cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of an enzymatic cycling assay for NADP(H) measurement to the COBAS-FARA centrifugal analyzer

NADP(H) measurements by enzymatic amplification are described in which the interface step between cycling (glucose-6-phosphate and glutamic dehydrogenases) and indicator (6-phosphogluconic dehydrogenase) enzymes has been reconfigured, permitting the entire operation to run as a continuous assay on a centrifugal fast analyzer. This is accomplished by using the sequential load feature of the analyzer and incorporating either sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or SDS and hydrogen peroxide as kill reagents to replace the thermal step (destruction of cycle enzymes by boiling). The ability of SDS to render a cycle inoperative during the run time of the indicator enzyme depends on the inherent resistivity and absolute amount of its enzyme proteins to this surfactant. Criteria used to judge the efficacy of a potential kill reagent are based on the sample blank time-response curve and the cycle product recovery by the indicator enzyme. Various other enzyme cycling systems which can be fitted to the centrifugal fast analyzer are highlighted.
Prolonged moderate elevation of corticosterone does not affect hippocampal anatomy or cell proliferation rates in mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli)

Chronic stress and corresponding chronic elevations of glucocorticoid hormones have been widely assumed to have deleterious effects on brain anatomy and functions such as learning and memory. In particular, it has been suggested that chronic elevations of glucocorticoid hormones result in death of hippocampal neurons and in reduced rates of hippocampal neurogenesis. It is not clear, however, if any increase in glucocorticoid levels has negative effects on hippocampal anatomy as many animals regularly maintain moderately elevated levels of glucocrticoids over long periods of time under natural energetically demanding conditions. We used unbiased stereological methods to investigate whether mountain chickadees (Poecile gambeli) implanted for 49 days with continuous time-release corticosterone pellets, designed to approximately double the baseline corticosterone levels, differed from placebo-implanted chickadees in their hippocampal anatomy and cell proliferation rates. We found no significant differences between corticosterone and placebo-implanted birds in either telencephalon volume, volume of the hippocampal formation, or the total number of hippocampal neurons. Cell proliferation rates, measured as the total number of BrdU-labeled cells in the ventricular zone adjacent either to the hippocampus or to the mesopallium, were also not significantly different between corticosterone and placebo-implanted chickadees. Our results suggest that prolonged moderate elevation of corticosterone might not provide the suggested deleterious effects on hippocampal anatomy and neurogenesis in food-caching birds and, as we have shown previously, it actually enhances spatial memory.
The infrared spectrum of methyl-d3 cyanide☆

Four perpendicular bands in the spectrum of CD3CN have been resolved and analyzed. A reassignment of some of the overtones has been made in the light of a more detailed recording of the spectrum. Rotational constants and Coriolis coupling coefficients are in agreement with those expected for this isotopic species.
City Finances and the National Economy

City governments were betterprepared toface the 1990-1992 recession than were state governments, and they adjusted their budgets with relatively less fanfare. The absence of widespread bankruptcy notwithstanding, thefiscalposition ofcities has deteriorated and some ofthe necessary adjustments were painful. Services were reduced as real per capita expenditure growth decline4 taxes were increase4 and the entire local government sector remained in deficit during the past six years. The problem has not been softened by federal or state policies; in fact, the flow of both federal and state aid slowed markedly during the late 1980s. A combination of economic and socialforces suggests that many of the nation's older cities will not outgrow this fiscal stress and their budgetary well-being will be more dependent on state and federal policies.
Unheated Water in the First Tank of a Three-Tank Broiler Scalder

Scalding with unheated water in the first tank of a simulated three-tank scalder was tested to determine whether carcass bacteria, efficiency of feather removal, and cooked breast meat tenderness are affected as compared with carcasses scalded at the same temperature (57 C) in all tanks. This experiment was performed on 3 d using 6-wk-old broilers. On each day, eight birds per treatment were processed. During the first 40-s scalding period, one carcass was placed in approximately 24 C water. The other carcass was placed simultaneously in a scalder unit containing approximately 2,050 L of water at 57 C. Carcasses were then held out of the water for 15 s, after which both were placed for 40 s in opposite ends of the scalder containing water at 57 C. After the second scalding period, both carcasses were again removed from the water for 15 s, followed by another 40 s in the 57 C water. Total scald time was 2 min for each treatment. After picking, carcasses were rinsed with 200 mL of sterile 0.1% peptone water for 1 min. Aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli were enumerated and incidence of salmonella was determined by standard methods. After rinsing, carcasses were eviscerated by hand and chilled for 30 min in ice slush. All carcasses were scored for the presence of feathers, and the appearance and condition of the skin were noted. Four hours postmortem, breast fillets were removed from carcasses and chilled overnight at 2 C. The next morning, breast fillets were cooked to an internal endpoint temperature of 75 to 80 C. Warner-Bratzler shear values were measured to determine tenderness. No differences were found in numbers of aerobic bacteria and E. coli, incidence of salmonellae, tenderness of cooked breast meat, or number of feathers left on carcasses.
Hydroformylation as a simple and efficient one carbon homologation of homoallylic alcohols: synthesis of Prelog-Djerassi lactone

