cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Phase II Single Arm Pilot Study of the CHK1 Inhibitor Prexasertib (LY2606368) in BRCA Wild-Type, Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Lessons learned Monotherapy with prexasertib demonstrated modest activity in BRCA wild-type, recurrent triple-negative breast cancer, highlighting the unmet need for combination treatment strategies. Neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia are common with the use of prexasertib but are manageable with supportive care measures. Prophylactic use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor should be considered to avoid dose reductions or treatment delays. Pharmacodynamic studies showed prexasertib treatment induced DNA damage in peripheral immune cells. Background Cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is a major G2/M cell cycle regulator in tumors with p53 dysfunction, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We hypothesized the second-generation CHK1 inhibitor, prexasertib, would yield clinical activity in sporadic TNBC. Methods This single arm, phase II trial evaluated prexasertib at 105 mg/m2 IV every 2 weeks in patients with metastatic/recurrent TNBC. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Results All nine patients enrolled were germline BRCA wild-type (BRCAwt) and had at least one prior treatment. One partial response (PR) was observed (ORR of 11.1%). Four patients experienced stable disease. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 86 days (range 17 to 159 days). Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events included afebrile neutropenia (n = 8; 88.9%), anemia (n = 3; 33.3%), and thrombocytopenia (n = 1; 11.1%). Pharmacodynamic studies showed prexasertib treatment induced DNA damage in peripheral immune cells and demonstrated a decrease in activated/reinvigorated CD8 T cells; however, the one patient with a PR showed evidence of T-cell recovery. Conclusion Prexasertib monotherapy had modest clinical efficacy in BRCAwt TNBC. Further studies of prexasertib in combination with other agents are needed.
ArgoNeuT, a liquid argon time projection chamber in a low energy neutrino beam

ArgoNeuT (Argon Neutrino Test), a NSF/DOE project at Fermilab, is the first LArTPC to go in a low energy neutrino beam and just the second LArTPC to go in a neutrino beam ever. ArgoNeuT sits just upstream of the on-axis MINOS near detector in the NuMI beamline, about 1 km from the target station and 100 m underground. The detector features a 47×40×90 cm (169 L) active volume TPC with a fully contained recirculation and purification system. Among other physics, ArgoNeuT will measure the charged-current quasi-elastic (anti-) neutrino cross section on argon at Eν ~ 3 GeV.
The C. Elegans Chp/Wrch ortholog CHW-1 contributes to LIN-18/Ryk and LIN-17/ frizzled signaling in cell polarity

Wnt signaling controls various aspects of developmental and cell biology, as well as contributing to certain cancers. Expression of the human Rho family small GTPase Wrch/RhoU is regulated by Wnt signaling, and Wrch and its paralog Chp/RhoV are both implicated in oncogenic transformation and regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics. We performed developmental genetic analysis of the single Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of Chp and Wrch, CHW-1. Using a transgenic assay of the distal tip cell migration, we found that wild-type CHW-1 is likely to be partially constitutively active and that we can alter ectopic CHW-1-dependent migration phenotypes with mutations predicted to increase or decrease intrinsic GTP hydrolysis rate. The vulval P7.p polarity decision balances multiple antagonistic Wnt signals, and also uses different types of Wnt signaling. Previously described cooperative Wnt receptors LIN-17/Frizzled and LIN-18/Ryk orient P7.p posteriorly, with LIN-17/Fz contributing approximately two-thirds of polarizing activity. CHW-1 deletion appears to equalize the contributions of these two receptors. We hypothesize that CHW-1 increases LIN-17/Fz activity at the expense of LIN-18/Ryk, thus making the contribution of these signals unequal. For P7.p to polarize correctly and form a proper vulva, LIN-17/Fz and LIN-18/Ryk antagonize other Wnt transmembrane systems VANG-1/VanGogh and CAM-1/Ror. Our genetic data suggest that LIN-17/Fz represses both VANG-1/VanGogh and CAM-1/Ror, while LIN-18/Ryk represses only VANG-1. These data expand our knowledge of a sophisticated signaling network to control P7.p polarity, and suggests that CHW-1 can alter ligand gradients or receptor priorities in the system.
The J2EE Starter Kit

This chapter contains sections titled: Java 2 Enterprise Edition Starter Kit (J2EE-SKIT) Overview J2EE-SKIT Design Overview Summary Glossary References Exercises
Global Health Narratives: A Reader for Youth

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2009 Pages: 256 Publisher: University of New Mexico Press ISBN: 978-0-8263-4605-6 (soft cover). Prices: $21.95 USD(soft cover).
Effect of paramagnetic percolation on Gd 3+ EPR linewidths in LiYb x Y 1-x F 4 single crystals

