cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Oral History Rating Scale–Revised: Preliminary Evaluation of a Clinician-Rated Measure of Divorce Potential

ABSTRACT This study was a preliminary psychometric investigation of the Oral History Rating Scale–Revised (OHRS–R), a therapist-rated measure of married couples' divorce potential based a 90-min oral history interview. Findings suggest the OHRS–R shows promise as a clinical tool. Therapist and observing raters' total OHRS–R scores demonstrated high interrater reliability and discriminated from client reports of psychological functioning (Outcome Questionnaire-45.2) and marital satisfaction (Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale). Therapist OHRS–R ratings showed evidence of construct validity. Convergence between therapist OHRS–R ratings and a client-reported measure of divorce risk (Marital Status Inventory) was relatively low. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm predictive validity.
Association and Dissociation by Football Fans

This study examined the tendency of fans to associate themselves with preferred teams when they win and dissociate themselves from preferred teams when they lose. We offered and gave buttons of preferred team to viewers who were watching two teams play a professional football game on television. More fans of the winning team voluntarily gave their postgame reactions and signed their names next to their indicated preferred team than fans of the losing team Analysis of responses to a mood questionnaire completed after the game indicated that fans of the winning team were elated and fans of the losing team were dejected after the game. These results support an hypothesis that fans attain a feeling of vicarious achievement through being fans.
ASSESSING TRANSPORTATION USER BENEFITS WITH MAXIMUM TRIP LENGTHS

Maximum time lengths of urban trips can be used to calculate major user benefits of transportation improvements. These benefits include those associated with reduced cost of travel, those associated with travel to additional destinations, and those associated with improved quality of destinations. Maximum trip lengths can be measured using techniques of psychological scaling.
Why don't developers draw diagrams?

Common sense (and common practice in other engineering disciplines) tells us that modeling is a Good Thing. There is undeniable value in having and using simple, standard, and expressive graphical notations to help one reason about complex artifacts. However, while software-intensive systems are among the most complex of artifacts, reality is that the vast majority of developers live fully in the textual dimension and, like Flatlanders, have no understanding of or desire for the visual dimension save for a few diagrams with dubious semantics that they may hastily and ethereally sketch on a whiteboard. This community (of SoftVis researchers) have produced some compelling ideas - but none of them are what one can claim to be fully mainstream. This keynote will discuss why this is so and what we might do to narrow this gap to attend to the pain points of developers.
Tight-binding molecular dynamics for materials simulations

Tight-binding molecular dynamics has recently emerged as a useful method for atomistic simulation of the structural, dynamical and electronic properties of realistic materials. The method incorporates quantum-mechanical calculations into molecular dynamics through an empirical tight-binding Hamiltonian and bridges the gap between ab initio molecular dynamics and simulations using empirical classical potentials. In this paper, we review the accuracy, efficiency, and predictive power of the method and discuss some opportunities and challenges for future development.
Semi-automated topographic mapping of fracture surfaces through stereo-photogrammetry

Abstract By equipping a standard Hilger-Watts stereo-photogrammetry viewer with transducers, sets of (X, Y, Z) coordinates corresponding to features within fracture surfaces can be obtained. Transducers mounted so as to monitor the the X and Y translations of the viewing tray, when incorporated with a third transducer to measure the rise and fall of the light spot used to measure apparent height changes, supply three voltage signals corresponding to the coordinates of any feature within the fracture surface. These signals are then processed through an analog/digital converter and the digitized signals stored on diskette on an ATT 6300 computer. The voltage files can then be converted to calibrated, normalized files of (X, Y, Z) coordinates using a menu-driven program. Inexpensive commercially available software is then incorporated to use this data to generate calibrated topographic maps. In this way, detailed contour maps, as well as carpet plots and line profiles, can be generated from any fracture surface.
Skeletal localization and neutralization of the SDF-1(CXCL12)/CXCR4 axis blocks prostate cancer metastasis and growth in osseous sites in vivo.

