cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ruling on Prisoners' Grievances

In this article, the author describes his experience as an active participant on a central review board designed to hear appeals by prisoners front adverse decisions made by local prison grievance and disciplinary boards. The invitation to serve as “citizen member” on this appellate board came to the author as a result of his earlier work on inmate grievance procedures, reported in a previous Journal article. The present article gives a close-up account of the types of inmates and inmate problems encountered while serving on such a board and of the difficult role conflicts that the board members face in trying to make decisions that are both fair and realistic. The article also gives a first-hand impression of the flavor of prison life.
Investigating the Difficulty of One Degree of Freedom Positioning: Associating Movement Phases with Regions

Positioning an object within specified bounds is a common daily computer task, for example making selections using a touch screen or positioning icons relative to each other. This experiment measured times for participants (n = 145) to position rectangular cursors with various widths, p, within rectangular targets with various tolerances, t, in one dimension. The analysis divides the total movement time into three parts, the time for the cursor to touch the target, the time to enter the target after touching, and the centering time, the remaining time for participants to indicate that the cursor is completely within the target by clicking on the mouse button. The time to touch the target was modeled well by the initial cursor-target separation, r2/sup> = 0.95. The entering time was modeled well by log2(p/t + 1), r2/sup> = 0.99, and the centering time was modeled well by r2/sup> = 0.94
Synthesis and catalytic activity of a novel crown-quat phase transfer catalyst

Abstract A novel, crown-quat phase transfer catalyst has been synthesized and its catalytic activity examined in solid-liquid and liquid-liquid phase transfer systems.
Potentiometric Study of the Dissociation Quotient of the Aqueous Ethanolammonium Ion as a Function of Temperature and Ionic Strength

The acid dissociation equilibrium involving aqueous ethanolammonium ion in the reaction, HO(CH2)2NH3+ ⇄ HO(CH2)2NH2 + H+, was measured potentiometrically with a hydrogen-electrode concentration cell from (0 to 290) °C in sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate (NaTr) solutions at ionic strengths of (0.03, 0.1, and 0.3) molal. The molal dissociation quotients and selected literature data at infinite dilution were fitted by an empirical equation with five adjustable parameters involving functions of temperature, solvent density, and ionic strength. This treatment yielded the following thermodynamic quantities at 25 °C and infinite dilution: log Ka = −9.48 ± 0.03, ΔHa = (51.3 ± 1.5) kJ·mol-1, ΔSa = (−9 ± 5) J·K-1·mol-1, ΔCpa = (8 ± 17) J·K-1·mol-1.
Phosphorylation of ACAP1 by Akt Regulates the Stimulation-Dependent Recycling of Integrin β1 to Control Cell Migration

Components of intracellular signaling that mediate the stimulation-dependent recycling of integrins are being identified, but key transport effectors that are the ultimate downstream targets remain unknown. ACAP1 has been shown recently to function as a transport effector in the cargo sorting of transferrin receptor (TfR) that undergoes constitutive recycling. We now show that ACAP1 also participates in the regulated recycling of integrin beta1 to control cell migration. However, in contrast to TfR recycling, the role of ACAP1 in beta1 recycling requires its phosphorylation by Akt, which is, in turn, regulated by a canonical signaling pathway. Disrupting the activities of either ACAP1 or Akt, or their assembly with endosomal beta1, inhibits beta1 recycling and cell migration. These findings advance an understanding of how integrin recycling is achieved during cell migration, and also address a basic issue of how intracellular signaling can interface with transport to achieve regulated recycling.
Design of the fusing system for an electrophotographic laser printer

This paper discusses the development and design of the fusing system used in the IBM 3800 Printing Subsystem. The design solutions provide satisfactory fusing of powdered toner print images to paper at a processing rate of 81 cm/s under a variety of operating conditions.
Using the Electrostatic Field Effect to Design a New Class of Inhibitors for Cysteine Proteases

A new class of competitive inhibitors for the cysteine protease papain is described. These inhibitors are based upon a 4-heterocyclohexanone ring and are designed to react with the enzyme active site nucleophile to give a reversibly formed hemithioketal. The electrophilicity of the ketone in these inhibitors is enhanced by ring strain and by through-space electrostatic repulsion with the heteroatom at the 1-position of the ring. Equilibrium constants for addition of water and 3-mercaptopropionic acid to several 4-heterocyclohexanones were measured by 1H NMR spectroscopy. These reactions model addition of the active site nucleophile to the corresponding inhibitors. The equilibrium constants give a linear correlation with the field substituent constant F for the functional group at the 1-position of the heterocyclohexanone. These equilibrium constants also correlate well with the inhibition constants for the 4-heterocyclohexanone-based inhibitors, which range from 11 to 120 μM. Thus, the model system can be...
The RING domains of the promyelocytic leukemia protein PML and the arenaviral protein Z repress translation by directly inhibiting translation initiation factor eIF4E.

The promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is a mammalian regulator of cell growth which is characteristically disrupted in acute promyelocytic leukemia and by a variety of viruses. PML contains a RING domain which is required for its growth-suppressive and antiviral properties. Although normally nuclear, in certain pathogenic conditions, including arenaviral infection, PML is relocated to the cytoplasm, where its functions are poorly understood. Here, we observe that PML and arenavirus protein Z use regions around the first zinc-binding site of their respective RING domains to directly interact, with sub-micromolar affinity, with the dorsal surface of translation initiation factor eIF4E, representing a novel mode of eIF4E recognition. PML and Z profoundly reduce the affinity of eIF4E for its substrate, the 5' 7-methyl guanosine cap of mRNA, by over 100-fold. Association with the dorsal surface of eIF4E and direct antagonism of mRNA cap binding by PML and Z lead to direct inhibition of translation. These activities of the RING domains of PML and Z do not involve ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, in contrast to many RINGs which have been observed to do so. Although PML and Z have well characterized physiological functions in regulation of growth and apoptosis, this work establishes the first discrete biochemical mechanism which underlies the biological activities of their RING domains. Thus, we establish PML and Z as translational repressors, with potential contributions to the pathogenesis of acute promyelocytic leukemia and variety of viral infections.
MODE OF ONSET OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN MAN.

Abstract The mode of onset of atrial fibrillation has been recorded 18 times in 14 patients during continuous monitoring of an electrocardiogram. An atrial premature discharge preceded the onset of atrial fibrillation in all 14 episodes of relapse from sinus rhythm. In 10 of these the premature P wave was followed immediately by atrial fibrillation. In 4 the premature P wave appeared to initiate a brief run of atrial tachycardia (less than 6 beats) which accelerated to atrial fibrillation. In 4 observations, atrial fibrillation developed from established atrial flutter. The atrial rate gradually accelerated from approximately 300 per minute, and irregular, rapid atrial response characteristic of atrial fibrillation appeared. In 1 patient this event occurred during carotid sinus massage. The relative prematurity of ectopic atrial beats was evaluated by calculating the coupling index, defined as the ratio of the coupling interval (P-P) to the preceding cycle length. The mean coupling index of the 14 atrial premature contractions which initiated atrial fibrillation was .48 ± .03 (S.E.M.). The mean coupling index for atrial premature contractions which were not followed by atrial fibrillation was .65 ± .02 in the patients who subsequently developed atrial fibrillation, and .68 ± .01 in a similar group of patients with ectopic atrial activity who did not develop fibrillation. The difference between the mean coupling indices of those P waves which initiated atrial fibrillation and those which did not is highly significant (p It is concluded that a spontaneously occurring atrial premature impulse may initiate atrial fibrillation. In some instances the fibrillation is preceded by an accelerating atrial tachycardia. The propensity of a premature impulse to initiate fibrillation is related to its relative prematurity, expressed as the coupling index. When the coupling index is less than .50, the change of atrial fibrillation is high; when it is greater than .60, the chance of atrial fibrillation following that particular premature P wave is small. The observation that atrial fibrillation may follow a properly timed ectopic discharge is consistent with the experimental delineation of an atrial vulnerable period. Possible relationships between focal ectopic activity, atrial tachycardias, and atrial fibrillation are discussed.
New Weighted Portmanteau Statistics for Time Series Goodness of Fit Testing

We exploit ideas from high-dimensional data analysis to derive new portmanteau tests that are based on the trace of the square of the mth order autocorrelation matrix. The resulting statistics are weighted sums of the squares of the sample autocorrelation coefficients that, unlike many other tests appearing in the literature, are numerically stable even when the number of lags considered is relatively close to the sample size. The statistics behave asymptotically as a linear combination of chi-squared random variables and their asymptotic distribution can be approximated by a gamma distribution. The proposed tests are modified to check for nonlinearity and to check the adequacy of a fitted nonlinear model. Simulation evidence indicates that the proposed goodness of fit tests tend to have higher power than other tests appearing in the literature, particularly in detecting long-memory nonlinear models. The efficacy of the proposed methods is demonstrated by investigating nonlinear effects in Apple, Inc., an...
Making innovation happen: The role of standards and openness in an innovation-friendly ecosystem

Standards can play a key role in facilitating innovation. This is being taken into consideration by companies in their business strategies as well as by governments regarding their innovation strategies. Within Europe, detailed analysis has been taken regarding the complexities of the relationship between standardisation and innovation and legal changes to adapt the European standardisation system to global realities have been made in order to increase the potential in Europe for driving innovation via the powerful tool of standardisation. What is important is that the different roles which standards play in this context are well analysed and understood. Building on the boost of innovation which the internet and the world wide web produced, there is a huge potential for innovative technologies in the integration of technologies. Like with the internet and the web, standards are a critical element in this context. And flexibility and differentiated action will be required for maximising the desired effects of innovation strategies and policies.
Rate equations for the vigorous stationary phase fermentation of citric acid by Saccharomycopsis lipolytica.