Three-dimensional paramagnetic-site percolation calculations of ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$-doped ${\mathrm{LiYb}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Y}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$ mixed crystals have been made in order to explain the experimentally observed ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{3+}$ EPR linewidths in these hosts as functions of temperature. The calculated percolation threshold, ${x}_{c}$=0.27, is in agreement with the disappearance of the observed EPR linewidths at low tempertures for ${\mathrm{LiY}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Yb}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$ crystals with x\ensuremath{\ge}0.3. It is concluded that the contribution to the spin-lattice relaxation by the paramagnetic host ions is insignificant below x=${x}_{c}$.
Science and Technology of Bio-Inert Thin Films as Hermetic-Encapsulating Coatings for Implantable Biomedical Devices: Application to Implantable Microchip in the Eye for the Artificial Retina

Extensive research has been devoted to the development of neuron prostheses and hybrid bionic systems to establish links between the nervous system and electronic or robotic prostheses with the main focus of restoring motor and sensory functions in blind patients. Artificial retinas, one type of neural prostheses we are currently working on, aim to restore some vision in blind patients caused by retinitis picmentosa or macular degeneration, and in the future to restore vision at the level of face recognition, if not more. Currently there is no hermetic microchip-size coating that provides a reliable, long-term (years) performance as encapsulating coating for the artificial retina Si microchip to be implanted inside the eye. This chapter focuses on the critical topics relevant to the development of a robust, long-term artificial retina device, namely the science and technology of hermetic bio-inert encapsulating coatings to protect a Si microchip implanted in the human eye from being attacked by chemicals existing in the eye’s saline environment. The work discussed in this chapter is related to the development of a novel ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) hermetic coating, which exhibited no degradation in rabbit eyes. The material synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of these hermetic coatings are reviewed for application as encapsulating coating for the artificial retinal microchips implantable inside the human eye. Our work has shown that UNCD coatings may provide a reliable hermetic bio-inert coating technology for encapsulation of Si microchips implantable in the eye specifically and in the human body in general. Electrochemical tests of the UNCD films grown under CH4/Ar/H2 (1%) plasma exhibit the lowest leakage currents (∼7 × 10–7 A/cm2) in a saline solution simulating the eye environment. This leakage is incompatible with the functionality of the first-generation artificial retinal microchip. However, the growth of UNCD on top of the Si microchip passivated by a silicon nitride layer or the oxide layers is also under investigation in our group as introduced in this chapter. The electrochemically induced leakage will be reduced by at least one to three orders of magnitude to the range of 10−10 A/cm2, which is compatible with reliable, long-term implants.
An Evaluation of Transition Components of Individualized Education Programs

This study evaluated the transition component of the individualized education programs (IEPs) of 94 high school students between the ages of 18 and 21—students with learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, moderate mental retardation, and emotional/behavioral disorders. The study examined the format of the transition component document, compliance with the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and reflections of best practices, as well as the differences in these aspects of IEP transition components among disability groups. Results indicated that although the majority of the transition components complied with IDEA's mandate, they lacked many of the essential elements reflective of best practices in transition.
Performance characteristics of a 10 MHz VCO with a dual BVA resonator

The results of tests performed on two experimental 10 MHz voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) utilizing dual BVA resonators specifically designed for low acceleration sensitivity are reported. Dynamic acceleration testing was performed with the VCOs in the phase noise test configuration with the exception that the test oscillator was subjected to controlled vibration to measure acceleration sensitivity. Magnetic field susceptibility tests were made with the test device in the same configuration. The test oscillator was placed inside an AC Helmholtz coil where the magnetic field magnitude and frequency were varied. Short term stability as well as oscillator aging tests were performed with the VCOs under controlled temperature, relative humidity, and pressure. Temperature, humidity, and pressure were cycled one at a time with the other two parameters fixed to observe the effects on the VCO frequency. Test results indicate that the experimental VCOs have acceleration sensitivities which are an order of magnitude lower than those of previously used VCOs. >
Event-related EEG field changes in aroused subjects and schizophrenic patients.

Abstract The average auditory event-related potential (AAEP) to nonmeaningful stimuli has maximum vertex negative and positive amplitudes at about 100 and 200 msec, respectively. This “vertex potential” was studied under different arousal conditions in 75 normal men and 30 chronic schizophrenic subjects using the average event-related vector electro-encephalogram (AEVE) and the AAEP. The AEVE shows the path, in time, of the event-related electric field vector. To produce intramodal arousal, normal subjects also had EEG recordings made during the random sounding of a loud bell. AAEPs and AEVEs were calculated for spontaneous changes in arousal, as indicated by EEG delta band power. Bell arousal of the normal subjects increased the AAEP and AEVE measures of vertex potential maxima, thus increasing the existing differences between normals and schizophrenics. Analysis of the AEVE path indicates that arousal increased the electric field intensity, but probably did not alter, within the first 250 msec, the spatial distribution of the cortical EEG generators. After 250 msec, a reorganization of generators was indicated for the three groups. Schizophrenics differed from normals in the decreased maximum intensity of the vertex negative electric field, which was indicated by both the AEVE and AAEP.
The width of the electron loss to continuum cusp for He+ colliding with He

The width Gamma of the electron loss of the continuum (ELC) cusp for He+ colliding with He is calculated using the Born approximation. Good agreement is found with the recent data of Man et al. (1986).
De-Pake-ing transform analysis of fully deuterated malonic acid.