Summary: A hydroformylation oxidation sequence is described for the efficient conversion of homoallylic alcohols to 6-lactones. The methodology is applied to the synthesis of Prelog-Djerassi lactone. During the course of some synthetic studies in our laboratory, we required a simple procedure for the conversion of homoallylic alcohols such as 1 to lactones 2. - Although numerous methods to affect this transformation exist, these generally tend to be multi-step sequences and thus rather inefficient. As a result, we examined an alternative procedure based on the hydroformylation reaction which has seen extensive industrial importance in the conversion of alkenes to their homologous aldehydes 1 but has rarely been used for laboratory scale preparations.
Characterization of excretory-secretory products from larval stages of Haemonchus contortus cultured in vitro

Abstract To determine biochemical changes associated with early parasite development, Haemonchus contortus larvae were cultured in vitro to the fourth stage (L4). Infective larvae developed from third to fourth stage in 48–96 h. Metabolic activity increased following stimulus of infective stages by CO2 but secretion/excretion of significant amounts of protein into cultures and larval feeding did not occur until larvae had molted to the fourth stage. Larval feeding, as monitored by the ability of larvae to ingest fluorescein-labeled albumin, correlated with molting to the fourth stage and only fourth stage larvae were observed to feed. Fourth stage larvae secreted/excreted several enzymes into culture media including a metalloprotease, an acid phosphohydrolase, a cathepsin C-like enzyme, a phospholipase C-like enzyme and an N- acetyl -s- d -glucosaminidase . Excretory-secretory (ES) products produced by L4 had antigenic homologies with parasite products produced during the second molt and with proteins and glycoproteins extracted from third and fourth stage larvae. ES products were recognized by sera from sheep infected with H. contortus. The enzymes identified here serve as markers for maturation to the fourth larval stage as well as the initiation of feeding and are likely to be involved in extracorporeal digestion. Further, they might serve as potential targets for immune or chemical control of trichostrongyle infections.
Ultrafast optical properties of lithographically defined quantum dot amplifiers

We measure the ultrafast optical response of lithographically defined quantum dot amplifiers at 40 K. Recovery of the gain mostly occurs in less than 1 picosecond, with some longer-term transients attributable to carrier heating. Recovery of the absorption proceeds on a much longer timescale, representative of relaxation between quantum dot levels and carrier recombination. We also measure transparency current-density in these devices.
Accurate Structure Determination of Mo6SyIz Nanowires from Atomic Pair Distribution Function (PDF) Analysis

The structure of the recently discovered systematically reproducible Mo6SyIz nanowires has been determined from the atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis of powder X-ray diffraction data. This total scattering approach was required because the nanowires are not perfectly crystalline and, therefore, the structure cannot be obtained crystallographically. Several nanotube and nanowire models were fit to the PDF data. The resulting best-fit model structure consists of nanowires of Mo6 octahedra that are bridged by sulfur and terminated on the outside by iodine. This demonstrates the power of total scattering methods in accurately resolving structural issues in nanostructured materials where traditional crystallographic methods fail.
"Seventeen Happy Days" in Hollywood: Selig Polyscope's Promotional Campaign for the Movie Special of July 1915

Although it was historically overshadowed by Universal City’s grand opening in March 1915, Selig Polyscope’s July 1915 promotional excursion commemorating the opening of the Selig Zoo offers significant insight into the relationship of film studios, exhibitors, the press, and audiences during the 1910s. This paper examines Selig’s two-part promotional strategy to reach audiences and fans: directly, in the form of allowing patrons and locals to interact with Selig stars producing The Seven Suffering Sisters onboard the journey; and indirectly through press editors who were encouraged to clip articles in Selig’s house organ, Paste-Pot & Shears , and to cover the Selig Movie Special at every stop on its trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. In this way, Selig circumvented uncooperative exhibitors and ensured local newspaper promotions for its films and stars.
ATP Uptake in the Golgi and Extracellular Release Require Mcd4 Protein and the Vacuolar H+-ATPase

Extracellular nucleotides signal via a large group of purinergic receptors. Although much is known about these receptors, the mechanism of nucleotide transport out of the cytoplasm is unknown. We developed a functional screen for ATP release to the extracellular space and identified Mcd4p, a 919-amino acid membrane protein with 14 putative transmembrane domains, as a participant in glucose-dependent ATP release from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This release occurred through the vesicular trafficking pathway initiated by ATP uptake into the Golgi compartment. Both the compartmental uptake and the extracellular release of ATP were regulated by the activity of the vacuolar H+-ATPase. It is likely that the Mcd4p pathway is generally involved in non-mitochondrial ATP movement across membranes, it is essential for Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum function, and its occurrence led to the appearance of P2 purinergic receptors.
The Effect of Transverse Curvature on the Drag and Vortex Shedding of Elongated Bluff Bodies at Low Reynolds Number

