cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON A BACTERICIDAL AGENT EXTRACTED FROM A SOIL BACILLUS : II. PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF THE BACTERICIDAL AGENT AGAINST EXPERIMENTAL PNEUMOCOCCUS INFECTIONS IN MICE.

In the first paper of this series, a description was given of a cell-free extract, obtained from autolysates of a particular strain of a soil bacillus, which selectively inhibits the growth of all the Gram-positive microorganisms so far tested, and exerts on them a bactericidal effect in vitro. In the present study it is shown that the same agent protects white mice against infection with large numbers of virulent pneumococci. It also exerts a curative effect when administered to mice several hours after injection of the infecting organisms. The degree of protection afforded, and the minimal effective dose of bactericidal agent, are approximately the same for all virulent pneumococci, irrespective of type specificity. The bactericidal agent is entirely ineffective against infection with virulent Friediander bacilli (type B). This agrees with the fact that the agent does not affect Gram-negative bacilli in vitro. The protective action exerted by the bactericidal agent against experimental pneumococcus infection depends upon the same mechanism which determines its bactericidal effect in vitro.
Thresholds of Auditory Sensitivity and Binaural Localization during Sleep

The hypothesis that one function of REM sleep might be indirectly to innervate the auditory system was tested. Sensitivity and spatial localization thresholds were measured in 16 Ss prior to sleep, alternately at the onset and end of REM periods, and upon morning awakening, and 15 min. later. Sensitivity thresholds of the left ear were lower and difference limens (DL) greater at the onset compared to the end of REM periods. Left ear thresholds were also lower and DLs greater for both ears in the morning than prior to sleep. Localization thresholds did not differ at the onset and end of REM periods or prior to and following sleep. The results were contrary to the hypothesis that REM sleep innervates the auditory system. Greater changes in the left ear than the right ear probably reflect lateral differences in the brain.
The sodium and potassium activated ATPase. II. Comparative study of intestinal epithelium and red cells.

The Na-K ATPase found in sedimentable fractions of intestinal epithelium of rats hydrolyzed cytidine triphosphate nearly as well as ATP (25% to 50%); was active only in presence of divalent cations, with specificity for Mg (100%), Mn (50%) and Ca (10%); showed a plateau of activation when Mg concentrations were in excess of substrate; and was inhibited by a second divalent cation (Zn > Mn > Ca), and by 3 × 10−4 M ouabain (50%). Parallel assays of rat red cell ghosts showed differences in substrate specificity (CTP was not utilized), in activation kinetics (activation peak with Mg) and in greater specificity to Mg (Mn was a weaker activator and Zn was a weaker inhibitor). Stabilities also differed in the two preparations: NaK ATPase of intestinal epithelium was activated by sucrose extraction and denatured during cytolysis at room temperature, while that of red cell fragments was denatured during sucrose extraction and preserved by hemolysis at room temperature. Other properties of NaK ATPase studied in the two tissues included activation by monovalent cations (optimum at 160 mM Na, 15 mM K), specificity to monovalent cations, and sensitivity to lipid solvents and to some drugs. The data were discussed in terms of comparative properties of NaK ATPases of various cells. Residual ATPase activities of intestinal epithelium and red cell ghosts were shown to differ in substrate specificity, inhibition and activation. “Residual ATPase” from intestinal epithelium was a zinc-activated nucleoside polyphosphate phosphohydrolase, while ghosts contained MgATPase. Only the latter enzyme was specific to ATP and Mg, activated by Ca in presence of Mg, and sensitive to inhibition by PCMB and Zn.
Button self-retaining drainage catheter

To help improve patient acceptance of long-term internal/external catheter access to the biliary tract in those with benign biliary obstruction, a simple design allows the catheter end to remain flush with the skin. It consists of a clothes button affixed to the drainage catheter with a wood screw after the catheter has been cut off at the skin exit. This button/screw device has been used successfully in 22 patients over the last 10 years; catheter exchanges were easily accomplished.
Phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions in PXR-mediated CYP3A repression.

Background: The expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes CYPs is controlled by pregnane X receptor (PXR), and, therefore, understanding how PXR modulates CYP expression is important to minimize adverse drug interactions, one type of preventable adverse drug reaction. Objective: We review the mechanisms of PXR-mediated repression of CYP expression. Methods: We discuss the clinical implications of CYP repression and the role of signal cross-talks, including protein–protein interactions and phosphorylation of PXR and coregulators, in inhibiting PXR and repressing CYP expression. Results/conclusion: Kinases such as cyclin-dependent kinase 2, protein kinase A, PKC and 70 kDa form of ribosomal protein S6 kinase repress CYP expression by phosphorylating and inhibiting PXR. Growth factor signaling represses CYP expression by phosphorylating and inhibiting forkhead in rhabdomyosarcoma, a co-activator of PXR. During inflammation, NF-κB represses both PXR and CYP expression through protein–protein interactions with t...
Quantification without variables in connectionism

Connectionist attention to variables has been too restricted in two ways. First, it has not exploited certain ways of doing without variables in the symbolic arena. One variable-avoidance method, that of logical combinators, is particularly well established there. Secondly, the attention has been largely restricted to variables in long-term rules embodied in connection weight patterns. However, short-lived bodies of information, such as sentence interpretations or inference products, may involve quantification. Therefore short-lived activation patterns may need to achieve the effect of variables. The paper is mainly a theoretical analysis of some benefits and drawbacks of using logical combinators to avoid variables in short-lived connectionist encodings without loss of expressive power. The paper also includes a brief survey of some possible methods for avoiding variables other than by using combinators.
The Relative Importance of Reliance on Intraword Characteristics and Interword Constraints for Beginning Reading Achievement.

