cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purposeful Tensions: Lessons Learned from Metaphors in Teacher Candidates' Digital Stories

ABSTRACTThis collective case study examines how two teacher candidates' digital story projects created in literacy methods courses made visible their negotiated and evolving visions of teaching and learning. The digital stories were created to show and describe their future literacy classrooms. Using metaphoric analysis, the researchers uncovered the implicit metaphors of teachers and students present in each of the teacher candidates' digital stories. Looking across these metaphors, tensions and alignments between how the teacher candidates envisioned the role of teacher and the role of student and how these relate to prominent models of education including Industrial and Inquiry models are apparent. Implications for practice include modifications made to literacy methods courses to support teacher candidates to begin the negotiation of their professional identities as they explore multiple experiences of teaching and learning. These modifications include: (a) prompting teacher candidates to see themselv...
Regression with a Two-Dimensional Dependent Variable

This chapter is focuses on how one might estimate a model in which the dependent variable is a point in the plane rather than a point on the real line. A situation that comes to mind is a market in which there are just two suppliers and the desire is to estimate the market shares of the two. An example would be determination of the respective shares of AT&T and MCI in the early days of competition in the long-distance telephone market.
Neuronal Enriched Extracellular Vesicle Proteins as Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of injury-related death throughout the world and lacks effective treatment. Surviving TBI patients often develop neuropsychiatric symptoms, an...
Myasthenia Gravis after Vaccination in Adults the United States: A Report from the CDC/FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (1990–2017) (P6.437)

Objective: To determine the rates and characteristics of MG after vaccination in adults in the USA. Background: There has been reports of Myasthenia gravis (MG) occurring or worsening post vaccination. Design/Methods: Data from Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) from 1990 to 2017 was used. Adult MG cases ascertained from VAERS were classified into definite or possible MG according to strict criteria. Results: 71 MG cases (36 man, 34 woman, 1 unknown sex; age range 18–84 years, mean 49± 18.9) were reported (Definite 57, possible 14). The reported rate of new post vaccination MG was 2.1 per year which is in the range expected in general population. Out of definite cases 73.6% were newly diagnosed as MG after vaccination. 62% had onset before age of 60. The onset was within 6 weeks of vaccination in 77 %(n=55) with an average onset at 10±10.7 days; 19 % had onset after 6 weeks and in 10% the time between MG and vaccination was unknown . Most commonly associated vaccines were Influenza(26, 36%) followed by Hepatitis B(17, 24%). 25% of definite MG patients experienced myasthenia crisis requiring hospitalization. Crisis was the presenting feature in 31% of newly detected MG. The mean onset of myasthenia symptoms after vaccination was significantly different from non-MG events (15.8±21.9 Vs 7.5±18.6 days, p Conclusions: Although our results suggest that the reporting rate of post vaccination MG overlaps with its incidence in the general population, the occurrence of most cases within 6 weeks after vaccination indicates that some cases could be triggered by vaccination. The presentation with myasthenia crisis was more common that reported by most of the studies (31% vs 20%). These findings warrant continuous and careful analysis and monitoring of MG after vaccination. Study Supported by: Non restricted grant from RAM Capital Department fund Disclosure: Dr. Sanghani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hanumanthu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Souayah has nothing to disclose.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF CERTAIN FACTORS EFFECTING HYDROLYTIC RANCIDITY IN MILK1

A survey of 39 stanchion and parlor pipeline milkers in Pennsylvania indicates a considerable amount of rancid milk being produced on many of these farms. The majority of farms having installations...
Agent-based modeling of morphogenetic systems: Advantages and challenges.

The complexity of morphogenesis poses a fundamental challenge to understanding the mechanisms governing the formation of biological patterns and structures. Over the past century, numerous processes have been identified as critically contributing to morphogenetic events, but the interplay between the various components and aspects of pattern formation have been much harder to grasp. The combination of traditional biology with mathematical and computational methods has had a profound effect on our current understanding of morphogenesis and led to significant insights and advancements in the field. In particular, the theoretical concepts of reaction–diffusion systems and positional information, proposed by Alan Turing and Lewis Wolpert, respectively, dramatically influenced our general view of morphogenesis, although typically in isolation from one another. In recent years, agent-based modeling has been emerging as a consolidation and implementation of the two theories within a single framework. Agent-based models (ABMs) are unique in their ability to integrate combinations of heterogeneous processes and investigate their respective dynamics, especially in the context of spatial phenomena. In this review, we highlight the benefits and technical challenges associated with ABMs as tools for examining morphogenetic events. These models display unparalleled flexibility for studying various morphogenetic phenomena at multiple levels and have the important advantage of informing future experimental work, including the targeted engineering of tissues and organs.
Laboratory Evaluation of Spasmodic Dysphonia.

