cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On “small” privatization in the Russian Federation (1992 to first quarter of 1993)

Discusses the privatization of state enterprises in the Russian Federation since 1992. The enterprises scheduled to be sold to the public were to be small by volume of activities and included those producing and distributing consumer goods and services. This was called “small” privatization. Figure show Figure this process has been very slow and only certain branches of state property have been bought. Sales have been through auctions rather than conversion to joint‐stock companies.
Characterization of antigen-antibody interactions using single substitution analogs and mixture-based synthetic combinatorial libraries.

: In an effort to use monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as selective probes for early detection of breast cancer, the specificities of a number of antipeptide mAbs have been studied at the individual amino acid level using single substitution peptide analogs and peptide combinatorial libraries. In this study, the mapping results are presented for mAbl72-12A4, which was raised against the haptenic peptide LGSGAFGTIYKG(C), corresponding to residues 138–149 of the oncogene v-erbB. This peptide is homologous with a region in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human oncogene c-erbB-2, and contains the ATP binding motif that is common among protein kinases. The substitution profile of this interaction correlated well with the results from the screening of hexa- and decapeptide positional scanning libraries. Based on the results of this mAb's specificity for the antigenic determinant (-AFGTIYK-), proteins that have sequence homology were found from a database search of human sequences. Thirty-two unique peptide sequences, a majority of which was from protein kinases, were synthesized and tested for recognition by mAb 172–12A4. Eleven peptides had activities that differed from the original peptide by less than an order of magnitude, and the activities for 29 of the 32 (90%) could be accurately predicted based on the individual substitution analog results. While both epitope mapping approaches address the amino acid level of mAb specificity, positional scanning libraries offer an advantage of identifying the positional importance of each antigenic determinant residue without any prior knowledge of the mAb's specificity. The fine specificity mapping of peptide-specific mAbs using the synthetic tools illustrated here will be useful for the development of immunodiagnostics that detect cancer-related proteins in clinical samples.
Virtual exertions: A user interface combining visual information, kinesthetics and biofeedback for virtual object manipulation

Virtual Reality environments have the ability to present users with rich visual representations of simulated environments. However, means to interact with these types of illusions are generally unnatural in the sense that they do not match the methods humans use to grasp and move objects in the physical world. We demonstrate a system that enables users to interact with virtual objects with natural body movements by combining visual information, kinesthetics and biofeedback from electromyograms (EMG). Our method allows virtual objects to be grasped, moved and dropped through muscle exertion classification based on physical world masses. We show that users can consistently reproduce these calibrated exertions, allowing them to interface with objects in a novel way.
Comparison of the induction of rat glutathione S-transferase and fatty acid ethyl ester synthase activities.

Abstract Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) are formed following the administration of ethanol and have previously been associated with lexicological effects in animals and humans. It has been suggested that the enzyme responsible, FAEE synthase, has both structural and catalytic properties very similar to a glutathione S -transferase (GST). Since GSTs are inducible, their induction could be associated with enhanced FAEE formation and toxicity. In the present study, rats were administered β-naphthoflavone, phenobarbital, ethanol, or Aroclor 1254, and hepatic FAEE synthase and GST activities were measured. β-Naphthoflavone and ethanol did not induce either activity. Phenobarbital increased GST activity in the liver but not in lung or pancreas. Only Aroclor 1254, which increased GST activity in liver and pancreas, increased FAEE synthase activity and then only in the liver. Thus, in comparison with GST activity, FAEE synthase activity is very limited in its ability to be induced.
Second Law Analysis of Desiccant Cooling Systems

A second law analysis of constant pressure open cycle cooling systems was performed in order to assess the potential performance of desiccant cooling systems. The results yield upper bounds which are independent of the nature of the desiccant. Calculations carried out for a wide range of operating conditions show that the performance of these open cycle systems strongly depends on the humidity ratio. For ARI conditions, the reversible COP is about 4.66, and it approaches infinity at very low outdoor humidity ratios.
A model of the interaction between O2 and CO2 exchange and cardiopulmonary control in the duck.

Abstract A simple model was used to predict resting blood gases and ventilation of ducks at sea level and at altitude. Unique features of the gas exchange model were the use of (1) empirical hyperbolic equations to predict the CO 2 content of blood and plasma, (2) plasma CO 2 content and P CO 2 to predict the pH-dependent hemoglobin affinity for O 2 and (3) gas contents in the mass balance equations. We utilized literature data to describe ventilatory sensitivity to blood gases and the relation of arterial-venous oxygen content differences to blood flow. The model predicted values within 4% of observations.
Support for Corso's Hearing Loss Model Relating Aging and Noise Exposure

