cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human-computer interaction and sociological insight: a theoretical examination and experiment in building affinity in small groups

The juxtaposition of classic sociological theory and the, relatively, young discipline of human-computer interaction (HCI) serves as a powerful mechanism for both exploring the theoretical impacts of technology on human interactions as well as the application of technological systems to moderate interactions. It is the intent of this dissertation to contribute to the knowledge of both HCI and sociology through a brief discussion of the state of sociological theory and its shortcomings, the design and evaluation of a system to promote social affinity in dyadic work, a method for empirically measuring affinity free from the social desirability bias of surveys, and a proposal for a new direction for HCI to include classic sociological theories. Ultimately, this dissertation serves as an introduction to a series of future research projects by laying the theoretical and methodological foundations for exploring indirect technological mediation of social interactions.
Building an Ommatidium One Cell at a Time

Since the discovery of a single white-eyed male in a population of red eyed flies over 100 years ago (Morgan, 1910), the compound eye of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been a favorite experimental system for identifying genes that regulate various aspects of development. For example, a fair amount of what we know today about enzymatic pathways and vesicular transport is due to the discovery and subsequent characterization of eye color mutants such as white. Likewise, our present day understanding of organogenesis has been aided considerably by studies of mutations, such as eyeless, that either reduce or eliminate the compound eyes. But by far the phenotype that has provided levers into the greatest number of experimental fields has been the humble "rough" eye. The fly eye is composed of several hundred unit-eyes that are also called ommatidia. These unit eyes are packed into a hexagonal array of remarkable precision. The structure of the eye is so precise that it has been compared with that of a crystal (Ready et al., 1976). Even the slightest perturbations to the structure of the ommatidium can be visually detected by light or electron microscopy. The cause for this is two-fold: (1) any defect that affects the hexagonal geometry of a single ommatidium can and will disrupt the positioning of surrounding unit eyes thereby propagating structural flaws and (2) disruptions in genes that govern the development of even a single cell within an ommatidium will affect all unit eyes. In both cases, the effect is the visual magnification of even the smallest imperfection. Studies of rough eye mutants have provided key insights into the areas of cell fate specification, lateral inhibition, signal transduction, transcription factor networks, planar cell polarity, cell proliferation, and programmed cell death just to name a few. This review will attempt to summarize the key steps that are required to assemble each ommatidium.
Syndecan-1 identifies and controls the frequency of IL-17-producing naïve natural killer T (NKT17) cells in mice

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells recognize glycolipids as antigens and diversify into NKT1 (IFN-γ), NKT2 (IL-4), and NKT17 (IL-17) functional subsets while developing in the thymus. Mechanisms that govern the balance between these functional subsets are poorly understood due, partly, to the lack of distinguishing surface markers. Here we identify the heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan-1 (sdc1) as a specific marker of naive thymic NKT17 cells in mice and show that sdc1 deficiency significantly increases thymic NKT17 cells at the expense of NKT1 cells, leading to impaired iNKT cell-derived IFN-γ, both in vitro and in vivo. Using surface expression of sdc1 to identify NKT17 cells, we confirm differential tissue localization and interstrain variability of NKT17 cells, and reveal that NKT17 cells express high levels of TCR-β, preferentially use Vβ8, and are more highly sensitive to ɑ-GalCer than to CD3/CD28 stimulation. These findings provide a novel, noninvasive, simple method for identification, and viable sorting of naive NKT17 cells from unmanipulated mice, and suggest that sdc1 expression negatively regulates homeostasis in iNKT cells. In addition, these findings lay the groundwork for investigating the mechanisms by which sdc1 regulates NKT17 cells.
Basal forebrain cholinergic lesions disrupt increments but not decrements in conditioned stimulus processing

Magnocellular neurons in the basal forebrain provide the major cholinergic innervation of cortex. Recent research suggests that this cholinergic system plays an important role in the regulation of attentional processes. The present study examined the ability of rats with selective immunotoxic lesions of these neurons (made with 192 IgG- saporin) to modulate attention within an associative learning framework. Each rat was exposed to conditioned stimuli (CS) that were either consistent or inconsistent predictors of subsequent cues. Intact control rats showed increased CS associability when that cue was an inconsistent predictor of a subsequent cue, whereas lesioned rats were impaired in increasing attention to the CS when its established relation to another cue was modified. In a separate experiment designed to test latent inhibition, it was shown that removal of the corticopetal cholinergic neurons spared a decrement in associability that occurs when rats are extensively preexposed to a CS prior to conditioning. These data indicate that the cholinergic innervation of cortex is critical for incrementing, but not for decrementing attentional processing. The specific behavioral tests used to assess the role of the basal forebrain cholinergic system in the present study were previously used to identify a role for the amygdala central nucleus in attention (Holland and Gallagher, 1993b). Those studies, together with the results in this report, indicate that regulation of attentional processes during associative learning may be mediated by projections from the amygdala to the basal forebrain cholinergic system.
Acute Pelvic Packing

