cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A framework for detecting injected influence attacks on microblog websites using change detection techniques

Abstract Presidential elections can impact world peace, global economics, and overall well-being. Recent news indicates that fraud on the Web has played a substantial role in elections, particularly in developing countries in South America and the public discourse, in general. To protect the trustworthiness of the Web, in this paper, we present a novel framework using statistical techniques to help detect veiled Web fraud attacks in Online Social Networks (OSN). Specific examples are used to demonstrate how some statistical techniques, such as the Kalman Filter and the modified CUSUM, can be applied to detect various attack scenarios. A hybrid data set, consisting of both real user tweets collected from Twitter and simulated fake tweets is constructed for testing purposes. The efficacy of the proposed framework has been verified by computing metrics, such as Precision, Recall, and Area Under the ROC curve. The algorithms achieved up to 99.9% accuracy in some scenarios and are over 80% accurate for most of the other scenarios.
Are all chromosome microarrays the same? What clinicians need to know

Microarray testing is the recommended first-tier diagnostic test for women who undergo invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures. It is well-established that microarray analysis provides information regarding copy number for changes (or copy number variants, CNVs) that may be below the resolution level of standard chromosome analysis, and that such CNVs are not related to maternal age. What may not be appreciated by ordering providers, however, are the technical differences among laboratories with respect to the established laboratory cutoff values for reporting, the definition of targeted versus nontargeted regions, and how these differences may affect the interpretation and reporting of findings which, in turn, affects counseling and possible follow-up testing of family members. Here, we provide a detailed explanation of these technical factors and clarify how they practically impact diagnostic results.
Appalachian Affects: Fieldwork as Material Ecology

This essay—based on fieldwork with off-grid homebuilders in the Mid-Ohio River Valley—recognizes ethnography as a more-than-human ecology of habit, rhythm, and affect. I begin by describing some of...
Macroscopic length correlations in non-equilibrium systems and their possible realizations

Abstract We consider general systems that start from and/or end in thermodynamic equilibrium while experiencing a finite rate of change of their energy density or other intensive quantities q at intermediate times. We demonstrate that at these times, during which q varies at a finite rate, the associated covariance, the connected pair correlator G i j = 〈 q i q j 〉 − 〈 q i 〉 〈 q j 〉 , between any two (far separated) sites i and j in a macroscopic system may, on average, become finite. Once the global mean q no longer changes, the average of G i j over all site pairs i and j may tend to zero. However, when the equilibration times are significant (e.g., as in a glass that is not in true thermodynamic equilibrium yet in which the energy density (or temperature) reaches a final steady state value), these long range correlations may persist also long after q ceases to change. We explore viable experimental implications of our findings and speculate on their potential realization in glasses (where a prediction of a theory based on the effect that we describe here suggests a universal collapse of the viscosity that agrees with all published viscosity measurements over sixteen decades) and non-Fermi liquids. We discuss effective equilibrium in driven systems and derive uncertainty relation based inequalities that connect the heat capacity to the dynamics in general open thermal systems. These rigorous thermalization inequalities suggest the shortest possible fluctuation times scales in open equilibrated systems at a temperature T are typically “Planckian” (i.e., O ( ħ / ( k B T ) ) ). We briefly comment on parallels between quantum measurements, unitary quantum evolution, and thermalization and on how Gaussian distributions may generically emerge.
Nearly-optimal bounds for sparse recovery in generic norms, with applications to k-median sketching

We initiate the study of trade-offs between sparsity and the number of measurements in sparse recovery schemes for generic norms. Specifically for a norm ||·||, sparsity parameter k, approximation factor K > 0, and probability of failure P > 0, we ask: what is the minimal value of m so that there is a distribution over m × n matrices A with the property that for any x, given Ax, we can recover a k-sparse approximation to x in the given norm with probability at least 1 -- P? We give a partial answer to this problem, by showing that for norms that admit efficient linear sketches, the optimal number of measurements m is closely related to the doubling dimension of the metric induced by the norm ||·|| on the set of all k-sparse vectors. By applying our result to specific norms, we cast known measurement bounds in our general framework (for the ep norms, p ∈ [1, 2]) as well as provide new, measurement-efficient schemes (for the Earth-Mover Distance norm). The latter result directly implies more succinct linear sketches for the well-studied planar k-median clustering problem. Finally our lower bound for the doubling dimension of the EMD norm enables us to resolve the open question of [Frahling-Sohler, STOC'05] about the space complexity of clustering problems in the dynamic streaming model.
Comparative epidemiology of influenza B by lineage in intensive care unit-admitted patients with complications: A nationwide study in Taiwan, 2013-2017.

