cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phytoplankton Periodicity in an Urban Lake: Summit Lake, Akron, Ohio (USA)

ABSTRACT Summit Lake, a small (37.4 ha), shallow (Zm = 13 m), hypertrophic, and normally dimictic lake, received inflowing heated water in mid-June 1977 partly disrupting thermal stratification. The water column was well-mixed to depths 4–5 X the depth of the photic zone (2–2.5 m). Phytoplankton cell volumes ranged from 1 mm3/L in late winter to 100 mm3/L in spring, averaging 12 mm3/L following destratification. A prominent autumnal phytoplankton maximum failed to develop. One hundred thirty-two (132) species of phytoplankton were identified. A prominent spring peak of cyanobacteria, green algae, and diatoms was followed by predominantly non-heterocystous cyanobacteria, Oscillatoria prolifica, Microcystis aeruginosa, and Gomphosphaeria lacustris. The dominance of cyanobacteria can be attributed to their ability to maintain buoyancy and to conditions favoring their growth—e.g. a turbid photic zone with high levels of phosphorus and ammonia probably derived from sanitary sewage inflows.
Cellular injury induces activation of MAPK via P2Y receptors.

Wound healing is a complex process that involves cell communication, migration, proliferation, and changes in gene expression. One of the first events after injury is the rapid release of Ca2+ that propagates as a wave to neighboring cells (Klepeis et al. [2001]: J. Cell. Sci. 114:4185–4195). Our goal was to examine the signaling events induced by cellular injury and identify extracellular molecules that induce the activation of extracellular signal responsive kinase (ERK) (p42/44). In this study we demonstrated that injury induced ERK1/2 activation occurred within 2 min and was negligible by 15 min. Treatment of unwounded cells with wound media caused activation of ERK that could be inhibited by apyrase III. Stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF) did not mimic the injury response and it was not detected in the wound media. To identify the active component, size fractionation was performed and factor(s) less than 3 kDa that induced the release of Ca2+ and activation of ERK1/2 were identified. Activity was not altered by heat denaturation, incubation with proteinase K but it was lost by treatment with apyrase. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), uridine triphosphate (UTP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and uridine diphosphate (UDP) promoted activation by 2 min with similar profiles as that generated by injury. Preincubation with phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, inhibited activation that was induced by injury and/or nucleotides. Lack of activation by alpha-beta-methylATP (α, β-MeATP) and beta-gamma-methylATP (β, γ-MeATP) to purinergic (P)2X receptors further indicated that activation occurs via P2Y and not P2X purinergic receptors. These results indicate that injury-induced activation of ERK1/2 is mediated by a P2Y signaling pathway. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The influence of eye movements on a new type of apparent visual movement

When the sides of a contour triangle are sequentially presented, Ss report a sequential “flow” of brightness within the sides or a sequential “growth” of the sides. Modal report of this movement occurs in all three sides when the interside intervals are equal and 100 msec. Increasing the probability of contour scanning eye movements leads to an increase in this type of apparent visual movement.
Improved analytical chip thickness model for milling

In this paper an analytic expression for chip thickness in milling was formulated while considering the cycloidal motion of the teeth, runout, and uneven teeth spacing. In order to generalize the equation, the cutting parameters associated with milling (linear feed, tool rotational speed, and radius) were combined into a single, non-dimensional parameter. The new parameter allowed abstraction of the milling process and enabled selection of the maximum possible chip thickness in milling. Equations for entry and exit angles of a cut were also developed. The chip thickness values given by the new model were compared to prior models and showed lower error levels.
The protective and developmental varieties of liberal democracy: a difference in kind or degree?

Liberal democratic governments may differ in both their kind and degree of democracy. However, the literature too often conflates this distinction, hindering our ability to understand what kinds of governing structures are more democratic. To clarify this issue, the article examines two prominent contemporary models of democracy: developmental liberal democracy (DLD) and protective liberal democracy (PLD). While the former takes a ‘thicker’ approach to governance than the latter, conventional wisdom holds that these systems differ only in kind rather than degree. The article tests this assumption through an empirical comparison of electoral, legislative, and information-regulating institutions in two representative cases: Sweden and the United States. The empirical findings lead us to the conclusion that developmental liberal democracies represent not only a different kind, but also a deeper degree of democracy than protective liberal democracies. The implications for democracy promotion appear substantial.
THE REMOVAL OF TRIMETHYLAMINE OXIDE AND SOLUBLE PROTEIN FROM INTACT RED HAKE MUSCLE BY WASHING

Soaking red hake fillets in water (1:20) removes significant amounts of TMAO and water-soluble proteins from the exterior but not interior muscle layers. Scoring the muscle before soaking allowed these components to be removed from the muscle interior. The water uptake which occurred on soaking was increased after scoring. Changing the pH of the soak water had no effect on TMAO or protein removal, but there was inhibition of water uptake at pH 4.0. The addition of NaCl to the extracting solution did not affect TMAO removal but decreased both soluble protein loss and water uptake. The size and shape of the red hake fillets did not materially affect loss of TMAO or soluble protein, but water uptake was related to the surface area to volume ratio. A short-term wash or spray treatment also reduced TMAO and soluble protein contents in the exterior layers of the fillet.
Selecting an executive director.

