cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Audience effects of apologia

Subjects read a set of charges against the moral character of a fictitious person and then, if assigned to a treatment group, read either part or all of one of four speeches constructed so as to enact a particular rhetorical stance—a particular kind of apologia. All subjects responded to a series of dependent measures assessing the perceived credibility, perceived culpability and perceived rhetorical stance of the apologist. The results indicated that subjects could differentiate among the four stances and that they responded more positively to denial strategies than to bolstering strategies; the apologias that employed denial strategies were the most effective both in repairing damage to perceived credibility and in reversing perceptions of culpability.
Decomposition of standing dead trees in the southern Appalachian Mountains

Decomposition of standing dead trees that were killed by fire was examined for 10 species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The decrease in wood density as fire age increased was used to estimate decomposition rates. Quercus prinus had the fastest decay rate (11% yr-1) while Pinus virginiana had the slowest decay rate (3.6% yr-1) for standing dead wood. Decay rates were intermediate between those reported in western USA and tropics for wood.
Lifetime prediction of laser-precracked fused silica subjected to subsequent cyclic laser pulses

Measurements of fatigue failure strength of laser-cracked fused silica in air at room temperature for different numbers of laser shots and laser fluences are presented. The failure-strength variability is found to be due mainly to the spectrum of crack depths. Agreement with theory suggests the incorporation of a residual term into the failure–strength equation. Due to its sign, the residual stress is of mouth-opening displacement nature at the crack. Analysis of the residual stress data shows a linear proportionality with crack depth, whereas the failure–strength is inversely proportional to the square root of the crack depth.
Combined numerical and analytic approach for generalized models of complex bi-anisotropic materials

A combined numerical and analytic approach is presented to obtain a general matrix form of constitutive relations for a bi-anisotropic material which consists of arbitrary inclusions in a host medium. This approach is based on the quasi-static Lorentz-Lorenz theory which relates the constitutive parameters of the material with the electric and magnetic dipole moments of the inclusions which can be calculated in a numerical or analytic way. Analysis of 'meta-materials' is conducted to validate the proposed method.
The effects of maternal hypoxemia on fetal and infant development

Pregnant women with cyanotic cardiac defects have a high percentage of abortuses and infants small for gestational age. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of maternal hypoxemia, as measured by arterial blood gas tensions, on fetal and placental development, neonatal adaptation, and subsequent growth and development. 19 women with right-to-left shunts were studied and 21 of the 30 pregnancies resulted in live births. 11 of these infants were small-for-dates, all born to women who had no surgery or only palliative surgery over 10 years ago. Mothers with total correction of these shunts delivered infants of normal size. Urinary estriol excretion during pregnancy was studied in 6 patients; low urinary estriol levels and low arterial blood oxygen tensions (PO2 < 60 mm Hg) were associated with low birth weight of the infants. Placental size was larger than expected on the basis of birth weight, Blood O2 affinity and red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) were studied in 2 cyanotic women and in their infants at birth. Blood O2 affinity was significantly decreased and DPG markedly increased in both mothers; the same changes, although to a lesser degree, were observed in their infants, indicating intrauterine adaptation to hypoxia. The postnatal growth and development of all small infants have equalled or exceeded the normal standards.
A neuropharmacological analysis of the pacemakers and conducting tissues ofHydra attenuata

1. Extracellular recordings from preparations in which sections of endoderm have been removed reveal that rhythmic potentials are conducted by the endoderm while tentacle pulses and contraction burst pulses are still able to be propagated by the ectoderm. 2. Nicotinic agents and the serotonergic inhibitor, methysergide decrease the number of contraction burst pulses/h/animal. Atropine increases them. 3. This effect is due to the reduction of the number of pulses/contraction burst as well as the number of bursts/h for the nicotinic agents. For atropine it is due to an increase in the number of pulses/burst, not in the number of bursts/hour. 4. For methysergide, the decrease in contraction burst pulse activity is due to a significant reduction in the number of contraction bursts/hour. 5. Atropine, curare and TEA cause a marked reduction of CBP amplitude. 6. With one exception nicotinic blocking agents significantly increased the frequency or rhythmic potentials. Atropine appeared to reduce RP frequency. The adrenergic inhibitor, and one of the two serotonergic blocking agents, p-chlorophenyl alanine, significantly increased RP frequency.
THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE'S NATIONAL WETLANDS INVENTORY PROJECT

