cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing the effects of an NLCD-derived dasymetric refinement on estimation accuracies for multiple areal interpolation methods

Comparability among population data enumerated within different time periods may be complicated by changing enumeration boundaries over time. Areal interpolation methods are commonly used to solve such zoning incompatibilities, but are frequently based on the questionable assumption of homogeneous population density within the different zones. To achieve more accurate estimates, land cover or other ancillary data may be used to better characterize the underlying source zone population density surface prior to areal interpolation. Although dasymetric techniques such as these are well documented, their effectiveness across different areal interpolation methods are not well established. This research compares the accuracy of a number of areal interpolation methods used to support temporal analysis of population data, and evaluates the effect of dasymetric mapping on interpolation accuracy. Our findings demonstrate that dasymetric refinement noticeably improves interpolation accuracy for the areal weighting, ...
A new method for flight test determination of propulsive efficiency and drag coefficient

A flight test method is described from which propulsive efficiency as well as parasite and induced drag coefficients can be directly determined using relatively simple instrumentation and analysis techniques. The method uses information contained in the transient response in airspeed for a small power change in level flight in addition to the usual measurement of power required for level flight. Measurements of pitch angle and longitudinal and normal acceleration are eliminated. The theoretical basis for the method, the analytical techniques used, and the results of application of the method to flight test data are presented.
Shallow donor formation in phosphorus-doped ZnO thin films

ZnO is a direct band gap semiconductor that is attractive for a number of applications, including high-temperature electronics, transparent electronics, and blue to UV optoelectronics. The most significant impediment to the exploitation of ZnO is the difficulty in achieving effective p-type carrier doping. Attractive acceptor-state candidates for ZnO are the group-V elements substituted on the oxygen site. In this paper, the doping behavior of phosphorus in as-deposited ZnO crystalline thin films grown by pulsed-laser deposition is reported. The experimental work reported here indicates that phosphorus doping significantly increases the electron carrier density in as-deposited films, making the material heavily n-type. These results indicate the formation of a shallow donor level associated with the phosphorus impurity, resulting from either substitution on the Zn site or formation of a compensating complex. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, the phosphorus-dopant ions in the films occupy multiple sites yielding oxidation states of -3 and +5. This would explain the compensated n-type behavior for group-V doping in the II-VI host material.
''Compressibility collapse'' transition in ReO/sub 3/

We have used Fermi-surface pressure-derivative measurements at 2 K and single-crystal and powder x-ray studies as a function of pressure at room temperature to demonstrate that recently published anomalous Fermi-surface and lattice properties of ReO/sub 3/ are related to a novel second-order phase transition. This transition probably involves a tetragonal distortion of the lattice accompanying a displacement of the O atoms from the linear O-Re-O chains of cubic ReO/sub 3/ to a ''hinged'' arrangement of the oxygens and is characterized by an enormous increase in the compressibility of the high-pressure phase.
Thermal expansion of TATB-based explosives from 300 to 566 K

Abstract We report thermal expansion measurements and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for LX-17-1 (92.5 wt.% 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB), 7.5 wt.% Kel-F 800) from 300 to 558 K. Samples uniaxially-compressed at 300 K show an axial CTE of (2.7+0.42 T )×10 −6 K −1 and a radial CTE of (48+0.16 T )×10 −6 K −1 ; the different axial and radial CTE indicate a small degree of alignment of the TATB molecules under uniaxial compression. LX-17-1 that was pressed in a die heated to 375 K showed additional growth in the 350–400 K temperature range during heating; apparently residual strain is produced in the heated Kel-F during pressing and is released when the material is reheated and the Kel-F softens. We observed irreversible “ratchet” growth from temperature cycling, and also found that LX-17-1 continues to expand when held at 524–558 K for periods of 4–5 h. Self-heating during thermal soak at 546–566 K indicated exothermic thermal decomposition.
Efficiency of vacancy annihilation at a surface and at dislocation loops in quenched aluminum

Abstract The average efficiencies of dislocation loops and the surface as sinks for supersaturated vacancies in quenched aluminum at 40°C were measured using stereo electron microscopy. The growth of dislocation loops in the region adjacent to the surface was used to investigate the competition between the surface and the growing dislocation loops for the annihilation of vacancies. Comparing the spatial dependence of the fully grown loop size with the solution of the appropriate diffusion equation, the average efficiencies of both types of sinks were determined. The values of the efficiencies are \ ge L = 0.9 ± 0.1 and \ ge S = 0.7 ± 0.1 for dislocation loops and the surface, respectively. The results indicate that dislocation loops are quite good sinks during their growth at 40°C and that the aluminum surface, which is always covered by a protective and adhesive oxide layer, is not a perfect sink for vacancy annihilation.
Histological analysis of low dose NMU effects in the rat mammary gland

