cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding Event Organization at Scale in Event-Based Social Networks

Understanding real-world event participation behavior has been a subject of active research and can offer valuable insights for event-related recommendation and advertisement. The emergence of event-based social networks (EBSNs), which attracts online users to host/attend offline events, has enabled exciting new research in this domain. However, most existing works focus on understanding or predicting individual users’ event participation behavior or recommending events to individual users. Few studies have addressed the problem of event popularity from the event organizer’s point of view.In this work, we study the latent factors for determining event popularity using large-scale datasets collected from the popular Meetup.com EBSN in five major cities around the world. We analyze and model four contextual factors: spatial factor using location convenience, quality, popularity density, and competitiveness; group factor using group member entropy and loyalty; temporal factor using temporal preference and weekly event patterns; and semantic factor using readability, sentiment, part of speech, and text novelty. In addition, we have developed a group-based social influence propagation network to model group-specific influences on events. By combining the COntextual features and Social Influence NEtwork, our integrated prediction framework COSINE can capture the diverse influential factors of event participation and can be used by event organizers to predict/improve the popularity of their events. Detailed evaluations demonstrate that our COSINE framework achieves high accuracy for event popularity prediction in all five cities with diverse cultures and user event behaviors.
The effect of timing of extended photoperiod on growth and maturity of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

The influence of timing of extended photoperiods on growth and maturity of brook trout was investigated in a 112‐day experiment. The fish with mean initial weight of ~192 g were reared under four light regimes: one control group with natural ambient photoperiod and three groups exposed to an 18L:6D regime initiated at days 1, 23 or 46 of the growth trial. Light‐emitting diodes, with intensity of 250–1000 lux, depending on the distance from the light source, were used for extending light periods. There was a positive effect of prolonged day length on fish growth (p < 0.05), and a delay in gonad development and sexual maturity. Significantly higher numbers of sexually mature fish were found among controls groups, regardless of sex. Survival rate was not affected by light regime. This study demonstrated that the short‐term expansion of the photo period delayed maturation and increased the growth rate of brook trout.
Transferencia y erosión de patrones melódicos en bilingües de español e inglés en California

espanolLas situaciones de contacto entre el espanol y el ingles han motivado en numerosas ocasiones el estudio de procesos de transferencia y variacion en multiples niveles de la gramatica. Sin embargo, estos fenomenos no han recibido atencion suficiente al nivel de la entonacion. Este estudio analiza las producciones de veinticuatro bilingues divididos en cuatro grupos con diferentes grados de exposicion al espanol y al ingles con el objetivo de buscar asimetrias y similitudes entonativas tanto entre hablantes como entre lenguas. El analisis de 488 movimientos tonales en enunciados declarativos, imperativos y vocativos muestra que el ingles y el espanol comparten diversas melodias. Asimismo, los hablantes bilingues pueden presentar variaciones por transferencia o erosion en sus inventarios tonales independientemente de su afinidad e identificacion con uno de los idiomas. Dichas variaciones son fruto de diferentes tipos de exposicion a cada lengua. EnglishContact situations between Spanish and English have motivated the study of transfer and variation processes at different levels of the grammar in multiple occasions. Nevertheless, these phenomena have not been studied in detail at the intonational level. This research analyzes the productions of twenty-four bilinguals divided into four groups with different levels of exposure to English and Spanish with the objective of looking for asymmetries and similarities between speakers and languages. The analysis of 488 tonal movements in statements, imperatives and vocatives show that Spanish and English may share multiple melodies. At the same time, bilingual speakers may present modifications due to transfer or attrition processes in their tonal inventories regardless of their affinity and identification with one of the languages. These modifications are the result of different kinds of exposure to each language.
The Tadros Theory of Change: An Integrated Structural, Narrative, and Solution-Focused Approach

There are a multitude of family therapy models that have shown to be effective in promoting positive client outcomes. However, there has yet to be an integrated approach to family therapy that sheds a new light on theory of change as a collective theory. In this innovative approach to family therapy theory of change, ‘change’ is defined by a family’s structure, socially constructed goals for treatment, social location, and strengths. The purpose of this paper is to integrate family therapies to construct a cohesive approach to family therapy. This integration is formed by encompassing a structural conceptualization of families while incorporating narrative attitudes of empowerment, solution-focused’s goal-orientation, a multicultural framework, and a strengths-based positivity to better serve clients.
Case Study: Using Project Based Learning to Develop Parallel Programing and Soft Skills