Etude experimentale des caracteristiques de trainee de cylindres finis a rapport d'aspect de 1 a 100 pour des nombres de Reynolds inferieurs a 1000 y compris en regime visqueux
Initial experience with video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

Abstract In the past 2 years, the development of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has allowed thoracoscopy to rapidly evolve from a primarily diagnostic tool to a therapeutic tool with potentially useful applications. As with laparoscopy, the initial enthusiasm for VATS must be tempered by the reality of technical inadequacies, complications, and results that have yet to withstand careful scientific scrutiny. The purpose of this study was to determine the technical feasibility of a VATS lobectomy. Forty-four patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma were evaluated and accepted as potential candidates for VATS lobectomy. After complete preopetative staging, these patients were in clinical stage I. All patients had normal arterial blood gases and adequate pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second > 1.5 L) to tolerate a lobectomy. At the time of operation, 3 patients were found to have N2 disease and were excluded from the study. In 35 of the remaining 41 patients, a successful VATS lobectomy was accomplished through two thoracoscopy ports and a non-rib-spreading 6- to 8-cm "access" thoracotomy. There were no major intraoperative complications that necessitated conversion to an open thoracotomy. Mean operative time was 153 ± 26 minutes. All 35 patients recovered uneventfully with a mean hospital stay of 5.7 ± 1.6 days. A VATS lobectomy is technically feasible using our approach and is potentially safe. However, major advances in thoracoscopic imaging and instrumentation are necessary before this procedure will have the potential for widespread acceptance. Also, the advantages of VATS lobectomy over accepted surgical techniques will have to be carefully documented in randomized trials.
High density COS/MOS 1024 bit static RAM

A static 1024 × 1 self-aligned silicon gate C0S/M0S Random Access Memory has been developed using ‘self-registry’ techniques to achieve high packing density. The techniques developed permitted a 7500 transistor COS/MOS memory circuit to be fabricated in a 0.134 × 0.168 inch2 chip, with a 13.4 mil2 cell. Such packing density is approximately 5 times that of conventional metal gate COS/MOS circuits.
Lithium reduces FoxO3a transcriptional activity by decreasing its intracellular content.

Background Forkhead box, class O (FoxO) transcription factors play important roles in cell fate, differentiation, survival, and stress regulation. A subtype of mammalian FoxO transcription factors, FoxO3a, is widely distributed in the brain, and its activity is regulated by neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), resulting in transcriptional inactivation of FoxO3a. Searching for therapeutic targets downstream of BDNF signaling will facilitate the development of new treatment approaches for mood disorders. Methods Transcriptional activity, target gene expression, and protein levels of FoxO3a were measured in cultured cells and mouse brain after lithium treatment. Results Lithium significantly reduced FoxO3a transcriptional activity and gene expression. The effect of lithium may be the result of a significant reduction of the FoxO3a protein levels in both the cytosol and nucleus that was mediated by an Akt-independent action. More importantly, this effect of lithium was observed in cells and mouse brain after therapeutically relevant lithium treatments. Conclusions Lithium, an established treatment for mood disorders, has a prominent effect on FoxO3a transcriptional activity and the effect is likely therapeutically relevant. These results warrant further study to identify if FoxO3a is a transcriptional target in the neuropathology and treatment of mood disorders.
Latinos report less use of pharmaceutical aids when trying to quit smoking

Abstract Background Latino smokers are more likely than white non-Latino smokers to attempt cessation, but less likely to receive cessation advice from physicians or to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Proposed underlying causes have included lighter smoking, lower financial status, and less healthcare access. This study assessed these factors as possible explanations for disparate rates of smoking-cessation support. Methods Data were analyzed from a random, population-level telephone survey of Colorado adults that interviewed 10,945 white non-Latino respondents and 1004 Latino respondents. For the current analysis, main outcome measures were receipt of physician advice to quit smoking, use of NRT, and use of bupropion or other anti-depressant for smoking cessation. Results Latino smokers reported higher prevalence of quit attempts (71.5% v 61.6%, p p p Conclusions Population-level differences in health status, smoking level, financial status, or healthcare access do not explain why Latino smokers less often use proven pharmaceutical aids to increase cessation. Further research is needed to understand these disparities, and greater effort is needed to deliver cessation support to Latino smokers seeking to quit.
Early MyD88-Dependent Induction of Interleukin-17A Expression during Salmonella Colitis†