AbstractThis study investigated the relative importance of use of intraword characteristics and interword relationships for beginning reading achievement. The model for statistical analysis was multivariate multiple regression. Vocabulary and comprehension achievement were dependent variables; IQ was a control variable; using oral reading error analysis, reliance on intraword characteristics was represented by a Graphic Similarity Index and a Sound Similarity Index, and reliance on interword relationships was represented by a Grammatical Relationships Index. The results support the contention that dependence on within-word characteristics is more important for beginning reading success than is reliance on between-word analysis. The findings are related to two contrasting theories of reading instruction.
Dynamics of a one-dimensional inelastic particle system

The dynamical behavior of a one-dimensional inelastic particle system is investigated. By the means of map and spatial-temporal pattern we find the chaotic motion and the periodic motion in this simple system. We characterize several kinds of transitions and introduce the idea of a small collision chain to explain the universal relation ${n=N}^{2}$ between the number of collisions in a cycle n and the number of the particles N of the system for period-1 behavior.
Gender and programming achievement in a CSCL environment

In this study, we analyzed 3.4 GB of log file data from the participation of 475 children in a CSCL environment over a period of five years. Using scripts to divide the children's commands typed into categories, we found that girls spend significantly more time than boys communicating with others in the CSCL environment. Analyzing the children's level of programming achievement, we found that gender does not affect programming performance. Regression analysis shows that performance is correlated with prior programming experience and time on task. Boys are more likely than girls to have prior programming experience, and spend more time programming on average. We contrast these quantitative findings with our qualitative observations, and conclude that quantitative analysis has an important role to play in CSCL research. These results suggest that educators wishing to increase gender equity in technical skill should focus on strategies for fostering interest among girls.
A Permeability Test with Radioactive Indicators

CERTAIN investigators (see, for example, W. J. V. Osterhout, “Some Fundamental Problems in Cellular Physiology,” 1927; especially pages 36-48) believe that the protoplasm of the living cell is permeable only to undissociated molecules but impermeable to ions.
Patient Perspective on Use of an Interactive Website for Sleep Apnea

Incomplete patient adherence with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) limits the effectiveness of treatment and results in suboptimal obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) outcomes. An interactive website specifically designed for patients with OSA was designed and utilized in a randomized clinical trial to test its effect on increasing CPAP adherence. The goal of this paper is to report on CPAP adherence, internet use, privacy concerns and user satisfaction in using the website. The original project was designed as a randomized, controlled clinical trial of Usual Care (UC, control) versus MyCPAP group (intervention). Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the patient perspective of using the MyCPAP website. Participation in the MyCPAP intervention resulted in higher CPAP adherence at the two-month time point relative to participation in the UC group (3.4 ± 2.4 and 4.1 ± 2.3 hrs/nt; <path id="x1D443" d="M619 482q0 -69 -40.5 -119t-96 -72.5t-118.5 -26.5h-44l-70 20l-31 -151q-14 -67 0.5 -83t89.5 -22l-5 -28h-287l8 28q65 7 81.5 22t29.5 83l79 398q12 56 0.5 70.5t-78.5 20.5l7 28h255q108 0 164 -43t56 -125zM524 478q0 141 -146 141q-25 0 -47 -8q-16 -6 -20.5 -13.5 t-10.5 -39.5l-43 -241q37 -13 83 -13q67 0 125.5 45t58.5 129z" /> <path id="x30" d="M241 635q53 0 94 -28.5t63.5 -76t33.5 -102.5t11 -116q0 -58 -11 -112.5t-34 -103.5t-63.5 -78.5t-94.5 -29.5t-95 28t-64.5 75t-34.5 102.5t-11 118.5q0 58 11.5 112.5t34.5 103t64.5 78t95.5 29.5zM238 602q-32 0 -55.5 -25t-35.5 -68t-17.5 -91t-5.5 -105 q0 -76 10 -138.5t37 -107.5t69 -45q32 0 55.5 25t35.5 68.5t17.5 91.5t5.5 105t-5.5 105.5t-18 92t-36 68t-56.5 24.5z" /> ; mean ± SD). Participants randomized to the MyCPAP website increased their use of the internet to obtain OSA related information, but did not increase their use of the internet to get information on general health or medical conditions. Users had very little concern about their CPAP data being viewed daily or being sent over the internet. Future studies should consider the use of newer evaluation criteria for collaborative adaptive interactive technologies.
Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (+)-Milbemycin D

