cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reusing Chebyshev points for polynomial interpolation

Let XlC${X_{l}^{C}}$ be the set of l Chebyshev points in the interval [?1,1]. If n and n0 are such that n=2mn0?1 for some positive integer m, then Xn0C?XnC$X_{n_{0}}^{C} \subset {X_{n}^{C}}$. This property can be utilized in order to reuse previous function values when one wants to increase the degree of the polynomial interpolation. For given n0 and n, n>n0, where n?2mn0?1, we give a simple procedure to build a set of n points in the interval [?1,1] that include the set of n0 Chebyshev points and have favorable interpolation properties. We show that the nodal polynomial for these points has a maximum norm that is at most O(n) times larger than that of the Chebyshev points of the same size. We also present numerical evidence suggesting that the Lebesgue constant for these points grows at most linearly in n.
Repair of Left Atrioventricular Valve Cleft Defects With Patch Augmentation

Operations for left atrioventricular valve insufficiency after repair of an atrioventricular septal defect can be challenging. Repair techniques largely depend on closure of the residual cleft in the anterior leaflet in conjunction with a posterior annuloplasty. Profound deficiencies in anterior leaflet tissue can make primary cleft closure impractical. A simplified technique, in which cleft closure is supported by triangular-shaped patch material, is presented along with results in 13 patients.
Quantitative effects of soil depth and soil and fertilizer nitrogen on nitrogen uptake by tall fescue and switchgrass

Abstract In semi‐arid regions, soil depth influences soil N uptake, but not ferilizer N uptake. How soil depth interacts with soil and fertilzer N to influence N uptake in humid regions is not known. The objective was to determine the relative importance of soil depth and soil and fertilizer N uptake, by forage grasses. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) were grown on soils of varying depths. Nitrogen rates are 0, 90, and 180 kgN/ha of 15N depleted (NH4)SO4 applied in a split application on fescue and in one aplication to switchgrass. Total N and fertilizer N uptake, were regressed against fertilizer N, variables related to soil depth (waterholding capacity (WC), water use (WU), water loss (WL), and total soil N (SN). Soil variables explained 28% of the accoutable variation in total N uptake by first cut fescue but only 10% by second cut fescue. Soil variables explained 11% of the accountable variation in fertilizer N uptake by first cut fescue and none by the ...
Enrollment patterns and academic performance as a function of registration under a pass-fail grading system

An experimental “pass-fail” grading system was examined to determine if interdisciplinary exploration was encouraged by modifying the competitive aspects of grading and to examine the performance of students enrolling in pass-fail courses in the light of their past achievement and the performance of classmates. Results of the study suggest that the pass-fail grading situation encouraged study across a wider area of subjects, but also was associated with lower achievement as reflected by a familiar grading scheme. A review of the literature indicated that a need for valid evaluation of student progress is acknowledged by virtually all writers, but that numerous arguments attack the manner in which grades are assigned and used and attack the lack of knowledge about the psychometric attributes of traditional grading arrangements.
Estimation of the Porosity and Pore Aspect Ratio of the Haynesville Shale Using the Self-Consistent Model and a Grid Search Method

Porosity and pore aspect ratio are two important parameters for reservoir characterization of unconventional gas shales. Porosity estimation helps to determine gas capacity, as well as the bulk density of shales. The pore aspect ratio estimation helps to understand where the stiffest or softest intervals are, and along with density, more favorable for hydraulic fracturing. This work introduces an algorithm to estimate the porosity distribution and an algorithm to estimate the pore aspect ratio distribution of the Haynesville Shale. Both algorithms are based on the selfconsistent model and a grid search method. For the porosity estimation, we first calibrated a specific self-consistent model that contains a representative composition assemblage and pore aspect ratio distribution. Then a grid search method was combined with this specific selfconsistent model to generate a probabilistic estimation of porosity. The estimated porosity matched with the observed porosity. For the pore aspect ratio estimation, we first generated a group of self-consistent models that contained all plausible pore aspect ratios. Then a grid search based on P-impedance and porosity was applied to the self-consistent models and provided the matching pore aspect ratios. When seismic data from a 3D volume is involved, 3D distributions of porosity and pore aspect ratio can be characterized.
Surgical treatment of perforated diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon

A retrospective review of 1353 cases of acute perforated sigmoid diverticulitis treated surgically demonstrates that those operations that resect or exteriorize the perforated segment at the first operation are associated with a lower operative mortality rate than procedures that fail to remove the perforated segment at the initial operation. These results are true for both diffuse peritonitis and localized abscess.
Photosynthesis and amelioration of desiccation in the intertidal saccate alga Colpomenia peregrina