In high-energy trauma, a pelvic fracture can be a life-threatening source of hemorrhage. Management of patients with an exsanguinating pelvis requires a clear, multidisciplinary institutional protocol for the best possible outcomes. A management algorithm of severe pelvic fracture is presented with a focus on surgical preperitoneal pelvic packing as the primary method of hemorrhage control. Angioembolization is utilized as a secondary intervention after pelvic packing for ongoing hemodynamic instability. Pelvic packing is a straightforward surgical procedure performed through a Pfannenstiel skin incision. It is performed in conjunction with bony stabilization of the pelvis, either through external fixation or through anterior plating. Surgical hemostasis with pelvic packing for the trauma patient in extremis can be performed expediently and has been shown to result in outcomes as effective as angiography.
A Service Laboratory's View of the Status and Direction of Reactor Vessel Surveillance

Advances in testing techniques and analysis procedures have had a minor impact to date on the conduct of reactor vessel material surveillance programs. However, major thrusts in the near future will be associated with the development of elastic-plastic fracture toughness data on irradiated materials and improvements in analysis techniques for projecting surveillance results to the pressure vessel wall. In this regard, increased emphasis will be placed on the development of R-curves from the results of J-integral tests. Also, efforts will be increased to develop a better understanding of neutron irradiation embrittlement mechanisms, to determine if a time dependency of damage can lead to saturation and to evaluate the significance of small variations in irradiation temperature on the embrittlement response.
Effective bond strength of pyrex thin film TE bonds for microstructure applications

Thermoelectric (TE) bonds between two silicon wafers have been formed using sputtered Pyrex films. The bond area was defined by patterning and etching reliefs into a silicon wafer. The bond geometry was varied from square to circular annuli with varying widths, diameters, and corner rounding. Bond strengths were determined as a faction of bond shape and size. From rupture pressure measurements an empirical statistical model which allows prediction of bond strength as a function of bond geometry has been developed for thin film TE bonds. >
Memoirs of a reincarnated T cell.

In two studies published in this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Nishimura et al. (2013) and Vizcardo et al. (2013) reprogram mature, antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The antigen-specific iPSCs can be redifferentiated into "rejuvenated" proliferative T cells and have broad applications for adoptive immunotherapy.
Determination of triphenylphosphine oxide in active pharmaceutical ingredients by hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction followed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography

A versatile procedure has been developed and validated for the determination of triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) at low levels in various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This procedure incorporates the use of the novel hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) for the measurement of this potential process-related impurity in aqueous solutions of APIs. A small volume (40 microL) of 1-octanol contained within a hollow polypropylene fiber is used for the extraction of TPPO from low pH aqueous API solutions. More than a 100-fold increase in the TPPO concentration is obtained without additional evaporation of the extract. Experimental parameters of the extraction procedure were investigated to optimize extraction efficiency and minimize sample matrix interference. Using HPLC/UV as the end analysis technique, the procedure was validated for TPPO in the concentration range of 3-16 microg/L with an API present at 1500 mg/L. The versatility of the method was demonstrated by applying the procedure to the analysis of APIs with different molecular structures. This simple LPME procedure is inexpensive and offers appropriate sensitivity for the intended use while providing several advantages over other analysis methods for pharmaceutical samples.
Mesencephalic Control of Lateral Geniculate Nucleus in Primates. III. Modifications with State of Alertness

Transmission through the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) undergoes large, sudden changes, as does excitability of striate cortex, in unanesthetized macaques and squirrel monkeys. Tactile or auditory stimuli, or brief stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation has a pronounced facilitatory effect if the monkey is moderately inattentive. However, when the monkey is fully alert, the mesencephalic stimulation may produce no enhancement. During slow-wave sleep, transmission through LGN is greatly curtailed, but excitability of striate cortex is dramatically augmented. Anesthesia, on the other hand, severely depresses both LGN and striate cortex.
A Shear Banding Model for Penetration Calculations

Abstract A model for introducing the effects of adiabatic shear banding into a penetration calculation was installed into the EPIC wavecode. The model makes use of a strain-rate-dependent instability strain. Thereafter a modified constant-strain-rate, torsional von Mises stress-equivalent plastic strain curve is imposed on a finite element. The modification, motivated by the existence of superimposed pressure, is a pressure-dependent residual strength in an element associated with fully formed shear bands. The model also imposes an increase in spall pressure. An application to a set of problems involving steel plate perforation by a tungsten rod is considered.
Cognitive performance after sleep deprivation: does personality make a difference?

