cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How are We Really Getting to Know One Another? Effect of Viewing Facebook Profile Information on Initial Conversational Behaviors Between Strangers

Previous studies have conjectured the positive effects of social network websites (SNSs) on relationship initiation and the development of the acquaintanceship process. The present study provides empirical evidence to support these touted benefits of SNSs by examining the impact of viewing partners’ SNS profile information on initial interactions between strangers, specifically focusing on three conversational behaviors, viś-a-viś, question-asking, self-disclosures, and topics of conversation. 82 unacquainted individuals were paired to form 41 dyads that were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In the first condition, 22 dyads viewed their conversational partners’ Facebook profiles before having a text-based online conversation with them, while in the other condition, 19 dyads had a conversation without viewing each others’ Facebook profiles. Results showed that viewing each others’ Facebook profiles led individuals to ask fewer questions but voluntarily share more intimate and personal information on a broader range of topics with each other during initial conversations compared to individuals who did not view each others’ Facebook profiles. Implications of these conversational behaviors on changing the dynamics of the acquaintanceship process and the overall trajectory of relationship development in the novel setting of SNSs are discussed.
Exploring Active Travel and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Relationships With Cognition Among Older Adults.

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is known to benefit cognition among older adults, but the impact of active travel is unclear. To explore this relationship, data from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (N = 2,702; mean age = 70) were retrieved on the self-reported frequency and duration of active travel (walking/cycling for transport, >20 min), LTPA engagement (e.g., sport), and three cognitive outcomes. Four groups were created according to physical activity guidelines (600 metabolic equivalent of task/week): inactive (n = 1,790), active travelers (n = 210), engaging in LTPA (n = 579), and engaging in both (n = 123). Analysis of covariance (and follow-up comparisons) revealed a significant main effect for each cognition variable, after adjusting for the covariates, indicating that those engaging in LTPA performed the best. Although correlational, these findings suggest that LTPA engagement may be important for cognition among older adults, but active travel did not provide added benefit.
Constance A. Cook, Ancestors, Kings, and the Dao. Harvard-Yenching Institute Monograph Series, 107. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2017. x, 337 pp., Bibliography, Index. US$ 49.95 (HB). ISBN 978-0-674-97695-5

Ancestors, Kings, and the Dao is a superb study on a subject by one of the leading scholars on Western and Eastern Zhou texts and history. Constance A. Cook has widely published on the subject and ...
A New Function for Perivascular Adipose Tissue (PVAT): Assistance of Arterial Stress Relaxation.

In health, PVAT secretes anti-contractile factors that relax the underlying artery. PVAT’s contributions to vascular function include more than production of vasoactive substances. We hypothesized that PVAT benefits the artery by assisting the function of stress (–induced) relaxation. Thoracic aorta rings from Sprague Dawley rats were mounted in isolated tissue baths with (+) and without (−) PVAT. A cumulative length tension (0–6 grams) was generated. The tension to which the tissue stress relaxed over 30 minutes was recorded; the tension lost was stress relaxation. The presence of PVAT increased the amount of stress relaxation (final tension in mgs; aortic ring −PVAT = 4578 ± 190; aortic ring + PVAT = 2730 ± 274, p 0.05 vs −PVAT). A PVAT ring separated from the aorta demonstrated more profound stress relaxation than did the aortic ring itself. Finally, PVAT-assisted stress relaxation was observed in an artery with white fat (superior mesenteric artery) and in aorta from both male and female of another rat strain, the Dahl S rat. Knowledge of this new PVAT function supports PVAT as an essential player in vascular health.
Interiors of small bodies and moons

Asteroids, comets and moons are leftovers of planet formation. Studying them and their samples, including meteorites, can help us to learn how the Earth was made and acquired the ingredients for life, to obtain practical information for deflecting near-Earth objects (NEOs), and to access resources that would enable space habitats and voyages. Answers are hidden beneath their complex and evolving exteriors.
Soft tissue response

Soft tissue responses to biomaterials for medical devices are generally viewed from the inflammation and wound healing perspectives and are usually considered as parts of the tissue or cellular host responses to injury. Placement of a biomaterial or medical device in the soft tissue environment involves injection, insertion, or surgical implantation, all of which injure the tissues or organs involved. Early host responses are dynamic and change with time (Table 2.1). It is important to consider this time variable in determining the host response or biocompatibility of a material.
71. Case Report: Vaginal Endometriosis After Treatment of an Imperforate Hymen