Our objective was to assess the histological changes in mammary glands of the female Wistar-Furth rat as a result of low dose exposure to N-nitrosomethylurea (NMU). Groups of 30–40 virgin female rats of between 49–58 days old received a single injection of 10, 20, 30 or 50 mg NMU/kg body weight (BW). A group of 10 control rats received 0.9% NaCl solution only. The formation of palpable mammary gland tumors was assessed weekly and, upon sacrifice at 12, 22 and 25–30 weeks after treatment, we performed a comprehensive histological analysis of all mammary gland lesions and tumors. Alongside the predicted increase in tumor number and decrease in tumor latency with increasing NMU dose, we observed a number of microscopic lesions and other epithelial abnormalities in the mammary glands for all NMU doses. Two types of non-neoplastic histological changes were observed in rats exposed to 10 or 20 mg NMU/kg BW: namely, (i) an increase in the number of acinar structures often accompanied by secretion into the lumen which is normally associated with pregnancy and lactation, and (ii) an increase in the number of epithelial cells sloughed into the lumen of the epithelial ducts. This study establishes a baseline for low-dose exposure and defines the histological features in the mammary gland resulting from NMU exposure. Furthermore, this system provides an ideal platform for evaluating the relative susceptibility of animals protected from, or predisposed to, developing cancer through environmental influences.
Inconsistency of mothers' feedback and toddlers' misbehavior and negative affect.

The general hypothesis that mothers' inconsistent discipline can cause children to misbehave was examined. Mothers, who were otherwise engaged in a telephone conversation, were instructed to respond to toddlers' inappropriate demands for attention with either consistent reprimands or with one of a variety of inconsistent strategies. Reprimanding half of the child's demands and providing positive attention to the rest of the demands resulted in high rates of both demands for mothers' attention and children's negative affect. Reprimanding half the children's demands and ignoring the other demands did not have deleterious effects nor did reprimanding and attending to the same demand half of the time and ignoring the other demands. Thus, clear, positive feedback for inappropriate demands is a type of inconsistent discipline that can cause normal toddlers to become “terrible twos.”
ACOUSTIC RESPONSE OF A NON-CIRCULAR CYLINDRICAL ENCLOSURE USING CONFORMAL MAPPING

Abstract This paper presents a study of the free and forced interior acoustic response of a finite uniform cylindrical shell. The cross-section of the shell is a square with rounded corners. Conformal mapping is used to map the physical domain onto a circular cylindrical domain. The acoustic response is obtained in the circular domain by using the Rayleigh–Ritz method in conjunction with a variational principle. Numerical simulation results are presented showing the mode shapes and the forced pressure distribution at various frequencies.
Accurate user directed summarization from existing tools

This paper describes a set of experimental results produced from the TIPSTER SUMMAC initiative on user directed summaries: document summaries generated in the context of an information need expressed as a query. The summarizer that was evaluated was based on a set of existing statistical techniques that had been applied successfully to the INQUERY retrieval system. The techniques proved to have a wider utility, however, as the summarizer was one of the better performing systems in the SUMMAC evaluation. The design of this summarizer is presented with a range of evaluations: both those provided by SUMMAC as well as a set of preliminary, more informal, evaluations that examined additional aspects of the summaries. Amongst other conclusions, the results reveal that users can judge the relevance of documents from their summary almost as accurately as if they had had access to the document’s full text.
Effect of gymnodinium breve toxin(s) on frog skin and the giant axon of the squid.

Abstract A partially purified toxin from the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium breve was found to elicit a transient increase in the active transport in frog skin, and a spontaneous train of action potentials in the giant axon of the squid. Both effects were concentration dependent, reversible, and suggest the existence of unique sites of action of this toxin.
Acute alcohol intoxication and female orgasmic response

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that increasing levels of acute alcohol intoxication are related to systematic changes in female orgasmic experience reflected by physiological, behavioral, and cognitive indices. Using a repeated measures design with monthly experimental sessions, each of 18 university women were sustained at four different blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) in counterbalanced order prior to viewing sexually explicit videotapes and engaging in masturbation to orgasm. Measures of vaginal blood volume obtained by means of a vaginal photoplethysmograph and complemented by a behavioral latency measure showed a progressive and systematic depressant effect of alcohol on orgasmic responding. Higher BACs were associated with longer orgasmic latencies and decreased subjective intensity of orgasm, while, paradoxically, women reported significantly greater sexual arousal and orgasmic pleasurability under conditions of moderate and high alcohol intoxication. Results have implications for tre...
Ring-laser configuration with spontaneous noise reduced by destructive interference of the laser outputs

Thin layered gain media in a ring cavity can lead to detection devices free of spontaneous-emission noise. A theoretical analysis and a physical explanation for the destructive interference of the spontaneous emission in one of the laser outputs are presented.
Magnetic field alignment and electrical properties of solution cast PET–carbon nanotube composite films

