cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of ramp-loading on short crack growth kinetics and life behavior of copper single crystals in fatigue

Abstract In order to understand the physics of load interactions in fatigue tests conducted with variable amplitudes, ramp-loading a single crystal in the manner popularized by Neumann and coworkers has been explored for its effects on short Stage I crack propagation and life behavior. The fatigue tests were run by first ramp loading to the plateau stress and then changing the mode of control to a constant strain test. The behaviors of crystals with such histories were then compared with those of crystals run entirely in constant strain. Ramp-loading was found to increase the volume fraction of persistent slip bands, to decrease the magnitude of the local strains, to increase the population of cracks and to decrease (within limits) crack growth rates. However, ramp-loading was found to shorten life because it stimulates the formation of secondary dislocations and thereby, enhances the Stage I–II cracking transition.
A Direct Comparison of the Effects of the Quiet Room and Water Immersion Isolation Techniques

The present study compares in the same subjects (Ss) the effects of two isolation environments, the quiet room and the water-immersion procedure. Total endurance time in the respective environments, heart rate, and subjective time estimates were the dependent variables. Data on 5 male and 5 female young adult Ss are presented. With voluntary termination possible at any time, Ss spent an average of over 5 1/4 hrs in the room and 4 1/2 hrs in the tank. These Ss underestimate the time spent in the room but overestimate the time spent under water. The average heart rate in the room is about 67 bpm while that in the tank is about 81 bpm. All of these differences are statistically reliable. These results support the position that the water-immersion technique of isolation is a more stressful procedure than the more generally used room technique. The S appears to be more aroused or alerted in the tank than he is in the room.
Coloring Outside the Lines

Creativity facilitates the continuous expansion of nurses' interpretations of their nursing practice and is the essence of holistic care. In this study, the concept of creativity was explored by addressing the question, "When student nurses are given complete freedom to design nursing care for a patient, what types of activities will they include?" The students were provided with a case scenario involving a comatose Native American male patient and asked to complete an "Exercise to Stretch Your Mind." Forty-eight students completed the exercise for a total of 343 responses. Qualitative data analysis was completed, and the nursing process was used to conceptually link the patterns of interventions that emerged. These interventions involved using the sensory modalities of physical and emotional feeling, hearing, and smelling to provide contextual experiences for the patient to connect and reconnect with himself. The connecting context included six areas: the outside, his nurse, his family, his spirit, the familiar, and the future.
Myocardial adenosine A1-receptor-mediated adenoprotection involves phospholipase C, PKC-ε, and p38 MAPK, but not HSP27

Adenosine via an adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) is a negative feedback inhibitor of adrenergic stimulation in the heart, protecting it from toxic effects of overstimulation. Stimulation of the A1R results in the activation of Gi protein, release of free Gβγ-subunits, and activation/translocation of PKC-e to the receptor for activated C kinase 2 protein at the Z-line of the cardiomyocyte sarcomere. Using an anti-Gβγ peptide, we investigated the role of these subunits in the A1R stimulation of phospholipase C (PLC), with the premise that the resulting diacylglycerol provides for the activation of PKC-e. Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate release was an index of PLC activity. Chlorocyclopentyl adenosine (CCPA), an A1R agonist, increased inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate production by 273% in mouse heart homogenates, an effect absent in A1R knockout hearts and inhibited by anti-Gβγ peptide. In a second study, p38 MAPK and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), found by others to be associated with the loss of myocardial contractile function, were postulated to play a role in the actions of A1R. Isoproterenol, a β-adrenergic receptor agonist, increased the Ca2+ transient and sarcomere shortening magnitudes by 36 and 49%, respectively. In the rat cardiomyocyte, CCPA significantly reduced these increases, an action blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580. While CCPA significantly increased the phosphorylation of HSP27, this action was inhibited by isoproterenol. These data indicate that the activation of PKC-e by A1R results from the activation of PLC via free Gβγ-subunits released upon A1R-induced dissociation of Giαβγ. Attenuation of β-adrenergic-induced contractile function by A1R may involve the activation of p38 MAPK, but not HSP27.
Summer water use by California coastal prairie grasses: fog, drought, and community composition