Summary Objectives To evaluate the utility of comprehensive laboratory evaluation in patients with spasmodic dysphonia (SD). Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods A review of the medical records of 40 patients diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia from 2009-2018 was preformed to evaluate abnormal test results that were significant when compared with abnormal results of the general population and for any other clinically relevant pathology. Results Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ceruloplasmin levels, and anti-AChR were found to be elevated at levels considered statistically significant (p Conclusion There is an association between serological values and spasmodic dysphonia that can aid in diagnosing pathology, as well as establishing a directed workup. Additionally, our study shows the utility of comprehensive evaluation in identifying undetected disease.
Structural and binding insights into HIV-1 protease and P2-ligand interactions through molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy and principal component analysis.

Abstract HIV-1 protease (HIV-1-pr) plays an important role in viral replication and maturation, making it one of the most attractive targets for anti-retroviral therapy. To design new effective inhibitors able to combat drug resistance in mutant HIV-1-pr variants, it is essential to gain further understanding about the mechanisms by which the recently proposed inhibitors deactivate the mutant HIV-1-pr variants. In the present work, we explored the interactions between two P2-ligands (DRV, and one new derivative, 4UY) with wild type (WT) and two multiple mutant HIV-1-pr variants (p20 and p51) with all atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, binding free energy calculations, and principal component analysis (PCA). The trajectories of MD simulations show that both 4UY and DRV primarily bind with the active sites, flap and 80s loop regions of HIV-1-pr variants through either hydrogen bonds or hydrophobic interactions. More hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were located for 4UY/HIV-1-pr complexes than for DRV/HIV-1-pr counterparts. More importantly, 4UY was found to have an extra hydrogen bond with the backbone of Gly48’ in the flap region of the HIV-1-prs. The flap tip-tip distance (I50–I50’) and flap tip-active site distance (I50-D25 and I50′-D25’) indicate that the flaps turn more closed in 4UY bound HIV-1-prs than DRV bound ones, and the former also have more compact hydrophobic cavities than the latter. Further, the vector projections from PCA indicate that 4UY/DRV inhibitor binding projects the closing of flap in HIV-1-pr variants. In line with the above trajectory analysis, the thermodynamics calculation with MM-PBSA method suggests much stronger binding affinity for 4UY/HIV-1-pr than DRV/HIV-1-pr by 4.3–6.4 kcal/mol. Although p20 and p51 also induce weaker binding due to multiple mutants for 4UY inhibitor by 1.9–1.8 kcal/mol, their bindings to the new P2 ligand (4UY) are indeed significantly enhanced as compared to DRV. The thermodynamic components responsible for the binding differences and the contribution from key residues to the binding were also discussed in detail.
Corporate Restructuring under Relative and Absolute Priority Default Rules: A Comparative Assessment

The European Union recently adopted a Restructuring Directive intended to facilitate the reorganization of insolvent and other financially troubled firms. Although the central goal of the Directive parallels that of Chapter 11 of U.S. bankruptcy law — to protect and maximize the value of financially distressed but economically viable enterprises by consensually reorganizing their capital structure — the Directive introduces an innovative but controversial option: that EU Member States can decree that reorganization negotiations should be subject to a relative priority default rule, in contrast to the type of absolute priority default rule used by Chapter 11. EU officials argue that relative priority is not only fair but also provides the flexibility that is needed pragmatically to restructure a troubled firm. This article explains why relative priority inadvertently can undermine the incentives needed to achieve a successful restructuring, and why absolute priority provides a more effective default rule for reaching a negotiated consensus. Additionally, the article illustrates why the Directive’s standard not only may be unfair to creditors but also might discourage debt investments in the European Union.
Topology and Voltage-Balance Control of a Single-Phase Double T-Type Seven-Level Inverter

This article provides a comprehensive analysis for a single-phase double T-type seven-level (SDT-7L) inverter topology with only eight power switches and three series-connected capacitors. Compared to the existing single-phase seven-level inverters, the number of power switches and the voltage stresses across them are both reduced. These advantages are achieved by a simple topology configuration without any clamping diodes or flying capacitors. However, this makes it difficult to realize voltage-balance control for the three series-connected capacitors as there are no redundant switching states that can be selected to control and balance the three capacitor voltages. Hence, the capacitor voltage imbalance mechanism of the SDT-7L inverter is studied and revealed that the overdischarge of the middle capacitor is the main cause of the capacitor voltage imbalance issue. To overcome this issue, a variable-carrier-amplitude-based voltage-balance control method and a variable-reference-amplitude based voltage-balance control method are proposed in this article. Both the methods aim at controlling the middle capacitor voltage at the desired 1/3 of the full dc-link voltage, and the other two capacitor voltages are automatically balanced. Furthermore, a theoretical analysis indicates that the proposed two voltage-balance methods are equivalent. Both the simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the SDT-7L topology with the proposed two voltage-balance methods.
A Geosensor Site Suitability Analysis for Flood Early Warning/Management in the Indus River Basin