To delineate the role of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in metastatic prostate cancer (CaP), positive correlations were established between SDF-1 levels and tumor metastasis. Neutralization of CXCR4 limited the number and the growth of intraosseous metastasis in vivo. Together, these in vivo metastasis data provide critical support that SDF-1/CXCR4 plays a role in skeletal metastasis. Introduction: Previously we determined that the stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 chemokine axis is activated in prostate cancer (CaP) metastasis to bone. To delineate the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 in CaP, we evaluated SDF-1 levels in a variety of tissues and whether neutralization of SDF-1 prevented metastasis and/or intraosseous growth of CaPs. Materials and Methods: SDF-1 levels were established in various mouse tissues by ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. To assess the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 in metastasis, bone metastases were established by administering CaP cells into the left cardiac ventricle of nude animals in the presence or absence of neutralizing CXCR4 antibody. The effect of SDF-1 on intraosseous growth of CaP cells was determined using intratibial injections and anti-CXCR4 antibodies and peptides. Results: There was a positive correlation between the levels of SDF-1 and tissues in which metastatic CaP lesions were observed. SDF-1 levels were highest in the pelvis, tibia, femur, liver, and adrenal/kidneys compared with the lungs, tongue, and eye, suggesting a selective effect. SDF-1 staining was generally low or undetectable in the center of the marrow and in the diaphysis. SDF-1 mRNA was localized to the metaphysis of the long bones nearest to the growth plate where intense expression was observed near the endosteal surfaces covered by osteoblastic and lining cells. Antibody to CXCR4 significantly reduced the total metastatic load compared with IgG control-treated animals. Direct intratibial injection of tumor cells followed by neutralizing CXCR4 antibody or a specific peptide that blocks CXCR4 also decreased the size of the tumors compared with controls. Conclusions: These data provide critical support for a role of SDF-1/CXCR4 in skeletal metastasis. Importantly, these data show that SDF-1/CXCR4 participate in localizing tumors to the bone marrow for prostate cancer.
The Influence of the Concentration and Mobility of Ions on Dielectric Loss of Insulating Oils

The causes of dielectric loss in insulating oils and the means to reduce it to a minimum have always been important in high voltage engineering. In this study the relationships between the amount of impurities, which furnish a source of free ions in an oil, and the viscosity, which influences the mobility of the ions, on the one hand and the dielectric loss on the other are investigated. The results present some definite relationships between them and point out that in two oils of the same ``electrical purity,'' the one with higher viscosity will have lower dielectric loss.
Non-linear response of laminated plates and shells to thermomechanical loading: Implications of violation of interlaminar shear traction continuity requirement

A number of results focusing on the implications brought by the violation of the inter-laminar shear traction continuity requirement on the non-linear response of shear deformable laminated flat and curved panels subjected to thermomechanical loading are presented. The results cover a large number of situations, and in this context, the effects of transverse shear, tangential edge constraints, shell curvature, initial geometric imperfections, lateral pressure and compressive edge loads, membrane and thicknesswise temperature gradient, presence of a Winkler linear/non-linear foundation, coupled with that of the fulfilment/violation of the shear traction interlaminar continuity requirement upon the static and dynamic non-linear response of laminated plates and shells are highlighted. In order to address this problem, as a necessary pre-requisite, a higher-order geometrically non-linear laminated shell model fulfilling both the kinematical and shear traction interlaminar continuity requirements and incorporating the previously mentioned effects is presented. The results obtained in the framework of this laminated shell model are compared with the ones obtained within a higher-order shell model in which the kinematic interlaminar continuity conditions are solely satisfied, and the implications resulting from the violation of the shear traction interlaminar continuity requirement are highlighted.
Mentoring interactively (MIing): new tools for librarian recruitment and retention

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the viability of social networking software as a new tool for librarian recruitment and retention.Design/methodology/approach – Emerging technologies such as social networking software enable new and unique opportunities for the recruitment and retention of librarians. Social networking software can bridge the generational divide that exists between current library and information science graduates and library professionals. Boomer librarians, Bridge generation librarians and Next‐Gen librarians all have things in common that may not be readily apparent when meeting face to face. However, in a virtual setting, a more egalitarian environment can be achieved. This paper aims to present how corporate, academic and government librarians – Bridge and Next‐gens – created the first (as far as is known) virtual e‐mentoring program using social networking software (IM, wikis, blogs, and virtual worlds). This virtual mentoring program was offered through the University of South ...
Anomalies in the thermopower of Pd Ni alloys

Abstract The thermoelectric powers of four Pd Ni alloys have been measured. The paramagnetic samples, which display an enhanced T2 term in the electrical resistivity, display an anomaly near 20°K. A ferromagnetic sample displays no anomaly.
Integration of nondestructive examination reliability and fracture mechanics

Abstract A multi-year program at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory is in progress to determine the reliability of ultrasonic ISI that is performed on light-water reactor primary systems, using probabilistic fracture mechanics (FM) analysis to determine the impact of NDE unreliability on system safety, and to evaluate advanced ultrasonic techniques. This paper is a review of the last year's highlights. Emphasis is placed upon the results of a pipe inspection round robin, advanced technique evaluation, joint study with Westinghouse, qualification document, underclad crack detection sizing studies, and a FM analysis using the PRAISE code for studying inspection parameters.
Situational Awareness and Visual Analytics for Emergency Response and Training