Plants in the Mediterranean climate region of California typically experience summer drought conditions, but correlations between zones of frequent coastal fog inundation and certain species’ distributions suggest that water inputs from fog may influence species composition in coastal habitats. We sampled the stable H and O isotope ratios of water in non-photosynthetic plant tissue from a variety of perennial grass species and soil in four sites in northern California in order to determine the proportion of water deriving from winter rains and fog during the summer. The relationship between H and O stable isotopes from our sample sites fell to the right of the local meteoric water line (LMWL) during the summer drought, providing evidence that evaporation of water from the soil had taken place prior to the uptake of water by vegetation. We developed a novel method to infer the isotope values of water before it was subjected to evaporation in which we used experimental data to calculate the slope of the δH versus δO line versus the LMWL. After accounting for evaporation, we then used a two-source mixing model to evaluate plant usage of fog water. The model indicated that 28–66% of the water taken up by plants via roots during the summer drought came from fog rather than residual soil water from winter rain. Fog use decreased as distance from the coast increased, and there were significant differences among species in the use of fog. Rather than consistent differences in fog use by species whose distributions are limited to the coast versus those with broader distributions, species responded individualistically to summer fog. We conclude that fogwater inputs can mitigate the summer drought in coastal California for many species, likely giving an advantage to species that can use it over species that cannot.
Advances in stem cell research for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by motor neuron loss in the motor cortex and spinal cord leading to progressive disability and death. Despite the relative selectivity of motor neuron loss, recent studies have implicated other cell types including astrocytes and microglia as contributors to this cell death. This understanding has resulted in stem-cell-replacement strategies of these cell types, which may result in neuroprotection. In addition to cell-replacement strategies, the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies has resulted in the establishment of motor neuron cell lines from patients with ALS. The use of iPSCs from ALS patients will allow for potential autologous cell transplantation, drug discovery, and an increased understanding of ALS pathobiology.
Isoenzyme Polymorphism in Flowering Plants. IV. The Peroxidase Isoenzymes of Maize (Zea mays)

Twenty-four peroxidase isoenzymes were identified by starch gel electrophoresis of 250 varieties of maize. Twelve of these bands corresponded in electrophoretic mobility to bands observed in commercial horseradish peroxidase. Maize tissues varied greatly in isoenzyme pattern, many tissues having a characteristic and distinguishing complement. Ontogenetic variations were observed for the leaf blade, leaf sheath, and internodes during maturation, and were related to the rates of tissue enlargement. Genetic studies of two isoenzymes, C10 and C20, indicated that they were conditioned by alleles of a single locus, here designated Px1.
Spoiling the Peace? Peace Process Exclusivity and Political Violence in North-Central Africa

Why are some peace processes accompanied by bloody political violence while others are not? Recent scholarship suggests that when factions fear that they will not benefit or will be excluded from a negotiated settlement these groups may protect their interests by sabotaging the peace process through violent tactics. We compare three peace processes in Africa – the negotiations to end armed struggles in Mali, the Western Sahara and Sudan – to investigate why spoilers arise in some contexts and not others. We argue that peace process exclusivity, that is negotiations between only some of the potential parties to a conflict, is more likely to breed violence than inclusive peace negotiations where all relevant groups have a seat at the bargaining table. A key to our argument is that the number and form of combatant groups is endogenous to peace process negotiations; as a result, exclusivity encompasses not just leaving out warring parties but also the exclusion of groups that might object to the terms of the ...
Human Nonverbal Courtship Behavior—A Brief Historical Review

This article reviews research findings documenting the nature of nonverbal courtship behavior compiled through both observation and self-report methods. I briefly present the major theoretical perspectives guiding research methodologies used in the field and in the laboratory. Studies of verbal courtship, including those conducted via computer, via text messaging, or through personal advertisement, are not included in this review. The article ends by elucidating some key features of human nonverbal courtship behavior that have become apparent after scrutinizing these data.
Tinnitus and Neural Activity

The spontaneous discharge rates of auditory nerve fibers were measured in a group of normal chinchillas and in a group of chinchillas with high-frequency, noise-induced hearing loss. In contrast to...
A computer-aided procedure for measuring Morris maze performance ☆

A common procedure for recording Morris maze performance is to trace the animal's path on a template of the maze. This procedure is used in a computer-based recording system. A maze template is placed on a digitizing tablet, an electronic cursor with pen attachment is used to trace the animal's path, and the data are sent to a computer where a program called Spatial Maze obtains the following measurements: total time in seconds, total distance traveled in inches, average speed, absolute and percent time in each quadrant, absolute and percent time in each annulus, the XY coordinate information needed to reconstruct the complete path of the animal, swimming angles, and the number of rears while on the platform. These measurements are then sent to Excel for statistical and graphic analyses.
Between Two Islands: Dominican International Migration

Between Two Islands: Dominican International Migration. SHERRI GRASMUCK and PATRICIA R. PESSAR. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1991. 247 pp. $40.00 (cloth), $15.00 (paper). ISBN 0-520-07149-2, ISBN 0-520-07150-6.
Ethical considerations in computer use