The enantioselective total synthesis of the potent antiparasitic agent milbemycin D (1) has been achieved. The spiroketal fragment is prepared through a novel spiroketalization of a hydroxy pyrone to set the anomeric stereocenter and establish functionality for the stereocontrolled attachment and subsequent extension of the connecting chain between the spiroketal and the hexahydrobenzofuran fragment. The hexahydrobenzofuran fragment is constructed through the exploitation of a sequential electrophilic cyclization−[2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement to close the oxygen-containing ring and incorporate the C5 hydroxyl. A lithium bromide accelerated Wittig olefination joins the spiroketal-containing subunit and the hexahydrobenzofuran subunit at the C10,11 double bond in high yield. Subsequent oxidation of the C1 hydroxyl provides access to the seco acid, which smoothly undergoes macrolactonization. The sensitive C2 stereochemistry and the C3,4 double bond are incorporated without epimerization at C2 or migration...
Incipient Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Objective To describe the clinical entity of incipient nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Design Cohort study. Participants Fifty-four patients (60 eyes) seen in our clinic from 1973 through 2000. Methods At their first visit to our clinic, all patients gave a detailed ophthalmic and medical history and underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, color fundus photography, and fluorescein fundus angiography. At each follow-up visit (of 49 patients [55 eyes]), the same ophthalmic evaluation was performed, except for fluorescein fundus angiography. Main Outcome Measures Clinical features of incipient NAION. Results Mean age (± standard deviation) of the patients was 58.7±15.9 years. Median follow-up time was 6.3 years (interquartile range [IQR], 2.1–8.5). At initial visit, all had optic disc edema (ODE) without any visual loss attributable to NAION. In 55%, the fellow eye had classic NAION; in 25%, incipient progressed to classic NAION (after a median time of 5.8 weeks [IQR, 3.2–10.1]); and in 20%, classic NAION developed after resolution of the first episode of incipient NAION. Patients with incipient, compared with classic, NAION had a greater prevalence of diabetes mellitus ( P P = 0.046). Patients who progressed to classic NAION versus those who did not were significantly younger ( P = 0.025), and their visual acuity worsened in 31% and 0%, respectively, and remained stable in 62% and 98%, respectively; in the eyes with progression, central (in 31%) and peripheral (in 77%) visual fields worsened compared with only 1 eye and 2 eyes, respectively, that did not ( P = 0.01 and P Conclusions The results show that incipient NAION is a distinct clinical entity, with asymptomatic ODE and no visual loss attributable to NAION. When a patient seeks treatment with asymptomatic ODE, incipient NAION must be borne in mind as a strong possibility in those who have had classic NAION in the fellow eye, in diabetics of all ages, and in those with high risk factors for NAION; this can avoid unnecessary and expensive investigations.
Synthesis of isocaryophyllene by titanium-induced keto ester cyclization.

Abstract A total synthesis of d,1 isocaryophyllene is reported that employs the titanium-induced cyclization of a keto ester as the key step in forming the cyclononenone ring. The synthesis requires four steps starting from ethyl geranylacetate, and the key cyclization occurs in 38% yield.
Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma Enhanced Coating of Carbon Nanotube Ribbons

CNT arrays were synthesized by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and spun into ribbons, which were coated using Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma system. Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) characterization of CNT ribbons indicated the presence of polymer films with CF2 as a repeat unit. Atomic concentration of C, F and O in the coated films was estimated from X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) data. Types of bonding between the elements in the coated films was studied by curve fitting of C 1s XPS spectra.
Substrate specificity of monoterpenol dehydrogenases from Foeniculum vulgare and Tanacetum vulgare

Abstract Soluble enzyme preparations from leaves of Foeniculum vulgare catalysed the pyridine nucleotide-dependent dehydrogenation of l-endo -fenchol to d -fenchone, while similar preparations from Tanacetum vulgare catalysed the pyridine nucleotide-dependent dehydrogenation of d -3-thujanol to d -3-thujone. The monoterpenol dehydrogenases were separated from alcohol (ethanol) dehydrogenase by gel-permeation chromatography, and the MW, pH optimum, cofactor preference and other general properties of these enzymes were examined. Specificity studies indicated that only a narrow range of monoterpenols, related to those structural classes produced in vivo , were oxidized by these dehydrogenases.
Taking advantage of barter in radio

Provides an examination of the importance of barter in the radio industry based on a systematic random sample of 195 radio stations within the continental USA. Describes how data were collected to assess the prevalence of barter in the industry. Analyzes the managerial decisions pertaining to barter to provide basic understanding of barter programming and its role in the station manager’s strategic planning. Concludes that station managers are using barter more and more to reinforce their product offerings and reduce the squeeze on cash flow. Providing programming that hits the right people continues to be a challenge for station managers.
Activation of the AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways and the inhibitory effects of rapamycin on those pathways in canine malignant melanoma cell lines