Abstract Background We describe the relative proportions and epidemiological features of influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata, using data from nationwide surveillance systems. Methods We collected respiratory samples from outpatients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients with complications (pulmonary or neurological complications, myocarditis/pericarditis or invasive bacterial infection) for virus isolation and lineage typing. Demographics, epidemiological features, and vaccination history from ICU-admitted patients with complications were analyzed. Results From July 2013–June 2017, 21% of 11517 influenza isolates were influenza B. B/Victoria was the predominant circulating strain in 2013–2014, accounted for 56% of all influenza B positive samples and B/Yamagata was predominant in 2014–2017 (82%, 69%, and 85%, respectively). Among all typed viruses, the proportion of B/Yamagata was higher among specimens from ICU-admitted patients with complications (77%, 154/199) than from ILI outpatients (66%, 276/418, p Conclusions Two lineages of influenza B viruses co-circulate annually in Taiwan. Among ICU-admitted patients with complications, B/Yamagata causes more severe illness than B/Victoria.
God, morality, and prudence

WE distinguished some time ago among views which seek to elicit a notion of a good man from considerations of human nature – those that set man in some transcendental framework and those that did not. Having just said something about the second sort, I shall now turn to look at an example of the first. In the course of doing this, it will be helpful to discuss a question which is important apart from the present issue – the relations of the moral and the prudential. A leading feature of this sort of theory is that it seeks to provide, in terms of the transcendental framework, something that man is for: if he understands properly his role in the basic scheme of things, he will see that there are some particular sorts of ends which are properly his and which he ought to realize. One archetypal form of such a view is the belief that man was created by a God who also has certain expectations of him. A central difficulty with this lies in the question of which properties of God are supposed to justify the claim that we ought to satisfy his expectations. If it is his power, or the mere fact that he created us, analogies with human kings or fathers (often employed in this connection) leave us with the recognition that there are many kings and fathers who ought not to be obeyed.
Identifying High-resolution Spatiotemporal Components Contributing to the Fast Spiking Response Dynamics of Visual Neurons

In many brain areas, responses to sensory stimuli vary due to other cognitive, motor, or task factors. In the visual system the integration of these modulatory factors and visual stimuli can change the spatiotemporal characteristics of visual neurons at various spatial and temporal scales. High resolution changes in the neurons’ spatiotemporal sensitivity happening on fast timescales, however, can challenge computational models that aim to capture the neural computations underlying these fast dynamics. The time-varying visual sensitivity around the time of eye movements is an exemplar of such fast, dynamic modulatory computations. This study develops a statistical framework for identifying the high-resolution spatiotemporal components of visual neurons in the middle temporal area of macaque monkeys during a rapid eye movement task. The identified components can be used in building dynamic encoding models capable of characterizing the time-varying stimulus-response relationships with high resolutions and at the level of single-trial spiking activity. Such dynamic models with high temporal precision can be used to provide higher accuracy in the decoding of time-varying visual information from neuronal responses, which can in turn advance visual brain-machine interface systems to be able to operate robustly and with high accuracy in dynamic scenes.
LGBTQI+ bioethics: A pre-queer theory bioethicist reflects

Summary In 2010, queer bioethics or LGBTQI+ bioethics was created to address the metaethical heteronormative component entrenched in bioethics. The dominant heteronormative, cisgendered group assumed that what worked well enough for them was the universal truth for everyone, even in the face of significant or essential differences between affected groups. LGBTQI+ healthcare, however, does not conform to those normative standards for rather obvious reasons. To improve healthcare in its broadest form and make it more ethical, there must be a more nuanced understanding of health issues and how to engage them based on queer people, their identities, interactions, and relationships within the natural and social environments they inhabit.
Stimulating Entrepreneurship Activity at SUNY Korea, from Scratch

The Republic of Korea is a country well-known for fostering innovation. However, the country historically has not been a leader in fostering high-quality innovational entrepreneurship ecosystems. To address this, the State University of New York (SUNY) in Korea, an international branch campus in Incheon, launched a Center for Global Entrepreneurship (CGE) in 2017 to offer its students and faculty a “networking point” with both global and local entrepreneurship communities. The Center also has in-house programs like ideation hackathons, workshops on sales/negotiation and business modeling, and other mentorship opportunities. This chapter offers an account of the progress, experience, and lessons learned from the establishment of SUNY Korea’s CGE.
Effects of music listening to reduce preprocedural dental anxiety in special needs patients.