Abstract The analysis of deuterium wideline NMR spectra has been an essential step in characterizing the dynamics of molecules in the solid-state. Although clearly important, the identification of quadrupolar coupling constants (QCCs) from the powder patterns is often complicated by poor sensitivity and/or spectral overlap. Previously, others have demonstrated the utility of “de-Pake-ing”, a mathematical transform that yields the QCCs in a straightforward manner for symmetric ( η = 0) sites. In this short paper, we describe our analysis of a powder sample of perdeutero-malonic acid, a molecule with two distinct deuteron environments and asymmetries. The methylene sites are immediately amenable to the standard de-Pake-ing transform analysis due to their low asymmetry. However, the de-Pake-ing methodology for the acid deuterons, for which the asymmetry deviates significantly from zero, requires more analysis to extract their QCCs. The impact of this work on the future application of de-Pake-ing to a wider range of samples is also discussed.
Phylloquinone and dihydrophylloquinone contents of mixed dishes, processed meats, soups and cheeses

Assessment of dietary intakes of phylloquinone (VK-1) and dihydrophylloquinone (dK) has been limited by an overall deficit of food composition data, especially for mixed dishes and processed foods. Ninety-eight geographically representative food samples, obtained as part of the National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP), were analyzed for VK-1 and dK using reversed phase HPLC with fluorescent detection. The VK-1 concentrations of the mixed dishes, processed meats, soups, and cheeses ranged from zero (non-detectable, ND) to 11.1 μg/100 g; the dK concentrations ranged from zero (ND) to 22.4 μg/100 g. No dK was detected in the cheese samples. Minimal variation in VK-1 content was observed between the cooked and uncooked samples. Mixed dishes, processed meats, soups, and cheeses contain relatively small amounts of phylloquinone and dK when compared with vegetables and certain plant oils. However, since these foods may frequently be consumed in large amounts, they may be important dietary contributors of vitamin K.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-26 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-3 and -4 in normal ovary and ovarian carcinoma

The objective of this study was to determine the spatial expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their physiologic inhibitors, the tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-3 and TIMP-4, in ovarian carcinoma compared to normal ovaries. Immunohistochemistry was carried out in this study. Tissue sections prepared from normal ovarian tissues from throughout the menstrual cycle (N = 20) and ovarian carcinomas (N = 45) characterized as stage I (N = 5), stage III/IV (N = 40) were immunostained using polyclonal antibodies to the latent and the active form of MMP-26, TIMP-3, and a monoclonal antibody to TIMP-4. Immunoreactive MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 were detected in all the ovarian cell types in normal and tumor tissues. In normal ovarian tissues, theca externa and luteal cells immunostained with high intensity for MMP-26 and TIMPs while theca/granulosa cell staining intensity increased as lutenization progressed. There was low immunostaining of the ovarian stromal and surface epithelial cells for MMP-26, with moderate staining for TIMPs. In the carcinoma specimens, cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells displayed the highest staining intensity compared to adjacent nontumor areas. The immunostaining intensity of MMP-26 and TIMP-3 increased with stage of tumor with the invading tumor cells displaying the strongest immunostaining. MMP-26, TIMP-3, and TIMP-4 are expressed in normal ovarian as well as ovarian tumors with elevated expression in the invasive tumor cells suggesting a potential role for MMP-26 in normal ovary and ovarian cancer biologic function.
Mycopteris, a new neotropical genus of grammitid ferns (Polypodiaceae)

Mycopteris, a new genus of grammitid ferns, is described and combinations are made for the species that belong to it. Mycopteris is diagnosed by castaneous rhizome scales with turgid cells, usually pectinate laminae, blackish petioles and rachises, blackish pinna costae and veins, reddish setae, cretaceous hydathodes, glabrous sporangia, and the presence of Acrospermum ascomes. It is entirely neotropical, ranging from Mexico east into the West Indies and south to Bolivia. Mycopteris is one of two genera of grammitid ferns that are consistently associated with Acrospermum, an epibiotic ascomycete that produces black clavate fruiting bodies. Seventeen species of Mycopteris are recognized here, including one new species (M. longipilosa) and one elevated from the rank of variety to species (M. costaricensis). The following additional combinations are made here: M. alsopteris, M. amphidasyon, M. attenuatissima, M. cretata, M. grata, M. leucolepis, M. leucostica, M. longicaulis, M. pirrensis, M. praeceps, M. semihirsuta, M. steyermarkii, M. subtilis, M. taxifolia, and M. zeledoniana. Lectotypes are chosen for Ctenopteris leucosticta, Polypodium amphidasyon, and Polypodium pectinatum var. hispidum. For each accepted species, full synonymy and geographical range are provided. Taxonomic discussion is provided for species not widely recognized in previous treatments.
Emergency medicine resident attitudes and perceptions of HIV testing before and after a focused training program and testing implementation.