Abstract The relations between personality and cognitive performance under sleep deprivation were examined in a college age (17–25 years) sample (n=28) using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (Eysenck, H.J., & Eysenck, S.B.G., 1975), and a computerized battery of eight neuropsychological tests from the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, version 3.11 (Kane, R.L., & Reeves, D.L., 1997, Perez, W.A., Masline, P.J., Ramsey, E.G., & Urban, K.E., 1987). The specific tasks analyzed were time estimation, immediate recall, delayed recall, match to sample, spatial processing, finger tapping, digit span, and the Stroop color-word tasks. Sleep deprivation had an overall negative effect on accuracy in the time estimation, immediate recall, delayed recall, and digit span tasks. There were also significant interactions between extraversion and sleep deprivation on accuracy in the time estimation, immediate recall, delayed recall, Stroop color-word, and finger tapping tasks. Extraverts performed worse than introverts on all of these tasks except the Stroop, on which extraverts had more variability in performance through the night. Finally, there were significant interactions between extraversion and neuroticism in predicting performance on the time estimation and the Stroop color-word tasks. The general findings were that the poorer performance of extraverts compared with introverts was even more pronounced in neurotics than stables.
Local delivery of biodegradable microparticles containing colchicine or a colchicine analogue: Effects on restenosis and implications for catheter-based drug delivery

Objectives. This study sought to evaluate the delivery efficiency, intramural retention and antirestenotic efficacy of soluble colchicine or a colchicine analogue delivered into the arterial wall after angioplasty as well as the efficacy of these medications after prolonged local release from biodegradable microparticles. Background. Local delivery of pharmacologic agents is a potential treatment for restenosis. However, the delivery efficiency of the technique and the choice of agent to modulate cellular proliferation are unknown. It was hypothesized that restenosis would be unaffected by colchicine or a hydrophobic colchicine analogue with short intramural retention, whereas it would be reduced after prolonged local release. Methods. Rabbit atherosclerotic femoral arteries underwent angioplasty followed by local delivery. Delivery efficiency and intramural retention of 3 H-colchicine were evaluated. The effect of agents in soluble formulation or released from microparticles on angiographic and morphometric restenosis was evaluated at 2 weeks and compared with that in the control groups (angioplasty only and local infusion of carrier solution). Results. Delivery efficiency was 0.01% and intramural retention Conclusions. Colchicine or the colchicine analogue did not reduce restenosis, although the long-term local release of the colchicine analogue reduced neointimal proliferation resulting from local delivery. Local delivery of cytotoxic agents with insufficient vascular specificity may be limited by toxicity to adjacent tissues resulting from a larger than expected delivery area and prolonged agent retention.
The variability of the serum estradiol level in men: effect of stress (college examinations) 9 cigarette smoking, and coffee drinking on the serum sex hormone and other hormone levels

The results of studies carried out to evaluate the relationship of estradiol to coronary heart disease and its risk factors in men have been conflicting. Three possible causes of these conflicting results are (a) an inherent variability of the estradiol level within individual men; (b) the confounding effects on the estradiol level of certain common exogenous factors such as psychological stress, cigarette smoking, and coffee drinking; and (c) methodology and study design. The present study was conducted to test in men the inherent variability of the serum estradiol level and the effects of psychological stress (college examinations), cigarette smoking, and coffee drinking on the serum estradiol level. Subsets of 41 men, 19-57 years of age, were studied. A highly significant correlation in the estradiol levels was found between two fasting samples taken 30 minutes, 19.1 (mean) days, 2-6 months, and 10-89 months apart. Neither the stress of college examinations nor 30 minutes of cigarette smoking or coffee drinking had any apparent effect on the serum estradiol level, even in the presence of a two- to fivefold increase in the level of other hormones in four subjects with an autonomic reaction (three to smoking and one to venipuncture). It appears that the serum estradiol level is remarkably stable in men when taken under controlled conditions and that neither inherent fluctuation in this level nor the effects of the exogenous factors as studied are responsible for the conflicting results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Effect of Patient–Provider Communication on Medication Adherence in Hypertensive Black Patients: Does Race Concordance Matter?