In today's environment, where every computer, including cell phones, are multicore, it is essential that students develop parallel programming skills. It remains a challenge to develop effective techniques for teaching parallel programing skills. Another challenge is finding time within already packed lectures to cover additional material. To that end, we investigate the effectiveness of using Project Based Learning (PBL) to teach parallel programming skills early in the curriculum by developing and incorporating a PBL module into CSc 3210 (Computer Organization and Programming). This is a core course taken by all computer science majors and is a prerequisite to many of our senior-level classes. In our case study, 124 students are organized into 26 diverse groups, with four or five students per group, and assigned five project assignments, each of two-weeks duration. Given a Raspberry PI, students will explore its multicore architecture and create programs for shared memory parallelism using OpenMP and C language. Our results show that incorporating this PBL module has a significant and direct effect on the student's growth in parallel programming skills. As a side benefit, we also show that there is a direct improvement on a student's personal growth in terms soft skills, which is essential in the professional development and success in the workplace. By having students experience PBL in an early class, close to the midpoint of the academic program, it can serve as a mini-capstone project. Furthermore, students can collaboratively learn by themselves (through teamwork) and apply the fundamentals of parallel programming skills without the need for separate lectures, labs, or workshops.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Impact of Motivational Interviewing on Initiating Behavioral Therapy for Migraine.

Background Relaxation, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy are evidence-based behavioral therapies for migraine. Despite such efficacy, research shows that only about half of patients initiate behavioral therapy recommended by their headache specialists. Objective Motivational interviewing (MI) is a widely used method to help patients explore and overcome ambivalence to enact positive life changes. We tested the hypothesis that telephone-based MI would improve initiation, scheduling, and attending behavioral therapy for migraine. Methods Single-blind randomized controlled trial comparing telephone-based MI to treatment as usual (TAU). Participants were recruited during their appointments with headache specialists at two sites of a New York City medical center. Inclusion criteria ages from 16 to 80, migraine diagnosis by United Council of Neurologic Subspecialty fellowship trained and/or certified headache specialist, and referral for behavioral therapy for prevention in the appointment of recruitment. Exclusion criteria having done behavioral therapy for migraine in the past year. Participants in the MI group received up to 5 MI calls. TAU participants were called after 3 months for general follow-up data. The prespecified primary outcome was scheduling a behavioral therapy appointment, and secondary outcomes were initiating and attending a behavioral therapy appointment. Results 76 patients were enrolled and randomized (MI = 36, TAU = 40). At baseline, the mean number of headache days was 12.0 ± 9.0. Self-reported anxiety was present for 36/52 (69.2%) and depression for 30/52 (57.7%). Follow-up assessments were completed for 77.6% (59/76, MI = 32, TAU = 27). The mean number of MI calls per participant was 2.69 ± 1.56 [0 to 5]. There was a greater likelihood of those in the MI group to initiating an appointment (22/32, 68.8% vs 11/27, 40.7%, P = .0309). There were no differences in appointment scheduling or attendance. Reasons stated for not initiating behavioral therapy were lack of time, lack of insurance/funding, prioritizing other treatments, and travel plans. Conclusions Brief telephone-based MI may improve rates of initiation of behavioral therapy for migraine, but other barriers appear to lessen the impact on scheduling and attending behavioral therapy appointments.
Metronaut: A wearable computer with sensing and global communication capabilities

Metronaut is a novel wearable computer which captures information, senses position, provides wide range communications, consumes less than one watt of power, and weighs less than one pound. Metronaut employs a bar code reader for information input and position location, a two-way pager for communications, and an ARM processor for computation. Metronaut's application is schedule negotiation and guidance instructions for a visitor to the CMU campus. The visitor's position is determined from reading bar codes at information signs around campus. Modifications to the schedule are negotiated using the two-way pager for communications with the campus computing infrastructure. Metronaut is alternatively powered by a mechanical flywheel converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.
Development of a Cadence-based Metabolic Equation for Walking.

PURPOSE This study aimed to develop cadence-based metabolic equations (CME) for predicting the intensity of level walking and evaluate these CME against the widely adopted American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Metabolic Equation, which predicts walking intensity from speed and grade. METHODS Two hundred and thirty-five adults (21-84 yr of age) completed 5-min level treadmill walking bouts between 0.22 and 2.24 m·s, increasing by 0.22 m·s for each bout. Cadence (in steps per minute) was derived by dividing directly observed steps by bout duration. Intensity (oxygen uptake; in milliliters per kilogram per minute) was measured using indirect calorimetry. A simple CME was developed by fitting a least-squares regression to the cadence-intensity relationship, and a full CME was developed through best subsets regression with candidate predictors of age, sex, height, leg length, body mass, body mass index (BMI), and percent body fat. Predictive accuracy of each CME and the ACSM metabolic equation was evaluated at normal (0.89-1.56 m·s) and all (0.22-2.24 m·s) walking speeds through k-fold cross-validation and converted to METs (1 MET = 3.5 mL·kg·min). RESULTS On average, the simple CME predicted intensity within ~1.8 mL·kg·min (~0.5 METs) at normal walking speeds and with negligible (<0.01 METs) bias. Including age, leg length, and BMI in the full CME marginally improved predictive accuracy (≤0.36 mL·kg·min [≤0.1 METs]), but may account for larger (up to 2.5 mL·kg·min [0.72 MET]) deviations in the cadence-intensity relationships of outliers in age, stature, and/or BMI. Both CME demonstrated 23%-35% greater accuracy and 2.2-2.8 mL·kg·min (0.6-0.8 METs) lower bias than the ACSM metabolic equation's speed-based predictions. CONCLUSIONS Although the ACSM metabolic equation incorporates a grade component and is convenient for treadmill-based applications, the CME developed herein enables accurate quantification of walking intensity using a metric that is accessible during overground walking, as is common in free-living contexts.
Optimization and Inverse-design Techniques for Metalens Synthesis