In 1974, the US Fish and Wildlife Service directed its Office of Biological Services to design and conduct an inventory of the Nation's wetlands. The mandate was to develop and disseminate a technically sound, comprehensive data base concerning the characteristics and extent of the Nation's wetlands. The purpose of this data base is to foster wise use of the Nation's wetlands and to expedite decisions that may affect this important resource. To accomplish this, state-of-the-art principles and methodologies pertaining to all aspects of wetland inventory were assimilated and developed by the newly formed project. By 1979, when the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Project became operational, it was clear that two very different kinds of information were needed. First, detailed wetland maps were needed for site-specific decisions. Second, national statistics developed through statistical sampling on the current status and trends of wetlands were needed in order to provide information to support the development or alteration of Federal programs and policies. The NWI has produced wetland maps (scale=1:24 000) for 74% of the conterminous United States. It has also produced wetland maps (scale=1:63 360) for 24% of Alaska. Nearly 9000 of these wetland maps, representing 16.7% of the continental United States, have been computerized (digitized). In addition to maps, the NWI has produced other valuable wetland products. These include a statistically-based report on the status and trends of wetlands that details gains and losses in United States wetlands that have occurred from the mid-1970's to the mid-1980's. Other wetland products include a list of wetland (hydric) soils, a national list of wetland plant species, wetland reports for certain individual States such as New Jersey and Florida, and a wetland values data base.
Insulin pump therapy in type 1 pediatric patients: now and into the year 2000.

There are a number of medical conditions such as growth failure in children, pregnancy, lipid abnormalities, and early complications that are improved by the meticulous glycemic control that can be achieved with insulin pump therapy (CSII). By using an insulin pump, many patients with severe hypoglycemia, the dawn phenomenon, extremes of glycemic excursion, recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hypoglycemia unawareness have amelioration of these problems. However, pump therapy involves problems such as weight gain, recurrent ketosis due to pump failure, infections, and risk of hypoglycemia. Owing to many developmental issues, young children may not be able to wear the pump without parental supervision. We have used the pump at night time only in these patients. This has allowed children of 7-10 years of age to benefit from improved nocturnal glycemia without the risk of pump therapy when they are without an adult to help. We have also used the pump in subjects with recurrent DKA and in our general patient population (mean age 13.6+/-3.9 years). In our pump cohort, CSII led to improvement in quality of life, knowledge, adherence, and responsibility. A reduction in hypoglycemia, DKA rate and mean HbA(1c) was associated with pump usage. For this to occur, however, pump education must be geared to the pediatric subject and his/her family. Education materials and tools help in learning how to use the pump and how to deal with the intricacies of basal and bolus dosing, and the effect of exercise, food and illness on diabetes management. The pump has improved since it was first introduced and these modifications have made it easier, more painless and less hazardous. With the development of continuous glucose sensors and implantable pumps, the next century will see pump therapy lead to the artificial pancreas.
Thermal disorder of adatoms in a one-dimensional model

Abstract As a model for disordered adatoms, the author uses a lattice gas in thermal equilibrium, with short-range repulsions between atoms. Fraunhofer diffraction from this model gives a calculated diffraction pattern, whose dependence on temperature is comparable to that found by Germer, May, and Szostak in their experiment with O on Ni(110). Also, the calculation is used to discuss the splitting (of the 1 2 -order diffracted beam) which is caused by a difference between the numbers of adatoms and of vacant sites.
Prolactin-induced accumulation of casein mRNA in mouse mammary explants: a selective role of glucocorticoid.

Abstract The role of glucocorticoid in the prolactin-induced accumulation of casein mRNA in mammary explants from midpregnant mice has been studied after an initial 4-day incubation to allow the level of messenger to decline to undetectable levels. Subsequent culture for 3 days: 1) with insulin and glucocorticoid did not result in detectable accumulation of messenger; 2) with insulin and prolactin resulted in a very small accumulation; 3) with insulin, glucocorticoid and prolactin elicited a 20-fold greater accumulation of casein mRNA than the system with only insulin and prolactin. Therefore, although glucocorticoids are not an absolute requirement for casein gene expression in mouse mammary tissue, they are necessary for massive accumulation of casein mRNA induced by prolactin. It appears that this dependence is not a result of either mRNA stabilization or alteration in prolactin receptors. By contrast, stimulation of total epithelial RNA synthesis by prolactin does not have this glucocorticoid dependency.
Reducing Adolescent Alienation: Strategies for the High School

The strategies that follow are suggestions, says this writer. Taken singly, their impact may be minimal. Taken as an integrated system, they may make a significant difference in the lives of students, teachers, and administrators.
Dityrosine: Preparation, Isolation, and Analysis