Background Obstructive anomalies at any level of the reproductive tract increase the risk of endometriosis. While endometriosis may improve after relieving the obstruction, persistent endometriosis has been reported. While not common, vaginal endometriosis may occur in adolescents. A case of vaginal endometriosis in an adolescent with history of imperforate hymen is presented. Case A 14-year-old, never sexually active, female presented to a tertiary pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic with secondary amenorrhea. She reported one episode of vaginal bleeding 4 months prior to presentation and had noted a “bulge” at her introitus for 1 year prior to the bleeding episode. She sought gynecologic care for the secondary amenorrhea and was diagnosed with an imperforate hymen and hematocolpos (Figure 1). She underwent a hymenectomy – notable for 800mL of menstrual blood, a dilated single cervix, and normal appearing vaginal mucosa. Her post-operative course was uncomplicated. She had monthly menses without dysmenorrhea. Three months after the hymenectomy she complained of painless intermenstrual vaginal bleeding that occurred after bowel movements. She had a history of constipation. An external genital exam and bimanual exam were unremarkable. A speculum exam was significant for diffuse red friable lesions on the vaginal mucosa and cervix which appeared similar to endometriosis (Figure 2). Her hymenectomy site was well healed. Constipation treatment was initiated. She underwent an exam under anesthesia and biopsy of the vaginal lesions. Pathology confirmed endometriosis. Progestin only pills (POPs) were started for hormonal suppression. Resolution of the vaginal bleeding with bowel movements occurred, however she initially struggled with pill compliance and breakthrough bleeding with POPs. At her most recent visit, she was doing well with minimal breakthrough bleeding, no bleeding after bowel movements, and no dysmenorrhea. She continues to treat her constipation. Comments The risk of endometriosis with obstructive outflow tract anomalies is well known, however, painless vaginal bleeding is not the typical presentation of adolescent endometriosis. While providers must consider other etiologies of vaginal bleeding in the adolescent, endometriosis should be included in the differential – particularly in women with a history of an outflow tract obstruction. Medical management using hormonal suppression to reduce the risk of endometriosis proliferation is recommended for adolescents with endometriosis – thereby achieving the overall goals of therapy: minimizing pain symptoms and maximizing quality of life and future fertility.
Teacher Salary Differentials and Student Performance: Are They Connected?

We examine the relationship between district level student achievement and teacher average salary in Ohio from academic year 2013-14 to academic year 2018-19. Utilizing panel data, the following district level characteristics were controlled for: average teacher experience, average teacher degree-level, student socioeconomic status, race, student attendance rate, pupil support expenditure per equivalent pupil and administration expenditure per equivalent pupil. Using a random effects regression our findings suggest that higher pay can impact student growth. When we partition our sample quintiles by poverty level, we find that teacher salary is only significant for the top quintiles. Our results suggest that for some districts ( i.e. , wealthy districts) teacher salaries’ impact on student performance is something that can be controlled, for other districts ( i.e. , poorer districts), teacher salary is another variable that shows no relationship to student performance.
Effect of temperature on 13C and 15N incorporation rates and discrimination factors in two North American fishes

The biological parameters needed to interpret isotopic field data on food webs — namely isotopic incorporation and discrimination (Δ13C and Δ15N) — are unknown for many animals. We investigated the...
A Simple Monitor for Tracking NBTI in Integrated Systems

NBTI is one of the primary concerns for long-term reliability in systems using deep submicron technologies. In this paper, we propose a simple on-chip sensor architecture that monitors degradation due to NBTI through pseudo-static measurements of the relative shift in threshold voltage. A representative pMOSFET is stressed to intentionally induce NBTI and then compared to a reference pMOSFET that is ideally unaffected by ageing. The proposed architecture can be used to measure degradation in multiple devices that are stressed under a variety of conditions with minimal additional overhead. The use of pseudo-static measurements reduces the measurement error introduced by the ageing of devices in supporting circuitry, and it allows for measurements to be completed in relatively few clock cycles.
TESTS OF FABRICATED TUBULAR COLUMNS.

Described herein are tests of 10 long fabricated tubular steel columns, of relatively large diameter, with essentially pine-ended conditions. In addition to the behavior, strength, and the manner of failure of the long columns, a number of stub column tests were also made along with the measurements of residual stresses. These residual stresses are both circumferential, due to formation of a flat plate into a cylindrical shape; and longitudinal, resulting from the welding of longitudinal seam needed to complete the fabricated cylinder. Measurement of these stresses is considered essential to any theoretical analysis of column behavior. The maximum strength of the 10 long columns tested (at diameter-to-thickness ratios of 48 and 70 and with a range of slenderness ratio between 39 to 83) is compared with the CRC column curve and good agreement is generally observed.
Early Interventions in Acute Myocardial Infarction