This case study reports the experience of a new mental health organization in employing its first executive. The process helped educate board members, discouraged unreal expectations, and formed the basis for evaluating executive performance.
Monoclonal antibody to heparan sulfate from autoimmune tight skin (TSK) mice binds to the endothelial cell surface

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans have pleiotropic functions in the normal vasculature. Autoimmunity to heparan sulfate may play a role in vascular injury. In this study, monoclonal antibody (mb) 28C3–1 to heparan sulfate derived from autoimmune Tight skin (TSK) mice was investigated for its reactivity with endothelial cells. Mb 28C3–1 was previously demonstrated to inhibit the heparin-accelerated formation of antithrombin III-thrombin complexes. In the current studies it is shown that mAb 28C3–1 bound to heparan sulfate proteoglycan with the highest affinity in direct binding solid phase radioimmunoassay. Binding to the heparan sulfate was stronger than binding to the protein core, indicating that the primary epitope of 28C3–1 is the polysaccharide component. Using confocal fluorescent microscopy, mAb 28C3–1 was demonstrated to bind to the endothelial cell surface. Furthermore, treatment of endothelial cells with heparitinase abolished mAb 28C3–1 binding. These studies support the hypothesis that naturally o...
Systematic Doping Control of CVD Graphene Transistors with Functionalized Aromatic Self‐Assembled Monolayers

Recent reports have shown that self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) can induce doping effects in graphene transistors. However, a lack of understanding persists surrounding the quantitative relationship between SAM molecular design and its effects on graphene. In order to facilitate the fabrication of next-generation graphene-based devices it is important to reliably and predictably control the properties of graphene without negatively impacting its intrinsic high performance. In this study, SAMs with varying dipole magnitudes/directions are utilized and these values are directly correlated to changes in performance seen in graphene transistors. It is found that, by knowing the z-component of the SAM dipole, one can reliably predict the shift in graphene charge neutrality point after taking into account the influence of the metal electrodes (which also play a role in doping graphene). This relationship is verified through density functional theory and comprehensive device studies utilizing atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electrical characterization of graphene transistors. It is shown that properties of graphene transistors can be predictably controlled with SAMs when considering the total doping environment. Additionally, it is found that methylthio-terminated SAMs strongly interact with graphene allowing for a cleaner graphene transfer and enhanced charge mobility.
Growth performance of different breed crosses of chicks fed diets with different protein and energy sources

Six experiments (EXP) were conducted to evaluate growth performance of different breed crosses of broiler chicks fed diets containing soybean meal, soy protein isolate (SPI), soy protein concentrate (SPC), or rice and casein. Cornish x Plymouth Rock (C x PR; EXP 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6) or New Hampshire x Columbian (NH x C; EXP 2 and 4) cross chicks were used. The chicks were fed a corn-soybean meal (C-SBM) diet before allotment to treatment. The age of the chicks ranged from 5 to 9 d posthatching at the start of the EXP, and the assay periods ranged from 8 to 14 d. Initial weights were 194.9, 96.1, 102.1, 84.7 [84.1 (C x PR) or 85.3 (NH x C)], 101.8, and 145.1 g in EXP 1 to 6, respectively. A completely randomized design was used in all EXP, and treatments were replicated four to six times with four or five chicks each. All diets were formulated to meet the NRC nutrient requirements of chicks. In EXP 1 (C x PR male chicks) and EXP 2 (NH x C female chicks), gain and gain:feed (G:F) were greater (P < 0.01) in chicks fed the C-SBM diet compared with chicks fed diets containing SPI. In EXP 3, C x PR chicks were fed a C-SBM diet, a SPI-dextrose-cornstarch diet (dextrose:cornstarch, 1:1) formulated by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU) or a similar SPI diet (dextrose:cornstarch, 0.53:1) formulated by the University of Illinois (UI). Daily gain, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and G:F were increased (P < 0.01) in chicks fed the C-SBM diet relative to chicks fed the two SPI diets, and there were only minor differences between the two SPI diets. In EXP 4, the C x PR and NH x C male chicks were fed the same diets used in EXP 3. Daily gain and ADFI were greater in the C x PR and NH x C chicks fed the C-SBM diet relative to chicks fed the SPI diets (P < 0.01), but the increased average daily gain (ADG) and ADFI in chicks fed the C-SBM diet were much greater in the C x PR chicks (chick x C-SBM vs. SPI, P < 0.01). Daily gain, ADFI, and G:F were greater (P < 0.01) in C x PR chicks than in NH x C chicks. In EXP 5, ADG, ADFI, and G:F were greater (P < 0.04) in chicks fed the C-SBM diet compared with those fed a C-SPC diet. In EXP 6, C x PR chicks fed the C-SBM diet grew faster (P < 0.09) than those fed a rice and casein diet. Variable effects of diet on growth of chicks were affected by breed crosses of chicks.
Angiotensin II receptor-mediated calcium influx in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells.

The cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]i) response to angiotensin II (AII) in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells is characterized by an initial transient peak due to intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, followed by a sustained plateau phase that is dependent on Ca2+ entry from the extracellular fluid. In Fura-2 loaded cells, the calcium channel antagonists, nifedipine (1 microM) and verapamil (20 microM), only partially reduced the cytosolic calcium profile induced by AII. The dihydropyridine agonist, Bay K 8644, caused a moderate increase in [Ca2+]i when added in concentrations of 50-100 nM, but did not enhance the AII-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. These results indicate that most of the AII-stimulated Ca2+ influx is through channels that are insensitive to dihydropyridines and verapamil. In contrast, the inorganic Ca2+ channel blocker, LaCl3 (10 microM), inhibited the AII-induced plateau phase by more than 50%. The AII-induced Ca2+ signal was not affected by treatment with pertussis toxin (100-300 ng/ml for 12 h). The pri...
Ionization in rocket exhausts

Experimental studies, measuring the absorption of a focused beam of electromagnetic energy, are utilized to determine the electron distribution in the exhaust of rocket motors. Identified sources include thermal, shock, and afterburning ionization. Thermal ionization is frozen at or near the rocket-throat area. The nonequilibrium shock and afterburning ionization decrease rapidly with reduction in ambient pressure over the range of simulated altitudes studied. Attachment at the exhaust boundaries, and attachment to micron-sized particles when present in the exhaust stream, are the principal mechanisms for reduction in the total number of free electrons in the exhausts. Dilution by entrained air reduces the concentration of electrons in the stream until it provides sufficient cooling for attachment processes to control. Electron recombination is insignificant in reducing the electron concentration.
Legal issues in affirmative action policy development

Since 1964, public administrators in the United States have been faced with the challenge of providing discrimination-free employment opportunities. To attain this goal, many employers have instituted affirmative action programs but the legal status of these highly controversial programs is unclear. This article provides a concise overview of the legal issues in affirmative action programs. It analyzes recent statutory and case law developments in an effort to gain insight into the future of affirmative action programs.
Acute Infection with Epstein-Barr Virus Targets and Overwhelms the Peripheral Memory B-Cell Compartment with Resting, Latently Infected Cells

In this paper we demonstrate that during acute infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the peripheral blood fills up with latently infected, resting memory B cells to the point where up to 50% of all the memory cells may carry EBV. Despite this massive invasion of the memory compartment, the virus remains tightly restricted to memory cells, such that, in one donor, fewer than 1 in 10 4 infected cells were found in the naive compartment. We conclude that, even during acute infection, EBV persistence is tightly regulated. This result confirms the prediction that during the early phase of infection, before cellular immunity is effective, there is nothing to prevent amplification of the viral cycle of infection, differentiation, and reactivation, causing the peripheral memory compartment to fill up with latently infected cells. Subsequently, there is a rapid decline in infected cells for the first few weeks that approximates the decay in the cytotoxic-T-cell responses to viral replicative antigens. This phase is followed by a slower decline that, even by 1 year, had not reached a steady state. Therefore, EBV may approach but never reach a stable equilibrium.
Factors Contributing to Adverse Soft Tissue Reactions Due to the Use of Tartar Control Toothpastes: Report of a Case and Literature Review

Tetrasodium and/or tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (Ppi) is the anticalculus component of most tartar control dentifrices on the market today. While pyrophosphates alone are not responsible for hypersensitivity reactions, several modifications which may lead to adverse oral manifestations may occur when pyrophosphates are added to a dentifrice. First, tetrasodium pyrophosphate in a dentifrice forms a slightly alkaline solution upon oral use which could irritate oral membranes. Second, increased concentrations of flavoring agents, known to be sensitizers, are needed to mask the strong bitter taste of pyrophosphates. Third, increased concentrations of detergents, capable of producing hypersensitivity reactions, are necessary to allow the pyrophosphates to become soluble in the dentifrice. Fourth, a pre-existing condition of reduced salivary flow may augment hypersensitivity to tartar control toothpastes. While pyrophosphates have been approved as additives in dentifrices, these compounds along with the increased concentrations of flavorings and detergents and their higher intraoral alkalinity are strongly implicated as the causative factor in certain hypersensitivity reactions.
Ethics and Social Responsibility in Marketing: An Examination of the Ethical Evaluation of Advertising Strategies

Abstract Controversies over the ethical implications of advertising have existed since its creation. The purpose of this research is to examine the ethical judgments of advertising and marketing practitioners with an experimental design that manipulates three critical variables of interest: individual autonomy, consumer sovereignty, and the nature of the product. Respondents generally rated ads targeted at individuals who are not autonomous (mature) as less ethical than ads targeted at those who are perceived as autonomous. Similarly, ads targeted at those with low sovereignty were perceived as less ethical than ads aimed at consumers perceived to have high sovereignty. Finally, ads for harmful products were perceived to be less ethical than ads for nonharmful products. Thus, all three variables play a significant role in terms of the ethical judgments of ads.
News Releases, Market Integration, and Market Leadership