Objective—To investigate the activation of the AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways and assess the inhibitory effects of rapamycin on those pathways in canine malignant melanoma cells. Sample Population—3 established primary canine melanoma cell lines generated from naturally occurring tumors. Procedures—Expressions of total and phosphorylated AKT, mTOR, and p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (p70S6K) in canine melanoma cells that were or were not exposed to 10nM rapamycin were assessed via western blot analysis. Clonogenic assays were performed to determine the surviving fraction of melanoma cells after exposure to 0.1, 1, 10, or 100nM rapamycin. Results—Expressions of total and phosphorylated AKT, mTOR, and p70S6K proteins were detected (ie, the AKT and mTOR pathways were activated) in all 3 cell lines. Rapamycin treatment resulted in decreases in phosphorylated mTOR expression and phosphorylated p70S6K expression but no change in phosphorylated AKT expression. Expression of total AKT, mTOR, and...
Penn State in Suburban Philadelphia: Changing Conditions in Graduate Engineerng Education

The Pennsylvania State University's King of Prussia Center, located in suburban Philadelphia, has offered graduate degree engineering programs (extended from its primary campus in central Pennsylvania) for part-time professional engineers since the early 1960's. Initially established and operated with characteristics virtually identical to its host institution at the University Park campus, the Center has changed in response to the needs of its professional engineers-as-students and their employers. This paper traces briefly the history of the Center, describes the current state of the engineering programs offered through the Center, outlines changes which have impacted its programs, and details some unique responses to changing conditions. The authors suggest that the current issues and history associated with the engineering graduate degree programs offered through Penn State's King of Prussia Graduate Center are but a microcosm of the larger issues facing professional engineering educators nationally.
A systematic comparison of four bioaerosol generators: Affect on culturability and cell membrane integrity when aerosolizing Escherichia coli bacteria

Bioaerosol research requires stable and reliable aerosol generators that can produce high particle concentrations with minimal damage to microorganisms. This study compared Collison nebulizer, Liquid Sparging Aerosolizer (LSA), C-Flow nebulizer, and a newly designed Single-Pass Aerosolizer with respect to their physical performance, and ability to preserve the culturability and structural integrity of bacteria. Escherichia coli bacteria were aerosolized at different air pressures, collected by a BioSampler and their Cell Membrane Damage Index (ID), expressed as the fraction of 16S rRNA gene copies in the supernatant liquid versus the amount of 16S rRNA gene copies in the total sample (cell pellet plus supernatant), was determined. The ID of E. coli aerosolized by the Collison and C-Flow nebulizers at 40 psi compared to aerosolization at 5 and 15 psi was significantly higher (po0.05). However, the ID of E. coli aerosolized with the LSA and Single-Pass Aerosolizer did not seem to significantly depend on aerosolization pressure. The ID of E. coli collected with a BioSampler was found to positively and significantly correlate (p¼0.043) with the presence of airborne bacterial fragments (aerodynamic size range 0.37-0.523 mm) as measured by the Aerodynamic Particle Sizer. Increased loss of culturability was observed for bacteria aerosolized by the Collison nebulizer and Single-Pass Aerosolizer with increasing aerosolization pressure (po0.05), while no significant change in culturability was found for the other two generators as a function of aerosolization pressure. At particle output concentration of � 100 particles/cm 3 , the Single-Pass Aerosolizer preserved the culturability of bacteria significantly better than the other three generators (po0.05). It also exhibited a significantly lower ID (po0.001) and less culturability reduction (p ¼0.03) compared to the Collison nebulizer at particle output concentrations of � 1000 particles/cm 3 . It is hoped that this study will help bioaerosol researchers select a bioaerosol generator and method best suiting their studies.
Structure and stability of the ankyrin domain of the Drosophila Notch receptor.

The Notch receptor contains a conserved ankyrin repeat domain that is required for Notch-mediated signal transduction. The ankyrin domain of Drosophila Notch contains six ankyrin sequence repeats previously identified as closely matching the ankyrin repeat consensus sequence, and a putative seventh C-terminal sequence repeat that exhibits lower similarity to the consensus sequence. To better understand the role of the Notch ankyrin domain in Notch-mediated signaling and to examine how structure is distributed among the seven ankyrin sequence repeats, we have determined the crystal structure of this domain to 2.0 A resolution. The seventh, C-terminal, ankyrin sequence repeat adopts a regular ankyrin fold, but the first, N-terminal ankyrin repeat, which contains a 15-residue insertion, appears to be largely disordered. The structure reveals a substantial interface between ankyrin polypeptides, showing a high degree of shape and charge complementarity, which may be related to homotypic interactions suggested from indirect studies. However, the Notch ankyrin domain remains largely monomeric in solution, demonstrating that this interface alone is not sufficient to promote tight association. Using the structure, we have classified reported mutations within the Notch ankyrin domain that are known to disrupt signaling into those that affect buried residues and those restricted to surface residues. We show that the buried substitutions greatly decrease protein stability, whereas the surface substitutions have only a marginal affect on stability. The surface substitutions are thus likely to interfere with Notch signaling by disrupting specific Notch-effector interactions and map the sites of these interactions.
Role of streams in myxobacteria aggregate formation.