Objectives: The objectives were to determine attitudes and perceptions (A&P) of emergency medicine (EM) residents toward emergency department (ED) routine provider-driven rapid HIV testing services and the impact of both a focused training program (FTP) and implementation of HIV testing on A&P. Methods: A three-phase, consecutive, anonymous, identity-unlinked survey was conducted pre-FTP, post-FTP, and 6 months postimplementation. The survey was designed to assess residents’ A&P using a five-point Likert scale. A preimplementation FTP provided both the rationale for the HIV testing program and the planned operational details of the intervention. The HIV testing program used only indigenous ED staff to deliver HIV testing as part of standard-of-care in an academic ED. The impact of the FTP and implementation on A&P were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis using generalized estimating equations to control for repeated measurements in the same individuals. A “favorable” A&P was operationally defined as a mean score of >3.5, “neutral” as mean score of 2.5 to 3.5, and “unfavorable” as mean score of <2.5. Results: Thirty of 36 residents (83.3%) participated in all three phases. Areas of favorable AP six (1.5%) were newly confirmed HIV positive. Conclusions: Emergency medicine residents conceptually supported HIV testing services. Most A&P were favorably influenced by both the FTP and the implementation. All areas of negative A&P involved operational requirements, which may have influenced the low overall uptake of HIV testing during the study period.
COLORIMETRIC FURFURAL MEASUREMENT AS AN INDEX OF DETERIORATION IN STORED CITRUS JUICES

Furfural arising in citrus juice as a result of deterioration during storage may be recovered and concentrated by rapid distillation and then calorimetrically determined by reaction with 10% aniline in acetic acid-ethanol. As little as 25 μg per liter of furfural can be measured. The development of noticeable furfural parallels the development of off-flavor and provides a useful numerical index for the extent of degradation. Results of a brief storage study on orange juice are reported.
Measurement of regional blood flow by the 133xenon inhalation method with an on-line computer.

Abstract A computer based multidetector system was developed for the measurement of regional cerebral blood flow ( r CBF) by the 133 Xenon inhalation technique. The computer portion of the system is characterized by on-line data acquisition, rapid data analysis and presentation of results. Special system features include programs which automatically determine end-tidal Xenon concentrations during the saturation and desaturation phases of the flow measurement and which provide for automatic background subtraction, and a special purpose counter-digital multiplexor-computer interface. The system provides convenience in handling acutely ill patients, and assures reproducible positioning for serial measurements. Typical output format and partial results from 150 patient and normal subject measurements are presented.
When Economic Experiments Can Help Consumer Research

In their quest to better understand and predict human behavior, consumer researchers have been relatively unaffected by a growing trend in the social sciences—the interplay between economics and psychology. This is not necessarily a surprise given that consumer researchers are often trained within the psychology paradigm and often get little exposure to economics. The main purpose of this article, therefore, is to (a) introduce consumer researchers to methods of experimental economics, and (2) propose situations in which its tools and procedures can provide alternative approaches to common problems in consumer research. The article is divided into two main sections. First, it describes four key practices that characterize a typical economic experiment, and discusses how they can be applied to consumer research. The article then presents two procedures commonly used in experimental economics to elicit preferences and beliefs.
Can computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) help radiologists find mammographically missed screening cancers?

We present data from a pilot observer study whose goal is design a study to test the hypothesis that computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) can improve radiologists' performance in reading screening mammograms. In a prospective evaluation of our computer detection schemes, we have analyzed over 12,000 clinical exams. Retrospective review of the negative screening mammograms for all cancer cases found an indication of the cancer in 23 of these negative cases. The computer found 54% of these in our prospective testing. We added to these cases normal exams to create a dataset of 75 cases. Four radiologists experienced in mammography read the cases and gave their BI-RADS assessment and their confidence that the patient should be called back for diagnostic mammography. They did so once reading the films only and a second time reading with the computer aid. Three radiologists had no change in area under the ROC curve (mean Az of 0.73) and one improved from 0.73 to 0.78, but this difference failed to reach statistical significance (p equals 0.23). These data are being used to plan a larger more powerful study.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Project Valuation With Time-Varying Cash Flows: A Bayesian Approach

This article investigates the valuation of a project when the distributions of cash flows vary over time. The decision maker is assumed to be a Bayesian decision maker under uncertainty. Using the dynamic programming principle of backward induction and assuming that the capital asset pricing model is valid in each time period, we derive the project's valuation formulas and systematic risks, and investigate their characteristics. Our valuation formulas embed a Bayesian learning effect and differ from the traditional textbook capital budgeting formulas.
Age as a Variable in an Exercise Program for the Treatment of Simple Urinary Stress Incontinence

This study compared the effectiveness of biofeedback on pubococcygeal muscle strengthening and simple urinary stress incontinence in older and younger women. Women aged 55 years and older and women younger than 55 years of age were taught Kegel exercises, using biofeedback, for the treatment of simple urinary stress incontinence. Eighty percent of the younger group and 67% of the older group eliminated stress incontinence. Also, the younger women required less pubococcygeal strength than the older women to control incontinence.
Functional impairments in children with ADHD: unique effects of age and comorbid status.