Phase-gradient metasurfaces enable designers to tailor the behavior of electromagnetic waves at surfaces by exploiting the generalized form of Snell's law. This ability has led to the investigation of metalenses which have the potential to significantly reduce the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of conventional optical systems. While traditional lenses are made from individual glasses, metalenses are comprised of patterned meta-atom unit cells which are arranged in such a way so as to give the metalens its desired behavior. Therefore, any metalens's performance is ultimately determined by that of its underlying unit cell components. However, designing meta-atoms that simultaneously achieve high performance over wide frequency bandwidths and fields-of-view is an extremely challenging problem that is best addressed with powerful optimization and inverse-design techniques.
Responding to the climate crisis: The importance of virtual conferencing post-pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought in-person academic conferences to a halt. A current pressing question among researchers in our field is whether we should return to the pre-pandemic conference model when travel is safe again. We present evidence suggesting that the answer is no. We surveyed 489 researchers studying human behavior and cognition about their pre-pandemic conference attendance, what they value in conferencing, and their attitudes toward solutions for making conferences more sustainable. We found that researchers’ average carbon footprints from conference travel are unsustainable in light of recommendations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We also found that researchers are positively inclined towards a variety of changes that would make conferences more sustainable. Given these results, it will be essential for future conference organizers to provide more sustainable and accessible options, including a virtual option for participation at every conference. For attendees to choose virtual formats, it will be important for conference organizers to provide virtual experiences that are as fulfilling as possible, changes which can also be applied to in-person conferencing. We envision a future of conferencing that is more productive, accessible, and environmentally conscious. © 2020 University of California Press. All rights reserved.
Investigating the Promise of a Tier 2 Sixth-Grade Fractions Intervention

This pilot study examined the promise of a Tier 2 Grade 6 intervention program for students at-risk for difficulties in mathematics. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design. The final sample...
Hydrogenation Reactions Catalyzed by PNP-Type Complexes Featuring a HN(CH 2 CH 2 PR 2 ) 2 Ligand

This chapter first provides a brief background of how hydrogenation mechanisms have evolved over the years leading to the blossom of catalytic systems with metal-ligand cooperativity. The main body of the chapter focuses specifically on complexes supported by ligands of the type HN(CH2CH2PR2)2. The discussion of hydrogenation systems is organized based on the central metals including Ru, Fe, Os, Rh, Co, Ir, Ni, Pd, Mo, W, Mn, and Re (in that particular order). Substrates involved in these hydrogenation reactions include olefins, aldehydes, ketones, esters, amides, epoxides, nitriles, imines, N-heterocycles, CO2 (to formate or methanol), silyl formates, CO (to ethylene glycol or methanol), and cyclic carbonates. When appropriate, the presence or the lack of metal-ligand cooperativity in these catalytic systems is highlighted.
Examining the Relationship Between the Readability and Comprehensibility of Practice Test Questions and Failure Rates on Learner's Permit Knowledge Tests.

Purpose The readability and comprehensibility of Learner's Permit Knowledge Test practice questions and the relationship with test failure rates across states and the District of Columbia were exam...
Useful Products in Information Systems Theorizing: A Discursive Formation Perspective

Although there is a growing understanding of theory building in the information systems (IS) field, what constitutes IS theory remains the subject of intense debate. Following Weick’s recommendation to focus on the products of theorizing rather than on what theories are, we assemble and analyze 12 products: question; paradigm; law, framework, myth, analogy, metaphor, model, concept, construct, statement and hypothesis, that are rarely discussed together in any depth in the IS field and combine them into a coherent theorizing framework. Drawing on Foucault’s thesis of discursive formation we characterize the unique role of each product in IS theorizing and illustrate the usefulness of the framework in relation to both classical IS theorizing in the form of media richness theory as well as next-generation theorizing.
Microwave Study of Triflic Acid Hydrates: Evidence for the Transition from Hydrogen-Bonded Clusters to a Microsolvated Ion Pair.