Floods are one of the most devastating natural hazards to have hit Pakistan in the recent past. Most historical floods in Pakistan have occurred in the Indus River Basin. These events have inflicted huge loss of human life, livestock, agriculture and infrastructure. The flood warning system in Pakistan needs to be innovated and upgraded in order to minimize losses during floods and meet the challenge of recurring flood hazard. This research focuses on site suitability analysis for the installation of geosensors in the Indus River Basin. The recurrence of floods in Pakistan in the years 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015 was mapped using MODIS (MOD09GQ) during the monsoon season. The flood recurrence in addition to the associated factors was compared using the multi-criteria decision-making technique (analytical hierarchy process). A weighted overlay analysis model was devised so as to take these inputs and provide the most suitable sites for the installation of geosensors as output. The model’s result revealed the most suitable sites for the installation of geosensors which were narrowed down to 100 locations, divided into three zones, covering the entire Indus River Basin.
Intraoperative Evaluation of Essential Vocal Tremor in Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery.

Purpose Essential vocal tremor (EVT) is a prevalent and difficult-to-manage voice disorder. There is evidence that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) of the thal...
Chapter 9 – Intranet Security

Publisher Summary The level of Internet hyperconnectivity among generation X and Y users has mushroomed lately, and the network periphery that is used and taken for granted as a security shield has been diminished, to a large extent, because of the explosive growth of social networking and the resulting connectivity boom. However, with the various new types of incoming application traffic (VoIP, SIP, and XML traffic) to their networks, security administrators need to stay on their toes and deal with these new protocols by implementing newer tools and technology. A recent example of new technology is the application-level firewall for connecting outside vendors to intranets (also known as an XML firewall, placed within a DMZ) that protects the intranet from malformed XML and SOAP message exploits coming from outside sourced applications. It can be said that with the myriad security issues facing intranets today, most IT shops are still well equipped to defend themselves if they assess risks and, most important, train their employees regarding data security practices on an ongoing basis. The problems with threat mitigation remain largely a matter of meeting gaps in procedural controls rather than technical measures. Trained and security-aware employees are the biggest deterrent to data thefts and security breaches.
Pandemic and lockdown: a territorial approach to COVID-19 in China, Italy and the United States

Three months into the Covid-19 crisis, lockdown has become a global response to the pandemic. Why have so many countries resorted to lockdown? How is it being implemented in different places? Why h...
Quantum Geometry and $\theta$-Angle in Five-Dimensional Super Yang-Mills

Five-dimensional $Sp(N)$ supersymmetric Yang-Mills admits a $\mathbb{Z}_2$ version of a theta angle $\theta$. In this note, we derive a double quantization of the Seiberg-Witten geometry of $\mathcal{N}=1$ $Sp(1)$ gauge theory at $\theta=\pi$, on the manifold $S^1\times\mathbb{R}^4$. Crucially, $\mathbb{R}^4$ is placed on the $\Omega$-background, which provides the two parameters to quantize the geometry. Physically, we are counting instantons in the presence of a 1/2-BPS fundamental Wilson loop, both of which are wrapping $S^1$. Mathematically, this amounts to proving the regularity of a $qq$-character for the spin-1/2 representation of the quantum affine algebra $U_q(\widehat{A_1})$, with a certain twist due to the $\theta$-angle. We motivate these results from two distinct string theory pictures. First, in a $(p,q)$-web setup in type IIB, where the loop is characterized by a D3 brane. Second, in a type I' string setup, where the loop is characterized by a D4 brane subject to an orientifold projection. We comment on the generalizations to the higher rank case $Sp(N)$ when $N>1$, and the $SU(N)$ theory at Chern-Simons level $\kappa$ when $N>2$.
A 37–42-GHz 8 × 8 Phased-Array With 48–51-dBm EIRP, 64–QAM 30-Gb/s Data Rates, and EVM Analysis Versus Channel RMS Errors

This article presents a 5G 37–42-GHz $8\times 8$ phased array. The array is based on $2\times 2$ SiGe transmit/receive (TRX) beamformer chips in the SiGe technology with 6 bits of phase control and 8 bits of gain control. A detailed study is presented, showing the effects of array-level amplitude and phase errors on the radiated error vector magnitude (EVM) of 64-element arrays. The array scans to ±60° in the azimuth plane and ±50° in the elevation plane with low sidelobes. The measured peak effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) is 51 dBm at Psat with a 3-dB bandwidth of 36–41.5 GHz. A 39-GHz communication system is also demonstrated along with a high-pass filter and an integrated upconverter/downconverter and achieves a local oscillator (LO) and image rejection level of 50 dBc, meeting FCC requirements of <−13 dBm/MHz of total leakage power. The array achieves < 5% EVM (−26 dB) using a 64-QAM 200-MHz waveform at an average EIRP of 44 dBm over all scan angles, including the LO and upconverter/downconverter contributions. A 30-Gb/s communication link with 64-QAM modulation is also shown. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a 39-GHz phased-array communication system for 5G applications.
Synthesis of Luminescent 2-7 Disubstituted Silafluorenes with alkynyl-carbazole, -phenanthrene, and -benzaldehyde substituents

