cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coronary Artery Disease - Correlates Between Diastolic Auditory Characteristics and Coronary Artery Stenoses

A noninvasive approach to detecting coronary artery disease analyzes thoracic sounds to isolate acoustical correlates of stenosed coronary arteries. The analysis includes time windowing, frequency (power spectra) windowing, and averaging of thoracic sounds from normal and diseased patients. Initial results indicate that an above normal percentage of high-frequency (180-300 Hz) energy is closely associated with narrowed coronary arteries.
Ultra low frequency waves at the earth's bow shock

The Earth's bow shock is a bountiful generator of waves. Some of these waves have group velocities that exceed the solar wind velocity directed into the shock and can propagate upstream against the flow. Upstream whistlers observed close to one Hertz in the spacecraft frame have been seen many Earth radii upstream. A second whistler mode wave, called the precursor, propagates upstream along the shock normal but is phase standing in the solar wind flow. The damping of both whistler mode waves is consistent with Landau damping. At low Mach numbers the precursor is connected to the non-coplanarity component in the shock ramp. At higher Mach numbers the upstream waves cannot propagate upstream and ion reflection becomes more important in providing free energy for wave particle interactions. The non-coplanarity component is still present but it now initiates a downstream wave train. Generally the waves just downstream from the bow shock are left hand circularly polarized ion cyclotron waves propagating along the magnetic field at the Alfven velocity. When the upstream Mach number is high and the helium content of the plasma is high, mirror mode waves are observed.
A Federal Arts Agency at the Center of Reading Research: How We Got Here

In this article, the author offers a short summary of the findings of the the National Endowment for the Arts report on the status of reading, To Read or Not to Read: A Question of National Consequence, and an explanation of the guiding rationale for the study and some future areas of research that seem warranted in light of public responses to the data.
Projections of the olfactory bulb in an elasmobranch fish, Sphyrna tiburo: segregation of inputs in the telencephalon

We have previously shown that the morphological compartmentalization of the elasmobranch olfactory bulb is accompanied by a topographical arrangement of the primary olfactory projections onto the bulb. If this spatial arrangement is significant for the processing of the information, one would expect it to be preserved in the secondary olfactory centers of the telencephalon. In this paper, we describe the elasmobranch secondary projections from the olfactory bulb to the telencephalon, focusing on their spatial arrangements within the forebrain. Results show that the olfactory input onto the telencephalon are segregated. The medial olfactory tract projects rostrally onto the superficial layer of the dorsal pallium and onto the lateral pallium. The lateral olfactory tract projects caudally onto the lateral pallium, the striatum and the area superficialis basalis. Thus, the secondary olfactory projections are segregated within the telencephalon, with an overlapping of the secondary fibers in the main projection area, the lateral pallium.
Microstructure damage of titanium films by irradiation with fission fragments

Abstract Radiation damage caused by fission fragments to metal surfaces is an important research topic. Thin titanium foils were irradiated with a continuous wave beam of 132 MeV 132 Xe +29 at the current intensity of 2 pnA. Pre- and post-irradiated surface topologies were investigated using atomic force microscopy and the observed defects were quantified by root mean square roughness, depth profile of the disordered zones, size and areal density of the voids, and discussed as a function of the applied fluencies (1–9) × 10 13 Xe/cm 2 . The first ellipsoidal dislocation loops appeared at the fluence of 3.0 × 10 13 Xe/cm 2 with the areal density of 1.56 × 10 6 /cm 2 that increased to 2.0 × 10 7 cm −2 when the dose rose to 9.0 × 10 13 Xe/cm 2 . At this point also the first dislocation lines with the density of 1.3 × 10 7 cm −2 were seen. Our results suggest that the fission fragments might maximize large voids and dislocations and increase the degradation in depth resolution.
Thyroid failure in the elderly: microsomal antibodies as discriminant for therapy

Thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) levels were elevated above 4.0 mU/L (μU/mL) in serum samples from 13.2% of 258 healthy elderly subjects. To investigate the natural history of progressive thyroid failure, serial thyroid functions were measured for four years in 26 of these subjects with elevated TSH levels. In one third of these subjects, biochemical thyroid failure developed (thyroxine level ( JAMA 1987;258:209-213)
Exploiting Relevance Feedback in Knowledge Graph Search