A brief review is provided of the variable ratio model [Corso, Audiology 1980;19:221-232] for partitioning the effects of age and noise exposure in cases of occupational hearing loss. Data are presented from Rosenhall, Pedersen, and Svanborg [Ear Hear 1990;11:257-263] which support the variable-ratio model. Suggestions are offered for the application of the model in medico-legal cases of permanent hearing damage due to excessive noise exposure.
Study of New Vibration Suppression Devices for Application to EHV Transmission Line Groundwires

Abstract Aeolian vibration of overhead groundwires is intense in transmission lines located in flat and windy areas; this easily leads to line failure as a result of material fatigue. To suppress the aeolian vibration of lines located in the Hexi corridor, new dampers and damping wires for groundwires were developed and configured, based upon analysis of the characteristics of aeolian vibration. Simulation tests were conducted according to the energy balance principle (EBP), and field vibration tests were also performed. The test results showed that the dampers meet the requirements of the prescribed standard. The efficiency of the vibration suppression of these new devices was verified, and the devices were successfully applied to 750 kV transmission lines. These new types of vibration suppression devices offer easy installation, slip resistance, and a satisfactory vibration suppression effect, so they can be widely used in future transmission line projects.
Instructional Design Project Success Indicators: An Empirical Basis

Instructional design and development (ID) projects are undertaken every day, with project stakeholders attempting to concentrate their efforts and resources on the factors leading to a successful project. What are the factors that contribute to ID project success? Are they equally important to all stakeholders in an ID project? This article addresses these questions regarding ID project success.
Applications of monitoring platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonism and low molecular weight heparins in cardiovascular medicine

With the addition of more potent antiplatelet and antithrombin therapies to the armamentarium of the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary interventions, monitoring these therapies has become an important interest. Current and evolving technologies to monitor the extent of inhibition of platelet aggregation and activity of factor Xa caused by IIb/IIIa antagonists and low-molecular-weight heparin, respectively, will be covered in this overview. An underlying question to be considered is whether the results generated from monitoring will effect a change that will improve the efficacy (prevent thrombotic events) or reduce adverse events (bleeding) from these potent therapies.
Changes in left atrioventricular valve geometry after surgical repair of complete atrioventricular canal

Objective The most common reason for late surgical reintervention after repair of complete atrioventricular canal defects is the development of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation. We sought to determine the changes in left atrioventricular valve geometry after surgical repair that may predispose to regurgitation. Methods Atrioventricular valve measurements were obtained by 2-dimensional echocardiography at 3 different time points (preoperative, early postoperative, and midterm postoperative [6–12 months]). Left atrioventricular valve annulus area and left ventricular volume were calculated; vena contracta of the regurgitant jet orifice was measured. All measurements were normalized relative to an appropriate power of body surface area. Results From January 2000 to January 2008, 101 patients with complete atrioventricular canal repair were included. Left atrioventricular valve annulus was noted to remodel from an elliptical shape to a circular shape after surgery. Left atrioventricular valve annulus area increased early postoperatively (systole: 4.1 ± 0.2 cm 2 /m 2 vs 6.1 ± 0.3 cm 2 /m 2 , P 001; diastole: 7.2 ± 0.4 cm 2 /m 2 vs 10.0 ± 0.5 cm 2 /m 2 , P 001, pre- vs postoperative, respectively). This increase was sustained in the midterm postoperative period (systole: 6.1 ± 0.3 cm 2 /m 2 , P = .85, vs diastole: 10.0 ± 0.4 cm 2 /m 2 , P = .78, early vs midterm postoperative). Left ventricular volume increased in the early and midterm postoperative periods compared with preoperative (systole: 16.9 ± 1.2 mL/m 2 vs 26.2 ± 1.7 mL/m 2 , P 001; diastole: 35.0 ± 2.4 mL/m 2 vs 52.5 ± 3.2 mL/m 2 , P 001). Conclusions Complete atrioventricular canal repair leads to left atrioventricular valve annular shape change with increased area and circular shape. The change in left atrioventricular valve annulus shape appeared to be mainly due to increased circumference in the posterior free wall of the annulus. These findings may provide a mechanism for the progression of central regurgitation seen after complete atrioventricular canal repair and a potential solution.
Associations between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-related exposures and p53 mutations in breast tumors.

