cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Better Securing an Infrastructure for Telework

The XYZ Hardware Company, Inc. infrastructure features high volumes of sensitive and confi- dential corporate data relevant to internal and external transactions. From 1999 to the middle of 2004, XYZ has utilized the Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability EvaluationSM (OCTAVESM) Model version 1e to protect its network. The OCTAVESM Model has proven to be helpful for XYZ by identifying over 198 potential security breaches. However, in 2004, when XYZ began to enhance its existing network infrastructure to include telework, 210 security breaches occurred. These breaches cost the company over $350,000 in lost profits between July and December of 2004. To safeguard their network, upper management wanted to invest the money in a series of generalized training including working ethics, virus scanning, and backing up files. However, instead, XYZâ€™S chief information officer (CIO) invested over $100,000 in research in order to modify their existing protection strategy, to better safeguard their new telework infrastructure by identifying its specific strengths and weakness in an effort to create more concentrated and specialized training at the root of the problem.
Lifetime of supported liquid membranes: the influence of interfacial properties, chemical composition and water transport on the long-term stability of the membranes

Abstract The permeability coefficients of some metal species through selected supported liquid membranes (SLM) have been measured over extended periods of time, in the presence and absence of osmotic pressure gradients. The composition of the SLMs was varied in such a way to obtain membranes with variable interfacial properties. The interfacial tensions, viscosities, contact angles and water solubilities in the organic phases of the various liquid membranes were measured. The ability of these SLMs to transport water under the influence of osmotic pressure gradients of different magnitude was also measured. In this way correlations were established among the following factors: the lifetime of the SLMs, their interfacial and water extraction properties, the concentrations of the feed and strip solutions adjacent to the SLM and the ability of the SLM to transport water. The results of long-term operation of several types of SLMs indicate that they are relatively stable when the osmotic pressures of the feed and strip solutions are approximately equal, but become increasingly unstable as the difference between the osmotic pressures of the feed and strip solutions increases. In addition, the rate at which water is transported through the SLMs under the influence of a given osmotic pressure difference is inversely related to membrane lifetime. The following mechanism of water transport through SLMs was proposed: (i) in presence of an osmotic pressure gradient water tends to flow through the organic-filled pores of the SLM, providing the organic phase can appreciably solubilize water; this initial water flow can be imagined as the diffusion of water molecules through a stationary organic diluent; (ii) when the amount of flowing water becomes massive and the SLM is easily wetted by the aqueous phases, the organic phase is eventually displaced from the support pores and replaced by water; at this point the membrane behaves as a semipermeable diaphragm containing water-filled micropores and its ability to perform carrier-mediated coupled transport of metal species is completely lost.
Role of Cyclophilin A from Brains of Prion-infected Mice in Stimulation of Cytokine Release by Microglia and Astroglia in Vitro

Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy diseases are typically characterized by deposition of abnormally folded partially protease-resistant host-derived prion protein (PrPres), which is associated with activated glia and increased release of cytokines. This neuroinflammatory response may play a role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathy pathogenesis. We previously reported that brain homogenates from prion-infected mice induced cytokine protein release in primary astroglial and microglial cell cultures. Here we measured cytokine release by cultured glial cells to determine what factors in infected brain contributed to activation of microglia and astroglia. In assays analyzing IL-12p40 and CCL2 (MCP-1), glial cells were not stimulated in vitro by either PrPres purified from infected mouse brains or prion protein amyloid fibrils produced in vitro. However, significant glial stimulation was induced by clarified scrapie brain homogenates lacking PrPres. This stimulation was greatly reduced both by antibody to cyclophilin A (CyPA), a known mediator of inflammation in peripheral tissues, and by cyclosporine A, a CyPA inhibitor. In biochemical studies, purified truncated CyPA fragments stimulated a pattern of cytokine release by microglia and astroglia similar to that induced by scrapie-infected brain homogenates, whereas purified full-length CyPA was a poor stimulator. This requirement for CyPA truncation was not reported in previous studies of stimulation of peripheral macrophages, endothelial cell cardiomyocytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Therefore, truncated CyPA detected in brain following prion infection may have an important role in the activation of brain-derived primary astroglia and microglia in prion disease and perhaps other neurodegenerative or neuroinflammatory diseases.
Effects of drought on rainforest

An experiment to simulate the effects of climate change and severe drought on a parcel of rainforest in the Brazilian Amazon has found that some parts of the affected forest tolerated the dry condition by absorbing water from deeper in the soil. When the water in the soil had been depleted, many small trees stopped growing, rather than shedding their leaves. This finding has implications for climate change because the amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere during tropical droughts will decrease significantly, according to researchers.
Measurements of Bubble Nucleation Characteristics in Pool Boiling of a Wetting Liquid on Smooth and Roughened Surfaces

