cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability of the soleus H-reflex from supine to standing in young and elderly.

Abstract Objective Many recent studies have used the soleus H-reflex methodology to examine age-related changes in neuromuscular function. However, reliability of the method has only been tested in young adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-trial reliability of the soleus H-reflex in both young and elderly subjects during supine and standing conditions. Methods The experiment was carried out on 10 young and 10 elderly subjects. For each subject, 10 standardized soleus H-reflex trials were collected during each of the postural conditions. Intraclass correlations were calculated for the first 4, 6, 8, and 10 trials for each group at each body position. Results The largest decreases in reliability in this study were observed with a decrease in the number of trials used to estimate the elderly soleus H-reflex during the standing condition. The change from using ten trials to using four trials led to an 8% decrease in reliability. Conclusions Due to the decreased postural control ability in the elderly population, at least ten trials should be used to estimate soleus H-reflex characteristics during standing or other functional weight-bearing conditions. Significance Using fewer than 10 trials could lead to an increase in statistical errors and misinterpretation of results.
Parallel pathways of virus recognition.

Viruses trigger signaling pathways of innate immunity. In this issue, Sun et al. (2006) show that the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein is critical for intracellular detection signaling, but is dispensable for the activation of innate immunity via Toll-like receptors.
A behavior modification training program for psychiatric residents

Abstract An intensive 3-month behavior modification training program for psychiatric residents at a Veterans Administration Hospital is described. The program consists of readings in basic principles of operant conditioning, films, animal laboratory exercises, and an extensive survey of behavior modification literature. All assignments are supervised by the director of the program or consultants from a nearby university. Experience in practical application is offered in two settings—a public school special education center for handicapped children and a token economy ward of the Veteran Administration Hospital. A critique of the program and of its effectiveness is presented.
An Analysis of Creep Crack Growth of Interface Cracks in Layered/Graded Materials

In this study, the growth behavior of interface cracks in bimaterials and in layered materials resulting from the creep cavitation was studied. The growth model includes the effects of material deposition resulting from the growth of creep cavities on the crack tip stress fields. The results indicate that in layered materials under identical applied loading, the location of the interface crack strongly influence the amplitude of the stress field at steady-state. Due to large variation in the distribution of the stresses ahead of the interface cracks at creep regime, depending upon the crack location, the creep crack growth rates will be significantly different from each other under identical loading for a given layered material.
Triiodothyronine therapy lowers the incidence of atrial fibrillation after cardiac operations.

Background. Cardiopulmonary bypass results in a euthyroid sick state, and recent evidence suggests that perioperative triiodothyronine (T3) supplementation may have hemodynamic benefits. In light of the known effects of thyroid hormone on atrial electrophysiology, we investigated the effects of perioperative T3 supplementation on the incidence of postoperative arrhythmias. Methods. One hundred forty-two patients with depressed left ventricular function (ejection fraction −1 ·h −1 for 6 hours. Patients were monitored for the development of arrhythmias during the first 5 postoperative days. Results. The incidence of sinus tachycardia and ventricular arrhythmias were similar between groups. Triiodothyronine-treated patients had a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation (24% versus 46%; p = 0.009), and fewer required cardioversion (0 versus 6; p = 0.012) or anticoagulation (2 versus 10; p = 0.013) during hospitalization. Six patients in the T3 group versus 16 in the placebo group required antiarrhythmic therapy at discharge ( p = 0.019). Conclusions. Perioperative T3 administration decreased the incidence and need for treatment of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
The effect of sequence specific DNA methylation on restriction endonuclease cleavage

Sequence specific DNA methylation sometimes results in the protection of some or all of a restriction endonucleases' cleavage sites. This is usually, but not always, the result of methylation of one or both strands of DNA at the site characteristic of the corresponding "cognate" modification methylase. The known effects of sequence specific methylation on restriction endonucleases are compiled.
Ethical beliefs of MIS professionals: The frequency and opportunity for unethical behavior

The frequency and opportunity for unethical behavior by MIS professionals is examined empirically. In addition, the importance of top management's ethical stance, one's sense of social responsibility and the existence of codes of ethics in determining perceptions of the frequency and opportunity for unethical behavior are tested.
Comparison of different test methods for determining the mar resistance of clearcoats

This paper presents a number of different methods for determining the mar resistance of automotive clearcoats. The various methods are compared on the basis of measurements on different clearcoat systems and the results discussed with other physical parameters (microhardness, crosslinking density). Micro-scratching tests (individual scratches) were also carried out in addition to more practical tests (simulated car washes).
From Relays to MPU's