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be associated with breast cancer. However, the carcinogenicity of PAHs on the human breast remains unclear...
Diazepam-sensitive GABAA receptors in the NTS participate in cardiovascular control

The present study employed neuropharmacological and receptor binding protocols to determine if diazepam-sensitive (DS) gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA(A)) receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) participate in autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function. The first set of protocols was designed to determine if GABA(A) receptors in the NTS were functionally modulated by the benzodiazepine agonist, diazepam. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate responses to microinjection of GABAergic substances into the NTS were examined in urethane-anesthetized rats. Microinjection of the GABA(A) agonist isoguvacine into the NTS increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate, and these effects were blocked by the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline. Preadministration of diazepam into the NTS potentiated the pressor actions of isoguvacine and had variable effects on heart rate changes. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, blocked the diazepam-induced potentiation of the pressor response to isoguvacine. The second protocol employed receptor autoradiography to examine the presence of DS and diazepam-insensitive (DI) GABA(A) receptors in the NTS. Autoradiography confirmed that DS GABA(A) receptors were present in the NTS; however, no measurable levels of DI GABA(A) receptors were detected. We conclude that GABA(A)-mediated integration of central autonomic control in the NTS is mediated solely by DS GABA(A) receptors.
Fabrication and Demonstration of 1 kW Class SOFC Stack and System for Residential Power Generation Application

The planar type 1 kW class solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack using metallic interconnects such as ferritic stainless steel has been developed for application in a residential power generation system. For the intermediate temperature operation of the SOFC, a higher performance of anode-supported single cells of 10 × 10 cm 2 with a thin electrolyte layer of yttria-stabilized zirconia were fabricated by slurry coating, and their performances were improved by a microstructure-controlled anode substrate and by introducing alternative cathode materials. The thicknesses of the electrolyte and the cathode layers were about 20 μm and 40 μm, respectively. I-V and ac impedance characteristics of single cells were evaluated at an intermediate temperature (650-800°C) by using hydrogen gas as fuel. The maximum power density of the 10 × 10 cm 2 anode-supported cells was about 0.32 W/cm 2 at 750°C and 0.2 W/cm 2 at 650°C. In this work a 1 kW class SOFC stack composed of 37 cells (10 × 10 cm 2 ) was successfully manufactured and a SOFC system with balance of plant (BOP) (reformer, heat exchanger, catalytic burner, etc.) integrated for combined heat and power. The system designed for power generation by using a natural gas as fuel can concurrently produce electricity at a SOFC stack and hot water from recuperating heat. The system showed a maximum dc output of 1.3 kW e . Detailed status and experimental results of the 1 kW SOFC system will be discussed in this paper.
Market share and ROI: Observing the effect of unobserved variables

Abstract Unobserved variables correlated with market share are largely responsible for the high profitability of market share leaders; yet, very little is known about these unobserved variables. The objective of this paper is to empirically determine the cost/sales ratios through which unobserved variables affect profitability, and to use this information to identify specific unobserved variables. We find that firm-specific unobserved variables, generally called `management skill' in the literature, decrease the purchase costs/sales ratio much more than they do any other costs/sales ratio. This finding allows us to identify three specific `skills' utilized by market share leaders—(i) exploiting product/process efficiencies; (ii) negotiating better supplier discounts; and (iii) vertically integrating or developing strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
In Vivo Tracking of Streptococcal Infections of Subcutaneous Origin in a Murine Model

Generation of plasmin in vivo by Streptococcus pyogenes is thought to localize the active protease complexes to the pathogen surface to aid in tissue dissemination. Here, we chose to follow cutaneous streptococcal infections by the use of non-invasive bioluminescence imaging to determine if this pathogen can be followed by this approach and the extent of bacterial spread in the absence of canonical plasminogen activation by streptokinase. Mice were injected subcutaneously with either bioluminescent strains of streptococci, namely Xen20 and Xen10 or S. pyogenes ALAB49. Bioluminescence imaging was performed daily and results were correlated with microbiological and histological analyses. Comparative analysis of chronologic non-invasive datasets indicated that Xen20 did not disseminate from the initial infection site. Contrary to this, microbiological and histological analyses of Xen20 mice for total bacterial burden indicated sepsis and widespread pathogen involvement. The use of bioluminescence in microbe-based studies requires genomic and pathologic characterization to correlate imaging results with underlying pathology.
Measuring Marital Satisfaction: A Comparison of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Satisfaction with Married Life Scale

Marital satisfaction has been psychometrically measured using many different instruments not soundly based on theory. The Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), consisting of 14 items, is commonly accepted by researchers and practitioners to measure marital satisfaction but was not specifically designed to measure marital satisfaction. The Satisfaction with Married Life Scale (SWML), consisting of five items, is a short scale specifically targeted toward measuring marital satisfaction. An online sample collected from 1,187 couples throughout the United States was used to compare these instruments' correlation (r = .782), factor structures, reliability (SWML, α = .958; RDAS, α = .943), theoretical foundation, and validity. These instruments are on parity with each other when measuring marital satisfaction; however, each instrument yields implications for practitioners and researchers desiring to measure marital satisfaction.
Is a 1.90 Å C–C bond length in polymeric fullerides possible?

