase-Deficient Deermice

The formation of alpha-hydroxyethyl radical from ethanol by deermouse microsomes supplemented with NADPH has been demonstrated with the EPR technique of spin trapping with alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-t-butylnitrone (POBN) as the spin trap, in the presence of deferoxamine mesylate. Superoxide dismutase prevented the formation of the radical adduct of the alpha-hydroxyethyl radical in a dose-dependent fashion, causing complete inhibition of radical formation at a concentration of 20 micrograms/ml, while catalase, azide, or azide and hydrogen peroxide had no effect. Boiling the microsomes or omission of NADPH abolished free radical formation. Metyrapone, cimetidine, isoniazid, octylamine, and p-nitrophenol, inhibitors of cytochrome P450IIE1 activity, decreased free radical formation by 24 to 74% at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 10 mM. The POBN/.CH(OH)CH3 radical adduct signal was also diminished by formate or mannitol, indicating competition by so-called "hydroxyl radical scavengers. "The involvement of trace transition metals in alpha-hydroxyethyl radical formation by deermouse microsomes was demonstrated by a decrease in free radical adduct signal when metal ions were removed from reagents by treatment with Chelex 100 resin. Chelex treatment was effective even though the metal chelator deferoxamine mesylate, which is generally presumed to render iron catalytically inactive, was present in all incubations. Thus, it is concluded that free radical formation from ethanol in deermouse microsomes is mediated by a transition metal- and cytochrome P450-derived superoxide-dependent oxidizing species even in the presence of deferoxamine mesylate.
Common motifs shared by conserved enhancers of Drosophila midline glial genes

Coding sequences are usually the most highly conserved sectors of DNA, but genomic regions controlling the expression pattern of certain genes can also be conserved across diverse species. In this study, we identify five enhancers capable of activating transcription in the midline glia of Drosophila melanogaster and each contains sequences conserved across at least 11 Drosophila species. In addition, the conserved sequences contain reiterated motifs for binding sites of the known midline transcriptional activators, Single-minded, Tango, Dichaete, and Pointed. To understand the molecular basis for the highly conserved genomic subregions within enhancers of the midline genes, we tested the ability of various motifs to affect midline expression, both individually and in combination, within synthetic reporter constructs. Multiple copies of the binding site for the midline regulators Single-minded and Tango can drive expression in midline cells; however, small changes to the sequences flanking this transcription factor binding site can inactivate expression in midline cells and activate expression in tracheal cells instead. For the midline genes described in this study, the highly conserved sequences appear to juxtapose positive and negative regulatory factors in a configuration that activates genes specifically in the midline glia, while maintaining them inactive in other tissues, including midline neurons and tracheal cells.
Teaching and Learning Mathematics With Interactive Spreadsheets

Learning to teach mathematics at the middle and secondary levels should include many opportunities for teachers to learn how to use technology to better understand mathematics themselves and promote students' learning of mathematical concepts with technology-enabled pedagogy. This article highlights work done in a variety of preservice and in-service mathematics teacher education courses to help teachers use commonly available spreadsheets as an interactive exploratory learning tool. Several examples of teachers' subsequent use of spreadsheets in their own teaching are also discussed.
Chemical fractionations in Group IIIAB iron meteorites: Origin by dendritic crystallization of an asteroidal core

Results of an investigation of the crystallization history of the asteroidal core that produced nearly 200 iron meteorites of group IIIAB are presented. The accuracy of the published distribution of coefficients between solid and liquid metal for seven elements and their dependence on the concentrations of S and P are critically assessed to develop a nonideal fractional crystallization model that reproduces all of the major features of the overall chemical trends in group IIIAB. It is suggested that the apparent distribution coefficient of S was was much higher than its equilibrium value (not greater than 0.01) and that it increased during crystallization. In the present preferred model the apparent distribution coefficient for S increases from 0.6 to 0.8, while the S concentration of the liquid increases from 6 to 13 wt pct. It is inferred that light S-rich liquid accumulates preferentially at the top of the core and in structural traps formed by the advancing solid.
Characterization and chromosomal mapping of the gene encoding the cellular DNA binding protein ILF