Quantitative measurements are obtained from high-speed visualizations of pool boiling at atmospheric pressure from smooth and roughened surfaces, using a perfluorinated hydrocarbon (FC-77) as the working fluid. The boiling surfaces are fabricated from aluminum and prepared by mechanical polishing in the case of the smooth surface, and by electrical discharge machining (EDM) in the case of the roughened surface. The roughness values (Ra ) are 0.03 and 5.89 micrometers for the polished and roughened surfaces, respectively. The bubble diameter at departure, bubble departure frequency, bubble terminal velocity, and active nucleation site density are measured from the monochrome movies, which are recorded at 8000 frames per second with a digital CCD camera and magnifying lens. Results are compared to predictions from existing models of bubble nucleation behavior in the literature. Wall superheat, heat flux, and heat transfer coefficient are also reported.© 2008 ASME
Assessment of the clinical use of intravenous and oral N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of acute acetaminophen poisoning in children: a retrospective review.

Abstract Background N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the most effective therapy for acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity and is currently available for oral and intravenous (IV) administration. Although both routes are effective, use of the IV formulation has been increasing since becoming available in the United States in 2004, raising questions about cost/benefit comparisons between the 2 formulations. Decreased length of treatment and hospital stay have been used to justify the use of IV NAC; however, some patients may receive extended therapy of either NAC regimen. Objective This retrospective review assessed the clinical use of oral and IV NAC in pediatric patients with APAP intoxication from June 1, 2004 through May 31, 2008. Methods Electronic medical charts for patients aged ≤21 years were identified with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes for APAP overdose. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the overall patient population and route of NAC administration. The primary outcome variable was the length of treatment with IV and oral NAC therapy. Results A total of 62 charts for patients with APAP toxicity were reviewed; 37 patients (60%) received IV NAC and 25 patients (40%) received oral NAC. The average lengths of treatment and stay for IV dosing were 23.5 hours (range, 17.6–54.9 hours) and 1.6 days (range, 1–3 days), respectively; those for oral dosing were 69.5 hours (range, 33–133 hours) and 1.95 days (range, 1–5 days), respectively. Of 16 patients who received oral NAC and were admitted for Conclusions Based on our review, the majority of patients received recommended dosing of NAC therapy; however, 3 patients received extended NAC therapy. Patient-specific factors should be considered when assessing whether NAC therapy should be extended and if one route of administration may be preferred. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00725179 .
Electrospray interfacing for the coupling of ion-exchange and ion-paring chromatography to mass spectrometry

Abstract Electrospray was evaluated as an interface for coupling ion-exchange and ion-pairing chromatography to mass spectrometry. Effective separation and good sensitivity were demonstrated for a liquid flowrate as high as 50 μl/min and a matrix ion concentration as high as 10 mM. Minimum detectable amounts were estimated to be five to ten times poorer than those obtained in the absence of ion-exchange buffers or ion-pairing reagents. The minimum detectable amount for arsenobetaine after a dynamic ion-exchange separation was estimated to be about 20 pg.
On regimes I and II during polymer crystallization

The temperature of the transition from Regimes I and II has been analyzed for several systems for which data is available for both overall crystallization rates and the direct growth rate of supermolecular structures. The same transition temperature is observed irrespective of the experimental method. In addition it is found that the Regimes do not serve as boundaries between distinct morphological forms.
SIM Lite Guide-2 telescope system identification, control design and pointing performance evaluation

The Guide-2 telescope (G2T) is an important subsystem of the new SIM Lite Astrometric Observatory. In this paper we present system identification experiments, design and implementation of the G2T stellar pointing loop that achieves milliarcsecond resolution of spacecraft attitude. Special emphasis was placed on characterization and modeling of PZT hysteresis since this nonlinearity plays an important part in the control loop performance. Power spectral densities of the star image centroids were use to evaluate the pointing loop performance with and with out the presence of simulated ACS disturbances injected via a fast steering mirror (FSM).
Selective Raman Scattering from the Core Chlorophylls in Photosystem I via Preresonant Near-Infrared Excitation

The Raman scattering characteristics of photosystem I (PSI) over the 200−1700-cm-1 frequency range have been examined using near-infrared (NIR) excitation (λex = 800 nm). The salient features observed in the spectra are as follows: (1) The Raman spectra are characteristic of neutral, pentacoordinate chlorophyll a (Chl a) molecules regardless of the oxidation state of the primary electron donor, P700. No Raman bands are observed for the oxidized primary donor, P700+, despite the fact that the 800-nm excitation wavelength is coincident with a NIR absorption feature of the π-cation radical species. (2) The redox state of P700 has a strong influence on the temperature dependence of the preresonance Raman (PRR) scattering intensities of the neutral Chls in PSI (Qy absorption maxima 660−720 nm). When P700 is neutral, the PRR intensities of the neutral Chls decrease approximately 4-fold on going from 77 to 200 K. When P700 is chemically or photochemically oxidized, the PRR scattering intensities of the neutral ...
Peripheral inhibition in sustained and transient on-center ganglion cells in cat retina.