Rates of gross photosynthesis for the intertidal saccate alga Colpomenia peregrina (Sauv.) Hamel were determined under submersed and emersed conditions. Maximal photosynthetic rates were lower than for most seaweeds but comparable with other saccate members of the genus. By fitting the data to a hyperbolic tangent function, maximal photosynthetic rates were estimated to be 5.29 mmol CO2 m-2 h-1 under submersed conditions and 2.06 mmol CO2 m-2 h-1 under emersed conditions. Ik for submersed thalli was 69.1 μE m-2 s-1, wherea for emersed thalli it was 149.0 μE m-2 s-1, or 2.2 times higher. At low tide in the field and under saturating irradiance, carbon from seawater retained within the thallus cavity was assimilated at 0.9 mmol CO2 m-2 h-1. In the laboratory under emersed conditions, carbon from this source was taken up at 0.6 mmol CO2 m-2 h-1 at 20°C and at 0.34 mmol CO2 m-2 h-1. Retained seawater also greatly reduced drying under desiccating conditions. Experimental thalli from which seawater had been removed lost thallus water continuously throughout the drying period (120 min). On the other hand, control, thalli lost water for the first 15 min, after which no further water loss occurred. At the termination of the experiment, control thalli had lost 7.2% of their water, whereas experimental thalli had lost 39.2%. Desiccation affected the emersed photosynthetic rate of experimental and control thalli. Emersed photosynthetic rates for thalli dried for 15 min were higher than for fullyhydrated thalli. However, emersed photosynthesis of thalli dried for longer than 15 min was lower than fully-hydrated rates and was directly related to percent water loss. Utilizing data from this study, a model was constructed to determine total photosynthetic production of C. peregrina over a single daylight period. From these calculations it was determined that emersed photosynthesis can increase daily photosynthetic production of C. peregrina by 50%.
Medicaid and the housing and asset decisions of the elderly: Evidence from estate recovery programs

Abstract I examine the impact of Medicaid on elderly housing and portfolio decisions by using recent state-by-calendar-year level variation in the Medicaid treatment of owner-occupied housing assets from the adoption of Medicaid estate recovery programs. Prior to the adoption of these programs, the house, which represents the most important non-pension asset to the elderly, was exempt from determining Medicaid eligibility and served as both a place of residence and a store of wealth. Adoption of estate recovery programs changed the owner-occupied housing safety net by making the house eligible for recovery by the government, which increased the implicit tax of holding owner-occupied housing. Using data from 1993 to 2004 in the Health and Retirement Study on elderly individuals, I find that state adoption of estate recovery programs makes the elderly decrease homeownership by 4.6%, decrease home equity by 15%, and also decrease the housing share of the elderly wealth portfolio. State adoption of these programs results in elderly baseline homeowners being 33% less likely to own their homes at death and more likely to use a trust as a substitute to housing in order to preserve assets and carry out bequest motives at death.
The Mast Cell Function-Associated Antigen and Its Interactions with the Type I Fcε Receptor†

Rat mucosal-type mast cells of the RBL-2H3 line express a glycoprotein termed the MAst cell Function-associated Antigen (MAFA). When MAFA is clustered by its specific monoclonal antibody G63, secretion normally triggered by aggregating these cells' type I Fcepsilon receptor (FcepsilonRI) is substantially inhibited. The nature of MAFA-FcepsilonRI interactions giving rise to this inhibition remains unclear. Rotational diffusion of a membrane protein is a sensitive probe of its involvement in intermolecular interactions. We have therefore studied by time-resolved phosphorescence anisotropy the rotational behavior of both MAFA and FcepsilonRI as ligated by various reagents involved in FcepsilonRI-induced degranulation and MAFA-mediated inhibition thereof. From 4 to 37 degrees C, the rotational correlation times (mean +/- SD) of FcepsilonRI-bound, erythrosin-conjugated IgE resemble those observed for MAFA-bound, erythrosin-conjugated G63 Fab, 82 +/- 17 and 79 +/- 31 micros at 4 degrees C, respectively. Clustering the FcepsilonRI-IgE complex by antigen or by anti-IgE increases the phosphorescence anisotropy of G63 Fab and slows its rotational relaxation. Lateral diffusion of G63 Fab is also slowed by antigen clustering of the receptor. Taken together, these results indicate that unperturbed MAFA associates with clustered FcepsilonRI. They are also consistent with its interaction with the isolated receptor.
The mechanics of DNA replication in bacteria

Ever since the structure of DNA was made clear by Watson and Crick and their guess about the general mechanism of DNA replication shown to be correct by Meselson and Stahl, there has been great uncertainty about the mechanics of the process that expeditiously separates the two strands of the double helix during DNA replication. These uncertainties are most acute in the case of the bacterial chromosome, because it is apparently both the longest DNA molecule known (and therefore the one most subject to mechanical problems) and, in terms of nucleotides per second, the most rapidly replicated. Nevertheless, there are some facts that bear upon the mechanical aspects of DNA replication in bacteria (and elsewhere), and these are reviewed in this article.
An experimental investigation of the orthogonal (diamond) grain configuration in high temperature fatigue

Experiments on polycrystalline aluminium show that the cyclic grain boundary migration observed in high temperature fatigue leads ultimately to the development of the orthogonal (diamond) grain configuration. Angular measurements demonstrate that the grain boundaries migrate so that a large proportion (∼ 25%) lies in the angular range of 40 to 50° to the stress axis. Grain growth may occur during the migration process by the elimination of some small grains, although other small grains may increase in size when migration occurs in an outwards direction. Migration is initially rapid, but the rate of migration decreases after large numbers of fatigue cycles. As the rate of migration slows down, the grains become divided into subgrains, and the subgrain boundaries tend also to exhibit an orthogonal configuration.
The stability of the Chlorella nitrate reductase mRNA is determined by the secondary structure of the 5'-UTR: implications for posttranscriptional regulation of nitrate reductase.