Many emergency response units are currently faced with restrictive budgets which prohibit their use of technology both in training and in real-world situations. Our work focuses on creating an affordable, mobile, state-of-the-art emergency response test-bed through the integration of low-cost, commercially available products. We have developed a command, control, communications, surveillance and reconnaissance system that will allow small-unit exercises to be tracked and recorded for evaluation purposes. Our system can be used for military and first responder training providing the nexus for decision making through the use of computational models, advanced technology, situational awareness and command and control. During a training session, data is streamed back to a central repository allowing commanders to evaluate their squads in a live action setting and assess their effectiveness in an after-action review. In order to effectively analyze this data, an interactive visualization system has been designed in which commanders can track personnel movement, view surveillance feeds, listen to radio traffic, and fast-forward/rewind event sequences. This system provides both 2-D and 3-D views of the environment while showing previously traveled paths, responder orientation and activity level. Both stationary and personnel-worn mobile camera video feeds may be displayed, as well as the associated radio traffic.
Density of potato starch

The density of starch from samples of eight potato varieties grown at three locations in Michigan was determined. Despite the wide divergence in specific gravity and starch grain size of the varieties investigated, no significant differences between densities of the starch samples were found.
Did major changes in the stable-isotope composition of Proterozoic seawater occur?

Early Proterozoic marine carbonates of the Rocknest Formation (1.93-1.89 Ga) have very depleted {delta}{sup 18}O values (about 8{per thousand}) relative to younger, Late Proterozoic marine carbonates that formed in similar depositional environments. Two isotopic trends are superimposed on the data for open-marine components. The first involves stabilization of tidal-flat sediments during early, possibly reflux-type dolomitization by evaporative pore fluids enriched in {delta}{sup 18}O. The second trend toward isotopically light {delta}{sup 18}O values was established during dolomitization of open-marine facies in contact either with meteoric waters (mixing zone) or under conditions of higher temperatures during burial. This resulted in precipitation of blocky, pore-occluding cements. The isotopically most enriched ooids are the best preserved normal marine components and may suggest that the {delta}{sup 18}O of seawater was about {minus}9.75{per thousand} {plus minus}1.0{per thousand} (SMOW) at 1.9 Ga. This composition would require a major change in the balance of high-temperature oxygen isotopic exchange between seawater and basalt and low-temperature weathering in order to explain the 8{per thousand} positive shift in inferred seawater {delta}{sup 18}O between 1.9 and 1.0 Ga. Alternatively, the depleted {delta}{sup 18}O values represent an approximately 30-35 C higher temperature of surface waters at 1.9 Ga. The heaviest carbonate {delta}{sup 13}Cmore » values are +1.75{per thousand}, more enriched than previously reported for the Early Proterozoic on the basis of bulk-rock data.« less
Computational Approach for Predicting Stall Inception in Multistage Axial Compressors

A new time-accurate computational approach for predicting stall inception due to long- and short-wavelength phenomena in multistage axial compressors is introduced. The computational approach uses a time-accurate single-blade-passage multi-blade-row strategy that includes many of the primary unsteady modes associated with the early symptoms of stall. High-frequency unsteadiness due to self-excited flow at scales of the blade passage and rotor tip clearance as well as low-frequency unsteadiness due to longitudinal system modes are included in this model. The new approach is demonstrated using the NASA Stage35 single-stage configuration with an extended up- and downstream duct. Nothing precludes the use of this model, however, for multistage and/or multipassage per blade-row configurations if the computer resources are available. The results from a series of time-accurate simulations near stall with this new approach are presented to demonstrate the self-excited unsteady pressure levels and frequencies that are computed to exist before, during, and just after stall. Results show that the self-excited flow has significant unsteady pressure amplitude and a spectrum containing both low-frequency system waves and high/moderate-frequency waves corresponding to the passage self-excited viscous flow in each blade row.
Research and evaluation in information retrieval

This paper is a discussion document, drawing on the experiences of the Okapi team as reported elsewhere in this issue. It is intended to raise some of the issues that are currently exercising the information retrieval research community, in the context of experimentation and evaluation.
Diffusion in confinement: kinetic simulations of self- and collective diffusion behavior of adsorbed gases.

The self- and collective-diffusion behaviors of adsorbed methane, helium, and isobutane in zeolite frameworks LTA, MFI, AFI, and SAS were examined at various concentrations using a range of molecular simulation techniques including Molecular Dynamics (MD), Monte Carlo (MC), Bennett–Chandler (BC), and kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC). This paper has three main results. (1) A novel model for the process of adsorbate movement between two large cages was created, allowing the formulation of a mixing rule for the re-crossing coefficient between two cages of unequal loading. The predictions from this mixing rule were found to agree quantitatively with explicit simulations. (2) A new approach to the dynamically corrected Transition State Theory method to analytically calculate self-diffusion properties was developed, explicitly accounting for nanoscale fluctuations in concentration. This approach was demonstrated to quantitatively agree with previous methods, but is uniquely suited to be adapted to a kMC simulation that can simulate the collective-diffusion behavior. (3) While at low and moderate loadings the self- and collective-diffusion behaviors in LTA are observed to coincide, at higher concentrations they diverge. A change in the adsorbate packing scheme was shown to cause this divergence, a trait which is replicated in a kMC simulation that explicitly models this behavior. These phenomena were further investigated for isobutane in zeolite MFI, where MD results showed a separation in self- and collective- diffusion behavior that was reproduced with kMC simulations.
Studies of cell pellets: I. Electrical properties and porosity