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were dispersed in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix by solution blending and then cast onto a glass substrate to create flexible films. Various SWNT loading concentrations were implemented (0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 wt%), and the processing method was repeated to produce films in the presence of magnetic fields (3.0 and 9.4 T). Alignment of the SWNTs in the PET matrix was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Impedance spectroscopy was utilized to study the electrical behavior of the nanocomposites. It was concluded that SWNT concentration and dispersion are the key variables for improving electrical conductivity, while alignment plays a secondary role. Interestingly, it appears that a magnetic field may prove to be a novel method for improving the dispersion of unmodified SWNTs by disrupting van der Waals interactions.
Broiler Litter Composition as Affected by Water Extractant, Dilution Ratio, and Extraction Time

Laboratory methodologies characterizing a suite of water-extractable, elemental fractions of broiler litter (BL) are necessary to provide data representing field conditions once BL is land-applied and to address subsequent potential environmental mobility of litter constituents. This study evaluated the effects of water extractant (rainwater and deionized water), extractant/litter dilution ratio (10:1, 20:1, 30:1, and 40:1), and extraction time (5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, 360, 720, and 1440 min) on the chemical composition of BL. Water extractant did not affect water-soluble elements. Water-soluble elemental concentrations increased with increasing extraction times and either increased or were unaffected by increasing extractant/litter dilution ratio. Results based on achieving at least 70% of the maximum observed concentration suggest a minimum recommended extraction time of 30 min. However, extraction times exceeding 360 min indicated microbial immobilization of dissolved organic carbon. Therefore, an extr...
CRYOLITE: A MEDIUM FOR THE STUDY OF BURROWING AQUATIC ORGANISMS1

Cryolite (Na3AlF6), a naturally occurring mineral, has an index of refraction nearly identical to that of seawater and thus can provide an almost transparent medium for the study of burrowing marine organisms and the sedimentary modifications which they produce. The specific gravity of cryolite is similar to that of the components of normal sediments, and substrates with any desired grain size can be easily prepared.
GPS snow sensing: results from the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory

Accurate measurements of snowpack are needed both by scientists to model climate and by water supply managers to predict/mitigate drought and flood conditions. Existing in situ snow sensors/networks lack the necessary spatial and temporal sensitivity. Satellite measurements currently assess snow cover rather than snow depth. Existing GPS networks are a potential source of new snow data for climate scientists and water managers which complements existing snow sensors. Geodetic-quality GPS networks often provide signal-to-noise ratio data that are sensitive to snow depth at scales of ~1,000 m2, a much larger area than for other in situ sensors. However, snow depth can only be estimated at GPS sites when the modulation frequency of multipath signals can be resolved. We use data from the EarthScope Plate Boundary Observatory to examine the potential for snow sensing in GPS networks. Examples are shown for successful and unsuccessful snow retrieval sites. In particular, GPS sites in forested regions typically cannot be used for snow sensing. Multiple-year time series of snow depth are estimated from GPS sites in the Rocky Mountains. Peak snow depths ranged from 0.4 to 1.2 m. Comparisons with independent sensors show strong correlations between the GPS snow depth estimates and the timing of snowstorms in the region.
Fragmentation of rotating protostellar clouds

With a three-dimensional hydrodynamic computer code, the behavior of rotating, isothermal gas clouds as they collapse from Jeans unstable configurations is examined in order to determine whether they are susceptible to fragmentation during the initial dynamic collapse phase of evolution. It is found that a gas cloud will not fragment unless (1) it begins collapsing from a radius much smaller than the Jeans radius (i.e., the cloud initially encloses many Jeans masses) and (2) irregularities in the cloud's initial structure (specifically, density inhomogeneities) enclose more than one Jeans mass of material. Instead of fragmenting, most of the models collapse to a ring configuration. The rings appear to be less susceptible to fragmentation from arbitrary perturbations in their structure than has previously been indicated in other work. Because the models, which include the effects of gas pressure, do not readily fragment during a phase of dynamic collapse, it is suggested that gas clouds in the galactic disk undergo fragmentation only during quasi-equilibrium phases of their evolution.
Teaching about health care disparities in the clinical setting.

Clinical teachers often observe interactions that may contribute to health care disparities, yet may hesitate to teach about them. A pedagogical model could help faculty structure teaching about health care disparities in the clinical setting, but to our knowledge, none have been adapted for this purpose. In this paper, we adapt an established model, Time-Effective Strategies for Teaching (TEST), to the teaching of health care disparities. We use several case scenarios to illustrate the core components of the model: diagnose the learner, teach rapidly to the learner’s need, and provide feedback. The TEST model is straightforward, easy to use, and enables the incorporation of teaching about health care disparities into routine clinical teaching.
Outcomes of patients with gynecologic malignancies undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion

Abstract Objectives We evaluated the indications and outcomes of patients with known gynecologic malignancies that underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion. Methods After IRB approval was obtained, a retrospective study of patients with gynecologic malignancies who underwent planned VATS/pleurodesis between 1/2000 and 7/2010 was performed. Abstracted data included demographics, diagnosis, disease status, treatment history, indication for VATS, complications, and outcomes. Results Forty-two patients with a gynecologic malignancy underwent VATS/pleurodesis. Median age was 63 years. Twenty-nine patients (69%) had ovarian cancer. Fifty-seven percent had recurrent disease at the time of VATS and 57% were undergoing chemotherapy at the time of VATS. Eight patients (19%) underwent perioperative VATS to improve pulmonary status. Seven patients (17%) underwent a palliative VATS. The median length of stay was 7 days (range 1–53). Sixty-two percent had gross disease noted at the time of VATS. A mean of 1650 cc of fluid was drained at time of surgery (range 300–4500), and the majority (88%) of patients had a talc pleurodesis performed. Seven patients (17%) were readmitted within 30 days; 6 were for complications unrelated to their VATS. One patient was readmitted with hospital-acquired pneumonia and died during readmission. Median time to death after VATS was 104 days (range 4–1062). Patients who underwent a perioperative VATS had the longest survival (845 days). Conclusion Patients with gynecologic malignancies may require a VATS/pleurodesis for symptomatic pleural effusions. This procedure appears to be safe and effective in this patient population.
Kinetics of Dye Efflux and Lipid Flip-Flop Induced by δ-Lysin in Phosphatidylcholine Vesicles and the Mechanism of Graded Release by Amphipathic, α-Helical Peptides†

Delta-lysin is a 26-residue, amphipathic, alpha-helical peptide of bacterial origin. Its specificity is to some extent complementary to that of antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, understanding its mechanism is important for the more general goal of understanding the interaction of amphipathic peptides with membranes. In this article, we show that delta-lysin induces graded efflux of the contents of phosphatidylcholine vesicles. In view of this finding, carboxyfluorescein efflux kinetics were re-examined. In addition, peptide-induced lipid flip-flop was directly measured using fluorescence energy transfer between two lipid fluorophores initially placed on opposite leaflets of the bilayer. Carboxyfluorescein efflux and lipid flip-flop occur with essentially identical rate constants. On the basis of a detailed, quantitative analysis of the kinetics of peptide-vesicle interactions, we conclude that the peptide translocates across the bilayer as a small, transient aggregate, most likely a trimer. Dye efflux and lipid flip-flop occur concomitantly with the transient peptide-induced perturbation of the membrane. The experimental data are interpreted by comparing the predictions of the available models for the mechanism of action of amphipathic alpha-helical peptides. We demonstrate how the combination of the quantitative kinetic analysis, graded efflux, and reversibility of the peptide-vesicle interaction can be used to reject several models for this particular peptide. Two models are compatible with the data, the toroidal pore model and the sinking raft model. On the basis of the small aggregate size, a trimer, the latter appears to be more plausible. Some significant modifications are introduced in the sinking raft model to take into account the new finding of graded dye release. Furthermore, we present an explanation for the phenomenon of graded release in general, which, contrary to all-or-none efflux, has not been well-understood.
Tests for a Change Point in the Shape Parameter of Gamma Random Variables

Tests for detecting a change in the shape parameter of a sequence of gamma random variables are introduced. The asymptotic properties of the tests under the null and the alternate hypothesis are studied. A Monte Carlo study is used to compare the critical values for moderate to large sample sizes. The tests are applied to two data sets, one on time intervals between coal mine explosions and the other on inter arrival times of aircrafts, to detect possible changes in the shape parameter.
Level of recall, retrieval speed, and variability on the Cued-Recall Retrieval Speed Task (CRRST) in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) show deficits on traditional episodic memory tasks and reductions in speed of performance on reaction time tasks. We present results on a novel task, the Cued-Recall Retrieval Speed Test (CRRST), designed to simultaneously measure level and speed of retrieval. 390 older adults (mean age of 80.2 years), learned 16 words based on corresponding categorical cues. In the retrieval phase, we measured accuracy (% correct) and retrieval speed/reaction time (RT; time from cue presentation to voice onset of a correct response) across 6 trials. Compared to healthy elderly adults (HEA, n = 303), those with aMCI (n = 87) exhibited poorer performance in retrieval speed (difference = −0.13, p<.0001) and accuracy on the first trial (difference = −0.19, p<.0001), and their rate of improvement in retrieval speed was slower over subsequent trials. Those with aMCI also had greater within-person variability in processing speed (variance ratio = 1.22, p = 0.0098) and greater between-person variability in accuracy (variance ratio = 2.08, p = 0.0001) relative to HEA. Results are discussed in relation to the possibility that computer-based measures of cued-learning and processing speed variability may facilitate early detection of dementia in at-risk older adults.
Knowledge-based Bayesian network for the classification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex sublineages