Nitrate reductase (NR; EC 1.6.1.1-3) can be controlled at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Here we describe stability of NR mRNA as a mechanism of control. The NR gene in Chlorellavulgaris (Warburg strain) transcribes a stable mRNA and an unstable mRNA. In-vitro-synthesized transcripts representing these mRNAs show the same stability characteristics. The unstable mRNA is 30 nucleotides longer at the 5′-UTR compared to the stable mRNA. Using an RNA-folding program the 5′-UTR of the longer unstable RNA showed a more extensive stem-loop structure compared to the more linear form of the shorter stable mRNA. Transcripts representing RNAs with intermediate 5′-UTRs folded similarly to the long form and were unstable, or similarly to the short form and were more stable. Thus the secondary structure of the 5′-UTR of NR mRNA is important in the stability of NR transcripts in Chlorella and allows the cell to respond to changes in nitrogen source in an energy-efficient manner.
Learning the ropes: how department chairs can help new faculty develop productive scholarship habits

Academic department chairs are challenged, at small‐medium sized institutions of higher education, to be role models for new faculty developing their scholarly agendas. The author incorporates the use of reflection as a necessary component of the role of the department chair, and offers three strategies for support for junior faculty. These are described: Model 1, ‘“Departmentally embedded”—changes to departmental productivity norms’; Model 2, ‘Campus‐wide scholarship support group’ (based on the author’s work with a colleague); and Model 3, ‘Connect with productive scholars in a professional organization’. Specific recommendations for department chairpersons are provided.
Resonator- and Filter-Induced Slow Waves for High-Sensitivity RF Interferometer Operations

Resonators and filters have engineered radio-frequency (RF) spectrums and dispersions, which induce slow waves for increased local RF field intensities and prolonged field propagations. When used for sensors, the interactions between RF waves and material-under-test (MUT) can be significantly strengthened due to enhanced RF fields and longer interaction time when compared with uniform transmission lines. In this paper, a microstrip resonator (MR) and a coupled line (CL) filter are designed and incorporated into an interferometer. The obtained results are compared with that of a coplanar waveguide-based interferometer. Both simulated and measured results show that the MR and CL can significantly enhance RF interferometer sensitivity, e.g., by >5 times of frequency shift and up to 40-dB more of transmission coefficient change similar to 2 GHz. Further work is needed to fully understand the physical processes and obtain quantitative MUT permittivity properties from the measured scattering parameters.
The Depictions of Fathers and Children in Best-Selling Picture Books in the United States: A Hybrid Semiotic Analysis

This research examines the presence and depictions of fathers in best-selling picture books in the U.S. using a hybrid semiotic approach. In 200 best-selling picture books for children, among those featuring only a father or only a mother, fathers are featured as prominent as a parent in fewer books (n = 4) than mothers (n = 10). The semiotic analysis of the images and text in two selected picture books reveals connotations related to the roles of fathers as masculine, protective, nurturing, and playful, and the conceptualization of children as naive, vulnerable, and playful. Further illuminations from the texts are of indexical signs and second-order symbols related to the father’s association with night and in particular the moon.
Purification of cell membrane glycoproteins by lectin affinity chromatography.

1. Introduction 330 I1. (Tell surface membrane organization and dynamics 330 1II. Cell membrane glycoproteins 332 A. Saccharide components ofglycoproteins 332 B. Glyeophorin as a model for integral membrane glycoproteins 334 IV. Lectins and their saccharide-binding properties 336 V. Approaches useful for the purification and characterization of cell membrane lectin- binding components 338 A. General considerations 338 B. Cell surface labeling of membrane proteins and glycoproteins 339 VI. Non-affinity methods of cell membrane glycoprotein purification 340 A. Isolation and characterization of lectin-binding glycoproteins 340 B. Isolation and characterization of lectin-reactive glycoproteins 342 1. Solubilization of membrane integral proteins 342 2. Purification of solubilized membrane glycoproteins by conventional procedures . 343 VII. hnmobilized lectin derivatives useful for affinity chromatography 344 VIII. Applications of immobilized lectins for fractionation and purification of membrane gly- coproteins 347 A. Erythrocyte membrane glycoproteins 347 B. Lymphocyte plasma membrane glycoproteins 35 l C. Neural glycopeptides and glycoproteins 357 D. Membrane glycoproteins from untransformed and transformed cells 360 E. Membrane glycoproteins isolated from miscellaneous biological materials ....... 368 IX.
Ferroelectric Organic Materials Catch Up with Oxides