The big data era is witnessing a prevalent shift of data from homogeneous to heterogeneous, from isolated to linked. Exemplar outcomes of this shift are a wide range of graph data such as information, social, and knowledge graphs. The unique characteristics of graph data are challenging traditional search techniques like SQL and keyword search. Graph query is emerging as a promising complementary search form. In this paper, we study how to improve graph query by relevance feedback. Specifically, we focus on knowledge graph query, and formulate the graph relevance feedback (GRF) problem. We propose a general GRF framework that is able to (1) tune the original ranking function based on user feedback and (2) further enrich the query itself by mining new features from user feedback. As a consequence, a query-specific ranking function is generated, which is better aligned with the user search intent. Given a newly learned ranking function based on user feedback, we further investigate whether we shall re-rank the existing answers, or choose to search from scratch. We propose a strategy to train a binary classifier to predict which action will be more beneficial for a given query. The GRF framework is applied to searching DBpedia with graph queries derived from YAGO and Wikipedia. Experiment results show that GRF can improve the mean average precision by 80% to 100%.
UDPG:Sterol glucosyltransferase in etiolated pea seedlings

Abstract Sterol UDPglucose glucosyltransferase was located predominantly in the axis tissue of etiolated pea seedlings. During the first 11 days of growth the activity reached a peak in the axis tissue after seven days. Centrifugation of tissue homogenates showed the cell fraction sedimenting between 13000 nd 25000 g to have the highest specific activity and also the bulk of the total activity. Sitosterol is the major free sterol of this fraction and cholesterol is a trace component. The composition of the aglycones of the isolated steryl glycosides shows cholesterol to be the major sterol. Although exhibiting no metal ion requirement, the enzyme is stimulated by Ca2+ and Mg2+, partially inhibited by EDTA and EGTA and completely inhibited by Zn2+. The membranous nature of the enzyme is manifested by its stimulation by the addition of phosphatidyl -ethanolamine, -choline and -serine. After brief treatment with phospholipases A, C and D, enzyme activity is partially lost. After phospholipase A treatment the activity may be completely restored by the addition of phosphatidyl ethanolamine but phosphatidyl-choline and -serine are without effect. After phospholipase C and D treatment, each phospholipid brings about a partial recovery of activity but phosphatidyl ethanolamine is again superior.
Prospect for III-Nitride Heterojunction MOSFET Structures and Devices

Heterojunction field effect transistors (HFET) for high-frequency and high-power electronics have been an area of active research in recent years as a key enabling technology for applications ranging from wireless communications to power distribution. III-Nitride semiconductors are a leading candidate for fulfilling the material requirements of these devices based on the combination of large bandgap energy, high thermal conductivity, high electron mobility and saturated electron velocity. While III-Nitride HFETs have demonstrated remarkable advances, serious materials related limitations still exist, primarily related to charge states and trapping effects at the semiconductor surface. Several groups have investigated solutions such as the deposition of dielectric passivation layers and asymmetric field-plate gate geometries for controlling the influence of trap states near the metal/semiconductor FET interface. We have demonstrated a metal-oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET) with a substantially unpinned interface which is capable of establishing substantial charge accumulation under the gate. These III-Nitride MOSFETs may be designed to operate in either depletion mode or enhancement mode. GaN/InGaN heterojunction MOSFETs exhibit enhancement mode peak transconductance at gate voltages Vg>+5V, corresponding to energy greater than the bandgap of the underlying semiconductor which provides strong evidence of an unpinned MOS interface. Additionally III-Nitride MOSFETs eliminate the need for field plate gate structures as the electric field geometry in the gate-drain region changes limiting the tunneling of charge to unfilled surface states. In depletion mode, low-rf dispersion InGaN/GaN MOSFETs exhibit excellent microwave with ft = 8GHz for optically defined gates dimensions. We review the history of compound semiconductor MOSFET development and overlaying these developments with recent advances in the III-Nitride materials and device research. Differences in chemistry of III-Nitrides relative to all other compound semiconductors and the epitaxial deposition of gate-oxides such as Gadolinium Gallium Oxide (GGO), opens the possibility for dramatically improved devices at microwave and mm-wave frequencies as well as power MOSFET rectifiers. Initial III-Nitride MOSFETs results are presented as well as a quaternary thermodynamic framework for the stability of gate-oxide on nitride semiconductors. We also identify key materials related research challenges expected to impact the ongoing development of III-Nitride MOSFETs.
Management of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia: applying guidelines to practice.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common hematologic malignancy in Western countries.1 Despite improvements in care, CLL is incurable and patients usually relapse after initial treatment. Although mortality in the US has declined since 1993, 4580 individuals are expected to die of this disease in 2012.2,3 The most frequently used first-line chemoimmunotherapy regimen is the combination of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR). However, after treatment with FCR, approximately 6% of patients relapse within 6 to 12 months and a further 14% do so within 2 years.4,5 Treatment of relapsed CLL often hinges on providing therapy that maximizes survival and disease control while minimizing toxicity with the overall goal of improving quality of life. Current data from the Connect™ CLL Disease Registry (n = 899) show that health-related quality of life (assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia, EuroQol 5-Dimensions, and Brief Fatigue Inventory questionnaires) in newly diagnosed and relapsed patients in routine clinical care decreased with worsening Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and was lower in patients with fatigue.6 Performance status and the presence of comorbidities are therefore important factors in deciding the best treatment options for the patient. Because treatments can be associated with severe adverse events (AEs), the choice of appropriate therapy for patients with relapsed disease should account for performance status when defining the goal and role of treatment. Other key factors to be considered when deciding treatment are the chronic nature of the disease, and the number and types of prior therapy. CLL has a variable course, but patients may remain stable and asymptomatic for years before progressing. Given that the median age at death for patients with leukemia is 79 years, and that the average life expectancy in the United States is approximately the same age, the decision of if and when to treat has to be carefully considered.3,7 As CLL is characterized by relapses, even after prolonged responses to therapy, many patients receive multiple lines of treatment. In this article we discuss treatment options for patients with CLL who have relapsed after at least 1 prior treatment.
Oogenesis and larval development in Micromaldane spp. (Polychaeta: Capitellida: Maldanidae)

