cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neighborhood green, social support, physical activity, and stress: Assessing the cumulative impact

We estimate the cumulative stress mitigating impact of neighborhood greenness by investigating whether neighborhood green mitigates stress directly, and indirectly by encouraging physical activity and/or fostering social support. Using data from a recent community health survey in Chicago and two-stage instrumental variables regression modeling, we find that different components of neighborhood green play distinct roles in influencing stress. Park spaces are found to indirectly mitigate stress by fostering social support. Overall neighborhood vegetation is found to have direct stress mitigation impact, yet the impact is counteracted by its negative effect on social support. When comparing the effect size, park spaces show a more positive impact on health and well-being than the overall neighborhood vegetation level. Policy makers are recommended to focus on creating structured green spaces with public recreation and socialization opportunities rather than simply conserving green spaces in the neighborhood. Previous studies, as they often investigate the direct impact only and rarely use multiple measures of greenness, may have mis-estimated health benefits of neighborhood green.
RESTORATION OF INACTIVATION AND BLOCK OF OPEN SODIUM CHANNELS BY AN INACTIVATION GATE PEPTIDE

Abstract Inactivation of sodium channels terminates the sodium current responsible for initiation of action potentials in excitable cells. A hydrophobic sequence (isoleucine-phenylalanine-methionine, IFM), located in the inactivation gate segment connecting homologous domains III and IV of the sodium channel a subunit, is required for fast inactivation. A synthetic peptide containing the IFM sequence (acetyl-KIFMK-amide) restores fast inactivation to mutant sodium channels having a defective inactivation gate and to wild-type sodium channels having inactivation slowed by a-scorpion toxin. This peptide also competes with the intrinsic inactivation particle and binds to and blocks open sodium channels in a voltage-and frequency-dependent manner. A peptide (acetylKIQMK-amide) containing a mutation that prevents fast inactivation is not effective in restoring inactivation or in blocking open sodium channels. The results support the hypothesis that the sequence IFM serves as the inactivation particle of the sodium channel and suggest that it enters the intracellular mouth of the pore and occludes it during the process of inactivation.
An analysis of a vibratory angular-rate gyroscope using polarized piezoceramic bimorph plates. Part 2: solution procedure for the gyroscope with superposed angular velocity

Abstract The variational equations derived in Part 1 of this work are extended to include the superposed angular velocity by means of the Coriolis effect. The resulting equations enable a semi-analytic treatment for the calculation of the dynamic characteristics of a vibratory angular-rate gyroscope composed of small piezoceramic bimorphs arranged in the shape of one half of a single tuning fork; use of mirror symmetries of that basic shape allows the construction of an H-shaped tuning fork gyroscope. The calculations are performed at the resonant frequency of the fundamental flexural mode. The dimensions of a typical half of a tuning fork shape structure considered in this work are approximately 2.6 mm ×0.88 mm ×0.16 mm , which has fundamental natural frequencies ranging between 5 and 8 kHz , and can measure rotation-rates at least as high as 40 RPM . In order to have greater sensitivity it is necessary to have simultaneously large amplitudes of vibration in both the actuating and sensing modes. On account of this the two forced vibration problems are solved only at the matched first natural frequency of the fundamental flexural mode, which is obtained from the eigenanalysis that enables the selection of geometry for the frequencies to be matched.
Crystal Structures of Neutral Cobalt(III) Complexes: Common Hydrogen-Bonding Patterns Observed in Compounds of Different Molecular Structures

Crystal structure determinations of coordination compounds of the type Co(L)X3, where L is diethylenetriamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, or N-(2-aminoethyl)-N‘-methyl-1,3-propanediamine and X is CN-, Cl-, or CH3CO2- and of the type Co(L)(NO2)2Y, where L is N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine and Y is CN- or CH3-, reveal that they all display the same type of intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form two-dimensional packing structures. Differences in the local geometries of the compounds do not have a significant effect on the major interactions between molecules. As a result of the same type of intermolecular interactions, centrosymmetric, polar, and enantiomorphic packing structures are formed, implying that crystallization modes of these type of compounds are not dictated by a specific interaction between molecules.
Microbial Characterization of an Experimental Cariogenic Plaque in Man

Experimentally induced plaque seemed to originate by direct contact inoculation from the vestibular mucosa and saliva. During the next seven days, this plaque developed its own characteristics. Populations of Streptococcus mutans, usually less than 2% of total streptococci population in plaques that were less than three days old, increased between days 3 and 7. Proportions of S sanguis, high in early samples, decreased after day 3. Populations of S salivarius, which usually outnumbered other streptococci, fluctuated widely through day 3, and then increased in proportion in subjects who were more productive of experimental caries, but decreased in subjects who were less productive. Proportions of plaque flora comprising lactobacilli paralleled those of S salivarius.
Interpersonal Processes of Care Survey: Patient‐Reported Measures for Diverse Groups