In a ferroelectric material, electric dipoles inherent in the atomic structure (such as might form between cations and anions) can couple with each other so that they align in parallel, creating domains of aligned dipoles. The dipoles, and consequently the domains, can reorient and align with the applied electric field. After the discovery of ferroelectricity in barium titanate (BaTiO3) ( 1 ), ferroelectric device applications developed ( 2 ), such as the storage of charge in ferroelectric capacitors used in dynamic random access memories. One drawback of oxide materials is that they are not as simple to process into films as organic materials, but typically ferroelectric organic materials have not had comparable properties. On page 425 of this issue, Fu et al. ( 3 ) present compelling evidence for a molecular compound that can rival ferroelectric oxides.
Contact Loading of a Rubber Disk

Abstract A computational method is described for the analysis of deformable bodies loaded against rigid surfaces. The deformable body is modeled by three‐dimensional isoparametric elements. A contact algorithm determines the nodes that come into contact with each loading step; the finite element analysis computes the size and shape of the footprint and the distribution of contact pressure in the footprint. The procedure is illustrated by analysis of the contact of a rubber disk. The close agreement, shown between the computed and measured results for the rubber disk, demonstrates the potential of the technique for 3D contact analysis of pneumatic tires.
The Reflex Time of the Patellar Tendon Reflex in Normal and Schizophrenic Subjects

Resume Les observations sur le temps reflexe du reflexe du tendon rotulien ont ete faites a cause: (a) du besoin de mesures quantitatives du fonctionnement du systeme nerveux schizophrene; (b) des rapports que le temps reflexe chez quelques sujets psychotiques est different de celui des sujets normaux; (c) du fait que certaines drogues et quelques-unes des substances chimiques du sang influent sur le temps reflexe, dit-on; et (d) de quelques experiences psychologiques telles que le temps de reaction, la vitesse du tapping, et la vitesse de l'apprentissage lesquelles suggerent qu'il peut exister une vitesse retardee de la conduction des impulsions des nerfs chez quelques personnes schizophrenes. Des resultats positifs pourraient permettre l'etablissement de quelques correlations signifiantes entre ces facteurs. On a applique la technique du courant de l'action. Les populations etudiees se sont composees de 66 schizophrenes mǎles adultes et de 53 sujets normaux mǎles adultes. Le resultat principal est que l...
Commentary: the challenge of quantifying susceptibility to drought-related crisis

This paper is a response to a recent special issue of Regional Environmental Change, “Quantifying vulnerability to drought from different disciplinary perspectives” (vol. 8, number 4, 2008). In this paper, we examine some of the challenges facing efforts to understand vulnerability to drought through quantification as they are manifest in some of the articles in this special issue.
Intramedullary reaming for press-fit fixation of a humeral component removes cortical bone asymmetrically.

Periprosthetic humeral fractures are major complications of shoulder arthroplasty. Bone removal during surgical reaming is a risk factor for these fractures. Although it is recognized that the endosteal surface of the humerus is asymmetrical whereas the reamers are symmetrical, to our knowledge, the effect of cylindrical reaming on the pattern of cortical bone removal during reaming has not been previously studied. The medullary canals of 10 cadaveric humeri (mean age, 73 years) were reamed in a manner similar to that used during humeral arthroplasty. Cortical dimensions were obtained from computed tomography scans before and after reaming. In unreamed humeri, the anterior-posterior endocortical diameter was 20% smaller than the medial-lateral diameter. The average medial-lateral diameter (15.6 ± 2.3 mm) was significantly greater than the anterior-posterior diameter (12.5 ± 1.9 mm) at 13 cm distal to the tuberosity ( P
SIFT vehicle recognition with semi-synthetic model database

Object recognition is an important problem that has many applications that are of interest to the United States Air Force (USAF). Recently the USAF released its update to Technology Horizons, a report that is designed to guide the science and technology direction of the Air Force. Technology Horizons specifically calls out for the need to use autonomous systems in essentially all aspects of Air Force operations [1]. Object recognition is a key enabler to autonomous exploitation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data which might make the automatic searching of millions of hours of video practical. In particular this paper focuses on vehicle recognition with Lowe's Scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) using a model database that was generated with semi-synthetic data. To create the model database we used a desktop laser scanner to create a high resolution 3D facet model. Then the 3D facet model was imported into LuxRender, a physics accurate ray tracing tool, and several views were rendered to create a model database. SIFT was selected because the algorithm is invariant to scale, noise, and illumination making it possible to create a model database of only a hundred original viewing locations which keeps the size of the model database reasonable.
The MACSYMA system for formula manipulation