Cell pellets formed by centrifugation provided a good system to study the osmotic behavior, electroporation, and interaction between cells. Rabbit erythrocyte pellets were used in this study because they were simpler than nucleated cells to model analytically. Structurally, cell pellets possessed properties of porous solid bodies and gels. Electrically, cell pellets were shown to behave as a parallel set of resistance, Rp, and capacitance, Cp. Information on pellet structures was obtained from electric measurements. The pellet resistance reflected the intercellular conductivity (porosity and gap conductivity), whereas the pellet capacitance depended mostly on membrane capacitance. The pellet resistance was more sensitive to experimental conditions. The intercellular gap distance can be derived from pellet porosity measurements, providing the cell volume and surface area were known. Rp increased and relaxed exponentially with time when centrifugation started and stopped; the cycles were reversible. When supernatants were exchanged with solutions containing hypotonic electrolytes or macromolecules (such as PEG) after the pellets were formed, complicated responses to different colloidal osmotic effects were observed. A transient decrease followed by a large increase of Rp was observed after the application of a porating electric pulse, as expected from a momentary membrane breakdown, followed by a limited colloidal-osmotic swelling of pelleted cells. The equilibrium values of Rp, Cp, pellet porosity, and intercellular distances were measured and calculated as functions of cell number, centrifugation force, and ionic strength of the exchanged supernatant. Thus, the structure and properties of cell pellets can be completely characterized by electrical measurements.
Characterization of corresponding microcalcification clusters on temporal pairs of mammograms for interval change analysis: comparison of classifiers

We are developing an automated system for analysis of microcalcification clusters on serial mammograms. Our automated system consists of two stages: (1) automatic registration of corresponding clusters on temporal pairs of mammograms producing true (TP-TP) and false (TP-FP) pairs; and (2) characterization of temporal pairs of clusters as malignant and benign using a temporal classifier. In this study, we focussed on the design of the temporal classifier. Morphological and texture (RLS and GLDS) features are automatically extracted from the detected current and prior cluster locations. Additionally, difference morphological and RLS features are obtained. The automatically detected cluster locations on the temporal pairs may deviate from the optimal locations as selected by expert radiologists. This will introduce "noise" to the extracted features and make the classification task more difficult. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers were trained to classify the true and false pairs. Leaveone-case-out resampling method was used for feature selection and classifier design. In this study, 175 serial mammogram pairs containing biopsy-proven microcalcification clusters were used. At the first stage of the system, 85% (149/175) of the TP-TP pairs were identified with 15 false matches within the 164 image pairs that had computerdetected clusters on the priors. At the second stage, an average of 7 features were selected (4 difference morphological, 1 difference RLS and 2 current GLDS). The LDA and SVM temporal classifiers achieved test A z of 0.83 and 0.82, respectively, for the classification of the 164 cluster temporal pairs as malignant or benign. In comparison, an MQSA radiologist achieved an A z of 0.72. Both the LDA and SVM classifiers were able to classify the automatically detected temporal pairs of microcalcification clusters with accuracy comparable to that of an experienced radiologist.
Dynamic mechanism for conduction block in heart tissue

Previous work has shown that dynamic heterogeneity and conduction block can occur in homogeneous heart fibres during prolonged pacing at rapid rates. Here we investigated the mechanism for conduction block following the delivery of one to four premature stimuli using a coupled maps computer model of a one-dimensional canine heart fibre. The coupled maps model allowed us to identify the roles that velocity (V) restitution, action potential duration (D) restitution and cardiac memory (M) played in the development of spatial heterogeneity and conduction block. We found that the likelihood of conduction block could be reduced by three methods. (1) By altering the V restitution function so that conduction slowed at very short rest intervals (I). (2) By altering the D restitution function to reduce the sensitivity of D to changes in I. (3) By increasing the contribution of cardiac memory (M). Although the results of this study need to be confirmed experimentally, they suggest several potential interventions that may reduce the probability of arrhythmia induction.
Body Heat Stress Measurements With MacroPCM Cooling Apparel

Heat stress is a major problem for people who work or fight in hot environments while dressed in insulated or protective apparel. Such is the case for military personnel who must wear nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) protective clothing or HAZMAT personnel as well as civilian personnel such as industrial workers, firemen, and costumed characters in amusement or theme parks. Responding to a request in 1991 by the NAVY to develop simple and lightweight cooling garments for use beneath NBC (nuclear/biological/chemical) protective clothing, the investigators at Triangle Research and Development Corporation (TRDC) have developed PECS (Personal Environmental Control System) and COOLTECH apparel, that utilizes 3–4mm diameter macro-encapsulated phase change materials or MacroPCMs to provide 1–2 hours of comfort and relief from heat stress, while permitting the garment’s thermal recharging without refrigeration or freezers.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Sugar content and color of Russet Burbank potatoes as related to storage temperature and sprout inhibitors