Abstract This article describes chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques that have multiple applications in the preparation, isolation, and analysis of dityrosine. A three-step chromatographic procedure facilitates the preparation of 120 mg or more (yield >26% of theoretical maximum) of dityrosine from the enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of tyrosine. DEAE–cellulose chromatography performed in a boric acid–sodium borate buffer removes most of the contaminating pigments. Two-dimensional pH-dependent chromatography on BioGel P-2 separates dityrosine from tyrosine, residual pigments, salts, etc. Elemental analysis indicates that the purified product is ∼92% dityrosine by weight. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and two types of reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), monitored in fluorescence and absorbance measurements, verify the purity of the dityrosine. The distinctive pH-dependent chromatography of dityrosine on BioGel P-2, with reversible adsorption to the matrix occurring at pH values less than 3, is useful for the isolation of varying quantities of dityrosine and for analysis per se. Affinity chromatography on immobilized phenyl boronate (Matrex Gel PBA-60) is an alternate method for the isolation and determination of dityrosine, which undergoes specific interactions with the boronate moiety and possible hydrophobic association with the phenyl group. Two new reverse-phase HPLC techniques expedite the analysis of picomole quantities of dityrosine. One employs isocratic elution (92% H 2 O, 8% acetonitrile, and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) of an ODS II Spherisorb column, with both fluorometric and spectrophotometric detection. The other procedure may be performed in conjunction with total amino acid analysis. A rapid gradient program, developed with a Phenomenex Ultracarb 20 column, clearly separates dabsylated dityrosine and tyrosine from other dabsylated amino acids. It is especially useful when dityrosine is a trace component.
Impact of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms on Patients Considered for Lung Transplantation

Infections with multidrug-resistant organisms are a growing problem in lung transplant recipients. Carriage of drug-resistant bacteria and fungi before transplantation is an important risk factor for such infections. In that regard Pseudomonas aeruginosa and species of Burkholderia, Acinetobacter, non-tuberculous mycobacteria and Scedosporium are particularly important. An understanding of the impact of these organisms is essential to the evaluation of lung transplant candidates. The microbiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and approach to these pathogens before transplant are reviewed in this article.
Epithelial Response in Penetrating Keratoplasty

In 30 patients who were followed up, discrete corneal epithelial dots developed in a strictly confined area of the peripheral donor cornea within two months after penetrating keratoplasty. The incidence was higher, although not statistically significant, in the disparate group (55%) as compared to the isometric group (30%). The change in dot density that occurs after nylon suture removal is consistent with the idea of lateral cell movement in the corneal epithelium. This study confirms that donor epithelium persists for long periods of time.
The impact of Japanese auto VRAs on the U.S. and Japanese economies

Abstract The voluntary export restraint agreement (VRA) limiting Japanese exports of cars to the United States is evaluated. Extending a previous article dealing with Japanese transplant auto factories in the United States, the authors examine impacts of alternative responses to the VRA at the micro and macro level. The VRA will result in a modest improvement in the bilateral trade balance. It will provide a small macroeconomic stimulus to the US economy, but will affect output in Japan adversely.
PREVENTING RISKY DRIVING AND ALCOHOL MISUSE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Background Emergency department (ED) visits provide an opportunity to reduce risky driving and alcohol misuse, thereby reducing the risk for future injury. Aims/Objectives/Purpose To determine the efficacy of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) addressing risky driving and alcohol misuse. Methods We implemented a randomised controlled trial of SBIRT with follow-up through 12 months. ED patients (N=20 027) ages 18–44 were screened for risky driving and alcohol misuse. Participants who screened positive for both behaviours (n=476) were randomised to brief intervention (BIG), contact-control (CCG), or no-contact-control (NCG) groups. BIG (n=150) received screening, a 20-min assessment, and two, 20-min interventions. CCG (n=162) received screening and a 20-min assessment and NCG (n=164) received screening and were interviewed at 12 months. Outcome measures included self-reported driving behaviours (safety belt use, speeding >20 mph above speed limit) and alcohol consumption (≥5 standard drinks/day, maximum drinks/6-h period). Results/Outcomes Three primary outcomes were significantly lower (p Significance/Contribution to the Field SBIRT can reduce risky driving and alcohol misuse, but its effects did not persist after 9 months.
Formation of a complex constrained region at the graphite nanoplatelets-polyamide 12 interface

Abstract The study focuses on understanding the interfacial interactions between graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) and polyamide 12 (PA12) in GNP/PA12 nanocomposites and the influence of GNP on the glass transition and crystallization of PA12. A complex constrained phase, consisting of immobilized amorphous and transcrystalline region, of PA12 at the GNP surface was determined. Strong correlation between the tensile modulus and the glass transition temperature and the amount of constrained phase, assessed through the thermo-mechanical and crystallization behavior of the composites, was found. The presence of the transcrystalline region was confirmed by the nucleating ability of the GNP. The complex constrained phase provides a secondary reinforcing mechanism. GNP reinforces PA12 not only because it is stronger but because it significantly alters locally the physical properties of the polymer. In conclusion, a strong link between the nano-scale interfacial interactions, the physical properties of the polymer and the bulk properties of the composites is highlighted and explained.
Massive colonic dilatation as initial presentation of mesenteric vein thrombosis

The case of a patient with primary mesenteric venous thrombosis presenting with massive dilatation of almost the entire colon is described. The differential diagnosis suggested by this presentation is briefly discussed with special attention to the diagnosis of acute colonic pseudoobstruction. Possible reasons for the atypical presentation of acute mesenteric venous thrombosis should, therefore, be considered in the differential diagnosis of all patients presenting with colonic distention and pseudoobstruction.
495 SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM FOR PERINATAL EDUCATION