Abstract The very long C–C intrafullerene bond distance of r long =1.90(15) A in RbC 60 polymeric fulleride observed by Stephens et al. is unprecedented. Large scale full geometry optimizations using non-local density functional theory on C 120 , C 120 2− , C 120 6− , as well as on the model dinaphthalene dimer were performed in exploring the potential energy surface along the long C–C bond in question. For neutral C 120 , r long should be close to 1.61 A, a value that is in agreement with the experimental value for the C 120 buckyball dimer and is close to the lower limit of the Stephens C–C value.
Integration of digital signal processing technologies with pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract The integration of modern data acquisition and digital signal processing (DSP) technologies with Fourier transform electron paramagnetic resonance (FT-EPR) imaging at radiofrequencies (RF) is described. The FT-EPR system operates at a Larmor frequency ( L f ) of 300 MHz to facilitate in vivo studies. This relatively low frequency L f , in conjunction with our ∼10 MHz signal bandwidth, enables the use of direct free induction decay time-locked subsampling (TLSS). This particular technique provides advantages by eliminating the traditional analog intermediate frequency downconversion stage along with the corresponding noise sources. TLSS also results in manageable sample rates that facilitate the design of DSP-based data acquisition and image processing platforms. More specifically, we utilize a high-speed field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a DSP processor to perform advanced real-time signal and image processing. The migration to a DSP-based configuration offers the benefits of improved EPR system performance, as well as increased adaptability to various EPR system configurations (i.e., software configurable systems instead of hardware reconfigurations). The required modifications to the FT-EPR system design are described, with focus on the addition of DSP technologies including the application-specific hardware, software, and firmware developed for the FPGA and DSP processor. The first results of using real-time DSP technologies in conjunction with direct detection bandpass sampling to implement EPR imaging at RF frequencies are presented.
A national study of intimate partner violence risk among female caregivers involved in the child welfare system: The role of nativity, acculturation, and legal status.

Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is a well-known risk for child maltreatment, little is known if the prevalence of and risk factors for IPV differ among US-born and foreign-born families involved with Child Protective Services. Data came from a new cohort of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II (NSCAW II), a national probability study of children reported for child abuse and neglect. The study sample was restricted to female caregivers whose children remained in the home following an investigation (N=2,210). Caregiver self-report information was used to measure physical form of IPV during the past 12 months. The study results revealed no significant differences in IPV victimization rates between foreign-born and US-born caregivers both bivariately and while controlling for key socio-demographic and psychosocial functioning characteristics as well as family needs. Common risk factors for both population groups included caregiver's young age, depression, high family stress and low social support. Additionally, foreign-born caregivers were more likely to experience IPV when there was high neighborhood stress and intimate partner was absent while Hispanic ethnicity, higher education, problematic substance use, and difficulty with paying for basic necessities predicted IPV among US-born caregivers. Neither legal status nor acculturation indicators were significantly associated with IPV victimization for foreign-born. FINDINGS indicate that IPV remains a significant problem for child welfare-involved caregivers and warrant effective screening, identification and prevention. Language: en
Spatial voting with data modeling for behavior based tracking and discrimination of human from fauna from GMTI radar tracks

We introduce a novel method of using ground track indicators in conjunction with our Spatial Voting (SV) algorithm and data fusing Data Models to distinguish target types from motion signatures alone. We simulate 3 different types of behaviors: rabbit, coyote, and human. We then apply SV to combine individual position reports obtained via radar track indicators into object tracks that are then characterized using the methods shown in this paper. The features obtained from this characterization are then used as input into a Data Model equation classifier or a look-up table classifier to label the track behavior as either rabbit, coyote, or human. Our results and methods show promise and are presented here.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Large deformation dynamic plasticity at an elastic-plastic interface

Abstract T he diffraction grating measurements of finite strain nonlinear wave fronts are described for elastic-plastic interface experiments. Close agreement with theoretical prediction on both sides of the interface is shown to exist when the non-viscous finite deformation parabolic stress-strain runction for annealed polycrystalline aluminium is introduced into the finite amplitude wave theory of Taylor, von Karman and Rakhmatulin, and into the nonlinear unloading wave theory of Lee. Dynamic studies of interface lubrication, of Pochhammer-Chree oscillations in the hard bar, and of variations in the mode of unloading are included providing detailed experimental correlation with theory under these varied conditions. Diffraction grating surface-angle measurements in the elastic-plastic interface experiment are shown to provide a detailed demonstration that the nonlinear finite amplitude wave fronts are one-dimensional extending across the entire specimen diameter. These measurements also have demonstrated experimentally that finite amplitude wave propagation in dynamic plasticity is an incompressible distortional deformation.
Modeling Canopy Photosynthesis: Scaling up from a Leaf to Canopy in a Temperate Grassland Ecosystem