Abstract Background and purpose Dental anxiety is particularly problematic for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), resulting in a greater reluctance to undergo dental procedures and exacerbating poor oral health. Drugs commonly used for dental anxiety have undesirable side effects and may not be preferred by patients and guardians. Alternative methods for managing dental anxiety are needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of music listening on anxiety levels of patients with IDD awaiting dental procedures. Materials and methods A convenience sample of 15 patients with IDD listened to piano music for 10 min before scheduled outpatient dental procedures. Preprocedural dental anxiety levels as measured by Revised ADAMS scores, pulse rates, and blood pressures were compared pre and post music listening. Participants’ premedication requirements for the procedure with music listening was compared to their respective previously scheduled procedure with no music listening. Results Post music listening, patients demonstrated reduced anxiety levels as evidenced by lower Revised ADAMS scores (p = 0.001), mean arterial pressures (p = 0.09), pulse rates (p = 0.02), and reduced premedication requirements. Conclusion Study results suggest that music listening offers an effective, nonpharmacologic alternative to reducing preprocedural dental anxiety in patients with IDD.
Refugee and Migrant Health Literacy Interventions in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Health literacy is a key determinant of health in refugee and migrant populations living in in high-income countries (HICs). We conducted a systematic review of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) to characterize the scope, methodology, and outcomes of research on interventions aimed at improving health literacy among these vulnerable populations. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases to identify RCTs of health literacy intervenions in our target population published between 1997 and 2018. The search yielded 23 RCTs (n = 5625 participants). Study demographics, health literacy topics, interventions, and outcome measures were heterogeneous but demonstrated overall positive results. Only two studies used a common health literacy measure. Few RCTs have been conducted to investigate interventions for improving the health literacy of refugees and migrants in HICs. The heterogeniety of health literacy outcome measures used impeded a robust comparison of intervention efficacy.
Unbalanced Panel Data Models

So far we have dealt only with “complete panels” or “balanced panels”, i.e., cases where the individuals are observed over the entire sample period. Incomplete panels are more likely to be the norm in typical economic empirical settings. For example, in collecting data on US airlines over time, a researcher may find that some firms have dropped out of the market while new entrants emerged over the sample period observed.
Combined Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Plus Variceal Obliteration versus Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Alone for the Management of Gastric Varices: Comparative Single-Center Clinical Outcomes.

Abstract Purpose To compare the safety and clinical outcomes of combined transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) plus variceal obliteration to those of TIPS alone for the treatment of gastric varices (GVs). Materials and Methods A single-center, retrospective study of 40 patients with bleeding or high-risk GVs between 2008 and 2019 was performed. The patients were treated with combined therapy (n = 18) or TIPS alone (n = 22). There were no significant differences in age, sex, model for end-stage liver disease score, or GV type between the groups. The primary outcomes were the rates of GV eradication and rebleeding. The secondary outcomes included portal hypertensive complications and hepatic encephalopathy. Results The mean follow-up period was 15.4 months for the combined therapy group and 22.9 months for the TIPS group (P = .32). After combined therapy, there was a higher rate of GV eradication (92% vs 47%, P = .01) and a trend toward a lower rate of GV rebleeding (0% vs 23%, P = .056). The estimated rebleeding rates were 0% versus 5% at 3 months, 0% versus 11% at 6 months, 0% versus 18% at 1 year, and 0% versus 38% at 2 years after combined therapy and TIPS, respectively (P = .077). There was no difference in ascites (13% vs 11%, P = .63), hepatic encephalopathy (47% vs 55%, P = .44), or esophageal variceal bleeding (0% vs 0%, P > .999) after the procedure between the groups. Conclusions The GV eradication rate is significantly higher after combined therapy, with no associated increase in portal hypertensive complications. This translates to a clinically meaningful trend toward a reduction in GV rebleeding. The value of a combined treatment strategy should be prospectively studied in a larger cohort to determine the optimal management of GVs.
Certification testing of production superconducting quarter-wave and half-wave resonators for FRIB

Abstract The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) is designed to accelerate ion beams to ≥ 200 MeV per nucleon with 46 superconducting radio-frequency cryomodules. The FRIB driver linac uses quarter-wave resonators and half-wave resonators; with a total of 324 resonators, the linac is currently the largest heavy ion accelerator in the world. Production of jacketed resonators began in January 2014 and was completed in December 2019. Dewar certification testing of all the cavities was done before they were installed into cryomodules. The experience and lessons from more than 5 years of FRIB resonator production and certification testing are analyzed and summarized in this paper.
Mill based settlement patterns in Schoharie County, New York: A regional study

This study analyzes the historic settlement patterns of a region in central New York State, based on the economic orientation of the two predominant industries in the area. The analysis itself used quantitative techniques developed by geographers in dealing with similar problems, and multivariate techniques developed by statisticians for the analysis of complex data. The study originated as a pilot study, to be used to develop a large scale model of historic settlement patterns in central New York State.
A comparison of fixed-point 2D 9/spl times/7 discrete wavelet transform implementations

We describe three 2D discrete wavelet transform fixed-point implementations and compare them in terms of quantization error for the Daubechies 9/spl times/7 filter bank. The three implementations are the polyphase form, lifting scheme, and reduced scaling lifting scheme. Experimental results show that the reduced scaling lifting scheme is more robust than the other schemes. Also, the number of cycles the implementations take on a Texas Instruments TMS320C6201 simulator are given as reference.
Simple reconstruction of binary near-perfect phylogenetic trees