When the IEEE Computer Society was founded twentyfive years ago, the transistor was a laboratory curiosity, and operating computers were assembled from relays or vacuum tubes. Today, a single integrated circuit far surpasses the capability of those early computers, and further progress seems inevitable. The development of semiconductor devices has depended upon a synergism with computers. This is particularly true for integrated circuits, whose development was motivated by the computer applications. With each advance in components, the computers resulting from their use reached a wider market, motivating further advances in the semiconductor technology.
Quantal Corelease of Histamine and 5-Hydroxytryptamine from Mast Cells and the Effects of Prior Incubation†

Corelease of histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine from individual mast cells has been measured with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry using a carbon-fiber electrode placed next to a single cell. Release events, induced by exposure of the cells to the calcium ionophore, A23187, were resolved at the level of individual exocytotic events. Changes in the relative concentrations secreted from individual granules were observed after incubation with 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, and tryptophan. In contrast, an alteration in individual cell content after such incubations, analyzed with capillary chromatography, was only found after incubation with 5-hydroxytryptamine. Cells incubated with 5-hydroxytryptamine or its precursor, tryptophan, released more 5-hydroxytryptamine and less histamine per secretory event relative to controls. Coincubation of the cells with pargyline and 5-hydroxytryptamine further reduced the release of histamine. Since cell content of histamine is unchanged, the reduction in its release must be due to its displacement to a nonreleasable compartment induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine granular uptake. Incubation with histamine increased histamine secretion and, surprisingly, also increased 5-hydroxytryptamine release without changing its cell content. This result is consistent with a relaxation of the storage matrix accompanying histamine granular uptake allowing more 5-hydroxytryptamine to be released. These results demonstrate that the intragranular mode of storage as well as granular uptake of biogenic amines affects the stoichiometry of their release.
Numerical Evaluation of a Sensible Heat Balance Method to Determine Rates of Soil Freezing and Thawing

In situ determination of soil freezing and thawing is difficult despite its importance for many environmental processes. A sensible heat balance (SHB) method using a sequence of heat pulse probes has been shown to accurately measure water evaporation in subsurface soil, and it has the potential to measure soil freezing and thawing. Determination of soil freezing and thawing may be more challenging than evaporation, however, because the latent heat of fusion is smaller than the latent heat of vaporization. Furthermore, convective heat flow associated with liquid water flow and occurrence of evaporation or condensation during freezing and thawing may cause inaccurate estimation of freezing and thawing with the SHB method. The objective of this study was to examine the applicability of the SHB concept to soil freezing and thawing. Soil freezing and thawing events were simulated with the simultaneous heat and water (SHAW) model. Ice contents were estimated by applying the SHB concept to numerical data produced by the SHAW model. Close agreement between the SHB-estimated and the SHAW-simulated ice contents were observed at depths below 24 mm. The main cause of inaccuracies with the SHB method was poor estimation of heat conduction at the 12-mm depth, possibly due to simplifications of temporal or vertical distributions of temperature and thermal conductivity. The effects of convective heat flow and concurrent evaporation or condensation and freezing or thawing on the SHB method were small. The results indicate that the SHB method is conceptually suitable for estimating soil freezing and thawing. Independent, accurate estimates of thermal properties must be available to effectively use the SHB method to determine in situ soil freezing and thawing.
Spinal Manipulation in Physical Therapist Professional Degree Education: A Model for Teaching and Integration Into Clinical Practice

Spinal manipulation for low back complaints is an intervention supported by randomized clinical trials and its use recommended by clinical practice guidelines. Physical therapists in this country and internationally have used thrust spinal manipulation at much lower-than-expected rates, despite evidence supporting its efficacy for the treatment of acute low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this clinical commentary is to describe a physical therapist professional degree curriculum in thrust spinal manipulation and outline a method of monitoring ongoing student performance during the clinical education experience. Increased emphasis on evidence-based decision making and on the psychomotor skills of thrust spinal manipulation was introduced into a physical therapist professional degree curriculum. As part of ongoing student performance monitoring, physical therapy students on their first full-time (8-week) clinical education experience, collected practice pattern and outcome data on individuals with low back ...
A novel association of biventricular cardiac noncompaction and diabetic embryopathy: case report and review of the literature.

