cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping genres in order to facilitate the teaching and learning of writing in the disciplines (work in progress)

Within technical and engineering communication, this paper specifically frames the concept of microgenres and locates them within the well-established and now international field of genre studies. It describes a methodology for identifying microgenres and presents the promising early results related to the possibility of mapping these microgenres within a corpus of student texts produced for a writing-intensive engineering course. These results indicate that microgenres can be identified in a way that is valid and reliable. They reveal that there is the possibility of variation or that there are ways of organizing these microgenres in order to realize purpose. These results also suggest that we might be able to construct a typology or typologies of microgenres related to a particular course, potentially even disciplines within engineering and/or the field of engineering, and thereby facilitate student learning, participation, and assessment.
FUNCTIONAL AND NEUROBIOLOGICAL SIMILARITIES OF AGING IN MONKEYS AND HUMANS

Aging in humans may be accompanied by alterations in several functional abilities. However, there is a great deal of individual variability in the functions that may be altered with age within and across aged people. One potential source of age-related behavioral variation may lie in a differential vulnerability of neurobiological systems to the aging process in particular individuals. Aged monkeys demonstrate behavioral and brain alterations that have many parallels with those observed in aged humans and are valuable animal models in which to investigate the interrelationships between age, behavior and neurobiological measures. This review outlines the similarities of functional and neurobiological aging in monkeys and humans, notes the variability that exists in both behavioral and neural systems in aging, and identifies some of the areas of aging that are in need of further investigation.
Low-energy charge exchange from hydrogen atoms by few-electron ions

Abstract Cross sections for charge exchange from ground-state H by Be, B and C nuclei, in the energy range 0–250 eV/amu, have been calculated by a fully quantal, perturbed stationary state method. A generalisation is introduced to treat collisions with few-electron ions and applied to capture by C 4+ and C 5+ . Results agree with available measurements.
Clinical and biological features of favorable-risk acute myelogenous leukemia--is favorable-risk AML really favorable?

Clinical and biological features of favorable-risk acute myelogenous leukemia – is favorable-risk AML really favorable?
Congestion pricing for Latin America: Prospects and constraints

In an effort to reduce the adverse impacts of the car and promote sustainable transport in Latin America, some governments have either implemented travel demand management policies or have considered ways of directly reducing the number of vehicles in congested areas. While demand management measures have been promoted in a small number of countries, including vehicular restrictions as well as the promotion of public transport modes, there are currently no congestion pricing programmes in operation in Latin America. This paper begins with an overview of travel demand management, including its principal aims as well as its primary objectives within the Latin American context. It discusses past efforts to promote traffic restraint and perspectives for developing congestion pricing schemes in both Sao Paulo and Santiago. Finally, it examines the potential role of congestion pricing as a demand management tool. While it is one of the most effective demand management measures in the industrialised world, a number of barriers currently prevent it from being widely adopted in Latin America.
Inertia Friction Welding of Dissimilar Superalloys Mar-M247 and LSHR

The solid state inertia friction welding (IFW) process was used for the first time to join two dissimilar Ni-based superalloys, LSHR, a powder metallurgy alloy, and Mar-M247, a directionally solidified alloy. Extensive studies of the microstructure, phase composition, re-distribution of the alloying elements between the welded alloys, microhardness, and welding defects were conducted at different distances from the weld interface, and the results were correlated with the loading and friction conditions during IFW. Possible reasons leading to the formation of the welding defects were discussed and directions for the further improvement of the quality of the IFW of these two dissimilar alloys were outlined.
Motives, involvements, and leadership among black college students.

Summary Thematic Apperceptive measures of achievement, affiliation, and power motives, together with consensual judges’ ratings for several clusters of attitudes, beliefs, and actions, and objective data on office-holding were obtained from thirty-eight Black undergraduate university students Overall, need for Power was related to holding office, being rated as influential, and participating in the Black Repertory Theatre. Among Northern-reared Blacks, need for Power related to ratings of activity in the extramural Black community and distrust of the System, among Southern-reared Blacks, need for Power and need for Achievement related to ratings of Pragmatism.
KSHV interaction with Langerhans and dermal dendritic cells through C-type lectins