Perinatal regionalization encourages regional centers (RC) to provide educational programs for community hospitals (CH). We have developed a program with the following novel approaches: (1) Each hospital defines its own equipment and personnel needs by completing an inventory; (2) The same self-instructional program is completed by all perinatal nurses and physicians, thus facilitating uniformity of care and improving nurse-physician communication; (3) The RC trains 2 nurses from the CH who subsequently direct an intensive 4 month program entirely in their hospital and with minimum intervention by the RC. The program consists of 5 self-instructional books (575 pages) covering 17 perinatal subjects and 17 skills. The program was revised through 3 field trials and critiqued by 7 national experts. 55 physicians, 173 nurses and 107 supporting personnel representing 81% of the perinatal professionals from 9 CH participated in the program. For the units completed by all hospitals to date, pre vs. post test scores increased from a mean of 70% to 87% respectively (p<.001). Critical incident data suggested that the program resulted in improved patient care and staff morale. Pre-transport conditions of referral babies showed a 34% increase in quantity of stabilizing activities. Chart reviews are now underway to evaluate care practice changes. We conclude that a self-instructional, locally-based and coor-dinated program of this type is an effective, well accepted, and efficient means of training personnel in the CH.
Dispersion of dredge spoil dumped in near-shore waters

Abstract Turbidity measurements show that 99% of non-cohesive spoil of high silt content discharged from a scow in the presence of a tidal stream is transported to the bottom as a high speed, turbulent jet. Lateral spread of the jet is about 30% of the water depth. Impact with the bottom produces an outward spreading density current whose speed and thickness vary such that the Froude number of the flow remains about constant. When 2000 m3 of spoil is discharged in water 20 m deep, the density surge carries less than 18% of the spoil outside a circle of 30-m radius and essentially none beyond about 120 m. The residual turbidity in the water column, which drifts with the tidal stream, contains less than 1% of the material discharged; this settles at the fall velocity of the individual particles.
Behavioral Factors in Assessing Impact of HIV Treatment as Prevention

The recent NIH HPTN 052 study of using HIV treatment to prevent HIV transmission in serostatus discordant heterosexual partnerships has garnered much attention. In subsequent discussions, however, the topic of HIV-related risk behavior has been nearly absent. Here, we identify the critical roles that HIV-related risk behavior plays in determining the unmet needs, optimal targeting, and ultimate impact of treatment as prevention. We describe the size of the population at risk of HIV and three subgroups of persons living with HIV (PLWH) based on awareness of serostatus and risk behavior, and the corresponding HIV transmission rates to seronegative partners. For each of the subgroups of PLWH, we identify which approach is most relevant (“testing and linkage to care,” “treatment as prevention,” and/or “treatment as clinical care”). We observe that the impact of “treatment as prevention” on HIV incidence will depend heavily on which subgroup of PLWH is targeted for services.
In situ accumulation of calcium by organelles of squid axoplasm

Abstract Existing morphological and physiological evidence indicates that axoplasm of squid axons sequesters calcium by both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial buffers. The present work demonstrates that essentially all of the non-mitochondrial component is located in organelles. Extruded axoplasm was loaded with varying amounts of calcium by mixing with small volumes of solutions containing pH buffered 45 Ca. Ethyleneglycol-bis(β-amino-ethyl ether)N,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) or diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used to stabilize the free calcium. The axoplasm was then sucked up in a polyethylene tube and centrifuged at 100,000 g for 2–3 hours to produce a loose pellet comprising 10–20% of the axoplasm volume. After centrifugation, the tube was frozen, sliced into segments, and counted by liquid scintillation. No significant pellet accumulation of exogenous calcium occurred at physiological concentrations of free calcium (ca. 50 nM); however, a threshold for accumulation existed at 150–200 nM. Essentially complete pellet sequestration of the exogenous load occurred at a free calcium concentration above 1 μM. About half of the pellet buffering capacity was sensitive to carbonyl cyanide, p-trifluoromethoxy phenylhydrazone (FCCP). Variation of exogenous load between 0.1 – 3 mmole/kg axoplasm did not affect the buffering capacity of either the FCCP sensitive or insensitive components when the free calcium concentration was above threshold.
Spatial modeling of soil erosion potential in a tropical watershed of the Colombian Andes