Cell contact, movement and directionality are important factors in biological development (morphogenesis), and myxobacteria are a model system for studying cell–cell interaction and cell organization preceding differentiation. When starved, thousands of myxobacteria cells align, stream and form aggregates which later develop into round, non-motile spores. Canonically, cell aggregation has been attributed to attractive chemotaxis, a long range interaction, but there is growing evidence that myxobacteria organization depends on contact-mediated cell–cell communication. We present a discrete stochastic model based on contact-mediated signaling that suggests an explanation for the initialization of early aggregates, aggregation dynamics and final aggregate distribution. Our model qualitatively reproduces the unique structures of myxobacteria aggregates and detailed stages which occur during myxobacteria aggregation: first, aggregates initialize in random positions and cells join aggregates by random walk; second, cells redistribute by moving within transient streams connecting aggregates. Streams play a critical role in final aggregate size distribution by redistributing cells among fewer, larger aggregates. The mechanism by which streams redistribute cells depends on aggregate sizes and is enhanced by noise. Our model predicts that with increased internal noise, more streams would form and streams would last longer. Simulation results suggest a series of new experiments.
Microearthquake evidence for reaction-driven cracking within the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse active hydrothermal deposit

We detected 32,078 very small, local microearthquakes (average ML = −1) during a 9 month deployment of five ocean bottom seismometers on the periphery of the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse active mound. Seismicity rates were constant without any main shock-aftershock behavior at ~243 events per day at the beginning of the experiment, 128 events per day after an instrument failed, and 97 events per day at the end of the experiment when whale calls increased background noise levels. The microearthquake seismograms are characterized by durations of <1 s and most have single-phase P wave arrivals (i.e., no S arrivals). We accurately located 6207 of the earthquakes, with hypocenters clustered within a narrow depth interval from ~50 to 125 m below seafloor on the south and west flanks of the deposit. We model the microearthquakes as reaction-driven fracturing events caused by anhydrite deposition in the secondary circulation system of the hydrothermal mound and show that under reasonable modeling assumptions an average event represents a volume increase of 31–58 cm3, yielding an annual (seismogenic) anhydrite deposition rate of 27–51 m3.
Family and familiars. The concentric household in late medieval penitentiary petitions

Few studies to date have examined the relational aspects of life within a non-nuclear medieval household. This article aims to show that the affective bonds that were prescribed for members of the nuclear family in the late middle ages were also prescribed for members of the larger household, though to a lesser degree. ‘Familiars’ were expected to develop bonds of loyalty that cut across distinctions of social estate. A series of petitions to the papal penitentiary from German-speaking areas during the fifteenth century shows that both elite and non-elite individuals exhibited such affective bonds of support in violent situations as well as in a wide variety of other circumstances. This indicates that the household formed a major building block of medieval society in relational as well as in logistical terms.
Point: positive effects of intermittent hypoxia (live high:train low) on exercise performance are mediated primarily by augmented red cell volume.

To engage in this debate we will address the following questions: what is the change in performance after adaptation to living high and training low (LHTL); what physiological mechanisms could be responsible; what is the evidence that a change in red cell volume (RCV) is one such mechanism; and what
Role of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in traumatic brain injury and Measurement of pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme by dipstick test

Objectives: The present study was designed to investigate the role of a mitochondrial enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) on the severity of brain injury, and the effects of pyruvate treatment in rats with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and Methods: We examined rats subjected to closed head injury using a fluid percussion device, and treated with sodium pyruvate (antioxidant and substrate for PDH enzyme). At 72 h post injury, blood was analyzed for blood gases, acid-base status, total PDH enzyme using a dipstick test and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of oxidative stress. Brain homogenates from right hippocampus (injured area) were analyzed for PDH content, and immunostained hippocampus sections were used to determine the severity of gliosis and PDH E1-∞ subunit. Results: Our data demonstrate that TBI causes a significant reduction in PDH enzyme, disrupt-acid-base balance and increase oxidative stress in blood. Also, lower PDH enzyme in blood is related to the increased gliosis and loss of its PDH E1-∞ subunit PDH in brain tissue, and these effects of TBI were prevented by pyruvate treatment. Conclusion: Lower PDH enzyme levels in blood are related to the global oxidative stress, increased gliosis in brain, and severity of brain injury following TBI. These effects can be prevented by pyruvate through the protection of PDH enzyme and its subunit E-1.
Wearable UHF antenna for squad area networks (SAN)

A body-worn, meandered flare dipole was presented for operation at UHF frequencies. Measurements and simulations provided reference for its performance and applicability. Some mounting options were discussed and additional configurations will be discussed at the conference. As is evident from the given patterns, the body-worn antenna is highly sensitive to its location and mounting. Moreover, considering the posture, clothing and human body variation it is clear that wearable antennas require a statistical approach for their analysis.
Multimode interference-based two-stage 1 /spl times/ 2 light splitter for compact photonic integrated circuits