The skin contains two types of dendritic cells (DC), Langerhans cells (LC), which reside in the epidermis in close contact with keratinocytes, and dermal dendritic cells (DDC), resident in the dermis. LC and DDC process cutaneous antigens and migrate out of the skin into the draining lymph nodes to present antigens to T and B cells. Recent reports showed that LC and DDC play an important role in certain virus infections, such as HIV-1 and HSV. Because of the strategic position of LC and DDC at mucosal sites of infection and the ability of these cells to capture pathogens, we hypothesized that these cells could be infected with KSHV and have an important role in the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma. We have previously shown that KSHV enters monocytederived dendritic cells (MoDC) through DC-SIGN, resulting in a nonproductive infection. We have now generated LC and DDC from pluripotent cord blood CD34+ precursors by culture with GM-CSF, TNF, and TGF-B to obtain LC, and GM-CSF, TNF, and IL4 to generate DDC. These expressed the typical phenotype of LC, i.e., CD207 pos , CD14 pos , CD11b neg ,C D1a pos , HLADR pos ,D C-SIGN neg , and dermal DC, i.e., DC-SIGN pos , CD14 neg , CD11b pos ,C D1a pos ,H LA-DR pos ,l angerin neg . We found that both LC and DDC supported productive infection with KSHV. Strikingly, while the level of viral DNA replication increased only 4-fold in infected DDC by 24h, we observed a >1 log10 increase in levels of viral DNA in LC. Anti-DC-SIGN mAB inhibited viral infection of DDC as detected by expression of viral proteins and viral DNA, while blocking of langerin on LC did not interfere with viral entry and replication. Infection with KSHV did not alter cell surface expression of langerin on LC, but downregulated expression of DC-SIGN on DDC, as we previously reported for MoDC. Cytokine production in infected LC and DDC was also altered compared to uninfected cells, with an increase in the levels of IL-8, IL-6, and IL-10 in the infected cells. These results indicate that KSHV can target both LC and DDC for productive infection and alter their function, supporting a role for these dermal DC in KSHV infection and pathogen.
Is postoperative calcium channel blocker therapy needed in patients with radial artery grafts

Background Chronic calcium channel blocker therapy has traditionally been considered necessary in patients carrying a radial artery graft, even in the absence of objective data to support it. This report was conceived to evaluate the angiographic and clinical effects of calcium channel blocker therapy during the first postoperative year. Patients and results A total of 100 consecutive patients who received a radial artery graft at our institution were randomly assigned to receive (n = 53) or not receive (n = 47) calcium channel blocker therapy with oral diltiazem 120 mg/daily started in the early postoperative period. At 1-year follow-up, all patients were reassessed clinically and by Tl 201 myocardial scintigraphy, and 83 of them underwent control angiography. In 12 cases we also evaluated the response of the radial artery to the endovascular infusion of serotonin. No difference in terms of clinical outcome, scintigraphic results, and patency rate was found between patients who received or did not receive calcium channel blocker therapy. Endovascular serotonin infusion evoked an evident spastic reaction of radial artery grafts, not attenuated by calcium channel blocker therapy. Conclusion Calcium channel blocker therapy started immediately after surgery and continued for the first postoperative year does not affect radial artery graft patency and clinical and scintigraphic outcomes. On the basis of these data, the prophylactic use of calcium channel blocker therapy in patients with radial artery grafts seems unsubstantiated.
Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure: Maternal Response and other Variables Impacting the Victim

Disclosure of childhood sexual abuse is a process unique to each victim and may be influenced by factors of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, and gender, as well as by abuse specific factors. The response by caregivers and professionals effects disclosure and can be responsible for recantation. Maternal responses that convey protection and support have been found to be associated with victims' improved mental health and social functioning. Non-abusive caregivers are often marginalized by the child welfare system in its attempt to secure physical safety for the child. This article summarizes the literature regarding sexual abuse disclosure and maternal response. Areas for future research are discussed.
The Efficacy of Second-Intention Healing in the Management of Defects on the Dorsal Surface of the Hands and Fingers after Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Background The type of repair chosen to manage defects on the dorsal aspects of the hands and fingers can affect overall hand function. Preservation of manual function in these areas is critical. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of second-intention healing of defects on the dorsal surface of the hands and fingers after Mohs micrographic surgery and to define optimal wound parameters for choosing second-intention healing. Methods Fifty-nine patients who had undergone second-intention healing of a Mohs defect on the dorsum of a hand or finger were contacted and their records obtained; 48 patients completed the study. Healing by second intention was assessed according to self-evaluation and retrospective review of medical records based on six outcome variables, including functional ability, durability, sensation, and cosmetic result. Results Defects ranged in size from 0.8 to 6.0 cm. Patient records revealed no documented problems with function, durability, sensation, cosmesis, or wound infection. All patients reported excellent or good functional results and normal sensation within the scar, and most reported excellent or good scar durability and cosmesis. Conclusion Second-intention healing is an effective option for repairing defects on the dorsum of the hand and fingers. Large defect size is not a contraindication for second-intention healing.
Advances in lipid testing and management in patients with diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT Objective To review the pathophysiologic basis for the classic phenotype associated with diabetic dyslipidemia, discuss recent advances in lipid and lipoprotein testing for risk assessment and lipid therapy monitoring, and summarize a systematic approach to the clinical management of diabetic dyslipidemia. Methods We review the pertinent literature, including treatment guidelines and results of major clinical trials, and discuss the effectiveness of various pharmacologic interventions for management of lipid levels in patients with diabetes. Results The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus continue to escalate globally at alarming rates. Diabetes predisposes to multiple microvascular and macrovascular complications, including cardiovascular disease, the number 1 cause of mortality in the United States. The third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel in 2001 identified diabetes as a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalent, in light of the evidence that CHD risk in persons with diabetes is similar to that of nondiabetic persons with established CHD. Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by a constellation of lipid derangements—hypertriglyceridemia, a low concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and a high concentration of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles—that accelerate the progression of atherosclerotic disease and the development of atherothrombotic events. Conclusion Statin trials have demonstrated significant reductions in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, including in patients with diabetes. Nevertheless, many patients who achieve their LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) goal still have residual CHD risk. Diabetic dyslipidemia contributes to this residual risk because of the increased concentration of atherogenic apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins that can persist despite normalized LDL-C levels and low HDL-C levels. Recent clinical trials emphasize the importance of intensive lipid lowering to achieve recommended goals for LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:641-652)
Malaria in migrants and travellers