Despite evidence of a positive effect of collaborative patient–provider communication on patient outcomes, our understanding of this relationship is unclear. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether racial composition of the relationship modified the association between ratings of provider communication and medication adherence. Effect modification of the communication–adherence association, by racial composition of the relationship, was evaluated using general linear mixed models while adjusting for selected covariates. Three hundred ninety patients were in race-concordant (black patient, black provider) relationships, while 207 were in race-discordant (black patient, white provider) relationships. The communication–adherence association was significantly modified in race-discordant relationships (p = 0.04). Communication rated as more collaborative in race-discordant relationships was associated with better adherence, while communication rated as less collaborative was associated with poor adherence. There was no significant association between adherence and communication in race-concordant relationships (p = 0.24). Collaborative patient–provider communication may play an influential role in black patients’ adherence behaviors when receiving care from white providers.
An Introduction to Enzyme Kinetics, Part Deux

Rate equations for enzyme-catalyzed reactions are derived and presented in a way that makes it easier for the nonspecialist to see how the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction depends upon macroscopic kinetic constants and concentrations. Distribution equations are used to show how the rate of the reaction depends upon the relative quantities of the various enzyme species in the reaction mixture. This approach is introduced and reviewed as it applies to single-substrate reactions without inhibition, with competitive inhibition, with uncompetitive inhibition, and with noncompetitive inhibition. Then, this approach is extended to the ordered two-substrate reaction, the two-substrate random rapid equilibrium reaction, and the two-substrate ping-pong reaction.
The Influence of Divorce on the Relationship Between Adult Parent-Child and Adult Sibling Relationships

Abstract The effect of divorce on the relationship between young adults' relationships with parents and siblings was examined. The data were drawn from an earlier study in which a sample of 207 young adults from divorced and intact families had completed demographic questionnaires as well as measures of parent-child and sibling relationships. Positive correlations were found between the father-child and male sibling relationship and between the mother-child and female sibling relationship in the divorced sample. None of the correlations between parent-child and sibling relationships attained significance in the intact sample. The present findings suggest that divorce affects adult sibling relationships along gender lines with the adult sibling relationship congruent with the parent-child relationship of the same gender. The results are discussed in terms of post-divorce living arrangements, as well as the polarization of relationships with parents that occurs as a consequence of divorce.
Livedoid vasculopathy associated with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoter homozygosity (4G/4G) treated successfully with tissue plasminogen activator.

Background: Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is an occlusive thrombotic disease that affects primarily the small blood vessels of the lower extremities and often is associated with recurrent painful ulcerations. The pathogenesis of LV is unclear, but the disease is largely attributed to a hypercoagulable state. Factor V Leiden mutation, heterozygous protein C deficiency, homozygous hyperhomocysteinemia, and other inherited thrombophilias have been associated with LV. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an important inhibitor of the fibrinolytic system. Elevated levels of PAI-1 are found in some patients with thrombotic diseases. Some of these patients are homozygous for an allele of PAI-1 containing a stretch of 4 guanines at base �675 in the promoter region. This variant is associated with elevated PAI-1 protein levels, impaired fibrinolysis, and increased risk of thrombosis. Observations: A 33-year-old white woman had a 3-month history of painful enlarging ulcers on both ankles. Various therapies, including administration of oral antibiotic agents and prednisone up to 100 mg/d, to treat presumed vasculitis, were unsuccessful. Skin biopsy specimens revealed numerous thick-walled small blood vessels, many of which were filled with fibrin thrombi, in association with minimal perivascular inflammatory infiltrate, extensive epidermal necrosis, and focal ulceration. A diagnosis of thrombotic vasculopathy was made. Clinical workup revealed an elevated plasma level of PAI-1 (31 µm/mL; reference range, 25 µm/mL) and PAI-1 promoter 4G/4G homozygosity detected at DNA sequencing. Treatment with heparin sodium and tissue plasminogen activator dramatically improved the lesions, resulting in complete healing of the ulcerations. Continuation of anticoagulant therapy with warfarin sodium and episodic administration of tissue plasminogen activator was required for symptomatic control. Conclusions: Patients with LV may have elevated plasma PAI-1 levels. This may be associated with the PAI-1 promoter 4G/4G genotype, which has not previously been linked with LV. Further studies in patients with LV are warranted to determine how frequently this genotype is present because it may identify responsiveness to fibrinolytic therapy. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142:1466-1469
Translational Educational Research : A Necessity for Effective Health-care Improvement

Medical education research contributes to translational science (TS) when its outcomes not only impact educational settings, but also downstream results, including better patient-care practices and improved patient outcomes. Simulation-based medical education (SBME) has demonstrated its role in achieving such distal results. Effective TS also encompasses implementation science, the science of health-care delivery. Educational, clinical, quality, and safety goals can only be achieved by thematic, sustained, and cumulative research programs, not isolated studies. Components of an SBME TS research program include motivated learners, curriculum grounded in evidence-based learning theory, educational resources, evaluation of downstream results, a productive research team, rigorous research methods, research resources, and health-care system acceptance and implementation. National research priorities are served from translational educational research. National funding priorities should endorse the contribution and value of translational education research.
Conductivity Percolation in Polyiodide/Polymer Complexes