A novel two-stage multimode interference 1 /spl times/ 2 light splitter is proposed and fabricated in indium phosphide. The new splitter design is shorter by as much as 50% than a standard multimode-interference light splitter with the same output waveguide spacing. It has low inherent loss of 0.29 dB, low excess loss of 1.5 dB over 80-nm range, and imbalance of less than 0.25 dB over 100 nm.
Streamflow Programming Model for Data Streaming in Scientific Workflows

Geo-sciences involve large-scale parallel models, high resolution real time data from highly asynchronous and heterogeneous sensor networks and instruments, and complex analysis and visualization tools. Scientific workflows are an accepted approach to executing sequences of tasks on scientists’ behalf during scientific investigation. Many geo-science workflows have the need to interact with sensors that produce large continuous streams of data, but programming models provided by scientific workflows are not equipped to handle continuous data streams. This paper proposes a framework that utilizes scientific workflow infrastructure and the benefits of complex event processing to compensate for the impedance mismatch between scientific workflows and continuous data streams. Further we propose and formalize new workflow semantics that would allow the users to not only incorporate stream in scientific workflow, but also make use of the functionalities provided by the complex event processing systems effective within the scientific workflows.
Interview: United Parcel Service's Director of Electronic Commerce, Alan Amling, on the opportunities and challenges of global electronic commerce

The development of global electronic commerce presents many opportunities as well as challenges for companies worldwide. Alan Amling, director of electronic commerce for United Parcel Service (UPS), discusses various aspects of electronic commerce, its global implications, and UPS's effort in enabling its global development. Mr. Amling emphasizes that the key success factor for e-commerce is building relationships with customers and suppliers. For companies engaging in global e-commerce, he suggests the importance of “Thinking Global, Acting Local.” Furthermore, Mr. Amling provides critical insights as to why UPS has been able to stay at the forefront in the development of e-commerce and how UPS is positioning itself to enhance global e-commerce's growth. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a potent and highly efficacious, yet slowly desensitizing CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist

1 The relationship of agonist efficacy to the rate of G protein-coupled receptor signaling desensitization is controversial. 2 Expressing inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRKs) in Xenopus oocytes, we have devised a signaling assay that clearly identifies CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists with low intrinsic efficacy. 3 In this assay, the synthetic CB1 agonists, AM411, AM782, AM1902, AM2233 and WIN55,212-2 and the endogenous cannabinoid, 2-arachidonoyl ester, were full agonists. 4 The synthetic CB1 agonist AM356 (methanandamide), the endogenous cannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl ether, and the phytocannabinoid, Delta9THC, were partial agonists. 5 The rate of desensitization of CB1 was independent of agonist efficacy. WIN55,212-2, AM782, AM1902, AM2233, and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol ester all desensitized quickly, with desensitization rates varying from 14% min(-1) to 10% min(-1). AM356, AM411, anandamide, and Delta9THC all desensitized considerably slower, at a rate of 5% min(-1). 6 Despite high potency and efficacy, AM411 desensitized as slowly as anandamide and Delta9THC. 7 CB1 agonist efficacy and rate of desensitization are not necessarily related.
Photodynamic therapy: first responses

During the irradiation of photosensitized cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated leading to a variety of effects including apoptosis and autophagy. These responses can occur within minutes after irradiation. Apoptosis is an irreversible pathway to death that can be triggered by release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Autophagy is a recycling process that can occur as a result of Bcl-2 photodamage or as a response to organelle disruption. We have reported that autophagy is associated with a 'shoulder' on the PDT dose-response curve. Although predominantly a survival pathway, autophagy can also play a role in cell death if cells attempt an excessive amount of recycling, beyond their ability to repair photodamage. Recent studies have been directed toward assessing the role of different ROS in the immediate response to PDT. While singlet oxygen is considered to be the major phototoxic ROS, it appears that catalase activity is also a determinant of the apoptotic response and that H2O2•OH can amplify the effects of singlet oxygen. An early response to PDT also involves inhibition of membrane trafficking systems related to the endocytic pathway. The extent and nature of these early responses appear to be among the determinants of subsequent tumor eradication.
Membership Opportunities in the Society of Pediatric Nurses