Recently we isolated a cellular DNA binding protein, designated interleukin enhancer binding factor (ILF), that binds to purine-rich regulatory motifs in both the HIV-1 LTR and the IL2 promoter. Further analysis of the ILF gene reveals the existence of two mRNA species, both of which encode proteins containing the recently described fork head DNA binding domain. Gel retardation analysis demonstrates that the portion of the ILF protein with homology to the fork head domain is sufficient to mediate DNA binding to a number of related purine-rich sequences. ILF mRNA is expressed constitutively in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. Chromosomal mapping localizes the ILF gene to human chromosome 17q25, which is a site of chromosomal translocations in some cases of human acute myelogous leukemias. These studies further characterize the structure of the cellular DNA binding protein ILF and may prove valuable in the molecular analysis of possible translocations affecting this gene.
A discriminated conditioned punishment model of phobia

Traditionally, the signaled avoidance (SA) paradigm has been used in an attempt to better understand human phobia. Animal models of this type have been criticized for ineffectively representing phobia. The SA model characterizes phobia as an avoidance behavior by presenting environmental cues, which act as warning signals to an aversive stimulus (ie, shock). Discriminated conditioned punishment (DCP) is an alternative paradigm that characterizes phobia as a choice behavior in which fear serves to punish an otherwise adaptive behavior. The present study quantifies the differences between the paradigms and suggests that DCP offers an alternative paradigm for phobia. Rats trained on either SA or DCP were compared on a number of behavioral variables relevant to human phobia. Results indicate that rats in the DCP paradigm responded significantly earlier to warning signals and were more effective at preventing shocks than rats in the SA paradigm. Implications of this alternative paradigm are discussed.
Left ventricular geometry during intermittent positive pressure ventilation in dogs

We have analyzed how regional left ventricular (LV) performance may contribute to global LV performance during a single intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) respiratory cycle using chronically instrumented dogs with endocardial piezoelectric crystals in the three orthogonal axes, anterior-posterior (AP), septal-lateral freewall (SL), and long axis (LA) dimensions (D). Right ventricular (RV) SLD and aortic flow were also measured. Changes in LV geometry were evaluated during IPPV at two respiratory rates (10 and 20 breaths/min) and during inferior vena caval (IVC) occlusion since a change in systemic venous return is a major component of an IPPV inspiration. During an IPPV inspiration the RV SL end-diastolic D decreased, while the LV AP end-diastolic D increased (P < .01) and LV SL end diastolic D decreased (P < .001). LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes tended to increase during early inspiration and then diminished to an early expiratory minimum (P < .05) associated with early expiratory minimum stroke volumes and measured aortic flows (P < .02). In contrast, during IVC occlusion, the LV SL end-diastolic D initially increased while the AP end-diastolic D was falling. Thus, entirely different changes in LV end diastolic geometry result from IVC occlusion and lung inflation. These studies suggest a common factor of cardiac compression by the lung during inspiration altering diastolic intraventricular distribution of the LV preload and raise the question of whether respiratory-induced changes in LV geometry may independently modulate LV systolic pump function.
Positive emotions broaden the scope of attention and thought‐action repertoires