Die Resultate deuten darauf hin, dass nicht, wie bisher vermutet wurde, die Stutzzellen schwach auf Diffuslicht reagieren, sondern dass unter bestimmten Umstanden die Inhibition starker bzw. schwacher sein kann.
Metasurface holograms for visible light

Holographic techniques provide phase and amplitude information for images of objects, but normally the hologram thickness is comparable to the light wavelength used. Ni et al. present ultra-thin plasmonic holograms that control amplitude and phase in the visible region and are just 30 nm thick.
Gastric lymphoma, a radiologic diagnosis

Because endoscopy and gastric cytology lack specificity, radiographic evaluation is still the most reliable means of diagnosing gastric lymphoma preoperatively. A retrospective analysis indicates that if careful attention is paid to the radiologic features, gastric lymphoma can be distinguished from gastric carcinoma in most of cases. The radiographic findings of a long segment of involvement, multiplicity of radiographic pattern, and diffuse infiltration consisting of concentric abnormal folds without significant narrowing of the lumen are characteristic of the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Effect of transfusion on physiologic changes after resuscitated trauma

Abstract Background. The purpose of this experimental study was to test whether transfusion potentiated physiologic changes associated with fluid resuscitated trauma in controlled conditions. Methods. Anesthetized and ventilated mongrel pigs were subjected to soft-tissue injury plus 35% hemorrhage and 1 hour shock and then were resuscitated with either autologous (shed) or heterologous (crosstransfused) fresh whole blood. Leukocyte differential counts, T-lymphocyte subsets, neutrophil adherence molecule (CD18) expression, granulocyte oxidative burst, plasma cortisol, and serum chemistries were monitored in awake animals with indwelling catheters on 3 consecutive days. Changes were referenced to preinjury baseline values and to a control group that received heterologous transfusion but no shock. To determine whether these changes might have influenced host defense, a low-dose challenge with Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]; 1 to 2 μg/kgfor 30 minutes) was administered on day 4. Results. During recovery, neutrophil counts, neutrophil CD18 expression, and granulocyte oxidative burst were generally increased, but the changes were not potentiated by transfusion. Lymphocyte subpopulations remained relatively constant. Serum enzyme markers were elevated with trauma plus shed blood or trauma plus cross-transfusion, but they remained essentially unchanged after heterologous transfusion only. Plasma cortisol, a nonspecific index of stress, peaked at 3 to 6 times higher than baseline. The increases tended to be higher and later with heterologous transfusion only, relative to trauma plus shed blood or trauma plus cross-transfusion. The delayed LPS challenge evoked profound but transient pulmonary hypertension and leukopenia, followed by subsequent hypoxemia; the time courses and magnitude of these changes were similar in all groups. Conclusions. If these measured variables before and after LPS challenge are a valid index of host defense in this species, then a 35% transfusion does not potentiate the risk for posttrauma immune dysfunction when the magnitude of injury is constant. Thus the predisposition to infection after human trauma might be due to cold storage of blood, separation of blood into components, or other transfusion-related practices rather than to transfusion per se.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND GENERALIZATION OF DELAYED IMITATION1

An individual's behavior can be identified as imitative if it temporally follows the behavior of another individual and if its topography is controlled by the demonstrated behavior [Baer, Peterson, and Sherman (Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1967, 10, 405–416)]. This definition takes into account both temporal and topographical characteristics of the behavior in question. More recent research in the area of imitation has interpreted the temporal component of the above definition differentially by limiting imitation to those topographically similar responses occurring within 3, 5, or 10 sec after a model's demonstration. Yet, Gewirtz and Stingle (Psychological Review, 1968, 75, 375–397) pointed out that much of the imitation seen in young children is not of this immediate nature, but instead occurs sometime after a model's response. They further suggest that this type of imitative behavior can be characterized as a response class and is susceptible to development and modification as a function of consequences delivered to subjects contingent on this type of delayed responding. Four retarded children, three initially imitative and one nonimitative, were individually trained to imitate a number of motor responses in an immediate and a delayed fashion. Immediate imitation was defined as a response similar to a model's demonstration occurring within 5 sec after the model's demonstration; delayed imitation was defined as a response similar to a model's demonstration occurring more than 5 sec, but not more than 25 sec, after the model's demonstration. A reversal (ABAB) design was employed to examine the experimental development of a generalized delayed imitative repertoire. Untrained probe responses were demonstrated to subjects systematically through the ongoing training. Generalized immediate and delayed imitation were observed in each subject; this generalization was restricted to the type of imitation currently undergoing training. This development of a generalized imitation repertoire was observed in each subject. That is, these subjects imitated some responses that had never been specifically trained. More importantly, a training package consisting of prompting, fading, and consequences for delayed imitation functioned to develop generalized delayed imitation. These data exemplify a special case of generalization that was a function of the most recent training history of immediate or delayed imitation. The reversal design demonstrated that imitations of nontrained models were either delayed or immediate, depending upon which form of imitation was currently receiving training. Therefore, for each form of imitation trained, delayed or immediate, a corresponding response class was demonstrated. These data relate to data reported by Garcia, Baer, and Firestone (Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1971, 4, 101–112). The association lies in the proposition that there are identifiable boundaries of generalized imitation and that these boundaries are functionally related to previous training histories.
The role of Bax-inhibiting peptide in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis after optic nerve transection