Reducing and total sugar assays and cooked flesh color measurements were made on Idaho-grown Russet Burbank potatoes at monthly intervals during 12 months of storage. The six storage treatments included untreated tubers stored at 38 F, 45 F, and 52 F; untreated tubers stored at 38 F followed by one week of conditioning at room temperature; tubers treated with MH-30 stored at 45 F; and tubers treated with CIPC stored at 45 F. The tubers stored at 45 F contained significantly less reducing and total sugars and were significantly lighter in color than those stored at 38 F. Tubers stored at 45 F were comparable to those stored at 52 F in sugar content and color and had a longer storage life. Treatment with MH-30 or CIPC had no effect on sugar accumulation and no important effect on color. Conditioning potatoes from storage at 38 F for one week at room temperature significantly decreased the contents of total and reducing sugars, although they remained significantly higher than those of tubers stored at 45 F. Conditioning did not reverse the yellow color which had developed during 38 F storage.
Subcellular location characteristics of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa GGDEF protein, WspR, indicate that it produces cyclic‐di‐GMP in response to growth on surfaces

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wsp signal transduction system produces cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP), an intracellular messenger that stimulates biofilm formation and suppresses motility. The Wsp system is homologous to chemotaxis systems and includes a membrane-bound receptor protein, WspA, and a response regulator GGDEF protein, WspR, that catalyses c-di-GMP synthesis when phosphorylated. We found that the subcellular distributions of fluorescent protein-tagged WspA and WspR differed markedly from their chemotaxis counterparts. WspA-YFP formed patches in cells whereas WspR-YFP was dispersed when unphosphorylated and formed bright cytoplasmic clusters when phosphorylated. WspR formed clusters in cells of a DeltawspF mutant, a genetic background that causes constitutive phosphorylation of WspR, but was dispersed in cells of a wspA mutant, a genetic background necessary for WspR phosphorylation. In addition, WspR mutated at Asp70, its predicted site of phosphorylation, did not form clusters. C-di-GMP synthesis was not required for cluster formation. WspR-YFP was dispersed in liquid-grown wild-type cells, but formed clusters that sometimes appeared and disappeared over the course of a few minutes in cells grown on an agar surface. Our results suggest that the compartmentalized production of c-di-GMP in response to a stimulus associated with growth on a surface is an important functional characteristic of the Wsp system.
Community structure and drug use: From a social disorganization perspective

Social disorganization theory experienced a relative resurgence in the criminological literature during the 1980s. This new generation of research has expanded the work of Shaw and McKay by testing the relationship between neighborhood structure and delinquency through the use of self-report and victimization data. Confirmation of the theory has been widespread. In this paper we investigate variables mediating between social disorganization and adolescent drug use. We thus extend the research orientation to incorporate drug use and describe a preliminary attempt to examine how neighborhood structure affects behavior. The findings suggest that in the three distinct types of socially disorganized areas that were identified, there was no difference in rates of drug use but that different “mediating factors” appear to be operating in the three different types of communities.
Paleomagnetism of Eocene Basalts of Mayreau, West Indies: Implications for Contrasts in Tectonic Rotation in the Southeastern Caribbean

Paleomagnetic directions were determined from 29 sites on the Grenadine island of Mayreau. Most data come from the middle Eocene Mayreau Basalt, which has been interpreted to be oceanic crust of the Grenada Basin uplifted in the half-horst of the southern Lesser Antilles arc platform. The objective was to assess the existence in the Mayreau Basalt of anomalies in paleomagnetic declination and inclination relative to Eocene South America and to other terranes in the Caribbean-South American plate-boundary zone. Primary and early deuteric magnetic directions were extracted that yielded site-means with α95 ≤ 15° from 15 sites in the Mayreau Basalt. Demagnetization removed a pervasive north-down component of low unblocking temperature. Tests demonstrated that the Eocene rocks were not remagnetized during Neogene island-arc magmatism and that the magnetization occurred before folding. The mean of site-means for the Mayreau Basalt is not different at the 95% confidence level from expected Eocene directions at M...
Unbalanced translocation 46,XY,-15,+der(22)t(15;22)(q13;q11)pat: Case report and review of the literature