We develop a novel knowledge-based Bayesian network (KBBN) that models our knowledge of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) obtained from expert-defined rules and large DNA fingerprint databases to classify strains of MTBC into fifty-one genetic sublineages. The model uses two high-throughput biomarkers: spacer oligonucleotide types (spoligotypes) and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU) types to represent strains of MTBC, since these are routinely gathered from MTBC isolates of tuberculosis (TB) patients. KBBN provides an elegant and simple way to incorporate existing widely accepted visual rules for MTBC sublineages into a classifier designed to capture known properties of the MTBC biomarkers. Unlike prior knowledge-based SVM approaches which require rules expressed as polyhedral sets, KBBN directly incorporates the rules without any modification. Computational results show that KBBN achieves much higher accuracy than methods based purely on rules, and than Bayesian networks trained on biomarker data alone.
Podiatric medical resources on the Internet: A fourth update

An updated selection of high-quality Internet resources of potential use to the podiatric medical practitioner, educator, resident, and student is presented. Internet search tools and general Internet reference sources are briefly covered, including methods of locating material residing on the "invisible" Web. General medical and podiatric medical resources are emphasized. These Web sites were judged on the basis of their potential to enhance the practice of podiatric medicine in addition to their contribution to education. Podiatric medical students, educators, residents, and practitioners who require a quick reference guide to the Internet may find this article useful.
Temperature “breaks” in Arrhenius plots: A thermodynamic consequence of a phase change

Abstract Temperature “breaks” in Arrhenius plots of biological data are real and can be explained as a consequence of a phase change in the system.
Use of procalcitonin as an aid to antibiotic prescribing in intensive care

Procalcitonin (PCT) is increasingly used as a specific marker for bacterial infection and sepsis. It has been shown to increase the accuracy of sepsis diagnosis at an early stage. PCT levels are low in viral infections, chronic inflammatory disorders or autoimmune processes. PCT levels in sepsis are generally greater than 1–2 ng/ml and often reach values between 10 and 100 ng/ml. An audit was carried out to ascertain whether a change in antibiotic prescribing occurred when PCT results were used in conjunction with white cell count (WCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Customer Satisfaction and Word of Mouth

Do dissatisfied customers engage in more or less word of mouth than satisfied customers? There is theoretical and empirical support for both possibilities. To better understand this issue, the authors developed a utility-based model of the relationship between customer satisfaction and word of mouth. The hypothesized functional form-an asymmetric U-shape-cannot be rejected based on data from the United States and Sweden. In addition, the estimation results based on the two samples are similar, suggesting that the proposed relationship is generalizable. The findings also indicate that although dissatisfied customers do engage in greater word of mouth than satisfied ones, common suppositions concerning the size of this difference appear to be exaggerated.
Separation of aflatoxin-contaminated cottonseed based on physical characteristics of seed cotton and ginned seed

Samples of aflatoxin-contaminated stored ginned cottonseed and of freshly harvested seed cotton and companion ginned seed were examined under long wave ultraviolet (UV) and visible light to develop physical criteria for separating aflatoxin-contaminated seed from sound seed. Seed locks characterized by bright greenish-yellow, or cateye, fluorescence when viewed under long wave UV light were separated from samples of 12 varieties of freshly harvested seed. As a result, 80–100% (mean 96%) of the aflatoxin contamination that was concentrated in 2–9% (mean 6%) of the seed weight was effectively removed. The cateye fluorescence separation technique was slightly less effective for removing aflatoxins from companion freshly harvested, ginned samples, but most of the aflatoxins were concentrated in only 0.5–3% (mean 2%) of the seed weight. This approach was relatively ineffective for stored ginned seed, probably due to deterioration of the cateye fluorescence.
Amylase synthesis as a simple model system for translation and hybrid arresst in Xenopus oocytes

A human alpha-amylase-encoding cDNA has been cloned in a transcription vector. When messenger RNA (mRNA) made in vitro from this construct was injected into Xenopus oocytes, amylase (AMY) activity was detected both in oocyte homogenates and in the incubation medium, indicating that the oocyte machinery correctly translated and processed the protein. Because AMY activity is easy to detect with a blue-starch assay, this expression system was used to determine the parameters of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (oligo) inhibition of translation in the oocytes. Unique oligos complementary to the AMY mRNA sequence were effective in arresting translation, at approximately stoichiometric levels. Mixed oligos also inhibited translation, at levels that suggest that some mismatches may be tolerated in the formation of DNA-RNA hybrids. The AMY system provides a convenient probe of oocyte protein synthesis and processing machinery and can serve as a control substrate in investigations of other mRNAs.
Cholecystokinin in human cerebrospinal fluid: concentrations, dynamics, molecular forms and relationship to fasting and feeding in health, depression and alcoholism