Summary The morphology of larval development and some aspects of oogenesis are described in Micromaldane spp. from eastern Australia. All four species breed throughout the year, and in all the oocytes are released into the coelom prior to vitellogenesis. Micromaldane androgyne, M. pamelae and M. rubrospermatheca all have solitary oogenesis, while Micromaldane nutricula has “nurse” cells attached to the oocytes throughout vitellogenesis. Mature females of Micromaldane nutricula brood up to two groups of 1–4 directly developing larvae at a time. Newly fertilized eggs are ellipsoidal, 150x350 μm. No ciliation is visible during development. Larvae leave the tube after developing 12 chaetigers. All Micromaldane androgyne adults brood a single batch of two or three directly developing larvae at a time. Newly deposited eggs are 1 mm long and 150 μm in diameter. No ciliation is visible on the larvae during development. Larvae develop 19 chaetigers before leaving the tube. Mature females of Micromaldane pamelae br...
MR urography versus retrograde pyelography/ureteroscopy for the exclusion of upper urinary tract malignancy

Aim To evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance urography (MRU) versus retrograde pyelography and/or ureteroscopy (RPU) in the detection of upper urinary tract neoplasms. Materials and methods This retrospective study included 35 patients with suspected upper urinary tract malignancy who underwent MRU and RPU within 6-months in our institution during the study period (February 2002 to January 2007). MRU and RPU reports were reviewed and results recorded. For each patient, the urinary tract was sub-divided into four regions for analysis: left kidney/renal pelvis, left ureter, right kidney/renal pelvis, and right ureter. MRU and RPU results for each patient were compared to a reference standard and the diagnostic performance of both techniques was compared. Results A total of 113 regions were analysed on MRU and 90 regions on RPU. Nineteen neoplasms were identified. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the detection of urinary tract neoplasms were 63, 91, 60, and 92% for MRU, respectively, and 53, 97, 83, and 88% for RPU, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant ( p >0.05). Conclusion The high negative predictive value of MRU in the present series supports its use as a non-invasive screening examination for excluding the presence of upper urinary tract malignancy.
Notes on the classification and evolution of some North American fossil Microtus (Mammalia; Rodentia)

ABSTRACT Students of fossil arvicoline rodents are challenged to conform to a higher level of modern statistical and phylogenetic analysis. The terminology of the occlusal surface of arvicoline teeth of van der Meulen (1973, 1978) is proposed as the standard for future research. The current taxonomy of North American fossil voles referred to Allophaiomys, Pedomys, and Pitymys is reviewed and critiqued. These taxa are combined in the genus Microtus. Phaiomys (= Allophaiomys; = Orthriomys) and Pitymys (= Pedomys; = Herpetomys) are recognized as subgenera. A Pleistocene replacement chronology for Microtus dental morphotypes is presented, and a cladogram based on dental character states is constructed for North American Microtus. Microtus meadensis is considered to be an Old World immigrant and not closely related to M. quasiater. The Late Pleistocene Microtus reported by Repenning (1983) from El Tajo de Texquixquiac, Mexico as M. meadensis is tentatively referred to M. quasiater. Microtus quasiater is furthe...
Product differentiation, firm heterogeneity and international trade: Exploring the Alchian–Allen effect

Abstract In a model of international trade with horizontally differentiated goods, increasing returns and monopolistically competitive markets, this paper proposes that the degree of differentiation in a product mix–defined as the ratio of the number of varieties to the total value of imports–can be regarded as another aspect of quality. Furthermore, this paper draws a parallel to the Alchian–Allen effect and shows that, when firms are heterogeneous in either fixed or variable costs, the degree of differentiation is increasing in per unit transportation costs.
Special conference report: Report from Tokyo on the ICMCI