Imported malaria is a growing problem in the world. In part this is a result of greatly increased and more rapid travel and in part a result of a resurgence of malaria in areas partially or completely cleared. Migrants, either refugees or those looking for better opportunities in life, have contributed to the movement of malaria to previously free areas. Failure of travellers to take appropriate action to prevent infection has contributed to the increased incidence of imported malaria. Vectors of malaria may also become travellers and thus contribute to the spread of infection.
The regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract A new hypothesis for the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells is proposed. This hypothesis suggests that small segments of activator RNA select sites for gene transcription by base pairing with unique base sequences at the 3′ end of DNA gene sites and act as primer for RNA transcription of these genes. Unlike previous theories that have been proposed, this theory postulates a source for this activator RNA, as breakdown products of high molecular weight RNA and offers an explanation for the programmed schedule in the pattern of gene transcription during development as well as the generally stable phenotypic characteristics of cells.
Case report 803

In summary, a 36-year-old man presented with pain and limited motion in the shoulder. Clinical examination revealed obliteration of normal scapular landmarks in the conspicuous absence of any palpable soft tissue mass. Roentgenograms showed progressive osteolysis of the scapula. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Gorham's disease. MRI played a key role in defining the extent of disease involvement and in displaying the distinct soft tissue anatomy. These MRI features are to our knowledge previously undescribed.
An investigation of the dominant source regions of fine sulfur in the western United States and their areas of influenve

Abstract Two methods for analyzing source-receptor relationships are used to determine the dominant source regions of particulate sulfur in the western U.S. The first method, area of influence analysis, is based on the residence time of back trajectory endpoints. The other method, principal component analysis, involves examination of the gradients of the spatial eigenvectors of fine sulfur concentrations to determine source regions. Results of both methods are similar and show that southern California, northeastern Mexico, and the large coal-fired power plants in the Four Corners region contribute most strongly to the long-range transport of fine sulfur into remote areas of the western U.S. Several sources with smaller areas of influence are also identified.
Free amino acid composition of the ageing female mosquito Aedes aegypti as determined by automatic ion-exchange chromatography.

Abstract The free amino acids of the adult female mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.), were investigated at seven different ages after emergence in insects maintained on two different dietary regimens (sucrose, and sucrose and blood). The qualitative and quantitative determination of free amino acids was carried out by automatic ion-exchange chromatography. Sixteen amino acids were consistently found: α-alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, serine, threonine, proline, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, lysine, histidine, and arginine. Four other amino acids found but in rather low concentrations included β-alanine, taurine, cysteic acid, and methionine sulphoxide. Throughout the 45-day experimental period the concentrations of free amino acids in mosquitoes given sucrose and blood were consistently higher than in those individuals given only sucrose as adults. α-Alanine was found in highest concentration in mosquitoes from both dietary regimens, comprising from 34 to 52 per cent of the total amino acid load. Total amino acid concentration was found to be highest at 30 days of age. Statistical procedures applied to the data indicated diet alone had less effect on individual amino acids than it did when time (age) was considered, or diet was primarily significant when time was included.
Cephalometric Parameters After Multilevel Pharyngeal Surgery for Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Cephalometric studies have shown narrowing in the upper airway at multiple levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), mandibular osteotomy with genioglossus advancement, and hyoid myotomy with advancement address narrowing in the retropalatal and retrolingual regions. In an effort to relate postoperative clinical changes to anatomic changes, cephalometric studies were performed on 44 patients who underwent multilevel pharyngeal surgery (UPPP, genioglossus advancement, hyoid myotomy with advancement). Both preand postoperative radiographs were available for 23 of these patients. The posterior airway space (P = .09), minimal posterior airway space (P = .04), posterior uvular space (P = .06), mandibular plane-to-hyoid distance (MP-H) (P = .06) and central incisor-to-tongue base distance (P = .02) all improved after surgery. None of the measurements of the posterior airway were significantly different between responders and nonresponders. The degree of collapse of the palate on modified Muller maneuver was highly correlated with the severity of sleep apnea as measured by the respiratory disturbance index; the collapse of the lateral pharyngeal walls was moderately correlated; and collapse of the base of tongue was not correlated. Cephalometric radiographs may reflect the anatomic changes that result from upper airway surgery for sleep apnea, but these changes are not useful for assessing surgical efficacy. The modified Muller maneuver, however, may represent a more predictive evaluation.
Palladium/sepiolite systems as hydrogenation catalysts, III. Hydrogenation of variously substituted olefins