1. Management of Arrhythmias in the Coronary Care Unit.- 2. Thrombolysis in the Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction.- 3. The Role of Free Radicals in the Pathogenesis of Postischemic Reperfusion Injury.- 4. Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction.- 5. The Role of Emergency Bypass Surgery in Acute Myocardial Infarction.- 6. The Role of Nitroglycerin in Acute Myocardial Infarction.- 7. The Role of Calcium Antagonists in Acute Myocardial Infarction.- 8. Postinfarction Angina.- 9. The Management of Pump Failure.- 10. The Role of Nuclear Cardiology in the Assessment of Myocardial Infarction and the Evaluation of Early Interventions.- 11. Risk Stratification After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Theory and Practice.
The Role of Methylmercury Exposure in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Catastrophic episodes of high-dose prenatal exposures have revealed the clear risk posed by methylmercury (MeHg) to the developing nervous system. Effects of in-utero MeHg exposure include abnormal reflexes, intellectual disability, deficits in vision and hearing, cerebral palsy and paralysis, a constellation of clinical signs termed Fetal Minamata Disease. More recent longitudinal studies of high-fish-eating populations with low-dose prenatal methylmercury exposure have identified subtle adverse changes in key childhood outcomes, including memory, language, attention and psychomotor abilities. Studies of methylmercury exposure and effects using animal models have replicated many of the clinical and sub-clinical signs observed in humans. These studies have also identified important molecular, cellular and organ-based mechanisms of MeHg neurotoxicity based on its high affinity for protein sulphydryl groups and selenium. Mechanistically, MeHg has a range of targets that underlie its neurotoxicity. Effects on mitochondrial function, calcium regulation and redox potentiation appear to contribute to many of the cellular impacts observed during neurodevelopment, including impaired cell proliferation, migration and neurotransmission
The predictive value of laboratory findings in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Despite extensive preoperative imaging and intraoperative "gadgetry" to facilitate localization of abnormal parathyroid glands, the onus of identification and resection remains with the surgeon in the operating room. We pondered the relative usefulness of routine laboratory studies to the surgeon as predictive guides to the intraoperative findings in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). STUDY DESIGN: Pre- and postoperative laboratory data were analyzed in 166 consecutive patients (1998 to 1999) undergoing successful cervical exploration for sporadic primary HPT and were correlated with the pathologic findings. Patients with secondary HPT, multiple endocrine neoplasia, familial HPT, and parathyroid carcinoma were not included in this study. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen women and 48 men (mean age=63 years) with parathyroid adenoma (n=155) and sporadic hyperplasia (n=11) were evaluated. Mean parathormone (PTH) levels varied little with the pathology: adenoma=9.6 pmol/L and hyperplasia=10.2 pmol/L (p>0.05). In patients with parathyroid adenoma, analysis of preoperative measures showed a positive correlation (r=0.48, p CONCLUSIONS: Extreme values of PTH in patients with single-gland parathyroid disease alert the surgeon to the likelihood of small or large parathyroid adenomas. Laboratory studies do not differentiate adenoma from hyperplasia, nor do they pinpoint the size of abnormal glands with moderate-range PTH values.
Reducing crosstalk noise in high speed FPGAs

Narrowing time-to-market windows are driving the design community toward FPGAs. Whereas quick prototype implementations are possible using FPGAs, circuit delays have always been a major concern. Moreover, achieving high performance in FPGAs with densely packed routing resources is difficult because of crosstalk noise. In this paper we describe a very high performance FPGA, and show a simple and practical technique of almost reducing crosstalk noise by using a two-phase nonoverlapping complimentary clocking scheme. An efficient integer linear programming formulation has been proposed to find an optimum solution to a constrained problem, and we have studied the effects and costs of applying our idea to different architectures. Experiments with MCNC benchmark circuits in different architectures of our FPGA show that, on average, we could reduce crosstalk induced delay increases to less than 4% of the clock period. With a minimal increase of 3% in area due to this optimization, our results seem very promising.
Ratio of σ L / σ T for p ( e , e ' K + ) Λ extracted from polarization transfer

The ratio of longitudinal to transverse structure functions, {sigma}{sub L}/{sigma}{sub T}, has been extracted from recent beam-recoil transferred polarization data for the p({rvec e},e'K{sup +}) {rvec {Lambda}} reaction. Results have been obtained for W = 1.72, 1.84, and 1.98 GeV at an average Q{sup 2} of 0.77, 0.69, and 0.61 GeV{sup 2}, respectively. Our results indicate a ratio that is systematically slightly smaller than previously published results using a Rosenbluth separation.
Stability analysis of large-scale distributed networked control systems with random communication delays: A switched system approach

Abstract In this paper, we consider the stability analysis of large-scale distributed networked control systems with random communication delays. The stability analysis is performed in the switched system framework, particularly as the Markov jump linear system. There have been considerable research on stability analysis of the Markov jump systems. However, these methods are not applicable to large-scale systems because large numbers of subsystems result in extremely large number of switching modes. To circumvent this scalability issue, we propose a new reduced mode model for stability analysis, which is computationally scalable. We also consider the case in which the transition probabilities for the Markov jump process contain uncertainties. We provide a new method that estimates bounds for uncertain Markov transition probability matrix to guarantee the system stability. Numerical example verifies the computational efficiency of the proposed methods.
Peering inside peer review with Bayesian models

Instructors and students would benefit more from computer-supported peer review, if instructors received information on how well students have understood the conceptual issues underlying the writing assignment. Our aim is to provide instructors with an evaluation of both the students and the criteria that students used to assess each other. Here we develop and evaluate several hierarchical Bayesian models relating instructor scores of student essays to peer scores based on two peer assessment rubrics. We examine model fit and show how pooling across students and different representations of rating criteria affect model fit and how they reveal information about student writing and assessment criteria. Finally, we suggest how our Bayesian models may be used by an instructor or an ITS.
Data encoding efficiency in pixel detector readout with charge information