Rate equations for the vigorous stationary phase fermentation of citric acid by Saccharomycopsis lipolytica were determined using a continuous-stirred-tank-membrane-reactor system. The rate of glucose consumption is independent of fermentation broth glucose concentration for the range of 1-25 g cellulose/L. The rate of glucose consumption is noncompetitively inhibited by citric acid with a product inhibition constant of 235 g citrate/L. The rate of citrate production is proportional to the logarithm of the glucose concentration.
Studies on tissue factor activity and production by leukocytes of human umbilical cord and adult origin.

Studies on Tissue Factor Activity and Production by Leukocytes of Human Umbilical Cord and Adult Origin
Promoting Discourse and Argumentation in Science Teacher Education

Given a sociocultural framework of teaching and learning, argumentation and discourse become central elements of education, particularly in science education because of argumentation’s key role in scientific communities. This study documents preservice teachers’ perceptions of and aptitudes related to argumentation as they participated in a science methods course designed to promote discourse and argumentation. Data sources consisted of instructor reflections, course documents, and student work. Participants tended to view argumentation as a central element of science and as a means for promoting conceptual development in science classrooms. They were generally adept in the construction of arguments, particularly with respect to the evidentiary support of claims and demonstrated improved practice as the course progressed. Implications for using this course as a model and suggestions for its improvement are discussed.
Characterization of cobalt(II)-substituted peptide deformylase: function of the metal ion and the catalytic residue Glu-133.

Peptide deformylase (PDF) catalyzes the hydrolytic removal of the N-terminal formyl group from nascent ribosome-synthesized polypeptides in eubacteria. PDF represents a novel class of mononuclear iron protein, which utilizes an Fe(2+) ion to catalyze the hydrolysis of an amide bond. This Fe(2+) enzyme is, however, extremely labile, undergoing rapid inactivation upon exposure to molecular oxygen, and is spectroscopically silent. In this work, we have replaced the native Fe(2+) ion with the spectroscopically active Co(2+) ion through overexpression in the presence of Co(2+). Co(2+)-substituted PDF (Co-PDF) has an activity 3-10-fold lower than that of the Fe(2+)-PDF but is highly stable. Steady-state kinetic assays using a series of substrates of varying deformylation rates indicate that Co-PDF has the same substrate specificity as the native enzyme. Co-PDF and Fe-PDF also share the same three-dimensional structure, pH sensitivity, and inhibition pattern by various effector molecules. These results demonstrate that Co-PDF can be used as a stable surrogate of Fe-PDF for biochemical characterization and inhibitor screening. The electronic absorption properties of the Co(2+) ion were utilized as a probe to monitor changes in the enzyme active site as a result of site-directed mutations, inhibitor binding, and changes in pH. Mutation of Glu-133 to an alanine completely abolishes the catalytic activity, whereas mutation to an aspartate results in only approximately 10-fold reduction in activity. Analysis of their absorption spectra under various pH conditions reveals pK(a) values of 6.5 and 5.6 for the metal-bound water in E133A and E133D Co-PDF, respectively, suggesting that the metal ion alone is capable of ionizing the water molecule to generate the catalytic nucleophile, a metal-bound hydroxide. On the other hand, substrate binding to the E133A mutant induces little spectral change, indicating that in the E.S complex the formyl carbonyl oxygen is not coordinated with the metal ion. These results demonstrate that the function of the active-site metal is to activate the water molecule, whereas Glu-133 acts primarily as a general acid, donating a proton to the leaving amide ion during the decomposition of the tetrahedral intermediate.
A Legendre spectral element method for simulation of unsteady incompressible viscous free-surface flows

Abstract A new Legendre spectral element method is presented for the solution of viscous incompressible free-surface flows. It is based on the following extensions of the fixed-domain spectral element method: use of the full viscous stress tensor for natural imposition of traction (surface tension) boundary conditions; use of arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian methods for accurate representation of moving boundaries; and use of semi-implicit time-stepping procedures to partially decouple the free-surface evolution and interior Navier-Stokes equations. For purposes of analysis and clarity of presentation, attention is focused on the stability of falling films. Analysis of the spectrum of the linear stability problem (Orr-Sommerfeld equation) associated with film flow reveals physical effects that limit the stability of semi-implicit schemes and suggests optimal formulas for temporal discretization of the spectral element equations. Detailed results are presented for the spectral element simulation of the film flow problem.
Solution sol–gel processing of Ba(Mg1/3Ta2/3)1−xSnxO3 [x=0.0, 0.2] as substrates for high Tc superconductors

Abstract A solution sol–gel method for preparing Ba(Mg 1/3 Ta 2/3 ) 1− x Sn x O 3 [ x =0.0, 0.2] powders was developed. Single phase Ba(Mg 1/3 Ta 2/3 ) 1− x Sn x O 3 [ x =0.0, 0.2] oxide powders formed at temperature as low as 600°C. The calcined powders sintered at 1500°C for 24 h resulted in ≥95% of the theoretical density. The dielectric constant and tangent loss were determined to be 24 and 10 −4 at 10 kHz respectively.
Predicting struvite formation in digestion

Abstract The solubility constant for struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) was measured in formation and dissolution equilibrium experiments. The proposed solubility constant (pKSO=13.26) accurately predicted struvite precipitation in sludge handling facilities at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, whereas the solubility constant in common use did not. An improved method was developed for predicting struvite precipitation potential in anaerobic digestion and post-digestion processes. Method improvements include consideration of ionic strength effects on ion activities, magnesium phosphate complexation effects on ion speciation, and an experimentally derived struvite solubility constant. The improved method accurately predicted struvite to be less soluble than predicted by earlier methods.
Splenic lymphoma: ferrite-enhanced MR imaging in rats.