Abstract Very little is known about the physiologic significance of the gut-brain hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) in the human central nervous system, although the hormone has been hypothesized to be involved in the regulation of both appetite and anxiety. We continuously collected lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via indwelling subarachnoid catheters in ten normal volunteers, ten patients with major depression and five abstinent alcoholic humans, while fasting and after eating. Five other healthy subjects were fasted throughout the experiment. We quantified CSF immunoreactive cholecystokinin (IR-CCK) and glucose concentrations at 10-min intervals from 11.00 to 17.00 h. No difference in CSF IR-CCK concentration, half-life or rhythm was observed between normal volunteers and either depressed or alcoholic patients. Fasting CSF IR-CCK concentrations were 1.3 ± 0.18, 1.3 ± 0.21 and 1.2 ± 0.21 fmol/ml (mean ± S.E.M.) in normal volunteers, depressed patients and alcoholic patients, respectively. After eating, CSF IR-CCK concentrations rose to 1.5 ± 0.21, 1.5 ± 0.24 and 1.4 ± 0.26 fmol/ml, respectively. Normal volunteers who did not eat had similar basal CSF IR-CCK concentrations (1.1 ± 0.1 fmol/ml) which similarly rose to 1.4 ± 0.13 fmol/ml during the sampling interval. In contrast, CSF glucose concentrations rose only in the subjects who ate, beginning to rise after about 1 h and remaining elevated for at least 3 h after eating. These data suggest the existence of a diurnal rhythm of IR-CCK release into CSF, as opposed to a response to feeding. The disappearance half-time of CCK in human CSF is less than 13 min. The rapid intra-individual concentration transients in CSF IR-CCK concentration observed suggest pulsatile release of CCK into and rapid removal from CSF. Thus, it is likely that the IR-CCK measured in lumbar CSF is principally derived from spinal cord and does not reflect possible changes in hypothalamic IR-CCK after eating. Finally, gel filtration chromatography confirmed that IR-CCK in human CSF is heterogeneous, but, in contrast to previous studies, we found that the majority of activity is associated with a peptide(s) whose molecular weight is 1.66 kDa, corresponding in size to CCK-12 (CCK-[22-33]).
An expert system approach to environmental impact assessment

The assessment and analysis of environmental impacts have become familiar procedures carefully followed by those involved in the planning and implementation of activities and projects that stand to alter the social or physical environment. In response to the requirements for project appraisal a variety of techniques have been developed to assist in the evaluation of impact, yet regardless of sophistication the assessment process remains a formalized procedure for expressing professional judgement. In this paper an approach to impact assessment that incorporates human judgement and experience is presented based on recent developments in expert systems technology. A prototype expert system, illustrating the role played by experience and judgement, is described and the utility of the rule‐based approach is discussed.
Atomic Roaches and Test-Tube Babies: Bentley Glass and Science Communication

Bentley Glass, an American geneticist during America’s Cold War with the Soviet Union, originated the legend that cockroaches would take over the world in the event of a nuclear apocalypse. As a scientific researcher, writer, editor, and administrator, Glass advocated higher-quality science writing and better communication between scientists and the public. Serving on the editorial board of the journal Science, he wrote a number of political opinion pieces and sought to improve the editorial process while interrogating the journal’s relationship to the mainstream media. Meanwhile, he wrote a science column for general readers, was a frequently tapped source for reporters, and was an expert guest on radio and television programs. As a leader of many scientific organizations throughout his career, his views were widely disseminated by press coverage of his public speeches. His often-frustrated efforts to bridge the gap between the two cultures of scientific and journalistic practice hint at the spectacular ...
Calibration of the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) Hard X-ray Telescope

On September 21-22, 2013, the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) hard X-ray telescope, flew as a balloon payload from Ft. Sumner, N.M. HEROES observed the Sun, the black hole binary GRS 1915+105, and the Crab Nebula during its 27 hour flight. In this paper we describe laboratory calibration measurements of the HEROES detectors using line and continuum sources, applications of these measurements to define channel to energy (gain) corrections for observed events and to define detector response matrices. We characterize the HEROES X-ray grazing incidence optics using measurements taken in the Stray-Light (SLF) Facility in Huntsville, AL, and using ray traces.
Patients With the Malignant Profile Within 3 Hours of Symptom Onset Have Very Poor Outcomes After Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Therapy

Background and Purpose—The malignant profile has been associated with poor outcomes after reperfusion in the 3- to 6-hour time window. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and prognostic implications of the malignant profile, as identified by CT perfusion, in intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator-treated patients who were imaged <3 hours from stroke onset. Methods—The incidence of the malignant profile, based on the previously published optimal perfusion-weighted imaging definition, was assessed in consecutive patients using a fully automated software program (RApid processing of Perfusion and Diffusion [RAPID]). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was done to identify time to maximum and core volume thresholds that optimally identify patients with poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale 5–6). Results—Forty-two patients had an interpretable CT perfusion performed within 3 hours of symptom onset. Mean age was 74±14 years and median (interquartile range) National Institutes...
Improving the quality of evaluations of federal human services national demonstration programs

Abstract This paper discusses some of the major issues relating to the planning of evaluations of federal human services national demonstration programs. It is argued that there is often insufficient planning and emphasis on evaluation, which limits the amount of useful knowledge obtained by these demonstrations. Barriers to conducting evaluations are identified for the policy level and cross-site and within-site evaluation contexts. Some of the proposed solutions include utilizing an explicit programmatic developmental sequence to evaluation pegged to program stages and modifying the role and functions of cross-site evaluators.
Anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties of a γ-carboxyglutamic acid-rich peptide derived from the light chain of blood coagulation factor X

