cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The complementary nature of technological capabilities: Measurement and robustness issues

Abstract The application of composite indicators to complex phenomena in social science has come to remarkable prominence. As a result, they have been widely applied in wide-ranging fields. This paper explores the application of a composite indicator of technological capabilities that can be also valid for composite indicators in other fields. We focus on whether different methodologies to build composite indicators lead to different results. The arithmetic mean to aggregate technological capabilities variables has been widely criticized, as it allows for perfect substitutability between variables, thus disregarding the complementary nature of technological capabilities. We introduce a new aggregation rule, the concave mean, in order to take into account the complementarity argument in a Science-Technology-Innovation context. Using a dataset for 138 countries, we show that the arithmetic mean is biased in principle but robust in practice. This depends upon the fact that technologically more advanced countries tend to have a more complementary structure in their technological capabilities compared to less developed nations.
Airline Security After the Event Unintended Consequences and Illusions

Interviews with airline and security employees and public information are used to examine the real and perceived outcomes of public policy reactions to the terrorist attacks of September 11. The examination uses the classic functionalist perspective of Robert Merton and the more recent insights of Raymond Boudon. Attempts to reduce the threat of terrorist success and to foster confidence in the flying public had mixed results. Clearly governments and airlines were not well prepared for terrorist attacks, a fact that was well known to insiders but not widely known to the public. Many of the illusions of security that preceded the attacks were exposed by discussions and policy reactions following September 11.
Kinetic Study of Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α, β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acid Over Cinchona-Modified Pd/Al2O3 Catalyst

The enantioselective hydrogenation of 2-methyl-2-pentenoic acid (MPeA) over cinchonidine-modified 5 wt % Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst has been studied. The reaction exhibited a strong solvent-dependent behavior in terms of activity. The presence of cinchonidine does not affect the reaction order with respect to either acid or H2 pressure, but has a significant inhibiting effect on the reaction rate.
Perceived predation risk, parasitism, and the foraging behavior of a freshwater snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)

Foraging behavior can be influenced by such factors as predation risk, individual size, and parasite infection. Snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) placed in tanks with large rocks were exposed to fo...
ASSESSMENT OF SOME RECENTLY DEVELOPED DENSITY FUNCTIONALS FOR CALCULATIONS ON IRON PORPHYRINS

The behaviors of several recently developed density functionals (M05, M05-2x, M06, M06-2x, M06-L, KT1, KT2) in describing the spin-state energetics of iron porphyrins [FeP, FeP(Cl), FeP(THF)2, FeTpivPP] have been investigated, where KT1 and KT2 are pure GGA (generalized gradient approximation) functionals; M06-L is a meta-GGA functional that contains the kinetic-energy density τ[=∑(∇ϕi)2]; M05, M05-2x, M06, and M06-2x are hybrid meta-GGA functionals that include both the kinetic-energy density and Hartree–Fock exchange. The results reveal that KT1 and KT2 are biased toward lower-spin states and so fail to give the correct ground state for the high-spin systems, but KT2 shows a significant improvement over KT1. M05, M05-2x, M06, and M06-2x yield results which are in qualitative agreement with the experimental findings for FeP(Cl) and FeP(THF)2, but their relative energies for the high-spin states are actually underestimated greatly. Among the various functionals tested here, only M06-L is able to provide a...
Analysis of the Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrum of a Radical Intermediate in the Coenzyme B12-Dependent Ethanolamine Ammonia-Lyase Catalyzed Reaction of S-2-Aminopropanol†