Ferrite, a new magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent, was evaluated in the detection and diagnosis of splenic lymphoma. Before administration of ferrite, normal rat spleens and spleens with diffuse lymphoma showed similar in vitro relaxation times and in vivo MR imaging signal-to-noise ratios (S/N). After the administration of ferrite (50 mumol Fe/kg), the T2 time of lymphomatous spleen was 27.0 msec +/- 2.9 (mean +/- standard deviation), which was significantly greater than that of normal spleen (10.7 msec +/- 1.5, P less than .005). The S/N of ferrite-enhanced in vivo MR images of lymphomatous spleen was 12.4 +/- 0.9, which was significantly greater than normal (5.7 +/- 0.2, P less than .005). Similar experiments with animal models of micronodular lymphoma also demonstrated that ferrite-enhanced MR imaging can distinguish micronodular lymphoma from normal spleen. Benign splenomegaly, studied with an animal model of erythroid hyperplasia, showed ferrite-enhanced MR tissue characteristics that were indis...
Antibiotic prescribing for patients with colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and bronchitis: A national study of hospital-based emergency departments.

Abstract Study Objective: Antibiotics are often used to treat viral upper respiratory tract infections, even though they are usually ineffective. However, frequent inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. This study used a national database to evaluate antibiotic use in treating upper respiratory tract infections in emergency departments. Methods: Data were obtained from the 1996 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Antibiotic prescribing rates were examined for colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and acute bronchitis. Patients with comorbid conditions or secondary diagnoses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, sinusitis, and HIV, were excluded. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess predictors of antibiotic use. Results: Overall, there were an estimated 2.7 million ED visits for colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and bronchitis by children and adults in 1996. Antibiotics were prescribed for 24.2% (95% CI 18.9, 29.5) of patients with common colds and upper respiratory tract infections and for 42.2% (95% CI 35.2, 49.2) of patients with bronchitis. There were no significant associations between antibiotic use and patient race, sex, Hispanic ethnicity, geographic location, or source of payment. Antibiotics were prescribed less often by interns or residents than by staff or other physicians (odds ratio 0.43; 95% CI 0.19, 0.98), and patients younger than 18 years were less likely to receive antibiotics than adults (odds ratio 0.32; 95% CI 0.20, 0.52). Smokers were 4.3 (95% CI 2.2, 8.3) times more likely to receive antibiotics than nonsmokers. Conclusion: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for ED patients with upper respiratory tract infections even though they are usually ineffective in otherwise healthy adults. Efforts should be made to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use for the sake of containing costs, preventing side effects, and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance. [Stone S, Gonzales R, Maselli J, Lowenstein SR. Antibiotic prescribing for patients with colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and bronchitis: a national study of hospital-based emergency departments. Ann Emerg Med. October 2000;36:320-327.]
Letter by Makkar et al Regarding Article, “Cell Therapy for Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Overview of Experimental and Clinical Studies, Current Challenges, and Future Directions”

In their review of cell therapy for heart disease, Sanganalmath and Bolli1 conclude their discussion on the CArdiosphere-Derived aUtologous stem CElls to reverse ventricUlar dySfunction (CADUCEUS) trial2,3 by stating “However, the amount of tissue used to produce CDCs was reported to be 276 mg [SD, 177; range, 93–891 mg] which is all but impossible to obtain with endomyocardial biopsies.” We disagree with this conclusion. In CADUCEUS, we reported something that had never been done before: the harvesting of human heart tissue, using a catheter, to create a therapeutic product. Thus, there is little basis for direct comparison in the literature. Endomyocardial biopsy specimens obtained for routine diagnostic purposes are not weighed (they are fixed and processed …
End-to-end diffusion coefficients and distance distributions from fluorescence energy transfer measurements: Enhanced resolution by using multiple acceptors with different Forster distances

Abstract We measured distance distributions and end-to-end diffusion coefficients of donor—acceptor pairs linked by a flexible methylene chain using frequency-domain fluorescence energy transfer measurements. The donor was an indole group, and two acceptors with different Forster distances were used. The uncertainties in the recovered parameters describing the end-to-end distance distribution and diffusion coefficient were rather large when each donor—acceptor pair was analyzed separately. It was not possible to resolve distance distributions in the presence of intra-molecular diffusion when the Forster distance was comparable to the mean and half-width of the distribution. Global analysis using two acceptors dramatically improved the resolution. Surprisingly, the Forster distances need not be very different, and a 20% difference between the two R 0 values resulted in substantial improvements in resolution. Both the simulations and the experiments suggest the benefit of using global analysis with different Forster distances to obtain reliable distance distribution parameters in the presence of diffusion.
The effect of substitutional boron on the kinetics of the carbon-oxygen reaction