Abstract The average minimum number of bits needed for lossless readout of a pixel detector is calculated, in the regime of interest for particle physics where only a small fraction of pixels have a non-zero value per frame. This permits a systematic comparison of the readout efficiency of different encoding implementations. The calculation is compared to the number of bits used by the FE-I4 pixel readout chip of the ATLAS experiment.
Bell's like mononeuropathies of two lower cranial nerves and review of the literature

Summary Phenomena akin to Bell's palsy may affect lower cranial nerves other than the seventh. They are probably missed and under-reported due to their less conspicuous presentation and relatively less alarming symptoms to the lay and inexperienced. We report two cases with very rare idiopathic, isolated, benign mononeuropathies of the lower cranial nerves. The first is a 15-year-old girl, with persistent right-sided hypoglossal nerve paralysis (HNP) of 5-year duration. The second case is of a 10-year-old child with transient unilateral isolated paralysis of his soft palate causing rhinolalia. The former is the only persistent pediatric case to be reported, while the latter a phenomenon reported 29 times previously. Their investigative work-up was entirely normal. A review of the English literature, on the subject, is presented.
Multiconformation continuum electrostatics analysis of the effects of a buried Asp introduced near heme a in Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome c oxidase.

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) reduces O2 to water via a series of proton-coupled electron transfers, generating a transmembrane electrochemical gradient. Coupling electron and proton transfer requires changing the pKa values of buried residues at each stage in the reaction cycle. Heme a is a key cofactor in the CcO electron transfer chain. Mutation of Ser44 to Asp has been reported [Mills, D. A., et al. (2008) Biochemistry 47, 11499−11509], changing the hydrogen bond acceptor from His102, the heme a axial ligand in Rhodobactor sphaeroides CcO. This adds an acidic residue to the CcO interior. The electrochemical behavior of heme a in wild-type and S44D CcO is compared using the continuum electrostatics program MCCE. The introduced, deeply buried Asp remains ionized at physiological pH only when the nearby heme is oxidized. Heme a reduction is now calculated to be strongly coupled to Asp proton binding, while with Ser44, it is weakly coupled to small protonation shifts at multiple sites, increasing the pH depe...
Evaluation of developmental competence, nuclear and ooplasmic maturation of calf oocytes

In this study we evaluated nuclear and ooplasmic maturation of prepuberal calf oocytes to determine a possible cause for their low developmental competency. Calf oocytes resumed meiosis and arrested at the MII stage at rates similar to that of adult animals; however, zygotes derived from calf oocytes cleaved and developed at significantly lower rates. Ooplasmic maturation was assessed during oocyte maturation and fertilization. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that a majority of calf oocytes exhibited some delay in organelle migration and redistribution following maturation. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that following IVF, a higher percentage of calf oocytes had abnormal chromatin and microtubule configurations than those of adult cattle. These anomalies were characterized by delayed formation of sperm aster and asynchronous pronuclear formation. Microfluorometry was used to characterize the Ca2+ responses of calf oocytes to the addition of agonists or after IVF. The addition of thimerosal demonstrated the presence of Ca2+ stores in calf oocytes. Injection of near threshold concentrations of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3), used to test the sensitivity of the InsP3R, released significantly less Ca2+ in calf than in cow oocytes, whereas higher concentrations of InsP3 (500 microM) released maximal [Ca2+]i in both oocytes. These results suggested that the Ca2+ content of intracellular stores was similar, but the sensitivity of the InsP3R may be different. Following insemination, calf oocytes exhibiting [Ca2+]i oscillations displayed comparable amplitude and intervals to cow oocytes; however, a significantly higher number of fertilized calf oocytes failed to show oscillations. Our findings suggest that the low developmental competence of calf oocytes can be attributed, at least in part, to incomplete or delayed ooplasmic maturation.
Collective refraction of a beam of electrons at a plasma-gas interface

In a recent Brief Comment, the results of an experiment to measure the refraction of a particle beam were reported [P. Muggli et al., Nature 411, 43 (2001)]. The refraction takes place at a passive interface between a plasma and a gas. Here the full paper on which that Comment is based is presented. A theoretical model extends the results presented previously [T. Katsouleas et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res., Sect. A 455, 161 (2000)]. The effective Snell's law is shown to be nonlinear, and the transients at the head of the beam are described. 3D particle-in-cell simulations are performed for parameters corresponding to the experiment. Additionally, the experiment to measure the refraction and internal reflection at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center is described.
In Vitro Antiviral Activity and Preliminary Clinical Trials of a New Adamantane Compound