Objective To create a patient-reported, multidimensional physician/patient interpersonal processes of care (IPC) instrument appropriate for patients from diverse racial/ethnic groups that allows reliable, valid, and unbiased comparisons across these groups.
Whole genome sequencing indicates Corynebacterium jeikeium comprises 4 separate genomospecies and identifies a dominant genomospecies among clinical isolates

Corynebacterium jeikeium is an opportunistic pathogen which has been noted for significant genomic diversity. The population structure within this species remains poorly understood. Here, we explore the relationships among 15 clinical isolates of C. jeikeium (reference strains K411 and ATCC 43734, and 13 primary isolates collected over a period of 7 years) through genetic, genomic, and phenotypic studies. We report a high degree of divergence among strains based on 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and rpoB gene sequence analysis, supporting the presence of genetically distinct subgroups. Whole genome sequencing indicates genomic-level dissimilarity among subgroups, which qualify as four separate and distinct Corynebacterium species based on an average nucleotide identity (ANIb) threshold of <95%. Functional distinctions in antibiotic susceptibilities and metabolic profiles characterize two of these genomospecies, allowing their differentiation from others through routine laboratory testing. The remaining genomospecies can be classified through a biphasic approach integrating phenotypic testing and rpoB gene sequencing. The genomospecies predominantly recovered from patient specimens does not include either of the existing C. jeikeium reference strains, implying that studies of this pathogen would benefit from examination of representatives from the primary disease-causing group. The clinically dominant genomospecies also has the smallest genome size and gene repertoire, suggesting the possibility of increased virulence relative to the other genomospecies. The ability to classify isolates to one of the four C. jeikeium genomospecies in a clinical context provides diagnostic information for tailoring antimicrobial therapy and may aid in identification of species-specific disease associations.
Laser ablation of sodium nitrate: NO desorption following excitation of the π−π* band of the nitrate anion

Abstract We have studied the laser desorption of NO from single crystal sodium nitrate following pulsed laser excitation of theπ* ← π2 absorption band localized on the nitrate anion. The excitation laser irradiance is maintained at low levels (
Comparison of some suggested anticariogenic compounds in the rat.

SummaryThe effectiveness of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, sodium fluorostannite, sodium oxalate, and sodium N-palmitoyl sarcosinate was compared in their ability to reduce experimental dental caries in the rat. Only fluorides resulted in less dental caries, while stannous fluoride and sodium fluorostannite were significantly different from controls. Sodium fluoride and sarcosinate fed together had no effect on the caries rate.
Series equivalent circuit representation of SiO2Si interface and oxide trap states

Abstract The small-signal frequency response of silicon dioxide-silicon interface and oxide trap states has been investigated and interpreted using a series R-C equivalent circuit model instead of the commonly used parallel R-C equivalent circuit model. It is shown that the series equivalent circuit model is advantageous in extracting the time constants of the oxide traps located in the silicon dioxide layer from experimental data and allows a determination of the spatial extension of the oxide traps. Comparisons of a two-step model, consisting of the Shockley-Read-Hall transition between the band and the interface states and the elastic tunneling transition between the interface and oxide trap states, with experimental data are given to illustrate the range of experimental data required to evaluate an unique set of tunneling and SRH parameters.
Cutaneous involvement of multiple myeloma and extramedullary plasmacytoma

We recently performed a retrospective clinicopathologic study of five patients with cutaneous involvement of multiple myeloma or extramedullary plasmacytoma. Cutaneous nodules without extension from an underlying bony focus of disease developed in each case. In two cases skin lesions occurred in the more common setting of advanced disease, but in two others skin lesions provided early clues to the diagnosis. In three patients the appearance of skin lesions heralded a rapidly deteriorating clinical course, but two other patients had reasonably long survivals despite cutaneous disease (6 and 3 years, respectively). Two histopathologic configurations were identified in cutaneous lesions: nodular and infiltrative. Both patients with the latter form had multiple myeloma. In all cases tumor cells were pyroninophilic. Immunoperoxidase studies on fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues confirmed the electrophoretic findings in two cases, but findings were equivocal in three others. In one case, cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen, and in another, α 1 -antichymotrypsin-positive cells were observed in the centers of tumor islands. Cutaneous involvement with plasma cell neoplasms is recognized infrequently. Immunohistochemical techniques may prove to be valuable in evaluating these cases, but they are not without technical and interpretative difficulties.
Use of Individual Feed Records in a Selection Program for Egg Production Efficiency.II. Effectiveness of Different Selection Indexes