Bax, a pro-apoptotic member of Bcl-2 family proteins, plays a central role in mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Bax normally resides in the cytosol in a quiescent state. Bax-inhibiting peptide (BIP) is a membrane permeable peptide comprised of five amino acids designed from the Bax-binding domain of Ku70 [M. Sawada, P. Hayes, S. Matsuyama, Cytoprotective membrane-permeable peptides designed from the Bax-binding domain of Ku70, Nat. Cell Biol. 5 (2003) 352-357]. It inhibits Bax-mediated translocation of cytochrome c and suppresses mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. BIP was used in order to elucidate its role in preventing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death from apoptosis after optic nerve transection (ONT) in adult Wistar rats. RGC survival was significantly higher in animals with intravitreal injection of BIP, when compared with control animals. These findings suggest that BIP prevented RGC apoptosis after ONT prompting the suggestion that Bax plays a central role in RGC apoptosis after ONT.
Experimental study of the effects of nonlinearities on ground resonance

An experimental investigation into the effects of nonlinearities on the ground resonance behavior of rotorcraft is conducted and the results correlated with analytical predictions. The experimental techniques and results are described in detail and representative graphs of the observed behavior are shown and discussed. It is found that responses of destructively high amplitude may occur in systems for which a linear analysis predicts stable behavior.
Recognizing and responding to the knowledge needs of museums

(2005). Recognizing and responding to the knowledge needs of museums. Museum Management and Curatorship: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 272-276.
Advances in hereditary deafness

Progress in the Human Genome Project, availability of cochlea-specific cDNA libraries, and development of murine models of deafness have resulted in rapid discovery of many loci and corresponding genes for deafness. Up to now, the chromosomal locations of about 70 genes for non-syndromic deafness have been mapped, and the genes of more than 20 loci have been identified and characterised. Mutations in one gene, connexin 26 (CX26GJB2), are responsible for most cases of recessive non-syndromic deafness, accounting for 30-40% of all childhood genetic deafness in some populations (eg, white people of western European descent). We summarise advances in identification of genes for deafness and provide a guide to the clinical approach to diagnosis of patients with hearing loss.
Genetics of dystonia: an overview.

Abstract The torsion dystonias encompass a broad collection of etiologic subtypes, often divided into primary and secondary classes. Over the last two decades an increasing number of genetic causes have been identified, including an important genetic cause for early-onset primary torsion dystonia (PTD): a GAG deletion in exon 5 of DYT1 , a gene that encodes torsinA. Although the exact function of torsinA remains elusive, evidence suggests aberrant localization and interaction of mutated protein; this may result in an abnormal response to stress or interference with cytoskeletal events and the development of neuronal brain pathways. Identification of DYT1 has also permitted studies of both “manifesting” and “non-manifesting” DYT1 mutation carriers. These investigations have expanded our understanding of clinical expression to include psychiatric symptoms and also have enabled imaging studies of endophenotypes. Similarly, there has been progress in our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of the “dystonia-plus” syndromes: dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD), myoclonus–dystonia (M-D), and rapid-onset dystonia–parkinsonism (RDP). These advances provide a widened platform for future research.
Bridge Discourses and Organizational Ideologies Managing Spiritual and Secular Communication in a Faith-Based, Nonprofit Organization

The present interpretive research contributes to the increasing niche of studies that acknowledge spirituality and religion in organizations. The current study examines communication in the workpla...
Modelling the turn-off characteristics of the base resistance controlled thyristor (BRT)

An analytical model is described for the turn-off mechanism in the BRT. The assumptions which form the basis of the model are drawn from the results of two-dimensional numerical simulations of the turn-off process. It is shown that the device turns off when all the charge from the P-base is removed by the current flowing through the P-channel MOSFET into the diverter region. Based upon this, an expression has been derived for the time required for removal of the hole charge from the P-base (defined as the storage time). An expression for the maximum controllable current for the BRT (where it fails to turn off) has been derived by the condition that the storage time becomes infinite. The model predicts a decrease in the maximum controllable current with increase in the P-base sheet resistance and P MOS channel resistance. Based on the model, the maximum controllable current is shown to decrease with emitter width and increase, with emitter length. These predictions have been confirmed by experimental resistive load turn-off measurements on unit cell BRT devices. Consistent with the model, the measurements indicate no change in the controllable current with load voltages up to 500 V, indicating good RBSOA. The model has also been extended to calculate the holding current of the BRT and its dependence on device parameters.
Lack of repellency of three commercial ultrasonic devices to the German cockroach (Blattodea: Blattellidae)