A compound, 1'-methyl spiro (adamantane-2,3'-pyrrolidine) maleate, chemically related to the antiviral drug amantadine, was tested for activity in vitro against a number of human respiratory viruses. By a variety of techniques, it was shown to be active against a wide range of human and animal influenza A viruses. The effect was, however, variable and ranged from high activity against two 1957 Asian strains to no observable activity against a 1971 strain. Like amantadine, the drug did not inhibit the growth of influenza B viruses. It was also inactive against a number of paramyxoviruses. Unlike amantadine, the drug did inhibit rhinoviruses, but to a lesser extent than myxoviruses. The coronavirus 229E was also sensitive to the action of the drug in vitro. Although an earlier trial in volunteers showed that, when given orally from 2 days before until 5 days after virus challenge, the drug was protective against infection with influenza A/Hong Kong/68 virus, a similar trial in volunteers challenged with rhinoviruses 2 and 9 revealed no useful activity against rhinoviruses in man.
Both Na+ and Cl− gradients energize NaCl/L-glutamate cotransport in lobster hepatopancreatic brush border membrane vesicles

Previous work with L-[3H]glutamate transport by lobster (Homarus americanus) hepatopancreatic brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) indicated that the transport of this amino acid was stimulated by the presence of both Na+ and Cl- ions in the external medium, however, the specific catalytic or energetic role of each monovalent ion in amino acid transfer was not established (Ahearn and Clay (1987) J. Exp. Biol. 130, 175-191). The present study employs a variety of experimental treatments with this membrane preparation to clarify the nature of the ion dependency in the cotransport process. A zero-trans time course experiment using inwardly-directed transmembrane Na+ or Cl- gradients led to similar transient accumulations of the amino acid above equilibrium values in the presence of equilibrated concentrations of the respective counterions. The uptake overshoots observed in the presence of single ion gradients were significantly increased when gradients of both Na+ and Cl- were used simultaneously. When vesicles were pre-equilibrated with L-[3H]glutamate and either of the monovalent ions, an inwardly-directed gradient of each counterion led to the transient accumulation of additional labelled amino acid above its equilibrium concentration, indicating that either ion gradient was capable of energizing the net flow of L-glutamate. A cotransport stoichiometry of 1 Na+/1 Cl-/1 L-glutamate was established using the Static Head analysis where a balance of ion and amino acid driving forces were attained with a 7:1 Na+ or Cl- gradient (o greater than i) against a 7:1 L-glutamate gradient (i greater than o).
Median nerve penetration by an anomalous tendon. Case illustration.

Because surgery is performed frequently in this region, knowledge of anatomical variation of the median nerve at the wrist is essential. We recently observed a variation of the median nerve that has not been reported in large clinical series or cadaveric studies. 5 A previously asymptomatic 34-year-old man presented with a 1year history of weakness in the left hand and numbness of the thumb and the index and middle fingers. These symptoms developed immediately following a motor vehicle accident in which he had sustained a significant closed head injury and multiple fractures. An open left wrist fracture/dislocation was debrided, reduced, and stabilized on the day of injury and was closed with split-thickness skin grafting in a delayed manner. Because of hand and finger pain and stiffness, the function of his hand further deteriorated postoperatively. Clinical and electrodiagnostic examinations at our institution were used to confirm a longstanding complete lower median nerve lesion. At surgery, a partially transected and badly contused median nerve was identified at the proximal extent of the carpal canal. Several inches proximal to the neuroma we noted incidentally an anomalous tendon slip penetrating the middle of the median nerve (Fig. 1). The fascicular pattern of the nerve was undisturbed at this level, and there was no local irritation or inflammation. The tendinous slip originated from the fascia of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, inserted into the palmar aponeurosis, and represented a variant palmaris longus; 3 a normal-appearing palmaris longus was also present. The median nerve traversed the carpal tunnel along with the other usual constituents (nine flexor tendons). The tendon slip was excised and tenolysis of the flexor tendons was performed. The median neuroma did not conduct a nerve action potential and was excised. Four sural nerve grafts, each measuring 2.75 in in length, were sutured from the median nerve to the various thenar and digital nerve branches. Anatomical variations of the median nerve at the wrist level are relatively common and typically involves variant branching patterns. 5 Cases of median nerve penetration by muscles 1,4 or arteries, 2 usually resulting in symptoms of nerve compression, have been reported. We report penetration of the nerve by a tendon. This case also illustrates that not all anatomical variations associated with neurological symptoms are necessarily responsible for them.
What does the transcriptome signature of resistance exercise tell us about aging and skeletal muscle adaptation

the aging process is associated with a progressive decline in motor function attributable largely to sarcopenia, an age-associated loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs to varying degrees in all individuals ([2][1]). Although sarcopenia is not classified as a disease, it is a major
Water circulation in the Kuril Basin of the Okhotsk Sea and its relation to Eddy formation

This paper describes the water circulation in the Kuril Basin and its role in the formation and seasonal variation in intensity of the large anticyclonic eddies which occur in the basin. Oceanographic data for the period June 1977 through June 1979 suggest that these eddies develop in summer and decay in winter. In summer, the eddy development is associated with a deepening of the isopycnals caused by the surface flow of the Soya Warm Current over the basin, and the deep advection of cold, less saline, oxygen-rich water from Terpenia Bay and the eastern continental shelf of Sakhalin Island. In winter, the eddy decay is caused by surface cooling and convective mixing downward of the warm, saline surface water, which causes the isopycnals to rise and leads to an attenuation of the eddies. This combination of the summer influx of water into the region, and the fall and winter cooling of the eddies leads to the annual variation in eddy intensity.
Planning for avian flu disruptions on global operations: a DMAIC case study.