Abstract Individual records on feed consumption, body weight, and egg mass from 4909 pedigreed Single Comb White Leghorns in two populations, Q and R, were used in the construction of selection indexes. The primary focus was on the difference between indexes with and without records on individual feed consumption. The results, averaged over the two populations, indicate that use of information on individual feed consumption is expected to increase income over feed costs by 17% with truncation selection of the top 38% of the population. If, however, the relevant parameter estimates of genetic correlations of feed consumption with other traits are used rather than the actual feed consumption records in the selection index, the expected increase of income over feed costs remains unchanged. A comparison of the results of the two populations revealed significant differences in the relative advantage of one index over another. This emphasizes the importance of reliable estimations of population parameters needed to construct the indexes.
Insulin resistance in prepubertal African-American and Hispanic girls with premature adrenarche: a risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract Recently, the modest hyperandrogenism of premature adrenarche has been linked to the more severe hyperandrogenism of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The presence of hyperandrogenism, obesity, acanthosis nigricans, hyperinsulinism and reduced insulin sensitivity in girls with premature adrenarche and in women with PCOS suggests that the two conditions might have a common mechanism. As the early appearance of pubic hair might be the first presentation of hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, these girls should have continued
Curvature effects in the buckling of symmetrically-laminated rectangular plates with transverse shear deformation

Abstract It is shown that the effect of stress discontinuities from ply-to-ply must be taken into account when curvature terms are included along with shear deformation in the buckling analysis of rectangular, symmetrically-laminated plates. Such ply-stress discontinuities lead to curvature terms in the governing equations which differ considerably from those derived for homogeneous plates. Critical buckling loads are determined for orthotropic laminates subjected to biaxial inplane loading and for cylindrical bending of anisotropic plates subjected to uniaxial compression loading. Simply-supported boundary conditions are considered in conjunction with the rectangular, orthotropic laminate, while simply-supported and clamped boundaries are considered for the case of cylindrical bending of anisotropic plates. Numerical results indicate that the curvature terms have little effect on critical buckling loads for the laminates investigated. The effect of transverse shear deformation is shown to depend on the degree of boundary constraint, laminate stacking geometry, and inplane load ratio.
Tonsil-like esophageal lymphoid structures of boid snakes

Abstract On routine post-mortem evaluation two Burmese Pythons and two Reticulated Pythons were found to have grossly visible, red, ovoid structures lining the esophageal folds. On histologic examination these structures were seen as tonsil-like lymphoid aggregates composed predominately of lymphocytes with a moderate number of plasma cells and Russell bodies lying in a dense connective tissue matrix rich in blood vessels. The aggregates were located immediately below an infolded mucous epithelium; in several areas lymphocytes infiltrated the epithelial layer. Histologic differences between the mucous epithelium in the center of these tonsil-like structures compared to the periphery were noted. The frequency and distribution of these structures were determined for five boid species.
Microcomputers and the university computer center

Because of current trends in the pricing of computer components, the makeup of the typical computer system is changing radically. Instead of large, multi-user systems built around a single CPU, there is a trend toward single user, dedicated application, and small timesharing systems. The computer center must take an active role in this transition by recognizing and supporting areas in which microcomputers are being introduced.I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Jane Wolin, Head of Programming of the CCIS, in developing the ideas expressed in this paper.
Evolving communication patterns in response to an acquisition event

This study uses network data of worker behavior to analyze changes in worker communication patterns during the first three years post-acquisition. The findings suggest that new communication routines develop slowly and are not entirely enduring even when a transformative event, such as an acquisition, occurs. Communication across firms initially increases as workers change their routines. However, over time this communication peaks and then falls as workers develop common ground. Communication across firms was greater when workers' tasks were interdependent. Overall, this study demonstrates that communication routines persist even after an organizationally transforming event. It illustrates the importance of both the formal and informal organization as well as the promise of using social network methods and communication log data to study social phenomena of strategic interest. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Sex on Raters' Accountability

The effects of sex (rater and ratee) on raters' accountability in the context of performance appraisal were investigated. The 130 participating undergraduates (men and women) rated a fictitious male or female's performance on a clerical task subsequent to receiving self-assessment information. As expected, raters' knowledge of a high self-assessment was followed by significantly higher performance ratings than after knowledge of a low self-assessment. Contrary to expectations, no differences were found for either raters' or ratees' sex. The results suggest that the sex of the rater or ratee is not associated with raters' accountability.
ABHD5/CGI-58 facilitates the assembly and secretion of apolipoprotein B lipoproteins by McA RH7777 rat hepatoma cells.