We present a boy with a rare unbalanced translocation 46,XY,-15,+der(22),t(15;22)(q13;q11) pat. Previous reports of similar chromosome findings mention only the Prader-Willi phenotype. At birth, his manifestations included severe hypotonia and lethargy, (typical of deletion of 15pter----q13); hypertelorism, down-slanting small palpebral fissures, preauricular tags, long philtrum (typical of duplication of 22pter----q11); severe laryngotracheomalacia, and proximal implantation of the thumb. In a review of the literature on chromosome abnormalities involving duplication of 22q11 the associated clinical phenotype consists of mild mental retardation, microcephaly, hypotonia, hypertelorism, down-slanting palpebral fissures, a long philtrum, cleft or highly arched palate, and ear abnormalities. Preauricular pits or tags are common. Cardiovascular defects, renal and genital problems and dislocated hips are frequently present. Anal atresia and colobomata are mainly seen in cat-eye syndrome, the phenotype associated with idic 22q11. Our findings indicate that patients with unbalanced t(15;22) can have manifestations of the dup 22q11, in addition to the previously reported Prader-Willi phenotype, even if the duplicated segment is small.
Effect of Human Growth Hormone on Methods of Insulin Immunoassay

Young and George1 reported that the immunoassay of insulin, using an anion exchange resin method of separation2, was affected by human growth hormone (HGH). Addition of HGH caused a decrease in the proportion of insulin bound to antibody. When added to albumin, HGH had no such effect. From these results, they concluded that HGH increased the amount of free insulin in serum by displacing it from an insulin–basic protein complex. Wright, Welborn and Fraser3 were unable to duplicate these results using a double–antibody immunoassay system and suggested that the findings of Young and George were an artefact of their anion-exchange resin.
A computational study on the performance of artificial neural networks under changing structural design and data distribution

Abstract This paper provides the results of our computational studies on artificial neural networks (ANNs) under various structural design and data distributions. A two-group classification problem is investigated. Simulated data with varying kurtosis and variance are used to examine how the ANN performs with respect to certain structural design (size and addition of input and weight noise) characteristics. The results of our study indicate that additive noise, size, and data distribution characteristics play an important role in learning, reliability and predictive ability of ANNs.
Microultrafiltration technique for drug-protein binding determination in plasma.

A rapid microultrafiltration technique for determining plasma protein binding of drugs in small volumes of plasma was developed. The reliability of the method was tested by determining protein binding of acetazolamide, diphenylhydantoin, and salicylic acid in undiluted human plasma. The results are compared to literature values.
Suppression of the Hepatic Glucose-6-Phosphatase System in Diabetic Rats by Vanadate

The effect of oral administration of vanadate on the transport and hydrolytic components of the glucose-6-phosphatase system in liver homogenates from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was examined
Stimulation of growth and calcium influx in cultured, bovine, aortic endothelial cells by platelets and vasoactive substances.

Endothelial cells (EC) line the heart and blood vessels, and they are the principal cellular components of the microvasculature. The presence of circulating platelets is believed to be necessary to maintain the integrity of the capillary endothelium. Growing EC in culture provides an opportunity to simulate the in vivo situation and to study the response of these cells to platelets and platelet secretions. The addition of platelets at a concentration of 104-105/mm3 and substances which circulate in blood following injury (serotonin, thrombin, ADP, epinephrine, norepinephrine and histamine) stimulate endothelial proliferation from 150–1,000% of controls. That substances so diverse in form have similar effects suggests a common mode of action, such as mobilization of a second messenger. The influx of 45calcium (45Ca++) in response to these agents was found to be 5 to 24 times that of controls. The stimulation of 45Ca++ influx appears to be dose-dependent, and it is inhibited by pre-incubation with lanthanum chloride and specific blocking agents. Calcium as a second messenger is implicated in a variety of cellular functions including division, secretion, motility and enzyme regulation. Thus, the theorized supportive role of platelets on endothelium may be dual and operate, at least at the initial level, by a common mechanism: to mobilize calcium for stimulus-division following injury and for stimulus-secretion in normal metabolic activities.
Molecular Structure, Conformational Analysis, and Electronic Spectra of 1-Phenyl-1-aza-closo-dodecaborane(12)

1-Aza-closo-dodecaborane(12) has been evaluated as a potential structural element for liquid crystals. Molecular and electronic structures of 1-aryl derivatives have been studied experimentally and...
AIDS risk behaviors and knowledge among heterosexual alcoholics and non‐injecting drug users

The disinhibitory effects of abusable substances on sexual behavior and the increasing HIV prevalence among heterosexuals suggest that alcoholics and non-injection drug users may be at risk for HIV infection. We examined alcohol and non-injection drug use as AIDS risk factors, AIDS risk knowledge, and the effect of AIDS education upon voluntary HIV testing among 91 heterosexual male inpatients in a VA alcohol rehabilitation program. Questionnaire data revealed relationships between age, the use of alcohol, marijuana and intranasal cocaine just prior to sex and an increase in the number of female sexual partners. Use of alcohol just prior to sex was also associated with an increased number of unprotected sexual behaviors. AIDS risk knowledge in our sample was comparable to norms from previous studies. Inpatients received education concerning alcohol and sexuality either with or without an AIDS component. AIDS education and offer of HIV testing were associated with increased requests for HIV testing.
ON FUZZINESS AND DUALITY IN FUZZY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