The structure of the steady-state radical intermediate in the deamination of S-2-aminopropanol catalyzed by ethanolamine ammonia-lyase (EAL) from Salmonella typhimurium has been probed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using isotopically labeled forms of the substrate and of the adenosylcobalamin cofactor. Electron spin-spin coupling between the radical, centered on the carbon skeleton of the substrate, and the low-spin Co 2 + in cob(II)alamin (B 1 2 r ) produces a dominant splitting of the EPR signals of both the radical and the Co 2 + . Analysis of the exchange and dipole-dipole contributions to the spin-spin coupling indicates that the two paramagnetic centers are separated by ∼11 A. Experiments with 1 3 C- and with 2 H-labeled forms of S-2-aminopropanol show that the radical is centered on Cl of the carbon skeleton of the substrate in agreement with an earlier report [Babior, B. M., Moss, T. H., Orme-Johnson, W. H., and Beinert, H., (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 4537-4544]. Experiments with perdeuteroS-2-aminopropanol and [2- 1 5 N]-perdeutero-S-2-aminopropanol reveal a strong hyperfine splitting from the substrate nitrogen, which indicates that the radical is the initial substrate radical created by abstraction of a hydrogen atom from Cl of S-2-aminopropanol. The strong nitrogen hyperfine splitting further indicates that the amino substituent at C2 is approximately eclipsed with respect to the half-occupied p orbital at Cl. Experiments with adenosylcobalamin enriched in 1 5 N in the dimethylbenzimidazole moiety show that the axial base of the cofactor remains attached to the Co 2 + in a functional steady-state reaction intermediate.
Hepatitis C virus-like particles synthesized in insect cells as a potential vaccine candidate.

Abstract Background & Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis in the world. Successful vaccine development is crucial in controlling global HCV infection. We have previously described the generation of HCV-like particles (HCV-LPs) in insect cells using a recombinant baculovirus containing the complementary DNA of the HCV structural proteins. These HCV-LPs had similar morphological and biophysical properties as the putative virions. In this study, we analyzed the structural features, antigenic composition, seroreactivity, and immunogenicity of purified HCV-LPs. Methods: HCV-LPs were analyzed by electron microscopy and antibody immunolabeling and precipitation. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using HCV-LPs was developed. The humoral response to HCV-LPs in mice was studies by core and envelope ELISAs, Western immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Results: Structural and antigenic compositions of HCV-LPs were shown to be similar to those of putative HCV virions. Using the HCV-LP ELISA, high-titer anti-HCV antibodies were detected in individuals infected with various HCV genotypes. In vivo, HCV-LPs elicited a humoral response broadly directed against HCV structural proteins. Conclusions: HCV-LPs resemble HCV virions and are capable of inducing a humoral response targeted against various regions of HCV structural proteins, suggesting that HCV-LPs may be promising as a potential vaccine candidate. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1999;117:1397-1407
Enzyme Immobilization via Electrospinning

Electrospinning is quickly becoming one of the most convenient methods for generating polymer, metal oxide and composite fibers. As a result, there is growing interest in the application of electrospinning and nanofibers to enzyme immobilization. In this review, the recent reports of enzyme immobilization via electrospinning are described.
Detail study of the medium created in Au + Au collisions with high pT probes by the PHENIX experiment at RHIC

Abstract Recent results on high p T identified hadrons in Au + Au collisions from the PHENIX experiment are presented. The R AA for π 0 and η are found to be consistent. The second and fourth order collective flow of π 0 's have been measured and found that v 4 / v 2 2 is consistent with the one observed in the lower p T region. Assuming the suppression of the π 0 yield at highest p T arises from energy loss of partons, we found that the energy loss is L 3 dependent, where L is the path length of the partons in the medium. The δ p T / p T 's of high p T hadrons which are computed from 39 GeV Au + Au over to 2.76 TeV Pb + Pb are found to vary by a factor of six. We have seen a smooth trend in δ p T / p T from RHIC Au + Au points to the most central LHC Pb + Pb point when plotting these against the charged multiplicity of the systems.
A simple continuous-flow toxicant delivery system

Abstract This paper describes a simple continuous-flow toxicant delivery system for use in testing toxicity of dissolved or suspended compounds to aquatic organisms. Its advantages are simplicty, ease of construction, and capacity for high flow rates. The system consists of a glass headbox and diluter box, a toxicant pump, a framework for support, and a system of tubes to deliver a series of toxicant concentrations to the test aquaria. Methods are given for construction and for calibration of the system.
Tumour-suppressor activity of H19 RNA

Loss of heterozygosity in certain human embryonal tumours implicates a tumour-suppressor gene at chromosome 11p15.5 and selective loss of maternal alleles suggests that this gene is paternally imprinted. The human H19 gene maps to 11p15.5, is expressed in differentiating fetal cells and is paternally imprinted. We report here that two embryonal tumour cell lines, RD and G401, showed growth retardation and morphological changes when transfected with an H19 expression construct. More importantly, clonogenicity in soft agar and tumorigenicity in nude mice were abrogated in the G401-H19 transfectants. In addition to demonstrating its tumour-suppressor potential, this transfection system should help structural and functional studies of the enigmatic H19 gene.
The carbohydrates of human submaxillary glycoproteins in secretors and non-secretors of blood group substances