Abstract Soil erosion potential of a 58 km2 watershed in the coffee growing region of the Colombian Andes was assessed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) in a GIS environment. The RUSLE factors were developed from local rainfall, topographic, soil and land use data. Seasonal erosivity factors (R) were calculated for six pluviographic stations (1987–1997) located within 22 km of the basin. Two regression models, one for the wet and one for the dry seasons, were created and used to estimate seasonal erosivity for 10 additional stations with pluviometric data. Erosivity was on average higher in the wet seasons (4686 MJ mm ha− 1 h− 1 season− 1) than the dry ones (2599 MJ mm ha− 1 h− 1 season− 1). Seasonal erosivity surfaces were generated using the local polynomial interpolation method, and showed increases from west to east in accordance with regional elevation. Soil erodibility was calculated from field measurements of water stable aggregates (> 2 mm) and infiltration, which were influenced by land use. Three erodibility scenarios were considered (high, average and low) to represent the variability in infiltration measurements within each land use. The topographic and land cover factors were developed from existing contour and land use data. Model results indicated that in the dry seasons, and under the average erodibility scenario, 534 ha (11%) of the basin's rural area were within the extreme erosion potential category (above 3.5 t ha− 1 season− 1). During the wet seasons, this area increased to 1348 ha (28%). In general, areas under forest and shrub had low erosion potential values, while those under coffee and pasture varied according to topography. Modeling of probable land use change scenarios indicated that the erosion potential of the basin would decrease as a result of coffee conversion to pasture.
Multi-stage sampling in genetic epidemiology

When data are expensive to collect, it can be cost-efficient to sample in two or more stages. In the first stage a simple random sample is drawn and then stratified according to some easily measured attribute. In each subsequent stage a random subset of previously selected units is sampled for more detailed observation, with a unit's sampling probability determined by its attributes as observed in the previous stages. These designs are useful in many medical studies; here we use them in genetic epidemiology. Two genetic studies illustrate the strengths and limitations of the approach. The first study evaluates nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in U.S. blacks. The goal is to estimate the relative contributions of white male genes and white female genes to the gene pool of African-Americans. This example shows that the Horvitz–Thompson estimators proposed for multi-stage designs can be inefficient, particularly when used with unnecessary stratification. The second example is a multi-stage study of familial prostate cancer. The goal is to gather pedigrees, blood samples and archived tissue for segregation and linkage analysis of familial prostate cancer data by first obtaining crude family data from prostate cancer cases and cancer-free controls. This second example shows the gains in efficiency from multi-stage sampling when the individual likelihood or quasilikelihood scores vary substantially across strata. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of a silicate glass during XPS experiments

The surface chemistry of a commercial soda-lime silicate glass is shown to change during a long-duration XPS experiment wherein the glass surface was exposed to the monochromatic x-rays and low-energy electrons (0.2-5 eV) that compensate for the charging of the surface. The atomic percentage of sodium increases and that of oxygen decreases with increasing time of the experiment. The separate influence of x-rays and the low-energy electrons on the glass surface is also measured. The results show that diffusion of the sodium ions is enhanced more in the presence of x-rays than in the presence of low-energy electrons. All observations can be explained well by a model that considers the breaking of the bridging and non-bridging oxygen bonds, and the trapping of photoelectrons and the externally supplied electrons. Although long-duration XPS experiments show significant changes on the exposed surface, the chemical composition of the bulk glass obtained during a short experiment agrees well with that obtained from the chemical analysis.
New diversity coding design algorithms for link failure recovery in communication networks

Diversity coding is a form of network coding for link failure recovery in communication networks. Since it employs coding, there is no feedback signaling, and that feature makes it very fast. Previously, we have employed this basic technique and linear programming to come up with fast link failure recovery systems that also have small extra capacity. One approach, Diversity Coding Tree, employs mixed integer programming and results in very fast restoration. Another approach is called Coded Path Protection, and employs integer linear programming and has the advantage of small extra capacity. This latter technique is based on former work that considers a communication network as consisting of bidirectional links. However, employing coding on bidirectional links results in larger restoration times than the former technique. In this paper, we develop an improved version of our former techniques. This new technique employs a mixed integer linear programming formulation and results in restoration times as fast as Diversity Coding Tree with reduced extra capacity.
ReaderCentric writing for the prosumer marketplace: proposing a new, content-based information architecture model

As usability experts describe the appropriate models for writing in digital, they consistently express the need to write in a user-centric format. While I agree with the importance of efficient navigation in Web content, I suggest that user-centric writing only applies to part of the content we find in a website. Other styles of writing are almost always required. Two additional styles are persuasion-centric and quality-centric writing. These two styles are required by almost all marketing writing and especially marketing writing for the prosumer community. In this article I extend the ideas found in user centered design to include user-centric, persuasion-centric, and quality-centric writing (which combination I call ReaderCentric writing).I believe this impacts information architecture in a number of important ways, perhaps most notably in the way the various writing styles impact the mindset of the information architect.I will explain why these writing models are important and demonstrate what happens when the models are ignored or not understood, plus how they may be successfully applied to marketing documents on the Internet. Finally, I will speculate on how information architecture may be adjusted to meet the needs of the content, writer, and reader.
Hot Air: University Climate Action Plans and Disarticulated Federalism

Individual states and academic institutions have taken leadership on climate change policy in the United States. Without unified national policy, a patchwork of state policies fosters geographic variation among climate action plans (CAPs) for American College and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment signatories. Correlation among indexes rating state climate policy and signatory CAPs and spatial analysis indicate that states with aggressive climate policy foster aggressive policy within their academies. Reflection on the national scale suggests that although state policies help combat climate change, they could be more significant if articulated within a more comprehensive national policy.
Clinical outcomes using a new crossover balloon occlusion technique for percutaneous closure after transfemoral aortic valve implantation.