Using intraday data we examine the response of futures on the British Long Gilt (Gilt), the German Government Bond (Bund), the U.S. Treasury Bond (Bond), the Japanese Government Bond (JGB), and the Italian Government Bond (IGB) to the release of U.S. macroeconomic news. Bond, Gilt, and Bund futures respond strongly to the news releases. The response of JGB futures is less pronounced, and IGB futures display weak responses at best. The instruments take time to adjust to news in the announcements. Following the announcements, Bond futures exert a high degree of market leadership. Evidence of increasing market integration is also noted.
The Cryogenics of an MRI Demonstrator Based on HTS Technology With Minimum Coolant Inventory Technology

We introduce an advanced and optimized cryogenic cooling concept featuring minimum coolant inventory requirements for small high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets based on results obtained with an experimental model. Experience gained from these experiments led to a new design that will be experimentally verified by the end of this year. Winding of the HTS magnet has already begun and will be completed shortly. New components, current status and cryogenic scope of this new engineering model are described.
Renal cell carcinoma involving oral soft tissues.

Abstract A case of renal cell carcinoma metastasizing to the gingiva and tongue is reported. Although not a common neoplasm, renal cell carcinoma does have a relatively high predilection for jaw metastasis. Spread to the oral soft tissues is less frequent but is greater than would be anticipated from the incidence of the primary lesions.
Development and testing of a dynamic absorber with corrugated piezoelectric spring for vibration control and energy harvesting applications

Abstract Vibrational energy harvesting devices are often designed in a manner analogous to classical dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs). An electromechanical mass–spring system is devised so as to resonate at the frequency most dominant in the environmental vibration spectrum; the consequent device oscillation is converted to a electrical signal which is harnessed for immediate usage or as a charging mechanism for a battery. The DVA is likewise designed but with the intention of inducing substantial inertial influence upon a host structure for vibration control purposes, either to globally dampen the vibration of the main body or, in an undamped configuration to “absorb” the primary system vibration at a single frequency. This paper describes the development of an electromechanical mass–spring–damper which seeks to serve both goals of passive vibration control and energy harvesting. The device utilizes a piezoelectric film spring and a distributed mass layer so as to be suitable for the attenuation of surface vibrations and to convert a portion of the absorbed energy into electric power. The development and design of the device are presented and the results of realistic tests are provided to show both the potentials and the challenges encountered when attempting to superpose the goals of vibration control and energy harvesting.
A high resolution imaging susceptometer

A high-resolution, MicroSQUID (superconducting quantum interference device)-based susceptometer has been constructed for imaging the susceptibility distribution in diamagnetic and paramagnetic objects. The maximum available applied field, produced by the Helmholtz pair, is 300 mu T, which provides an adequate signal-to-noise ratio for common susceptible materials. The calculated variation in the applied field within 20 mm of the center is less than 0.1% of the field at the center. In a 100-Hz bandwidth, the minimum detectable susceptibility-induced field change, (limited by SQUID noise) is 3*10/sup -9/ of the applied field. The sensitivity of the system may be improved by increasing the applied field, for instance by incorporating a superconducting magnet into the magnetometer dewar, and by using lower-noise SQUIDs. >
miR-PREFeR: an accurate, fast and easy-to-use plant miRNA prediction tool using small RNA-Seq data

Summary Plant microRNA prediction tools that use small RNA-sequencing data are emerging quickly. These existing tools have at least one of the following problems: (i) high false-positive rate; (ii) long running time; (iii) work only for genomes in their databases; (iv) hard to install or use. We developed miR-PREFeR (miRNA PREdiction From small RNA-Seq data), which uses expression patterns of miRNA and follows the criteria for plant microRNA annotation to accurately predict plant miRNAs from one or more small RNA-Seq data samples of the same species. We tested miR-PREFeR on several plant species. The results show that miR-PREFeR is sensitive, accurate, fast and has low-memory footprint. Availability and implementation https://github.com/hangelwen/miR-PREFeR
Ontologies for the Semantic Web

Over approximately the last decade, the extraordinary and explosive growth of the Internet has dramatically altered our perception of computing. The amount of information available at the click of a mouse button is immense, and oftentimes unmanageable. There is a requirement for approaches to bring order to chaos, to organize information so that it provides value and meaning, and to answer questions hitherto considered impossible to answer. This is precisely where ontologies play a role. Ontologies restore order to chaotic collections of data by neatly and systematically arranging and classifying data into meaningful hierarchies, and by enabling the merging of dissimilar and seemingly disparate sources of information, thus producing answers to complex queries.
Wearable ultra-wideband half-disk antennas

We investigate the feasibility of ultra-wideband half-disk structures as wearable antennas for indoor and outdoor applications of ultra-wideband bodyworn devices (3.1-10.6 GHz). First, we characterize camouflage cloth in terms of relative permittivity and loss tangent. Then, based on the estimated substrate information, we design wearable half-disk antennas and compare the performance of solid copper and woven versions in the frequency and time domains.
Oxidation-specific epitopes and immunological responses: Translational biotheranostic implications for atherosclerosis