Abstract Three new fluorescent 2,7-alkynyl(aryl)-3,6-dimethoxy-9,9-diphenylsilafluorenes have been synthesized using a Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reaction to incorporate alkynyl(aryl) groups at the 2,7-positions of the ring. The substituents include 9-ethynylcarbazole, 4-ethynylbenzaldehyde, and 3-ethynylphenanthrene. These new compounds were characterized utilizing X-ray crystallography as well as multinuclear NMR, mass spectrometry, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. These silafluorenes, which are yellow crystals in the solid state, showed high quantum yields with moderate molar extinction coefficients in dichloromethane and strong blue emission. Key words: silafluorene, luminescence.
Abstract P499: The Effect of Small Vessel Disease Burden on Core/Penumbra Mismatch and Outcomes in Extended Window Thrombectomy

Objective: Recent studies have shown the benefit of revascularization in select patients with extended window large vessel occlusion (EWLVO). We sought to assess the effect of cerebral small vessel...
A reconstructed discontinuous Galerkin method for compressible flows on moving curved grids

A high-order accurate reconstructed discontinuous Galerkin (rDG) method is developed for compressible inviscid and viscous flows in arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) formulation on moving and deforming unstructured curved meshes. Taylor basis functions in the rDG method are defined on the time-dependent domain, where the integration and computations are performed. The Geometric Conservation Law (GCL) is satisfied by modifying the grid velocity terms on the right-hand side of the discretized equations at Gauss quadrature points. A radial basis function (RBF) interpolation method is used for propagating the mesh motion of the boundary nodes to the interior of the mesh. A third order Explicit first stage, Single Diagonal coefficient, diagonally Implicit Runge-Kutta scheme (ESDIRK3) is employed for the temporal integration. A number of benchmark test cases are conducted to assess the accuracy and robustness of the rDG-ALE method for moving and deforming boundary problems. The numerical experiments indicate that the developed rDG method can attain the designed spatial and temporal orders of accuracy, and the RBF method is effective and robust to avoid excessive distortion and invalid elements near moving boundaries.
FIPD: The SFR metallic fuels irradiation & physics database

Abstract The DOE Advanced Reactor Technology (ART) program has supported efforts to recover and preserve metallic fuel data generated throughout the US sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) program. Those efforts have been focused on establishing databases of the experimental data that were mainly generated during the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) program including data generated at Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II), Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), and Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) reactors, as well as out of pile data. The data is essential for future licensing activities of metallic fuel based advanced fast reactors. This paper describes the development of the SFR Metallic Fuels Irradiation & Physics Database (FIPD) and covers the scientific knowledge available in the database. The architecture of the FIPD is described by showing the available reactor operation data, fabrication, and post-irradiation examination (PIE) data, and other documents. The applications of the fuel database are also discussed.
Association of Patient Race and Ethnicity With Differences in Opioid Prescribing by Primary Care Physicians for Older Adults With New Low Back Pain