The application of a Spanish sepiolite variety known as “Pansil” (commercialized by Tolsa S.A.): as a Pd support in the reduction of variously substituted carbon-carbon double bonds, both with gaseous hydrogen and by hydrogen transfer with cyclohexene as donor is described.
Involvement of the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex in the expression of conditioned hyperactivity to a cocaine-associated environment in rats.

This study examined the roles of the nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, and ventral subiculum of the hippocampus in the expression of Pavlovian conditioned hyperactivity responses to cocaine-related stimuli. This was accomplished by pharmacologically inhibiting these regions prior to drug-free tests for conditioned hyperactivity in an environment previously associated with cocaine. The results indicate that conditioned hyperactivity could be disrupted by infusions of the GABA-B agonist, baclofen (0.2 nmol/0.5 μl/side) into the NAc, or completely blocked by infusions of the GABA-A agonist, muscimol (0.1 and 0.2 nmol/0.5 μl/side) into the medial prefrontal cortex. In contrast, conditioned hyperactivity was unaffected by pharmacological inhibition of the basolateral amygdala, the ventral subiculum, or sites dorsal to the NAc or prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that the NAc and the prefrontal cortex are crucial elements of the neural circuitry underlying the expression of Pavlovian conditioned responses to cocaine-related stimuli.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of novel fluorescent silicones

Six fluorescent polysiloxanes have been synthesized by dehydrogenative coupling of fluorescent alcohols or phenols with poly(methylhydrosiloxane), using several different coupling catalysts. The absorption and emission spectra for the polymers have been studied; emission from both monomer and excimer states appears to take place.
Thermalization of Positronium in Gases

The thermalization of positronium (Ps) formed at a few eV in gases is investigated using time-resolved, Doppler broadening measurements of the annihilation photons. Magnetic quenching permits energy measurements about 40 ns after Ps is formed in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, He, Ne, Ar, isobutane, and neopentane. The thermalization rate is measured by changing the gas density, and a classical elastic scattering cross section and a Ps formation energy are determined. The impact of Ps thermalization on decay rate experiments using gases is also discussed.
Communications between bone cells and hematopoietic stem cells

The skeletal system, while characterized by a hard tissue component, is in fact an extraordinarily dynamic system, with disparate functions ranging from structural support, movement and locomotion and soft-organ protection, to the maintenance of calcium homeostasis. Amongst these functions, it has long been known that mammalian bones house definitive hematopoiesis. In fact, several data demonstrate that the bone microenvironment provides essential regulatory cues to the hematopoietic system. In particular, interactions between the bone-forming cells, or osteoblasts, and the most primitive Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) have recently been defined. This review will focus mainly on the role of osteoblasts as HSC regulatory cells, discussing the signaling mechanisms and molecules currently thought to be involved in their modulation of HSC behavior. We will then review additional cellular components of the HSC niche, including endothelial cells and osteoclasts. Finally, we will discuss the potential clinical implications of our emerging understanding of the complex HSC microenvironment.
Estimation of IgE antibody with a nonisotopic technique with no interference of isotypic antibodies

A modified ELISA was developed to estimate antigen-specific IgE antibody. IgE against ragweed antigen E (AgE) was the model system, and paired pre- and postimmunotherapy sera were evaluated because the latter had been demonstrated to contain significant amounts of IgG antibody. Patients' serum IgE was bound to the surface of wells of a polystyrene microtiter plate previously coated with monoclonal murine antihuman IgE. After washing, AgE conjugated with alkaline phosphatase was added and was specifically bound by IgE. Optical density was recorded after addition of enzyme substrate to the wells and was proportional to the concentration of IgE directed against ragweed AgE in the serum samples. In contrast to many other assay techniques for antigen-specific IgE, interference by specific antibody of other classes cannot occur with this method. Results correlated well with those of a previously described solid-phase radioimmunoassay that required myeloma IgE.
Mechanism design for coalition formation and cost sharing in group-buying markets

Abstract We study the mechanism design problem of coalition formation and cost sharing in a group-buying electronic marketplace, where buyers can form coalitions to take advantage of volume based discounts. The desirable mechanism properties include stability (in the core), and incentive compatibility with good efficiency. We show the impossibility to simultaneously satisfy efficiency, budget balance and individual rationality at a Bayesian–Nash equilibrium, and propose a mechanism in the core of the game. We then present and evaluate a group of reasonable mechanisms. Empirical results show positive correlation between stability and incentive compatibility (which is in turn related to efficiency).
Fresh air funds and functional families: The enduring politics of race, family and place in juvenile justice reform