Abstract Natural graphite flakes have been doped substitutionally with boron at six concentrations between 6 × 10−6 and 10−2 B C atom ratios. The reactivity of these graphites and of the undoped material with dry and moist O2 has been studied as a function of temperature (550–650°C), carbon burn-off, O2 pressure and pre-treatment in water at 625°C. Boronation lowers the rate of carbon gasification in both dry and moist O2, despite the fact that it also lowers the activation energy of the reaction. However, boronation also lowers the pre-exponential factor in the Arrhenius expression, apparently because of the formation of liquid B2O3 and possibly HBO2 (in moist O2) which blocks active sites on the graphite surface. This conclusion is supported by a continuous decrease in specific BET surface area of the graphite at burn-offs above about 10 per cent. The decrease in activation energy of gasification with increasing boronation parallels qualitatively the effect of boronation in lowering the Fermi level of graphite. It is suggested that this correlation supports clearly, for the first time, the Long and Sykes concept that electron transfer between the graphite and an impurity can be important in affecting the rate of gasification of the graphite by an oxidizing gas.
The GSwERC initiative

Article 5 ID: 1449608 DOI: 10.1145/1449603.1449608 It has long been recognized that there is a need for a comprehensive model for graduate software engineering education in the U.S. and worldwide. This article describes such an initiative and invites interested parties to participate.
Glycerol Hydrogenolysis on Carbon-Supported PtRu and AuRu Bimetallic Catalysts

Bimetallic PtRu and AuRu catalysts were prepared by a surface redox method in which Pt or Au was deposited onto the surface of carbon-supported Ru nanoparticles with an average diameter of 2–3 nm. Characterization by H2 chemisorption, analytical TEM, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Ru K-edge, Pt LIII-edge, and Au LIII-edge confirmed that Pt and Au were successfully deposited onto Ru without disrupting the Ru particles. Depression of the ethane hydrogenolysis rate over Ru after addition of Au provided further evidence of successful deposition. The bimetallic particles were subsequently evaluated in the aqueous-phase hydrogenolysis of glycerol at 473 K and 40 bar H2 at neutral and elevated pH. Although monometallic Pt and Ru exhibited different activities and selectivities to products, the bimetallic PtRu catalyst functioned more like Ru. A similar result was obtained for the AuRu bimetallic catalyst. The PtRu catalyst appeared to be stable under the aqueous-phase reaction conditions, whereas the AuRu catalyst was altered by the harsh conditions. Gold appeared to migrate off the Ru and agglomerate on the carbon during the reaction in liquid water.
Oscillopsia suppression and foveation-period variation in congenital, latent, and acquired nystagmus

We studied the relative importance of clear and stable epochs of vision and extraretinal signals of eye movements in suppressing illusory motion of the world (oscillopsia) in eight subjects with two types of infantile nystagmus, congenital nystagmus (CN) and latent/manifest latent nystagmus (LMLN), and two acquired forms of nystagmus (AN), pendular and jerk. Three subjects with CN and no oscillopsia did not always exhibit well-developed foveation periods, unless their CN was therapeutically damped. Two subjects with CN and AN had transient oscillopsia that coincided in time and plane with the lack of well-developed foveation. Two subjects with AN and oscillopsia had well-developed foveation (one after gabapentin). One subject with LMLN and vertical AN experienced oscillopsia solely in the plane of the AN, despite the presence of good foveation in both planes. Our findings argue against the role of foveation periods in suppression of oscillopsia. In CN, lack of well-developed foveation does not result in o...
Temporal lobe perfusion in the deaf: MR measurement with pulsed arterial spin labeling (FAIR).

Rationale and Objectives Experimental studies in animals have shown that loss of a primary sensory modality early in life may result in substantial alterations in cortical organization. This study was performed to measure cerebral perfusion in auditory cortex in congenitally deaf adults using the FAIR (Flow-sensitive Alternating Inversion Recovery) magnetic resonance imaging technique. Our hypothesis was that there would be relatively intact perfusion in auditory cortex. Materials and Methods Twenty-six profoundly congenitally deaf subjects were compared with 15 control subjects. A FAIR perfusion slice was scanned through the superior temporal gyrus parallel to the Sylvian fissure while subjects were at rest. Perfusion maps were calculated and regions of interest were drawn over the superior temporal gyrus including auditory cortex and the medial occipital lobe. Results The relative perfusion of the superior temporal gyrus (STG) was slightly less in the deaf (right STG=0 .79 ± 0.16, left=0.93 ± 0.29) compared with the hearing (right STG=0.90 ± 0.14, left=0.98 ± 0.31) when normalized to the occipital cortex, but the differences were not statistically significant. Both showed moderate left lateralization; however, only in the deaf did this reach statistical significance ( P Conclusions In the resting state, the deaf demonstrate a relatively normal perfusion in the region of cortex usually associated with auditory function. Although the presumed underlying electrical activity may represent some degree of residual auditory function, it is likely that the normal level of perfusion reflects cortical reorganization and the early migration of nonauditory processing into this area.
A sediment history of sellafiel discharges