Objective: Children with ADHD and comorbid disorders display poorer overall functioning compared with children with ADHD alone, though little research has examined the differential impact of extern...
Use of gradient dilution to flag and overcome matrix interferences in axial-viewing inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry ☆

Abstract Despite the undisputed power of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), its users still face serious challenges in obtaining accurate analytical results. Matrix interference is perhaps the most important challenge. Dilution of a matrix-containing sample is a common practice to reduce matrix interference. However, determining the optimal dilution factor requires tedious and time-consuming offline sample preparation, since emission lines and the effect of matrix interferences are affected differently by the dilution. The current study exploits this difference by employing a high-performance liquid chromatography gradient pump prior to the nebulizer to perform on-line mixing of a sample solution and diluent. Linear gradient dilution is performed on both the calibration standard and the matrix-containing sample. By ratioing the signals from two emission lines (from the same or different elements) as a function of dilution factor, the analyst can not only identify the presence of a matrix interference, but also determine the optimal dilution factor needed to overcome the interference. A ratio that does not change with dilution signals the absence of a matrix interference, whereas a changing ratio indicates the presence of an interference. The point on the dilution profile where the ratio stabilizes indicates the optimal dilution factor to correct the interference. The current study was performed on axial-viewing ICP-AES with o -xylene as the solvent.
Surface effects in water-soluble shell-core hybrid gold nanoparticles in oligonucleotide single strand recognition for sequence-specific bioactivation.

Highly monodisperse water-soluble shell−core hybrid gold nanoparticles were prepared by in situ reduction of gold salts in the presence of a bifunctional thiol, tiopronin. The resulting particles exhibited diameters of 20−60 nm, as characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The tiopronin coating was uniform, exposing a carboxylated monolayer surface that was further modified by coupling with an amino-maleimide linker. The polar heteroorganic shell rendered these materials water-soluble and, as a result, amenable to conditions for coupling with molecules of biological importance, for example, thiolated oligonucleotides. When brought into contact with a homogeneously dispersed oligonucleotide chain, the functionalized shell−core particle binds with a complementary oligonucleotide chain with high specificity. Binding could be qualitatively recognized by easily observed fluorescence differences. The largest particles (ca. 60 nm diameter) were unstable in buffered water, and further condensation ultimately...
The projection of optic fibers to the visual centers in the cat.

Retinal projections to the thalamus and midbrain were studied by the Nauta-Laidlaw technique. After unilateral enucleation, degeneration was found in five areas: dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd, thalamus), ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNv, subthalamus), nucleus of optic tract (NOT, pretectum), superior colliculus (S.C., tectum), and accessory optic nuclei (AON, tegmentum). Degeneration after focal lesions in nasal retina made by photocoagulation is found in four areas of the contralateral LGNd: Laminae A and B, nucleus interlaminaris centralis (NIC), and the medial part of nucleus interlaminaris medialis (NIM). Temporal lesions lead to degeneration ipsilaterally in three areas: lamina A1, NIC, and the lateral part of NIM. Central lesions are followed by bilateral projections; the area of degeneration on each side is greater than that of peripheral lesions of comparable size. Focal degeneration is found in NIM after either central or peripheral retinal lesions. Each retina projects to both NOT and both S.C. In NOT, degeneration following nasal lesions is strictly contralateral while after temporal lesions is mainly ipsilateral. A bilateral projection of temporal retina to NOT constitutes an exception to theories of chiasmal decussation. Both nasal and temporal projections to AON are wholly crossed, thus constituting another example of projection of temporal retina to the contralateral side, Nasal fibers project contralaterally and nearly all temporal fibers ipsilaterally to S.C.
Discovery and development of biological agents to control crop pests