This article examines the enduring ways that racial politics are masked by discourses of place and family in the history of juvenile justice in the USA. The tropes of place and family have been invoked since the inception of the USA’s juvenile justice system and have influenced the processes of policing, removal, and return, even as the latest incarnation of reforms focus on building juvenile justice facilities and alternatives to incarceration within urban areas. By pointing to recent manifestations of this rhetoric in New York, the article identifies the thread that links these claims together: the desire by social control agents for submission by the primarily impoverished and young people of color who defy legal authority.
Single echo acquisition MRI using RF encoding.

Encoding of spatial information in magnetic resonance imaging is conventionally accomplished by using magnetic field gradients. During gradient encoding, the position in k-space is determined by a time-integral of the gradient field, resulting in a limitation in imaging speed due to either gradient power or secondary effects such as peripheral nerve stimulation. Partial encoding of spatial information through the sensitivity patterns of an array of coils, known as parallel imaging, is widely used to accelerate the imaging, and is complementary to gradient encoding. This paper describes the one-dimensional limit of parallel imaging in which all spatial localization in one dimension is performed through encoding by the radiofrequency (RF) coil. Using a one-dimensional array of long and narrow parallel elements to localize the image information in one direction, an entire image is obtained from a single line of k-space, avoiding rapid or repeated manipulation of gradients. The technique, called single echo acquisition (SEA) imaging, is described, along with the need for a phase compensation gradient pulse to counteract the phase variation contained in the RF coil pattern which would otherwise cause signal cancellation in each imaging voxel. Image reconstruction and resolution enhancement methods compatible with the speed of the technique are discussed. MR movies at frame rates of 125 frames per second are demonstrated, illustrating the ability to monitor the evolution of transverse magnetization to steady state during an MR experiment as well as demonstrating the ability to image rapid motion. Because this technique, like all RF encoding approaches, relies on the inherent spatially varying pattern of the coil and is not a time-integral, it should enable new applications for MRI that were previously inaccessible due to speed constraints, and should be of interest as an approach to extending the limits of detection in MR imaging. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Concise Synthesis of Ginkgolide M, a Minor Component of a Terpene Trilactone Fraction from Ginkgo biloba Roots⊥

Ginkgolide M (GM), which is found only in the roots of the Ginkgo biloba tree and is an inhibitor of ligand-operated ion channels in the central nervous system, has been prepared in three steps from 10-benzylginkgolide C, an intermediate generated during the isolation and separation of ginkgolides from Ginkgo biloba leaf extract. The described synthetic sequence can be applied to access GM derivatives for biological studies.
Catheter-mediated pulmonary vascular gene transfer and expression

The study and treatment of pulmonary diseases may be greatly facilitated by in vivo expression of specific recombinant genes in the pulmonary vasculature and lung parenchyma. To evaluate the feasibility of gene transfer to the pulmonary vasculature, cationic liposomes and adenoviral vectors encoding a human placental alkaline phosphatase (hpAP) gene were delivered into a pulmonary artery of 24 pigs by percutaneous right heart catheterization. Pulmonary tissue was harvested within 20 minutes or 5, 14, or 28 days later and was analyzed for gene transfer and expression. Five days after exposure to liposomes or adenoviral vectors, transfer of DNA and expression of mRNA were demonstrated in transfected lung tissue. Recombinant alkaline phosphatase protein was observed in both the vasculature and in alveolar septa but not in the bronchi. Expression of hpAP protein was observed at 5 days, was diminished at 14 days, and was absent 28 days after gene transfer with both liposome and adenoviral vectors. No major adverse effects of gene expression were detected by histological examination of the transfected lung segments compared with control segments. Gene transfer to the lung by either vector was not associated with significant biochemical abnormalities or histological changes 5, 14, or 28 days later in other organs, including carotid artery, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, skeletal muscle, ovary, and testes. These studies demonstrate that after intravascular gene delivery to the lung, recombinant genes are expressed in the vasculature and alveoli. This approach may provide a useful model for the experimental study of pulmonary vascular diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary thrombosis disorders.
Epidermal growth factor-binding protein activates soluble and receptor-bound single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator.