The development of T helper 17 (T(H)17) cells is a well-established adaptive mechanism for the production of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cytokine involved in neutrophil recruitment. However, pathways contributing to mucosal expression of IL-17A during the initial phase of a bacterial infection have received less attention. Here we used the mouse colitis model of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium infection to investigate the contribution of myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) to inflammation and mucosal IL-17A expression. Expression of IL-23 in the cecal mucosa during S. Typhimurium colitis was dependent on the presence of MyD88. Furthermore, initial expression of IL-17A at 24 h after S. Typhimurium infection was dependent on MyD88 and the receptor for IL-1β. IL-23 and IL-1β synergized in inducing expression of IL-17A in splenic T cells in vitro. In the intestinal mucosa, IL-17A was produced by three distinct T cell populations, including δγ T cells, T(H)17 cells, and CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells. The absence of IL-1β signaling or IL-17 signaling reduced CXC chemokine expression but did not alter the overall severity of pathological lesions in the cecal mucosa. In contrast, cecal pathology and neutrophil recruitment were markedly reduced in Myd88-deficient mice during the initial phases of S. Typhimurium infection. Collectively, these data demonstrate that MyD88-dependent mechanisms, including an initial expression of IL-17A, are important for orchestrating early inflammatory responses during S. Typhimurium colitis.
Reactive Power Management of a DFIG Wind System in Microgrids Based on Voltage Sensitivity Analysis

This paper addresses the problem of voltage regulation in microgrids that include doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind generation. Due to significant line resistances in microgrids, active power variations produced by wind turbines can lead to significant fluctuations in voltage magnitudes. This paper proposes a voltage sensitivity analysis-based scheme to achieve voltage regulation at a target bus in such microgrids. The target voltage can be of an important central bus, or a bus with sensitive voltage loads. The method is local and can be implemented in the absence of a widespread communication system or remote measurements. The performance of the method is illustrated on the IEEE-13 bus distribution network. Dynamic models are considered for the DFIG, converters, and internal controllers along with their operational limits. Stochastic fluctuations in wind speed are modeled with NREL Turbsim while accounting for tower shadow and wind shear. Dynamic simulations (in PSCAD/EMTDC) are presented to assess the voltage regulation characteristics under different load conditions and network contingencies.
Extreme ultraviolet holography with wavelength resolution

Holographic images of carbon nanotubes 50-80 nm in diameter were obtained with a spatial resolution matching the wavelength of the compact capillary discharge extreme ultraviolet (EUV) laser used for illumination, 46.9 nm.
A PDMS-Based Conical-Well Microelectrode Array for Surface Stimulation and Recording of Neural Tissues

A method for fabricating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microelectrode arrays (MEAs) featuring novel conical-well microelectrodes is described. The fabrication technique is reliable and efficient, and facilitates controllability over both the depth and the slope of the conical wells. Because of the high-PDMS elasticity (as compared to other MEA substrate materials), this type of compliant MEA is promising for acute and chronic implantation in applications that benefit from conformable device contact with biological tissue surfaces and from minimal tissue damage. The primary advantage of the conical-well microelectrodes-when compared to planar electrodes-is that they provide an improved contact on tissue surface, which potentially provides isolation of the electrode microenvironment for better electrical interfacing. The raised wells increase the uniformity of current density distributions at both the electrode and tissue surfaces, and they also protect the electrode material from mechanical damage (e.g., from rubbing against the tissue). Using this technique, electrodes have been fabricated with diameters as small as 10 m and arrays have been fabricated with center-to-center electrode spacings of 60 m . Experimental results are presented, describing electrode-profile characterization, electrode-impedance measurement, and MEA-performance evaluation on fiber bundle recruitment in spinal cord white matter.
Patch scheduling for on-line games

One of the challenges facing the on-line gaming community is the delivery of new content to players. While the initial distribution of a game is typically done via large media formats such as CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, consumers expect regular updates to on-line games such as bug fixes, balance adjustments, and new content. In this paper, we develop a model for the bandwidth impact of patch delivery based on the time of day of the patch release. We evaluate our model against the Steam content delivery network and determine the best time to release a patch to be midway between the peak and trough of daily player load.
Carbohydrate vaccines in cancer: Immunogenicity of a fully synthetic globo H hexasaccharide conjugate in man