Thousands of potential microbial biocontrol agents have been isolated from agricultural fields and crops during research over the last 80 years, yet only a few are in commercial use. Recently, public health and safety concerns about the environmental impact of chemical pesticides have led to consideration of biological control as a natural approach to maintaining crop health. Despite environmental incentives and strong research efforts, commercialization of biocontrol agents has been slow to evolve. The momentum of the chemical industry is difficult to shift, and fermentation processes tend to be more expensive to operate than synthetic chemical processes.Yet there is a demand for biological control products, especially in agricultural niche markets, where there is no chemical competitor. However, given this market demand, the fundamental methods of economical large-scale production and application of biological control agents are lacking. Many aspects of biocontrol agent production and development represent untrodden territory in the progression of industrial fermentation technology beyond its well-established food and pharmaceuticals niche. Distinguishing them from traditional fermentation products, biocontrol agents must not only be produced in high yield but must also meet the following quality criteria: high (near 100%) retention of cell viability with maintenance of crop compatibility and consistent bioefficacy during several months of storage. Research examples will be reviewed to illustrate the challenges and strategies of developing processes to manufacture and deliver biological agents for insect, weed, and plant disease control.
Range of Planning in Music Performance

Two factors influence the range of planning in music performance: the structural content of musical events and the serial distances between them. In this experiment, pianists memorized and performed polyphonic music (which contained multiple simultaneous voices) in which the serial distance and phrase structure between the entrances of 2 musical voices were varied. The distance between each musical element and its influence on other elements was assessed in production errors and interonset timing measures. Errors and timing measures offered converging evidence for interactive effects of serial distance and phrase structure; intervening phrase boundaries reduced the serial distances over which musical elements influenced one another. These findings suggest structural as well as linear constraints on the planning of complex sequences.
Particulate matter components, sources, and health: Systematic approaches to testing effects

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with adverse health outcomes. There has long been a question as to whether some components of the PM mixture are of greater public health concern than others so that the sources that emit the more toxic components could be controlled. In this paper, we describe the National Particle Component Toxicity (NPACT) initiative, a comprehensive research program that combined epidemiologic and toxicologic approaches to evaluate this critical question, partly relying on information from a national network of air quality monitors that provided data on speciated PM2.5 (PM with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) starting in 2000. We also consider the results of the NPACT program in the context of selected research on PM components and health in order to assess the current state of the field. Overall, the ambitious NPACT research program found associations of secondary sulfate and, to a somewhat lesser extent, traffic sources with health effects. Although this and other r...
Evaluation of Fiber-Bundle Based Transmitter Configurations With Alignment Control Algorithm for Mobile FSO Nodes

A fiber-bundle approach for beam steering at the transmitter was recently proposed and investigated that allowed tracking of the receiver without the use of mechanical devices for mobile free-spaced optical (FSO) platforms experiencing misalignment due to movement and atmospheric turbulence. This paper investigates different transmitter configurations along with a general pointing, acquisition and tracking (PAT) algorithm on key parameters including power availability at the receiver, switching time, link recapturing time, and coverage area at the receiver plane. The alignment control algorithm with different ways to track receiver is also evaluated on these key parameters. The algorithm performance versus transmitted power, switching time and the threshold power for beam steering was examined. The investigation finds that a combination of switching combined with splitting of the light between fibers is a suitable solution to provide the best trade-off between link up time and the coverage area at the receiver, and thus is a good general purpose design choice, and the optical tracking system with target location information demands fewer efforts to recover and maintain the dynamic link than the one without the awareness of the receiver location information.
Planting Date Influences Preharvest Infestation of Dent Corn by Angoumois Grain Moth (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Preharvest infestation of dent corn, Zea mays L., by Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), was measured for corn planted on different dates in central Kentucky. Corn was planted on three dates in 1990 and 1991: (1) the conventional planting date of mid- to late May, (2) 3 wk earlier, and (3) 3 wk later. One location was planted in 1990 and three locations in 1991. Corn was sampled on three dates at 3-wk intervals from late September to mid-November. Infestation was measured at sampling time and again after a 5-wk incubation in the laboratory. Infestation decreased linearly with planting date, with essentially zero infestation evident at sampling time for late-planted corn, and increased linearly with sampling date. Emergence of adults after incubation of samples in the laboratory revealed that infestation rates were considerably higher than initial infestation assessment indicated. This measure of latent infestation decreased with planting date only for corn in early stages of infestation and generally increased with sampling date. Correlation between moisture content of corn and infestation rate was significant but not particularly strong. Moisture content was apparently a major determinant of infestation, however; corn >31% moisture content was virtually uninfested. The results suggest that earlier planting increases the risk of infestation by Angoumois grain moth, as does leaving corn in the field after it has dried below a critical moisture content.
Optimization of Fed-Batch Bioreactors Using Neural Network Parameter Function Models

This paper describes a neural network based modeling scheme of parameter function modeling that captures the inherently nonlinear dynamics of fed-batch bioreactor systems. A neural network model in conjunction with basic material and energy balances provides a better representation of the system dynamics than a purely empirical model. The combined balance relation and neural network parameter function model can be used with dynamic programming optimization to generate optimal operational policies. The results of applying this method to two fed-batch bioreactor systems are presented and shown to agree well with exact optimal strategies.
Electron microscopic studies of micro-erosion in brittle solids