Professionals in student development are presented with the dilemma of finding the computer useful for solving a variety of information processing problems, while they also discover that a host of ethical problems can result from misuse of computer applications.
Forward Contracts - Prohibitions on Risk and Speculation Under Islamic Law

Forward contracts allow buyers and sellers of goods to reduce risk by contracting for sale at a predetermined price and quantity prior to the actual exchange of goods and payment. While forward contracts are extensively used in the Western world without restriction, those who adhere to Islamic law are often constrained by principles intended to reduce risk, gambling, and usury. These principles can prove overly restrictive; however, Islamic law restrictions also illuminate the problems associated with the overly permissive Western system in which speculators contract in a manner tantamount to gambling—a problem associated with the recent financial crisis. This Note discusses forward contracts representing risk-hedging and pure speculation and then addresses the principles of Islamic law that affect these financial instruments. The Note next explains the forward contracts that are permissible under Islamic law and poses two questions: (1) How important are the motives of the parties involved in the contract? (2) Is there something that the requirements of Islamic law can teach those who do not subscribe to the religion? These questions are answered and conclusions are drawn concerning the permissibility of hedger-hedger forward contracts under Islamic law and whether Islamic law is overly restrictive in its treatment of these, concluding that no reasonable interpretation of Islamic law could deem a purely speculative forward contract as permissible.
Assessment of microvascular injury after acute myocardial infarction: importance of the area at risk.

Assessment of microvascular injury after acute myocardial infarction: importance of the area at risk
In vitro functional characterization of BtuCD-F, the Escherichia coli ABC transporter for vitamin B12 uptake.

BtuCD is an ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter that facilitates uptake of vitamin B_(12) into the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli. The crystal structures of BtuCD and its cognate periplasmic binding protein BtuF have been recently determined. We have now explored BtuCD-F function in vitro, both in proteoliposomes and in various detergents. BtuCD reconstituted into proteoliposomes has a significant basal ATP hydrolysis rate that is stimulated by addition of BtuF and inhibited by sodium ortho-vanadate. When using different detergents to solubilize BtuCD, the basal ATP hydrolysis rate, the ability of BtuF to stimulate hydrolysis, and the extent to which sodium ortho-vanadate inhibits ATP hydrolysis all vary significantly. Reconstituted BtuCD can mediate transport of vitamin B_(12) against a concentration gradient when coupled to ATP hydrolysis by BtuD in the liposome lumen and BtuF outside the liposomes. These in vitro studies establish the functional competence of the BtuCD and BtuF preparations used in the crystallographic analyses for both ATPase and transport activities. Furthermore, the tight binding of BtuF to BtuCD under the conditions studied suggests that the binding protein may not dissociate from the transporter during the catalytic cycle, which may be relevant to the mechanisms of other ABC transporter systems.
Patterns of use and expenses associated with mail-service pharmacy in adults with diabetes

Abstract Objectives To identify socioeconomic factors associated with mail-service pharmacy use and compare the differences in disease-specific prescription medication and medical utilization expenses in a nationally representative sample of adults with diabetes. Design A retrospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional study. Setting United States in 2006–11. Participants Medical Expenditure Panel Survey household component (MEPS-HC) participants aged 18 years or older diagnosed with diabetes and prescribed antidiabetic medications. Main outcome measures Likelihood of mail-service pharmacy use, diabetes-related medical utilization, and medication expenses. Results Among 4,430 eligible participants identified in the 2006–11 surveys, representing more than 83 million U.S. individuals, nearly 13% of the participants obtained two-thirds or more of their antidiabetic medications via mail service predominantly. Mail-service pharmacy users were older, had high school or college degrees, had higher incomes, and were more likely to be covered by private insurance. There were no significant differences in diabetes-related medical utilization and drug expenses between the two groups. Conclusion Besides pharmacy benefit design, sociodemographic and economic factors influenced drug dispensing channel use (mail service versus community pharmacy). No significant differences in diabetes-related drug and medical expenses between mail-service and community pharmacy users were observed.
The Systems Approach in an Information Society: A Reconsideration*

An information society is one in which informational (or interactional) as opposed to material entities represent the dominant form of social and economic transaction. This paper argues that in such an information-rich environment, the conventional view of the systems approach may no longer be relevant, and may in fact be a serious barrier to the development and implementation of creative management technologies. We present an alternative perspective on the systems approach that emphasizes the primacy of informational concepts as opposed to the primacy of matter/energy concepts. This alternative focuses on interactions, on the logic of change, on circular causality, and on multiple concepts of time. There are important implications for organizational design, managerial control and information systems.
Initiation of Deep Convection along Boundary Layer Convergence Lines in a Semitropical Environment