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the technical success and clinical outcomes of an adjunctive crossover balloon occlusion technique (CBOT) combined with the 10-F Prostar percutaneous closure device (PCD) on the incidence of vascular and bleeding complications in patients after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Background Vascular closure following large-vessel access has most commonly been performed using a surgical cut-down and repair procedure. Methods Between November 2008 and September 2010, 58 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis underwent TAVI via a retrograde femoral artery approach using the Edwards-SAPIEN transcatheter valve. Among these patients, 56 were treated with a CBOT using the “pre-close” technique and the 10-F Prostar system. The technical success of this new CBOT and the 30-day frequency of clinical events, including all-cause mortality, major vascular complications, and major bleeding (defined according to a modified version of the Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria), were assessed. Results Successful closure was obtained in all but 3 patients (94.6%). The 30-day frequencies of mortality, major vascular complications, and major bleeding were 7.1%, 14.3%, and 5.4% respectively. No deaths were directly related to access site complications. Fourteen patients (25%) received at least 1 transfusion during the index hospitalization, of which 8 (57.1%) were not related to vascular complications. The mean and median hospital lengths of stay were 7.8 and 6.0 days. Conclusions This new percutaneous adjunctive CBOT combined with the Prostar PCD resulted in controlled, safe, and successful percutaneous closure in most patients after TAVI.
Subjective social status predicts long-term smoking abstinence

Background: The relationship between subjective social status (SSS), a person’s perception of his/her relative position in the social hierarchy, and the ability to achieve long-term smoking abstinence during a specific quit attempt is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between SSS and long-term smoking abstinence among 421 racially/ethnically diverse smokers undergoing a specific quit attempt, as well as the interactive effects of race/ethnicity and sex. Methods: The main effects and moderated relationships of SSS on biochemically-confirmed, continuous smoking abstinence through 26 weeks post-quit were examined using continuation ratio logit models adjusted for sociodemographics and smoking characteristics. Results: Even after adjusting for the influence of socioeconomic status and other covariates, smokers endorsing lower SSS were significantly less likely to maintain long-term smoking abstinence during a specific quit attempt than those with higher SSS (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.28; p = 0.044). The statistical significance of this relationship, however, did not vary by race/ethnicity or sex. Conclusions: SSS independently predicts long-term smoking abstinence during a specific quit attempt. SSS may be a useful screener to identify smokers at elevated risk of relapse who may require additional attention to facilitate long-term abstinence. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between SSS and long-term smoking abstinence in order to appropriately tailor treatment to facilitate abstinence among lower SSS smokers.
Writeprints: A stylometric approach to identity-level identification and similarity detection in cyberspace

One of the problems often associated with online anonymity is that it hinders social accountability, as substantiated by the high levels of cybercrime. Although identity cues are scarce in cyberspace, individuals often leave behind textual identity traces. In this study we proposed the use of stylometric analysis techniques to help identify individuals based on writing style. We incorporated a rich set of stylistic features, including lexical, syntactic, structural, content-specific, and idiosyncratic attributes. We also developed the Writeprints technique for identification and similarity detection of anonymous identities. Writeprints is a Karhunen-Loeve transforms-based technique that uses a sliding window and pattern disruption algorithm with individual author-level feature sets. The Writeprints technique and extended feature set were evaluated on a testbed encompassing four online datasets spanning different domains: email, instant messaging, feedback comments, and program code. Writeprints outperformed benchmark techniques, including SVM, Ensemble SVM, PCA, and standard Karhunen-Loeve transforms, on the identification and similarity detection tasks with accuracy as high as 94p when differentiating between 100 authors. The extended feature set also significantly outperformed a baseline set of features commonly used in previous research. Furthermore, individual-author-level feature sets generally outperformed use of a single group of attributes.
Miniature compression force tester [2006 Myron Zucker Prize winner]

This report describes the development of a miniature tensile force-testing device used to test automotive pinch strips. The primary purpose of this device is to aid in the characterization of pinch strips by determining the compressive force required to activate a pinch strip over an ambient temperature and the size of an object applying force to the strip. The user software was developed to allow the test operator to run tests and collect and display test data
Voltage-Controlled Enzymes: The New JanusBifrons.