Abstract A biochemical model of leaf photosynthesis, in conjunction with a stomatal conductance model, was applied to C 4 tallgrass species ( Andropogon gerardii, Sorghastrum nutans, Panicum virgatum ) in northeastern Kansas, USA. The modeled photosynthetic rates of individual leaves were scaled up to the canopy level using a simple canopy radiative transfer model. Comparisons with field measurements, using the micrometeorological eddy correlation technique, showed that the model simulated the magnitudes and the diurnal variations of canopy photosynthesis adequately under well-watered conditions. Although the model overestimated measured canopy photosynthesis by 4–7 μmol m −2 s −1 under moisture stress conditions (where 1 μ mol m −2 s −1 ≈ 0.044 mg m −2 s −1 ), it did seem to simulate the diurnal patterns (e.g. morning peak) realistically. Using similar scaling-up procedures, values of canopy stomatal conductance were also computed from the model. The modeled canopy stomatal conductance agreed with measured values reasonably well (within 0.2 mol m −2 s −1 , where 1 mol m −2 s −1 ≈ 0.0249 m s −1 when P = 100 kPa and T = 300°K, under well-watered conditions and within 0.05 mol m −2 s −1 under moisture stress conditions).
Acidification of formula with citric acid is equally effective and better tolerated than acidification with hydrochloric acid

Objective: To determine whether acidification of formula with citric acid is equally protective against bacterial translocation and gut colonization but better tolerated than acidification with hydrochloric acid in neonatal rabbits. Design: Paired animal model with control. Setting: Animal laboratory. Subjects: Premature neonatal New Zealand rabbit pups. Interventions: A standard neonatal rabbit model in two versions, a bacterial challenge and a no bacterial challenge model, was used to assess bacterial translocation and gut colonization. Two hundred forty-six rabbit pups were delivered by cesarean section 1 day premature and randomly placed into two groups sorted by type of formula acidification (hydrochloric acid or citric acid). Pups were gavage fed pH 3 kitten formula every 12 hrs. Ranitidine hydrochloride at 20 mg.kg -1 .day -1 was added to all formula. Bacterial challenge animals were given 1 x 10 6 colony-forming units/mL of Enterobacter cloacae with the third feeding. Animals in the no bacterial challenge group received no bacterial challenge. Animals were killed on day of life 3, and the liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and cecum were sequentially harvested and cultured. Organs were qualitatively judged for growth, whereas cecal cultures were quantified as colony-forming units/gram. Stomach biopsies were performed to look for mucosal damage. Long-term tolerance was assessed in 48 pups fed formula acidified to pH 3 with either hydrochloric acid or citric acid and 20 animals fed pH 7 formula without ranitidine. Weight gain and mortality rate were followed for 14 days. Measurements and Main Results: Gut colonization and bacterial translocation to liver, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes were equivalent between citric acid and hydrochloric acid in both bacterial challenge and no bacterial challenge models. Long term, citric acid animals exceeded hydrochloric acid animals in daily weight gain and survival (p <.05 for both) and equaled pH 7 animals in these measurements. Conclusion: Acidification of formula with citric acid is equally protective against bacteria but better tolerated than acidification with hydrochloric acid.
Extension of the Kibble-Slepian formula for Hermite polynomials using boson operator methods

The Kibble-Slepian formula expresses the exponential of a quadratic form Q(x) = x^tS(I + S)^-^1x, S^t = S, in n variables x = col(x"1,..., x"n) as a series of products of Hermite polynomials, thus generalizing Mehler's formula. This extension is restricted, however, to the case where the diagonal elements of the symmetric matrix S are all unity. We derive the general formula for an arbitrary symmetric matrix S, where I + S is positive definite, using techniques familiar from the boson operator treatment of the harmonic oscillator in quantum mechanics.
Mask blanks and their (sometimes invisible) defects

The ITRS roadmap for lithography aggressively shrinks many features on the mask from the critical dimension to the size of defect that must be eliminated. When a defect is larger than 30% of the minimum image size, it is considered detrimental to the mask performance. Unfortunately, the sensitivity of current inspection systems does not keep the pace dictated by ITRS for development work. The 65 nm node mask development teams are largely unaware of defects smaller than 90 nm. This gap only widens for NGL masks. The scarcity of high-sensitivity inspection systems is leaving many mask makers and their customers unsure of the impact, or even presence of, defects on the reticle. This paper will provide an analysis of mask blank defects using several different inspection systems with both low and high sensitivity levels. Defect sources from carriers and shipping will be explored. Finally, the likelihood of removing these particles once they have been lodged on the mask surface is discussed.
A cohort study of pesticide poisoning and depression in Colorado farm residents.