Lipolysis of stored triacylglycerols provides lipid precursors for the assembly of apolipoprotein B (apoB) lipoproteins in hepatocytes. Abhydrolase domain containing 5 (ABHD5) is expressed in liver and facilitates the lipolysis of triacylglycerols. To study the function of ABHD5 in lipoprotein secretion, we silenced the expression of ABHD5 in McA RH7777 cells using RNA interference and studied the metabolism of lipids and secretion of apoB lipoproteins. McA RH7777 cells deficient in ABHD5 secreted reduced amounts of apoB, triacylglycerols, and cholesterol esters. Detailed analysis of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data for the molecular species of secreted triacylglycerols revealed that deficiency of ABHD5 significantly reduced secretion of triacylglycerols containing oleate, even when oleate was supplied in the culture medium; the ABHD5-deficient cells partially compensated by secreting higher levels of triacylglycerols containing saturated fatty acids. In experiments tracking the metabolism of [ 14 C]oleate, silencing of ABHD5 reduced lipolysis of cellular triacylglycerols and incorporation of intermediates derived from stored lipids into secreted triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters. In contrast, the incorporation of exogenous oleate into secreted triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters was unaffected by deficiency of ABHD5. These findings suggest that ABHD5 facilitates the use of lipid intermediates derived from lipolysis of stored triacylglycerols for the assembly of lipoproteins.
Thermal Management of the Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Core Optical Fiber for Use in Hybrid Solar Lighting

This work is part of a team effort to develop a hybrid solar lighting (HSL) system that transports day light from a paraboloidal dish concentrator to a luminaire via a large core polymer fiber optic. For example, the luminaire can be a device to distribute sunlight into a space or it can be a device that is a combination of day lighting and florescent lighting. In this project, the sunlight is collected using a one-meter paraboloidal concentrator dish with two-axis tracking. The secondary mirror consists of eight planar-segmented mirrors that direct the visible part of the spectrum to eight fibers (receiver) and subsequently to eight luminaires. This results in about 8,200 lumens incident at each fiber tip. This paper is concerned with predicting the radial and axial temperature distribution in the entrance region of the fiber in light transmission. Thermal management is especially important because when PMA-core optical fibers are used in light transmitting systems, the core of the optical fiber is prone to thermal degradation due to the heating effect of the infrared spectrum. Thermal degradation of the fiber core can cause fiber aging, reduce the life-time of the fiber from years to months, increase the attenuation in the short visible region (in the 400 ∼ 470 nm) and can soften the PMA core making it susceptable to damage. In order to ensure the thermal degradation free operation of plastic optical fibers, an economical and viable solution has to be found. The solution should keep the light loss at minimum at the expense of its implementation. Several filtering techniques have been investigated to minimize the effect of IR portion of the solar spectrum at the fiber entrance tip surface as well as the whole-spectrum absorption of solar energy inside the fiber. According to the analysis results, the use of fused quartz glass attachment was proven to be cheaper, more cost effective and feasible among other proposed solutions. Depending on the mirror/filter specifications, the first 8 mm of the fiber was found to be critical based on 5 m/s air speed across the lateral surface of fiber. Modes of heat transfer taken into account included thermal conduction, convection and radiation on the first 5 cm of the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) core and Teflon-FEP cladding fiber. A case-basis comparison was made with the experimental result.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Human skeletal and dental remains from Lapita sites (1600–500 B.C.) in the Mussau Islands, Melanesia

The Lapita Cultural Complex, radiometrically dated to between 3,600 and 2,500 B.P., is regarded on archaeological evidence as ancestral to modern Austronesian-speaking cultures of eastern Melanesia and Polynesia. To date, there has been a lack of human skeletal and dental material from Lapita sites; thus, the present sample from Mussau Island, although small, offers an opportunity to present some preliminary observations of their importance to Oceanic prehistory. The present analysis, based mainly on teeth, suggests that the Mussau Island Lapita people had slightly closer affinities with Indonesian than with Melanesian populations. These results correspond well with linguistic and archaeological evidence regarding the origin of the Lapita Cultural Complex.
New Faulting and the Attenuation of Fault Displacement

Since the 19509s, intense scrutiny of the siting for critical facilities (nuclear power plants, dams, nuclear waste repositories, etc.) has spurred detailed field investigations of faults located at or near proposed facility sites. Over the past three decades, hundreds of reports on seismic risk and surface fault hazards have been produced based on a traditional interpretation of faults observed in natural or man-made exposures. Alternative interpretations for some of these faults may be appropriate in light of two phenomena which have received comparatively little attention: 1) new faulting, and 2) attenuation of fault displacement during an earthquake. Failure to consider these basic phenomena may have undermined the foundation for many of the Quaternary fault studies and derivative earthquake hazard assessments produced in the last three decades. Recognition of these phenomena will have potentially important impacts on virtually every branch of earthquake hazard assessment, including estimates of earthquake recurrence intervals, earthquake magnitudes, maximum single-event displacement, surface faulting hazard, and dating of fault movements.
Humans, Animals, and Play: Theorizing Interaction When Intersubjectivity is Problematic*