Abstract The initiation of deep convection through forcing along boundary layer convergence lines is examined using observations from the Convection and Precipitation/Electrification Experiment conducted in east-central Florida during the summer of 1991. The study is concerned with the evolution and interaction of two converging air masses that were initially separated by an intervening boundary layer characterized by neutral stability and horizontal convective rolls. As anticipated, major thunderstorm erupt when the east coast breeze eventually collides with thunderstorm outflows from the west, but unexpected convection takes place prior to their merger along a well-defined confluence zone associated with a persistent quasi-stationary roll vortex signature. Analyses using wavelet transforms confirm that linear boundary layer reflectivity features are strongly correlated with radial convergence associated with roll vortices. In this study, complementary interactions between roll vortex convergence lines a...
Detection Methods for Mode Perturbation Signatures

A new method to enable vehicle mode detection in a cooperative environment in the absence of direct radio communication is proposed. The behavior or trajectory of a vehicle is described using a finite number of operating modes. In each mode the vehicle's trajectory is defined by a nominal desired reference and a perturbation signature based on Gold codes. To accomplish mode detection, a locally most powerful detector is derived, which can uniquely be evaluated using the Kalman Filter innovations. The performance of the locally most powerful detector is compared with a suboptimal, yet less computationally intensive alternative, via Monte Carlo simulations over the system parameter space. The effects of nonlinearities on detection performance are also investigated.
Correlations between SFG Spectra and Electrical Properties of Organic Field Effect Transistors

Simultaneous sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectra and electrical measurements were obtained on organic field effect transistors (OFETs) fabricated with the semiconductors: 5,5‘-bis(4-hexylphenyl)-2,2‘-bithiophene (6pttp6), 5,5‘-bis(4-ethylphenyl)-2,2‘-bithiophene (2pttp2), and pentacene. In-situ measurements during gating of the OFETs showed strong correlations between vibrational spectra and electronic properties. One correlation involved structural changes in the hexyl and ethyl groups, of 6pttp6 and 2pttp2, respectively, and saturation source-drain current; the correlation was observed only at negative gate voltages (when carrier injection was possible) and was more pronounced for 6pttp6, with the introduction of gauche defects in the longer hexyl chains. A second correlation between the dependence of SF nonresonant background on gate voltage and electronic mobility was observed on OFETs of all three semiconductors, at both positive and negative gate voltages. This correlation suggests t...
A comparison of pregnancy health practices of women in inner-city and small urban communities.

Objective To examine whether the relationships among pregnancy health practices, maternal‐fetal attachment, and prenatal depression differ between women living in the inner city and women living in a smaller urban community. Design Cross‐sectional, descriptive survey. Setting Clinics in inner‐city and small urban communities in the Midwest. Participants Fifty‐five pregnant women living in the inner city and 197 pregnant women living in a smaller urban setting. Main Outcome Measures Health Practices Questionnaire, a self‐report instrument that measures pregnancy health practices. Results Women living in the inner city reported lower levels of health practices than women in urban settings, but this was moderated by maternal‐fetal attachment. Inner‐city women with lower levels of maternal‐fetal attachment had poorer health practices than inner‐city women with higher levels of maternal‐fetal attachment; there was no relationship for women residing in the small urban area. Depression was negatively associated with health practices for all women; however, there was no difference by residence. Conclusion Maternal‐fetal attachment contributed differently to health practices in women from the inner city compared with women from small urban communities. Nurses can use this information to help identify women at risk for poor pregnancy health practices. More research is needed to identify the interventions that most effectively improve health practices.
From D-H to inverse kinematics: A fast numerical solution for general robotic manipulators using parallel processing

We propose a robust and fast solution for the inverse kinematic problem of general serial manipulators - i.e. any number and any combination of revolute and prismatic joints. The algorithm only requires the Denavit-Hartenberg (D-H) representation of the robot as input and no training or robot-dependent optimization function is needed. In order to handle singularities and to overcome the possibility of multiple paths in redundant robots, our approach relies on the computation of multiple (parallel) numerical estimations of the inverse Jacobian while it selects the current best path to the desire configuration of the end-effector. But unlike other iterative methods, our method achieves sub-millimeter accuracy in 20.48ms in average. The algorithm was implemented in C/C++ using 16 POSIX threads, and it can be easily expanded to use more threads and/or many-core GPUs. We demonstrate the high accuracy and the real-time performance of our method by testing it with five different robots, at both non-singular and singular configurations, including a 7-DoF redundant robot.
Crystallographic Characteristics of Nanostructured Thin-Film Fuel Cell Electrocatalysts : A HRTEM Study

This paper reports a study of thin films of Pt and Pt-alloys deposited on oriented crystalline organic whiskers using high resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging. It is our opinion tha...
Optimal allocation of digital marketing budget: The empirical Bayes approach

The article outlines a framework for online advertising budget allocation. First, it explores the empirical Bayes methodology for learning the effectiveness of different online ad placements – from historical data of varying quality. Second, it describes an analytical procedure for optimal budget allocation, which builds on risk management and reinforcement learning techniques.
Assays with commercially produced Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) to determine suitability for obliquebanded leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) control.