Purpose Depressive symptoms have been associated with pesticide poisoning among farmers in cross-sectional studies, but no longitudinal studies have assessed the long-term influence of poisoning on depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to describe the associations between pesticide poisoning and depressive symptoms in a cohort of farm residents. Methods Farm operators and their spouses were recruited in 1993 from farm truck registrations using stratified probability sampling. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale was used to evaluate depression in participants using generalized estimating equations. Baseline self-reported pesticide poisoning was the exposure of interest in longitudinal analyses. Results Pesticide poisoning was significantly associated with depression in three years of follow-up after adjusting for age, gender, and marital status (odds ratio [OR] 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–5.58). Depression remained elevated after adjusting for health, decreased income, and increased debt (OR 2.00; CI 0.91–4.39) and was primarily due to significant associations with the symptoms being bothered by things (OR 3.29; CI 1.95–5.55) and feeling everything was an effort (OR 1.93; CI 1.14–3.27). Conclusions Feeling bothered and that everything was an effort were persistently associated with a history of pesticide poisoning, supportive of the hypothesis that prolonged irritability may result from pesticide poisoning.
Oxygen transport and delivery in rabbits treated with cyanate.

Summary Oxygen transport, delivery and utilization were compared in normal and cyanate-treated rabbits made progressively more anemic by isovolemic replacement of blood by a buffered albumin solution. Oxygen delivery, consumption, and utilization did not differ significantly between the two groups of animals at packed cell volumes of over 20% to less than 5% despite the marked left shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve in the animals treated with cyanate. Since there was no evidence of tissue hypoxia in the latter group, it is concluded that tissue hypoxia will also not be seen in patients treated with smaller doses of sodium cyanate.
Forwarding Redundancy in Opportunistic Mobile Networks: Investigation, Elimination and Exploitation

Opportunistic mobile networks consist of mobile devices which are intermittently connected via short-range radios. Forwarding in such networks relies on selecting relays to carry and deliver data to destinations upon opportunistic contacts. Due to the intermittent network connectivity, relays in current forwarding schemes are selected separately in a distributed manner. The contact capabilities of relays hence may overlap when they contact the same nodes and cause forwarding redundancy . This redundancy reduces the efficiency of resource utilization in the network, and may impair the forwarding performance if being unconsciously ignored. In this paper, based on investigation results on the characteristics of forwarding redundancy in realistic mobile networks, we propose methods to eliminate unnecessary forwarding redundancy and ensure efficient utilization of network resources. We first develop techniques to eliminate forwarding redundancy with global network information, and then improve these techniques to be operable in a fully distributed manner with limited network information. We furthermore propose adaptive forwarding strategy to intentionally control the amount of forwarding redundancy and satisfy the required forwarding performance with minimum cost. Extensive trace-driven evaluations show that our schemes effectively enhance forwarding performance with much lower cost.
G2, G3, and complete basis set calculations of the thermodynamic properties of cis- and trans-triazene

Following our recent study on triazane, we present a follow-up study on the thermodynamic properties of triazane’s unsaturated analog, triazene. We predict optimized structural parameters, vibrational frequencies, enthalpies of formation, enthalpies of combustion, specific enthalpies of combustion, and proton affinities. Our results indicate that the cis form of triazene has a specific enthalpy of combustion of −15.2 kJ g−1 and the trans form has a specific enthalpy of combustion of −14.7 kJ g−1.
Contact order, transition state placement and the refolding rates of single domain proteins

Theoretical studies have suggested relationships between the size, stability and topology of a protein fold and the rate and mechanisms by which it is achieved. The recent characterization of the refolding of a number of simple, single domain proteins has provided a means of testing these assertions. Our investigations have revealed statistically significant correlations between the average sequence separation between contacting residues in the native state and the rate and transition state placement of folding for a non-homologous set of simple, single domain proteins. These indicate that proteins featuring primarily sequence-local contacts tend to fold more rapidly and exhibit less compact folding transition states than those characterized by more non-local interactions. No significant relationship is apparent between protein length and folding rates, but a weak correlation is observed between length and the fraction of solvent-exposed surface area buried in the transition state. Anticipated strong relationships between equilibrium folding free energy and folding kinetics, or between chemical denaturant and temperature dependence-derived measures of transition state placement, are not apparent. The observed correlations are consistent with a model of protein folding in which the size and stability of the polypeptide segments organized in the transition state are largely independent of protein length, but are related to the topological complexity of the native state. The correlation between topological complexity and folding rates may reflect chain entropy contributions to the folding barrier.
Estimation of the permeability of cellulosic membranes from solute dimensions and diffusivities