Simmel (1949) argues that humans have an “impulse” toward sociability, defined as noninstrumental, playful association that is enjoyed as an end in itself. While sociability as conceived of by Simm...
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and the MCMI-II:

This study investigated the MCMI-II profile characteristics of 39 veterans diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Characteristics of the mean group profile were similar to prior findings reported in the literature on the MCMI and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with highest mean elevations found on the Avoidant, Passive-Aggressive, Schizoid, and Antisocial basic personality scales, the Borderline and Schizotypal pathological personality scales, and with elevations on the Anxiety, Dysthymia, Alcohol Dependence, Drug Dependence, and Major Depression clinical syndrome scales. A multivariate analysis of variance comparing the group with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with a non-PTSD comparison group of 39 on the basic personality, pathological personality, and the clinical syndrome scales of the MCMI-II was not statistically significant. Nonetheless, univariate analyses of variance comparing the two groups on the individual modifier scales and the individual personality and clinical syndrome scales of the...
The Intergovernmental Fiscal Effects of the Clean Air Act

The impacts of air quality regulations under the Clean Air Act extend beyond directly regulated polluting industries; these regulations also affect the tax bases of local governments. To assess the local fiscal effects of nonattainment regulations under the Clean Air Act, this article analyzes revenue data spanning twenty years for counties throughout the entire United States. Attainment status for ozone, total suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter smaller than 10 μm (PM10), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) is found to affect local governments' own source or property tax revenues. Nonattainment for these criteria pollutants results in regulations focusing on local industries. These findings indicate declining revenues in ozone, TSP, and PM10 nonattainment areas and suggest suppression of growth during the nonattainment period for SO2.
Stent placement versus angioplasty for hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplant: a meta-analysis of case series

Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) is a serious complication of liver transplantation but data on the most effective endovascular management are lacking. We aimed to compare percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PBA) with stent placement. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Biosis Previews between 1970 and December 2011 and performed meta-analysis of short-term (procedural success, complications) and long-term outcomes (liver function, arterial patency, survival, re-intervention, re-transplantation). Random effects models were used for the analysis and meta-regression performed for the year of study. A total of 263 liver transplants in 257 patients [age 43 (±8) years] underwent 147 PBAs and 116 stents. Transplanted livers were from deceased donors in 240 (91 %). Follow-up was 1 month to 4.5 years (median 17 months). PBA and stent had similar procedural success (89 % vs. 98 %), complications (16 % vs. 19 %), normal liver function tests (80 % vs. 68 %), arterial patency (76 % vs. 68 %), survival (80 % vs. 82 %), and requirement for re-intervention (22 % vs. 25 %) or re-transplantation (20 % vs. 24 %) (P non-significant). In the most recent studies re-transplantation was reported less compared to older series (P = 0.04). Both PBA and stent offer comparable results for HAS. These techniques have contributed to a recent decline in re-transplantation. • Interventional radiological procedures are often used to treat post-transplant hepatic artery stenosis. • Meta-analysis shows that percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent placement are both efficacious. • Percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent placement appear to have similar complication rates. • Re-transplantation rates have declined, partly due to interventional management for arterial stenosis.
Interface displacement for transient pulses in viscoelastic media

Abstract We investigate the problem of the displacement of the interface between two linear viscoelastic media under the influence of a transient incident pulse. An exact solution is given for the case when the incident signal is a Dirac delta-function, while asymptotic expressions are developed for a more complicated case. It is shown that the interface displacement may differ greatly in form from the incident signal.
Comparison of template-property changes after salt extraction of avian erythrocyte and liver chromatin.

An analysis was made of the induced changes in template properties of mature erythrocyte and liver chromatin which occur after extraction with 0.1 to 2.0 M NaCl pH 8.0. DNA-bound proteins soluble in acid at pH 1.0 and in phenol at pH 9.0 were identified by disc gel electrophoresis. Purified histones were added during the extraction regime to assess endogenous proteolytic activity and to serve as internal markers. Removal of proteins by 0.4 M NaCl from either chromatin resulted in little or no change in original template activity, solubility and thermal denaturation properties. Significant changes in these parameters were observed after extraction with NaCl 0.6 M. For liver chromatin, template activity and thermal melting properties gradually approached those of deproteinized DNA. The largest change occurred after the extraction of non-histone proteins which are not removed during 2.0-M NaCl treatment. In contrast, the largest single change in erythrocyte template properties occurred with 0.6-M NaCl treatment. At this salt concentration, erythrocyte template availability was the same as for liver chromatin. The only major component extracted was the erythrocyte specific histone, V or f2c. Annealing studies using saturating amounts of labelled RNA synthesized from the various types of chromatin confirmed the template activity studies. More of the DNA in chromatin appears to be transcribed as chromatin is extracted with increasingly higher concentrations of salt, with little indication that reassociation of protein and loss of transcripts occurs. Pre-saturation competition studies using [3H]RNA synthesized from 0.6-M and 2.0-M salt-extracted chromatin indicates that histones are probably more important for maintaining the highly restricted template of the mature erythrocyte chromatin than for the more active template of liver chromatin.
Noetherian properties in monoid rings