Importance Substantial patient racial and ethnic differences in opioid prescribing have been documented, but how much of these differences were attributable to physicians prescribing opioids differently to patients of racial and ethnic minority groups is unknown, particularly during the first wave of the opioid epidemic when the dangers of opioid prescribing and use were not as well known. Objective To examine associations of patient race and ethnicity with differences in opioid prescribing by the same primary care physician (PCP) for new low back pain episodes among older adults from 2007 to 2014. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used Medicare data of PCP office visits by Medicare beneficiaries who were 66 years or older with new low back pain. Main Outcomes and Measures Prescribing of any opioid in the first year of a new low back pain episode (days 1-365) and subsequent long-term use of an opioid (prescribed for ≥180 days in days 366-730). Results Among the study population of 274 771 patients (mean [SD] age, 77.1 [7.2] years; 192 105 [69.9%] women) with new low back pain, 15 285 (6%) were Asian or Pacific Islander, 16 079 (6%) were Black, 21 289 (8%) were Hispanic, and 222 118 (81%) were White, cared for by 63 494 physicians. In adjusted analysis, on average, 11.5% of the White patients (95% CI, 11.4 to 11.6) received an opioid prescription in the first year of new low back pain. The same prescribing physician was 1.5 percentage points (PP; 95% CI, −2.2 PP to −0.8 PP) less likely to prescribe an opioid if the patient was Black, 2.7 PP (95% CI, −3.5 PP to −1.8 PP) less likely if the patient was Asian or Pacific Islander, and 1.0 PP (95% CI, −1.7 PP to −0.3 PP) less likely if the patient was Hispanic. The same physician was more likely to prescribe a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to a patient of a racial or ethnic minority group. White patients with new low back pain were more likely to develop subsequent long-term opioid use than patients of racial and ethnic minority groups (eg, 1.8% for White patients vs 0.5% for Hispanic patients). Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study found that from 2007 to 2014, primary care physicians prescribed opioids for new low back pain more often to White patients than to patients of racial and ethnic minority groups. These results suggest that there may have been unequal treatment of pain by physicians when less was known about the morbidity associated with opioid use.
Rapid adaptive radiation and host plant conservation in the Hawaiian picture wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Abstract The Hawaiian picture wing Drosophila are a striking example of adaptive radiation in specialist saprophages on an island system. We use DNA sequences from five nuclear genes with a total of 4260 nucleotides to provide a comprehensive phylogeny and biogeographic analysis of 90 species in the Hawaiian Drosophila picture wing clade. The current analysis indicates that the evolution of the picture wing clade took place more recently than previously suggested. The relationships of several morphologically anomalous taxa are resolved with strong support. Biogeography and host plant analyses show two periods of rapid divergence occurred when Kauai and Oahu were the main high islands, indicating that a combination of complex topographical features of islands and development of novel host plant associations was key to the rapid diversification of these lineages. For the past 2 million years, host associations within lineages have been largely stable, and speciation has occurred primarily due to the establishment of populations on newer islands as they arose followed by divergence by isolation. The existence of several apparently relictual taxa suggests that extinction has also played a major role in assembly of the present Hawaiian Drosophila fauna.
Physical Activity and Exercise in Pregnancy

The benefits of exercise in the general population have been well-recognized. There is ample evidence to demonstrate that moderate exercise in a healthy pregnancy results in no adverse effects and provides consequential benefits.
Somatostatin gene expression in pancreatic islet cells is directed by cell-specific DNA control elements and DNA-binding proteins.

Abstract Somatostatin is a peptide synthesized in the pancreatic islets, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and thyroid gland. Factors that control islet cell-specific expression of the somatostatin gene were analyzed by expression of fusion genes consisting of 5' rat somatostatin gene sequences linked to coding sequences of the receptor genes, bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, and human growth hormone. Fusion genes containing 900 and 250 base pairs (bp) of 5'-flanking DNA were preferentially expressed at 5-10-fold higher levels in somatostatin-producing islet cell lines, as compared with islet cell lines that produced insulin and glucagon, and in three non-islet cell lines. A deletional mutation consisting of only 65 bp of 5'-flanking sequence of the rat somatostatin gene expressed in all islet cell lines but not in non-islet lines, indicating the existence of a negative-acting islet cell-specific element located between nucleotides -250 and -65. The 65-bp sequence contains the octameric cAMP-responsive enhancer (CRE) TGACGTCA (nucleotides -48 to -41). Fine mapping of sequences responsible for islet-specific expression by substitution of synthetic oligonucleotide cassettes revealed full retention of expression by deletion to nucleotides -48 and complete loss of expression at nucleotides -42 of the CRE. Substitution of the 9 bp adjacent 3' to the CRE of the somatostatin gene (nucleotides -40 to -32) with the corresponding sequence located 3' to the CRE of the glucagon gene abolished expression. By gel mobility shift and DNaseI footprinting analyses, proteins in extracts of islet cells bound to the 24 bp including the CRE and downstream adjacent 9 bp (nucleotides -58 to -35). An additional upstream region of DNA was protected from DNase I digestion (nucleotides -110 to -80). Proteins from non-islet cells bound to the region from nucleotides -58 to -35, but patterns of DNase I protection differed from those using proteins from islet cells. These observations indicate that several DNA-binding proteins interact with cis-acting elements located between 35 and 58 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site of the rat somatostatin gene to determine islet cell-specific gene expression. CRE-binding protein(s) is ubiquitous among phenotypically different cells, and expression of the somatostatin gene in non-somatostatin-producing islet cells appears to be inhibited by a negative-acting element located upstream of the CRE.
Laser-induced spark ignition of CH4/air mixtures