The complex carbohydrate molecule globo H hexasaccharide has been synthesized, conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and administered with the immunologic adjuvant QS-21 as a vaccine for patients with prostate cancer who have relapsed after primary therapies such as radiation or surgery. Globo H is one of several candidate antigens present on prostate cancer cells that can serve as targets for immune recognition and treatment strategies. The vaccine, given as five subcutaneous vaccinations over 26 weeks, has been shown to be safe and capable of inducing specific high-titer IgM antibodies against globo H. Its immunogenicity was confirmed in prostate cancer patients with a broad range of stages and tumor burdens. Observations of several patients who had evidence of disease relapse restricted to a rising biochemical marker, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), indicated that a treatment effect could occur within 3 months after completion of the vaccine therapy. This effect was manifested as a decline of the slope of the log of PSA concentration vs. time plot after treatment compared with values before treatment. Five patients continue to have stable PSA slope profiles in the absence of any radiographic evidence of disease for more than 2 years. The concept of using PSA slope profiles in assessing early treatment effects in biological therapies such as vaccines awaits further validation in phase II and III trials. The use of a variety of lesser known candidate glycoprotein and carbohydrate antigens in prostate cancer serves as a focus for the development of a multivalent vaccine of the treatment of relapsed prostate cancer in patients with minimal tumor burden.
Imaging-guided biopsy of (18)F-FDG-avid extrapulmonary lesions: do lesion location and morphologic features on CT affect the positive predictive value for malignancy?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to analyze the effect of lesion location and morphologic appearance on CT on the positive predictive value (PPV) for malignancy of all extrapulmonary lesions that were 18F-FDG avid on PET/CT and that were biopsied under imaging guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Between January 2004 and December 2010, 227 patients underwent imaging-guided biopsy of 231 PET-positive extrapulmonary lesions with diagnostic pathologic results. The PET PPV for malignancy was retrospectively calculated and stratified according to lesion location and morphologic appearance. RESULTS. The overall PET PPV for malignancy was 72%. Inflammatory processes accounted for the majority of benign biopsy results. Lesion location significantly affected the PPV (p < 0.001). Bone (96%) and liver (90%) lesions had significantly higher PPVs for malignancy compared with other locations, whereas lymph nodes (60%) had a significantly lower PPV for malignancy. Lesions that were morphologically suspicious and morp...
‘CLEAN’ AND ‘DIRTY’: CATTLE DISEASE AND CONTROL POLICY IN COLONIAL KENYA, 1900–40

This article traces and contextualizes the development of veterinary policy in Kenya from 1900 to 1940, with particular reference to three diseases: East Coast Fever, bovine pleuro-pneumonia and rinderpest. Disease affected almost every aspect of society and economy in Kenya, but the threat that it posed was constructed and confronted differently by the various constituencies – official, settler and African – that made up the divided pastoral economy. Policy emerged and changed from containment to eradication as the result of continuous argument, in which the Colonial Office played a key role, about both the nature of disease and the most effective way of combating it.
Organizational Theory and Leadership Navigation

Teaching organizational theory in a way that bridges to leadership practice is vital to preparing deft educational leaders who understand the organizational behavior of schools and districts. Organizational theory guides understanding of the complexities of schools and districts and can be a basis for collaborative and effective decision making. This article suggests specific theory that could be taught, strategies for teaching it that are illuminated by examples of student work, and benefits that are likely to accrue.
Animal model of depression: tests of three structurally and pharmacologically novel antidepressant compounds.

Abstract Previous studies have identified behavioral and neuroendocrine abnormalities in chronically stressed rats which resemble some of the more prominent features of clinical depression. These abnormalities have proved responsive to pharmacotherapy by standard antidepressant drugs and related somatic treatments. Several structurally and pharmacologically atypical compounds, resembling neither standard agents, nor each other, have recently been identified as clinically effective antidepressants. These drugs do not show typical preclinical response profiles in other drug screening tests and, therefore, represent critical instances for evaluating the selectivity of the chronic stress model. Three drugs were tested, these being iprindole, bupropion, and mianserine; a tricyclic indole, propriophenone, and tetracyclic compound respectively. Four behavioral measures, which previously proved most useful in discriminating antidepressant potential, and a measure of circulating corticosterone were obtained for subjects examined factorially in a 2x2x2 experimental design (chronic stress vs none, acute stress vs none, and drugs vs control). All compounds proved capable of reversing chronic stress induced behavioral deficits, and all but one compound reversed the attendant basal hypersecretion of corticosterone. These findings argue that the chronic stress model provides an accurate and selective assessment of the therapeutic potential of both standard and structurally novel compounds.
Liver-specific p70 S6 kinase depletion protects against hepatic steatosis and systemic insulin resistance

Obesity-associated hepatic steatosis is a manifestation of selective insulin resistance whereby lipogenesis remains sensitive to insulin but the ability of insulin to suppress glucose production is impaired. We created a mouse model of liver-specific knockdown of p70 S6 kinase (S6K) (L-S6K-KD) by systemic delivery of an adeno-associated virus carrying a shRNA for S6K and examined the effects on steatosis and insulin resistance. High fat diet (HFD) fed L-S6K-KD mice showed improved glucose tolerance and systemic insulin sensitivity compared with controls, with no changes in food intake or body weight. The induction of lipogenic gene expression was attenuated in the L-S6K-KD mice with decreased sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c expression and mature SREBP-1c protein, as well as decreased steatosis on HFD. Our results demonstrate the importance of S6K: 1) as a modulator of the hepatic response to fasting/refeeding, 2) in the development of steatosis, and 3) as a key node in selective hepatic insulin resistance in obese mice.
Learning-based evaluation of visual analytic systems