Three commercial ultrasonic devices (A, B, and C) were tested for their ability to repel the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae), in Plexiglas ® enclosures. Device A generated peak frequencies at 26 kHz and 34 kHz, and produced a 95 1 dB sound pressure level (SPL) at 50 cm distance (0 dB = 20 log10(20 ∝Pa/ 20 ∝Pa)). Device B generated peak frequencies at 27 kHz and 35 kHz, and produced a 92 4 dB SPL. Device C generated a wide range of frequencies between 28J42 kHz and produced an 88 2 dB SPL. Ultrasound from any of the three devices did not demonstrate sufficient repelling ability against the German cockroach in the tests. The result failed to provide evidence that ultrasonic technology could be used as an effective pest management tool to repel or eliminate the German cockroach.
Shared Ethnicity and Relationship Multiplexity within the Informal Networks of Retired European American Sunbelt Migrants A Case Study

In this article, the authors explore the impact of shared ethnicity and chain migration on the structure of relationships within the informal networks of elderly European Americans who migrated to ...
Overexpression of transforming growth factor-α in hepatocellular carcinoma and focal nodular hyperplasia from european patients

Abstract The expression of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) was studied in 33 surgically excised human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs), and the surrounding liver tissue from patients who were life-long residents of Hungary. Monoclonal antibodies were used to localize TGF-α and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase immunohistochemical method on paraffin-embedded sections. Transforming growth factor-α was detected in the tumor tissue in 13 of 16 patients with HCC (81%) and in 12 of 17 patients with FNH (71%). Three patients with HCC were actively infected with hepatitis B virus, indicated by the detection of HBsAg in the serum and in adjacent nontumorous liver. Transforming growth factor-α was detected in the same nontumorous hepatocytes as HBsAg, often in areas of the hepatocyte cytoplasm, with a "ground glass" appearance. Bile duct cells were stained for TGF-α in the surrounding nontumorous liver tissue and a more intensive immunostaining was observed in the proliferating bile ducts in the FNH cases, which suggests that TGF-α may participate in the growth regulation of bile ducts.
Coastal Acidification by Rivers: A Threat to Shellfish?

Increasing atmospheric CO2 is likely to cause a corresponding increase in oceanic acidity by lowering pH by 0.20.5 pH units by the end of the 21st century [Royal Society, 2005]. In light of increasing acidity, there are growing concerns about the future health of a variety of marine organisms, particularly shellfish, which in the United States is a $1.6 billion industry. Shellfish predominantly inhabit coastal regions, and in addition to the projected stress caused by the global trend in ocean acidification, some coastal ecosystems receive persistent or episodic acid inputs as a result of interactions with river water, bottom sediments, or atmospheric deposition of terrigenous materials. Most river plumes are acidic relative to the receiving ocean, and river water is mixed extensively over the continental shelf. Moreover, the chemical nature and magnitude of discharge are changing rapidly due to climate change and land-use practices.
Histopathologic examination of material from angioplasty balloon catheters used in vivo in human coronary arteries.

Abstract Reports on vascular pathology post-PTCA in both human and animal coronary vessels have revealed medial and intimal cracks and tears, thrombus formation, platelet accumulation, and loss of endothelial cells. The extent and type of damage can currently be assessed in vivo at the macro level by means of coronary artery angiography. However, this technique cannot define vessel wall characteristics at the cellular level. Our hypothesis is that vessel wall material may adhere to the balloon and thus provide a source for coronary artery cytological investigation in vivo. Ten balloon catheters were evaluated to discern any material which was dislodged from the coronary artery and which remained attached to the balloon catheter or guide wire. Our results indicate that angioplasty catheter balloons frequently have adherent collagen, endothelial cells, organized thrombus, and plaque with obvious cholesterol clefts, that can be retrieved and examined histologically. We conclude that material is often dislodged from the plaque during PTCA. In addition, plaque material removed by the balloon catheter offers an unusual opportunity to analyze the morphologic characteristics of cells from the human coronary artery in vivo.
Mechanism of nuclear spin-lattice relaxation in insulators at very low temperatures.

Nuclear spin-lattice relaxation by paramagnetic impurities in insulating crystals is expected in conventional theory to be frozen out in the millikelvin temperature region owing to the freezing of the electron-spin orientation into the lowest-energy spin state in the presence of a static field. Experimental relaxation times are much shorter than the conventional theory predicts. The authors show that by extending the normal relaxation theory to include the slight change in electron-spin quantization arising from a nuclear spin flip, the electron effectively gains a new degree of freedom, which we call wobble, which takes much less energy to excite than a complete electron-spin flip. The electron-spin orientation is, therefore, effectively unfrozen even at millikelvin temperatures. This new mechanism is expected to dominate in high field at temperatures of tens of millikelvin and below.
Flow Characteristics of Pressure-Driven Water in Serpentine Micro-Channels