Abstract Thin film high voltage electron microscopy was used to study dislocations in single crystals of MgO eroded by fast moving particles. The results show that the investigational technique can provide information to aid the elucidation of the mechanism of erosion damage and on which to base sound theories.
Novel reactive species environment created by microplasma jet arrays in combination with a controlled gas feed system

Radicals and excited species produced through mixing low temperature plasma with a surrounding gas medium can be tailored so as to promote a process of benefit to either medical therapeutics or materials fabrication. This mixing process is particular interesting when the plasma is generated from an array of microplasma jets.
CH(A-X) and OH(A-X) optical emission in an axisymmetric laminar diffusion flame

Abstract Steady-state concentrations of electronically excited CH(A 2 Δ) and OH(A 2 ∑ + ) are extracted from previous quantitative measurements of optical emission from an axisymmetric laminar diffusion flame [K. T. Walsh, M. B. Long, M. A. Tanoff, and M. D. Smooke, Twenty-Seventh Symposium (International) on Combustion , The Combustion Institute, Pittsburgh, 1998, pp. 615–623]. The flame is modeled with a two-dimensional transport and detailed chemistry explicitly augmented with the reactive, radiative, and energy transfer collisional processes to produce and remove electronically excited CH(A) and OH(A). Computations predict concentrations of CH(A) and OH(A) which agree with the measurement within a factor of 6 or better, a significant improvement compared to the earlier report.
Design and Fabrication of Copper-Film Loop–Gap Resonators

Abstract The design, production, and performance of relatively simple, economical, and easy-to-build loop–gap resonators made of copper-clad Teflon (CuFlon) are described. Resonators were built at microwave frequencies between 1 and 9.4 GHz. A C-band continuous wave spectrum, an L-band electron spin-echo signal, and an L-band saturation-recovery signal for irradiated fused silica standard samples are presented.
Implementation of a primal—dual method for SDP on a shared memory parallel architecture

Primal---dual interior point methods and the HKM method in particular have been implemented in a number of software packages for semidefinite programming. These methods have performed well in practice on small to medium sized SDPs. However, primal---dual codes have had some trouble in solving larger problems because of the storage requirements and required computational effort. In this paper we describe a parallel implementation of the primal---dual method on a shared memory system. Computational results are presented, including the solution of some large scale problems with over 50,000 constraints.
Integration of Climate Change in the Analysis and Design of Engineered Systems: Barriers and Opportunities for Engineering Education

The goal of this paper is to begin mapping perspectives of engineering faculty on barriers and opportunities related to the integration of climate change in the analysis and design of engineered systems (CC&ES). Although both susta inability and renewable energy have been receiving in creasing attention in engineering education for quite some time 1 , climate change, especially as it relates to engineered systems, has yet to become a widely accepted topic of teaching and research. From recent literature on engineering education and from interviews with engineering faculty, a picture emerges of whether and how climate change is an important dimension in the analysis and design of engineered systems. From those sources, we begin to see what it might take to incorporate the relationsh ip between climate change and engineered systems in engineering education, what the barriers and opportunities to this incorporation might be, and what strategies might be available to in st itutionalize this incorporation in engineering education. · Support for this paper comes from a larger research project on "Climate Change, Engineered Systems, and Society" which has the goal to develop conceptual and educational frameworks and networks ~f change agents to promote effective formal and mf~rmal education for engineering students, policymakers and the public at large. The project partners include the National Academy of
Computation of pressure distribution on the surface of a vehicle (abstract only)

A Geometric model of the sculptured surface of a vehicle is represented in terms of bicubic patches in the PATRAN modeling system. In Technology Engineering, a patch is subdivided into finite elements. The experimental data consists of pressure distribution at the centroids of these elements. It is desired to formulate the pressure distribution at arbitrary points on the vehicle by using this discrete data. The pressure points, which are theoretically on the surface of the vehicle, involve round off errors and thus may be offset from the surface. The problem becomes that of co-relating the pressure points and the patches on which they lie, determining the parametric values for the pressure points, and then defining the pressure distribution functions for the patches. The determination of the parametric values of the pressure points is a complex inverse problem. A new algorithm which is simpler, faster and more general than those using Newton-Raphson type techniques is designed to accomplish this. This algorithm uses divide-and-conquer paradigm and is applicable to both smooth and non-smooth surfaces.This algorithm for parametric coordinates (U,V) of a point on the closest surface patch at a minimum distance from the given point is stated as follows: Identify the point, P. Identify the list of surface patches. Pick a surface Patch from the list of patches. Evaluate the grid of N2 parametrically equally spaced points on the patch. Find a point, P1, from these N2 grid points which is the closest to the point P. Keep track of the point P1, the pair (U1, V1) of its parametric coordinates, the distance D1 between the points P and P1, the Patch, and create a subpatch surrounding the point P1. Evaluate the grid of N2 parametrically equally spaced points on the subpatch. Find a point, P2, from these N2 grid points which is the closest to the point P. Keep track of the point P2, the pair (U2, V2) of its parametric coordinates, the distance D2 between the points P and P2, the Patch, and create a subpatch surrounding the point P2. If abs(D2-D1) > tolerance, then replace D1 by D2, point P1 by P2, (U1,V1) by (U2,V2). Repeat this step on the subpatch until abs(D2-old D1)
Ricinodendron rautanenii (Euphorbiaceae): Zambezian wild food plant for all seasons