In this work we define a conjugate fuzzy Cauchy problem and discuss the major differences between an ordinary and a conjugate fuzzy Cauchy problems. A necessary condition for the existence of a fuzzy solution to the conjugate fuzzy Cauchy problem is proposed.
Customer‐centered moves can yield quick gains

Purpose – Looks at why traditional growth tactics have become less effective and why it is necessary to balance short term moves with new business building. Looks at understanding customer priorities.Findings – Managers can take three distinct actions to generate quick gains in revenue and profits: de‐average and re‐segment the customer base, replicate the best customer relationships, and evolve the product offer into a system or value‐added solutions offer.Practical implications – Provides managers with guidelines for growth action plans.Originality/value – Of particular interest to strategic planners, CEOs, senior executives.
Innervation of supporting cells in the apical turns of the guinea pig cochlea is from type II afferent fibers

The outer supporting cells in the apical turns of the guinea pig cochlea receive a dense innervation. Our previous study (Fechner et al. [1998] J. Comp. Neurol. 400:299-300) suggested that this innervation of the Deiters' and Hensen's supporting cells was not derived from efferent fibers of the olivocochlear bundle, but its origin has not been further specified. To test the hypothesis that the innervation was afferent in origin, we traced apical afferent fibers that were retrogradely labeled by extracellular injections of horseradish peroxidase. Labeled afferent fibers were of two types: type I fibers contacted inner hair cells, whereas type II fibers crossed the tunnel and contacted outer hair cells. Significantly, most of the type II fibers also formed branches to the outer supporting cells. Although a few olivocochlear efferent fibers formed such branches, counts indicated that the overwhelming majority of the branches were produced by type II afferent fibers. These branches were not produced by basal type II fibers. Apical type II fibers also differed from basal fibers by having shorter lengths, spiraling both apically and basally, and contacting all three rows of outer hair cells. These innervation differences suggest differences in the ways that information from outer hair cells is processed in the apex versus the base of the cochlea.
Variational principle for transport phenomena

Abstract The role of the variational principle in transport theory and its application to the calculation of the transport coefficients are described. A generalized variational principle including the effect of an external magnetic field and lattice vibrations is discussed. The variational principle for inter-band scattering is derived, and is generalized by the introduction of an external magnetic field and lattice vibrations, leading to the most general variational principle including inter-band scattering, in addition to an external magnetic field and lattice vibrations, or any combination of these. The transport coefficients are expressed in terms of energy integrals, which for the various cases take the form of ratios of infinite determinants, the number and form of their matrix elements depending on the interactions. A formal solution is given by the Ritz method for the different cases of interest.
Heterologous expression and purification of SpaB involved in subtilin biosynthesis

Lantibiotic peptides contain thioether bridges termed lanthionines that are putatively generated by dehydration of Ser and Thr residues followed by Michael addition of cysteine residues within the peptide. The LanB and LanC proteins have been proposed to catalyze the dehydration and formation of the thioether rings, respectively. We report here the first heterologous overexpression in Escherichia coli of SpaB, the putative dehydratase for subtilin. Sequence analysis of spaB revealed several nucleotide differences with current gene database entries. The solubility of SpaB was increased dramatically when co-expressed with GroEL/ES, and soluble His(6)-tagged SpaB was purified. The protein is at least a dimer, and interaction between SpaB and SpaC was observed. SpaS the putative substrate for SpaB was overexpressed in E. coli as an intein fusion protein, and after cleavage, the peptide was obtained in good yield.
The Palomar planet-crossing asteroid survey, 1973-1978

Photographic coverage of about 80,000 deg^2 of sky with the Palomar 46-cm Schmidt camera has yielded 12 new planet-crossing asteroids as well as many objects in the main asteroid belt. The estimated population of planet-crossing asteroids includes ∼100 Atens, 700 ± 300 Apollos, 1000–2000 Amors, 10,000 ± 5000 Mars crossers, and ∼5000 Mars grazers.
Use of breast MRI surveillance in women at high risk for breast cancer: a single-institutional experience.

Introduction The study aim is to investigate indications for breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening for high-risk women and to determine outcomes, correlation with routine imaging, and adherence to current guidelines for use.
Inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in rat hepatocytes