Chemical analyses of human submaxillary salivary gland secretions from individuals of various blood types and blood group secretor statuses revealed a relationship between secretor status and the composition of total submaxillary glycoproteins. The dialyzed secretions from both secretors and non-secretors contained sialic acid, d-galactose, l-fucose, d-glucosamine, d-galactosamine, and protein. Half of the total hexose, one-third of the nitrogen-containing material and minor amounts of hexosamine were dialyzable. None of the sialic acid and fucose components was dialyzable. The submaxillary saliva of secretors had a higher concentration of protein-bound carbohydrates than that of non-secretors and had about three times as much fucose. The ratio of sialic acid/fucose was 0.62±0.10 (S.D.) for secretors and 1.87±0.25 (S.D.) for non-secretors. There was a predictable relationship among the various carbohydrates in each type of secretion, and no major differences were observed among individuals of different blood types.
Elastomeric Flexible Free-Standing Hydrogen-Bonded Nanoscale Assemblies

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a key material in solid polymer electrolytes, biomaterials, drug delivery devices, and sensors. Through the use of hydrogen bonds, layer-by-layer (LBL) assemblies allow for the incorporation of PEO in a controllable tunable thin film, but little is known about the bulk properties of LBL thin films because they are often tightly bound to the substrate of assembly. The construction technique involves alternately exposing a substrate to a hydrogen-bond-donating polymer (poly(acrylic acid)) and a hydrogen-bond-accepting polymer (PEO) in solution, producing mechanically stable interdigitated layers of PEO and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Here, we introduce a new method of LBL film isolation using low-energy surfaces that facilitate the removal of substantial mass and area of the film, allowing, for the first time, the thermal and mechanical characterization that was previously difficult or impossible to perform. To further understand the morphology of the nanoscale blend, the glass transition is measured as a function of assembly pH via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The resulting trends give clues as to how the morphology and composition of a hydrogen-bonded composite film evolve as a function of pH. We also demonstrate that LBL films of PEO and PAA behave as flexible elastomeric blends at ambient conditions and allow for nanoscale control of thickness and film composition. Furthermore, we show that the crystallization of PEO is fully suppressed in these composite assemblies, a fact that proves advantageous for applications such as ultrathin hydrogels, membranes, and solid-state polymer electrolytes.
The Conditions of Post-Soviet Dispossessed Youth and Work in Almaty, Kazakhstan:

In this article I describe and analyse the conditions of youth in post- Soviet Kazakhstan, their attitudes to work and their economic practices. The article argues that the post-Soviet changes, most importantly neo-liberal reforms and rise of consumerism, have transformed the conditions of youth, their attitudes to work and their patterns of work. First, the neo-liberal reforms and the abolition of the welfare state have dispossessed the majority of youth from the access to welfare, education and work of the Soviet era. This has created a huge social cleavage among already stratified youth. While the sons and daughters of the elite, immersed in conspicuous consumption, have monopolized places in universities and good jobs, the dispossessed youth live in dire poverty. Poverty, insecure family backgrounds, lack of good formal education and lack of necessary contacts marginalize dispossessed youth in the labour market. The economic niche available to them consists of menial jobs in the informal sector. In sp...
On-chip micropatterning of plastic (cylic olefin copolymer, COC) microfluidic channels for the fabrication of biomolecule microarrays using photografting methods.

This paper reports on the surface modification of plastic microfluidic channels to prepare different biomolecule micropatterns using ultraviolet (UV) photografting methods. The linkage chemistry is based upon UV photopolymerization of acryl monomers to generate thin films (0.01−6 μm) chemically linked to the organic backbone of the plastic surface. The commodity thermoplastic, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) was selected to build microfluidic chips because of its significant UV transparency and easiness for microfabrication by molding techniques. Once the polyacrylic films were grafted on the COC surface using photomasks, micropatterns of proteins, DNA, and biotinlated conjugates were readily obtained by surface chemical reactions in one or two subsequent steps. The thickness of the photografted films can be tuned from several nanometers up to several micrometers, depending on the reaction conditions. The micropatterned films can be prepared inside the microfluidic channel (on-chip) or on open COC surfaces ...
Separation of individual neurons using dielectrophoretic alternative current fields.