The Ciona intestinalis voltage sensitive phosphatase, Ci-VSP, was the first Voltage-controlled Enzyme (VEnz) proven to be under direct command of the membrane potential. The discovery of Ci-VSP conjugated voltage sensitivity and enzymatic activity in a single protein. These two facets of Ci-VSP activity have provided a unique model for studying how membrane potential is sensed by proteins and a novel mechanism for control of enzymatic activity. These facets make Ci-VSP a fascinating and versatile enzyme. Ci-VSP has a voltage sensing domain (VSD) that resembles those found in voltage-gated channels (VGC). The VSD resides in the N-terminus and is formed by four putative trans-membrane segments. The fourth segment contains charged residues which are likely involved in voltage sensing. Ci-VSP produces sensing currents in response to changes in potential, within a defined range of voltages. Sensing currents are analogous to “gating” currents in VGC. As known, these latter proteins contain four VSDs which are entangled in a complex interaction with the pore domain –the effector domain in VGC. This complexity makes studying the basis of voltage sensing in VGC a difficult enterprise. In contrast, Ci-VSP is thought to be monomeric and its catalytic domain –the VSP’s effector domain– can be cleaved off without disrupting the basic electrical functioning of the VSD. For these reasons, VSPs are considered a great model for studying the activity of a VSD in isolation. Finally, VSPs are also phosphoinositide phosphatases. Phosphoinositides are signaling lipids found in eukaryotes and are involved in many processes, including modulation of VGC activity and regulation of cell proliferation. Understanding VSPs as VEnz has been the center of attention in recent years and several reviews has been dedicated to this area. Thus, this review will be focused instead on the other face of this true Janus Bifrons and recapitulate what is known about VSPs as electrically active proteins.
Selective synthesis of benzene derivatives via palladium-catalyzed cascade carbometallation of alkynes

Abstract A Pd-catalyzed partially intermolecular cascade cyclic carbometallation of haloenynes with monoynes provides a “pair”-selective and regioselective route to benzene derivatives.
A Note on the New International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) Pronouncement IAS No. 19 (R)

The subject of defined pension plans is very much in the news, given the current low interest rate environment and the fact that life spans have been increasing over the years. As a result, employer liabilities have increased, creating funding issues. The International Accounting Standards Board has issued a new standard on this subject to improve the measurement of such pensions on the balance sheet and income statement along with footnote disclosure by companies offering such plans. This article analyzes this standard, emphasizing its reporting and disclosure requirements.
Intrusion sensor data fusion in an intelligent intrusion detection system architecture

Most modern intrusion detection systems employ multiple intrusion sensors to maximize their trustworthiness. The overall security view of the multi-sensor intrusion detection system can serve as an aid to appraise the trustworthiness in the system. This paper presents our research effort in that direction by describing a decision engine for an intelligent intrusion detection system (IIDS) that fuses information from different intrusion detection sensors using an artificial intelligence technique. The decision engine uses fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) and fuzzy rule-bases for causal knowledge acquisition and to support the causal knowledge reasoning process. In this paper, we report on the workings of the decision engine that has been successfully embedded into the IIDS architecture being built at the Center for Computer Security Research (CCSR), Mississippi State University.
Cardiac Transgenic and Gene Transfer Strategies Converge to Support an Important Role for Troponin I in Regulating Relaxation in Cardiac Myocytes

Elucidating the relative roles of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and phospholamban (PLN) in β-adrenergic–mediated hastening of cardiac relaxation has been challenging and controversial. To test the hypothesis that β-adrenergic phosphorylation of cTnI has a prominent role in accelerating cardiac myocyte relaxation performance we used transgenic (Tg) mice bearing near complete replacement of native cTnI with a β-adrenergic phospho-mimetic of cTnI whereby tandem serine codons 23/24 were converted to aspartic acids (cTnI S23/24D). Adult cardiac myocytes were isolated and contractility determined at physiological temperature under unloaded and loaded conditions using micro-carbon fibers. At baseline, cTnI S23/24D myocytes had significantly faster relaxation times relative to controls, and isoproterenol stimulation (Iso) had only a small effect to further speed relaxation in cTnI S23/24D myocytes (delta Iso: 7.2 ms) relative to the maximum Iso effect (31.2 ms) in control. The Ca2+ transient decay rate was similarly accelerated by Iso in Tg and nontransgenic (Ntg) myocytes. Gene transfer of cTnI S23/24D to myocytes in primary culture showed comparable findings. Gene transfer of cTnI with both serines 23/24 converted to alanines (cTnI S23/24A), or gene transfer of slow skeletal TnI, both of which lack PKA phosphorylation sites, significantly blunted Iso-mediated enhanced relaxation compared with controls. Gene transfer of wild-type cTnI had no effect on relaxation. These findings support a key role of cTnI in myocyte relaxation and highlight a direct contribution of the myofilaments in modulating the dynamics of myocardial performance.
Development and Criterion Validity of Differentiated and Elevated Vocational Interests in Adolescence