Abstract A suite of artificial radionuclides, discharged from the BNFL Sellafield works into the Irish Sea, has been measured in sediment cores taken from a nearby disused and undisturbed dock basin (Senhouse Dock, Maryport). This has provided a comprehensive record of Sellafield discharges from the early 1960s, including radionuclides for which discharge data are in incomplete A chronology was established by comparing a variety of radionuclide concentrations and isotope ratios in the core with the available information on decay-corrected discharges. This allowed an estimate to be made of the quantity of 238 Pu discharged in the period 1959–1977 (94 ± 8 TBq) for which no discharge data exist. The transit time from discharge to incorporation in the surface sediment was in the order of 1–1·.5 y. Attempts to verify the sediment chronology with conventional 210 Pb excess dating met with difficulties because of uncertainties in the flux of 210 Pb, linked to a local, anthropogenic source of 210 Pb/ 226 Ra.
Effects of age on DNA double-strand breaks and apoptosis in human sperm.

Abstract Objective This study was designed to explore the relationship between men's age and DNA damage and apoptosis in human spermatozoa. Design Semen samples were collected from men between the ages of 20 and 57 years. Sperm DNA double-strand breaks were assessed using the neutral microgel electrophoresis (comet) assay, and apoptosis was estimated using the DNA diffusion assay. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Sixty-six men aged 20 to 57 years were recruited from infertility laboratory and general populations and consented to donate a semen sample. Recruitment was determined by time and day of analysis; the only exclusions were for azoospermia, prostatitis, or prior cancer therapy. Intervention(s) None. Main outcome measure(s) DNA damage and apoptosis in human sperm. Result(s) Age correlated with an increasing percentage of sperm with highly damaged DNA (range: 0–83%) and tended to inversely correlate with percentage of apoptotic sperm (range: 0.3%–23%). For example, percentage of sperm with highly damaged DNA, comet extent, DNA break number, and other comet measures was statistically significantly higher in men aged 36–57 years than in those aged 20–35 years, but percentage apoptosis was statistically significantly lower in the older group. Semen analysis showed percentage motility to be significantly higher in younger age groups. Conclusion(s) This study clearly demonstrates an increase in sperm double-stranded DNA breaks with age. Our findings also suggest for the first time an age-related decrease in human sperm apoptosis. These novel findings may indicate deterioration of healthy sperm cell selection process with age.
A Theory-guided Approach to Library Services Assessment

This article examines the theoretical models applied to date in library assessment activities. A brief review of the history of library assessment practices and the evolution of their respective approaches is presented. A discussion of the theoretical concepts applied to these assessment activities in library and information science (LIS) as introduced from other fields, such as marketing and management information systems (MIS), follows. The conceptual issues and practical concerns in library assessment are then discussed. Focus is placed on the review of research concepts of service quality, customer/user satisfaction, and their applications in library assessment activities.
A comparative study of classifiers on a real data set

This paper investigates the performance of three different classifiers on a common real data set. A discussion about their advantages and limitations is also included. Supervised learning is applied to train the fuzzy sets based, neural network and minimum distance classifiers. Criteria considered as a basis for evaluating the classifiers performance, include the generalization power, the learning curve and ROC points.
Randomized trial outcomes of a TTM-tailored condom use and smoking intervention in urban adolescent females

Smoking and sexual risk behaviors in urban adolescent females are prevalent and problematic. Family planning clinics reach those who are at most risk. This randomized effectiveness trial evaluated a transtheoretical model (TTM)-tailored intervention to increase condom use and decrease smoking. At baseline, a total of 828 14- to 17-year-old females were recruited and randomized within four urban family planning clinics. Participants received TTM or standard care (SC) computerized feedback and stage-targeted or SC counseling at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. Blinded follow-up telephone surveys were conducted at 12 and 18 months. Analyses revealed significantly more consistent condom use in the TTM compared with the SC group at 6 and 12, but not at 18 months. In baseline consistent condom users (40%), significantly less relapse was found in the TTM compared with the SC group at 6 and 12, but not at 18 months. No significant effects for smoking prevention or cessation were found, although cessation rates matched those found previously. This TTM-tailored intervention demonstrated effectiveness for increasing consistent condom use at 6 and 12 months, but not at 18 months, in urban adolescent females. This intervention, if replicated, could be disseminated to promote consistent condom use and additional health behaviors in youth at risk.
Beam attenuation and micro-organisms: spatial and temporal variations in small particles along 140°W during the 1992 JGOFS EqPac transects