Flow structures and pressure drops were investigated in rectangular serpentine micro-channels with miter bends which had hydraulic diameters of 0.209mm, 0.395mm and 0.549mm respectively. To evaluate the bend effect, the additional pressure drop due to the miter bend must be obtained. Three groups of micro-channels were fabricated to remove the inlet and outlet losses. A validated micro-particle image velocimetry (μPIV) system was used to achieve the flow structure in a serpentine micro-channel with hydraulic diameter of 0.173mm. The experimental results show the vortices around the outer and inner walls of the bend do not form when Re 100-300, and the shape and size of the vortices almost remain constant when Re>1000. The bend loss coefficient Kb was observed to be related with the Re number when Re 100. It almost keeps constant and changes in the range of ± 10% When Re is larger than some value in 1300-1500. And a size effect on Kb was also observed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Biochemical and morphogenic effects of the interaction between protein kinase C-epsilon and actin in vitro and in cultured NIH3T3 cells.

Protein kinase C-epsilon coordinately regulates changes in cell growth and shape. Cells overproducing protein kinase C-epsilon spontaneously acquire a polarized morphology and extend long cellular membrane protrusions that are reminiscent of the morphology observed in ras-transformed fibroblasts. Here we report that the regulatory C1 domain contains an actin binding hexapeptide motif that is essential for the morphogenic effects of protein kinase C-epsilon in cultured NIH3T3 murine fibroblasts. The extension of elongate processes by protein kinase C-epsilon transformed fibroblasts appeared to be driven by a kinase-independent mechanism that required organized networks of both actin and microtubules. Flow cytometry of phalloidin-stained cells demonstrated that protein kinase C-epsilon significantly increased the cellular content of polymerized actin in NIH3T3 cells. Studies with a cell-free system suggest that protein kinase C-epsilon inhibits the in vitro disassembly of actin filaments, is capable of desequestering actin monomers from physiologically relevant concentrations of thymosin β4, and increases the rate of actin filament elongation by decreasing the critical concentration of actin. Based on these and other observations, it is proposed that protein kinase C-epsilon may function as a terminal downstream effector in at least one of the signaling pathways that mitogens engage to initiate outgrowth of cellular protrusions. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 532–546, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Feeling Homeless at Work: Explaining Away The Ethics Deficit In Human Resource Management

Our beliefs and assumptions about the subject of our research often play a role in bringing about what has been expected. Popper called it the “Oedipus effect”, for the influence of the prediction ...
Design for Stamping: a Group Technology-based Approach

The design of parts for metal stamping is often accomplished following a rules-of-thumb-based design process. The approach descnbed here, as part of a broader design for manufacturability (DFM) strategy, is based upon detailed models in contrast to rules of thumb and is developed through extensive interactions with toolmakers and stampers. The design for stamping (DFS) system includes consideration of costs due to rooling, costs due to processing, and costs due to material where these costs are functions of the part design, thus enabling qualitative and quantitative assessments at a preliminary concept sketch as well as further developed design stages.
Energy transfer dynamics of an isolated light harvesting complex of Photosystem I from spinach: time-resolved fluorescence measurements at 295 K and 77 K

Abstract Time-resolved fluorescence relaxation measurements have been performed at 295 K and 77 K on a preparation of the light-harvesting complex of Photosystem I (LHCI) containing about 100 chlorophylls (Chl) per complex. At both temperatures five exponential components were required to fit the data. The resulting determined lifetimes are 30 ps, 200 ps, 1.0 ns, 3.3 ns and 6.5 ns. Previous steady-state fluorescence measurements demonstrated that the emission at 735 nm increases dramatically upon cooling to 77 K. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements performed at 77 K reveal the presence of two risetimes for emission between 700 and 750 nm. These results are consistent with an efficient trap for electronic excitation existing at longer wavelengths than the absorption maximum of P700, the reaction center of Photosystem I (PS I). Excitation of Chl b results in a relative amplitude enhancement of decay components emitting between 720 and 750 nm. This confirms that Chl b is specifically associated with long wavelength emitters in Photosystem I.
Putting the glomerulus back together: per aspera ad astra (“a rough road leads to the stars”)

Detlef Schlondorff Correspondence: Detlef Schlondorff, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1243, New York, New York 10029, USA. E-mail: detlef.schlondorff@ mssm.edu M any of us may have childhood memories of taking apart a mechanical clock and then trying to put it back together. The taking apart step proved relatively easy; the putting together proved to be more of a challenge. Many parts looked alike: a cogwheel is a cogwheel is a cogwheel... After considerable efforts testing one’s patience, frustration tolerance, and endurance, some degree of assembly was generally achieved. However, one or two little parts were frequently left over, raising the hope of having invented a simpler type of clock. Alas, those hopes were rapidly disappointed: the modified, reassembled clock simply would not function.
EFFECT OF PH ON PRESERVATION OF RED CELL ATP.