Abstract Epidermal growth factor-binding protein (EGF-BP) is a serine proteinase that reversibly associates with epidermal growth factor (EGF). We analyzed the reaction of EGF-BP with urokinase type plasminogen activator (u-PA), a serine proteinase that promotes pericellular proteolysis and cellular migration. EGF-BP cleaved single chain u-PA (scu-PA) between Lys158 and Ile159, converting the zymogen into enzymatically active two-chain u-PA (tcu-PA), as shown by SDS-PAGE, N-terminal sequence analysis, and enzymatic assay. The kcat and Km of the activation reaction were (5.6 ± 0.6) × 10−2s−1 and 2,0 ± 0.3 μM, yielding a catalytic efficiency of 2.8 × 104 M−1. EGF-BP also activated scu-PA bound to receptors on U937 monocytes as demonstrated by the generation of amidase activity against a tcu-PA-specific fluorogenic substrate. By activating scu-PA, EGF-BP may initiate u-PA-dependent cell surface proteolysis and therefore enhance EGF activities that require cellular migration and/or tissue remodeling.
Amide exchange rates in Escherichia coli acyl carrier protein: Correlation with protein structure and dynamics

The acyl carrier protein (ACP) of Escherichia coli is a 77-amino acid, highly negatively charged three-helix protein that plays a central role in fatty acid biosynthesis. Previous NMR studies have suggested the presence of multiple conformations and marginally stable secondary structural elements. The stability of these elements is now examined by monitoring amide exchange in apo-ACP using NMR-based methods. Because ACP exhibits many rapid exchange rates, application of traditional isotope exchange methods is difficult. In one approach, heteronuclear correlation experiments with pulsed field-gradient coherence selection have reduced the time needed to collect two-dimensional 1H-15N correlation spectra to the point where measurement of exchange of amide protons for deuterium on the timescale of minutes can be made. In another approach, water proton selective inversion-exchange experiments were performed to estimate the exchange rates of protons exchanging on timescales of less than a second. Backbone amide protons in the region of helix II were found to exchange significantly more rapidly than those in helices I and III, consistent with earlier structural models suggesting a dynamic disruption of the second helix. Highly protected amides occur on faces of the helices that may pack into a hydrophobic core present in a partially disrupted state.
Catalysis of gasification of coal-derived cokes and chars

Abstract Calcium is the most important in-situ catalyst for gasification of US coal chars in O2, CO2 and H2O. It is a poor catalyst for gasification of chars by H2. Potassium and sodium added to low-rank coals by ion exchange and high-rank coals by impregnation are excellent catalysts for char gasification in O2, CO2 and H2O. Carbon monoxide inhibits catalysis of the CH2O reaction by calcium, potassium and sodium; H2 inhibits catalysis by calcium. Thus injection of synthesis gas into the gasifier will inhibit the CH2O reaction. Iron is not an important catalyst for the gasification of chars in O2, CO2 and H2O, because it is invariably in the oxidized state. Carbon monoxide disproportionates to deposit carbon from a dry synthesis gas mixture (3 vol H2 + 1 vol CO) over potassium-, sodium- and iron-loaded lignite char and a raw bituminous coal char, high in pyrite, at 1123 K and 0.1 MPa pressure. The carbon is highly reactive, with the injection of 2.7 kPa H2O to the synthesis gas resulting in net carbon gasification. The effect of traces of sulphur in the gas stream on catalysis of gasification or carbon-forming reactions by calcium, potassium, or sodium is not well understood at present. Traces of sulphur do, however, inhibit catalysis by iron.
User grouping and scheduling for large scale MIMO systems with two-stage precoding

In this paper, we consider the design of user grouping and scheduling for large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) frequency-division-duplexing (FDD) systems. Based on a recently proposed two-stage precoding framework, we first propose an improved K-means user grouping scheme which allocates the users to different pre-beamforming groups using the second-order channel statistics, and then a user grouping scheme that considers both load balancing and precoding design. After user groups are so determined, we present a dynamic user scheduling scheme where second-stage precoding is designed based on instantaneous channel conditions. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed schemes through simulations.
Herpetic croup: two case reports and a review of the literature

Croup is an acute infectious illness usually occurring in children; it is characterized by brassy cough and stridor. The main pathogens include mainly parainfluenza and influenza viruses. Recently there have been reports of prolonged croup caused by the herpes simplex viruses. We report two cases of prolonged croup due to herpes simplex types 1 and 2. We also review and summarize the reported pediatric cases of herpetic croup.
FRACTURE OF THICK-WALLED CYLINDERS SUBJECTED TO TRANSIENT THERMAL STRESSES

In this paper, the fracture problem of a thick cylinder subjected to transient thermal stresses is considered. The problem has practical significance in the conventional and nuclear power industries where the structural integrity of components may be damaged due to sudden temperature changes. Neglecting the inertia effects, the thermal fracture problem is uncoupled. First the thermal stresses in a thick cylinder due to a sudden change in temperature are computed separately as a function of time. Then, these stresses are used as external loads in analyzing the fracture of a thick cylinder. The assumed crack, may be an inner edge crack, outer edge crack or an embedded crack. Extensive results are obtained by varying the parameters of the problems. The main parameters affecting fracture are identified and the results are discussed in some detail.
A curriculum for adolescent mothers: An evaluation