MACSYMA is a large LISP system which performs symbolic manipulations such as differentiation, simplification, integration and solution of equations with parametric coefficients. After exhibiting various examples of the system, we shall present some of the data representations used by MACSYMA to model abstract algebraic structures such as polynomial rings. Two references are given for those wishing more introductory information about MACSYMA.
Perspectives of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors on the Factors Related to Employment Outcomes of Racial and Ethnic Minorities With Disabilities

This study identified effective strategies to promote employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities (consumers) from diverse cultural backgrounds. Twenty-one vocational rehabilitation counselors participated in semistructured interviews. Data revealed 5 major themes: (a) implementing an empowerment approach to case management; (b) establishing successful counseling relationships; (c) providing supports to help consumers adjust to or cope with their disability; (d) supporting consumers in obtaining and maintaining employment; and (e) assisting employers in understanding disability issues. These themes are applicable for the social work profession as well.
Indocyanine green for intraoperative localization of ureter

Intraurethral injection of indocyanine green (ICG; Akorn, Lake Forest, IL) and visualization under near-infrared (NIR) light allows for real-time delineation of the ureter. This technology can be helpful to prevent iatrogenic ureteral injury during pelvic surgery. Patients were scheduled to undergo robot-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Before the robotic surgery started, the tip of a 6-F ureteral catheter was inserted into the ureteral orifice. Twenty-five milligrams of ICG was dissolved in 10-mL of sterile water and injected through the open catheter. The same procedure was repeated on the opposite side. The ICG reversibly stained the inside lining of the ureter by binding to proteins on urothelial layer. During the course of robotic surgery, the NIR laser on the da Vinci Si surgical robot (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) was used to excite ICG molecules, and infrared emission was captured by the da Vinci filtered lens system and electronically converted to green color. Thus, the ureter fluoresced green, which allowed its definitive identification throughout the entire case. In all cases of >10 patients, we were able to visualize bilateral ureters with this technology, even though there was some variation in brightness that depended on the depth of the ureter from the peritoneal surface. For example, in a morbidly obese patient, the ureters were not as bright green. There were no intraoperative or postoperative adverse effects attributable to ICG administration for up to 2 months of observation. In our experience, this novel method of intraurethral ICG injection was helpful to identify the entire course of ureter and allowed a safe approach to tissues that were adjacent to the urinary tract. The advantage of our technique is that it requires the insertion of just the tip of ureteral catheter. Despite our limited cohort of patients, our findings are consistent with previous reports of the excellent safety profile of intravenous and intrabiliary ICG. Intraurethral injection of ICG and visualization under NIR light allows for real-time delineation of the ureter. This technology can be helpful to prevent iatrogenic ureteral injury during pelvic surgery.
Hysteroscopic treatment of the patient with intracavitary pathology (myomectomy/polypectomy)

Hysteroscopy is a simple and effective method for treating intrauterine leiomyomas and polyps. These lesions often cause abnormal uterine bleeding and infertility. Using the techniques in this article, most lesions can be removed in an office or outpatient setting.
Large E-rings exist

A ring R with 1 is called an E-ring provided Hom,(R, R) z R under the map cp + 1~. The class of E-rings was defined and studied by Schultz [S] in 1973, and further investigated by Bowshell and Schultz [BS] in 1977. Examples of E-rings include Z/(n), subrings of Q, and pure subrings of the ring of p-adic integers. More interesting examples are the torsion-free E-rings of finite rank. These were characterized in [BS] as those rings quasi-isomorphic to R, x R, x . . . x R,, where each Ri is a strongly indecomposable subring of an algebraic number field and Hom,(R,, Rj) = 0 for i #j. In spite of their seemingly specialized nature, such rings have played an important role in the theory of torsion-free groups of finite rank, dating back to Beaumont-Pierce [BPl, BP2], and Pierce [P] in 1960-1961. (See also [APRVW, NR, PV, RI.) Relatively little has been published on infinite rank torsion-free E-rings. Indeed, until recently, the only examples of these were provided by the pure subrings of the p-adic integers. In this paper, the “Black Box” of Shelah is used to construct a host of large E-rings. We show that any torsion-free p-reduced, p-cotorsion-free, commutative ring S may be embed88 0021-8693/87 $3.00
Inhibition of MG-63 cell proliferation and PDGF-stimulated cellular processes by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Studies on a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) responsive osteosarcoma cell line, MG-63, were initiated to determine the effects of phosphatidylinositol (Ptdlns) 3-kinase inhibitors on serum-stimulated cell proliferation and PDGF-stimulated DNA replication, actin rearrangements, or Ptdlns 3-kinase activity. In a dose-dependent manner, the fungal metabolite wortmannin and a quercetin derivative, LY294002 (2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), inhibited serum-stimulated MG-63 cell proliferation. The mitogenic effects of PDGF on MG-63 cells, as determined by incorporation of [3H]-thymidine, were also substantially inhibited in the presence of 0.10 microM wortmannin or 10 microM Ly294002. Furthermore, MG-63 cells stimulated by PDGF form distinct actin-rich, finger-like membrane projections which are completely inhibited by either 0.10 microM wortmannin or 10 microM LY294002. At these same concentrations, wortmannin and LY294002 were also effective at reducing levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate in PDGF-stimulated MG-63 cells. Treatment of these cells with increasing concentrations of wortmannin reduced the level of PDGF stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the PDGF receptor but did not significantly affect the amount of the Ptdlns 3-kinase regulatory subunit, p85, associated with the receptor. Additionally, pretreatment of cells with 0.250 microM wortmannin followed by stimulation with PDGF resulted in a slightly reduced level of receptor autokinase activity; however, similar treatment with 50 microM LY294002 did not affect the level of autokinase activity. These results demonstrate the effects of two different Ptdlns 3-kinase inhibitors on serum- and PDGF-stimulated MG-63 cell proliferation and PDGF-stimulated morphological changes and suggest a greater role for Ptdlns 3-kinase in these processes.
Tracking global change at local scales: Phenology for science, outreach, conservation