Diabetic embryopathy refers to a constellation of congenital malformations arising in the setting of poorly controlled maternal diabetes mellitus. Cardiac abnormalities are the most frequently observed findings, with a 5-fold risk over normal pregnancies. Although a diverse spectrum of cardiac defects has been documented, cardiac noncompaction morphology has not been associated with this syndrome. In this report, we describe a novel case of biventricular cardiac noncompaction in a neonate of a diabetic mother. The patient was a late preterm female with right anotia, caudal dysgenesis, multiple cardiac septal and aortic arch defects, and biventricular cardiac noncompaction. Examination of both ventricles demonstrated spongy myocardium with increased myocardial trabeculation greater than 50% left ventricular thickness and greater than 75% right ventricular thickness, with hypoplasia of the bilateral papillary muscles, consistent with noncompaction morphology. Review of the literature highlights the importan...
Family therapy with older adult clients

Families are the most important social context for older adults, and thus are often an appropriate focus of intervention. Whether therapy involves one or many family members, a family framework can be used to leverage change at the individual or family level. Drawing upon systems theory and family development theory to conceptualize family difficulties, family therapists examine historical and current patterns of behavior, communication, and beliefs and expectations. The case of a family with long-term difficulties is used to illustrate how key events of middle and later adulthood can alter the structure and functioning of a family. Although normative and non-normative events usually generate some degree of tension within the family system, the opportunity for change is also present at transition periods. Therapy can facilitate positive change by instigating small but significant changes that reduce interpersonal tension while increasing the family's flexibility to solve problems, relate intimately together, and meet individuals' needs. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 55: 977–990, 1999.
Full Activation of the Platelet-derived Growth Factor β-Receptor Kinase Involves Multiple Events

Activation of receptor tyrosine kinases is thought to involve ligand-induced dimerization, which promotes receptor transphosphorylation and thereby increases the receptor's phosphotransferase activity. We used two platelet-derived growth factor β-receptor (β-PDGFR) mutants to identify events that are required for full engagement (autophosphorylation and activation of the kinase activity) of the β-PDGFR kinase. The F79/81 receptor (Tyr to Phe substitution at 579 and 581 in the juxtamembrane domain of the receptor) was capable of only very modest ligand-dependent autophosphorylation and also failed to associate with numerous SH2 domain-containing proteins. Furthermore, stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) did not increase the kinase activity of the F79/81 mutant toward exogenous substrates. However, the F79/81 receptor had basal kinase activity and could be artificially stimulated by incubation with ATP. Because the low kinase activity of the F857 mutant (Tyr to Phe substitution at 857 in the putative activation loop) could not be increased by incubation with ATP, failure to phosphorylate Tyr-857 may be the reason why the F79/81 mutant has low kinase activity. Surprisingly, the F857 mutant underwent efficient PDGF-dependent autophosphorylation. Thus the PDGF-dependent increase in the kinase activity of the receptor is not required for autophosphorylation. We conclude that full activation of the β-PDGFR kinase requires at least two, apparently distinct events.
Right ideals and right submodules of transformation near-rings

Abstract Right ideals and right submodules need not coincide in an arbitrary nearring. Let T0(G) be the near-ring of all transformations of a group (G, +) int itself that map 0 into 0. Theorem 1. If G is a finite group which contains mor than two elements, then right ideals and normal right submodules of T0(G) coincide if and only if G is noncommutative. Theorem 2. If G is an infinit group, then right ideals and normal right submodules of T0(G) coincide if an only if there exists x ϵ G such that the cardinality of the set of left cosets of the centralizer of x is equal to the cardinality of G.
In Search of a Few Hundred Good Kids: Three Months in the Life of a Community-Based Survey Research Study:

In 1993, I received funding to conduct a community-based survey of adolescents living in public housing neighborhoods. While the ethnography literature warns about the emotional risks associated with field work, the survey research literature is silent about these risks, and I was largely unprepared about what to expect. This paper documents the experience of contacting over 600 youths in public housing neighborhoods, obtaining parental consent, scheduling a time and place to conduct the survey, and actually conducting it. It shows that the process of conducting this survey was much more like an ethnographic study than a strict survey. From this perspective, it also discusses insights I gained about life in public housing, and shares some of the stories of the people who live there.
Spectral-directional emittance of oxidized copper

The surface emittance of fully oxidized copper is experimentally determined as functions of wavelength between 2-10 /tin, the direction between the normal and grazing angles, and the temperature between 400-700°C. Clean copper surfaces, heated and exposed to air, begin to oxidize immediately. After a sufficient heating time, the oxide layer becomes thick enough that the radiative surface properties are those of copper oxide, independent of the properties of the underlying copper. The experimental apparatus measures emitted flux over discrete bands of wavelength and solid angles centered about a direction, and is calibrated with a radiating cavity (hohlraum). Emittance results are presented in both spectral and polar form, and also integrated to obtain the spectral-hemispherical emittance of fully oxidized copper. By assuming copper oxide to be a dielectric, the real part of the index of refraction is reduced from emittance data. This index is found to decrease with wavelength and temperature. This technique of spectral-directional emittance determination by direct emission measurement, together with index of diffraction identification (if found to fit Fresnel or other relations), should prove useful for other engineering materials as well as copper oxide.
Modeling and control of a mobile manipulator