Oxidation-specific epitopes (OSE), present on oxidized LDL (OxLDL), apoptotic cells, cell debris and modified proteins in the vessel wall, accumulate in response to hypercholesterolemia, and generate potent pro-inflammatory, disease-specific antigens. They represent an important class of ‘danger associated molecular patterns’ (DAMPs), against which a concerted innate immune response is directed. OSE are recognized by innate ‘pattern recognition receptors’, such as scavenger receptors present on dendritic cells and monocyte/macrophages, as well as by innate proteins, such as IgM natural antibodies and soluble proteins, such as C-reactive protein and complement factor H. These innate immune responses provide a first line of defense against atherosclerosis-specific DAMPs, and engage adaptive immune responses, provided by T and B-2 cells, which provide a more specific and definitive response. Such immune responses are ordinarily directed to remove foreign pathogens, such as those found on microbial pathogens, but when persistent or maladaptive, lead to host damage. In this context, atherosclerosis can be considered as a systemic chronic inflammatory disease initiated by the accumulation of OSE type DAMPs and perpetuated by maladaptive response of the innate and adaptive immune system. Understanding this paradigm leads to new approaches to defining cardiovascular risk and suggests new modes of therapy. Therefore, OSE have become potential targets of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Human and murine OSE-targeting antibodies have been developed and are now being used as biomarkers in human studies and experimentally in translational applications of non-invasive molecular imaging of oxidation-rich plaques and immunotherapeutics.
Survey Interviewees as Witnesses

This is one section of an article, "The Uniqueness of Survey Evidence," which is published in the winter issue of the Cornell Law Quarterly.* That article-a detailed analysis of all legal aspects of the problem-grew out of discussions at the annual conference of AAPOR. The Editor of POQ is pleased to help inaugurate herewith a program of simultaneous publications in the fields of law and social science. The numbering of the footnotes in the full article is retained to avoid confusion in references to them elsewhere. A few minor changes have been made in the text. Hans Zeisel is Professor of Law and Sociology at the Law School of the University of Chicago, where he is associated with a long-range study of the jury system. He has also held several posts in commercial research and is a past-president of the Market Research Council.
Cornea derived neutrophil chemotactic factors: intracellular synthesis and release.

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the release of neutrophil chemotactic factors (NCF) from isolated corneas following hydrogen peroxide stimulation requires specific intracellular synthesis. For these studies, the epithelial surfaces of isolated rabbit corneas were preincubated with various inhibitors of protein synthesis (cycloheximide, 10 μg/ml, and puromycin, 50 μg/ml) and transcription (actinomycin D, μg/ml) for 60 min prior to exposure of the corneas to glucose (G, 1 mg/ml) and glucose oxidase (GO, 20 U/ml) for 6 h at 37°C. All three inhibitors decreased the levels of NCF recovered in the extracorneal fluids by 80–98%, suggesting that peroxide acts to upregulate NCF production at both the transcription and translation levels. When corneas were incubated with G/GO for 6 h at 12°C or 4°C instead of 37°C, a reduction in the levels of NCF recovered in the supernatants was noted at 12°C (46–91% inhibition) and at 4°C (67–96% inhibition), suggesting that the synthesis of NCF at col...
The Investigation of Cerium as a Cathodic Inhibitor for Aluminum‐Copper Alloys

In situ current density mapping, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to study the effects of cerium as a corrosion inhibitor for an aluminum copper alloy (Al 2024-T4) in chloride containing solutions. It was found that cerium inhibits corrosion of this alloy by reducing the rate of the cathodic reaction. This was due to the formation of cerium-rich films over copper containing intermetallics which act as local cathodic sites. Results from tests carried out on an aluminum/copper galvanic couple, which was used to simulate the electrochemical behavior of the copper containing intermetallics, showed that corrosion inhibition was associated with the formation of a Ce-rich film over the copper in agreement with that observed for the alloy.
The Canon Debate, Knowledge Construction, and Multicultural Education

I review the debate over multicultural education in this article, state that all knowledge reflects the values and interests of its creators, and illustrate how the debate between the multiculturalists and the Western traditionalists is rooted in their conflicting conceptions about the nature of knowledge and their divergent political and social interests. I present a typology that describes five types of knowledge and contend that each type should be a part of the school, college, and university curriculum.
Performance Guarantees for Information Theoretic Sensor Resource Management

Many estimation problems involve sensors which can be actively controlled to alter the information received and utilized in the underlying inference task. In this paper, we discuss performance guarantees for heuristic algorithms for adaptive sensor control in sequential estimation problems, where the inference criterion is mutual information. We also demonstrate the performance of our tighter online computable performance guarantees through computational simulations. The guarantees may be applied to other estimation criteria including the Cramer-Rao bound.
Work in progress — Studies on selecting successful design teams