Variable-temperature four-probe conductivity measurements and Raman spectroscopy were investigated for iodine in poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) and NaI[sub 3] in PPO. The Raman spectra indicate the presence of both triiodide and polyiodide species in samples of I[sub 2]-doped PPO. The conductivity of these PPO/I[sub 2] samples increased with increasing I[sub 2] concentration and reached a plateau at approximately 12 vol % iodine. Raman spectra at 20 [degrees]C indicate that, at concentrations less than 23 vol% I[sup [minus][sub 3]], the dominant species is the triiodide. Polymer salt complexes with varying amounts of I[sup [minus][sub 3]] appear to display a conductivity threshold near T[sub g], at 0.2 vol fraction of triiodide. 6 figs., 1 tab.
Risk factors for young adult substance use among women who were teenage mothers.

Teenage mothers may not “mature out” of substance use during young adulthood, and this non-normative trajectory of use may contribute to negative outcomes for teenage mothers and their offspring. Pregnant teenagers (age range = 12–18 years; 68% Black) were recruited from a prenatal clinic and interviewed about their substance use, and subsequently re-interviewed six and ten years later (n = 292). Consistent with the literature, early tobacco and marijuana use were risk factors for young adult use. Other substance use, peer adolescent use and mental health indicators were more important than race and socioeconomic status (SES) in determining which teenage mothers would use tobacco, engage in binge drinking, and use marijuana as young adults. However, race and SES were significant predictors of quitting tobacco use and marijuana use by the 10-year follow-up. Depression was associated with both persistent tobacco use and marijuana use in teenage mothers. These results illustrate the long-term consequences of teenage childbearing and identify modifiable risk factors for later health risks that should be addressed among younger mothers.
Movement and massage therapy reduce fibromyalgia pain

Abstract Forty patients with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to a movement/massage therapy group or a relaxation control group. The movement/massage therapy group attended a 50-min session twice per week for 3 weeks and the relaxation group simply relaxed in a lying down position on the same schedule. The movement/massage therapy group in contrast to the relaxation control group showed decreases in depressed mood, state anxiety and regional pain immediately after the first and last sessions of the study and a decrease in depressed mood, state anxiety and regional pain at baseline from the first to the last session. Both the movement and the massage portions of the session involved self-administered stimulation of pressure receptors. The positive effects on pain relief in particular suggest that self-administered pressure stimulation may reduce pain.
In vivo analysis of aquaporin 0 function in zebrafish: permeability regulation is required for lens transparency.

PURPOSE The zebrafish lens is well suited for studies of physiology and development due to its rapid formation in the embryo and genetic accessibility. Aquaporin 0 (AQP0), a lens-specific membrane protein, is required for lens clarity. Zebrafish have two copies of AQP0 (Aqp0a and b), whereas mammals have a single, multifunctional protein. Here we demonstrate a reliable knockdown/rescue system in zebrafish and use it to provide evidence for subfunctionalization of Aqp0a and b, as well as to show that calcium-mediated regulation of Aqp0a in zebrafish lenses is necessary for transparency. METHODS Coinjection of antisense oligonucleotides and DNA rescue constructs into zebrafish embryos, followed by evaluation of the developing fish for cataracts, was used to analyze the functions of Aqp0a and b. The water permeability and regulation characteristics of each rescue protein were tested in a Xenopus oocyte swelling assay. RESULTS Both copies of AQP0 are necessary for lens clarity in the zebrafish, and neither is sufficient. Water permeability is necessary but also insufficient. Phosphorylation and regulation of Aqp0a are required for its function. CONCLUSIONS In the zebrafish lens, the two closely related AQP0s have acquired distinct functions that are both necessary for lens development and clarity. Regulation of AQP0 water permeability, a well-studied phenomenon in vitro, may be physiologically relevant in the living lens.
Bondage in Women's Clothing as Reflected in Television

Changes in a society are often mirrored in changes in the decorative arts. This research was designed to investigate change in women's clothing fashions (elements of bondage) and its relationship to changing sex roles. Since television is thought to be reflective of the culture in which it exists, the clothing fashions used in this analysis came from three situation comedy series. Results indicate that as sex roles changed from traditional to nontraditional women's clothing in the sitcoms came to exhibit fewer elements of bondage.
BIOMARKERS OF CONGENITAL OBSTRUCTIVE NEPHROPATHY: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Congenital obstructive nephropathy constitutes one of the major causes of renal insufficiency in infants and children. This review addresses the need to define biomarkers that serve as surrogate end points for measuring the severity of obstruction, the evolution of renal maldevelopment and injury, and the response to medical or surgical intervention.Materials and Methods:: The literature from the last 10 years was reviewed for biomarkers of congenital obstructive nephropathy. Sources of biomarkers included urine, blood, amniotic fluid, tissue and imaging techniques.Results:: Previous markers of congenital obstructive nephropathy include sonographic renal pelvic diameter, quantitative diuretic renography, and markers of glomerular and tubular function. Attempts to correlate renal histological changes with differential renal function have been disappointing. Immunohistochemical analysis and laser capture microscopy should improve specificity. Most promising is the application of new insigh...
Stationary measures for some Markov chain models in ecology and economics