This paper concerns the modeling and control of a mobile manipulator which consists of a robotic arm mounted upon a mobile platform. The equations of motion are derived using the Lagrange-d'Alembert formulation for the nonholonomic model of the mobile manipulator. The dynamic model which considers slip of the platform's tires is developed using the Newton-Euler method and incorporates Dugoff's tire friction model. Then, the tracking problem is investigated by using a well known nonlinear control method for the nonholonomic model. The adverse effect of the wheel slip on the tracking of commanded motion is discussed in the simulation. For the dynamic model, a variable structure control approach is employed to minimize the harmful effect of the wheel slip on the tracking performance. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
One of the CD3ε Subunits within a T Cell Receptor Complex Lies in Close Proximity to the Cβ FG Loop

A recent crystal structure of the N15 α/β-T cell receptor (TCR) in complex with an Fab derived from the H57 Cβ-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) shows the mAb fragment interacting with the elongated FG loop of the Cβ domain. This loop creates one side wall of a cavity within the TCR Ti-α/β constant region module (CαCβ) while the CD and EF loops of the Cα domain form another wall. The cavity size is sufficient to accommodate a single nonglycosylated Ig domain such as the CD3e ectodomain. By using specific mAbs to mouse TCR-β (H57) and CD3e (2C11) subunits, we herein provide evidence that only one of the two CD3e chains within the TCR complex is located in close proximity to the TCR Cβ FG loop, in support of the above notion. Moreover, analysis of T cells isolated from transgenic mice expressing both human and mouse CD3e genes shows that the heterologous human CD3e component can replace the mouse CD3e at this site. The location of one CD3e subunit within the rigid constant domain module has implications for the mechanism of signal transduction throughout T cell development.
The Outcomes of Small-Incision Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Modifications of Existing Surgical Approaches

Total hip arthroplasty has evolved over the past few decades. Minimally invasive hip arthroplasty has been introduced to the orthopedic community, and it has stirred controversy with respect to the purported benefits over the conventional approaches. Studies done by the pioneers or by exprienced surgeons demonstrate that minimally invasive techniques can improve the immediate outcomes of total hip arthroplasty. Less blood loss, shorter hospitalization, and faster return to normal life are potential benefits of any minimally invasive surgery. However, the majority of those studies implement changes in the intraoperative and postoperative protcols that may independently affect the outcome of THA. The literature lacks proper prospective studies that compare conventional and minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty and the effect of different rehabilitation protocols on the outcome. Also, the results of different approaches for minimally invasive hip arthroplasty remain to be studied. The purpose of this report is to review the results of reported short-term outcomes and complications of small-incision total hip replacements performed with several modifications of existing surgical approaches.
Quantum noise in Fresnel zone plate imaging

A Fresnel zone plate, used as a coded aperture, offers a great advantage in geometric collection efficiency over a conventional pinhole or collimator. We present a detailed analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a quantum-limited zone plate camera. The magnitude and spatial distribution of the noise field and its dependence on the source distribution and the characteristics of the optical processing system are derived. It is shown that the largest SNR advantage occurs for a point source, while for very large, uniform sources there may be a slight net disadvantage to using a zone plate. It is also shown that optical processing does not give the highest possible SNR.
Static and dynamic hydroelastic instabilities in MTR-type fuel elements part II. Theoretical investigation and discussion☆

Abstract This paper reports on static deflections and flutter-like vibrations in flat-plate nuclear reactor fuel assemblies. The experimental part of this study was presented in a previous publication; the present paper reports on the theoretical investigations. Self-excited hydroelastic instabilities in an infinite plate array, in which a high-density fluid flows through the narrow channels between the plates, can be of the class A, B or C type. Extrapolation of the theory to a real fuel element identifies small-amplitude traveling waves as class B instabilities. The physical meaning of the Miller's velocity is shown to be that of a static divergence in the plate array for inviscid flow. Plate flutter or large-amplitude vibration originates from a coupling between class B and leading-edge instabilities. The class instability has a low threshold velocity but this instability is a mild one. The flutter, however, does not occur below a minimum velocity which is approximately twice the Miller's velocity. It is explained why a support comb at the leading edge is an effective means to prevent flutter. Comparison between theory and experiment confirms the validity of the analysis.
Field Trials Measuring the Effects of Ultraviolet-Absorbing Greenhouse Plastic Films on Insect Populations