Laser-induced spark ignition of CH{sub 4}-air mixtures was experimentally investigated using a nanosecond pulse at 1,064 nm from a Q-switched Nd-Yag laser. Laser irradiance in the order of 10{sup 12} to 10{sup 13} W/cm{sup 2} was found to be sufficient to ignite a mixture having from 6.5 to 17% methane by volume (equivalence ratio, ER, from 0.66 to 1.95). The dependence of the breakdown threshold laser energy, E{sub thr}, on the gas pressure was in agreement with the electron cascade theory. Depending on the laser energy, E{sub o}, the spark absorption coefficient in the range from 0.1 to about 100 cm{sup {minus}1} was calculated using the electron-ion inverse bremsstrahlung process. The minimum ignition energy was about one order of magnitude higher than the minimum ignition energy obtained by the electric spark ignition. It had its lowest value remaining at about 3 to 4 mJ for a mixture having 10 to 15% methane by volume (ER = 1.058 to 1.68) and it increased sharply toward the far-lean and the far-rich sides of the stoichiometry. The average length and radius of the spark for a stoichiometric or near-stoichiometric methane-air mixture were about 0.8 mm and 0.3 mm, respectively. For lean or richmore » methane-air mixtures, the average long axis of the spark size varied from about 0.8 to 2 mm, whereas for the short axis it varied from about 0.4 to 1.2 mm depending on the methane volume fraction.« less
Structures that work: social structure, work structure and coordination ease in geographically distributed teams

Scholars have recently argued for flatter, organic organizational structures that enable workers to deal more effectively with dynamic and uncertain environments. In a correlational study of 33 R&D teams, we find that although this network form is associated with more smooth coordination in collocated teams, the opposite is true for geographically distributed teams. In fact, an informal hierarchical structure was associated with more smooth coordination in distributed teams. These results add to the scant literature on networks in teams and provide insight into important differences in the structure of geographically distributed and collocated teams.
The nongenotoxic carcinogens naphthalene and para-dichlorobenzene suppress apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Naphthalene (1) and para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB, 2), which are widely used as moth repellents and air fresheners, cause cancer in rodents and are potential human carcinogens. However, their mechanisms of action remain unclear. Here we describe a novel method for delivering and screening hydrophobic chemicals in C. elegans and apply this technique to investigate the ways in which naphthalene and PDCB may promote tumorigenesis in mammals. We show that naphthalene and PDCB inhibit apoptosis in C. elegans, a result that suggests a cellular mechanism by which these chemicals may promote the survival and proliferation of latent tumor cells. In addition, we find that a naphthalene metabolite directly inactivates caspases by oxidizing the active site cysteine residue; this suggests a molecular mechanism by which these chemicals suppress apoptosis. Naphthalene and PDCB are the first small-molecule apoptosis inhibitors identified in C. elegans. The power of C. elegans molecular genetics, in combination with the possibility of carrying out large-scale chemical screens in this organism, makes C. elegans an attractive and economic animal model for both toxicological studies and drug screens.
Leverage, wholesale funding and national risk attitude

Abstract This study examines the procyclicality of leverage among financial institutions using international evidence. Procyclicality occurs when financial institutions actively manage their balance sheets and use non-equity funding to finance change in assets. Since wholesale funding allows financial institutions to adjust their financial leverage quickly, we investigate whether financial institutions that rely more on wholesale funding (traditional deposit funding) show a higher (lower) degree of leverage procyclicality. Using balance sheet data for financial institutions of 49 countries, this study identifies a positive link between assets growth and leverage growth. In addition, we show that the positive impact of wholesale funding on procyclicality varies across market condition and national risk attitude.
Distributional radius of curvature

We show that any continuous plane path that turns to the left has a well-defined distribution that corresponds to the radius of curvature of smooth paths. We show that the distributional radius of curvature determines the path uniquely except for a translation. We show that Dirac delta contributions in the radius of curvature correspond to facets, that is, flat sections of the path, and show how a path can be deformed into a facet by letting the radius of curvature approach a delta function. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward an ecological sensibility: tools for evaluating sustainable HCI

We are developing evaluation tools that help sustainable HCI researchers to contribute to the overall project of achieving sustainability. In this paper we argue for the importance of broadening sustainable HCI evaluation beyond traditional HCI evaluation. We note the widespread phenomenon of unintended environmental consequences, largely overlooked thus far in sustainable HCI evaluation. We discuss three categories of tools - principles, heuristics, and indices - that could facilitate evaluation of sustainable HCI projects, mainly by operationalizing definitions of sustainability. We suggest that sustainable HCI research could become more relevant by developing evaluations that link to understandings of sustainability beyond HCI, and more 'scientific' by developing more systematic evaluations, while acknowledging that many ways of knowing play important roles in both sustainability and HCI. Our next steps include developing these tools for sustainable HCI evaluation and applying them to published research.
Formation and characterization of kinesin.ADP.fluorometal complexes.