The Oregon Institute of Technology [OIT] is the only public institute of technology in the Pacific Northwest. OIT offers degree programs in engineering, management, communications, health technology, and applied science. OIT's Computer Systems Engineering Technology [CSET] Department uses a sequence of three quarter-length senior project classes to meet ABET-TAC capstone design requirements. Due to a lack of student preparation for this senior project class sequence, an additional set of three quarter-length pre-requisite classes, junior project, was added. Both of these classes feature complex programmable digital logic circuit designs based on current VLSI technology. The junior project class is based on team projects and the success or failure of the students is influenced by both the quality of the faculty proctor's direction and the excellence of the social dynamics of the students' teamwork. This paper presents a paradigm for a conflict resolution scheme based on allowing the team members to fire a non-performing colleague in certain circumstances.
An autosome-wide search using longitudinal data for loci linked to type 2 diabetes progression

A genome-wide screen was conducted for type 2 diabetes progression genes using measures of elevated fasting glucose levels as quantitative traits from the offspring enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study. We analyzed young (20–34 years) and old (≥ 35 years) subjects separately, using single-point and multipoint sibpair analysis, because of the possible differential impact of progression on the groups of interest. We observed significant linkage with change in fasting glucose levels on 1q25-32 (p = 5.21 × 10-8), 3p26.3-21.31 (p = 1 × 10-11), 8q23.1-24.13 (p = 2.94 × 10-6), 9p24.1-21.3 (p = 7 × 10-7), and 18p11.31-q22.1 (p < 10-11). The evidence for linkage on chromosomes 8 and 18 was consistent for the subset of study participants aged 43 through 55 years.
A Convenient New Route to Tetradentate and Pentadentate Macrocyclic Tetraamide Ligands

A crucial diamide diamine intermediate in the synthesis of tetradentate macrocyclic tetraamide ligands protected against oxidative decomposition has been synthesized without the use of potentially hazardous organic azide intermediates. This intermediate has also been used to synthesize a new class of pentadentate macrocyclic tetraamide ligands.
Activation Receptor-Induced Tolerance of Mature NK Cells In Vivo Requires Signaling through the Receptor and Is Reversible

NK cell responses are determined by signals received through activating and inhibitory cell surface receptors. Ly49H is an NK cell-specific activating receptor that accounts for the genetic resistance to murine CMV (MCMV). The Ly49H receptor has been shown to interact with two adaptor proteins (DAP12 and DAP10). In the context of MCMV infection, interaction of m157 (the MCMV-encoded ligand for Ly49H) with Ly49H results in activation of Ly49H-expressing NK cells. Chronic exposure of Ly49H with m157, however, induces tolerance in these same cells. The mechanism of this tolerance remains poorly understood. Using a transgenic mouse model, we demonstrate that induction of tolerance in Ly49H + NK cells by chronic exposure to m157, in vivo, requires signaling through the Ly49H adaptor protein DAP12, but not the DAP10 adaptor protein. Furthermore, mature Ly49H-expressing NK cells from wild-type mice can acquire a tolerant phenotype by 24 h posttransfer into a transgenic C57BL/6 mouse that expresses m157. The tolerant phenotype can be reversed, in vivo, if tolerant NK cells are transferred to mice that do not express the m157 protein. Thus, continuous activating receptor engagement can induce a transient tolerance in mature NK cells in vivo. These observations provide new insight into how activating receptor engagement shapes NK cell function and has important implications in how NK cells respond to tumors and during chronic viral infection.
Are Male Employees Promoted More Often Than Females Who Are Just As Qualified

The purpose of this research is to determine if males are promoted faster than females who are equally qualified. Statistics based on empirical studies have shown that from the number of students who have pursued degrees from the undergraduate level to the master’s level, females outnumber males by far. One can therefore only conclude (all things being equal) that academically there are more qualified females than males in the workplace. However when you look on companies’ corporate websites, there are more males than females in top management positions. Data were collected from a sample of 130 professionals who varied by gender, age, education, work experience and minority or majority status. The results of this study demonstrate that gender discrimination is not a perceptual barrier in promotional opportunities. Implications for manager and employees are discussed.
Surface and thermodynamic characterization of conducting polymers by inverse gas chromatography: I. Polyaniline