Rotational spectra of the mono-, di-, and trihydrates of triflic acid, CF3SO3H···(H2O)n=1-3, have been recorded by pulsed nozzle Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and spectroscopic constants obtained have been compared with values calculated at several levels of theory. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions presented here and elsewhere, indicating that with only one or two water molecules, triflic acid remains un-ionized in a cold molecular complex. The experiments further concur with theoretical predictions that the addition of a third water molecule transforms the system into what is best regarded as a hydrated hydronium triflate ion pair. Thus, only three water molecules are needed to induce ionization of triflic acid in a cold molecular cluster. This number is somewhat low compared with that for other simple protic acids and likely reflects the superacidity of triflic acid. Simple energetic arguments can be used to rationalize this result.
Calculations for the Stability of Thin Conical Frustums Subjected to External Uniform Hydrostatic Pressure and Axial Load

Summary Calculations are presented for the problem of the stability of conical shells subjected to combined external uniform hydro­ static pressure and axial tension or compression. Stress inter­ action curves are found to vary only slightly as a function of the ratio of the end radii of the cone.
Applications of splines to shape description

Many image analysis problems require the description of the shape of sequences of pixels. Such pixel sequences are usually contours or skeletons obtained by processing of images. The pixels are usually but not always adjacent. Early work has emphasized polygonal approximations of the pixel sequence [1]. Such approximations provide a certain degree of data compaction and noise removal but they do not go far enough. If the shape is not polygonal to start with the representation can be unwieldy.
Performance and Results of the LBNE 35 Ton Membrane Cryostat Prototype

Abstract We report on the performance and commissioning of the first membrane cryostat to be used for scientific application. The Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) has designed and fabricated a membrane cryostat prototype in collaboration with Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (IHI). LBNE has designed and fabricated the supporting cryogenic system infrastructure and successfully commissioned and operated the first membrane cryostat. Original goals of the prototype are: to demonstrate the membrane cryostat technology in terms of thermal performance, feasibility for liquid argon and leak tightness; to demonstrate that we can remove all the impurities from the vessel and achieve the purity requirements in a membrane cryostat without evacuation; to demonstrate that we can achieve and maintain the purity requirements of the liquid argon using mol sieve and copper filters. The purity requirements of a large liquid argon detector such as LBNE are contaminants below 200 parts per trillion (ppt) oxygen equivalent. LBNE is planning the design and construction of a large liquid argon detector. This presentation will present requirements, design and construction of the LBNE 35 ton membrane cryostat prototype, and detail the commissioning and performance. The experience and results of this prototype are extremely important for the development of the LBNE detector.
Staggered Extension Process (StEP) In Vitro Recombination

In vitro polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based recombination methods are used to shuffle segments from various homologous DNA sequences to produce highly mosaic chimeric sequences. Genetic variations created in the laboratory or existing in nature can be recombined to generate libraries of molecules containing novel combinations of sequence information from any or all of the parent template sequences. Evolutionary protein design approaches, in which libraries created by in vitro recombination methods are coupled with screening (or selection) strategies, have successfully produced variant proteins with a wide array of modified properties including increased drug resistance (1,2), stability (3, 4, 5, 6), binding affinity (6), improved folding and solubility (7), altered or expanded substrate specificity (8,9), and new catalytic activity (10).
Assessing aspect modularizations using design structure matrix and net option value

The design structure matrix (DSM) methodology and the net option value (NOV) model have been used before to show how aspects can add value to a design. Following an in-depth analysis of that study, this paper demonstrates how aspects can be beneficial as well as detrimental. The structural transformations involved in aspect modularizations are carefully analyzed in the context of DSMs. This analysis exposes the unique reversion effect on dependencies that aspect modules are known for. To capture that effect within the NOV model, we extend its original set of six modular operators with an additional reversion operator. Using a design case study, its NOV worksheet and NOV experiments' curves are presented to show a simulation of the evolutionary patterns of modules, including aspect modules. These patterns show how subtle dependencies, or the lack of them, bring down, or up, the value of an existing design. Based on the observations made in this case study, preliminary design guidelines for aspects are formulated.
Are pitfalls of oscillometric blood pressure measurements preventable in children

While the routine measurement of blood pressure (BP) in children is common practice, there is lack of uniformity in the types of devices used to measure BP in children. Oscillometric devices are replacing conventional sphygmomanometry in many medical centers. However, the BP determined by these two methods is not identical, nor is it systematically different. Moreover, there is paucity of normative data on oscillometric BP measurements in children. Since oscillometric devices may well ultimately replace conventional standard mercury and aneroid manometers, users of these devices need not only to ensure strict adherence to the technique of obtaining BPs as put forth by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, but also to be certain that the specific device being used has been tested for accuracy in children of the target age in accordance with standard guidelines, and that they are regularly maintained and calibrated. Due to limited normative data on BPs using oscillometric devices in children, we feel that further studies are needed before the auscultatory methods can be altogether eliminated.
Satisfaction, Communication and Affection in Caregiving

Multigenerational caregiving is becoming a prevalent means of caring for moderately to severely impaired elders. Handling the stress created in these arrangements may depend on the relationship between the elder and the caregiver. This study examines components of such relationships and highlights caregiving as experienced by the elder receiving care. Findings 'indicate that improved quality of relationship between elder and caregiver is related to a high degree of elder's satisfaction with the arrangement, whereas level of functioning of the elder is not related to degree of satisfaction. However, findings also suggest that elders fear being a burden, hide their troubles and feelings and generally feel no sense of contribution to the household.
Neurosurgical management of spina bifida: research issues.