Recent crystallographic studies of motor proteins showed that the structure of the motor domains of myosin and kinesin are highly conserved. Thus, these motor proteins, which are important for motility, may share a common mechanism for generating energy from ATP hydrolysis. We have previously demonstrated that, in the presence of ADP, myosin forms stable ternary complexes with new phosphate analogues of aluminum fluoride (AlF(4)(-)) and beryllium fluoride (BeF(n)), and these stable complexes mimic the transient state along the ATPase kinetic pathway [Maruta et al. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 7093-7100]. In this study, we examined the formation of kinesin.ADP.fluorometals ternary complexes and analyzed their characteristics using the fluorescent ATP analogue NBD-ATP (2'(3')-O-[6-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)hexanoyl]-ADP). Our results suggest that these ternary complexes may mimic transient state intermediates in the kinesin ATPase cycle. Thus, the kinesin.ADP.AlF(4)(-) complex resembles the kinesin.ADP state, and the kinesin.ADP.BeF(n) complex mimics the kinesin.ADP.P(i) state.
Implanted Neuroprosthesis for Restoring Arm and Hand Function in People With High Level Tetraplegia

Abstract Objective To develop and apply an implanted neuroprosthesis to restore arm and hand function to individuals with high level tetraplegia. Design Case study. Setting Clinical research laboratory. Participants Individuals with spinal cord injuries (N=2) at or above the C4 motor level. Interventions The individuals were each implanted with 2 stimulators (24 stimulation channels and 4 myoelectric recording channels total). Stimulating electrodes were placed in the shoulder and arm, being, to our knowledge, the first long-term application of spiral nerve cuff electrodes to activate a human limb. Myoelectric recording electrodes were placed in the head and neck areas. Main Outcome Measures Successful installation and operation of the neuroprosthesis and electrode performance, range of motion, grasp strength, joint moments, and performance in activities of daily living. Results The neuroprosthesis system was successfully implanted in both individuals. Spiral nerve cuff electrodes were placed around upper extremity nerves and activated the intended muscles. In both individuals, the neuroprosthesis has functioned properly for at least 2.5 years postimplant. Hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder movements were achieved. A mobile arm support was needed to support the mass of the arm during functional activities. One individual was able to perform several activities of daily living with some limitations as a result of spasticity. The second individual was able to partially complete 2 activities of daily living. Conclusions Functional electrical stimulation is a feasible intervention for restoring arm and hand functions to individuals with high tetraplegia. Forces and movements were generated at the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder that allowed the performance of activities of daily living, with some limitations requiring the use of a mobile arm support to assist the stimulated shoulder forces.
Brightness sensation in a ganzfeld.

Abstract The brightness sensation of brief flashes in a uniform visual field a ganzfeld, was determined over an 8 log unit range of light intensity using the psychophysical method of magnitude estimation. Subjective estimates of brightness increased monotonically with light intensity over the range of 10 7 –10 15 photons/sec/cm 2 at the cornea, indicating that brightness can be scaled in the absence of spatial contrast. At high luminance levels the subjective estimates approximate power functions of the light intensity with exponents ranging from 0.24 to 0.30. Near threshold the exponents approach a value of 1.0. Substantial changes in the configuration of the test flash (duration, size, or rise time) did not produce significant changes in the subjective estimates. The results are discussed with regard to possible neural mechanisms for coding light intensity.
The pleckstrin homology domain of protein kinase D interacts preferentially with the eta isoform of protein kinase C.

The results presented here demonstrate that protein kinase D (PKD) and PKCη transiently coexpressed in COS-7 cells form complexes that can be immunoprecipitated from cell lysates using specific antisera to PKD or PKCη. The presence of PKCη in PKD immune complexes was initially detected by in vitro kinase assays which reveal the presence of an 80-kDa phosphorylated band in addition to the 110-kDa band corresponding to autophosphorylated PKD. The association between PKD and PKCη was further verified by Western blot analysis and peptide phosphorylation assays that exploited the distinct substrate specificity between PKCs and PKD. By the same criteria, PKD formed complexes only very weakly with PKCe, and did not bind PKCζ. When PKCη was coexpressed with PKD mutants containing either complete or partial deletions of the PH domain, both PKCη immunoreactivity and PKC activity in PKD immunoprecipitates were sharply reduced. In contrast, deletion of an amino-terminal portion of the molecule, either cysteine-rich region, or the entire cysteine-rich domain did not interfere with the association of PKD with PKCη. Furthermore, a glutathione S-transferase-PKDPH fusion protein bound preferentially to PKCη. These results indicate that the PKD PH domain can discriminate between closely related structures of a single enzyme family, e.g. novel PKCs e and η, thereby revealing a previously undetected degree of specificity among protein-protein interactions mediated by PH domains.
Section 404 Compliance and Financial Reporting Quality

SYNOPSIS: This study examines whether the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404 (S404) compliance efforts lead to higher quality financial reports. An objective of S404 is to encourage companies to devote adequate resources and attention to their internal control systems, which should lead to more reliable financial statements. A natural laboratory of S404 compliance and noncompliance companies exists because the Securities and Exchange Commission has deferred the S404 compliance date for small companies (nonaccelerated filers). A logistic regression model is estimated using a sample of companies surrounding the S404 compliance threshold to measure the S404 compliance effect on the likelihood of issuing materially misstated financial statements. The results show a significant and negative relation between S404 compliance and issuance of materially misstated financial statements, and suggest that the S404 regulation is meeting its objective of improving the quality of financial reports.
COULOMB WAVE THEORY OF STRIPPING