Permeability data were obtained for commercial regenerated cellulose (Cuprophan PT–150) in isotonic saline at 37°C in a dual closed-loop dialysis cell. Eighteen radioactively labeled monodisperse solutes of widely differing chemical and physical properties, and ranging in molecular weight from 60 (urea) to 1355 (vitamin B12), were evaluated and the permeabilities of these solutes have been successfully correlated with various solute characteristics. Correlations were established between membrane mass transfer resistances (or effective membrane diffusivities) and:(1) characteristic molecular radii determined from both molal volume at normal boiling point (MVNBP) and hydrodynamic theory and (2) molecular diffusivities in saline. Membrane resistance data reported elsewhere for other cellulosic membranes were also found to correlate well with both MVNBP radii and liquid diffusivities. The correlations for Cuprophan have the following form: where Deff = effective membrane diffusivity (cm2/sec), r2 = MVNBP radius (A), and Ds is saline diffusivity (cm2/sec). Similar correlations were established for other membranes. It should be feasible to use these and similar correlations to predict membrane permeabilities (for a given membrane) from known solute characteristics without resorting to laboratory measurements. Membrane activation energies were also computed for eight solutes by measuring the variation in permeation rate through Cuprophan between 5 to 50°C. Unexpectedly, it was observed that the solute activation energies were not dominated by the activation energy of the membrane but revealed significant differences between solutes.
Nanostructural characterization of carbon nanofibers for on-chip interconnect applications with scanning transmission electron microscopy

Recent studies in the nanostructural characterization for on-chip interconnect using carbon nanofibers (CNFs) is presented. In this paper, we compare the resistance and structure between Ni and Pd-catalyzed CNFs, which show differing electrical properties. These samples are characterized with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Our analysis reveals the nanostructure of CNFs in detail. We also discuss the growth mechanisms of CNFs and the choice of catalyst materials used for interconnects development.
Funding Good Works: Funding Sources of Faith-Based Social Service Coalitions

Data from the first national study of faith-based social service coalitions ( n = 656) are used to achieve three goals. First, the authors describe their myriad funding sources. Second, they discuss their attitudes toward three major ones: government, foundations, and congregations. Third, they analyze organizational characteristics that correlate with funding sources. Given a paucity of empirical literature on faith-based agencies, the authors depend heavily on that pertaining to secular nonprofits to identify 13 predictor variables that might be related to two funding measures (logged dollars and budget percentage) for each of the four most important funding sources: government, foundations, religious organizations, and individual donors. Predictor variables fall into three clusters: attitudes toward funding source, organizational religiosity, and organizational structural features and activities. The complex findings indicate that dollar amounts and budget percentages are associated with predictor vari...
Radioautographic study of aortic plaque formation.

Radioautographic evidence using Ca45Cl2 is presented to demonstrate that the aorta has an inherent ability to bind calcium ion regardless of age, sex or species. The binding occurs primarily in the intima and is not homogeneously distributed. Experiments with boiled aorta suggest that the primary substance responsible is collagen. The binding of calcium by the aorta has a marked effect upon the stability of emulsions. A theory of arterial plaque formation is presented.
Effect of interpretive bias on research evidence

Doctors are being encouraged to improve their critical appraisal skills to make better use of medical research. But when using these skills, it is important to remember that interpretation of data is inevitably subjective and can itself result in bias.
On the Noether-Lefschetz Theorem and Some Remarks on Codimension-two Cycles

Here, "of general moduli" means that there is a countable union V of subvarieties of the space pN of surfaces of degree d in p3, such that the statement Pie(S) = Z holds for S ~ p N _ V. Noether, it would seem, stated this theorem but never completely proved it. Instead, he gave a plausibility argument, based on the following construction 1 : let ,~.g be the Hilbert scheme of curves of degree n and genus 9 in p3, l(gr3(d)l -~ IP N the space of surfaces of degree d in p3, and ZC~t~.,~• the incidence correspondence S. ,o ,a = ( (C, S) : C z S } .
TEXTAL: AI-based structural determination for X-ray protein crystallography

TEXTAL is a successfully deployed system for automated model-building in protein X-ray crystallography. It represents a novel solution to an important, complex real-world, problem using various AI and pattern recognition algorithms. TEXTAL takes a model-building approach based on real-space density pattern recognition, similar to how a human crystallographer would work. TEXTAL first tries to predict the coordinates of the alpha-carbon (C/spl alpha/) atoms in the protein's connected backbone using a neural network. It then analyzes the density patterns around each C/spl alpha/ atom and searches a database of previously solved structures for regions with similar patterns. TEXTAL determines the best match, retrieves the coordinates for that region, and fits them to the unknown density. TEXTAL concatenates these local models into a global model and subjects them to various subsequent refinements to produce a complete protein model automatically.
Pricing and Resource Allocation in a Cloud Computing Market