Field studies were conducted to compare insect population levels in greenhouse crops covered with plastics that block the transmission of UV light in two wavelength ranges. Crops grown in greenhouses under a plastic that blocked UV light at wavelengths of 380 nm and below had lower numbers of aphids and thrips compared with a plastic that blocked UV light at wavelengths of 360 nm and below. This is consistent with the results found for thrips in previous studies using small, completely enclosed tunnels with no plant material. The effects were not as dramatic in the commercial greenhouses, perhaps due to unfiltered light entering through the open sides of those greenhouses. There was no reduction in greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, populations under the <380 UV-absorbing plastic compared to <360 nm UV-absorbing plastic in these field trials. This is inconsistent with results found in small, completely enclosed tunnels, where sticky traps caught a significantly higher proportion (95 ± 2%) of released greenhouse whiteflies inside tunnels covered with <360 nm absorbing plastic compared with the <380 nm absorbing plastic. The results of these studies suggest that the type of greenhouse plastic used in a structure can affect population levels of some insect species, and may be useful tools in developing integrated pest management programs for insect management. The design of the greenhouse and amount of unfiltered light that enters the system appear to be important factors in determining the level of effect.
Sub-nanosecond photolysis studies of Fe2+ protoporphyrin IX solubilized in neat dimethyl sulfoxide

Abstract The present study examines the optical properties of the sub-nanosecond photolytic transient of Fe(II)protoporphyrin IX (Fe(II)PPIX) in neat dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Previous nanosecond studies have revealed that photolysis of the (DMSO) 2 Fe(II)PPIX complex in neat DMSO results in the formation of a five-coordinate high-spin (DMSO)Fe(II)PPIX complex within ∼100 ns which decayed with a pseudo-first order rate constant of 2 × 10 6 s −1 (Larsen et al. (1995) [19] ). The results presented here demonstrate that the five-coordinate (DMSO)Fe(II)PPIX species is generated in 2 Fe(II)PPIX. The 100 ps transient spectrum exhibits a Soret maximum at ∼432 nm close to that of deoxyMb (435 nm, imidazole coordination) consistent with S-bonded DMSO occupying the fifth coordination site. Neither base elimination is detected on time scales down to 100 ps nor is there evidence for transient O-bonded DMSO followed by linkage isomerization to the equilibrium S-bonded form. The unusually slow rate of DMSO recombination is attributed to electrostatic interactions between DMSO and the five-coordinate heme iron as well as intermolecular interactions between solvent molecules in the bulk, as has been previously proposed.
The mobile situation

Written communication and its accumulated principles of applied design often serve conservative and preservationist goals. Literacy and its various, sprawling technological apparatuses of production and distribution preserve ideas and prepare them for uptake and adaptation. What is preserved in writing speaks with greater reliability over time and choices about design can influence the validity or appropriateness of those texts, by invoking proper voices and suggesting or demanding appropriate relationships between people and institutions organized around those texts. While this may seem an inhospitable way to open a column in a journal on communication design, my point is not intentionally disparaging. Instead it is to draw a contrast between types of communication design work: that which works to affiliate discourse with a location and practices of uptake and that which creates and works across those locations.
Temperament and sensorimotor intelligence

In recent years, infant temperament, or behavioral style, has been related to stranger sociability, parental attachment, and a variety of behavioral problems. Similarly, infant cognition has been related to numerous developmental constructs. While a few studies have examined the relationship between infant temperament and sensorimotor intelligence, the results of such efforts have been inconsistent. The present investigation was designed to replicate research that has established negative correlations between cognitive development and infant difficultness, and to test the correspondence between three alternate approaches to assessing temperament in the sensorimotor period within a sample of 30 one‐year‐olds. †Revised version of a paper presented at the Sixteenth Annual Symposium of the Jean Piaget Society, May 1986, Philadelphia, PA. The author wishes to thank Diana Anderson‐Goetz and Robert Benson for their assistance in data collection, and especially the mothers and infants who participated. Author's m...
Scaling Behavior of Single Stranded DNA Measured by Small Angle X-ray Scattering

Polyelectrolytes, or charged polymers, are prevalent in biological systems, yet their physical properties are far less well understood than those of neutral polymers. We report on measurements using small angle x-ray scattering to study bulk ensemble-averaged properties of small (up to 100 bases) poly-deoxythymine (poly-dT) and poly-deoxyadenine (poly-dA) molecules. By studying homomeric single stranded DNA (ssDNA), we can observe their polymeric properties without interference from secondary structure formation. This gives us insight to the conformational space explored by single stranded nucleic acids in folding processes, and the nucleotide dependence of loop flexibility of DNA and RNA junctions. We observe, as is consistent with base-stacking of purines, that poly-dA is stiffer than poly-dT. For poly-dT, the radius of gyration (Rg) scales with the number of monomers with a Flory exponent (ν) which decreases slowly with increasing salt, but drops sharply below that expected for a self-avoiding random walk (SAW) polymer (ν ∼ 0.588) with more than 500 mM of added sodium acetate. This is perhaps due to the condensation of charges around the DNA and/or the change in solvent quality with added salt. The ratio (r) of the square of the maximum pair-wise distance (Dmax) to Rg fluctuates around 10, suggesting that ssDNA compacts locally. Assuming that Dmax is a fair estimate of the end-to-end distance of the polymer, a value of 12 is expected for r in the case of a rod, and about 6.3 for a SAW polymer. This localized clustering is consistent with the electrostatic blob model of de Gennes et al. The persistence length of poly-dT - determined by fitting the data to a worm-like chain model - increases in a sublinear fashion with increasing Debye screening length, unlike the behaviors predicted by polyelectrolyte theories.
Magic-angle 13C NMR analysis of motion in solid polycarbonate