Abstract The surface thermodynamic characteristics of both doped polyaniline (PANI-HEBSA) and the non-conducting form (PANI-EB) were investigated using inverse gas chromatography. Fourteen solutes were injected into two separate chromatographic columns containing PANI-EB and PANI-HEBSA. All solutes interacted strongly with the conducting form PANI-HEBSA; in particular, undecane and dodecane showed stronger interaction due to the increase of the dispersive forces. Methanol and ethanol showed stronger H-bonding with the conducting form than propanol and butanol. A curvature was observed for acetates and alcohols with a maximum of around 145 °C as an indication of a phase change from a semicrystalline to amorphous phase. Δ H 1 s value increased considerably (−3.35 to −46.44 kJ/mol) while the Δ H 1 s for the undoped PANI (PANI-EB) averaged about −0.03 kJ/mol. PANI-EB–alkane interaction parameters were measured and ranged from +0.40 to +1.50 (endothermic). However, PANI-HEBSA showed an exothermic behavior due to the polar surface (−1.50 to +1.2). Interaction parameters decreased as the temperature increased and are characteristic of the strong interaction. The dispersive surface energy of the non conducting PANI-EB ranged from 29.13 mJ/m 2 at 140 °C to 94.05 mJ/m 2 at 170 °C, while the surface energy of the conducting PANI-HEBSA showed higher values (150.24 mJ/m 2 at 80 °C to 74.27 mJ/m 2 at 130 °C). γ s d values for PANI-EB were found to be higher than expected. The trend of the γ s d change direction is also surprising and unexpected due to the thermal activation of the surface of the polymer and perhaps created some nano-pores resulting in an increase in surface energy of the non-conducting form.
20: Use of cefazolin for group b streptococcus prophylaxis in women allergic to penicillin without anaphylaxis

* Sepsis within 72 hours, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Need for supplemental oxygen, Intubation, Hypoglycemia, Death. Use of cefazolin for group b streptococcus prophylaxis in women allergic to penicillin without anaphylaxis V. Briody, C. Albright, B. Hughes Brown University, Providence, RI, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion of GBS-positive women with a history of penicillin allergy without anaphylaxis receiving appropriate intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of GBS-positive, penicillin-allergic women with singleton pregnancies delivering at term at a tertiary care academic center receiving intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis during labor. Those with a scheduled cesarean delivery were excluded. Primary outcome was the proportion of women who received appropriate antibiotic coverage, defined as Penicillin or Cefazolin. Secondary outcomes included performance of antibiotic sensitivity testing on vaginal and urinary GBS cultures and neonatal outcomes such as APGAR score, blood draws, antibiotic usage, length of hospital stay, and composite morbidity. RESULTS: Of 165 women reporting a penicillin allergy without anaphylaxis, 73 (44.2%) received an appropriate antibiotic (95% confidence interval, 36.9-51.9%) and 92 (55.8%) received an inappropriate antibiotic. Of those receiving an inappropriate antibiotic, 60.9% were given Clindamycin, 1.1% Erythromycin, and 38.0% Vancomycin. Women reporting rash as a penicillin reaction were more likely to receive Cefazolin than another antibiotic (60.3 versus 26.1%, respectively; p<0.001), while women whose reaction was not documented were less likely to receive Cefazolin (23.3 versus 65.2%, respectively; p<0.001). 20.7% of those who had GBS bacteriuria had sensitivity testing performed, compared to 61.7% of those who had vaginal colonization (p<0.001). Of 57 women receiving Clindamycin or Erythromycin, 35.1% (20) did not have sensitivities performed. In those who had sensitivity testing (n1⁄437), 18.9% (7) were not sensitive to both Clindamycin and Erythromycin. Among neonates whose mothers received appropriate versus inappropriate antibiotics, there was no difference in APGAR score, number of blood draws, antibiotic usage, length of hospital stay, or composite morbidity (Table). While not statistically significant, it is notable that 9.9% of neonates born to mothers who did not receive appropriate antibiotics underwent blood cultures versus 2.7% of neonates who were born to mothers who did receive appropriate antibiotics (p1⁄40.11). CONCLUSIONS:More than half of women allergic to penicillin without anaphylaxis inappropriately received an antibiotic other than Penicillin or Cefazolin as intrapartum prophylaxis, indicating poor adherence to national guidelines.
Recoil radiation damage following coulomb excitation

Coulomb excitation by 6-MeV alpha particles has been used to produce excited states of Hf178, Hf180, Hf177, W182, W183, W184, and W186. The Mossbauer effect of hafnium in several refractory hafnium compounds and of tungsten in tungsten metal has been observed. In all experiments, anomalous hyperfine structure or line broadening was observed. Simultaneous measurements of the absorber thickness dependence of Mossbauer spectra of the even-even isotopes of tungsten have yielded the narrowest sources yet reported for W184 and W186. Although the observed spectra for W186 are narrower than what is expected from electronic lifetime measurements, it is likely that broadened lines have been observed. The anomalous hyperfine structure and line broadening are interpreted to be the result of radiation damage produced by replacement collisions made by excited nuclei. In all cases, the anomalous structure can be interpreted as electric quadrupole interactions.
The Music of the Living-Dead

E. T. A. Hoffmann’s stories often present musical instruments as ‘living-dead things’, that is, their status becomes ambiguous when they merge with a performer’s body or when they externalize the movements of an individual’s inner being. This article considers the wider implications of this characterization for the uncanniness of music in early nineteenth-century German culture. The first half focuses on aesthetic theories (Wackenroder, Herder, and Hegel) that support fantastical literary thematizations of the living-dead instrument (Korner and Hoffmann). The second half turns to three musical representations of the living-dead instrument: Conradin Kreutzer’s ‘Der todte Fagott’, Robert Schumann’s ‘Die wandelnde Glocke’, and Franz Schubert’s ‘Der Leiermann’. In these lieder, an instrument briefly becomes animate and its sound is understood as the voice of a character. While literary works present the living-dead condition of instruments as an accepted though fantastical reality, these lieder render the status of the instrument more ambiguous. Clouded by the interactions of layers of musical discourse and the unreliable perceptions of the protagonists, the songs accommodate the simultaneous possibility of the instrument as both living being and dead mechanism.
Exercise and hypertension

Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. In this article the authors review the use of physical activity as therapy for elevated blood pressure and explore the hemodynamic effects of exercise among patients with treated and untreated hypertension. Recommendations concerning the use of exercise in the management of hypertension are outlined.
Determinants of the so-called prothrombin time.