Tokyo, Japan, was the location of the International Conference on Microwaves, Circuit Theory and Information Theory (ICMCI) held from September 7–11, 1964. The conference was sponsored by the Institute of Electrical Communication Engineers of Japan (IECEJ), supported by the International Scientific Radio Union (URSI) and the Science Council of Japan, and held in cooperation with five other organizations — SFER (France), VDE (Germany), IEE (United Kingdom), IEEE (United States), and AS (U.S.S.R.). More than 900 registrants participated in the conference, and of this number, 256 were from 16 overseas countries.
Moments expansions for the correlation energy of an exactly solvable problem

In this work we study the ground-state properties of the model Hamiltonian , which represents a set of N one-dimensional correlated harmonic oscillators. Here the parameter g describes the coupling between oscillators and may be either real (attractive case) or purely imaginary (repulsive case). We wish to study the correlation energy of the system by two methods: the Lanczos tridiagonal scheme and a newly developed moments expansion AMX (alternate moments expansion). Comparisons will be made with other moments expansions, in particular the CMX−LT(2) and CMX−LT(3) series.
Translating Environmental Science into Policy and Action

Many ecologists are skilled at identifying environmental problems and defining solutions, but not at achieving concrete action to implement those insights. The question, then, is how to help ecologists translate environmental science into policy and action. Most ecologists' education and training do not prepare them to be effective in the policy arena, much less in ways to achieve action. Ecologists find disincentives in the form of the academic attitude that somehow the application of science is inferior to so-called "pure science." This ivory tower holdover has been largely discredited in the context of environmental issues, and the discipline of conservation biology exists explicitly to foster applications of science, but the attitude remains a potent obstacle, especially for younger ecologists seeking academic acceptance and tenure. Even when ecologists ignore or overcome this obstacle there are few resources available to provide guidance for achieving action. For example, most textbooks that describe the policy process present an academic picture that bears little relationship to the messy real world process. One approach to providing such guidance has been developed in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. This is a course developed specifically to identify and analyze the basic principles, skills and strategies involved in turning scientific knowledge and information, and the policies derived from them, into action. The course uses a series of actual case histories drawn from experience with local and national U.S. and foreign governments, UN organizations, NGOs and other relevant situations. The approach is to give a case hissory, analyze it and derive from it the principles, strategies and skills that work. The professor describes the setting, background, objective, procedure followed and the result. This is followed by class discussion to analyze the case and identify what lessons can be learned and what specific principles, skills and strategies were responsible for or contributed to the results. While there are some basic principles that hold true in many situations, no single formula for achieving action can be applied in every case. Each situation is somewhat different and to succeed one has to be able to select from an array of principles and skills to fit them to the special needs. This course is a proven way to provide students with a "tool kit" of principles, skills and strategies to guide them effectively to translate environmental science into policy and action.
On the significance of δ13C correlations in ancient sediments

A graphical analysis of the correlations between δc and eTOC was introduced by Rothman et al. (2003) to obtain estimates of the carbon isotopic composition of inputs to the oceans and the organic carbon burial fraction. Applied to Cenozoic data, the method agrees with independent estimates, but with Neoproterozoic data the method yields results that cannot be accommodated with standard models of sedimentary carbon isotope mass balance. We explore the sensitivity of the graphical correlation method and find that the variance ratio between δc and δo is an important control on the correlation of δc and e. If the variance ratio σc/σo ≥ 1 highly correlated arrays very similar to those obtained from the data are produced from independent random variables. The Neoproterozoic data shows such variance patterns, and the regression parameters for the Neoproterozoic data are statistically indistinguishable from the randomized model at the 95% confidence interval. The projection of the data into δc–e space cannot distinguish between signal and noise, such as post-depositional alteration, under these circumstances. There appears to be no need to invoke unusual carbon cycle dynamics to explain the Neoproterozoic δc–e array. The Cenozoic data have σc/σo < 1 and the δc vs. e correlation is probably geologically significant, but the analyzed sample size is too small to yield statistically significant results.
Induction Thermocoagulation of the Brain: A New Neurosurgical Tool

The use of an external radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic field to produce thermocoagulative lesions in neural tissue is presented. This technique, which originally was evaluated on animals and then extended to man, shows great promise as a new neurosurgical tool. It is a means by which neurological disease and intractable pain may be treated in a safe and simple manner. Heating is produced by the action of the RF-induction field on surgically implanted electroseeds having no external connection. The implantation is a simple procedure usually performed under local anesthesia. Instrumentation is discussed, as well as the problems encountered in coil and electroseed design. Experimental findings and theoretical determinations of heat production are discussed and compared. Present limitations and ideas for future work are also considered.
Exercise Stimulates Pgc-1α Transcription in Skeletal Muscle through Activation of the p38 MAPK Pathway