Purpose – The author aims to assess the spread of avian flu, its impact on businesses operating in the USA and overseas, and the measures required for corporate preparedness.Design/methodology/approach – Six Sigma DMAIC process is used to analyze avian flu's impact and how an epidemic could affect large US business operations worldwide. Wal‐Mart and Dell Computers were chosen as one specializes in retail and the other manufacturing.Findings – The study identifies avian flu pandemic risks including failure modes on Wal‐Mart and Dell Computers global operations. It reveals the factors that reinforce avian‐flu pandemic's negative impact on company global supply chains. It also uncovers factors that balance avian‐flu pandemic's impact on their global supply chains.Research limitations/implications – Avian flu and its irregularity affect the research outcomes because its spread could fluctuate based on so many factors that could come into play. Further, the potential cost to manufacturers and other supply chai...
A Queueing Model for Polled Service in WiMAX/IEEE 802.16 Networks

This paper presents a queueing model for the polling based service classes of WiMAX/IEEE 802.16 based wireless networks. Models are presented for both single channel and multiple channel (OFDMA based) operations. The models evaluate the MAC layer packet delays as a function of various system parameters.
GPCR Mediated Regulation of Synaptic Transmission

Synaptic transmission is a finely regulated mechanism of neuronal communication. The release of neurotransmitter at the synapse is not only the reflection of membrane depolarization events, but rather, is the summation of interactions between ion channels, G protein coupled receptors, second messengers, and the exocytotic machinery itself which exposes the components within a synaptic vesicle to the synaptic cleft. The focus of this review is to explore the role of G protein signaling as it relates to neurotransmission, as well as to discuss the recently determined inhibitory mechanism of Gβγ dimers acting directly on the exocytotic machinery proteins to inhibit neurotransmitter release.
An accurate, stable, explicit, parabolized Navier-Stokes solver for high speed flows

A stable, accurate, and efficient implementation of MacCormack's explicit algorithm for the Parabolized Navier-Stokes equations is demonstrated. The familiar problem of decoding the conservative axial flux vector is solved, resulting in accurate, smooth dependent variable profiles through the viscous-layer sonic line. Source terms due to transformation of the parabolized governing equations into the computational plane and the equations into the computational plane and the resulting metric differencing have been identified and eliminated through inclusion of appropriate geometric conservation law terms. Test cases computed include two- and three-dimensional supersonic and hypersonic flow at laminar and turbulent Reynolds numbers. The computed results demonstrate very good agreement with experiment and with solutions of the full Navier-Stokes equations. Computational times required for the MacCormack explicit PNS code are approximately equal to those of the existing implicit PNS solvers. The explicit PNS code proved to be sufficiently robust to allow starting the computation from free-stream conditions. In addition, little or no damping is required once the initial starting transients have been reduced.
Organolanthanide-based synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles from nitriles and diazo compounds.

The reaction of [(C5Me5)2Ln][(μ-Ph)2BPh2] complexes with the lithium salt of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane, Li[Me3SiCN2], gave products formulated as the dimeric isocyanotrimethylsilyl amide complexes {(C5Me5)2Ln[μ-N(SiMe3)NC]}2 (Ln = Sm, 1; La, 2). Reactions of (C5Me5)2Sm and [(C5Me5)2Sm(μ-H)]2 with Me3SiCHN2 also form 1. Complexes 1 and 2 react with Me3CCN to form the 1,2,3-triazolato complexes (Ln = Sm, 3; La, 4). Complex 2 reacts with Me3SiN3 to make the isocyanide ligated azide complex {(C5Me5)2La[CNN(SiMe3)2](μ-N3)}3, 5.
Biophysical model of synaptic plasticity dynamics

We discuss a biophysical model of synaptic plasticity that provides a unified view of the outcomes of synaptic modification protocols, including: (1) prescribed time courses of postsynaptic intracellular Ca2+ release, (2) postsynaptic voltage clamping with presentation of presynaptic spike trains at various frequencies, (3) direct postsynaptic response to presynaptic spike trains at various frequencies, and (4) LTP/LTD as a response to precisely timed presynaptic and postsynaptic spikes.
Third Prize: Synchronized Real-Time Ultrasonography and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Scan Navigation During Percutaneous Renal Cryoablation in a Porcine Model

Abstract Aim: To investigate the accuracy of percutaneous cryoablation for kidney tumors performed under combined real-time ultrasonography (US) and three-dimensional (3D) CT scan navigation in a porcine model. Materials and Methods: After percutaneously injecting 2 to 6 tumor mimic lesions in 11 pigs, a CT scan was performed and digital data were saved into a navigation system (Real-Time Virtual Sonography® [RVS]) that allows 3D reconstruction and synchronization with real-time US images. The cryoprobe was guided percutaneously into the kidney tumor mimic, and ice ball formation was monitored continuously during cryoablation using the RVS system. Kidneys were harvested and sent for gross pathologic and histopathologic analysis at days 0, 15, and 30 postoperatively. Results: Thirty-five renal tumor mimics were created and treated by percutaneous cryotherapy; tumor mimic locations were as follows: 16 tumors (46%) in the lower pole, 14 (40%) in the central region, and 5 (14%) in the upper pole. Eleven tumor...
Comparative tissue distribution and substrate specificity of electrophoretical distinct peptidases in the rabbit, the rat and the gerbil