Abstract This paper presents an exact analytic treatment of pure Coulomb distortions in stripping reactions. This first-order theory is analogous to some of the simplest plane-wave theories; the important innovation consists in the use of pure Coulomb waves instead of plane waves to describe the relative motions in both entrance and exit channels. The projectile is considered to be a bound state of two particles, described by a purely asymptotic wave function of the form e − αr / r . The resultant nucleus is considered to be a bound state of the target particle plus a captured particle, described by a wave function of definite orbital angular momentum L , with a radial part which may be taken to be any linear combination of terms of the form r L e − βr / r . The distorted-wave cross sections predicted are found to contain a factor whose leading term has an angular variation identical to that predicted by the analogous plane wave theory. A second factor, which is identical for all values of L , depends only on the energies and the Coulomb parameters of the relative motions; it represents the overall decrease in magnitude due to the Coulomb repulsions in both incident and exit channels. A third factor contains an additional angular dependence due to the distortions. The angular dependence is found to resemble qualitatively the angular dependence of plane wave theories except possibly in the case that the Coulomb parameters are very large in the entrance and the exit channels simultaneously. Detailed formulae are given for cases of L = 0, L = 1 and L = 2. These are so simple that there should be no point in using plane-wave expressions, rather than these Coulomb-wave expressions, for the preliminary evaluation of experimental results showing the usual characteristics of stripping.
The genetics of the E2F family of transcription factors: shared functions and unique roles.

Since its discovery, the E2F family of transcription factors has both fascinated and confused researchers. What started as a simple model of positive regulation of genes required for DNA synthesis by E2F has markedly expanded. E2F now appears to play contrasting roles in transcriptional activation and repression, proliferation and apoptosis, tumor suppression and oncogenesis, and possibly differentiation and DNA repair. How can we reconcile the apparently opposing functions of E2F in different contexts? Often adding to the confusion are the contrasting results obtained using distinct methods to study E2F and the difficulty of extrapolating mechanism from an observed endpoint. This review will attempt to address these issues. We will focus on biological functions of E2F elucidated via genetic studies that are expanding our understanding of how E2F family members are integrated into pathways controlling proliferation, apoptosis, development and tumorigenesis. We will examine several alternative genetic approaches to understanding E2F activities, including overexpression studies in cell culture, the analysis of E2F function in flies and worms, and most extensively, the use of E2F-gene-disrupted mice to determine physiological roles for E2F proteins. Some of the questions that we will address are:
SOCIAL SYSTEM FACTORS AS DETERMINANTS OF RESISTANCE TO CHANGE.

The activities of the mental health service of a metropolitan general hospital in a well-to-do suburb and in a working-class district were analysed with respect to community reactions. Although some forms of resistance to change appeared to express traditional values, others were related to the realistic preconception of deleterious side effects implicit in the program. Careful appraisal of such disadvantages and of compensatory adaptive resources is required with each step of planning for new community facilities.
A matter of focus: Detailed memory in the intentional autobiographical recall of older and younger adults

Abstract The intricately interwoven role of detailed autobiographical memory in our daily lives and in our imaginative envisioning of the future is increasingly recognized. But how is the detail-rich nature of autobiographical memory best assessed and, in particular, how can possible aging-related differences in autobiographical memory specificity be most effectively evaluated? This study examined whether a modified interview, involving fewer and time-matched events for older and younger adults, yielded age-related outcomes similar to those that have been previously reported. As in earlier studies, modest age-related changes in the specificity of autobiographical recall were observed, yet the largest most robust effect for both age groups was the substantial proportion of specific details retrieved. Both age groups rated recent memories as significantly less important and as less emotional than more temporally distant events. Our findings counter conceptions of older adults’ autobiographical memories as invariably less episodically rich than those of younger adults.
Angiotensin II regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene expression in neurons of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rat brains

Neuronal cells in primary culture from the hypothalamus-brain stem areas of normotensive [Wistar-Kyoto (WKY)] and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rat brains have been used in the present study to investigate an interaction between the brain renin-angiotensin II system and the plasminogen activator system. This is an attempt to further our understanding of the role of brain Ang II in the control of neuronal development and differentiation through its regulation of the extracellular matrix. Ang II caused a 10-fold stimulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) messenger RNA (mRNA) in WKY rat brain neuronal cultures. The stimulation was mediated by the AT1 receptor subtype and was accompanied by an increase in PAI-1 gene transcription and the synthesis of cellular PAI-1 protein. The stimulation involved activation of protein kinase C, and alterations in the intracellular Ca2+ pool caused a significant inhibition of Ang II stimulation of PAI mRNA. Ang II stimulation of PAI-1 mRNA succeeded its actio...