[1] A Workshop Exploring the Use of Phenology Studies for Public Engagement; New Orleans, Louisiana, 14 March 2011; During a George Wright Society Conference session that was led by the USA National Phenology Network (USANPN; http://www.usanpn.org) and the National Park Service (NPS), professionals from government organizations, nonprofits, and higher-education institutions came together to explore the possibilities of using phenology monitoring to engage the public. One of the most visible effects of global change on ecosystems is shifts in phenology: the timing of biological events such as leafing and flowering, maturation of agricultural plants, emergence of insects, and migration of birds. These shifts are already occurring and reflect biological responses to climate change at local to regional scales. Changes in phenology have important implications for species ecology and resource management and, because they are place-based and tangible, serve as an ideal platform for education, outreach, and citizen science.
A system for providing an on-line analogue display of beat-by-beat cardiac output

A system for an on-line analogue display of beat-by-beat cardiac output and other cardiovascular functions is described. The phasic aortic blood flow signal, derived from an electromagnetic flowmeter with the flow probe implanted around the ascending aorta, drives a multi-channel recorder with a combination of associated signal conditioning input couplers and peripheral electronic circuitry, to provide a continuous analogue display of beat-by-beat phasic stroke volume, integrated stroke volume, heart rate, and cardiac output. These cardiovascular functions, which permit instantaneous on-line feedback of these parameters, were all derived from the single aortic flow measurement.
Assuring quality of the human–computer interface

The issue of human–computer interface quality has been brought currently into focus due to (a) a change in the character of users who dominate the computer market, (b) the availability of expertise in design for usability and its assurance, and (c) the finally recognized business benefits for vendors of user friendly equipment. Because the underlying human factors expertise belongs to the category of enabling generic quality assurance technologies, the quality management and engineering communities must master this new issue, and related knowledge and methods. The objective of this review article is to aid the quality professionals to respond successfully to this challenge by presenting the fundamentals of human factors engineering, its role in the design for usability process, and the associated methods of assuring quality of the human–computer interface.
Decreased physical function in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective To assess the extent of physical disability in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), classified according to subtype, and whether synovitis or flexion contractures are present on examination. Methods This retrospective study included 88 JRA patients and 50 controls without musculoskeletal disease. The outcome measure was the disability index (DI) derived from the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). Results DI scores for JRA patients with synovitis (mean 0.49, range 0–1.88) and without synovitis (mean 0.37, range 0–1.75) were significantly higher (P < 0.001 for both groups) than for controls (mean 0.06, range 0–0.75, P < 0.001), but not significantly different from one another. Similarly, DI scores for JRA patients with and without any flexion contractures were higher than for controls, but not significantly different from one another. DI scores for JRA patients with both synovitis and flexion contractures were significantly higher than DI scores for JRA patients with neither, but were not distinguishable from JRA patients with synovitis only or flexion contractures only. Likewise, DI scores for JRA patients lacking synovitis and flexion contractures were not significantly different than those for JRA patients with one or the other. DI scores for systemic and polyarticular patients were higher than for pauciarticular patients, and DI scores for all 3 subtypes were higher than for controls. Conclusion Our findings suggest that many JRA patients, including those with pauciarticular JRA, have problems with physical function, even when synovitis and flexion contractures are not present. Further attention and research is needed to elucidate the causes or origins of disability in JRA patients with seemingly well-controlled disease. We recommend that health status instruments like the CHAQ be more widely used for JRA patients to complement other assessments, especially in planning occupational and physical therapy.
The disciplinary practices of African American fathers: A closer look