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and slow fiber formation in skeletal muscle. We hypothesized that activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in response to increased muscle activity stimulated Pgc-1α gene transcription as part of the mechanisms for skeletal muscle adaptation. Here we report that a single bout of voluntary running induced a transient increase of Pgc-1α mRNA expression in mouse plantaris muscle, concurrent with an activation of the p38 MAPK pathway. Activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in cultured C2C12 myocytes stimulated Pgc-1α promoter activity, which could be blocked by the specific inhibitors of p38, SB203580 and SB202190, or a dominant negative p38. Furthermore, the p38-mediated increase in Pgc-1α promoter activity was enhanced by increased expression of the downstream transcription factor ATF2 and completely blocked by ATF2ΔN, a dominant negative ATF2. Skeletal muscle-specific expression of a constitutively active activator of p38, MKK6E, in transgenic mice resulted in enhanced Pgc-1α and cytochrome oxidase IV protein expression in fast-twitch skeletal muscles. These findings suggest that contractile activity-induced activation of the p38 MAPK pathway promotes Pgc-1α gene expression and skeletal muscle adaptation.
Transcriptional control of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene cluster by the β43′ enhancer, Sp1, SCIP and ETS transcription factors

Receptors assembled from the products of a neuronal beta4alpha3alpha5 NAChR gene cluster depend on these genes being coordinately regulated in particular populations of neurons. Little is known, however, about the transcriptional mechanisms that are likely to underlie their co-expression in correct neuronal cell types. We have identified several regulatory elements and transcription factors that influence transcription of the alpha3 and beta4 genes. The promoters of these genes appear to contain a common cis element that binds Sp1 transcription factors. They can be activated by the POU-domain factor SCIP and activation does not require SCIP binding sites. Between these two promoters is a cell type specific enhancer called beta43'. This enhancer has little activity in non-neuronal cells and is preferentially active in particular populations of central neurons. The clustered genes are potential targets of ETS factors as the ETS domain factor, Pet-1 can activate beta43'-dependent transcription. The neuron-selective properties of beta43' and its location suggest that it is a component of the cis regulatory information required to control expression of the beta4 and alpha3 genes in specific populations of neurons.
Distribution of Atoms in High Chalcocite, Cu2S

In spite of its simple composition, the structure of chalcocite, CU 2 S, has long defied analysis. In high chalcocite the sulfur atoms are in hexagonal close-packing, while three varieties of copper atoms, with four-fold, three-fold, and two-fold coordinations respectively, are in disorder in the interstices.
Structure and Chromosomal Localization of the Human Salivary Mucin Gene, MUC7

We have isolated and characterized several MUC7 genomic clones encoding the human low-molecular-weight salivary mucin, MG2. The MUC7 gene spans approximately 10.0 kb and comprises of three exons and two introns. Intron 1 is approximately 1.7 kb long and is located in the 5'-untranslated region of the corresponding MUC7 cDNA. Intron 2 spans approximately 6.0 kb and is located close to the boundary of the putative leader peptide and secreted protein. The entire region encoding the secreted peptide is located on exon 3, spanning approximately 2.2 kb. The nucleotide sequence of sections of the MUC7 gene, including 1500 bp of the 5'-flanking region, was determined and analyzed for motifs identical or homologous to other known response elements. A modified RACE procedure was used to determine the 5'-end of the MUC7 mRNA. PCR, the human-hamster somatic cell hybrid panel PCRable DNAs kit, and an in situ hybridization analysis on the complete metaphase chromosome spreads were used for the chromosomal localization of the MUC7 gene. It was mapped to chromosome 4q13-q21.
Using ferroelectric poling to change adsorption on oxide surfaces.

Adsorption has been invoked to explain many phenomena in ferroelectric materials including the unanticipated stability of ultrathin ferroelectric films; however, the intrinsic surface properties of ferroelectric oxides have been largely unexplored. Therefore, the effect of ferroelectric poling on the adsorption/desorption of two polar molecules, acetic acid and 2-propanol, and one nonpolar molecule, dodecane, on LiNbO3(0001) was compared. The two polar molecules were found to adsorb significantly more strongly on the positive surface. Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) data yielded desorption pre-exponentials of the two polar molecules more than 11 orders of magnitude lower than expected. Ferroelectric materials are also intrinsically pyroelectric, and it is shown that the unusually low desorption pre-exponentials can be explained by temperature dependent heats of adsorption that result from changes in the surface dipole as the samples are heated. This conclusion was supported by dodecane adsorption/...
An autoradiographic and morphological investigation of the postnatal development of the pineal body

Cell proliferation in the pineal body of the hooded rat was studied with thymidine-H3 autoradiography. Animals were either injected at birth and allowed to survive for variable periods or were injected at different ages and allowed to survive for a fixed period. Cell proliferation was high in the neonate (one and six hours of age) and continued at a decreasing rate into adulthood. The final development of the pineal body was believed to be due to cellular hyperplasia in the young animal and cellular hypertrophy in the adult. The morphological evaluation of the autoradiograms indicated that the principal proliferating components were parenchymal cells.
NF-κB: roles and regulation in different CD4(+) T-cell subsets.