Abstract Dipolar-decoupled, natural abundance, cross-polarization 13C NMR spectra of polycarbonate have been obtained at 22.6 MHz, both with and without 3-kHz mechanical spinning at the magic angle. The 100-Hz resolution achieved by spinning produces spectra as detailed as those of the same polymer in solution. The 13C rotating frame relaxation times (at 30 kHz) for individual lines of polycarbonate are dominated by spin-lattice processes and so contain information about slow motions. Analysis of these slow motions emphasizes the dynamic heterogeneity of the glassy state.
Aesthetics and credibility in web site design

Web sites often provide the first impression of an organization. For many organizations, web sites are crucial to ensure sales or to procure services within. When a person opens a web site, the first impression is probably made in a few seconds, and the user will either stay or move on to the next site on the basis of many factors. One of the factors that may influence users to stay or go is the page aesthetics. Another reason may involve a user's judgment about the site's credibility. This study explores the possible link between page aesthetics and a user's judgment of the site's credibility. Our findings indicate that when the same content is presented using different levels of aesthetic treatment, the content with a higher aesthetic treatment was judged as having higher credibility. We call this the amelioration effect of visual design and aesthetics on content credibility. Our study suggests that this effect is operational within the first few seconds in which a user views a web page. Given the same content, a higher aesthetic treatment will increase perceived credibility.
EFFECT OF MICROWAVE TREATMENT OF PRE-SOAKED PADDY, BROWN AND WHITE RICE

The gelatinizing effects of microwave energy on whole grain rice were tested using paddy, brown and milled white rice. Rice at 30–35% moisture showed promising gelatinization results with microwave heating at atmospheric pressure. Products from short and medium grain rice were similar to parboiled rice and had less pasty characteristics. An expected surface gelatinization of whole kernels by the microwave “self-leveler” effect was not observed.
Active site loop motion in triosephosphate isomerase: T-jump relaxation spectroscopy of thermal activation.

As for many enzymes, the enzymatic pathway of triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) includes the partially rate determining motion of an active site loop (loop 6, residues 166−176), which must remain closed during chemistry but must open just before product release. The motion of this loop was monitored using laser induced temperature-jump relaxation spectroscopy at nanosecond to millisecond time resolution. Trp168 in the hinge of the mobile loop served as a fluorophore reporter in a mutant of the yeast enzyme. The opening rate was studied as a function of the concentration of glycerol 3-phosphate, a substrate surrogate. Monoexponential kinetics were observed; assuming a simple two-step ligand release mechanism involving an encounter complex intermediate, the time scales of loop opening and closing were derived. The opening rate of the loop at 25 °C was determined to be 2500 ± 1000 s-1, in remarkable agreement with solution and solid state NMR measurements. The closing rate at the same temperature was 46,700 ± ...
Lidar aerosol and cloud backscatter at 0.53, 1.06 and 1.54 microns

The performance space borne or airborne lidar remote sensor is critically dependent on the magnitude the atmospheric backscatter cross section for aerosol and clouds. Measurements are required to establish a representative global distribution. There has been in particular a lack of observations in the Southern Hemisphere and for remote ocean areas. The Global Backscatter Experiment (GLOBE) was flown on the NASA DC-8 aircraft in November, 1989 and May, 1990 throughout northern and southern Pacific regions. A lidar system to measure aerosol backscatter cross section at the visible and near IR wavelengths of 1.06, 1.54 and 0.53 microns was included in the missions. From the global flight surveys, extensive data have been obtained on aerosol and cloud backscatter cross section and structure throughout the troposphere. These data define the feasibility of proposed lidar applications.
IEEE FISTS 2011 — Keynote speakers