Abstract Let R be a commutative unitary ring and let M be a commutative monoid. The monoid ring R [ M ] is considered as an M -graded ring where the homogeneous elements of degree s are the elements of the form aX s , a ∈ R , s ∈ M . If each homogeneous ideal of R [ M ] is finitely generated, we say R [ M ] is gr-Noetherian. We denote the set of homogeneous prime ideals of R [ M ] by h-Spec( R [ M ]). Results are given which illuminate the difference between the Noetherian and gr-Noetherian conditions on a monoid ring, and also the difference between Spec( R [ M ]) being Noetherian and h-Spec( R [ M ]) being Noetherian. Applications include a variation of the Mori–Nagata theorem and some results on group rings which are ZD-rings, Laskerian rings or N-rings.
Airway obstruction due to arytenoid prolapse in a child

In paediatric patients, obstruction of the upper airway is still a common problem during general anaesthesia. This case report documents the susceptibility of arytenoids to prolapse in paediatric patients during halothane anaesthesia. The use of video endoscopy provides an excellent tool for visualizing this type of airway obstruction; and continuous positive airway pressure is an effective treatment for clearing the airway.
Unveiling Hidden Patterns to Find Social Relevance

Twitter is both a useful social networking device and an incredible marketing tool. However, it is also a venue for dangerous stalkers and a sub-world of internet users that most people would intuitively avoid if seeing them in real life. It would improve Twitter's safety to have filters available which would allow users to select an audience for their status updates without being forced into changing their profiles to a private setting. The hypothetical filter, or model, studied in this paper was based on two particular attributes: activity correlations and vocabulary similarities between users and followers. If implemented, this model would restrict the availability of status updates to an automatically generated group of socially relevant followers. The result of this study shows that both of the attributes can be used to define social relevance, however, it was found that activity patterns have better predictive capabilities than correlating vocabulary usage between users and followers.
Efficient determination of low-frequency normal modes of large protein structures by cluster-NMA

Abstract The structure–function relationship is critical to understanding the biologically relevant functions of protein structures. Various experimental techniques and numerical modeling methods, normal mode analysis (NMA) in particular, have been employed to gain insight into this relationship. Experimental methods are often unable to provide all the desired information and comprehensive modeling techniques are often too computationally expensive. The authors build upon and optimize their cluster normal mode analysis (cNMA) tool, which uses embedded rigid-bodies and harmonic potentials to capture the biologically significant, low-frequency, oscillations of protein structures. cNMA represents atomic details with a scalable number of degrees-of-freedom, which can be chosen independent of structure size. This representation overcomes the otherwise quadratic order memory requirements and cubic order computational complexity associated with traditional all-atom NMA. cNMA is two orders of magnitude faster than traditional all-atom NMA when clustering by residue (very high resolution) and in the more traditional application using a fixed number of clusters, cNMA computationally scales as O ( n ) , which is two orders of complexity faster than all-atom NMA. cNMA is presented and very large example structures with up to 1 0 6 atoms are analyzed on a notebook PC in the time scale of minutes/hours. The resulting mode shapes help identify biologically significant, conformational pathways.
Moment of inertia of three‐dimensional models of the Earth

The axes of the maximum moment of inertia of recent three-dimensional models of the Earth deviate from the rotation axis by about one degree. This is at least a few orders of magnitude larger than the observed deviation. Simple analysis shows that this is related to the size of the (l=2,m = 1) component of density variations in the upper mantle, where l is the angular degree and m is the order of the spherical harmonics. An analytical formula for the deviation of the maximum moment of inertia is derived, which involves a radial integration of the (l=2,m=1) component of density. It is proposed that a new Earth model should be derived using this constraint.
The B56α Regulatory Subunit of Protein Phosphatase 2A Is a Target for Regulation by Double-Stranded RNA-Dependent Protein Kinase PKR