The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) family of transcription factors plays important roles in various biological processes including apoptosis, stress response, immunity, and inflammation. NF-κB signaling is involved in both immune cell development and function, and it is critical in modulation of the immune response through the transcriptional regulation of cytokine and chemokine expression. An area of great interest in T-cell-mediated adaptive immunity is the ability of naive CD4+ T cells generated in the thymus to differentiate into various subsets including T-helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, Th9, follicular helper T (Tfh), Th22 and regulatory T (Treg) cells, upon encountering different pathogens and microenvironments. In this review, we discuss the role of NF-κB pathway in the development and functional divergence of the different helper T-cell subsets as well as in regulatory T cells.
Short-term test–retest reliability of the Job Content Questionnaire and Effort–Reward Imbalance Questionnaire items and scales among professional firefighters

Relatively little is known about the short-term test–retest reliability of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and Effort–Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERIQ). Seventeen JCQ and six ERIQ items were qualitatively reviewed by 19 firefighters in focus groups. The items were then administered twice to 81 firefighters with a time interval of 1–8 weeks. The short-term reliability of the JCQ and ERIQ items and scales with the four-point Likert item responses was at least fair or moderate with several complementary statistical methods. It improved substantially when the four-point responses were simplified into the two (‘agree’ or ‘disagree’) responses. The JCQ psychological demands and the ERIQ effort scales were among the least reliable scales and their items were most frequently indicated by the firefighters to be clarified. The responses of professional firefighters to the JCQ and ERIQ items and scales were stable during an 8-week period, particularly when dichotomous item responses were used.
A cross-talk between brain-damage patients and infants on action and language.

Abstract Sensorimotor representations in the brain encode the sensory and motor aspects of one's own bodily activity. It is highly debated whether sensorimotor representations are the core basis for the representation of action-related knowledge and, in particular, action words, such as verbs. In this review, we will address this question by bringing to bear insights from the study of brain-damaged patients exhibiting language disorders and from the study of the mechanisms for language acquisition in infants. Cognitive neuropsychology studies have assessed how damage to representations supporting action production impacts patients’ ability to process action-related words. While correlations between verbal and nonverbal (motor) impairments are very common in patients, damage to the representations for action production can leave the ability to understand action-words unaffected; likewise, actions can still be produced successfully in cases of impaired action-word understanding. Studies with infants have evaluated the relevance of sensorimotor information when infants learn to map a novel word onto an action that they are performing or perceiving. These results demonstrate that sensorimotor information is insufficient to fully account for the complexity of verb learning: in this process, infants seem to privilege abstract constructs such as goal, intentionality and causality, as well as syntactic constraints, over the perceptual and motor dimensions of an action. Altogether, the empirical data suggest that, while not crucial for verb learning and understanding, sensorimotor processes can contribute to solving the problem of symbol grounding and/or serve as a primary mechanism in social cognition, to learn about others’ goals and intentions. By assessing the relevance of sensorimotor representations in the way action-related words are acquired and represented, we aim to provide a useful set of criteria for testing specific predictions made by different theories of concepts.
Selective electroless and electrolytic deposition of metal for applications in microfluidics: fabrication of a microthermocouple.

This paper describes a general strategy for the fabrication of a microthermocouple based on the spatially defined electroless deposition of metal, followed by annealing and electroplating. We present scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy characterizations of the deposition and annealing process, as well as the performance of the microfabricated Ni−Ag thermocouple. The temperature−voltage curve for this Ni−Ag microthermocouple is linear over the range 0−50 °C with a slope of 61.9 °C mV-1. The sensitivity of our temperature measurement, which is limited by the uncertainty of our calibration curve, is ∼1 °C. The optimum figure of merit (Zopt) is 1.0 × 10-5 for this type of Ag−Ni thermocouple. We have fabricated microthermocouples ranging in size from 50 to 300 μm. The microthermocouple was integrated into microchannels and used to measure the in-channel temperature rise caused by the following: (1) a simple acid−base reaction, HCl + NaOH → H2O + NaCl, and (2) an enzyme-catalyzed biochemic...
Formation of Coating Film on Milling Balls for Mechanical Alloying

A homogeneous coating film can be obtained on the mechanical alloying (MA) ball surface by ball milling of fine zirconia powder and Ti-34 mass%Al powder. X-ray diffraction pattern of MA powder containing 80 mass% zirconia is broad by MA for 360 ks under 35 kPa argon atmosphere. Fine zirconia powders combine a coating film with a ball and alloy Zr or O with Ti or Al in a coating film. The coating film of approximately 8 μm in thickness, which consists of Ti, Al, Zr and O, is provided on the ball surface. Furthermore, a metallic coating film of approximately 10 μm in thickness can be obtained on the ball surface by ball milling with zirconia balls and metal powder, such as Ti-Al, Ti-Si, Fe-Al and Fe-Si.
Time-Dependent Voltage Generated by Flux Motion Across a Superconducting Strip