The neurosurgical goal when treating children with spina bifida (predominantly myelomeningocele) is to maintain stable neurological functioning throughout the patient's life time. Unfortunately, few long-term outcome studies are available to help direct the neurosurgical care of a child born with myelomeningocele and often treatment relies more heavily upon the experience of senior practitioners. This article reviews the current literature regarding neurosurgical treatment strategies, with recommendations concerning including prenatal diagnosis, in utero treatment and delivery modes, and postnatal management. Given the overall declining prevalence of open neural tube defects world-wide, research collaboration amongst practitioners through multicenter trial are essential to improving the lives of people born with this most complex congenital anomaly. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010;16:82–87.
Synthesis and properties of stereoregular 2,3,4‐tri‐o‐acetyl‐[1 → 6]‐α‐D‐gluco‐, ‐manno‐, and ‐galactopyranans

Polymerization 1,6-anhydro-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-mannopyranose at −60°C with phosphorus pentafluoride (0.9 mole-%) gives stereoregular 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-[1 → 6]-α-D-mannopyranan with substantially higher viscosity ([η] = 2.8 dl/g) than the corresponding gluco- and glactopyranan derivatives prepared similarly. Debenzylation with sodium in liquid ammonia produces stereoregular [1 → 6]-α-D-mannopyranan of viscosity up to [η] = 0.54 dl/g. Stereoregular 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-[1 → 6]-α-D-glycopyranans are most simply prepared by acetylation of the corresponding crude [1 → 6]-α-D-glycopyranans obtained directly from the debenzylation reaction. The galactan is extremely difficult to acetylate by conventional methods if isolated in a pure form. Physical and spectral properties of these highly stereoregular synthetic 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-[1 → 6]-α-D-glycopyranans are presented. Optical rotary dispersion curves of 2,3,4, tri-O-acetyl-[1 → 6]-α-D-glycopyranans show small Cotton effects in the 200–230 nm region, superimposed on strong background rotation. Circular dichroism spectra show a single n →* acetate absorption band for each polymer. The sign of the band appears to be determined largely by the C-2 configuration. Stereoregular 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-[1 → 6]-α-D-glycopyranans in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol solution are likely to possess a random rather than helical conformation.
Latitudinal diversity patterns of continental benthic copepod species assemblages in the Americas

The diversity, considered as richness (numbers) of genera and species, of continental benthic Copepoda of the Americas was examined. Thirty-three local lists of planktonic and benthic Cyclopidae (Eucyclopinae and Cyclopinae), 21 local lists of epibenthic Harpacticoida (Canthocamptidae), and 8 local lists of interstitial Harpacticoida (Parastenocarididae) were compared. Available data do not allow the rejection of the null hypothesis of no significant difference in diversity of tropical and temperate copepod faunas. For Cyclopidae, 6–15 genera and 6–44 species were recorded from local areas; linear regression analysis showed no significant correlation between latitude and number of genera and species. For Canthocamptidae, 1–13 genera and 3–43 species were recorded locally, with no significant correlation between latitude and number of species; for genera the correlation between latitude and number of genera was strongly positive, but the effect of latitude is small. No relationship between latitude and diversity of the Parastenocarididae was evident from inspection. Endemism of Cyclopidae and Canthocamptidae is significantly greater in South America, as shown by comparisons of Sorensen’s similarity coefficient between paired areas. Because of this high degree of endemism, conservation strategies for South American wetland invertebrates should emphasize preservation of many small sites.
Stem cell biologists sure play a mean pinball.

Mouse fibroblasts are reprogrammed to functional neurons by expression of a few transcription factors.
Treatment of Stokes-Adams Disease by External Electric Stimulation of the Heart

An external cardiac pacemaker was developed and was used to stimulate the heart electrically in a series of patients with recent Stokes-Adams syncope. It resuscitated patients from attacks due to ventricular standstill; it maintained an adequate circulation during persistent ventricular standstill; and it prevented the recurrence of irregular ventricular tachycardia. Several patients have now survived for many months without recurrent syncope. Such long survivals suggest that the periods of cardiac disturbance which cause syncope may subside if the patient is kept alive during the crucial period.
INDUSTRIAL INTERNSHIPS (CO-OPS) IN GRADUATE SCHOOL—HOW, WHEN, WHY, AND WHERE?