The broaden-and-build theory (Fredrickson, 1998, 2001) hypothesises that positive emotions broaden the scope of attention and thought-action repertoires. Two experiments with 104 college students tested these hypotheses. In each, participants viewed a film that elicited (a) amusement, (b) contentment, (c) neutrality, (d) anger, or (e) anxiety. Scope of attention was assessed using a global-local visual processing task (Experiment 1) and thought-action repertoires were assessed using a Twenty Statements Test (Experiment 2). Compared to a neutral state, positive emotions broadened the scope of attention in Experiment 1 and thought-action repertoires in Experiment 2. In Experiment 2, negative emotions, relative to a neutral state, narrowed thought-action repertoires. Implications for promoting emotional well-being and physical health are discussed.
Differential effects of walnuts vs almonds on improving metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and increased inflammation, which all benefit from dietary intake of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and n-3 PUFA). Our goal was to compare the effects of MUFA-rich almonds vs n-3/n-6 PUFA-rich walnuts on metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS. Thirty-one PCOS patients randomly received either walnuts or almonds containing 31 g of total fat per day for 6 weeks. At the beginning and at the end, anthropometric parameters, fasting lipids, phospholipid-fatty acids, inflammatory markers, androgens, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and frequently sampled intravenous-GTT were obtained. Weight remained stable. Within group, walnuts increased the n-3/n-6 essential PUFA in the diet and plasma phospholipids. Walnuts decreased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol by 6% from 3.76±0.27 to 3.38±0.22 mmol/l (P=0.05) and apoprotein B by 11% from 0.72±0.04 to 0.64±0.05 g/l (P<0.03). Although almonds also reduced low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol by 10% and apoprotein B by 9%, these were not significant. Walnuts increased insulin response during OGTT by 26% (P<0.02). Both walnuts and almonds increased adiponectin (walnuts from 9.5±1.6 to 11.3±1.8 μg per 100 ml, P=0.0241; almonds from 10.1±1.5 to 12.2±1.4 μg/dl, P=0.0262). Walnuts decreased HgBA1 from 5.7±0.1 to 5.5±0.1% (P=0.0006) with significant intergroup difference from almonds (P=0.0470). Walnuts increased sex hormone-binding globulin from 38.3±4.1 to 43.1±4.3 nmol/l (P=0.0038) and almonds reduced free androgen index from 2.6±0.4 to 1.8±0.3 (P=0.0470). Nut intake exerted beneficial effects on plasma lipids and androgens in PCOS.
Advanced High-Speed Ceramic Projectiles against Hard Targets

This paper describes theoretical and experimental work aimed at the development of a new class of high-speed projectiles with superior penetration performance. Our earlier publications [1, 2] were focused on finite element analysis of projectile-target interaction over a wide range of impact speeds. The projectiles were made of tungsten or alumina, and the target plates were made of aluminum, steel, or tungsten. Subsequently, finite element modeling was performed for ceramic rods encased in metal shells and launched against reinforced concrete [3]. The current work expands the range of ceramic and ceramic-based composite materials for use in high-speed projectiles. Materials were compared based on their mass density, Hugoniot elastic limit, fracture toughness, deformability and ability to withstand intense aerodynamic heat during high-speed flight and penetration. Finite element analysis was performed for ceramic and tungsten projectiles impacting metal plates at speeds ranging from 0.5 km/s to 6.0 km/s. Several transient phenomena such as ceramic projectile self-sharpening, multiple impacts, spall, and buckling were observed. The computation results were used for design and manufacture of high-speed projectiles with superhard tips made of commercially available diamond composites. Experiments involved several projectile configurations. The penetration depth of reference steel projectiles into concrete decreased with increased impact speed while the penetration depth of the projectiles with diamond tips increased. Clusters of ceramic and metal-ceramic projectiles and fragments can find use against larger and softer targets and in the generation of debris.
Solar cycle dependence of the radial gradient of cosmic ray intensity

Observation of the interplanetary intensity of cosmic rays (Ep greater than 80 MeV) by Pioneers 10 and 11 now spans a 16-year time period 1972-1988 and heliocentric radial distances, out to 43.7 AU for Pioneer 10 and 25.8 AU for Pioneer 11. Solar modulation continues to be present at the current distances of both spacecraft. The radial gradient of intensity is measured continuously over the slowly varying, outward moving radial segment r10-r11. The 50-day mean values of the gradient G vary systematically and cyclically in phase with solar activity as measured by sunspot number, with a maximum value of about 2.1 percent/AU at sunspot maximum and a minimum value of about 1.2 percent/AU at sunspot minimum.
Changes in Memory Prediction Accuracy: Age and Performance Effects

Memory performance predictions are subjective estimates of possible memory task performance. The purpose of this study was to examine possible factors related to changes in word list performance predictions made by younger and older adults. Factors included memory self-efficacy, actual performance, and perceptions of performance. The current study examined the age differences in a sample of 59 older adults (M = 76.83 years) and 52 younger adults (M = 21.19 years) on memory predictions and the accuracy of those predictions for both an immediate and delayed word recall task. While memory self-efficacy did not influence predictions for either group, perceived and actual performance at immediate recall was related to accuracy of predictions at delay for both groups. In addition, there was a significant age-by-time interaction such that older adults became more accurate over time whereas younger adults declined slightly in their prediction accuracy. These findings suggest that older adults are able to make acc...
Splicing-defective mutants of the yeast mitochondrial COXI gene can be corrected by transformation with a hybrid maturase gene.