PKR is a cellular serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylates eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2alpha (eIF2alpha) to regulate protein synthesis. PKR also plays a role in the regulation of transcription, programmed cell death and the cell cycle, processes which likely involve other substrates. In a yeast two-hybrid screen, we isolated human protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit B56alpha as a PKR-interacting protein. The interaction between B56alpha and PKR was confirmed by in vitro binding assays as well as by in vivo coimmunoprecipitation, and this interaction is dependent on the catalytic activity of PKR. Moreover, recombinant B56alpha was efficiently phosphorylated by PKR in vitro and an isoelectric point shift in B56alpha was detected in extracts from cells induced with the PKR activator pIC. An in vitro dephosphorylation assay showed that when B56alpha was phosphorylated by PKR, the activity of PP2A trimeric holoenzyme was increased. A functional interaction between B56alpha and PKR was observed in cotransfection assays, where a B56alpha-mediated increase in luciferase expression was inhibited by cotransfection with wild-type PKR. This is likely due to a decreased level of eIF4E phosphorylation caused by an increase in PP2A activity following PKR phosphorylation of B56alpha. Taken together, our data indicate that PKR can modulate PP2A activity by phosphorylating B56alpha to regulate cellular activities.
Lamellar stacking in three-dimensional crystals of Ca(2+)-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum

Electron microscopy of multilamellar crystals of CA(2+)-ATPase currently offers the best opportunity for obtaining a high-resolution structure of this ATP-driven ion pump. Under certain conditions small, wormlike crystals are formed and provide views parallel to the lamellar plane, from which parameters of lamellar stacking can be directly measured. Assuming that molecular packing is the same, data from these views could supplement those obtained by tilting large, thin platelike crystals. However, we were surprised to discover that the lamellar spacing was variable and depended on the amount of glycerol present during crystallization (20% versus 5%). Projection maps (h,0,l) from these womklike crystals suggest different molecular contacts that give rise to the different lamellar spacings. Based on an orthogonal projection map (h,k,0) from collapsed, wormlike crystals and on x-ray powder patterns, we conclude that molecular packing within the lamellar plane is the same as that in thin, platelike crystals and is unaffected by glycerol. Finally, the orientation of molecules in the lamellar plane was characterized from freeze-dried, shadowed crystals. Comparing the profile of molecules in these multilamellar crystals with that previously observed in helical tubes induced by vanadate gives structural evidence of the conformational change that accompanies binding of calcium of Ca(2+)-ATPase.
The Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Specialist of the 1990s: Roles Assumed by Recent Graduates

Since there are a limited number of master's programs that prepare rehabilitation clinical nurse specialists, it was assumed that most or all graduates of such a program newly established at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia would assume positions in traditional rehabilitation settings. A needs assessment completed before the beginning of the program indicated that these facilities needed and definitely would hire graduates as rehabilitation clinical nurse specialists. A follow-up study, consisting of questionnaires sent to the first graduates and their employers, indicated that several had taken roles in areas not considered traditional rehabilitation settings. This article discusses rehabilitation as an umbrella concept and how that concept possibly influenced graduates in assuming their first position after graduation.
Profitability of the British trade in slaves once again

Abstract While useful in its presentation of factual detail about survival costs for slaves during the middle passage on British ships engaged in the slave trade, David Richardson's recent paper is misleading with respect to its implications for the profitability of the British slave trade in the period 1761–1807. Richardson ignores the implicit revision in the profitability estimates required in Anstey's work based upon the latter's own acceptance of higher volume estimates of the trade. Anstey's accounting formula for slave trade profitability already included an adjustment for middle passage mortality costs. Moreover, provisional estimates of the typical rate of profit for 18th-century British enterprises advanced by Mirowski suggest that it Richardson is correct the slave traders must have been irrational in the sense that they participated in a line of activity with a lower than normal rate of return and a higher level of risk.
Sources of differences in communication apprehension between Chinese in Taiwan and Americans

This study investigated whether cross‐cultural differences in communication apprehension (CA) can be explained with regard to cultural orientations, personality traits and component theory. To this end, a total of 618 undergraduates, studying in Taiwan (n = 298) and the United States (n = 320), participated in this study. Participants filled out the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension along with Self‐Construal Scale, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory, Fear of Negative Evaluation, and Self‐Perceived Communication Competence scale. The results indicated that Chinese in Taiwan scored significantly higher in communication apprehension than Americans. The influence of culture on CA was mediated by independence self‐construal, neuroticism, extroversion, fear of negative evaluation, and communication competence. The strongest mediating effect was found for self‐perception of communication competence. The implications of these findings were further discussed.
A user centric model to design tactile codes with shapes and waveforms

The tactile medium of communication with users is appropriate for displaying information in situations where auditory and visual mediums are saturated. There are situations where a subject's ability to receive information through either of these channels is severely restricted by the environment they are in or through any physical impairments that the subject may have. Usually, the tactile information is displayed in the form of codes. These tactile codes can vary in both shape, and waveform of the code. Designers use variations shape or waveform as tactile codes. Usability of tactile codes depends on the users' ability to distinguish between these variations. We have built two vibrotactile displays, Tactor I and Tactor II, each with nine actuators arranged in a three-by-three matrix with differing contact areas that can represent a total of 511 shapes. We used two dimensions of tactile medium, shapes and waveforms, to represent verb phrases and evaluated ability of users to perceive the tactile code. We propose a measure to rate the distinguishability between two shapes, a graph model with shapes as nodes and distinguishability between shapes as weights of edges, and an algorithm to cluster distinguishable shapes. We evaluated the distinguishability of shapes from the clustering algorithm against the experimenter's choice of shapes for tactile codes with eight users. The results show that the users can distinguish the shapes proposed by the clustering algorithm with higher accuracy than the shapes chosen by the experimenter. The results from the study also show that users can identify simultaneously presented waveforms and shapes in the codes without reduction in waveform identification accuracy.
Get real: how current behavior influences perceptions of realism and behavioral intent for public service announcements.