This study provided a starting point for understanding the disciplinary patterns and practices of African American fathers. The present results suggest that African American fathers are actively involved in the parenting of their children. Moreover, this investigation revealed that the disciplinary patterns of African American fathers are distinct and age specific. These findings demonstrate the need for family therapist and agency personnel to develop intervention strategies that are inclusive of African American fathers. Furthermore, helping professionals who fail to consider the disciplinary priorities of African American fathers may be viewed by African American families as being disrespectful and referral to parenting programs or other resources may be regarded as demeaning or contemptuous. Much important work still remains to be done in understanding the disciplinary patterns and practice of African American fathers. Future studies could focus upon uncovering the antecedents of the father’s disciplinary style. Perhaps future investigations could focus on the father’s own experience of being parented. Finally, further studies may benefit by combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies in examining the disciplinary strategies of African American men. Adding a qualitative perspective could enhance the depth of understanding how, when, and why African American fathers discipline their children.
Pornography addiction – a supranormal stimulus considered in the context of neuroplasticity

Addiction has been a divisive term when applied to various compulsive sexual behaviors (CSBs), including obsessive use of pornography. Despite a growing acceptance of the existence of natural or process addictions based on an increased understanding of the function of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward systems, there has been a reticence to label CSBs as potentially addictive. While pathological gambling (PG) and obesity have received greater attention in functional and behavioral studies, evidence increasingly supports the description of CSBs as an addiction. This evidence is multifaceted and is based on an evolving understanding of the role of the neuronal receptor in addiction-related neuroplasticity, supported by the historical behavioral perspective. This addictive effect may be amplified by the accelerated novelty and the ‘supranormal stimulus’ (a phrase coined by Nikolaas Tinbergen) factor afforded by Internet pornography. Keywords: brain; addiction; pornography; neuroplasticity; sexuality (Published: 19 July 2013) Citation: Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology 2013, 3 : 20767 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/snp.v3i0.20767
Growth and phage production of B. megatherium. IV. Kinetics of cell growth, phage production, and protein and nucleic acid synthesis in lysogenic megatherium cultures.

Abstract 1. 1. The changes in the concentration of cells, free phage, cellular protein, and cellular RNA have been determined during the growth of cultures of lysogenic megatherium 899a, in peptone medium. 2. 2. During the lag phase the RNA increases more rapidly than the cells, and the free phage much more rapidly. 3. 3. The rate of increase of the free phage is autocatalytic (logarithmic) and is proportional at any time to the free phage formed during the reaction. The rate is not changed by the addition of free phage from an outside source. 4. 4. This relationship may be derived by assuming: 1. The rate of increase of the free phage is proportional to the concentration of the intracellular phage. 2. A small constant fraction of the intracellular phage is released per instant of time. The free phage is therefore proportional to the intracellular phage at all times. 5. 5. The rate of formation of phage, RNA, and protein, during the steady state, is exactly equal to the rate of growth of the cells. This must be true of all cell components or metabolites, if the culture continues in the steady state without the appearance of new cell types. 6. 6. In the phage-sensitive cell system the rate of formation of the phage continues at 4–5 times the rate of increase of the cells until the ratio of phage/cells is about 50. Lysis then occurs without further increase in free phage.
Shearing Interferometry with Constant Radial Displacement

A type of shearing interferometry is presented in which a constant shear is introduced in the radial direction. For small shear, the interferogram displays the radial phase derivative of the wave front under test. The interferometer can be realized with axicon or circular-grating arrangements and seems useful for studying objects with cylindrical or circular geometry.
Detection of drug : tissue interactions using biosensors

Neuronal biosensors are employed to assess the effect of selected anti-HIV drugs on nerve tissue. Preliminary experimental results show that Zalcitabine and Didanosine produce interference in neural function and suggest a correlation with clinically observed neuropathy. Zidovudine (AZT) produced no observable effect.
Rapidity and centrality dependence of azimuthal correlations in high energy d+Au collisions

Abstract We discuss azimuthal correlations in dAu collisions at different rapidities and centralities and argue that experimentally observed depletion of the back-to-back correlation peak can be quantitatively explained by gluon saturation in the Color Glass Condensate of the gold nucleus.
Detubulation effects on the action of zinc on frog skeletal muscle action potential.

Detubulation of the untreated fiber decreases the time constant of the action potential's foot (τf) and increases the maximal rate of rise of the spike (\(\dot V_{\max } \)). Zinc at all concentrations, and regardless of whether the fiber is intact or detubulated, increases τf and decreases\(\dot V_{\max } \), and thus seems to decrease Na activation of the fiber. Detubulation was used principally to elucidate the localization and mechanism of the Zn2+-induced retardation of the falling phase of the frog sartorius fiber action potential, which evidently results from a general depression of delayed rectification. At 50 to 1000 μm, Zn2+ not only prolongs repolarization of intact fibers (measured by increase int0.5, the half-time of the spike's fall), but also produces a marked hump early in this phase. Detubulation of zinc-free fibers reducest0.5 to about 80% of its intact value, and under Zn2+ treatmentt0.5 is increased but only to about 80% of that produced in the intact fiber, and the falling-phase hump is completely obliterated. Thus, detubulation decreasest0.5 in Zn2+-treated fibers not only by generally eliminating T-tubular participation in action potential generation, but also by subtracting a Zn2+-induced retardation of tubular delayed rectification. Tubular delayed rectification must therefore be an intrinsic feature of normal excitation. These results are further analyzed by means of (i) Stanfield's findings about retardation of delayed rectification by Zn2+ and (ii) Adrian-Peachey's theory of T-tubule participation in action potential generation, which suggests that the Zn2+-evoked repolarization hump signals onset of Zn2+-altered active participation of T-tubules in determining the spike's shape.
Role of Acidic Residues in Helices TH8–TH9 in Membrane Interactions of the Diphtheria Toxin T Domain