A brief review is given of the theory predicting that the instantaneous voltage generated by single-quantum vortices or multiquanta flux tubes moving through a superconducting specimen depends upon both the specimen shape and the spatial configuration of the measuring circuit. This theory is then applied to obtain the voltage pulses expected from two different measuring circuits attached to a superconducting strip. The time-dependent voltage is predicted to be proportional not only to the vortex or flux-tube velocity but also to a geometry-dependent function of the position of the vortex or flux tube relative to the measuring circuit.
Use of reduced basis technique in the inverse dynamics of large space cranes

The inverse dynamics of adaptive structures used as space cranes can prove computationally expensive in the case of large structures, due to the large number of degrees of freedom involved. Consequently, reduced basis techniques (reduction techniques) are frequently used to reduce the problem size to a time manageable level (for possible use in real time control). A reduced basis technique is proposed which is different from, but related to, the path-derivatives reduction technique. A linearly independent set of deflection n-tuples is used, chosen at the beginning of the time range in which it is wished to reduce the equations, in whose subspace it is assumed that the deflection vectors of the unreduced problem will lie (approximately).
The Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition: A Career Development Framework for Succession Planning and Management in Academic Libraries

Succession planning and management are critical parts of strategic planning for libraries in the twenty-first century. Making certain that the right people are in place with the prerequisite training and experience to assume leadership positions is a vital part of strategic planning and talent management in libraries that rely on teams of people working in flatter structures and greater accountability. The Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition framework suggests that mentoring, coaching, and professional development empower staff for movement up organizational career ladders as part of succession planning and management. To maximize human capital, administrators need to determine skill development levels among staff so that they can identify skill “gaps” internally, create new career ladders, identify emerging stars, and enhance evidence of values for staff contributions.
A novel hybrid simulation for study of multiscale phenomena

A novel multiscale model and simulation has been developed by combining the algorithms from a course grained 2D lattice model with Brownian dynamics (BD). The lattice model incorporates Lennard-Jones and coulombic interactions between particles, as well as nearest-neighbor interactions. The BD simulation allows the particles to move in solution before they adsorb to the surface. This hybrid simulation is used to study the behavior of nanoparticles in the presence of a surface and evaporation of solvent. The simulation is able to produce amorphous topologies of nanoparticles on the surface.
Inheritance of Resistance in Rice to Races IB-49 and IC-17 of Pyricularia Grisea Rice Blast

Rice blast [Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc.] is an internationally devastating rice (Oryza sativa L.) disease. This study was conducted to determine the inheritance of rice blast resistance to the blast fungus races IB-49 and IC-17. Nine parents were crossed in all possible combinations. Parents, F 1 , F 2 , and selected F 2 -derived lines in the F 3 were tested for their reactions to blast fungus races IB-49 and IC-17 separately in the greenhouse during 1986 and 1987 (...)
Broadband adoption, jobs and wages in the US telecommunications industry

This article evaluates the impact of broadband adoption on wage and employment levels among the local exchange companies in the US telecommunications industry for the period between 1988 and 2001. Broadband is a general purpose technology and its adoption and diffusion is expected positively to impact wages because of the need for higher level skill in its deployment and usage, but can also lead to less human capital usage because of a scale effect. Using the extent of fiber adoption among the local exchange firms as a measure of broadband deployment, it was found that broadband diffusion within and between the firms over time has had a positive and significant impact on wage levels but its impact on employment has been negative. As broadband diffusion increases, with substantial scope available to do so given the low levels of deployment both among the local exchange firms studied and within the United States as a whole, the impact of such diffusion on enhancing wage levels in the sector can be profound.
Variables affecting activity of molybdena-alumina hydroforming catalyst in aromatization of cyclohexane

Abstract An exploratory study has been made to determine the nature and magnitude of the more obvious variations in the activity of a single batch of catalyst. A pelleted, coprecipitated, gel-type catalyst similar to that used in many commercial catalytic reforming units was studied in a differential reactor. Apparently the molybdenum oxide promoter was at a higher level of activity when the oxide was in a reduced state, the improvement being directly proportional to the degree of molar reduction of the oxide. Deposition of coke on the catalyst, which reduced activity exponentially, appeared to be a surface-controlled reaction and to involve a dual site mechanism. Increased hydrogen to hydrocarbon molar feed ratios reduced carbon deposition in direct proportion to the associated increase in hydrogen partial pressure but also reduced conversion because of the lowered reactant partial pressure. Catalyst regeneration appeared to occur in two distinct steps. In the first step, the rate had a second order dependency on coke concentration. In the second step, for which first-order dependencies on coke concentration and oxygen partial pressure were observed, mass transfer seemed to be the controlling mechanism. No improvement in catalyst activity was noted in the removal of carbon in this second step.
A comparative study of manganese meso-sulfonatophenyl porphyrins: Contrast-enhancing agents for tumors