Human blood has been stored in citrate-dextrose anticoagulants resembling NIH formula-B, but with varying hydrogen ion concentrations. At a storage temperature of 4 C, a preservative pH of 5.0 was found to be optimal for ATP preservation. At a temperature of 37 C in contrast, a preservative pH of 7.0 or 7.9 was most favorable for maintenance of ATP levels. If adenine was added to the preservative mixture, the optimum was found to be 5.5 rather than 5.0. It was found that a change in temperature resulted in a striking pH shift, so that optimal storage pH both at 37 C and at 4 C was approximately 7.5, provided the pH measurements were made at the storage temperature. The pH optimum of the ATPase system was not found to vary with temperature, and the rate of glycolysis was increased at higher pH levels at 4 C as well as at 37 C. These studies emphasize that as any component of the blood preservative mixture is changed, as when adenine is added, limiting factors in preservation may be altered, and the other conditions of storage must be re-investigated.
Vilsmeier-Haack-Arnold acylation of the reductively activated benzene ligand in [Mn(CO)3(η4-C6H6)]-

The major product from the reaction of the enoliminium ester [Me2CHC(OSO2CF3)NMe2]+ (5+) with [Mn(η4-C6H6)(CO)3]- (2-) is [Mn(CO)3{η5-C6H6C(iPr)NMe2}]+ (6+; X-ray), in which an iminium ion has been added to the reductively activated benzene ligand in 2-. Minor products include [{Mn(CO)3(η5-C6H6)-exo}2C(iPr)NHMe2]CF3SO3 (8(CF3SO3); X-ray) and [{Mn(CO)3(η5-C6H6)-exo}2C(iPr)NMe2] (7), with two Mn(CO)3 groups attached to the enoliminium ester derived backbone. The mechanistic relationship between the reactions that yield to formation of 6+, 8+, and 7 are unclear, since an increase in the ratio of 2- to 6+ does not increase the yield of 7, and reaction of 2- with the keteniminium salt prepared by reaction of 5+ with collidine leads directly to 6+. Hydrolysis of 6(PF6) generates [Mn(CO)3{η5-C6H6C(iPr)O}] (9), in which the benzene ligand in 2- has been acylated.
S/390 CMOS cryptographic coprocessor architecture: overview and design considerations

This paper describes the design objectives and presents an overview of the design for the IBM S/390® CMOS Cryptographic Coprocessor, also known as the S/390 cryptographic module (SCM). The SCM is fully compatible with the earlier S/390 cryptographic module, ICRF (Integrated Cryptographic Facility), and has been certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology at the highest level of security qualification. The principal features and unique characteristics of the SCM are summarized in the context of the architecture design.
Effects of hydrostatic pressure on curing of a DGEBA-DDS system

Abstract An epoxy-amine system (DGEBA-DDS) is cured isothermally at 150 °C under various pressures up to about 124.1 MPa (18,000 psi) and isobarically under 69.0 MPa (10,000 psi) at 135°, 150°. and 165 °C. The curing process is monitored by a high-pressure torsion pendulum (HPTP) which is newly designed, constructed, and tested for this research. Two macroscopic phenomena, namely the gelation and the vitrification, are monitored in the form of damping peaks at all cure pressures and temperatures. The phenomena are influenced by hydrostatic pressure in the form of changes of the time position, shape, and size of the two peaks. The time positions of the gelation peak and the vitrification peak are shifted to a shorter time scale with increasing pressure, but the amount of the shift of the vitrification peak is three times greater than that of the gelation peak. The size of the vitrification peak becomes relatively smaller compared to that of the gelation peak under pressure. FTIR is employed to obtain the p...
Significant Interactions between Uranium and Noble‐Gas Atoms: Coordination of the UO2+ Cation by Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe Atoms

Laser-ablated uranium cation reacts with O2 to give UO2+, which is found to form UO2+(Ng)n (Ng = Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe) complexes on condensation with excess noble gas. Experiments with mixtures of noble gases lead to five new absorptions for the mixed UO2+(Ng)x(Ng')y complexes and show that the coordination number is five for Ng = Ar, Kr, and Xe. These results are consistent with predictions by relativistic density functional calculations and indicate significant bonding between U and noble-gas atoms.
Percutaneous retrieval of an embolized Mediport catheter in a patient receiving therapy for Hodgkins lymphoma.

The use of indwelling venous access lines in pediatric patients with malignant diseases has become widespread.1,2 External venous catheters have reduced the number of venipunctures for laboratory studies and intravenous catheter insertions for administration of chemotherapy. Subcutaneous ports offer the additional advantage of lower incidence of infection and mechanical complications, less restriction of physical activity, no need for parental maintenance of patency, and better body image. The potential drawbacks of indwelling catheters include infection, malfunction, thrombus formation, migration, arrhythmias, endocarditis, and perforations of veins or right atrium with resultant hemothorax, hemomediastinum, or hemopericardium. In this report we describe another rare complication, catheter embolization to the left pulmonary artery, and a simple percutaneous technique to manage it.
A region in Shc distinct from the SH2 domain can bind tyrosine- phosphorylated growth factor receptors