Abstract 1. 1. Five distinct peptidases were identified in tissues of rabbit and gerbil and seven peptidases were identified in rat tissues. 2. 2. In the rabbit and gerbil, enzymes analogues to human peptidase B were observed although a corresponding enzyme was not clearly identified in the rat. 3. 3. An enzyme analogous to human peptidase A was found in all three mammalian species. 4. 4. Unique peptidases with narrow limits of tissue expression and substrate affinity for gly-leu were identified in the rat and gerbil. 5. 5. Although a leucyl-β-naphthylamidase was found in each species, definitive identification of this enzyme as a specific dipeptidase could not be made.
Defining High Risk Prostate Cancer—Where do we Set the Bar? A Translational Science Approach to Risk Stratification

Purpose: Risk stratification is commonly used in patients with prostate cancer but this effort has had no demonstrable effect on patient decision making for initial therapy. We propose new risk strata for clinically localized prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: We examined current stratification methods for prostate cancer and their impact on prostate cancer therapy.Results: Three risk strata for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer are proposed. Stratum 1 includes patients in whom active surveillance is associated with a low risk of disease progression. Stratum 2 includes patients in whom monotherapy, including external beam, interstitial radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy, is generally successful. Stratum 3 includes patients at high risk for recurrence with monotherapy in whom multimodal therapy may be superior.Conclusions: Risk stratification systems for prostate cancer should harmonize the needs of researchers to develop comparable groupings of patients, of patients who seek guidan...
Pulmonary Manifestations of the Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome Associated with Tryptophan Ingestion

Pulmonary manifestations are not infrequent in the L-tryptophan-induced eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). However, previous reports have not described the results of longitudinal pulmonary function, exercise testing, high-resolution computerized tomographic (HRCT) scanning of the chest, or detailed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis. We report six patients with EMS who had dyspnea. The diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was decreased in five patients tested. Exercise testing with arterial blood gas sampling in three patients was consistent with pulmonary vascular or parenchymal disease. Serial exercise testing in two of these patients demonstrated marked improvement temporally associated with corticosteroid treatment. In four patients, HRCT scanning of the chest was abnormal. One of these patients showed no abnormality on routine chest roentgenogram. Two patients undergoing BAL exhibited increased eosinophils in the lavage fluid; a third had elevated lymphocytes. Serial measurements of fibroblast proliferation-stimulating-activity in samples of BAL fluid obtained from serial examinations in two patients exhibited heightened pretreatment activity that returned to the normal range following corticosteroid therapy. In these two patients, increased proportions of T-suppressor/cytolytic (CD8+) cells were observed in the BAL fluid. Despite aggressive immunosuppresive therapy, one of the patients died of respiratory failure. Another remains markedly dyspneic with pulmonary hypertension. Of the remaining four patients, two exhibited resolution of pulmonary symptoms after systemic corticosteroid therapy, and two experienced partial improvement.
Memoranda to myself: Maxims for the online portfolio

Abstract For a successful pedagogy of online portfolios, set up the computer network before the term begins; guide students to teach themselves how to use the system; legislate only one software for use in the class; briefly explain the portfolio system at the beginning of the term; give “unsatisfactory” grades on the first assignment; prompt revision even on “satisfactory” submissions; maintain an electronic storehouse of commonplace responses; accept revisions only from “clean” copy; wait until the term is well underway before beginning peer review; provide written guidelines for peer response; provide for off-line, small-group peer response; allow each student to determine when and how often to engage in peer response; provide detailed portfolio guidelines a few weeks before the portfolio is due; have a provisional, midsemester portfolio submission; and work toward a “composition” that would include interactive media.
Epilogue: What to a Black Person Is Affirmative Action?

In the Declaration of Independence, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are articulated as rights to which all “men” are entitled. These rights are placed within the context of equality. It...
Asymptotic recurrence in semiflows with an application to delay-differential equations

We show, using classical results, that for a semiflow on a metric space, any point whose orbit has compact closure has a type of asymptotic weak recurrence property. We apply this to a nonlinear delay-differential equation which has been used as a model for population variations of a single species.
FATTY ACID SYNTHESIS BY COMPLEX SYSTEMS. THE POSSIBILITY OF REGULATION BY MICROSOMES.