SummaryIn analysed systems representing artificially reconstituted plasmas of known composition with respect to prothrombin. (pro)convertin, and AcG. One-stage clotting-times with Ca-thromboplastin, essentially in the manner of the “prothrombin time” (Quick) test, show: (1) prothrombin concentration is a major variable. (2) (pro) convertin concentration is a minor variable, which, except at very low(10) levels, affects the clotting-times significantly only at very low prothrombin levels. (3) High (pro)convertin levels, short of an unexplained inhibitory phenomenon (minor), do not compensate significantly for low levels of prothrombin or of AcG. (4) AcG levels are a major variable. (5) Excessively high (200-300% of'normal') AcG levels can compensate for moderately low prothrombin and proconvertin, causing the one-stage test to lose significance as a measure of these other two factors. (6) It seems valid to apply this last result to explain the normal “prothrombin time” (and lack of bleeding) in normal heal...
Nitrosamine Formation in Amine Scrubbing at Desorber Temperatures

Amine scrubbing is a thermodynamically efficient and industrially proven method for carbon capture, but amine solvents can nitrosate in the desorber, forming potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines. The kinetics of reactions involving nitrite and monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), methylethanolamine (MMEA), and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) were determined under desorber conditions. The nitrosations of MEA, DEA, and MMEA are first order in nitrite, carbamate species, and hydronium ion. Nitrosation of MDEA, a tertiary amine, is not catalyzed by the addition of CO2 since it cannot form a stable carbamate. Concentrated and CO2 loaded MEA was blended with low concentrations of N-(2-hydroxyethyl) glycine (HeGly), hydroxyethyl-ethylenediamine (HEEDA), and DEA, secondary amines common in MEA degradation. Nitrosamine yield was proportional to the concentration of secondary amine and was a function of CO2 loading and temperature. Blends of tertiary amines with piperazine (PZ) showed n-nitrosopiperazine (MNPZ) yields close to unity, validating the slow nitrosation rates hypothesized for tertiary amines. These results provide a useful tool for estimating nitrosamine accumulation over a range of amine solvents.
Modeling, System Identification and Linearization of Underwater Turbine Power Plant Dynamics

A suite of nonlinear dynamical simulations of in-stream hydrokinetic devices has been developed and this paper discussed the linearization of these models for control system development. One of these numerical simulations represents a small 3 meter rotor diameter, 35 kW turbine with fixed pitch blades, and the other a 20 meter, 700 kW turbine with variable pitch blades. Each turbine simulation can be operated to represent a bottom mounted tidal turbine or a moored ocean current turbine. These nonlinear dynamical models can serve as stepping stones toward control system design using linear or nonlinear, time or frequency-domain methodologies. A common step further toward controller synthesis is to obtain linearized models of the system dynamics. Towards this end, two linearization techniques are presented. The first is based straightforward analytical and numerical linearization of the full nonlinear state-space equations of the plant; this method has been applied for the underwater flight dynamics of the 700 kW plant. The second is a phenomenological system identification approach consisting of data analysis performed on time series obtained through simulations; it has been used to model the system of systems in the case of the 35 kW plant. In the first approach, the linearized model is valid for specific operating conditions around equilibrium values of the state variables. In the second approach, the plant dynamical model is used as a black-box in order to obtain the simulated response of the system to a variety of test input signals, like e.g. sinusoids of relatively small amplitudes and various frequencies superimposed to steady-state offsets; in effect, a phenomenological model is derived describing the plant dynamics. The outcomes of both approaches are assessed and several conclusions are drawn from the analysis.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Failure of transient progesterone deprivation to induce ova implantation in ovariectomized rats.

SummaryDaily injections of 4 mg progesterone caused a delay in implantation of ova in 50 rats ovariectomized on the third day of pregnancy. The day sperm were found in the vaginal smear was designated day 1 of pregnancy. This response was not altered by temporary withdrawal of progesterone on day 9, 9 and 10, or 13 of pregnancy. Nidation was subsequently induced in the same animals shortly after beginning daily injections of 1 μg estrone in combination with 4 mg progesterone. The number of rats with implantation sites and total number of sites in the experimental groups was not significantly different from corresponding control values. At autopsy 16 days after beginning estrone-progesterone treatment, embryo survival was significantly lower only when progesterone was deprived on day 9 of pregnancy.