Abstract As part of the U.S. JGOFS EqPac program, transmissometer profiles were made from 12°N to 12°S at 140°W during February–March (cruise TT007) and August–September (cruise TT011) 1992. Meridional sections of cp (beam attenuation due to particles) were prepared by selecting profiles made at a specific time during the day (∼ 18:00 h) to reduce the influence of diel variability and to facilitate point-to-point comparisons with other variables (e.g. T, nitrate, bioabundance, etc.). A tight correlation between beam cp and total scattering cross-section of micro-organisms was observed, suggesting that heterotrophic bacteria, prochlorophytes, cyanobacteria and small autotrophic eukaryotes (all Three biohydrographic regimes [northern (7°–12°N), equatorial (5°N–5°S) and southern (7°–12°S)] could be distinguished from characteristic profiles of cp and other variables. While the northern and southern regimes remained relatively constant in cp between El Nino (TT007) and cold surface water (TT011) conditions, the equatorial regime showed > 30% increase in surface beam cp and IBAC (integrated beam attenuation coefficient) during TT011 compared to TT007. This suggests that only the equatorial regime responds sensitively to the hydrodynamic factors (e.g. upwelling, currents, El Nino, tropical instability waves, etc.) regulating particle distributions. The cp:chlorophyll a ratio, a proxy for the C:chlorophyll a ratio, also was calculated to obtain insight into biogeochemical cycles in the upper waters of the equatorial Pacific.
Normal TCRβ transcription and recombination in the absence of the Jβ2–Cβ2 intronic cis element

Abstract The developmental regulation of antigen receptor gene transcription and recombination are mediated by cis regulatory elements. At the T cell receptor β chain locus ( TCRβ ), two DNase I hypersensitive sites within the Jβ2–Cβ2 intron contained binding sites for NF-κB and additional nuclear factors and were postulated to be involved in controlling TCRβ transcription and V(D)J recombination. To test this possibility, we deleted these elements from the mouse genome by homologous recombination and assayed the effect on transcription of both the germline and rearranged TCRβ locus, and on TCRβ rearrangement in T and B lymphocytes. We found that TCRβ transcription and V(D)J recombination and T cell development were normal in these mutant mice. Therefore, the Jβ2–Cβ2 intronic elements are dispensable for TCRβ assembly and function.
Delayed line bus scheme: a low-power bus scheme for coupled on-chip buses

This paper presents a comprehensive qualitative and analytical analysis of the effect of relative delay on the dissipated energy of coupled lines. Closed form expressions modeling the effect of relative delay on the dissipated energy, and the Miller coupling factor, MCF, are also presented. Skewing the worst switching case is shown to provide up to 50% reduction in energy dissipation. This observation was implemented in a low-power bus scheme, DLBS, which leads to a power reduction of up to 25%.
False low pulse oximetry reading associated with the concomitant use of a peripheral nerve stimulator and an evoked-potential stimulator

One of the sources of error in pulse oximetry readings is associated with an abnormal signal-to-noise ratio. The pulse oximeter distinguishes the light absorbance of arterial blood from that of other absorbers by differentiating between a constant component and a pulsating component. The pulsating component is almost exclusively the result of arteriolar bed pulsations. Because pulse oximetry is based on the assumption that arterial blood is the only pulsatile absorber, any other fluctuating phenomenon could constitute a source of error. We report a case in which a low pulse oximetry reading was associated with concomitant use of a pulse oximeter and a peripheral nerve stimulator on the same arm. Further tests conducted using a nerve stimulator and a sensory evoked potential stimulator with different amplitudes and frequencies confirmed the association and delineated the relationship between frequency and amplitude of stimulation and the degree of artificial desaturation. A theoretical explanation for this phenomenon is presented.
1-(2-HYDROXYETHOXY)METHYL-2-METHYL-3-HYDROXYL-4- PYRIDINONE: A TARGETED, BIFUNCTIONAL CHELATING AGENT FOR POTENTIAL URANIC DETOXIFICATION IN THE KIDNEY

The only proposed treatment for uranium (U) internal decontamination is chelation therapy, and so far, there is no effective chelating drug available for this purpose. A modified iron chelator of deferiprone (L1) has been investigated for its chemical and pharmacological properties as a new U chelating agent. The results have demonstrated that the chelator, 1-(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl-2-methyl-3-hydroxyl-4-pyridinone (HEML1), has the ability to chelate uranyl ion, forming a stable complex with 2:1 (chelator/U) stoichiometry. The chelator, HEML1, does not pose any adverse effects on cultured human kidney cells, and shows the capability of protecting the cells against U-associated cytotoxicity and hydrogen peroxide-induced free radical damage. Moreover, because of the hydrophilic property of both HEML1 and its U-complex, the chelator has the potential to target the kidneys where the U prefer to deposit, and to leave the organ after complexing U. These results suggest that HEML1 may be able to serve as a bifunctional therapeutic for internal radionuclide decontamination.
A closed form solution for quantum oscillator perturbations using Lie algebras

We give a new solution to a well-known problem, that of computing perturbed eigenvalues for quantum oscillators. This article is nearly self contained and begins with all the necessary algebraic tools to make the subsequent calculations. We define a new family of Lie algebras relevant to making computations for perturbed (anharmonic) oscillators, and show that the only two formally closed solutions are indeed harmonic oscillators themselves. Through elementary combinatorics and noncanonical forms of well-known Lie algebras, we are able to obtain a fully closed form solution for perturbed eigenvalues to first order.
Object name learning and object perception: a deficit in late talkers.