Summary form only given. Modeling conduction heat transfer in electronic systems has gained some maturity over the past 3 decades. Although new modeling challenges were associated with 3D stacked dies or packages, some modeling approaches were proposed to handle this rather complicated multiple heat source problem. An even newer problem has started to emerge related to this growing tendency towards exploiting the vertical direction. In fact cooling becomes more and more 3D also, in the sense intermediate micro-channels are proposed going between dies and or packages. This brings convection into play aside with convection in an intimate coupling, commonly called conjugate heat transfer. It is no longer possible to treat convection as an “external” phenomenon, to be modeled by a simple external resistance. In this lecture, fundamental aspects about conjugate heat transfer are revised to obtain a realistic model that avoids large errors that could have been encountered had we treated conduction and convection separately. Fundamental concepts are revised, going up to the notion of heat transfer coefficient in order to elaborate a better model of forced convection in its most general form. The new modeling strategy will build upon progress already realized in Compact Thermal Models (CTM) for conduction in complicated electronic systems. Advanced conduction CTM will be generalized to include convection as well. This will allow a better modeling of convection, but more important a homogeneous and coherent modeling of conjugate heat transfer. Cooling of electronic systems is continuously raising new challenges not only for innovative solutions, but also for modeling of new atypical cases. The higher frequency we ask for, the greater number of functionalities we require as well, both tend to increase heat flux densities to unprecedented
Physical problems of small structures in electronics

A steady improvement in electronic computers through nearly two decades has been made possible by continued progress in miniaturization. An obvious question is, What will eventually limit the reduction in size of electronic components? An attempt is made to formulate a quantitative view of some of the phenomena that may limit the extension of present technologies to ever smaller dimensions. Specifically treated are the problems of removing heat from small structures, of the effect of the high resistance of small conductors, and of electromigration. It is concluded that of these the resistive and electromigration effects represent the most significant limits on size, and that they will prevent the dimensions of conductors from being reduced below a few hundred angstrom units.
Using geographic information systems to evaluate cardiac arrest survival

Objective. To evaluate cardiac arrest survival using geographical information systems (GIS) methodology. Methods. Patient data were obtained from a fire district Utstein-style adult cardiac arrest registry that also included address data. All incident locations were geocoded andfire station first-due areas were mapped by using the new computer-aided dispatch geographic data. Retrospective assignment of first-due versus second-due fire response unit was done by using a GIS “point-in-polygon” algorithm Survival to hospital admission was the primary outcome measure for incidents responded to by first-due versus second-due apparatus controlling for other potential predictors of survival using logistic regression. Cluster analysis was also performed to evaluate potential areas of high or low rates of survival. Results. There were 461 eligible patients with an average age of 67 ± 17 years, 63% were male, 53% had a witnessed arrest, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in 38%, bystander automati...
What regulates lactose content in milk

The lactose content of the milk of many species varies inversely with the protein and fat content, but the control of its synthesis is not at present understood.
Using remote sensing data to monitor land cover changes near Afghan refugee camps in northern Pakistan

Abstract By the early 1990s, the civil war in Afghanistan had forced more than three million Afghan refugees to resettle in neighboring Pakistan. Although previous studies have noted that refugees have had a negative impact on natural resources in the vicinity of resettlement camps, there has been little work done to quantify these impacts. The research presented here examines the clearing of forests in the Siran Valley, Pakistan, where 111,000 refugees were settled in ten camps between 1978 and 1993. Multi‐temporal satellite images were georeferenced using 1:50,000 scale topographic maps of the study area. A digital elevation model (DEM) was created to stratify by altitude the unsupervised classification of the two images used in the change detection analysis. The elevation data were included in the classification process to reduce the spectral confusion between agricultural and forest land cover classes. The comparison of the satellite images for the two dates show a dramatic decline of forested land. P...
High-dose cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil versus vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide in advanced carcinoma of the breast: a phase III study of the Piedmont oncology association (POA)

Forty-nine patients with advanced carcinoma of the breast who had received no prior chemotherapy were randomized to receive either high-dose cyclophosphamide (C) 1250 mg/M2 intravenously on day 1 and 5-fluorouracil (F) 600 mg/M2 intravenously on days 1 through 5 (CF), or vincristine (V) 1.5 mg/M2, doxorubicin (A) 50 mg/M2 and cyclophosphamide (C) 500 mg/M2 (VAC), all intravenously on day 1. Both regimens were repeated at 3-week intervals. Nine of 25 patients (36%) treated with CF and ten of 21 patients (48%) treated with VAC showed a complete or partial response as defined by the (UICC) guidelines. The estimated median time to progression for all patients was 3.5 months for CF and 6.0 months for VAC, with the median time to progression for responding patients being 8.5 months on CF and 6.3 months on VAC. Estimated survival is also similar for the two regimens. Ten of the patients treated with high-dose CF experienced septic episodes and four died. Toxicity on the CF arm necessitated premature closure of the study, and thus full statistical comparison of the efficacy of the two regimens cannot be made.
Redefining the structure–activity relationships of 2,6-methano-3-benzazocines. Part 6: Opioid receptor binding properties of cyclic variants of 8-carboxamidocyclazocine