Abstract Experimental investigations into the dynamics of neuronal networks are a fundamental step towards understanding how the nervous system works. Memory formation and development are associated with changes in the electrical activity of the neurons. To understand the changes in the electrical activity, it is essential to conduct in vitro studies on individual neurons. Hence, there is an enormous need to develop novel ways for isolating and localizing individual neurons. To this end, we designed and fabricated a 4×4 multiple microelectrode array system to spatially arrange neurons by generating dielectrophoretic traps using gradient alternating current (AC) fields. We characterized the electric field distribution inside our test platform by using three-dimensional finite element modeling (FEM) and estimated the location of neurons over the electrode array. As the first stage in forming a neuronal network, dielectrophoretic AC fields were employed to separate the neurons from the glial cells and to position individual neurons over single electrodes. The extracellular electrical activity from a single neuron was recorded. The frequency spectrum of the electrical activity was generated using fast Fourier transformation analysis (FFT) to determine the characteristic burst rates of individual neurons.
Component Interactions in the Soluble Methane Monooxygenase System from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)

The soluble methane monooxygenase system of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) includes three protein components: a 251-kDa non-heme dinuclear iron hydroxylase (MMOH), a 39-kDa iron−sulfur- and FAD-containing reductase (MMOR), and a 16-kDa regulatory protein (MMOB). The thermodynamic stability and kinetics of formation of complexes between oxidized MMOH and MMOB or MMOR were measured by isothermal titration calorimetry and stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy at temperatures ranging from 3.3 to 45 °C. The results, in conjunction with data from equilibrium analytical ultracentrifugation studies of MMOR and MMOB, indicate that free MMOR and MMOB exist as monomers in solution and bind MMOH with 2:1 stoichiometry. The role of component interactions in the catalytic mechanism of sMMO was investigated through simultaneous measurement of oxidase and hydroxylase activities as a function of varied protein component concentrations during steady-state turnover. The partitioning of oxidase and hydroxylase activities ...
Effect of juvenile hormone on acid phosphatase activity in six tissues of the milkweed bug

Abstract After juvenile hormone treatment on day of ecdysis, the haemolymph, salivary glands, gut, cuticle, testes, and fat body of the fifth instar male milkweed bug were assayed for acid phosphatase activity at daily intervals throughout the instar. Increased acid phosphatase activity after juvenile hormone treatment was found in the haemolymph at the beginning of the instar, in the haemolymph and salivary glands in the middle of the instar, and in the testes near the end of the instar. The significance of these findings is discussed.
False recognition as a function of lag and distinctiveness

The false recognition effect in continuous recognition memory was examined as a function of lag, orthographic distinctiveness of early critical stimulus (CS) words and (presumably semantic) distinctiveness (D) of experimental (E) words. False recognition was not affected by orthographic distinctiveness, although both D level and lag had some effects. The results provided little support for a features encoding hypothesis (cf. MacLeod & Nelson, 1976) or for a strict implicit associative response interpretation. Possible explanations in terms of E word D level were discussed.
Left–Right Asymmetry: Making the Right Decision Early

A left-right asymmetry in neuronal function is specified surprisingly early during embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Do early cues influence left-right asymmetries in other animals? How are early cues remembered until late in development?
Ventricular arrhythmias in a patient with artificial pacemakers

Abstract The case of a patient is reported whose implanted pacemaker manifested different mal-functions, including the development of ventricular premature beats, tachycardia and fibrillation. The ventricular premature beats were satisfactorily controlled when the catheter pacemaker was turned off and the heart was paced only by the internal pacemaker. Successful emergency treatment of ventricular fibrillation included immediate cardiac massage, division of the internal pacemaker leads and external defibrillation. The cardiac rhythm was restored with the aid of a catheter pacemaker.
Wave groupiness variations in the nearshore