We describe here some newer approaches to graduate study and support in the new millennium, applicable not only in chemistry, but perhaps most fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. These internships involve a true sharing of a student between the university/college and an industrial partner or employer, perhaps throughout the graduate student's entire M.S. or Ph.D. program of study. These approaches blend formal education and research training at the academic site with true, practical experience and education at the industrial location. More than a single advisor can be involved, and direction can be provided by both the academic and industrial participants. The student derives formal course work, academic research experience, and practical, hands-on, industrial experience throughout the graduate course of study. Advantages and (at times) disadvantages are addressed, but it is apparent that this type of graduate internship can be extremely beneficial to all of the involved parties, especially f...
Prediction of single and multivessel coronary disease in patients after myocardial infarction according to quantitative ultrasound wall-motion analysis

Regional changes in left ventricular size and function characterize left ventricular remodeling and start very early after myocardial infarction. We studied the diagnostic value of left ventricular dyssynergic patterns in predicting the presence of single versus multivessel disease (MVD). Fifty-three consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction were studied by ECG, two-dimensional echocardiography, and angiography during the same hospitalization. Thirty-eight normal subjects served as the control group. According to the angiographic findings, the patients were categorized as having: single-vessel disease (SVD, n = 17), two-vessel disease (n = 17), and three-vessel disease (n = 19). Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed and optimal frames from five cardiac cycles were digitized and quantitatively analyzed off-line with a microcomputer. Echocardiographic wall-motion analysis demonstrated a depressed regional segmental thickening in the infarcted area that was characteristic for each echocardiographic view. In the segments remote from the infarcted area, however, the three patient groups displayed differences in function that ranged from hyperkinetic in patients with SVD to hypokinetic in patients with MVD. Patients with SVD constantly displayed a wider range of segmental thickening when compared with patients with MVD and the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, patients with SVD after myocardial infarction display compensatory hyperkinesis of remote segments, which is attenuated in patients with MVD. The present study introduces new parameters of segmental myocardial function that might be helpful in predicting SVD and MVD in patients after myocardial infarction.
Occupational Sextype and Sex Differences in Vocational Preference-Measured Interest Relationships

Abstract The existence of substantial sex differences in vocational preferences is important, given the prominent role assigned vocational preferences as a link between underlying interests and vocational choice. Strong Interest Inventory (SII) responses of 16,484 males and females, ages 18 to 22, were analyzed to determine whether relationships between measured interests and vocational preferences were equivalent for the two sexes. Using differential item functioning (DIF) analysis techniques, sex-related differentials in responses to 28 SII occupational title items were estimated, after controlling for 1, 3, or 6 General Occupational Theme scale scores. Significant sex-related DIF was found on most of the occupations. Further, the sex-related DIF was strongly correlated with sextype ratings for the occupations. These results suggest that sex differences in vocational preference are not fully explained by differences in measured vocational interests, and that vocational preferences may not be equivalent indicators of underlying interests for males and females.
Heavy-Element Abundances of the Old Open Cluster NGC 6791

The old open cluster NGC 6791 is believed to be more metal-rich than any other, yet several hot blue horizontal-branch (BHB) stars are probable members. We have performed an abundance analysis of the coolest BHB candidate, 2-17, whose proper motion and radial velocity both support cluster membership. Its luminosity and its low rotational velocity, vsin${r sin}$ -->${r sin}$ -->i=16 ± 1 km s-1, suggest that it is a BHB star rather than a very luminous blue straggler. We find an effective temperature Teff${r eff}$ -->$t SUBgt {r eff}t/SUBgt $ -->=7300 ± 50 K, gravity log${r log}$ -->${r log}$ -->g=3.6 ± 0.3 dex, and an iron abundance more than twice solar, [Fe/H]=+0.4 ± 0.1 dex. This result is free from the serious line blending and continuum suppression that hamper spectroscopic analyses of metal-rich giants. The Ca abundance is in the solar proportion with respect to iron, ruling out A-star peculiarities in 2-17. The relative abundances of C, O, and Al are nearly solar; mixing effects are probably small but not ruled out. The light elements Mg and Si are enhanced, N and Na especially so, as seen in metal-rich galaxies. NGC 6791 thus provides an excellent template for the study of the stellar content of metal-rich galactic systems. Both its abundances and its continued existence suggest that metal-rich systems might generally form in locally deep potential wells. Further study of its hot population should clarify the mechanisms responsible for producing hot stars in a metal-rich environment and thus assist the interpretation of the integrated light and the ultraviolet upturn in elliptical galaxies.
Null test of aspheric surfaces in zone-plate interferometer