Shc is a ubiquitously expressed Src homology 2 (SH2) domain protein that can transform fibroblasts and differentiate PC12 cells in a Ras-dependent fashion. Shc binds a variety of tyrosine-phosphorylated growth factor receptors presumably via its carboxyl-terminal SH2 domain. We cloned a fragment of Shc when screening a bacterial expression library with tyrosine-phosphorylated epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Surprisingly, this fragment encodes the amino terminus of Shc, a region that has no significant similarity to an SH2 domain. When expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein, this amino-terminal domain binds to autophosphorylated EGF receptor, as well as HER2/neu and TrkA receptors. This fragment acts like an SH2 domain in that it does not bind non-phosphorylated EGF receptor or EGF receptor with all tyrosine phosphorylation sites mutated or deleted. Our data define a novel domain in Shc that has the potential to interact with growth factor receptors and other tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins.
Kinetic Tactile-Kinesthetic Bodies: Ontogenetical Foundations of Apprenticeship Learning

An ontogenetically-informed epistemology is necessary to understandings of apprenticeship learning. The methodology required in this enterprise is a constructive phenomenology, a phenomenology that takes into account the fact that as infants, we were apprentices of our own bodies: we all learned our bodies and learned to move ourselves. The major focus of this essay is on infant social relationships that develop on the ground of our original corporeal-kinetic apprenticeship. It shows how joint attention, imitation, and turn-taking - all richly examined areas in infant social development - are the foundation of apprenticeship learning in later adult life. The relationship between each infant capacity and later apprenticeship learning is demonstrated in examples from present-day research, specifically, research in the areas of medicine, sport, music, and tailoring, and research carried out by philosophers on apprenticeship learning.
Lack of exacerbation of neurodegeneration in a double transgenic mouse model of mutant LRRK2 and tau

LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase) mutations constitute the most common cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). Microtubule-associated protein tau mutations cause a group of neurodegenerative diseases termed tauopathies. Genome-wide association studies show that, after α-synuclein, polymorphisms in the tau gene have the second strongest genetic association with PD. In a proportion of PD patients with LRRK2 mutations, and in several transgenic animal models of LRRK2, tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation, rather than α-synuclein aggregation, are the most prominent neuropathologic findings. To further examine the relationship between LRRK2 and tau, we crossed LRRK2 R1441G BAC transgenic mice (Mus musculus) with tau P301S mutant transgenic mice and characterized their behavioral, neuropathological and biochemical phenotypes. We found that the combination of the two mutations does not increase tau hyperphosphorylation or aggregation nor does it exacerbate the behavioral and pathological deficits previously described in the tau P301S mice. The double-mutant mice had no shortening of lifespan and no worsening of motor or memory deficits. There was no increase in the aggregation of tau or α-synuclein. Dopaminergic neuron cell counts and striatal levels of dopamine and its metabolites were unaltered. There was no exacerbation of cell loss, microgliosis or astrogliosis in multiple brain regions. These results suggest that LRRK2 and tau do not interact to exacerbate behavioral, biochemical or pathological abnormalities in neurodegeneration and that LRRK2 and tau exert their pathogenic effects through independent mechanisms.
Stochastic Rangeland Use under Capital Constraints

The stocking density on Kazakhstan's extensive rangelands is well below traditional levels. To analyze dynamic flock performance, we develop a stochastic dynamic programming model for livestock systems with stochastic forage production. The model contains continuous five state and 12 control variables, allowing improved characterization of the biophysical relationships and economic tradeoffs inherent in such systems. Most Kazakhstan herders have restricted access to capital. The model indicates that the cost of capital strongly affects flock size and productivity. We conclude that capital constraints are important to explaining the current low stocking density. Improving capital markets in rural areas warrants policy attention.
Irritable bowel/irritable mood: the mind/gut connection.

(1998). Irritable Bowel/Irritable Mood: The Mind/Gut Connection. Harvard Review of Psychiatry: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 149-154.
Information Technology Meets the Developing World

The Information Revolution and Developing Countries. By Ernest J. Wilson III Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2004. 456 pp., $49.95 (ISBN: 0-262-23230-8). That information and communications technologies are reshaping developed economies is now very much taken for granted. Much less is known about how such technologies are affecting or will affect the developing world. The only certainty is the obvious fact that telephone and Internet use in these countries lags significantly behind their richer counterparts. For most economists, this “digital divide” can be easily explained. Poorer countries cannot afford the required infrastructure. But as they get richer, these countries will see these new technologies diffuse throughout their societies in much the same way that electricity did in the past. In The Information Revolution and Developing Countries , however, Ernest Wilson suggests that the reality is more complicated than that. Even though both the deployment of information and communications technologies and Internet use are positively correlated with Gross Domestic Product per capita across countries, economics alone cannot explain the diffusion of such …
Global rates of water-column denitrification derived from nitrogen gas measurements

Biologically available nitrogen limits phytoplankton growth over much of the ocean. Data-constrained model simulations suggest that bioavailable nitrogen losses match gains in the global ocean, indicative of a balanced budget.