Abstract We have developed a recombinant vector, termed pMIT, for transient expression of genes delivered to yeast mitochondria by biolistic transformation. Using that vector, we introduced a hybrid RNA maturase (splicing) gene into mitochondria of rho 0 petite cells and showed the gene to be functional in crosses. The hybrid maturase is an in-frame fusion between the N-terminal half of the maturase encoded by intron 1 of the COXI (cytochrome oxidase) gene and the C-terminal half of a similar maturase encoded by COXI intron 2. pMIT transformants can provide a functional maturase in crosses to restore respiration and COXI polypeptide synthesis to a respiratory-deficient strain defective in the synthesis of a maturase encoded by COXI intron 1; the transformant will also restore respiration to two splicing-defective cis mutants of COXI introns 1 and 3. We detect a 68-kDa polypeptide comparable in abundance to other major mitochondrial translation products as a likely product of the hybrid maturase gene. Transformants containing an internal 218-amino acid deletion mutation of the hybrid maturase gene no longer express a functional maturase in crosses and produce the expected shortened polypeptide of approximately 40 kDa; however, those transformants still restore respiration to the COXI cis mutants. These studies show the utility of the pMIT transformation system for the expression and reverse genetic analysis of yeast mitochondrial genes.
An ICU protocol development and management system

Patient care is commonly managed by clinicians using general guidelines or specific protocols. Acute, severe illness may require care in an intensive care unit (ICU), with many aspects of care managed concurrently. Variation of aspects of care among patients, clinicians, ICUs and institutions is well-known, and is due to a lack of standardization in clinical decision making and the inability to implement detailed, patient-responsive protocols. Automation of protocols for specific aspects of care using computing technology and medical informatics/knowledge engineering principles offers a consistent, systematic way to implement a protocol by prompting bedside clinicians in a timely manner monitoring a patient's responses to therapeutic interventions, and monitoring the decision logic used. This paper describes a new generic system for the design and implementation of computerized protocols.
A two‐layer diagnostic model of the long‐term physical evolution of warm‐core ring 82B

The present shipboard data in the 1982 time series on a single Gulf Stream warm core ring are composited on a cylindrical coordinate system following ring motion; 10 C-isotherm depth measurements are used in a two-layer model of the ring's structure to compute gradient current, kinetic energy, available potential energy (APE), and potential vorticity. The ring's evolution can be divided into two periods: April-late June, while the ring is isolated from strong Gulf Stream interaction, during which the ring loses APE at a low rate, and from July onward, following ring interactions with the Gulf Stream and topography with much higher energy loss. Within measurement errors, the potential vorticity at the center of the ring is conserved from April through August, implying nearly inviscid dynamics.
Characterization and Sintering Behavior of Ba and Sr Ferrites

Barium oxide is essentially insoluble in BaO·6Fe2O3, and the nominal compositions BaO·5.5Fe2O3, and SrO·5.5Fe2O3 used commercially may consist of the 1:6 phase and, respectively, one and two minor phases. Compacts formed by mechanical pressure filtration in a magnetic field are characterized by oriented aggregates of platy particles with planar faces and planar and curved edges. The preferred growth of faces and especially larger faces with curved edges leads to fewer edge-face-edge contacts and to a greater degree of collective orientation.
Feature attention for binocular disparity in primate area MT depends on tuning strength.