Instead of using lenses or mirrors as a null compensator, the construction of the zone plate interferometer is used to accomplish the null test. By choosing the focal length of the zone plate according to the radius of curvature and conic constant of the test surface, the conventional zone plate interferometer is modified to be a null test of concave conicoids. To test convex conicoids, an imaging lens is added between the zone plate and the test surface. As long as the zone plate is perfectly imaged into the center of the curvature of the test surface, a null test of convex conicoids is the same as that of concave ones.
OCCURRENCE OF 3‐HYDROXY‐4‐METHYL‐5‐ETHYL‐2(5H)‐FURANONE IN ACID HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN

3-Hydroxy-4-methyl-5-ethyl-2(5H)-furanone has been isolated from a commercial sample of acid hydrolyzed soy protein by diethylether extraction of the acidified sample. Identification is supported by gas chromatography, infrared spectrophotometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry.
Exciters and Systems of Excitation

IN laying out excitation systems for central power stations continuity of service is the primary requirement. First cost and economy in operation are secondary requirments which must be given due weight.
Development of the ear and of connections between the ear and the brain: is there a role for gravity?

This paper outlines the development of the gravistatic sensory system of the ear. First, evidence is presented that a genetic program, for which major transcription factors have already been identified using gene expression studies and targeted mutagenesis, governs the initial development of this system. Second, the formation of sensory neurons and their connections to the brain is described as revealed by tracing studies and genetic manipulations. It is concluded that the initial development of the connections of sensory neurons with mechanosensory transducers of the ear (the hair cells) and the targets in the brainstem (vestibular nuclei) is also dependent on fairly rigid genetic programs. During late embryonic and early postnatal development, however, sensory input appears to be used to fine-tune connections of these sensory neurons with the hair cells in the ear as well as with second order vestibular neurons in the brainstem. This phase is proposed to be critical for a proper calibration of the gravistatic information processing in the brain.
The acquisition of a mature understanding of three components of the concept of death

Abstract This study focuses on the acquisition of three key components of a mature concept of death: universality, irreversibility, and nonfunctionality. Ninety-one children, grades K-3, were interviewed individually using a structured interview. Although a majority of children from kindergarten on understood each component, less than half achieved a mature understanding of all three components. This suggests that the process of achieving such an understanding continues at least through age 10. Statistical analysis indicated that universality is understood before either irreversibility or nonfunctionality (sequential acquisition), and that irreversibility and nonfunctionality are understood at about the same time (concurrent acquisition). The theoretical issues involved in empirically differentiating concurrent and sequential acquisition and a measurement model for making that discrimination are discussed.
Use of a conserved consensus oligomer in the identification of cytochrome P-450 mRNAs

Abstract A region of high nucleic acid conservation present in many members of the phenobarbital (PB) family of cytochromes P-450 (P-450s) was targeted for the construction of an 18 base, eight-fold degenerate, consensus oligomer (the PB-mer). When utilized to screen a rabbit liver cDNA library, the PB-mer enabled the isolation of P-450 cDNAs. One isolate, designated pP-450 1a, was characterized by nucleotide sequence, as well as Northern and Southern blot analyses and was demonstrated to be a novel form. Primary nucleotide sequence indicates that this cDNA is highly homologous to several P-450 cDNAs, but only in the protein coding region. The 3′-noncoding segment of P-450 1a is longer and diverges markedly from known P-450 cDNAs in the rabbit PB family.
Multiscale modelling of particle debonding in reinforced elastomers subjected to finite deformations

Interfacial damage nucleation and evolution in reinforced elastomers subjected to finite strains is modelled using the mathematical theory of homogenization based on the asymptotic expansion of unknown variables. The microscale is characterized by a periodic unit cell, which contains particles dispersed in a blend and the particle matrix interface is characterized by a cohesive law. A novel numerical framework based on the perturbed Petrov–Galerkin method for the treatment of nearly incompressible behaviour is employed to solve the resulting boundary value problem on the microscale and the deformation path of a macroscale particle is predefined as in the micro-history recovery procedure. A fully implicit and efficient finite element formulation, including consistent linearization, is presented. The proposed multiscale framework is capable of predicting the non-homogeneous micro-fields and damage nucleation and propagation along the particle matrix interface, as well as the macroscopic response and mechanical properties of the damaged continuum. Examples are considered involving simple unit cells in order to illustrate the multiscale algorithm and demonstrate the complexity of the underlying physical processes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Probabilistic Approach to the Equation Lu=−u2☆

Let L be a second order elliptic differential operator and let D be an arbitrary open subset of Rd. In [1] we introduced a class U1(D) of positive solutions of the equation Lu=−u2 which is in 1–1 correspondence with a convex class H1(D) of positive solutions of the equation Lu=0. In the present paper, we give a probabilistic characterization of U1(D) and a probabilistic representation of u∈U1(D) in terms of a superdiffusion. Similar results are obtained also for a parabolic equation u+Lu=−u2.
Physical association between recombinant cardiac ATP-sensitive K+ channel subunits Kir6.2 and SUR2A.