Evaluation in visualization remains a difficult problem because of the unique constraints and opportunities inherent to visualization use. While many potentially useful methodologies have been proposed, there remain significant gaps in assessing the value of the open-ended exploration and complex task-solving that the visualization community holds up as an ideal. In this paper, we propose a methodology to quantitatively evaluate a visual analytics (VA) system based on measuring what is learned by its users as the users reapply the knowledge to a different problem or domain. The motivation for this methodology is based on the observation that the ultimate goal of a user of a VA system is to gain knowledge of and expertise with the dataset, task, or tool itself. We propose a framework for describing and measuring knowledge gain in the analytical process based on these three types of knowledge and discuss considerations for evaluating each. We propose that through careful design of tests that examine how well participants can reapply knowledge learned from using a VA system, the utility of the visualization can be more directly assessed.
Relationship between morphology and conductivity of block-copolymer based battery separators

Abstract Nanoporous battery separators were made by blending a polystyrene- block -polyethylene- block -polystyrene copolymer (SES) and polystyrene (PS) homopolymers, casting films of the blend, and selectively dissolving the homopolymer. The efficacy of the separators thus obtained was determined by measurement of the ionic conductivity of separators soaked in 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate in ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate (1:1, v/v, Novolyte Technologies, Inc.), a standard lithium battery electrolyte. We focus on the effect of chain length of the sacrificial homopolymer on separator morphology and ion transport. In highly porous separators with a nominal pore volume fraction of 0.43, conductivity peaked at α = 0.22, where values as high as 0.39 mS cm −1 were achieved ( α is the molecular weight of the PS homopolymer normalized by that of the PS block in the SES copolymer). Nitrogen adsorption experiments and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the underpinnings of this observation. At α = 0.12, extremely small pores with low surface area are formed. Increasing α to 0.22 results in a film with well-connected nanoscale pores. A further increase in α to 2.02 results in films with micron-sized pores that are not effective for ion transport.
zymake: A Computational Workflow System for Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing

Experiments in natural language processing and machine learning typically involve running a complicated network of programs to create, process, and evaluate data. Researchers often write one or more UNIX shell scripts to "glue" together these various pieces, but such scripts are suboptimal for several reasons. Without significant additional work, a script does not handle recovering from failures, it requires keeping track of complicated filenames, and it does not support running processes in parallel. In this paper, we present zymake as a solution to all these problems. zymake scripts look like shell scripts, but have semantics similar to makefiles. Using zymake improves repeatability and scalability of running experiments, and provides a clean, simple interface for assembling components. A zymake script also serves as documentation for the complete workflow. We present a zymake script for a published set of NLP experiments, and demonstrate that it is superior to alternative solutions, including shell scripts and makefiles, while being far simpler to use than scientific grid computing systems.
Effects of Various Infestation Levels of Cattle Lice (Mallophaga: Trichodectidae and Anoplura: Haematopinidae) on Feed Efficiency and Weight Gains of Beef Heifers

Heifers with a heavy infestation of cattle lice (10 or more per 6.452 cm2 [1 in2] of Bovicola bovis (L.), Linognathus vituli (L.), and Solenopotes capillatus Enderlein) gained significantly less weight (0.09 kg [0.21 lb]/day) than heifers treated with stirofos or trichlorfon. No significant weight gain differences were found between heifers with a light to moderate or moderate to heavy infestation and treated heifers. Feed efficiency was not significantly affected by the three lice infestation levels evaluated in these trials.
Heterogeneous Interaction and Reaction of HONO on Ice Films between 173 and 230 K

Both the heterogeneous interaction of HONO on the ice surface and the heterogeneous reaction of HONO with HBr on the ice surface have been investigated in a flow reactor interfaced with a differentially pumped quadrupole mass spectrometer. The surface uptake amount and initial uptake coefficient of HONO on the ice surface were determined as a function of the ice-film temperature between 173 and 205 K. The reaction probability of HONO over the HBr-treated ice surfaces has been determined as a function of HBr partial pressures at 190K, 200K, and 230K, respectively. The reaction mechanism is proposed and discussed. Kinetic analysis indicates that the heterogeneous reaction of HONO with HBr on ice surfaces follows the Eley-Rideal type.
Influence of CO2 Blowing Agent on Porous Bioresorbable Stent Structure

Bioresorbable stents with limited functional lifetimes and with drug delivery capabilities are desired. Various methods have been investigated to induce porosity in bioresorbable polymeric stent fibers, thereby to permit increased drug reservoir capacity versus polymer-coated metal stents. We developed microporous surface layers on PLLA fibers to serve as the drug reservoir, but found that impurities, the use of chemicals, and multiple step procedures associated with our, and other published methods limited utility. Thus we investigated theoretically attractive CO2 blowing methods, in which gas under pressure and temperature induces porosity. We report the results of initial studies of CO2-induced porosity in PLLA stent fibers.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Asymmetry of Nationalist Exclusion and Inclusion: Migration Policy Preferences in Russia, 2005–2013*