Laboratory assays were used to compare the ability of commercially produced Trichogramma spp. to parasitize eggs of the obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), in the laboratory and field. Trichogramma platneri Nagarkatti parasitized more obliquebanded leafroller eggs per egg mass than did Trichogramma pretiosum Riley or Trichogramma minutum Riley produced by either of 2 insectaries. T. minutum produced at 1 insectary caused significantly more host mortality by host feeding and repiercing than by parasitism. Variation in parasitoid performance from different insectaries and among shipments from the same insectary was common. Young egg masses were more heavily parasitized than old egg masses. Parasitism increased as the number of conspecific female Trichogramma spp. placed on the same host increased, but the number of eggs parasitized per female decreased. Exposure of host egg masses to female Trichogramma spp. prevented additional oviposition in the same egg mass by conspecific, ovipositionally experienced females but had no effect on parasitism by conspecific, ovipositionally naive females. The method used to attach sentinel egg masses to foliage influenced parasitism rates. Moistening the leaf with water and adhering the egg mass to the moistened leaf had the least impact. Inundative releases of Trichogramma spp. into an apple orchard paralleled laboratory assays by showing greater parasitism of obliquebanded leafroller egg masses by T. platneri than with T. minutum . However, extreme differences observed in field performance between the 2 species was not predicted from the assays.
GABAergic drugs, morphine and morphine tolerance: a study in relation to nociception and gastrointestinal transit in mice.

Abstract Agonists and antagonists of γ-aminobutyric acid, i.e. GABAergic drugs, such as muscimol, badofen or bicuculline, alone or in combination, exhibited analgesic effects per se and enhanced the analgesia induced by morphine. The analgesic effects of GABAergic drugs were unaffected by admini tration of naloxone in a dose which antagonized the analgesia induced by morphine. The ED50 for the antinociceptive effect of muscimol, bicuculline, picrotoxin, gabaculline or aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) was not affected in the morphine-tolerant group as compared to the control group, in contrast to the increase in the ED50 for morphine under similar conditions; this indicated that there was no development of cross-tolerance between morphine and GABAergic drugs. Muscimol suppressed the abrupt withdrawal-jumping induced by morphine and enhanced the suppression of this phenomenon by morphine. The GABAergic drugs also shared with morphine the property of inhibiting gastrointestinal (GIT) motility. Naloxone reversed the inhibition of motility induced by morphine but failed to influence that induced by GABAergic drugs. In the morphine-tolerant state, the sensitivity of gastrointestinal motility to morphine decreased, whereas, the sensitivity to GABAergic drugs remained unaltered. The results indicate that GABAergic drugs share some of the classical properties of morphine, such as analgesia and inhibition of gastrointestinal motility, but they probably do so by different mechanisms.
Hormonal cross talk in insect development.

Two hormones, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH), coordinately orchestrate insect growth and development. 20E initiates all major developmental transitions from egg, to larva, to pupa, to adult, but it is an interaction with the JH signal that transduces 20E pulses into stage-specific responses. Years of research have given us an understanding of 20E signaling pathway. By contrast, the molecular mechanism of JH action remains an enigma. Recent studies provide insight into the molecular background to JH–20E regulatory interplay. Two transcription factors – BR-C and E75A – contribute to the cross-talk between the two hormones. It appears that BR-C is a key target of JH status quo action, and E75A is a part of the mechanism whereby JH prevents BR-C activation.
The remarkable decrease in cigarette smoking by American youth: Further evidence.

Objective To examine decreases over time in cigarette smoking prevalence and intensity among American students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades.
Lab NMR Study on Adsorption/Condensation of Hydrocarbon in Smectite Clay