We consider the problem of reconstructing near-perfect phylogenetic trees using binary character states (referred to as BNPP). A perfect phylogeny assumes that every character mutates at most once in the evolutionary tree, yielding an algorithm for binary character states that is computationally efficient but not robust to imperfections in real data. A near-perfect phylogeny relaxes the perfect phylogeny assumption by allowing at most a constant number q of additional mutations. In this paper, we develop an algorithm for constructing optimal phylogenies and provide empirical evidence of its performance. The algorithm runs in time O((72 κ)qnm + nm2) where n is the number of taxa, m is the number of characters and κ is the number of characters that share four gametes with some other character. This is fixed parameter tractable when q and κ are constants and significantly improves on the previous asymptotic bounds by reducing the exponent to q. Furthermore, the complexity of the previous work makes it impractical and in fact no known implementation of it exists. We implement our algorithm and demonstrate it on a selection of real data sets, showing that it substantially outperforms its worst-case bounds and yields far superior results to a commonly used heuristic method in at least one case. Our results therefore describe the first practical phylogenetic tree reconstruction algorithm that finds guaranteed optimal solutions while being easily implemented and computationally feasible for data sets of biologically meaningful size and complexity.
Dryout Avoidance Control for Multi-Evaporator Vapor Compression Cycles With Transient Heat Flux

Multiple-evaporator vapor compression cycles may be used for distributed cooling of high heat-flux systems, such as arrays of high-power electronics. Under transient heating conditions, these systems must be carefully controlled to avoid critical heat flux (CHF) due to evaporator dryout. An active control strategy is presented that regulates two-phase flow quality in multiple evaporators in order to avoid critical quality under transient heating conditions. A two-loop control system is used, in which an outer loop uses model-based feedforward combined with evaporator wall temperature feedback to determine the necessary coolant flow rate to avoid CHF, while an inner loop uses system actuators (variable speed compressor, electronic expansion valves) to track to the desired flow rate. An advantage of this approach is that the inner-loop control handles the system complexity arising from pressure coupling and actuator nonlinearity. Additionally, the outer-loop quality control may be applied to other two-phase cooling schemes, for instance pumped systems, by providing coolant flow rate setpoints. Simulations and corresponding experimental controller validation were conducted using a three-evaporator vapor compression testbed with transient imposed heat-flux.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Functional magnetic resonance imaging with echo planar imaging.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a class of techniques that images intrinsic blood signal change with magnetic resonance (MR) imagers, has in the past 3 years become one of the most successful tools used to study cerebral blood flow and perfusion in the brain. Because changes in neuronal activity are accompanied by focal changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF), blood volume (CBV), blood oxygenation, and metabolism, these physiological changes can be used to produce functional maps of mental operations.
Is Resternotomy a Risk for Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Outcomes?†

Background: The number of patients undergoing resternotomy continues to rise. Although catastrophic hemorrhage remains a dreaded complication, most published data suggest that sternal reentrance is safe, with negligible postoperative morbidity and mortality. A significant proportion of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantations are reoperative cardiac procedures. The aim of our study was to compare outcomes between first time sternotomy and resternotomy patients receiving continuous-flow LVADs, as a bridge to transplantation or destination therapy. Methods and materials: From March 2006 through February 2012, 100 patients underwent implantation of a HeartMate II or HeartWare LVAD at our institution. Patients were stratified into two groups, primary sternotomy and resternotomy. Variables were compared using two-sided t-tests, chi-square tests, Cox proportional hazards models, and log-rank tests to determine whether there was a difference between the two groups and if resternotomy was a significant independent predictor of outcome. Results: We identified 29 patients (29%) who had resternotomy and 71 patients (71%) who had first time sternotomy. The resternotomy group was significantly older (56 years vs. 51 years, p = 0.05), was more likely to have ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) (69% vs. 30%, p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (31% vs. 14%, p = 0.05) and had longer cardiopulmonary bypass times (135 min vs. 100 min, p = 0.011). Survival rates at 30 days (93.1% vs. 95.8%, p = 0.564), 180 days (82.8% vs. 93%, p = 0.131), and 360 days (82.8% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.398) were similar for the resternotomy and primary sternotomy groups, respectively. Postoperative complications were also comparable, except for re-exploration for bleeding which was higher for the resternotomy group (17.2% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.029), although blood transfusion requirements were not significantly different (1.4 units vs. 1.2 units, p = 0.815). Left and right heart catheterization measurements and echocardiographic (ECHO) findings after 1 and 6 months of LVAD therapy were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: Survival at 30, 180, and 360 days after LVAD implantation is similar between the resternotomy and primary sternotomy group. No major differences in complications or hemodynamic measurements were observed. Although a limited observational study, our findings agree with previously published resternotomy outcomes.
Effect of solute concentration and pre-soil interaction on the microflora of dairy origin on stainless steel surfaces