Attending to a stimulus modulates the responses of sensory neurons that represent features of that stimulus, a phenomenon named “feature attention.” For example, attending to a stimulus containing ...
Influence of microwaves on the beating rate of isolated rat hearts

Previous reports have shown that microwave exposure can decrease the beating rate of isolated rat hearts. These experiments were conducted at room temperature and with the hearts exposed to air. We observed arrhythmia frequently at room temperature, and the variation of heart beat was so large that it makes the results difficult to reproduce. Therefore, we employed a double-circulating system to provide perfusion through the coronary artery and around the outside of the heart to maintain the rat hearts at 37.7 degrees C. No arrhythmias were observed in our experiments, and the hearts were beating for at least 1 h. The effects of 16-Hz modulated 2,450-MHz pulsed microwaves (10 microseconds, 100 pps) on the beating rate of 50 isolated rat hearts were studied. Results showed no statistically significant changes of heart rate in exposed groups at SARs of 2 and 10 W/kg compared with the control group. The effect seen at 200 W/kg was shown to be similar to that resulting from heating the heart.
Improving Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Nontraditional Approaches

This article considers two nontraditional approaches for developing interventions to improve cognition in older adults. Neither of these approaches relies on traditional explicit training of specific abilities in the laboratory. The first technique involves the activation of automatic processes through the formation of implementation intentions that enhance the probability that a desired action will be completed, such as remembering to take medications. The second involves experimentally studying the role of active social and cognitive engagement in improving cognition. We then consider methodological issues associated with the use of these novel techniques.
The Founding of Geology in America: 1771 to 1818

Geological research in North America developed from a few isolated inquiries in the eighteenth century to a mature descriptive science by 1818. In 1771, the study of earth science in America was limited to a few observations on diverse subjects. Systematic investigation and classification of rocks, minerals, and fossils was unknown. Several European and American scientists recognized the need for a standardized nomenclature and unambiguous identification methods in the earth sciences. Thus by 1818, through the efforts of Werner and Maclure in field geology, Cuvier and Brongniart in paleontology, and Cleaveland in mineralogy, systematic classification of geological materials had been introduced to America. These contributions established the science of geology in the United States and enabled the next generation of earth scientists to describe fully the natural history and resources of North America.
The Economics of a Blender's Tax Credit versus a Tax Exemption: The Case of U.S. “Splash and Dash” Biodiesel Exports to the European Union

A conceptual framework is advanced that determines world biodiesel prices, the policy parameters in the country establishing the price, and the binding mandate or tax exemption. The effect of a tax credit differs with international trade compared to traditional closed economy analysis. The U.S. 'splash & dash' program, with its $1/gallon tax credit, had minimal impacts on European Union (EU) biodiesel producer profits. Reduced world oil prices and EU tax exemptions, as well as increased rapeseed oil prices, are shown to have reduced the profitability of EU biodiesel production. EU imports from the United States can be beneficial for EU taxpayers, fuel consumers, and U.S. biodiesel producers. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Making games for social change

This paper provides an overview of creating games for change from within an academic context, focusing specifically on the development of educational computer games for middle school girls. The essay addresses larger issues such as the cultural importance of computer games, the difficulty in categorizing a diverse user group such as “girls,” and the ways in which one could design game goals to promote diverse play and learning styles. Through such alternate design strategies, both media makers and students can incorporate significant social intervention into media work.
Using LMS trees for imaging processing

LMS (least mean squares) trees are applied to image coding and image filtering tasks. The ability of these trees to handle high-dimensional input makes them appropriate for image processing, in which large numbers of inputs may be required even for simple tasks. A tree pruning method for increasing the forward propagation speed of the networks is proposed based on recursively eliminating subtrees with small weights. >
Electroformation of giant liposomes from spin-coated films of lipids.

Abstract This paper describes spin-coating of solutions of lipids and using the resulting thin films for electroformation of giant liposomes. Spin-coating made it possible to generate uniform films of lipids with controllable thickness over large surfaces (>25 cm2) of indium tin oxide. Establishing a range of thicknesses optimal for electroformation (25–50 nm), we demonstrate formation of giant liposomes from lipids (such as asolectin, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylglycerol) that do not readily form giant liposomes from traditional, droplet-derived films. We compared liposomes from a spin-coated film of lipids to liposomes formed from traditional droplet-derived films and found that spin-coated films produced larger (by factor of 2–5) and more abundant liposomes than droplet-derived films of lipids. Electroformation from spin-coated, homogenous lipid films of optimal thickness provided a reproducible way to obtain liposomes with diameters that are predominantly larger than 30 μm over the entire surface of formation.