Significant amounts of gas accumulations exist in unconventional gas plays. Current understanding held that in unconventional shale plays, natural gas was stored as “free” gas in pore spaces and as an “adsorbed” phase on clay minerals and surface of organic pores material. The adsorption of methane has been confirmed in lab experiments in high-pressured gas chambers. Our lab experiments indicated that hexane vapor could be adsorbed onto organic-rich shale core samples through capillary condensation and the signal could be detected by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) instruments. This study further examines the capillary condensation of hexane vapor into clay minerals and the NMR response. Smectite samples from the Clay Minerals Society were used in the experiments. Two types of capillary condensation experiments were conducted: one with water vapor and the other with hexane vapor, both at room conditions. Weight gains indicated that some of the vapor condensed in the loose powder of smectite clay. NMR experiments were performed on vaporsaturated samples using a Maran 2 MHz spectrometer with an inter-echo time of 300 μsec. The T2 distributions of the water-vapor and hexane vapor-saturated smectite clay were both unimodal. The water vaporsaturated sample showed a T2 at 0.5 ms, while the hexane vapor-saturated sample showed a T2 between 1 and 6 ms. This was likely due to the fact that the smectite crystallites have a small charge that has a more pronounced effect on polarized molecules such as water, than on non-polarized molecules such as hexane.
Isradipine in combination with naltrexone as a medicine for treating cocaine abuse

Rats were fixed with chronically indwelling electrodes for intracranial stimulation (ICS) of the medial forebrain bundle of the lateral hypothalamus. They were trained to press a bar in a Skinner box for the ICS. After stable rates of pressing for both a low and a high intensity of ICS were achieved during daily sessions, the rats were given doses of cocaine before the daily sessions. Cocaine produced its characteristic effect of enhancing rates of pressing. With continuance of daily sessions under the influence of cocaine, the rats received daily for 5 days a combination of isradipine and naltrexone. Doses of isradipine and naltrexone were smaller than a dose of either one that might modify pressing. The combination of isradipine and naltrexone blocked cocaine's enhancement of pressing for ICS. The same combination of isradipine and naltrexone did not reduce rates of pressing for ICS when cocaine was not given. These results indicate that a combination of isradipine and naltrexone is apt to be an effective pharmacological adjunct to other treatments for cocaine abuse.
Ocular transport model for ophthalmic delivery of timolol through p-HEMA contact lenses

Approximately 90% of all ophthalmic drug formulations are now applied as eye drops. While eye drops are convenient and well accepted by patients, approximately 95% of the drug contained in the drops is lost due to absorption through the conjunctiva or through tear drainage. Ophthalmic drug delivery via contact lenses should be more effective than drops because it increases the residence time of the drug in the eye, thus leading to a larger fractional intake of the drug through the cornea. While a number of in vivo and some in vitro experiments have been conducted to design and test ophthalmic drug delivery through contact lenses, little quantitative data exists for bioavailability, i.e., the fractional corneal uptake of the drug. In this paper we combine in vitro experiments with modeling to investigate the delivery of timolol, a drug commonly used to treat glaucoma, to the eyes. The in vitro experiments were conducted to create a transport model for releasing the drug from p-HEMA contact lenses. The transport model includes drug adsorption on the polymer and drug diffusion in bulk water. Experiments were conducted at three different cross-linker levels, and the transport parameters were determined for each case. The transport model was then incorporated into a model for the release of the drug from the contact lens into the pre- and post-contact lens tear films and the subsequent corneal uptake. Results show that at least 20% of the timolol entrapped in the lens will enter the cornea, which is much larger than the fractional uptake for drug delivery through drops.
Observations on the rapid size-exclusion chromatography of proteins

The retention behaviour of reference proteins on commercial siliceous size-exclusion supports was studied. Sorption was observed on both surface modified and unmodified supports. When sodium dodecylsulfate was added to the aqueous mobile phase, normal elution patterns were found. With this system, proteins, such as those isolate from different alfalfa genotypes, may be compared rapidly. Comparisons were facillitated by use of on-line central data processing capability.
The Kilauea Volcano adult health study.

Background: Millions of people reside near active volcanoes, yet data are limited on effects to human health. The Kilauea Volcano is the largest point source for sulfur dioxide in the United States, releasing air pollution on nearby communities since 1983. Objective: The objectives of this study were to provide the first population-based epidemiological estimates and qualitative descriptions of cardiorespiratory health effects associated with volcanic air pollution. Methods: An environmental-epidemiological design was used. Exposure levels of Kilauea's air pollutants were determined by environmental sampling. Prevalence estimates of cardio!"| respiratory health effects in adults were measured (N = 335) and compared between an exposed and nonexposed refer> ence community. Descriptions of the human-environment interaction with the long-standing eruption were recorded from informants in the natural setting. Results: Ambient and indoor concentrations of volcanic air pollution pollution were above the World Health Organization's recommended exposure levels. There were statistically significant increased odds associated with exposure for self-reported cough, phlegm, rhinorrhea, sore and dry throat, sinus congestion, wheezing, eye irritation, and diagnosed bronchitis. Thirty-five percent of the informants perceived that their health was affected by the eruption, mainly current and former smokers and those with chronic respiratory disease. Discussion: Hypotheses were supported regarding particulate air pollution and the association with adverse cardiovascular functioning. This emerging environmental health issue is under continuing investigation.
Welfare Mothers’ Reflections on Personal Responsibility