Use of modern dairy food processing equipment creates a complex microenvironment. Closed systems reduce air drying. The rate and extent of drying are dependent on temperature and humidity of the environment. These factors were studied to determine their impact on the microflora of films of milk on stainless steel surfaces. An ecosystem was established to simulate dairy food equipment by using 1cm2 pieces of stainless steel in controlled humidity chambers. Presoiling water loss from a film of milk, and solute concentration were studied to determine their influence on the fate of the microflora. Temperature and humidity of the atmosphere influenced the rate of moisture loss from films. Pre-soiling reduced the rate of water loss from films of milk sufficiently to allow bacterial growth at 12–80% relative humidity (RH). Results indicate bacteria can grow in a film placed in humidities well below the 95% RH limit previously projected. Apparently the substrate is influenced by interaction of the milk film and t...
Relationships among Measures as Empirical Evidence of Validity: Incorporating Multiple Indicators of Achievement and School Context.

In this article we examine empirical evidence on the criterion, predictive, transfer, and fairness aspects of validity of a large-scale language arts performance assessment, referred to as the Performance Assignment (PA). We use multilevel models to avoid biased inferences that might result from the naturally nested data. Specifically, we examine the relationships of the assessment with the Stanford Achievement Test, 9th Edition and the California High School Exit Examination. The results indicate that the measures are related, that students demonstrate a degree of transfer, and that the language arts PA is relatively more fair than comparison assessments. The results are robust to various model specifications and demonstrate that benefits do not accrue to all students equally.
Direct sensing platinum ultramicrobiosensors for glucose

Abstract Miniaturized glucose biosensors were constructed from disk-shaped ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) (diameter = 10 μm and 25 μm), cylindrical UMEs (diameter = 25 μm), and platinum black modified UMEs. Glucose oxidase (E.C.1.1.3.4) was immobilized by glutaraldehyde cross-linking. All ultramicrobiosensors (UMBs) had response times (100% response) of less than 1 min, and had linear response over the human clinical range for glucose (3–7 mM). Response to glucose was linear over a greater concentration range at cylindrical UMBs, compared to similarly prepared disk-shaped UMBs, typically from 3–20 mM glucose. Thin, electrochemically polymerized films were used to prevent signals due to interfering species. A variety of different films, and electropolymerization conditions were examined. Poly(1,3-diaminobenzene) (1,3-DAB) was found to be the most effective at preventing signals due to interferents. Poly(1,3-DAB) was used to protect the biosensor from fouling. A 25 μm biosensor, with poly(1,3-DAB), was used for the direct measurement of glucose in complex samples.
Selective deletion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells by MHC class I tetramers coupled to the type I ribosome-inactivating protein saporin

CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are important effector cells responsible for tissue destruction in several autoimmune and allograft-related diseases. To discover if pathogenic T cells could be selectively deleted, we investigated the ability of a toxin coupled to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I tetramers to kill antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. H2-Db tetramers were assembled using streptavidin conjugated to the ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) saporin (SAP). These tetramers inhibited ribosome activity in vitro, retained the T-cell receptor (TCR)–binding specificity of their nontoxic counterparts, and were internalized by 100% of target cells, leading to cell death in 72 hours. Cytotoxicity was dependent on the tetramer dose and avidity for the T cell. A single injection of the SAP-coupled tetramer eliminated more than 75% of cognate, but not control, T cells. This work demonstrates the therapeutic potential of cytotoxic tetramers to selectively eradicate pathogenic clonotypes while leaving overall T-cell immunity intact.
MECHANICS OF THE WHOLE SKIN LOCOMOTION MECHANISM CONCENTRIC SOLID TUBE MODEL: THE EFFECTS OF GEOMETRY AND FRICTION ON THE EFFICIENCY AND FORCE TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS

In this paper, the effects of cross-sectional geometry and friction on the mechanical advantage and efficiency of the whole skin locomotion (WSL) mechanism concentric solid tube (CST) model are presented. WSL is a novel locomotion mechanism for mobile robots, which is inspired by the motility mechanisms of single celled organisms that use cytoplasmic streaming to generate pseudopods for locomotion. It works by way of an elongated toroid which turns itself inside out in a single continuous motion, effectively generating the overall motion of the cytoplasmic streaming ectoplasmic tube in amoebae. WSL can be considered as a new class of mechanism that converts the expanding and contracting motion of rings to an everting motion of the body. A brief description of the WSL mechanism is presented first, followed by the mechanics of a single and multiple actuator rings over a CST showing the relationship between the input ring tension force and the output propulsion force for a quasi-static case. Then a study of the force transmission characteristics is presented by studying the effects of cross-section geometry and friction on the efficiency and mechanical advantage of a single actuator ring over a semicircular and composite cross section CST.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Screening and confirmatory analysis of β-agonists, β-antagonists and their metabolites in horse urine by capillary gas chromatography—mass spectrometry