From the University of California, San Francisco, CA. Corresponding author. Mary E. Lynch, RN, MS, MPH, PNP, University of California, San Francisco, CA. E-mail: mary.lynch@nursing.ucsf.edu. 0882-5963/$ see front matter doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2008.01.001 WHY SHOULD YOU be a member of the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN)? To be an effective member, however, you must first consider your clinical practice focus. By becoming a pediatric nurse, you have made a serious professional practice commitment to provide health care for healthy or sick children and their families in various caregiving environments. Your clinical practice focus reflects individuals with a substantial health–illness trajectory that includes crucial health promotion interventions such as obesity prevention, pediatric critical care, and palliative/end-of-life care for dying children. Your population is dynamic not only in growth and development but also in the complexity of the unique health care needs that are experienced by infants, children, and adolescents. These young and vulnerable individuals are at risk for numerous health care challenges, which are also influenced by multiple socioeconomic factors that impact on their access to health care services and subsequent risk of experiencing health care disparities. Two examples of these complex pediatric health challenges include childhood obesity and childhood cancer. Approximately one third of all children and adolescents are overweight or obese (Ogden et al., 2006). These individuals are at greater risk for experiencing numerous health conditions including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, orthopedic problems, sleep apnea, and depression. However, overweight and obese children and adolescents are also more likely to experience adult health conditions at an earlier age including coronary artery disease, kidney failure,
Post-seismic reloading and temporal clustering on a single fault

SUMMARY Geological studies show evidence for temporal clustering of large earthquakes on individual fault systems. Since post-seismic deformation due to the inelastic rheology of the lithosphere may result in a variable loading rate on a fault throughout the interseismic period, it is reasonable to expect that the rheology of the non-seismogenic lower crust and mantle lithosphere may play a role in controlling earthquake recurrence times. We study this phenomenon using a 2-D, finite element method continuum model of the lithosphere containing a single strike-slip fault. This model builds on a previous study using a 1-D spring-dashpot-slider analogue of a single fault system to study the role of Maxwell viscoelastic relaxation in producing non-periodic earthquakes. In our 2-D model, the seismogenic portion of the fault slips when a predetermined yield stress is exceeded; stress accumulated on the seismogenic fault is shed to the viscoelastic layers below and recycled back to the seismogenic fault through viscoelastic relaxation. We find that random variation of the fault yield stress from one earthquake to the next can cause the earthquake sequence to be clustered; the amount of clustering depends on a non-dimensional number, W , called the Wallace number defined as the standard deviation of the randomly varied fault yield stress divided by the effective viscosity of the system times the tectonic loading rate. A new clustering metric based on the bimodal distribution of interseismic intervals allows us to investigate clustering behaviour of systems over a wide range of model parameters and those with multiple viscoelastic layers. For models with W > 1 clustering increases with increasing W , while those with W < 1 are unclustered, or quasi-periodic.
Effects of position in the uterus on fetal mortality and on response to trypan blue.

In a polytocous species such as the mouse, the relative position in the uterus that a fetus occupies may well have an effect upon the likelihood of normal development or indeed survival (Trasler, 1960; Woollam & Millen, 1962). It would seem desirable, therefore, especially since the mouse is so valuable a tool in studies of development (Gruneberg, 1963) and teratogenesis (Fave, 1964; Woollam, 1966), to learn as much as possible about the contribution of the uterine environment to embryonic development. It has been suggested that fetuses implanted in the portion of the uterine horn nearest the common uterus may have an increased tendency toward death or deformity when their dams are made anoxic experimentally during gestation (Woollam & Millen, 1962). These authors suggest that the variations in response to anoxia might be accounted for by differences in blood supply or different times of implantation in the different regions of the uterus.
Clinical Chemistry's 2016 Special Issue: Clinical Mass Spectrometry—Achieving Prominence in Laboratory Medicine

The January 2016 issue of Clinical Chemistry will highlight the rapid expansion of mass spectrometry into the clinical laboratory. Editors Thomas Annesley, Graham Cooks, David Herold, and Andrew Hoofnagle have selected authors to chronicle the past, analyze the present, and project the future of this important technology …
Use of external characteristics for rapid identification of gender of pocket gophers

Abstract. Pocket gophers are of great importance both for their function in ecological systems and for their impact on anthropogenic environments. Managing pocket gopher populations requires a fundamental understanding of population demographics, specifically sex ratios; yet quick and reliable techniques for visually identifying gender of pocket gophers are lacking. We developed a visual identification method based on external characteristics of genitalia and mammae that allows for rapid, yet correct assessment of gender in pocket gophers. This approach was particularly accurate (>99%) for visual identifications in the field. Our approach was also accurate (>98%) for frozen specimens, although care must be taken when identifying gender of frozen, immature pocket gophers. Although our results pertain specifically to Thomomys talpoides and Thomomys bottae, we believe that our methodology can be broadly applied to additional pocket gopher species.
Dynamical Response of a Metal Surface