Abstract The inwardly-rectifying K + channel Kir6.2 serves as a common pore-forming core in various ATP-sensitive K + (K ATP ) channels, and it is through assembly with sulfonylurea-receptor (SUR) isoforms, which are ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins, that tissue-specific channel phenotypes can be generated. In this regard, Kir6.2 has been shown to physically associate with SUR1 to form the pancreatic K ATP channel. While cardiac K ATP channel activity can be reconstituted by coexpression of Kir6.2 with a distinct SUR isoform, SUR2A, no direct proof has been provided for physical association between these two proteins. Therefore, we tested, by a coimmunoprecipitation procedure in conjunction with an amino-terminal Kir6.2-antibody, physical association between recombinant Kir6.2 and SUR2A. From a mixture of Kir6.2 and SUR2A in vitro -translated proteins, the Kir6.2-specific antibody coimmunoprecipitated 38-kDa and 140-kDa proteins corresponding to Kir6.2 and SUR2A, respectively. In the absence of Kir6.2, SUR2A was not precipitated by the anti-Kir6.2 antibody, indicating that the antibody recognized SUR2A only when SUR2A formed a complex with Kir6.2. A Kir6.2 deletion mutant lacking 37 amino acids from the carboxy-terminus still coimmunoprecipitated with SUR2A, indicating that the distal carboxy-terminus of Kir6.2 is unnecessary for subunit association. Kir6.2 mutants lacking more proximal carboxy-terminus regions, including the M2 transmembrane domain, failed to immunoprecipitate SUR2A, suggesting that the proximal carboxy-terminus together with the M2 domain are required for channel assembly. These deletion constructs supported cellular distribution of Kir6.2. Thus, the present study provides direct evidence for physical association between Kir6.2 and SUR2A, essentially reconstituting the cardiac K ATP channel in vitro . The demonstration of complex formation between Kir6.2 and SUR2A indicates that the structural basis for channel function may rely on direct physical interaction of the two subunits.
Human cardiovascular adjustments to acute hypoxaemia

Summary. Traditionally, cardiovascular adjustments to hypoxaemia are viewed as resultants of competing local vasodilation and vasoconstriction via arterial chemo-reflexes with net effects of increased cerebral and coronary blood flows (local) and reduced flow to visceral organs and muscle (reflex). Although true in asphyxia, breathing activates lung mechanoreceptors which reduce vagal outflow and apparently, in humans, abolishes sympathetic vasomotor activity (SNA). During rest, moderate to severe hypoxaemia (Pao2= 35 to 27 mmHg) caused no splanchnic, cutaneous or muscle vasoconstriction. Local vasodilator effects of hypoxaemia were not sufficient to overwhelm vasoconstriction; splanchnic arterioles responded normally to infused noradrenalin (NA) during hypoxaemia. Possibly, central effects of hypoxaemia blunt SNA or peripheral, prejunctional effects impair neuronal release of NA. Persistent orthostatic tolerance with normal skeletal muscle vasoconstriction and retained spinal venomotor reflexes during hypoxaemia argue against prejunctional inhibition of NA release. Results so far suggest that beyond a certain threshold, hypoxaemia centrally inhibits SNA. In contrast to rest, even moderate hypoxaemia during exercise markedly increases plasma NA concentration (and SNA), but the usual relationship among splanchnic blood flow, plasma NA and heart rate was not observed—NA and heart rate rose together, whereas the predicted splanchnic vasoconstriction was not observed. In moderate hypoxaemia, muscle blood flow and cardiac output are greater than in normoxia at a given submaximal oxygen uptake; but at maximal oxygen uptake, blood pressure, total vascular conductance and maximal cardiac output are unaffected. Given the fixed upper limit to cardiac output and the greater capacity of active muscle to vasodilate and exceed cardiac pumping capacity during hypoxaemia, we conclude that blood pressure is maintained by baroreflex- (not chemoreflex-) mediated vasoconstriction in the active muscle which must be the primary target of increased SNA and the source of NA.
Effects of variations in item step values on item and test information in the partial credit model

Simulated data were used to investigate systemati cally the impact of various orderings of step difficul ties on the distribution of item information for the par tial credit model. It was found that the distribution of information for an item was a function of (1) the range of the step difficulty values, (2) the number of step difficulties that were out of sequential order, and (3) the distance between the step values that were out of order. Also, by using relative efficiency compari sons, the relationship between the step estimates and the distribution of item information was used to dem onstrate the effects of various test revisions (through the addition and/or deletion of items with specific step characteristics) on the resulting test's precision of measurement. The usefulness of item and test infor mation functions for specific measurement applications of the partial credit model is also discussed.