A method for the screening and confirmatory analysis of β-agonists and -antagonists in equine urine is described. Following initial enzymic hydrolysis, the basic drugs and metabolites are extracted using Clean Screen® DAU or Bond Elut Certify™ cartridges, and analysed as their trimethylsilyl ether or 2-(dimethyl) silamorpholine derivatives by capillary gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. The method proved to be very sensitive and selective for basic drugs. After administration of therapeutic doses of propranolol, metoprolol, timolol, isoxsuprine and clenbuterol to thoroughbred horses, the parent compound/metabolites could be detected in urine for upto 14–120 h depending on the drug.
Distortion of the Fermi surface of an anisotropic two‐dimensional Fermi gas

We report here the first quantitative theory of the change of anisotropic Fermi surfaces (FS) due to the dynamical 3-3 interaction. The new FS is constructed as a self-consistent solution of the Dyson equation. This incorporates effects of {open_quotes}anomalous{close_quotes} diagrams, absent in the usual perturbation theory, but which are responsible for changing the FS. Calculations are presented for 2D electrons. Correlations reduce the anisotropy. 15 refs., 2 figs.
Ideal passivation of luminescent porous silicon by thermal, noncatalytic reaction with alkenes and aldehydes

This paper describes the chemical modification of high surface area, photoluminescent porous silicon (PSi) by reaction at a moderately elevated temperature (<115 °C) with alkenes (RCHCH2) and aldeh...
Antifreeze Protein‐Induced Selective Crystallization of a New Thermodynamically and Kinetically Less Preferred Molecular Crystal

The formation of a new, di- hydrate crystalline form of 5-methyluri- dine (m 5 U) was selectively induced by a protein additive, antifreeze protein (AFP) in a highly efficient manner (in 10 � 6 molar scale, whereas known kinet- ic additives need 0.1 molar scale). The hemihydrate form (form I, the only previously known crystalline form of m 5 U) and the dihydrate form of m 5 U (form II) obtained herein were charac- terized using X-ray crystallography and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Compared to form I, remarka- bly, form II is thermodynamically and kinetically less preferred. The presence of AFP can selectively inhibit the ap- pearance of form I and hence allows the growth of form II, the pure form of which cannot grow directly from m 5 U supersaturated solutions under the same conditions. An explanation sup- ported by both experimental and theo- retical results is provided for the AFP- induced selection process. Implications on AFP-induced ice shape changes are also discussed. Control of crystalliza- tion from supersaturated solutions is of great interest in both fundamental re- search and practical applications in fields like chemistry, pharmacology and materials science. These findings sug- gest that crystallization processes with AFPs could be valuable for selective growth of hydrates and polymorphs of important pharmaceutical compounds.
Comparison of the experimental BOLD signal change in event-related fMRI with the balloon model.

Event-related functional MRI (ER-fMRI) based on both blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast and cerebral blood flow (CBF) contrast has been developed to study the human brain response to transient stimulation. A balloon model has been developed and used in understanding the relationship between changes in CBF and in the BOLD signal in block-designed fMRI. In this report, the balloon model was used to interpret experimental event-related fMRI. Using experimental data acquired from CBF-based ER-fMRI as an input function in the balloon model, simulated BOLD signal changes were obtained. The simulated time course of the BOLD signal changes was directly compared with the experimentally acquired data. A chi-square (chi(2)) test showed excellent correlation between the simulated and experimental data (alpha <or= 0.05). Our results have demonstrated that the balloon model is useful in interpreting the transient features of the experimental data from the ER-fMRI studies.
Al27 and H1 MAS NMR and Al27 multiple quantum studies of Ti-doped NaAlH4

Abstract Previous X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on Ti-doped NaAlH 4 revealed the reaction products of two heavily doped (33.3 at.%) samples. This investigation revealed that nano-crystalline or amorphous Al 2 O 3 forms from the possible coordination of aluminum with the oxygen atom of the furan ring system from added tetrahydrofuran (THF) in solvent-mixed samples, and that TiAl 3 forms in mechanically-milled samples [E.H. Majzoub, J.L. Herberg, R. Stumpf, R.S. Maxwell, J. Alloys Compd. 394 (2005) 265], indicating the importance of understanding the processing conditions of these potentially important hydrogen storage materials. The present paper provides a more sophisticated NMR investigation of these materials and resolves some unanswered questions. On heavily doped (33.3 at.%) solvent-mixed samples, Al 27 Magic Angle Spinning (MAS) NMR Al 27 multiple quantum MAS (MQMAS) indicates the presence of an oxide layer of Al 2 O 3 on the surfaces of potentially bulk nanocrystalline Ti, nanocrystalline TiAl 3 , and/or metallic aluminum. The H 1 MAS NMR data also indicate the possible coordination of aluminum with oxygen atoms in the THF molecules. In addition, the H 1 MAS NMR and H 1 spin-lattice relaxation (T 1 ) measurements are consistent with the presence of TiH 2 . These results are in agreement with recent XAFS measurements indicating both Al and H within the first few coordination shells of Ti in the doped alanate.
Lattice steps and adatom binding on W(211)