Ricinodendron rautanenii provides an easily stored sweet-tasting fruit containing a nut whose seed is rich in fat, protein, and minerals. Its distribution is largely confined to the Zambezian phytogeographical region of Africa, centered on the nutrient- poor Kalahari sands of southeastern Angola and northeastern Namibia. There the estimates of annual nut production range from ca. 250 kg/ha to 800 kg/ ha. In this subhumid summer-rain climate this tree flowers in late spring and the fruits fall in autumn. A significant proportion of the nuts are still edible after having lain on the ground for a year. The nuts were traditionally a staple food for the subregion’s rural populations.
Can Metal Detectors Replace the Panopticon

The spontaneous response of the young man quoted above epitomizes a way of thinking about schools that one might wish to problematize. Perhaps more aptly, the perspective expressed in this epigraph might itself be seen as problematizing and interrogating-however unconsciously-the strategies that public educational policies are developing for coping with school violence as well as the whole ideological spectrum of pedagogical theory, including the strand that has come to be called "critical ethnography" (Anderson 1989). At least in New York City's most troubled and overcrowded high schools, where the tutoring/mentoring program that I direct has been operating for the past nine years,' students quite matter-of-factly associate schooling with security guards, police tactics, and high-tech weapons-scanning devices. Not only is this now-taken-forgranted phenomenon undertheorized, theory mimics the embarrassment found in everyday reality by discreetly lapsing into silence when it comes to the topic of school violence and terror.
Triterpenoid and phenolic constituents of Colubrina granulosa

Abstract Ether extracts of Colubrina granulosa heartwood yield the polyphenolic coumaranone maesopsin and 3 pentacyclic triterpene acids of the lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid group, alphitolic, betulinic and ceanothic acids. Two new compounds, granulosic and colubrinic acids, which belong to a very small class of A ring contracted triterpenes were also isolated. The co-occurrence of maesopsin, alphitolic, betulinic and ceanothic acids suggests that C. granulosa (from Panama) may be closely related or identical to the Australian species, Alphitonia whitei , in which these relatively rare compounds also occur.
Mg II ABSORPTION SYSTEMS IN SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY QSO SPECTRA

We present the results of a Mg II λλ2796, 2803 absorption-line survey using QSO spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Early Data Release. Over 1300 doublets with rest equivalent widths greater than 0.3 A and redshifts 0.366 ≤ z ≤ 2.269 were identified and measured. We find that the λ2796 rest equivalent width (W) distribution is described very well by an exponential function ∂N/∂W = e, with N* = 1.187 ± 0.052 and W* = 0.702 ± 0.017 A. Previously reported power-law fits drastically overpredict the number of strong lines. Extrapolating our exponential fit underpredicts the number of W ≤ 0.3 A systems, indicating a transition in ∂N/∂W near W 0.3 A. A combination of two exponentials reproduces the observed distribution well, suggesting that Mg II absorbers are the superposition of at least two physically distinct populations of absorbing clouds. We also derive a new redshift parameterization for the number density of W ≥ 0.3 A lines: N* = 1.001 ± 0.132 (1 + z)0.226±0.170 and W* = 0.443 ± 0.032 (1 + z)0.634±0.097 A. We find that the distribution steepens with decreasing redshift, with W* decreasing from 0.80 ± 0.04 A at z = 1.6 to 0.59 ± 0.02 A at z = 0.7. The incidence of moderately strong (0.4 A W 2 A) Mg II λ2796 lines does not show evidence for evolution with redshift. However, lines stronger than ≈2 A show a decrease relative to the no-evolution prediction with decreasing redshift for z 1. The evolution is stronger for increasingly stronger lines. Since W0 in saturated absorption lines is an indicator of the velocity spread of the absorbing clouds, we interpret this as an evolution in the kinematic properties of galaxies from moderate to low redshift. Monte Carlo simulations do not reveal any strong systematic effects or biases in our results. While more recent SDSS QSO spectra offer the opportunity to increase the Mg II absorber sample by another order of magnitude, systematic errors in line identification and measurement will begin to dominate in the determination of absorber property statistics.
Ocular Motor Minisymposium: Chicago 1985, summary

(1986). Ocular Motor Minisymposium: Chicago 1985, summary. Neuro-Ophthalmology: Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 137-138.