Let $F \equiv \{f : f : [0, \infty) \rightarrow [0, \infty), f (0) = 0, f$ continuous, $\lim\limits_{x \downarrow 0} \frac{f(x)}{x} = C$ exists in $(0, \infty), 0 < g (x) \equiv \frac{f(x)}{C x} < 1$ for x in $(0, \infty)\}$ . Let $\{f_j\}_{j \geq 1}$ be an i.i.d. sequence from F and X 0 be a nonnegative random variable independent of $\{f_j\}_{j \geq 1}$ . Let $\{X_n\}_{n \geq 0}$ be the Markov chain generated by the iteration of random maps $\{f_j\}_{j \geq 1}$ by $X_{n + 1} = f_{n + 1} (X_n), n \geq 0$ . Such Markov chains arise in population ecology and growth models in economics. This paper studies the existence of nondegenerate stationary measures for {X n }. A set of necessary conditions and two sets of sufficient conditions are provided. There are some convergence results also. The present paper is a generalization of the work on random logistics maps by Athreya and Dai (2000).
Genomics: Gorilla gorilla gorilla.

The gorilla genome reveals that genetic similarities among humans and the apes are more complex than expected, and allows a fresh assessment of the evolutionary mechanisms that led to the primate species seen today. See Article p.169 The genome of the gorilla has been sequenced, making it possible to compare the DNA of the four surviving hominid genera: human, chimpanzee, gorilla and orang-utan. The data — mainly from a female western lowland gorilla named Kamilah, but also from other gorillas representing both the western lowland and eastern lowland sub-species — imply that in almost one-third of its genome, the gorilla is closer to the human or chimpanzee than the human and chimp are to each other. Around 500 genes show accelerated evolution in gorilla, human and chimpanzee lineages, and there is evidence for parallel acceleration, particularly in genes associated with hearing. On the basis of genetic and fossil evidence, the authors suggest that the human–chimpanzee and human–chimpanzee–gorilla speciation events occurred at around 6 million and 10 million years ago respectively, whereas the two gorilla species diverged around 1.75 million years ago.
Facilitated recycling protects human RNA polymerase III from repression by Maf1 in vitro.

Yeast cells synthesize ∼3–6 million molecules of tRNA every cell cycle at a rate of ∼2–4 transcripts/gene/s. This high rate of transcription is achieved through many rounds of reinitiation by RNA polymerase (pol) III on stable DNA-bound complexes of the initiation factor TFIIIB. Studies in yeast have shown that the rate of reinitiation is increased by facilitated recycling, a process that involves the repeated reloading of the polymerase on the same transcription unit. However, when nutrients become limiting or stress conditions are encountered, RNA pol III transcription is rapidly repressed through the action of the conserved Maf1 protein. Here we examine the relationship between Maf1-mediated repression and facilitated recycling in a human RNA pol III in vitro system. Using an immobilized template transcription assay, we demonstrate that facilitated recycling is conserved from yeast to humans. We assessed the ability of recombinant human Maf1 to inhibit different steps in transcription before and after preinitiation complex assembly. We show that recombinant Maf1 can inhibit the recruitment of TFIIIB and RNA pol III to immobilized templates. However, RNA pol III bound to preinitiation complexes or in elongation complexes is protected from repression by Maf1 and can undergo several rounds of initiation. This indicates that recombinant Maf1 is unable to inhibit facilitated recycling. The data suggest that additional biochemical steps may be necessary for rapid Maf1-dependent repression of RNA pol III transcription.
Developing preservice teachers' global understanding through computer-mediated communication technology

Abstract This study examines preservice teachers' conceptual understanding of global education subsequent to participation in an asynchronous web-based multinational project to discuss issues related to cultural diversity and global challenges. Data included 59 preservice teachers' online messages and reflective essays. Six perspectives emerged from this inquiry: global education as cultural learning and understanding, fostering tolerance, addressing global issues, teaching global connections and collaborations, promoting peace, and critical understanding of global issues and events. The findings suggest that the online discussion provided a unique opportunity for participants to interact with teachers and students from different countries in an authentic context.
Selection of a treatment plan in chronic atheromatous limb ischemia