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a potent rodent hepatic tumor promoter. Unlike observations with the majority of tumor promoting chemicals studied to date, most investigations have failed to demonstrate down-regulation of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in cultured cells by TCDD. The present study examined the effect of TCDD on GJIC in rat hepatocytes in primary culture. At non-cytolethal doses TCDD inhibited GJIC in a time- (1, 4, 24 and 48 h) and concentration (1 x 10(-8) - 1 x 10(-14) M)-dependent manner. This inhibition occurred within 4 h of treatment at doses of 1 x 10(-8) - 1 x 10(-12) M TCDD and persisted for up to 48 h, despite removal of TCDD. Treatment of rat hepatocytes with TCDD resulted in a decrease in hepatocyte connexin 32 mRNA, but had no apparent effect on connexin 26 mRNA. Co-incubation of rat hepatocytes with TCDD and alpha-napthoflavone abolished down-regulation of GJIC by TCDD. Similarly, co-treatment with a cAMP analog (8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate) prevented down-regulation of GJIC by TCDD. The results of this investigation demonstrated, for the first time, that TCDD inhibits GJIC in the in vivo target of its tumor promoting effect and that this effect may, in part, be mediated through the Ah receptor. In addition, this study showed that inhibition of GJIC by TCDD may be due to transcriptional down-regulation or stability of the connexin 32 gap junction mRNA.
Mechanical strength of acrylic bone cements impregnated with antibiotics.

Admixing of several antibiotic powders which were insoluble in methyl methacrylate did not decrease the compressive and diametral tensile strengths of two acrylic bone cements when tested after setting for 1 day and after leaching 40 days in water at 37°C. When antibiotics were added as water solutions, the included water resulted in a significant decrease in these bulk mechanical properties. Storage in water for 40 days caused surface irregularities only on specimens of the set antibiotic admixtures. Approximately 0.5% of the admixed dosage of these water-soluble antibiotics could be leached from the set cements. The observed surface channels, presumably left by the loss of antibiotic, suggest further study of surface-sensitive mechanical properties may be needed. The bulk mechanical strengths presented here are conclusive only for the particular combinations of antibiotics and cements investigated, and should not be generalized at this time to any or all antibiotic admixtures or other mechanical properties.
A Flexible Multimedia Instructional Module for Introductory Thermodynamics

Instructional modules for introductory thermodynamics which are multifaceted and sufficiently flexible to adapt to the various learning styles of most engineering students are currently being developed at the University of Louisville. Flexibility is incorporated through the utilization of computer controlled interactive multimedia displays, which include full motion graphical images and sound. This technology makes it possible for the instructor to present information in a manner that is faster, more visually appealing, more organized, more detailed, and more open to student interaction than the student lecture format. The instructional modules under development will allow the instructor to implement several different types of classroom activity during a single class period. These include audio-visual presentations, problem solving sessions, and question and answer sessions using electronic acquisition of the student responses, as well as the usual lecture type of presentation. Parts of the module are available outside of the classroom as computer based tutorials. The module chosen for initial development was the “First Law of Thermodynamics for a Closed System.” The first version of this module has been completed and given preliminary trials in the classroom. This module includes optional material on the historical development of the first law of thermodynamics, and also a variety of optional problems, exercises, and short quizzes. Students have responded very favorably to the new system. Completion of the rest of the modules for the course is planned for the near future.
The sigmoidally transformed cosine curve: a mathematical model for circadian rhythms with symmetric non‐sinusoidal shapes

We introduce a family of non-linear transformations of the traditional cosine curve used in the modelling of biological rhythms. The non-linear transformation is the sigmoidal family, represented here by three family members: the Hill function, the anti-logistic function, and the arctangent function. These transforms add two additional parameters that must be estimated, in addition to the acrophase, MESOR, and amplitude (and period in some applications), but the estimated curves have shapes requiring many more than two additional harmonics to achieve the same fit when modelled by harmonic regression. Particular values of the additional parameters can yield rectangular waves, narrow pulses, wide pulses, and for rectangular waves (representing alternating 'on' and 'off' states) the times of onset and offset (hence duration, as when modelling the duration of the large night-time melatonin secretory epoch). We illustrate the sigmoidally transformed cosine curves, and compare them to harmonic regression modelling, in a sample of eight activity recordings made on patients in a nursing home.
The cobinamide amidohydrolase (cobyric acid‐forming) CbiZ enzyme: a critical activity of the cobamide remodelling system of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The chemical structures of cobamides [cobalamin (Cbl)-like compounds] are the same, except for the lower ligand, which in adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) is 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole, and in adenosylpseudocobalamin (AdopseudoCbl) is adenine. Why the lower ligand of cobamides varies and what the mechanism of lower ligand replacement is are long-standing questions in the field of B(12) biosynthesis. Work reported here uncovers the strategy used by the photosynthetic alpha-proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides to procure the cobamide it needs to grow on acetate as a carbon and energy source. On the basis of genetic and biochemical evidence we conclude that, in R. sphaeroides, the activity of the cobyric acid-producing amidohydrolase CbiZ enzyme is essential for the conversion of AdopseudoCbl into AdoCbl, the cobamide needed for the catabolism of acetate. The CbiZ enzyme uses AdopseudoCbl as a substrate, but not AdoCbl. Implications of these findings for cobamide remodelling in R. sphaeroides and in other CbiZ-containing microorganisms are discussed.