Abstract The role of a lattice step in affecting the binding of adatoms in its vicinity has been explored for tungsten as well as rhenium adatoms on the (211) plane of tungsten. On this plane adatoms are confined to sites in a one-dimensional channel along [111]. From the equilibrium distribution of an adatom over all sites in a channel it is possible to derive the relative free energy of binding at the different sites. Such measurements have been made using a field ion microscope supported by an automated data handling system. Contrary to expectations based on potential calculations using standard pair interactions, atom binding is found to be stronger close to the plane edges rather than in the center, where the number of distant neighbors around the adatom is larger. These edge effects have a surprisingly long range, extending at least over three sites, and are strongly dependent upon the chemical identity of the adatom.
Therapists' Use of DBT: A Survey Study of Clinical Practice

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine how therapists conduct Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) individual psychotherapy with clients, focusing on clinical factors that could account for decisions regarding modifications of DBT (e.g., client diagnosis, therapist theoretical orientation, and intensity of DBT training). Additionally, the study investigated how therapists integrate DBT into their primary approach to therapy. Greater adherence to the DBT protocol was reported by therapists who described using DBT with a client with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. More frequent use of DBT components (i.e., group skills training, consultation teams, and telephone consultation) was reported by therapists who viewed their therapy as being guided by an applied behavior analysis/radical behavioral theoretical orientation and by therapists who had received intensive DBT training. Most therapists reported using DBT skills in their non-DBT work, with non-cognitive-behavioral therapists more likely to introduce mindfulness skills.
Rotational Responses in Patients with Bilateral Caloric Reduction

Caloric irrigation and earth vertical axis rotation, both horizontal semicircular canal stimuli, occasionally provide conflicting information about the presence of bilateral vestibular loss. The ca...
Spatial hypertext and the practice of information triage

Information triage is the process of sorting through relevant materials, and organizing them to meet the needs of the task at hand. It is a practice that has become increasingly common with the advent of “at your fingertips” information resources. To explore the characteristics of information triage and its interaction with spatial hypertext, a medium we claim supports the process, we have studied subjects engaged in a time-constrained decision-making task using a large set of relevant documents. We use the study task to investigate information triage under three different conditions: one in which the participants used paper documents, and two others in which the participants used variants of VIKI, a spatial hypertext system. Our findings suggest that during information triage attentional resources are devoted to evaluating materials and organizing them, so they can be read and reread as they return to mind. Accordingly, hypertext tools to support the practice should facilitate the rapid assimilation and assessment of new material, aid in the creation and management of a fluid category structure, allow readers to track their own progress through the information, and use minimum-effort methods to promote the intelligibility of results.
Role of carbohydrates in desiccation tolerance and membrane behavior in maturing maize seed

Seed corn (Zea mays L.) ears harvested at seed moisture contents greater than 400 g H₂O kg⁻¹ fresh wt. (fw) are sensitive to rapid, high-temperature (45–50 °C) drying, but tolerant to low-temperature drying. A preconditioning process that precludes this injury without major moisture loss was used to study the nature of the drying damage and the role of soluble sugars in membrane stabilization during drying of two seed corn hybrids. Ears were harvested at moisture contents of 550, 450, and 400 g H₂O kg⁻¹ fw, and preconditioned at 35 °C for 6 to 48 h before drying at 50 °C. Seed germination was correlated with leachate conductivity (r = −0.79) and sugar leakage (r = −0.80) after different times of preconditioning indicating the involvement of membrane function in the damage caused by high temperature drying. Total soluble-sugar concentration decreased during preconditioning with no significant change individual monosaccharide content. The percentage composition of sucrose and a larger oligosaccharide, raffinose, increased significantly during preconditioning. The high correlations between raffinose/sucrose and warm germination, conductivity, and sugar leakage (r = 0.83, −0.80, and −0.71 for A632, and 0.89, −0.78, and −0.79 for B73, respectively) indicates the added effect of raffinose on induced protection. These results suggest that soluble-sugar compositional relationships rather than absolute content may play an important role in membrane stabilization. The presence of raffinose at certain levels also may be a key factor in protecting maturing seeds from high temperature drying damage. The results also indicate that the transition from desiccation intolerance to tolerance is metabolic and not necessarily related to moisture loss. Journal Paper no. J-13479 of the Iowa Agric. and Home Economics Exp. Stn., Ames Project no. 2526.
The influence of grain junctions and boundaries on superplastic deformation