This article discusses personal responsibility, fulfilling one’s moral and social obligations as a purposeful and self-reliant agent, from the viewpoint of 20 White welfare mothers completing a community college program. In their stories, the participants revealed that they behaved in responsible ways under difficult conditions. Their accounts demonstrated that the most responsible decision for a single mother in many cases may be welfare, rather than a paying job and unstable employment. The women described a new type of personal responsibility in the context of community college: setting and working toward long-term goals rather than focusing purely on survival. Personal responsibility did not seem to reside in the individual, but was the result of the interaction between individual agency and context, an interpersonal responsibility.
SU‐E‐J‐182: Development of a Tomosynthesis Algorithm to Reduce Cone Beam Imaging Dose

Purpose: To develop a tomosynthesis cone beam reconstruction algorithm for LINAC cone beam CT with the goal to achieve a dose reduction better than 1/5 in current cone beam imaging protocols for patient positioning and portal beam verification while maintaining the required image quality for patient positioning and beam delivery verification. Methods: Tomosynthesis is the process of reconstructing tomographic images with fewer acquired projection images and additional synthetically generated projections to preserve image resolution and contrast. We developed a tomosynthesis cone beam reconstruction algorithm based on combining Feldkamp' s cone beam reconstruction algorithm and an iterative maximum likelihood reconstruction algorithm. The Feldkamp method is used to reconstruct the first estimate of the tomographic data and the iterative maximum likelihood algorithm improves the resolution, contrast and considerably eliminates ghost images from the first estimate. Results: The algorithm tests show image reconstruction with the adequate image quality, contrast and resolution for patient positioning and beam delivery verification with a 1/8 dose delivered reduction using current cone beam imaging set‐up protocols. Imaging time is reduced with the same proportion allowing higher patient throughput. The algorithm has been tested using patient data for head and neck and brain treatment sites. On both treatment sites, portal beam and patient localization can be effectively performed within 3 mm accuracy using digitally reconstructed radiographs generated from the tomosynthesisreconstructed patient anatomical image. The reconstruction is executed on a desktop computer with 2GHz CPU and 4 Gb RAM in less than 5 minutes. Conclusions: We developed a tomosynthesis algorithm capable of reconstructingimages with adequate resolution to perform beam delivery verification and patient positioning. This dose reduction will allow the daily use of cone beam CT in patients that require daily set‐up verification which currently is impractical because of dose and time constraints.
Influence of obesity on outcomes in atrial fibrillation: yet another obesity paradox.

Abstract Background Obese patients have favorable outcomes in congestive heart failure, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary artery disease. Obesity also has been linked with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation, but its influence on outcomes in atrial fibrillation patients has not been investigated. The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of obesity on outcomes in atrial fibrillation. Methods The Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) study was one of the largest multicenter trials of atrial fibrillation, with 4060 patients. Subjects were randomized to rate versus rhythm-control strategy. We performed a post hoc analysis of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute limited access dataset of atrial fibrillation patients who had body mass index (BMI) data available in the AFFIRM study. BMI data were not available on 1542 patients. Patients with BMI ≥18.5 were split into normal (18.5-25), overweight (25-30), and obese (>30) categories as per BMI (kg/m 2 ). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used on the eligible 2492 patients. End points were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Results Over three fourths of all patients in our cohort were overweight or obese. There were 304 deaths (103 among normal weight, 108 among overweight, and 93 among obese) and 148 cardiovascular deaths (54 among normal weight, 41 among overweight, and 53 among obese) over a mean period of 3 years of patient follow-up. On multivariate analysis, overweight (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.84; P =.001) and obese (HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68-0.93; P =.005) categories were associated with lower all-cause mortality as compared with normal weight. Overweight (HR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.26-0.60; P P =.01) also had lower cardiovascular mortality as compared with the normal weight patients. Conclusions Although in prior studies, obesity has been associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation, an obesity paradox exists for outcomes in atrial fibrillation. Obese patients with atrial fibrillation appear to have better long-term outcomes than nonobese patients.
Epidemiologic study of insecticide exposures, obesity, and risk of bladder cancer in household dogs.

A case-control study of household dogs was conducted to determine if exposure to sidestream cigarette smoke and chemicals in the home, use of topical insecticides, and obesity are associated with the occurrence of bladder cancer. Information was obtained by interview from owners of 59 dogs with transitional-cell carcinoma of the bladder and 71 age- and breed size-matched control dogs with other chronic diseases or neoplasms. Bladder cancer risk was unrelated to sidestream cigarette smoke and household chemical exposures. Risk was significantly increased by topical insecticide use (OR = 1.6 for 1-2 applications per year and OR = 3.5 for greater than 2 applications per year; chi 2 trend; p = .008). This risk was enhanced in overweight or obese dogs. Further studies of this canine model may facilitate identification of specific carcinogens present in insecticides commonly used on pet animals and in the environment.
Detection of extracellular matrix molecules synthesized in vitro by monkey and human retinal pigment epithelium: influence of donor age and multiple passages.