Interest differentiation and elevation are supposed to provide important information about a person’s state of interest development, yet little is known about their development and criterion validity. The present study explored these constructs among a group of Swiss adolescents. Study 1 applied a cross-sectional design with 210 students in 11th grade. Study 2 applied a 1-year longitudinal design with 289 students in 7th to 8th grade. gender, personality traits, and career exploration were significant predictors of state and development of differentiation and elevation. Increase in differentiation predicted increase in career decidedness above traits. elevation could not predict increase in exploration behavior over traits. The results provide support for differentiation and elevation as important aspects of adolescents’ vocational interests.
IDENTIFICATION OF POST‐DEPOSITIONAL CHEMICAL ALTERATION OF CERAMICS FROM THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA (SANDUAN PROVINCE) BY TIME‐OF‐FLIGHT–LASER ABLATION–INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA–MASS SPECTROMETRY (TOF–LA–ICP–MS)*

The measured chemical composition of archaeological ceramics can result from a variety of geological, cultural and taphonomic factors. In the present study, we evaluate the likelihood that elevated barium concentrations in ceramics from the archaeological site of Wom/Aiser, located on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea, result from post-depositional enrichment. Using time-of-flight‐laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry, we mapped chemical compositional profiles across cut sections of ceramic sherds from four archaeological sites, all previously chemically characterized. We identify the formation of pronounced concentration gradients in samples from Wom/Aiser relative to sherds with low barium concentrations, consistent with post-burial uptake.
Haptic Perception with a Robot Hand: Requirements and Realization

This paper first discusses briefly some of the recent ideas of perceptual psychology on the human haptic system particularly those of J.J. Gibson and Klatzky and Lederman. Following this introduction, we present some of the requirements of robotic haptic sensing and the results of experiments using a Utah/MIT dexterous robot hand to derive geometric object information using active sensing.
Evidence for a frizzled-mediated wnt pathway required for zebrafish dorsal mesoderm formation

We have used zebrafish as a model system for the study of vertebrate dorsoventral patterning. We isolated a maternally expressed and dorsal organizer localized member of the frizzled family of wnt receptors. Wild-type and dominant, loss-of-function molecules in misexpression studies demonstrate frizzled function is necessary and sufficient for dorsal mesoderm specification. frizzled activity is antagonized by the action of GSK-3, and we show GSK-3 is also required for zebrafish dorsal mesoderm formation. frizzled cooperatively interacts with the maternally encoded zebrafish wnt8 protein in dorsal mesodermal fate determination. This frizzled -mediated wnt pathway for dorsal mesoderm specification provides the first evidence for the requirement of a wnt-like signal in vertebrate axis determination.
Gemcitabine radiosensitization after high-dose samarium for osteoblastic osteosarcoma.

Osteoblastic metastases and osteosarcoma can avidly concentrate bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals. We sought to increase effectiveness of high-dose (153)Samarium ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonate (153Sm-EDTMP, Quadramet) on osteosarcomas using a radiosensitizer, gemcitabine. Fourteen patients with osteoblastic lesions were treated with 30 mCi/kg 153Sm-EDTMP. Gemcitabine was administered 1 day after samarium infusion. Residual total body radioactivity was within the safe range of 1 year, there have been no durable responses. Thus, although high-dose 153Sm-EDTMP + gemcitabine has moderate palliative activity (improved pain; radiologic responses) in this poor-risk population, additional measures of local and systemic control are required for durable control of relapsed osteosarcoma with osteoblastic lesions. The strategy of radioactive drug binding to a target followed by a radiosensitizer may provide synergy and improved response rate.
Molecular definition of chromosome translocations involving 10q24 and 19q13 in human malignant glioma cells

Abstract Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis has repeatedly implicated the 10q24–26 region as the site of tumor suppressor genes involved in the development of malignant human gliomas. However, deletions of this kind are generally too big to pinpoint the critical genes involved. On the other hand, chromosome translocations frequently interrupt genes important in the development of the phenotype. We have screened a series of cell lines and cultures from primary human brain tumors for translocations involving chromosomes 10 and 19 by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosome-specific paints. The T98G cell line carries an apparently reciprocal t(10;19)(q24;q13) translocation, the breakpoints on chromosomes 10 and 19 occurring in a region frequently showing LOH in gliomas as well as oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. One glioblastoma tumor, CCF 4, also showed a subtle translocation of chromosome 10 material into the long arm of chromosome 11. FISH analysis of these rearrangements showed that the chromosome 10-specific yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) 912C7 spans the translocation breakpoint in T98G cells and is also present in the material translocated from chromosome 10 in tumor CCF 4. The translocation breakpoint in 19q13 in T98G occurs within a 500-kb region of YAC 751E12. These translocation breakpoints are within the regions showing frequent LOH in brain tumors and provide a more refined tool for the identification of genes in this region involved in tumorigenesis.