Abstract The crystallography of the grain boundary/grain junction network has been analysed in an aluminium—lithium alloy after 1100% superplastic deformation. The grain junctions were classified as “I-lines” or “U-lines” as defined by an extension to the O-lattice model. Overall there were 38% I-lines in the sample population which compares to a predicted 4% for random generation. It was shown that the grain orientation distribution alone was not responsible for the high proportion of I-lines. The occurrence of intergranular cavities in the microstructure was associated with high angle boundaries and U-lines. Cavities arrested at I-lines, which highlights the structural differences between the two junction types. With regard to the mechanisms of superplastic flow, it was argued that the two recognised competing mechanisms for grain accommodation, diffusion creep and dislocation creep, are associated with U- and I-lines respectively, which accounts for the observed proportions of these defects.
The influence of some sample handling factors on progesterone and testosterone analysis in goats.

Abstract This study validated the use of commercially available radioimmunoassay kits for measuring the circulating progesterone and testosterone levels of goats. Progesterone and testosterone levels were then assayed in plasma which was collected from 23 does and 8 bucks. Collections from each animal were divided into three sodium fluoride-potassium oxalate (F/OX), one heparin, and one EDTA tubes and also into a tube without anticoagulant. Plasma from an F/OX tube was separated immediately from the blood cells by centrifugation. Serum or plasma was also separated after storage for 24 hours with F/OX, heparin or EDTA anticoagulant at 22°C or with F/OX at 5°C. A significant decline in assayable progesterone occurred in samples stored at 22°C with each anticoagulant used and in the serum sample. Samples stored at 5°C for 24 hours with F/OX anticoagulant contained concentrations of progesterone which did not differ significantly from those in samples where plasma was removed immediately. Assayable testosterone did not change with the anticoagulant used or vary with the storage temperature when F/OX tubes were stored at 5°C and 22°C for 24 hours. Results indicate that sample storage does influence levels of measured progesterone but not testosterone in goats. Progesterone assay is best done on plasma which is immediately separated from blood cells or on samples which are stored at 5°C.
Co‐evolutionary design for development: influences shaping engineering design and implementation in Nepal and the global village

This paper calls for a new generation of engineers, and the technologies they will invent and implement, to meet the basic human needs for security, broadly defined. The greatest threats to security for most people are not armed conflict but ‘common good’ social and environmental challenges. ‘Co-evolutionary engineering design for development’ begins with a relationship among partners in the global village, informed by on-the-ground realities out of which culture/environment/location-specific solutions emerge. This learning, iterative process among partners includes cooperation, local expertise, local resources and reliance on the global environment as a ‘lab’ for knowledge-sharing and open-source innovation. This article describes the conceptual framework of ‘co-evolutionary design for development’ and takes the reader through the 10-step cycle using, as a practical example, the design and implementation of an innovative arsenic and microbial remediation filter for households in rural Nepal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The reaction of nitro-blue tetrazolium with d,l-L-tetrahydrofolate: The effect of pH, oxygen, formaldehyde and palladium(II)

Abstract d , l -L-Tetrahydrofolate ( d , l -L-FH 4 ) transfers two electrons to nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) in oxygen-free buffers to form the highly coloured nitro-blue formazan and oxidized folate. Both the rate and extent of this reaction are affected by the pH, the nature of the buffer and the oxygen concentration. Inhibition of both the rate and extent of this reaction in air-saturated solutions by superoxide dismutase (SOD) indicates that the superoxide anion is an intermediate in the reaction so that formazan can be produced by both superoxide independent and superoxide dependent routes in air-saturated solutions. In oxygen-free solutions several lines of evidence can be interpreted to mean that the reduced pteridine ring of tetrahydrofolate is the electron donor in the reaction with NBT. Ionization of the amide hydrogen of the pteridine ring and subsequent increase in electron density of that ring might explain the large increases observed in the rate and extent of the reaction of tetrahydrofolate with NBT as the pH increases. Formaldehyde reacts non-enzymatically with tetrahydrofolate to form a methylene bridge between nitrogens 5 and 10 of methylenetetrahydrofolate. This molecule is much less reactive with nitro-blue tetrazolium than tetrahydrofolate. Complexes formed between tetrahydrofolate and palladium(II) ions are also less reactive with NBT than the tetrahydrofolate alone. This result provides added evidence that palladium(II) ions interact with tetrahydrofolate at the nitrogen 5, nitrogen 10 site of the molecule.
Hypomethylation of hela cell DNA and the absence of 5-methylcytosine in SV40 and adenovirus (type 2) DNA: Analysis by HPLC

Abstract Methylation of the purified virion DNA of both SV40 and adenovirus (type 2) was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and compared to their hosts, African green monkey kidney cells and Hela cells, respectively. Essentially, no 5-methylcytosine was detected in either viral DNA. Implications for viral gene regulation by methylation are discussed. In comparison with normal human cell DNA methylation levels, HeLa cell DNA methylation is reduced significantly.