One hundred and four indigent, pregnant adolescents were selected to evaluate the effect of a prenatal education curriculum presented in a maternity clinic. Adolescent mothers were visited 6 months postpartum to test which short-term, intermediate, and long-term curriculum content items were accurately and effectively retained. Success of the curriculum was evaluated by a trained social worker in the girls' home to ascertain how these content areas were reflected in the adolescent mother's behavior. Short-term matter-child health-care compliance content showed a high degree of success. Intermediate child-rearing content techniques often did not lead to appropriate behavior six months after the baby was born. Long-term educational and vocational performance content did not demonstrate effective long-term retention. Technical aspects of child-rearing, even when deliberately presented by health educators, did not appear to be easily applied in the extended family setting, and long-term goals seemed inconsistent with the adolescent's behavior.
A Charge-Diffusion-Filtration Model for Endothelial Surface Glycocalyx

Endothelial surface glycocalyx plays an important role in the regulation of microvessel permeability by possibly changing its charge and configuration. To investigate the mechanisms of how surface properties of the endothelial cells control the changes in microvessel permeability, we extended the electrodiffusion model developed by Fu et al. (Am. J. Physiol. 284:H1240-1250, 2003), which is for the interendothelial cleft with a negatively charged surface glycocalyx layer, to include the filtration due to hydrostatic and oncotic pressures across the microvessel wall as well as the electrical potential across the glycocalyx layer. On the basis of the hypotheses proposed by Curry (Microcirculation 1(1): 11–26, 1994), the predictions from this electrodiffusion-filtration model provide a remarkably good agreement with experimental data for permeability of negatively charged α-lactalbumin summarized in Curry (Microcirculation 1(1): 11–26, 1994) under various conditions. In addition, we applied this new model to describe the transport of negatively charged macromolecules, bovine serum albumin (BSA), across venular microvessels in frog mesentery. A very interesting prediction is that the convective component of albumin transport is greatly diminished by the presence of a negatively charged glycocalyx under both normal and increased permeability conditions.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Transesterification of canola oil catalyzed by nanopowder calcium oxide

Abstract Two types of commercial nanopowder calcium oxides, a higher surface area (HSA nano-CaO) and moderate surface area (nano-CaO) were studied for the transesterification of canola oil. The effect of reaction temperature, catalyst/oil weight ratio, and methanol/oil molar ratio on the reaction performance was investigated. The results show that nanopowder CaOs possess high activity due to their larger BET surface areas. At 65 °C, 99.85% biodiesel yield was obtained at 2 h when 3 wt.% of the nano-CaO catalyst was used with 9:1 methanol/oil molar ratio. The required catalyst/oil weight ratio to achieve the same yield under the same conditions was 10 times less for the HSA-nano-CaO catalyst. In contrast, only 88.59% and 16.23% yield were obtained for calcium methoxide (Ca(OCH 3 ) 2 ) and laboratory-grade CaO, respectively. A Langmuir–Hinshelwood model-based reaction mechanism was proposed for nano-CaO catalyzed transesterification reaction. The reaction was assumed to be first order with respect to triglyceride. The apparent reaction constants, apparent activation energy and pre-exponential factors have been calculated based on experimental data. Nanopowder CaOs were capable of being used without significant deactivation for 10 cycles. A slight drop in activity was ascribed to a combination of surface area loss from particle aggregation, the formation of Ca(OCH 3 ) 2 , CaCO 3, a Ca-glycerin complex, and adsorbed CO 2 on the catalyst surface. Particle size did not have any effect on the amount of Ca leaching but leaching did increase with longer reaction time especially at higher catalyst loadings. Increasing the methanol/oil molar ratio increased Ca leaching in the glycerol-rich phase and decreased Ca leaching in the biodiesel-rich phase.
ENHANCING NUTRIENT RETENTION IN TROPICAL TREE PLANTATIONS: NO SHORT CUTS