In this report, we describe the anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties of a peptide (residues 1-44) derived from the amino-terminus of the bovine Factor X light chain by limited proteolysis with chymotrypsin, and subsequently purified by QAE-Sephadex chromatography. The effect of Factor X gla-peptide on the activation of human 3H-Factors IX and X was studied using radiometric assays and purified coagulation factors. Factor VIIa-tissue factor catalyzed activation of Factors IX and X was half-maximally inhibited by Factor X gla-peptide at concentrations of 0.8 microM and 0.2 microM, respectively. Factor IXa-VIII catalyzed Factor X activation was half-maximally inhibited at a gla-peptide concentration of 0.5 microM. In addition, thrombin formation by platelets incubated with Factor Xa and prothrombin could be similarly blocked by gla-peptide. Studies with bovine aortic endothelial cells indicated that the Factor X gla-peptide blocked in parallel Factor X binding and activation on the cell surface. Decarboxylation of the peptide by acid heat treatment destroyed its anticoagulant activity. The in vivo anticoagulant potential of native gla-peptide was demonstrated by a rapid prolongation of the PT and APTT following intravenous infusion into a rabbit. In addition, gla-peptide prevented thrombus formation in response to Factors IXa and Xa, but not thrombin, in a Wessler venous stasis model.
Primary and new production in the deep Canada Basin during summer 2002

The NOAA Ocean Exploration program provided the opportunity to measure the carbon and nitrogen productivity across the Canada Basin. This research examined the major environmental factors limiting the levels of primary production and possible future climate change on the ecosystems. The vertical distributions of the carbon and nitrogen uptakes of phytoplankton had similar patterns as their respective biomass concentrations which were low at the surface and highest in the chlorophyll-maximum layer. The annual carbon and new production rates of phytoplankton in the Canada Basin were about 5 and 1 g C m−2, respectively. Nutrients were determined to be a main limiting factor at the surface, whereas light may be a major factor limiting phytoplankton productivity in the chlorophyll-maximum layer for open waters. The bottom surface of the ice has a low specific uptake and productivity of phytoplankton, indicating that photosynthetic activity might be controlled by both light and nutrients.
tert‐Butyl Hypobromite

[1611-82-1] C4H9BrO (MW 153.02) InChI = 1S/C4H9BrO/c1-4(2,3)6-5/h1-3H3 InChIKey = IODUDVQDMKBOJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N (alkoxybromination of alkenes;2 bromination of alkanes;3 allylic bromination4) Physical Data: bp 44–45 °C/85 mmHg; mp −27 to −28 °C; d 1.33 g cm−3. Solubility: sol ether, CCl4, CH2Cl2. Analysis of Reagent Purity: the reagent can be assayed by thiosulfate titration of iodine liberated by the addition of the reagent to a solution of KI in aq HCl.5 Preparative Methods: prepared in 43% yield on a 0.18 mol scale by addition of tert-butyl alcohol to a solution of Ag2SO4 and bromine in water.3 The product is isolated by distillation. Since much material is lost during the distillation, many workers have found it more convenient to prepare and use the reagent in solution. In one procedure the reagent is generated in CH2Cl2 solution from Hg2O, bromine, and tert-butyl alcohol.6 It has also been prepared from NaBr, NaOCl, tert-butyl alcohol, and acetic acid.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: reported3 to be stable for weeks at 0 °C in the dark. It decomposes at 85 °C, upon irradiation or by washing with 5% aq NaHCO3 solution. It also decomposes upon repeated washing with water. Should be handled in a fume hood.
Adjunctive agents in ovulation induction

AJ, Mutter GL. The effect of consecutive day inseminations on semen characteristics in an intrauterine insemination program. Fertil Steril 1992;58:433-5. Serhal PF, Katz M, Little V, Woronowski H. Unexplained infertility-the value of Pergonal superovulation combined with intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril 1988;49: 602-6. Serta RT, Rufo S, Seibel MM. Minimal endometriosis and intrauterine insemination: does controlled ovarian hyperstimulation improve pregnancy rates? Obstet Gynecol 1992; 80:37-40. Silverberg KM, Johnson JV, Olive DL, Burns WN, Schenken RS. A prospective, randomized trial comparing two different intrauterine insemination regimens in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles. Fertil Steril 1992;57:35761. Welner S, DeCherney AH, Polan ML. Human menopausal gonadotropins: a justifiable therapy in ovulatory women with long-standing idiopathic infertility. AM J OBSTET GYyEcol 1990;150:111-7.
Sclerosing Sertoli Cell Tumor of the Testis: A Distinct Histological Subtype