The pH-triggered membrane insertion of the diphtheria toxin translocation domain (T domain) results in transferring the catalytic domain into the cytosol, which is relevant to potential biomedical applications as a cargo-delivery system. Protonation of residues is suggested to play a key role in the process, and residues E349, D352 and E362 are of particular interest because of their location within the membrane insertion unit TH8–TH9. We have used various spectroscopic, computational and functional assays to characterize the properties of the T domain carrying the double mutation E349Q/D352N or the single mutation E362Q. Vesicle leakage measurements indicate that both mutants interact with the membrane under less acidic conditions than the wild-type. Thermal unfolding and fluorescence measurements, complemented with molecular dynamics simulations, suggest that the mutant E362Q is more susceptible to acid destabilization because of disruption of native intramolecular contacts. Fluorescence experiments show that removal of the charge in E362Q, and not in E349Q/D352N, is important for insertion of TH8–TH9. Both mutants adopt a final functional state upon further acidification. We conclude that these acidic residues are involved in the pH-dependent action of the T domain, and their replacements can be used for fine tuning the pH range of membrane interactions.
A microvisual study of solution-gas-drive mechanisms in viscous oils

Abstract The literature suggests that oil-phase viscosity has a profound effect on oil production during solution gas drive. Some heavy-oil reservoirs show higher than expected production rates, produced gas–oil ratio (GOR) close to solution GOR, and relatively high recovery. The reasons for this behavior are not clear, but it has been suggested that gas-phase nucleation, growth of gas bubbles, and eventual coalescence into a continuous gas phase must be examined in detail to interpret better recovery. To this end, solution-gas-drive (depletion) experiments were conducted in micromodels, oil-lens drainage was observed and modeled in cornered capillary tubes, and bubble growth modeled. Experiments and calculations were conducted with viscous and low-viscosity liquids to probe explicitly the effect of solution viscosity. A micromodel is a two-dimensional representation of pore space. The micromodels employed are etched from silicon and exhibit pore body and throat sizes equivalent to a representative sandstone. Likewise, they capture many aspects of pore-wall roughness. Micromodels are housed in a pressure vessel to allow experimentation at elevated pressure. Pore-level events are viewed through an optical microscope. Spatial resolution of events within the micromodel is on the order of 1 μm. Nucleation occurs repeatedly and regularly at surface roughness. Nucleated bubbles grow to fill pores before they are mobilized. Interestingly, solution viscosity appears to slow considerably the coalescence of gas. For coalescence of two gas bubbles into a single bubble, the liquid lens separating the bubbles must drain. Experimental results in micromodels and triangular capillary tubes indicate that when oil-phase viscosity is high, the rate of coalescence of gas bubbles is slow. Capillary tube experiments are modeled exactly with no adjustable parameters. It is shown that the period of time for drainage is at least linearly proportional to the liquid viscosity. The implication for recovery of viscous oil is that the produced gas–oil ratio and gas-phase relative permeability remain relatively low because gas bubbles remain dispersed. Correspondingly, oil-phase relative permeability remains high contributing to relatively efficient oil recovery despite high oil-phase viscosity.
Endogenous neuroprotection factors and traumatic brain injury: mechanisms of action and implications for therapy.

ABSTRACT Throughout evolution the brain has acquired elegant strategies to protect itself against a variety of environmental insults. Prominent among these are signals released from injured cells t...
GPS-Tag Refinement Using Random Walks with an Adaptive Damping Factor

The number of GPS-tagged images available on the web is increasing at a rapid rate. The majority of such location tags are specified by the users, either through manual tagging or localization-chips embedded in the cameras. However, a known issue with user shared images is the unreliability of such GPS-tags. In this paper, we propose a method for addressing this problem. We assume a large dataset of GPS-tagged images which includes an unknown subset with contaminated tags is available. We develop a robust method for identification and refinement of this subset using the rest of the images in the dataset. In the proposed method, we form a large number of triplets of matching images and use them for estimating the location of the query image utilizing structure from motion. Some of the generated estimations may be inaccurate due to the noisy GPS-tags in the dataset. Therefore, we perform Random Walks on the estimations in order to identify the subset with the maximal agreement. Finally, we estimate the GPS-tag of the query utilizing the identified consistent subset using a weighted mean. We propose a new damping factor for Random Walks which conforms to the level of noise in the input, and consequently, robustifies Random Walks. We evaluated the proposed framework on a dataset of over 18k user-shared images; the experiments show our method robustly improves the accuracy of GPS-tags under diverse scenarios.