The retinal pigment epithelium of various species, including man, can synthesize extracellular matrix components in vitro. We studied extracellular matrix molecule production by human, rhesus and cynomolgus monkey pigment epithelium in vitro, using a panel of specific antibodies to collagen types I–V, fibronectin, laminin, the basement membrane heparan sulfate poteoglycan, human alpha elastin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Factor VIII in a modified indirect immunofluorescence reaction. Results were similar between human and both monkey species in early passage cultures with respect to the positive detection of collagen thpes I, III, IV, V, laminin, basement membrane proteoglycan, and fibronectin. The fluorescence was strongest in the center of confluent monolayers and was absent in border or isolated cells. Collagen type II, elastin, GFAP, or Factor VIII were not detected. Based on these findings, human and monkey pigment epithelium in vitro should be useful for the study of the synthesis, deposition and supramolecular interactions of a variety of extracellular matrix molecules.
Evaluation of COTS Simulations for Future HRI Teams

As robotic technologies become more autonomous, the way human-robot interaction is studied in the laboratory is going to need to change. Currently, the use of robots in the present day is almost entirely via tele-operation. As robots become more intelligent, they will need less human supervisory control. One approach is to liken near future human-robot teams to working human-animal teams However, in order to fully understand how humans will interact with near future robotic technologies that may not yet exist, we must use today’s simulation technologies as research tools. Some of these include Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) games. To overcome some of the problems inherent in trying to simulate technologies that may not yet exist, these games can represent a means by which near future human-robot interactions can be simulated This paper serves as a review the development of a framework for analyzing the utility of COTS games for HRI research, and will apply the framework to a few current COTS games.
Dosimetric analysis of urinary morbidity following prostate brachytherapy (125I vs. 103Pd) combined with external beam radiation therapy.

SUMMARY The purpose of this analysis was to correlate isotope selection with the urinary symptoms of patients who received a combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and a transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy (TIPPB) boost with either a 103palladium (103Pd) or a 125iodine (125I) radioisotope. Postimplant dosimetry was performed to evaluate both urethral dose and implant quality. The American Urologic Association (AUA) scores in both the 125I and 103Pd groups were similar initially. However, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up, the mean AUA scores for the 125I and 103Pd patients were 18 ± 6 vs. 11 ± 9, 17 ± 7 vs. 11 ± 7, 10 ± 3 vs. 9 ± 4, and 14 ± 8 vs. 7 ± 5, respectively (P < 0.01). The only significant difference between the postimplant dose-volume histogram (DVH) of the 125I and 103Pd implants was the minimum dose that 90% of the urethra received (D90). The increased AUA score of the 125I group was weakly correlated (R2 = 0.20) with the D90 dose but that of the 103Pd patients was not (R2 = 0.00). This suggests that the higher AUA score of the 125I patients was not necessarily the result of the higher D90 dose. Thus, patients who received 103Pd experienced less urinary morbidity than those implanted with 125I. We recommend further validating these findings in prospective studies in which the quality of the 125I and 103Pd implants can be evaluated. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mixed-directionality of killer whale stereotyped calls: a direction of movement cue?

The functional and ecological consequences of the directional emission of sounds used for communication remain largely unexplored even though non-uniform radiation patterns have been reported across a wide range of taxa. In this study the spectral structure of stereotyped calls recorded from groups of travelling killer whales (Orcinus orca) moving consistently toward or away from a towed hydrophone array was measured by comparing the energy in high-frequency (>5 kHz) with that in low-frequency (1–5 kHz) bands. Relative energy in high-frequency bands was significantly greater when animals were moving toward the hydrophone array, but only in call types that contain a separately modulated high-frequency component. The difference in relative energy as a function of direction of movement was more than 10 dB at the fundamental frequency of the high-frequency component of the two most common types recorded, confirming a strong pattern of mixed-directionality in these calls. Changes in call spectra due to signaler orientation to a receiver may provide an intrinsic cue of a moving signaler's direction of movement. Killer whales have sensitive hearing over the frequency range of this potential cue, and their marked behavioral synchrony suggests its use. The direction of movement cue inherent in the directionality pattern of calls may be an efficient and reliable means for this and possibly other highly mobile species to coordinate behavior and regulate spacing relative to other individuals.