The problem is identified as a pricing driven virtual machine (VM) revenue maximization problem with Markovian traffics in a cloud market composed of hybrid cloud and public cloud. A pooled resource allocation model is built followed by numerical tests. The results indicate that hybrid cloud performs the best and the resource allocation model helps optimally allocate the pooled resources.
The Role of Auditory Feedback in the Vocal Behavior of the Domestic Fowl1

ummary 1. A new deafening technique for day-old chicks of the domestic fowl is described. 2. Audiospectrographic comparisons of vocal signals were made between normal birds on the one hand and birds that had been experimentally deafened at an early age on the other. It was demonstrated that insofar as the types are concerned, the deaf birds could develop the normal repertoire and forms of vocalization. The detailed comparisons of sound structures are difficult because of individual variation and grading in the calls. 3. One adult cock was deafened to determine the effects of deafening on the maintenance of its vocal signals. The result indicated that the forms of the calls studied here remained unchanged after deafening, although some change occurred in the detailed aspect of its crowing. 4. Most vocal signals are morphologically discrete and tend to carry qualitatively different information. The quantitative aspect of environmental and motivational information is conveyed by grading of signals. Most signals can convey both types of information simultaneously. Several methods of achieving this purpose were described. 5. The fact that the birds could develop and also maintain the normal repertoire and forms of their vocal signals without auditory feedback does not necessarily mean that the forms of the various vocal signals are determined by a centrally patterned motor command, although it is the most probable mechanism. The involvement of nonauditory feedback in the control of the central motor output has not yet been excluded in this case. Zusammenfassung 1. Eine neue Methode des operativen Ertaubens frisch geschlupfter Kuken wird beschrieben. 2. Klangspektrographische Vergleiche der Lautauserungen bei horenden und tauben Vogeln haben ergeben, das die Entwicklung des Repertoires und der Formen der Laute bei den gehorlosen Individuen normal geschehen konnte, so weit es die Lauttypen betraf. Die individuellen und die innerhalb einer Lautform vorkommenden Variationen erschweren feinere Vergleiche der Laute beider Gruppen. 3. Der Einflus des Taubwerdens auf das Erhaltenbleiben der Lautformen wurde bei einem Hahn studiert. Die hier untersuchten Lautformen blieben alle erhalten, wenn auch das spektrographische Bild in gewissen Einzelheiten etwas verandert war. 4. Die meisten Huhnerlaute sind deutlich unterscheidbar und pflegen qualitativ verschiedene Informationen zu ubertragen. Die Ubertragung der quantitativen Information uber Umgebung und Stimmung der Tiere wird durch Abstufung der Lautsignale ermoglicht. Fast alle Lautsignale konnen die beiden Informationstypen gleichzeitig geben. Einige Weisen, auf die dieser Zweck erreicht wird, werden beschrieben. 5. Die Tatsache, das die tauben Vogel alle artgemasen Laute entwickeln und bewahren konnten, beweist noch nicht endgultig das motorische Angeborensein all dieser Laute, doch ist es die wahrscheinlichste Erklarung. Das nichtakustische Ruckmeldungen die Lauterzeugung kontrollieren, ist in diesem Falle noch nicht experimentell ausgeschlossen.
The Undocumented (Im)Migrant Educational Pipeline: The Influence of Citizenship Status on Educational Attainment for People of Mexican Origin

Recently, we have witnessed three trends impacting educational experiences for undocumented Mexican students: (a) a dramatic increase of Mexican-origin people, (b) organized and openly supported an...
New developments in Western blot technology

Abstract Western blotting is a highly valued method for protein identification and relative quantitation in complex samples. It combines size-based electrophoretic separation with immunoaffinity to identify specific proteins. This technique remains popular and has become a workhorse in biochemical research and clinical laboratories. Despite its utility and popularity, this method has many limitations including slow analysis, incompatibility with limited sample application, low throughput and low information content. Recently there has been significant success in improving different aspects of Western blotting. In this review, we provide an overview of the developments in the area of improving conventional Western blotting methods with a focus on recent developments in microfluidic Western blotting. We overview different separation platforms, and discuss studies on protein transfer methods as well as protein immobilization methods and chemistries. We also describe integrated miniaturized platforms that can perform rapid separations and immunodetections.
Polymer Single Crystal As Magnetically Recoverable Support for Nanocatalysts

In this Letter, we report, for the first time, using polymer single crystal as magnetically recoverable support for nanoparticle catalysts. This catalyst system is composed of polymer single crystal, platinum nanoparticles, and iron oxide nanoparticles, which act as support, catalysts, and magnetic responsive materials, respectively. Platinum nanoparticles and iron oxide nanoparticles were bonded onto thiol groups and hydroxyl groups on a tailor-designed polymer single-crystal surface. Because of its quasi 2D nature, polymer single crystal possesses high surface area to volume ratio (2.5 × 108 m–1), which is ∼40 times higher than its nanosphere counterpart of the same volume. This high surface to volume ratio facilitates the high loading of both nanoparticles, which ensures efficient catalytic reaction and reliable nanoparticle recycling. Synergetic interactions between platinum and iron oxide nanoparticles also led to further improvement in catalytic activity.