The dynamical response of the electrons at or near a surface is intimately related to many of the chemical and physical properties of a surface. We have used various electron and photon spectroscopies to probe the dynamical response of the electrons in nearly free electron (NFE) metals. The NFE metals can be treated theoretically using interacting electron gas theories, so the experimental data can be used to evaluate various theoretical approximations. Existing theories were first tested in the bulk where the charge density gradient existing at or near the surface is not important. Experimental data for the quasiparticle band structure of Na (obtained from angle resolved photoemission) compared to theoretical calculations clearly indicate that the response of an electron gas must be treated beyond RPA type approximations. At the surface the wavelength and penetration depth of the longitudinal density waves created in response to an external field have been measured as a function of frequency using Second Harmonic Generation. The characteristics of these longitudinal fields do not agree with existing RPA type calculations. Finally we have measured the surface plasmon dispersion using inelastic electron scattering, and compared the measurements to developing theories.
Increased internalization of complement inhibitor CD59 may contribute to endothelial inflammation in obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH) during transient cessation of breathing, triples the risk for cardiovascular diseases. We used a phage display peptide library as an unbiased approach to investigate whether IH, which is specific to OSA, activates endothelial cells (ECs) in a distinctive manner. The target of a differentially bound peptide on ECs collected from OSA patients was identified as CD59, a major complement inhibitor that protects ECs from the membrane attack complex (MAC). A decreased proportion of CD59 is located on the EC surface in OSA patients compared with controls, suggesting reduced protection against complement attack. In vitro, IH promoted endothelial inflammation predominantly via augmented internalization of CD59 and consequent MAC deposition. Increased internalization of endothelial CD59 in IH appeared to be cholesterol-dependent and was reversed by statins in a CD59-dependent manner. These studies suggest that reduced complement inhibition may mediate endothelial inflammation and increase vascular risk in OSA patients.
Time for a Post-Mortem?: Business Professionals’ Perspectives on the Disillusionment of Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds (VWs) are powerful three-dimensional technologies where users can assume identities and interact with others. While designed as open-platforms for creativity, expression, and experimentation by recreational users, VWs were once lauded for their potential applications to business. Today, much of the business community has either moved on from the hype of VWs or struggles to understand whether value can be obtained by using VWs. This paper attempts to provide an understanding of these outcomes through the analysis of assessments written by 59 business professionals, who each spent an extended period of time in a popular VW during the peak of the hype. From these assessments, four broad perspectives on the value of VWs to organizations (or lack thereof) were identified, along with challenges facing use of VWs if they are to become more widely used within business.
Capcha as a Graphical Password A new Security Issues

many security primitives are based on hard mathematical problems. Using hard AI problems for security is emerging as an exciting new paradigm, but has been underexplored. In this paper, we present a new security primitive based on hard AI problems, namely, a novel family of graphical password systems built on top of Captcha technology, which we call Captcha as graphical passwords (CaRP). CaRP is both a Captcha and a graphical password scheme. CaRP addresses a number of security problems altogether, such as online guessing attacks, relay attacks, and, if combined with dual-view technologies, shoulder-surfing attacks. Notably, a CaRP password can be found only probabilistically by automatic online guessing attacks even if the password is in the search set.
Computational Micromechanics Analysis of the Effects of Interphase Regions and Bundle Packing on the Effective Electrical Properties of Carbon Nanotube-Polymer Nanocomposites

Computational micromechanics techniques are applied towards determining the effective electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube-polymer nanocomposites containing bundles of SWCNTs at a wide range of SWCNT volume fractions above and below the observed percolation concentrations. The model is applied for fully aligned nanotube bundle orientations in order to elucidated the relative impact of clustering and nanoscale effects on the effective electrical conductivity of nanocomposites. Nanocomposites consisting of aligned, well-dispersed and clustered/bundled SWCNTs are studied to indicate the influence of clustering on the effective electrical conductivity. A parametric study in terms of interphase thickness and interphase conductivity for both the well-dispersed and clustered arrangements is conducted to allow for the assessment of both the independent influence of the interphase layer and of the combined effects of clustering and interphase regions on the effective electrical conductivity of nanocomposites with aligned SWCNTs. The resulting nanocomposite electrical conductivities are discussed in terms of two mechanisms proposed in the literature for the low volume fraction electrical percolation observed in nanocomposites.
Developing the Discourse on Resilience: Climate Change Adaptation in the U.S. Ski Industry

We study the relationships between firm resilience, ecological environment resilience, and climate change in the western U.S. ski industry from 2001 to 2013. Drawing from the sensemaking literature...
Nuclear Raman Scattering of 10.38-MeV Photons by U 238 , Th 232 , and Bi 209

We have measured the differential cross sections for the elastic scattering of 10.83-MeV photons by U, Th, and Bi targets and for inelastic scattering to the first excited states of the residual nuclei over a range of scattering angles. The inelastic scattering is found to be significantly weaker than predicted by currently accepted models of the giant dipole resonance.
Blink Test to Establish Threshold for Reaction to Pain

How can the physician tell whether his patient really has severe pain or whether he is overreacting to a relatively mild painful stimulus? Measuring the length of time a patient can keep his eyes open without blinking gives a good indication of his threshold for reaction to pain. This technic has potential in helping the physician evaluate the patient's complaints and direct his treatment.
Assessing nonspecific T wave changes.

Many factors can produce T wave changes. To assess these changes in asymptomatic patients, the electrocardiogram should be repeated while the subject is in a fasting, resting, near-basal state and has not drunk coffee or smoked cigarettes. Changes persisting under these conditions in persons over 35 are associated with an increased incidence of heart disease.