Objective The study investigates sources of asymmetry between individual attitudes toward nationalist inclusion and exclusion—focusing on why public support in Russia for deporting all migrants remained about the same from 2005 to 2013, while support for admitting all migrants significantly declined. Methods Data from surveys based on multistage random sampling of the adult population of the Russian Federation in 2005 (N = 579) and 2013 (N = 805) are subjected to multiple (OLS) regression analysis, in which support for deportation and admission of migrants are dependent variables and survey measures (with different specifications) of intergroup threat, competition, bias, contact, and the immigration security dilemma, as well as education and media exposure are the independent variables. Results Only two predictors consistently explained support for both inclusion and exclusion of migrants in Russia in both 2005 and 2013—perceived state strength and economic vulnerability. In every test, support for exclusion nonrandomly related to more predictors in the same model than support for inclusion. Conclusion In changing political and socioeconomic contexts exclusionist views are more persistent than inclusive views. Both measures need to be used in research on intergroup relations and nationalism. Otherwise, one is more likely to accept false positives while underestimating some significant enduring predictors.
What do they know? The effects of outside director acquisition experience on firm acquisition performance

This article contributes to the literature on board effectiveness by being perhaps the first to systematically examine how the nature of outside directors' prior experience, and resulting expertise, will influence the performance of a focal firm's strategic initiatives. Our theoretical model is grounded in the psychological literature on expertise and its role in group decision making effectiveness. We focus on outside director expertise in acquisition decision making, and its implications for the performance of the acquisitions of a focal firm. Our conceptual framework indicates that directors will develop expertise in making particular kinds of acquisition decisions (e.g., related or unrelated acquisitions or acquisitions in specific industries or product markets) through their past experiences at other firms with decisions about those specific types of acquisitions, and we predict that this experience and expertise will have positive effects on the performance of a focal firm's acquisitions. We extend our theoretical model to consider the conditions under which relevant director experience will prove most beneficial. Our model predicts that outside director acquisition expertise will deliver the greatest benefits when the focal firm's board is independent from management. We find empirical support for all of our hypotheses. In considering how and when director experience and resulting expertise may influence the performance of corporate acquisitions, our theory and results help to highlight a potential second main focus for research on the long-standing question of what factors render boards of directors effective. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complexity of the mechanisms of initiation and maintenance of DNA damage-induced G2-phase arrest and subsequent G1-phase arrest: TP53-dependent and TP53-independent roles.

Abstract DeSimone, J. N., Bengtsson, U., Wang, X. Q., Lao, X. Y., Redpath, J. L, and Stanbridge, E. J. Complexity of the Mechanisms of Initiation and Maintenance of DNA Damage-Induced G2-Phase Arrest and Subsequent G1-Phase Arrest: TP53-Dependent and TP53-Independent Roles. Radiat. Res. 159, 72–85 (2003). Through a detailed study of cell cycle progression, protein expression, and kinase activity in γ-irradiated synchronized cultures of human skin fibroblasts, distinct mechanisms of initiation and maintenance of G2-phase and subsequent G1-phase arrests have been elucidated. Normal and E6-expressing fibroblasts were used to examine the role of TP53 in these processes. While G2 arrest is correlated with decreased cyclin B1/CDC2 kinase activity, the mechanisms associated with initiation and maintenance of the arrest are quite different. Initiation of the transient arrest is TP53-independent and is due to inhibitory phosphorylation of CDC2 at Tyr15. Maintenance of the G2 arrest is dependent on TP53 and is due ...
Peripheral and Central Enzyme Inhibition by Fenthion, Fenitrothion and Desbromoleptophos

Fenthion [FEN] is suspected of causing severe and long lasting nervous system damage in exposed humans and animals, but has not been shown to cause paralysis in hens at sublethal doses (3, 7). In addition, it does not inhibit chick brain neurotoxic esterase (NTE) sufficiently to be categorized as a delayed neurotoxicant on this basis (2). Since organophosphorus ester induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) is a peripheral rather than a central paralysis (8), it was important to determine whether FEN affected peripheral more than central NTE. We therefore evaluated the effects of FEN on NTE in lyrapho-cytes, validating this assay by including two organophosphorus compounds (OPs) of known neurotoxic potential. Desbromoleptophos (DBL), causing paralysis in hens after a single oral dose of 20–30 mg/Kg (4), was the positive control; and fenitrothion (FTR), which does not cause delayed paralysis (9), was the negative control. The toxicity of these three OP’s was compared using 4 assays: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain and in red blood cells (RBCs); inhibition of NTE in brain and in lymphocytes. The OP’s were administered at doses causing overt cholinergic symptoms in chicks (FEN, FTR) or paralysis in hens (DBL). Chicks were treated per os with 1 or 2 doses of 5 mg/Kg FEN; 75 mg/Kg FTR or 50 mg/Kg DBL.
Successful Salvage of Central Venous Catheters in Patients with Catheter-Related or Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections by Using a Catheter Lock Solution Consisting of Minocycline, EDTA, and 25% Ethanol