In the humid tropics large quantities of nutrients can be rapidly leached when the soil is unprotected by actively growing vegetation. We established experimental plan- tations of three indigenous tree species on a fertile Andisol in Costa Rica and managed them under 1- or 4-year cutting cycles with uncut stands as controls. Our goals were to test whether nutrient leaching was greatest under a regime of frequent disturbances that returned modest amounts of biomass to the soil surface (cutting and replanting on a 1-yr cycle) or less frequent disturbances that returned significantly greater amounts of plant tissues to the soil (cutting and replanting on a 4-yr cycle), and to compare those cutting cycles with nutrient leaching from uncut stands. Leaching of NO3 (over 9 yr), Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ (over 4 yr) from upper soil horizons was monitored. Water balance was determined by linking Penman-Monteith evaporation with changes in soil water storage modeled from soil physical parameters. Drainage water for solute measurement was sampled from porous ceramic cups at 1.1 m depth in the soil. Disturbance frequency proved to be an important determinant of NO3- leaching. Average long-term NO3- leaching losses from stands on a 1-yr cutting cycle were extraordinarily large: 442 mmol_-m-2.yr-1 (62 kg-ha-1.yr-1 of N), compared to 187 mmolc.m-2.yr-1 under a 4-yr cutting cycle and 71 mmolc.m-2.yr-1 from uncut stands. Elevated NO3- leaching was primarily due to increased concentration in the soil solution (rather than increased water drainage), because cutting usually resulted in a reduction of <10% in evapotranspiration. Resilience of stands decreased with continued disturbance; under a 4-yr cutting cycle, stands tended to take longer to return to the low levels of NO3- leaching characteristic of undis- turbed stands with each episode of cutting and replanting, while NO3- losses from annually cut stands became increasingly variable over time. Due to high concentrations of soil Ca at the site, the stands proved resistant to treatment-induced losses of base cations: no increases in Ca2+ or Mg2+ leaching accompanied elevated NO3- leaching, although K+ leaching did increase under the 1-yr cutting cycle. Because of the potential for massive, sustained NO3- losses, development of land use systems for these soils should focus on minimizing frequency of disturbance.
HERDING CATS: training students in customer service, assisting faculty and facilitating trainers for various technical levels

Our challenge in the lab group at the University of Richmond is to collectively train approximately 85 students to work in five academic computing labs housed in five different buildings across campus. This program is designed to train student lab assistants at a variety of knowledge and skill levels, using a range of content transfer strategies (online, written, traditional instruction).
Secondary Standards of Ar i and Hg 198 i in the Near Infrared

A final report is given on wavelength measurements in air of eleven lines of Ar i and three of Hg198i in the near infrared, for use as secondary standards. Measurements of a preliminary character on three other lines are also included. These measurements have been made in the course of several years’ time by means of a corner-reflector interferometer of the Michelson type with reversible fringe counter and static fringe interpolator.
Counting people from multiple cameras

We are interested in the content analysis of video from a collection of spatially distant cameras viewing a single environment. We address the task of counting the number of different people walking through such an environment, which requires that the system can identify which observations from different cameras show the same person. Our system achieves this by combining visual appearance matching with mutual content constraints between the cameras. We present results from a system with four very different camera views that counts people walking through and around a research lab.
MIMO frequency selective channel estimation using aperiodic complementary sets of sequences

Accurate estimation of MIMO frequency selective fading channels is important for reliable communication. In this paper, a new channel estimation scheme which relies on uncorrelated aperiodic complementary sets of sequences is proposed. Theoretical analysis and Monte-Carlo simulation show that the estimator achieves the minimum possible Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB). Furthermore, low-complexity algorithms for both ASIC/FPGA and DSP implementations are provided, using the special structure of the uncorrelated aperiodic complementary sets of sequences
Spiky sea clutter at low grazing angles and high range resolutions

X-band (9.5-10.0 GHz) backscatter at near grazing incidence (0.2 deg) from the sea off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii was measured with a radar characterized by a high spatial resolution in range (0.3 m) and a high temporal resolution (2000 Hz PRF). Extensive amounts (over 1200 s per measurement) of vertically and horizontally polarized sea clutter data were taken for upwind and crosswind transmit geometries. Each type of data was analyzed over time scales varying from long (200 s), to intermediate (5 s), to short (50 ms), and over range swaths varying from full (160 m), to intermediate (30 m), to short (an individual range cell, 0.3 m). The different types of data each exhibited the spiky behavior which has come to be expected from sea backscatter observed at low grazing angles and high range resolutions, while showing, between themselves, marked transmit geometry and polarization dependent contrasts, with the horizontally polarized, upwind sea clutter being especially notable for its frequently occurring, significant high frequency spectral content.
An Empowerment Model of Counsellor Education.

The purpose of this article is to apply an empowerment model of counselling to counsellor education programs, describing how the critical components of empowerment can be infused into counsellor education curriculum.
Women's friendships under urbanization: A Malaysian study

Abstract One of the less visible but often serious adaptations for women under urbanization is finding support in the form of friendships with other women. This paper draws on fieldwork by the author to consider the friendship issue for a sample of white-collar women in urban Malaysia and, in particular, to address the questions: How do white-collar women make friendships with other women in the city? How are the friendships maintained? How do the friendships contribute to women's successful survival in the city? Given ethnicity as a generally important influence on the lives of urban Malaysians, some particular attention is paid differences in friendship experience according to ethnic background, but it is also suggested that occupation makes a difference, that the friendship experience of white-collar women differs in important respects from that of women in other occupations.
Adoring the Saints: Fiestas in Central Mexico

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Yolanda Lastra, Dina Sherzer, and Joel Sherzer Year: 2009 Pages: 208 Publisher: University of Texas Press ISBN: 978-0-292-71980-4 (hard cover).