Abstract 1. 1. Fatty acid synthesis from malonyl-CoA catalyzed by rat-liver microsomal protein does not seem to be due to contamination with enzymes from the particle-free supernatant or mitochondrial fractions. 2. 2. Optimum conditions for the conversion of malonyl-CoA to fatty acids by rat-liver microsomes with respect to substrate concentration, protein concentration, and incubation time were established. The enzyme systems concerned with fatty acid synthesis from malonyl-CoA in the particle-free supernatant fraction were 4–5 times more active than those in the microsomes. 3. 3. Preincubation of the microsomes caused a release of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.9) but not of fatty acid synthetase. This resulted in a greater conversion of the available malonyl-CoA to fatty acids. 4. 4. The products of synthesis in the supernatant system were free fatty acids bound to protein, whereas the products of the microsomal system were predominantly complex lipids (phospholipid). 5. 5. The predominant fatty acid synthesized from malonyl-CoA by the supernatant fraction was palmitate, and that synthesized by the microsomes was stearate. 6. 6. In the system composed of the supernatant fraction plus microsomes, the fatty acids synthesized were complex lipids (phospholipids), and the pattern of fatty acid synthesis resembled that found in the liver slice. 7. 7. The mechanism of the stimulatory effect of microsomes on fatty acid synthesis by the supernatant fraction is discussed and tentatively localized at the level of acetyl-CoA carboxylation. The stimulation may be due to a release of feedback inhibition.
Finite-element based perturbation analysis of wave propagation in nonlinear periodic structures

Abstract Wave propagation in continuous, periodic structures subject to weak nonlinearities is studied using a finite-element discretization of a single unit cell followed by a perturbation analysis. The dispersion analysis is integrated with commercial finite-element analysis (FEA) software to expedite nonlinear analysis of geometrically-complex unit cells. A simple continuous multilayer system is used to illustrate the principle aspects of the procedure. A periodic structure formed by membrane elements on nonlinear elastic supports is used to demonstrate the versatility of the procedure. Weakly nonlinear band diagrams are generated in which amplitude-dependent bandgaps and group velocities are identified. The nonlinear dispersion analysis procedure described, coupled with commercial FEA software, should facilitate the study of wave propagation in a wide-variety of geometrically-complex, nonlinear periodic structures.
Kinetics of cationic photopolymerizations of divinyl ethers characterized using in situ Raman spectroscopy

In situ Raman spectroscopy experiments were used to determine effective kinetic propagation constants for a series of unsteady-state divinyl ether polymerizations at different isothermal temperatures and light intensities. Raman spectroscopy was found to be ideally suited for monitoring cationic photopolymerizations because the technique allows isothermal experiments to be performed with excellent time resolution and allows several spectral features to be observed simultaneously. In addition, the Raman experiments provided direct information about the vinyl bond concentration in situ as the reaction takes place. For these cationic photopolymerizations, the reaction rate and limiting conversion were both found to increase as the reaction temperature was increased. At all temperatures, the profile for the propagation rate constant, k P , exhibited a dramatic increase at the start of the reaction, plateaued at a value between 10 and 40 l/mol s (depending upon temperature), and then decreased as the reaction reached a limiting conversion due to trapping of the active centers. Finally, the overall activation energy for polymerization was found to be 25.1 ± 6.1 kJ/mol.
Hybrid Solar System for Stationary Electric Power Generation

The present study investigates the feasibility, efficiency, and system design of a hybrid solar system generating electric power for stationary applications such as residential buildings. The system is fed by methanol and combines methanol steam reforming and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells with solar collectors to generate the required heat for the steam reforming. The synergies of these technologies lead to a highly efficient system with significantly larger power densities compared to conventional systems and generate tremendous advantages in terms of installation and operation costs. The present investigation describes the entire proposed system and its components and presents first analytical, numerical, and experimental results of a larger project to prove the feasibility of such a system by analyzing first a bench test demonstrator generating around 10 W of electric power and finally a prototype for an entire single family household. It is shown that the methanol-to-electricity efficiency of the entire system is above 50%.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Differential Regulation of VEGF Signaling by PKC-α and PKC-ε in Endothelial Cells

Objective— Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates proangiogenic signal transduction and cell function in part through activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Our aim was to examine how individual isoforms of PKC affect VEGF action. Methods and Results— Transfection of bovine aortic endothelial cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting either PKC-α, δ, or e caused a reduction in the cognate PKC protein by 76% to 89% without changing expression of nontargeted isoforms. Downregulation of PKC-e abrogated VEGF-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and eNOS at Ser1179 and decreased VEGF-stimulated NO synthase activity in intact cells. In contrast, PKC-α knockdown increased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, whereas PKCδ knockdown had no significant effect. PKC-e knockdown also decreased VEGF-stimulated Erk1/2 phosphorylation and abolished VEGF-stimulated DNA synthesis. Consistent with an effect on several pathways of VEGF signaling, VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) tyrosine phosphorylation and expression of VEGFR2 protein and mRNA was decreased by 81, 90, and 84%, respectively, during knockdown of PKC-e, but increased during PKC-α knockdown. Conclusions— By regulating VEGFR2 expression and activation, PKC-e expression is critical for activation of Akt and eNOS by VEGF and contributes to VEGF-stimulated Erk activation, whereas PKC-α has opposite effects.