Abstract This paper proposes a new definition of the groupiness factor, GF, based on the envelope of the incident-wave time series. It is shown that an envelope-based GF has several important advantages over the SIWEH-based groupiness factor, including objective criteria for determining the accuracy of the envelope function and well-defined numerical limits. Using this new GF, the variability of incident wave groupiness in the field is examined both temporally, in unbroken waves at a fixed location, and spatially, in a cross-shore array through the surf zone. Contrary to previous studies using the SIWEH-based GF, results suggest that incident wave groupiness may not be an independent parameter in unbroken waves; through a wide range of spectral shapes, from swell to storm waves, the groupiness did not vary significantly. As expected, the groupiness decreases rapidly as waves break through the surf zone, although significant wave height variability persists even through a saturated surf zone. The source of this inner surf zone groupiness is not identified; however, this observation implies that models of long wave generation must account for nonsteady radiation stress gradients landward of some narrow zone near the mean breakpoint.
Profound Hypothermia for Spinal Cord Protection in Operations on the Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aorta

Elective hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with or without circulatory arrest has been used successfully for the treatment of complex aneurysms of the descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta. Hypothermia has a protective effect on spinal cord function, and its use has been associated with a low incidence of paraplegia in traditionally high-risk patients. In our series, 96 consecutive patients underwent resection and graft replacement of diseased aortic segments of the distal aortic arch, the descending thoracic aorta, or the thoracoabdominal aorta. Thirty-day mortality was 7.3%, and the incidence of spinal cord ischemic injury was 3.40. Our experience with hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest confirms the safety and efficacy of the technique for operations on the descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta.
Overcoming the structure – agency divide in small business research

Explanations aimed at understanding the causes of variations in small business performance have tended towards either behavioural factors or structural explanations. However, this behavioural‐structural dichotomy replicates the traditional structure‐agency divide in social theory and consequently sets up artificial and unhelpful oppositions between agent‐centred (behaviouralist) models that ignore social formations and structuralist theories negate the role of human agency in dealing with social exigencies. This paper endeavours to transcend this limiting dichotomy by drawing on the social theory of Pierre Bourdieu, to offer a more convincing framework for research on the small business sector.
Heparin-mediated release of fibroblast growth factor-like activity into the circulation of rabbits.

AbstractFibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of structurally related proteins that influence the growth and differentiation of a variety of cell types, including the cells of the vascular system. Due to the lack of signal sequence, basic FGF is not actively secreted. However, it has been detected in the extracellular matrix bound, at least in some cases, via heparin-like molecules. Heparin has been shown to displace FGF from cells and matrices in vitro, and we have investigated the possibility that a similar phenomenon might occur in vivo. Heparin was infused intravenously into anesthesized rabbits; plasma samples taken 30 min later and monitored using [3H] thymidine incorporation into BALB/c 3T3 cells were found to contain 3-fold more stimulatory activity than control plasma samples. Addition of heparin directly to the 3T3 cells or to the plasma samples following their collection did not affect the level of stimulatory activity. A time course of stimulatory activity in rabbit plasma following he...
PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF NORTHERN POPULATIONS OF THE PACIFIC TREEFROG, PSEUDACRIS REGILLA

Abstract Phylogeography of northern populations of the Pacific treefrog, Pseudacris regilla, was investigated using mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence data (725 bp). Thirty-six haplo-types were detected among 59 samples collected from 20 populations. Two divergent coastal and inland clades were supported by several phylogenetic analyses including maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian methods. Sequence differences among these clades ranged from 5.0 to 6.5%, suggesting they diverged during the Pliocene (approximately 3 MYA), coinciding with High Cascade orogeny and subsequent xerification of the Columbia Basin. Further, haplotype divergence within each clade was lower (0 to 1.8%), possibly as a consequence of population reduction during the Pleistocene. The overall pattern of divergence was not detected by previous morphological and protein analysis and is concordant with many other Northwest taxa. These results do not support previous intraspecific classification schemes, indicating the need...
Buried free flaps in head and neck surgery: outcome analysis.