AbstractPurpose: A case of sclerosing Sertoli cell tumor of the testis is reported. The histological and clinical features are compared to those of other Sertoli cell tumor subtypes.Materials and Methods: The current urological and pathological literature was reviewed.Results: The tumor was identified incidentally in a 35-year-old white man. Pathological examination was performed and the patient was well at 9 months.Conclusions: Sertoli cell tumors are heterogeneous and not accurately considered a uniform entity. The currently recognized variants differ in apparent malignant potential as well as the association with disease processes in other unrelated organ systems.
Electronic structure of defect centers in SiO2

Abstract Molecular orbital calculations based on the Extended Huckel Theory have been performed for clusters of two and eight SiO 2 molecules. We report here the results for an ordered sutructure in which periodic boundary conditions are imposed to saturte the peripheral bonds which otherwise cause extraneous localized states to appear. We find an energy gap of ∼13 eV as compared to the experimental value of ∼11 eV. The removal of an oxygen results in several levels in the energy gap which move upon displacement of the two neighboring silicons. The levels appear to account for the observed ultraviolet optical absorption band and are also a possible origin for the positively charged slow surface states present near a SiO 2 -Si interface. The addition of either atomic or molecular hydrogen to a perfect crystal is predicted to yield preferentially a double hydrogen-single oxygen center. If ambient oxygen atoms are present, a two hydroxl group center is then most favorable.
Tyrosine triad at the interface between the Rieske iron-sulfur protein, cytochrome c1 and cytochrome c2 in the bc1 complex of Rhodobacter capsulatus.

Abstract A triad of tyrosine residues (Y152–154) in the cytochrome c 1 subunit (C1) of the Rhodobacter capsulatus cytochrome bc 1 complex (BC1) is ideally positioned to interact with cytochrome c 2 (C2). Mutational analysis of these three tyrosines showed that, of the three, Y154 is the most important, since its mutation to alanine resulted in significantly reduced levels, destabilization, and inactivation of BC1. A second-site revertant of this mutant that regained photosynthetic capacity was found to have acquired two further mutations—A181T and A200V. The Y152Q mutation did not change the spectral or electrochemical properties of C1, and showed wild-type enzymatic C2 reduction rates, indicating that this mutation did not introduce major structural changes in C1 nor affect overall activity. Mutations Y153Q and Y153A, on the other hand, clearly affect the redox properties of C1 (e.g. by lowering the midpoint potential as much as 117 mV in Y153Q) and the activity by 90% and 50%, respectively. A more conservative Y153F mutant on the other hand, behaves similarly to wild-type. This underscores the importance of an aromatic residue at position Y153, presumably to maintain close packing with P184, which modeling indicates is likely to stabilize the sixth heme ligand conformation.
Decomposition of Head-Related Transfer Functions Based on the Hankel Total Least Squares Method

Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) are used to achieve binaural sound spatialization. Originally, sound spatialization techniques that utilize HRTFs require an intended listener to undergo lengthy measurements with specialized equipment. Unfortunately, the alternative generic HRTFs increase localization errors especially in elevation. Another option that we are pursuing is to customize HRTFs based on the physical measurements of a listener such that their performance is equivalent to measured HRTFs. However, an initial step of decomposing measured HRTFs in order to reveal the parameters of the required structural pinna model must be performed. A new approach for the decomposition of HRTFs is suggested and evaluated on simulated examples. Finally, the method is used to decompose actual HRTFs and the results are evaluated.
Caching routing indices in structured P2P overlays

Because of the omnipresence of node dynamic activities, large scale P2P systems built on structured overlays suffer high maintenance overhead and compromised routing performance. In this paper, we study the characteristics of P2P node dynamic behaviors and present a novel routing indices caching scheme, called SORIC, which solves this problem by fully exploiting the round-trip pattern in node dynamic behaviors and heterogeneity among peers in the system. SORIC selectively caches routing indices of transient departed nodes in other relatively stable and capable nodes for two purposes. First, rejoin of the cached nodes is drastically simplified to O(1) complexity, thus cutting off a large portion of system maintenance overhead. Second, caching routing indices of departed nodes minimizes the negative effects of node departures and rejoins, and thus enables the system to sustain an uninterruptedly high quality routing service.
Compact folded feed network development for a ku-band DBS slotted SIW array antennas

Summary form only given, as follows. Substrate integrated waveguides technology has been implemented to develop a compact feed network for a slot antenna array. Various transitions design rules have been developed and implemented including compact “T” and “Y” junctions, layer to layer couplers, and a wide band CPWG to SIW transition. The feed network is optimized to have a low overall insertion loss while supporting the required bandwidth through optimizing the dimension of junctions on each stage.
Weighted Lin-Wang Tests for Crossing Hazards

Lin and Wang have introduced a quadratic version of the logrank test, appropriate for situations in which the underlying survival distributions may cross. In this note, we generalize the Lin-Wang procedure to incorporate weights and investigate the performance of Lin and Wang’s test and weighted versions in various scenarios. We find that weighting does increase statistical power in certain situations; however, none of the procedures was dominant under every scenario.