This research examined how realism and current behavior influence message reception and processing for public service announcements (PSAs) designed to help parents with meal planning. Findings from...
Synthesis and characterization of laser-based direct metal deposited nano-particles reinforced surface coatings for industrial slurry erosion applications

Abstract A nano-based material system resistant to the impingement of solid and liquid particles on the solid surfaces was developed by the laser-based direct metal deposition (LBDMD) process. The nano-based materials system contains 5% tungsten carbide (WC) nano-particles that are agglomerated with nickel–tungsten carbide 60 (Ni–Tung 60) by ball mill operation for slurry erosion resistance applications. Slurry erosion tests are performed on the LBDMD processed depositions using the ceramic proppant at different impingement angles using the abrasive water jet erosion testing machine. From these tests the amount of material removed, depth of penetration, and profile of the formed crater are computed as a function of the abrasive water jet impingement angles. The nano-based materials system exhibited better performance for slurry erosion resistance than the monolithic Ni–Tung 60 depositions and 4140 steels. In order to understand the role of the WC nano-particles influence on slurry erosion resistance and to understand the characteristic features of erosion surfaces, sub-surfaces, and the erosion mechanism, different advanced characterization tools are used.
Nuclear Applications of Liquid Scintillation Systems

The use of liquid scintillation systems to study such nuclear properties as disintegration rates and energy spectra and for making particle determinations is discussed. The use of pulse-shape discrimination as a method for counting particles with a high specific ionization over a background of particles with low specific ionization is described.
The Corruption of Value: Negative Moral Associations Diminish the Value of Money

We investigate the possibility that negative moral associations can reduce the desirability and perceived value of money, and that they do so by threatening to contaminate individuals’ perceptions of their morality. In Study 1, participants filled out fewer raffle tickets to obtain a money prize with immoral associations and perceived it to have less purchasing power than a morally neutral prize. In Study 2, we experimentally manipulated participants’ moral self-image, reasoning that ameliorating moral self-image concerns would make participants less averse to accepting morally tainted money. Consistent with this, participants who recounted a past virtuous act completed more tasks to receive monetary payment with immoral associations than participants who recounted a neutral act. These findings provide experimental evidence that immoral associations reduce the desirability of morally tainted money by threatening to contaminate the recipient’s moral self-image.
Double polarization anisotropy in asymmetric, coupled quantum wells under anisotropic, inplane strain.

A novel coupled-quantum-well system is described in which the in-plane, anisotropic strain in successive well layers alternates between compression and tension. A polarization anisotropy in the interband optical matrix elements that arises due to anisotropic strain is reversed between the compressive and tensile cases. Hence, transitions associated with the different well layers have reversed polarization anisotropies. The structure of interest has great flexibility in the energies of successive interband transitions, and in the size of the anisotropy of the various transitions. The structure can be used in describing quantum-well properties, in optical multiplexing, and in devices such as modulators.
Follicle Selection in Primates: “Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen”

During the follicular phase of humans and most nonhuman primates, a single preovulatory follicle usually matures each menstrual cycle. The observation that numerous preovulatory follicles may be stimulated to mature when exogenous gonadotropins are administered indicates that there must be a precise and highly reproducible mechanism by which only one of the many follicles capable of ovulating actually does so. The goal of this review is to summarize past and current research which indicates that follicle selection in primates is the result of an exquisitely sensitive interplay between gonadotropin secretion by the pituitary gland, steroid production by the ovary, and maturation-dependent alterations of the ovary's responsiveness to gonadotropins.
Online homework impact in undergraduate mathematics and business statistics courses

This evaluation examines the impact on student success rates related to changes in instructional programmes in undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses. Success for students taking courses with a computer-based homework component was compared with success of students who took the course in prior semesters without the computer-based component. Graphical and analytical tools are used to compare results. Results come from multiple semesters of each type of homework application, for both pre-calculus algebra and business statistics courses. Students whose performance is utilised in this study are undergraduate students taking introductory level college mathematics or business statistics courses, with mostly no prior instruction at this level. Comparing the success of the intervention group with the success of the baseline control group, findings support that the students using the computer-based homework instruction are just as successful as those using the traditional method of homework instruction. ...