Four manganese meso-sulfonatophenyl porphyrins were prepared, characterized and investigated for their potential as tumor-specific MRI contrast-enhancing agents in mice bearing subcutaneous implants of a mammary carcinoma (SMT-F). The trisulfonated tetraphenyl porphyrin, MnTPPS3 presented the most favorable profile: bio-distribution, tumor concentration and tumor relaxivity, when compared at 24 hr postinjection. Imaging experiments revealed that a time-dependent delineation of tumor morphology occurs in response to MnTPPS3 that appears to correlate with necrotic regions of the tumor.
Trichoadenoma of the eyelid.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the unique occurrence of a trichoadenoma of the eyelid. METHODS: An 80-year-old woman underwent surgical resection of a lesion of the right lower eyelid that was suspected to be a basal cell carcinoma. The lesion was studied with light microscopy. RESULTS: Histopathology showed a lesion in the dermis that contained keratin cysts surrounded by a proliferation of eosinophilic epidermoid cells. The findings were characteristic of a trichoadenoma. CONCLUSION: Trichoadenoma, a rare, benign, cutaneous tumor that usually occurs on the face, can develop on the eyelid and simulate a basal cell carcinoma.
5 Carbon, silicon, germanium, tin and lead

The year 2004 has seen a bumper crop of exciting advances in the chemistry of Group 14. Among the highlights are the first example of a Si–Si triple bond and the first triple bond to a main group element of the sixth period as found in (PMe3)4BrMoPb(2,6-trip). Both of these advances have importance well beyond the typical audience for Group 14 chemistry, as they are of immense significance in the understanding of chemical bonding. Beyond the area of multiple bonds, a quasi-one-coordinate complex of lead, [(2,6-trip)Pb]B(Me)(C6F5)3, and the extraordinary [Pt@Pb12]2− have each added excitement to the years' research and, while lead has certainly been in the forefront of key contributions, the other elements of Group 14 are not far behind, as seen in the wealth of new results reported across the board. As in recent years, the study of lower oxidation state and of lower coordination number complexes has been key in many of the most interesting developments along with cluster compounds and materials based on Group 14 elements.
Nonlinear evolution equations for two-dimensional surface waves in a fluid of finite depth

Two-dimensional weakly nonlinear surface gravity-capillary waves in an ideal fluid of finite water depth are considered and nonlinear evolution equations which are correct up to the third order of wave steepness are derived including the applied pressure on the free surface. Since no assumptions are made on the length scales, the equations can be applied to a fluid of arbitrary depth and to disturbances with arbitrary wavelength. For one-dimensional gravity waves, these evolution equations are reduced to those derived by Matsuno. Most of the known equations for surface waves are recovered from the new set of equations as special cases. It is shown that one set of equations has a Hamiltonian formulation and conserves mass, momentum and energy. The analysis for irrotational flow is extended to two-dimensional uniform shear flow.
"Abetting the enemy": the repercussions of a Website-based information campaign to assist the flood victims of North Korea

Unknown to most parts of the world, North Korea has been battling the aftermath of continuous severe floods since 1996. Rice harvests have been hit hard and about 1.7 million rural residents are in dire medical need. A joint FAO and World Food Program mission to the country in November 1997 estimated that the Communist state would need 2.36 million metric tons of food imports in 1997 to meet minimum daily nutritional requirements. In an attempt to mobilize an international flood relief effort, former Newsweek Tokyo bureau chief Bernard Krisher launched a one-man Internet drive, a venture which illustrates yet another possibility that the Internet accords: as a purveyor of information from societies traditionally isolated from the rest of the world because of political ideology. Fearing violations of its on-going economic embargo against the North, South Korea lashed out against this relief effort, arguing that the food shortage is a "by-product of North Korean policymakers that put armaments before the hunger of their people". The Web site has attracted donations and the attention of news organizations, but Web browsers are appalled that humanitarian efforts are seemingly being blocked by governments who wish to mix food with politics. This paper looks at the geopolitical dynamics set into motion by a single Web site and explores what might happen when the Web transcends deeply ingrained ideological boundaries.
Microbial transformations of stemodin, a Stemodia diterpene

Screening studies have shown a number of microorganisms capable of transforming the stemodane diterpene, stemodin. Scale-up fermentation with Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 9244 and Polyangium cellulosum ATCC 29610 have resulted in the production of five major metabolites that have been characterized with the use of 2D NMR techniques. These metabolites have been identified as 7β-hydroxystemodin, 7β-hydroxystemodin, 14α-hydroxystemodin, 19-hydroxystemodin and 17,19-dihydroxystemodin.