In cancer patients with long-term central venous catheters (CVC), removal and reinsertion of a new CVC at a different site might be difficult because of the unavailability of accessible vascular sites. In vitro and animal studies showed that a minocycline-EDTA-ethanol (M-EDTA-EtOH) lock solution may eradicate microbial organisms in biofilms, hence enabling the treatment of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) while retaining the catheter in situ Between April 2013 and July 2014, we enrolled 30 patients with CLABSI in a prospective study and compared them to a historical group of 60 patients with CLABSI who had their CVC removed and a new CVC inserted. Each catheter lumen was locked with an M-EDTA-EtOH solution for 2 h administered once daily, for a total of 7 doses. Patients who received locks had clinical characteristics that were comparable to those of the control group. The times to fever resolution and microbiological eradication were similar in the two groups. Patients with the lock intervention received a shorter duration of systemic antibiotic therapy than that of the control patients (median, 11 days versus 16 days, respectively; P < 0.0001), and they were able to retain their CVCs for a median of 74 days after the onset of bacteremia. The M-EDTA-EtOH lock was associated with a significantly decreased rate of mechanical and infectious complications compared to that of the CVC removal/reinsertion group, who received a longer duration of systemic antimicrobial therapy. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01539343.).
Selecting Cost-Optimal Main-Effect Fractions of 3′ Factorials

Abstract The process of designing orthogonal fractions of three level factorial experiments which will estimate the main effects is reviewed. Under an assumption of heterogeneous costs of observations, a cost model is proposed which allows the engineer to determine experimental costs directly from confounding scheme decisions without being required to develop the complete fraction first. This makes it possible to explore for the minimum cost fraction more efficiently. An example application to designing fractional experiments for calibrating state highway skid measurement equipment is given.
Oviposition by Grouped and Isolated Apple Maggot Flies

In laboratory studies, mature virgin females of Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) caged in groups of 5 laid a large number of eggs (none viable), 66–87% as many per female as mated females caged singly or in groups of 5 (about 90% egg viability). On the other hand, mature virgins caged singly laid comparatively few eggs, only 16–56% as many per female as virgins caged in groups, irrespective of whether the former had had previous contact with other mature virgins and despite the fact that their ovaries were full of eggs. The presence of immature females had a positive stimulating effect on the amount of oviposition by a single mature virgin, but the presence of Drosophila flies had no stimulating effect. An explanation of these results is discussed.
Analysis Method of Plastic Limited Load for Back Frame of Automobile Seat

An empirical formula of the plastic limited load of the back frame of automobile seat under the static load condition is studied.Firstly,in order to determine the main factors affecting the structural performance,a simplified model of the back frame is constructed,and a theoretical formula of the plastic limited load is deduced under the ideal rigid-plastic theory of material.Secondly,an orthogonal experimental design with the obtained main factors of the back frame is presented.Finite element analysis of the actual models parameterized on the results of orthogonal experimental design is implemented.Finally,the empirical formula of the plastic limited load of the back frame is obtained by combining with results of both the finite element simulation and the plasticity theory analysis.The numerieal example shows that the proposed method of the empirical formula of the plastic limited load is effective,and that the relative error of the predicted and experimental values is less than 5%.The suggested method can be used to quickly predict whether a design project meets the requirements in the initial design stage,and thus greatly improve the efficiency of product design.
Marketing Research Directions in the 80’s and 90’s

This paper forecasts the directions that marketing research will take in the 1980’s and 1990’s. These directions are determined based on data collected from current marketing doctoral students with respect to their research plans after graduation. This information is compared to current and past research trends via a topic analysis of the marketing literature for the past 20 years.
Transmit and receive circular array pattern synthesis for radar applications

Circular arrays are an appealing if underused option for radar systems that require 360° coverage in azimuth. They require no mechanical scanning and do not suffer from the high-angle scan loss and beam broadening of linear and planar arrays. The circular geometry, along with suitable pattern synthesis techniques, enables some unique capabilities. On transmit they provide the flexibilty to synthesize a continuum of beam shapes, from omnidirectional to sector to high gain. On receive, simultaneous high-gain beams can be formed to cover any desired azimuth footprint. In this paper we explore the capabilities of circular arrays through a series of pattern synthesis design examples.
Skin manifestations of food allergies

The role of dietary factors in chronic skin diseases has been a subject of controversy, but several investigators have shown the effectiveness of elimination diets in the management of some patients with atopic dermatitis. Chronic skin diseases are common, complex, and often difficult to treat; therefore, the physician should consider all possible causes. More people consider themselves to have food allergies than can actually be documented to have an immunologic reaction to foods. Six foods--egg, peanut, cow's milk, soy, fish, and wheat--account for most skin reactions to food in children, with egg, peanut, and cow's milk being most common. Elimination of the offending food can be an effective form of treatment, but it must be done with caution, and while ensuring that the patient maintains adequate nutrition.