A series of 7,8- and 8,9-fused pyrimidinone, aminopyrimidine and pyridone derivatives of 8-carboxamidocyclazocine (8-CAC) have been prepared and evaluated in opioid receptor binding assays. Targets were designed to corroborate a pharmacophore hypothesis regarding the bioactive conformation of the carboxamide of 8-CAC. In addition to the results from this study strongly supporting this pharmacophore hypothesis, a number of novel compounds with high affinity to opioid receptors have been identified.
Investigation of Through-Bond Coupling Dependence on Spacer Structure

Intramolecular electron transfer rate constants in solution are measured for radical anions and cations of molecules having biphenyl and naphthalene groups as donor and acceptor. The molecules have...
Abdominal wall thickness as a means of assessing peritoneal fibrosis in mice

Abstract Herein we describe a method for the quantitative assessment of connective tissue deposition within the peritoneal cavity. Female C57BL/6 mice (8–10 weeks) were given a single intraperitoneal injection of varying concentrations of talc (100 mg, 50 mg, 30 mg, 20 mg) in 1 ml of PBS or PBS alone. After 14 days, animals were killed. Adhesion formation was measured by the standard method of Myllârniemi et al. (1966), namely a gross visual inspection of the peritoneal cavity. This analysis gave a crude assessment of connective tissue deposition in the abdonimal cavity but did not allow one to distinguish more subtle differences between intermediate dosage groups. In addition, a histological evaluation was performed. For the latter method, portions of the abdominal wall of mice were fixed and processed for histological analysis using Masson's Trichrome stain which allows for differentiation of connective tissue components. The thickness of connective tissue between the parietal peritoneum and the underlying abdominal wall muscle was measured. A dose-dependent increase in connective tissue deposition was observed in talc-treated animals compared to saline control animals. A differential cell count of the peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) showed that there was no change in cell populations in talc treated animals (compared to control animals). Given the above results, the measurement of connective tissue thickness was found to give the most accurate assessment of peritoneal fibrosis than other previously used methods.
Development of a preoperative admission group.

A d n a t t t d THE PERIOPERATIVE service areas provide a unique opportunity for staff to participate in a productive work group that is effective at making changes and improving the experience of patients who are undergoing a surgical procedure. This type of work group can also be instrumental in developing teamwork and collaboration among staff working in all phases of perianesthesia nursing.
Blind cyclostationary feature detection based spectrum sensing for autonomous self-learning cognitive radios

In this paper, we present an autonomous cognitive radio (CR) architecture that incorporates the main features of cognition. This model, referred to as the Radiobot, is capable of self-learning and self-reconfiguration to match its RF environment. The proposed CR architecture assumes a joint blind energy and cyclostationary detection methods to classify the communication systems in its vicinity, without any prior knowledge of the sensed signals. We derive the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the energy detector and show, analytically, the impact of the sliding window length on the energy detection. A learning algorithm is proposed, allowing the Radiobot to independently learn from its past experience in order to optimize its operating parameters. By applying the learning algorithm to the sensing module, we verify, through simulations, the convergence of the proposed algorithm to the optimal solution.
The ranging patterns of female bottlenose dolphins with respect to reproductive status: Testing the concept of nursery areas

Abstract Adult female bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) form fission–fusion social networks and adjust their association patterns with respect to their reproductive status. It is commonly reported that mothers with dependent calves preferentially utilize ‘nursery areas’ consisting of protected, shallow water habitats. However, few studies have tested whether females adjust their ranging patterns based on their reproductive status. Using photo-identification data from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (1997–2007), we conducted both longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses to compare the ranging patterns of adult females with calves versus females without calves. The size of females' home ranges (HR) and core areas (CA) were not significantly different between reproductive states (P > 0.05), presumably due to a lack of directional pattern in the relative sizes of female's home ranges when with a calf and without a calf. HR size varied greatly among individual females, 9.37–190.83 km2 for females with a calf ( x ¯ ± SE = 76.50 ± 10.20 km2) versus 20.90–186.13 km2 for the same females without a calf (97.00 ± 11.50 km2). CA size ranged from 0.35 to 56.75 km2 for females with calves (14.62 ± 3.60 km2) and 0.39 to 49.72 km2 for females without calves (20.01 ± 3.60 km2). Overlap between females' ranges with calf and without calf also varied greatly among individuals (HR: 13.92–94.97%, CA: 0–93.97%). On average, females with calves continued to utilize 51.98 ± 5.08% of their without calf HR but only 19.09 ± 5.45% of their without calf CA. In our cross-sectional analyses, a large percentage (65.55 ± 3.36%) of the 95% utilization distribution for females without calves was also used by females with calves across all seasons. However, overlap between the 50% utilization distributions of females with calves and females without calves was low (
The dialectic of freedom

In this work, the author searches for a critical aesthetic to inform education. It features in the John Dewey Lecture Series.