The treatment plan in chronic atheromatous limb ischemia can only be established after quantifying functional problems by noninvasive techniques and after comparing the risk of the natural progression of the disease with the risk and possible outcome of surgical intervention. When claudication is at an advanced stage, reconstructive surgery is indicated. Aortofemoral bypass is preferable to thromboendarterectomy, its mortality rate being lower (2–3%) and long-term patency rate better (82% after 5 years and 72% after 10 years). Thromboendarterectomy must be reserved for segmental lesions of the common iliac artery. The extra-anatomical bypass has a similar patency rate, but it should be reserved for patients in whom a direct approach is contraindicated. Direct surgery below the inguinal ligament gives satisfactory results when the internal saphenous vein can be utilized. There is little difference in patency rate among the types of prostheses in use; it depends on the preoperative outflow and it decreases from 76% to 42% after 5 years if peripheral lesions are present. In the case of rest pain or trophic problems, reconstructive surgery is obligatory. The revascularization of the profunda femoris artery ensures limb salvage. It is possible to avoid amputation of the leg if distal disease is present provided that 1 pedal arch is functioning. Indications for primary amputation still depend on the patient's age and general state of health.
Lifestyle climbing: Toward existential authenticity

Among the rock climbing community exists a subculture of highly dedicated individuals who give up permanent residences for the full-time pursuit of this sport. In doing so, these lifestyle climbers maintain hypermobile and minimalist modes of living as their commitment spans years and decades. This article employs the concept of existential authenticity developed in tourism studies to examine some findings of an ethnographic study of this subculture. As they speak about the bodily practice and flow of climbing, the liminality of travel, life in the outdoors, the camaraderie of fellow lifestyle climbers, and the (re)discovery of a sense of self, it is argued that authenticity is performative. Yet, while a passion for climbing is the primary motivation for taking up this lifestyle, moments of existential authenticity are the result of experiences, challenges, and accomplishments of travel. As such, lifestyle climbing, which is inspired by the bodily practice of rock climbing, framed by frequent travel, and ...
Numerical simulation of waves driven by plasma currents generated by low‐frequency Alfvén waves in a multi‐ion plasma

When multi-ion plasma consisting of heavy and light ions is permeated by a low-frequency Alfven (LFA) wave, the crossed-electric-and-magnetic field (E x B), and the polarization drifts of the different ion species and the electrons could be quite different. The relative drifts between the charged-particle species drive waves, which energize the plasma. Using 2.5-dimensional (2.5-D) particle-in-cell simulations, we study this process of wave generation and its nonlinear consequences in terms of acceleration and heating plasma. Specifically, we study the situation for LFA wave frequency being lower than the heavy-ion cyclotron frequency in a multi-ion plasma. We impose such a wave to the plasma assuming that its wavelength is much larger than that of the waves generated by the relative drifts. For better understanding, the LFA-wave driven simulations are augmented by those driven by initialized ion beams. The driven high-frequency (HF) wave modes critically depend on the heavy ion density nh; for small values of nh, the lower hybrid (LH) waves dominate. On the other hand, for large nh a significantly enhanced level of waves occurs over a much broader frequency spectrum below the LH frequency and such waves are interpreted here as the ion Bernstein (IB) mode near the light ion cyclotron harmonics. Irrespective of the driven wave modes, both the light and heavy ions undergo significant transverse acceleration, but for the large heavy-ion densities, even the electrons are significantly accelerated in the parallel direction by the waves below the LH frequency. Even when the LFA wave drive is maintained, the ion heating leads to the cessation of HF wave excitation just after a few cycles of the former wave. On the basis of marginal stability seen in the simulations, an empirical relation for LFA wave amplitude, frequency and ion temperature is given.
Knowledge Flows and Venturing Choices in Entrepreneurship: Building Process and Strategy Theory

We holistically examine entrepreneurship and develop frameworks for addressing two persistent theory-building challenges: clarifying the process of identifying and pursuing opportunities, and defining organizations’ strategies to engage the process across a broad range of venturing opportunities. We clarify the process by revealing the gestalt-like structure of knowledge flows within and across organizational boundaries. Strategies for entrepreneurship are similarly identified by distinguishing the type(s) of opportunities that organizations pursue and avoid, and we introduce the entrepreneurial boundary of the firm and entrepreneurial integration as new constructs derived from this approach.
Forage quality and composition measurements as predictors of ethanol yield from maize (Zea mays L.) stover.