Two experiments examined the relation between early object name learning and the ability to represent objects by their abstract shapes. In Experiment 1, two-year-old children with productive vocabularies in the bottom 20th percentile – ‘late talkers’ – were compared with (1) same-age children with larger vocabularies, and (2) younger children matched for productive vocabulary, on their ability to recognize named common objects. Object categories were represented two ways : by lifelike, perceptually rich toys, and by grey caricatures of those objects’
Spidermonkey: rapid detection of co-evolving sites using Bayesian graphical models.

Spidermonkey is a new component of the Datamonkey suite of phylogenetic tools that provides methods for detecting coevolving sites from a multiple alignment of homologous nucleotide or amino acid sequences. It reconstructs the substitution history of the alignment by maximum likelihood-based phylogenetic methods, and then analyzes the joint distribution of substitution events using Bayesian graphical models to identify significant associations among sites. Availability: Spidermonkey is publicly available both as a web application at http://www.data-monkey.org and as a stand-alone component of the phylogenetic software package HyPhy, which is freely distributed on the web (http://www.hyphy.org) as precompiled binaries and open source. Contact: afpoon@ucsd.edu
Association of Interleukin 23 Receptor Polymorphisms with Anti-Topoisomerase-I Positivity and Pulmonary Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis

Objective. IL23R has been identified as a susceptibility gene for development of multiple autoimmune diseases. We investigated the possible association of IL23R with systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease that leads to the development of cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. Methods. We tested 9 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in IL23R for association with SSc in a cohort of 1402 SSc cases and 1038 controls. IL23R SNP tested were previously identified as SNP showing associations with inflammatory bowel disease. Results. Case-control comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences between patients and healthy controls with any of the IL23R polymorphisms. Analyses of subsets of SSc patients showed that rs11209026 (Arg381Gln variant) was associated with anti-topoisomerase I antibody (ATA)-positive SSc (p = 0.001)) and rs11465804 SNP was associated with diffuse and ATA-positive SSc (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0026, respectively). These associations remained significant after accounting for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate method. Wild-type genotype at both rs11209026 and rs11465804 showed significant protection against the presence of pulmonary hypertension (PHT). (p = 3×10−5, p = 1×10−5, respectively). Conclusion. Polymorphisms in IL23R are associated with susceptibility to ATA-positive SSc and protective against development of PHT in patients with SSc.
Sr isotope disequilibrium in Columbia River flood basalts: Evidence for rapid shallow-level open-system processes

Geochemical variability among Columbia River Basalt Group flood lavas has been attributed to two different origins: derivation from heterogeneous mantle and modification of mantle-derived magmas by open-system processes involving continental crust. We present in situ analyses of Sr isotopes from core-to-rim transects of plagioclase phenocrysts and groundmass from each major Columbia River Basalt Group formation and show that plagioclase crystals are usually internally zoned in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and are in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr disequilibrium with their host groundmass. These data unequivocally demonstrate that Columbia River basalt magmas, regardless of the nature of mantle sources, were modified by opensystem processes operating at crustal depths. One-dimensional diffusion modeling indicates that observed isotopic heterogeneities cannot have existed at magmatic temperatures for more than a few years or decades. In general, results indicate that these flood basalt magmas were erupted while still in the process of assembly. A typical Columbia River flood basalt magma (melt plus phenocrysts) therefore only attains its final geochemical identity just before or during eruption, a fact that is generally obscured when evaluating conventional whole-rock isotope analyses.
Hyperglycemia modulates angiotensinogen gene expression

Elevated plasma angiotensinogen (AGT) levels have been demonstrated in insulin-resistant states such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), conditions that are directly correlated to hypert...
Obesity, Courts, and the New Politics of Public Health

Health care politics are changing. They increasingly focus not on avowedly public projects (such as building the health care infrastructure) but on regulating private behavior. Examples include tobacco, obesity, abortion, drug abuse, the right to die, and even a patient's relationship with his or her managed care organization. Regulating private behavior introduces a distinctive policy process; it alters the way we introduce (or frame) political issues and shifts many important decisions from the legislatures to the courts. In this article, we illustrate the politics of private regulation by following a dramatic case, obesity, through the political process. We describe how obesity evolved from a private matter to a political issue. We then assess how different political institutions have responded and conclude that courts will continue to take the leading role.
Compact low-threshold hybrid silicon microring resonator lasers

Low-threshold lasing is achieved on compact hybrid silicon microring resonator devices (radii: 7.5, 12.5, 25 μm) through both optical and electrical pumping. The limiting factor in scaling down for sub-mA operation is the thermal impedance.
Radiation characteristics of infinite line-currents on cylindrical bianisotropic substrates

The radiation characteristics of infinite line currents on cylindrical bianisotropic substrates are presented. In particular, the authors investigate the material bianisotropic effects on the radiation properties of the antennas including beam angle and directivity. Radiation patterns have been studied as a function of various material parameters. >