Background Improvement of biofeedstock quality for cellulosic ethanol production will be facilitated by inexpensive and rapid methods of evaluation, such as those already employed in the field of ruminant nutrition. Our objective was to evaluate whether forage quality and compositional measurements could be used to estimate ethanol yield of maize stover as measured by a simplified pretreatment and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation assay. Twelve maize varieties selected to be diverse for stover digestibility and composition were evaluated.
Zero-crossing rate of differentiated speckle intensity

The zero-crossing rate of differentiated speckle whose intensity is governed by a negative exponential probability-density function (i.e., fully developed speckle) is evaluated in closed form with the use of an exact expression for the joint probability-density function of the intensity and its first two derivatives. The conditional zero-crossing rate of differentiated speckle, given that the intensity is specified, is also obtained in closed form.
Elastic Form Factors of the Proton, Neutron and Deuteron

In this paper an overview of past and future measurements of the elastic nucleon and deuteron electromagnetic form factors and a comparison with a selection of theoretical descriptions is provided.
Inability of insulin to activate liver glycogen transferase D phosphatase in the diabetic pancreatectomized dog.

1. 1. Administered insulin promotes an increase in the I form of liver glycogen transferase (UDPG: α-I,4-glucos α-4-glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.I.II) less effectively when infused into pancreatectomized dogs made “diabetic”, by deprivation of maintenance insulin for 2–4 days, than into such dogs “controlled” by daily insulin. Since an increase in transferase I is probably promoted by transferase D phosphatase, a decrease in the activity of this enzyme was sought as a possible explanation for this kind of insulin resistance. 2. 2. It was found that insulin (3.2 units/kg per h)-with-glucose (2.5 g/kg per h) infused into “controlled” dogs promoted a several-fold increase in phosphatase activity within 5–15 min. Glucagon added to the insulin-with-glucose infusion brought phosphatase activity back to control levels or below, within 6 min. 3. 3. This rapid activation-inactivation of phosphatase by hormones suggests the existence of two activities of phosphatase which are interconverted enzymatically and exhibit different degrees of stimulation by Mg2+. 4. 4. In “diabetic” dogs no change in phosphatase activity was brought about by a similar infusion of insulin-with-glucose for 30–120 min. 5. 5. It is suggested that in insulin deficiency the activating factor for liver transferase D phosphatase is either lacking or ineffective.
Childhood attachment to parents and frequency of prayer during the college years

This study examines the association between childhood attachment with parents and the frequency of prayer among people raised in Mormon families. Three types of attachment with fathers and mothers – secure, anxious, and avoidant – were measured on a Likert scale. Undergraduate students at a state university in Utah completed questionnaires that included measurements of childhood attachment with parents and frequency of prayer. According to bivariate correlations, frequency of prayer was related to the nature of childhood attachment to parents; according to multiple regression analyses, the correlation between frequency of prayer and childhood attachment was largely, but not entirely, accounted for by other factors involving general frequency of religious activity; finally, these results differed somewhat between men and women. Men who had an avoidant relationship with their mother in childhood prayed less often when they were in college, while for women this association was not statistically significant.
RELATION BETWEEN MONTHLY GROWTH OF FEROCACTUS ACANTHODES AND AN ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTIVITY INDEX

Une methode non destructrice, impliquant le deplacement des areoles a partir de l'apex, est utilisee pour l'etude de la croissance de F.a.
Looking beyond a singularity

How does one build a truly dependable software system? Seven years ago, Microsoft Research started the Singularity project to answer this question. The premise was to start with the best known software development tools and to build a new kind of operating system from the ground up. The operating system was to be both an output artifact and a laboratory for the research. Portions of the code and ideas have been incorporated into three separate Microsoft operating systems so far. I will give a brief overview of Singularity planned and built, then describe what we learned, both positive and negative. I will speculate on OS futures including current research to build an operating system in which every last assembly instruction has been verified for type safety, a system for truly mobile computation, and new tools for automatically restructuring large software systems.
rethinking research in early care and education joining Sally's quest

The article considers three domains of Sally Lubeck's scholarship as illustrations of her orientation to research on early care and education: her critique of positivism in general and the field of developmental psychology (and the sub-discipline of child development) specifically as the primary source of a `knowledge base' for the field of early childhood education; her concerns about globalization's increasing influence on educational goals and practices; and her quest to expand the potentials of research in a way that illuminates alternative perspectives on the period of early childhood and bridges the divide between the protagonists and subjects of social science. The article concludes with an invitation to others to pick up where Sally left off.
Interactive presentation: Automatic generation of functional coverage models from behavioral verilog descriptions

As an industrial practice, the functional coverage models are developed based on a high-level specification of the Design Under Verification (DUV). However, in the course of implementation a designer makes specific choices which may not be reflected well in a functional coverage model developed entirely from a high-level specification. We present a method to automatically generate implementation-aware coverage models based on the static analysis of a HDL description of the DUV. Experimental results show that the functional coverage models generated using our technique correlate well with the detection of randomly injected errors into a design.