Background Over the last several decades, reconstruction of the head and neck oncologic defect has been revolutionized by the use of microvascular free tissue transfer. The majority of these defects can be reconstructed with the ability to visually monitor the flap, to intervene as soon as vascular compromise becomes evident. Occasionally, it is necessary to use a flap that has no visual external monitor: a buried free flap. A belief has circulated within the microvascular community that buried free flaps do not do as well as visible flaps. By our review, there are no recent data in the literature to support this position. We present our data on the outcomes of buried free flaps in microvascular reconstruction. Methods A single institutional retrospective review of 1492 flaps was performed between January 1999 and December 2011. A total of 103 free flaps (7.2%) were identified as meeting the criteria for a buried flap. It should be noted that all flaps with or without an external segment were monitored with an implantable Doppler. The flap failure and complications are defined as those failures or complications occurring within 2 weeks of surgery and related to the operation or to the flap itself. Results In all, 5 of the 103 patients (4.9%) had complications requiring reoperative intervention. There were no instances of flap failure within the first 2 weeks of surgery. Conclusion In our series, there are no differences in flap failure rates comparing buried flaps to externally monitored flaps. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1468–1470, 2013
Renal biopsy: Comparative yield of cranial versus caudal needle trajectory. An ex vivo analysis

Aim To compare the diagnostic quality of tissue cores obtained using cranial and caudal angulation of the renal biopsy needle. Comparison was made in terms of the number of glomeruli and proportion of renal cortex with medulla on pathological analysis. Methods A total of 40 desktop, renal biopsies were performed on 10 ex vivo porcine kidneys using two different targeting angles. Biopsies were obtained from the ‘lower pole’ of each kidney using both cephalad and caudad angulations of the biopsy needle. Ten 18-gauge semi-automated cutting needles were used during twenty biopsies obtained per each angle; two biopsies were made using each needle. The resulting samples were collected in 40 separate and labelled formalin containers according to the used targeting angle. Two pathologists blinded to the corresponding biopsy angles reviewed the samples in consensus. Results Samples with a cephalad targeting angle had a mean length of 14.5 mm with mean number of 9.6 glomeruli and average 82% cortex and 18% medulla. Samples obtained using a caudad needle angulation had a mean length of 14.1 mm with mean number of 11.6 glomeruli and on the average 99% cortex. The P-values comparing the two samples were as follows: 0.63 comparing the mean length of cores, 0.08 for number of glomeruli and 0.002 comparing the proportion of cortex. Conclusion The proportion of cortical tissue in the core biopsy specimen using the caudad angle approach was statistically significantly higher, compared with the cephalad needle trajectory.
Angular Momentum Loss in Pre-Main Sequence Objects and the Initial Angular Momentum of Stars

Several lines of observational evidence point to angular momentum loss from pre-main sequence stars between the end of the dynamical collapse phase and arrival on the main sequence. The degree of angular momentum loss is a strong function of mass, with low mass stars (M<1.3M⊙) experiencing the most angular momentum loss. This angular momentum loss prevents the use of low mass main sequence stars in studies of primordial stellar angular momentum. However, intermediate mass stars (1.3M⊙<~6M⊙) have apparently lost little angular momentum and can be used to probe the initial distribution of angular momentum. While the angular momentum distribution is broad for a given spectral type, the mean angular momentum is a well determined function of the stellar mass. This relationship, derived for intermediate mass main sequence stars, is consistent with the measured rotation velocities of pre-main sequence stars of lower mass as well.
Filtering skill for turbulent signals for a suite of nonlinear and linear extended Kalman filters

The filtering skill for turbulent signals from nature is often limited by errors due to utilizing an imperfect forecast model. In particular, real-time filtering and prediction when very limited or no a posteriori analysis is possible (e.g. spread of pollutants, storm surges, tsunami detection, etc.) introduces a number of additional challenges to the problem. Here, a suite of filters implementing stochastic parameter estimation for mitigating model error through additive and multiplicative bias correction is examined on a nonlinear, exactly solvable, stochastic test model mimicking turbulent signals in regimes ranging from configurations with strongly intermittent, transient instabilities associated with positive finite-time Lyapunov exponents to laminar behavior. Stochastic Parameterization Extended Kalman Filter (SPEKF), used as a benchmark here, involves exact formulas for propagating the mean and covariance of the augmented forecast model including the unresolved parameters. The remaining filters use the same nonlinear forecast model but they introduce model error through different moment closure approximations and/or linear tangent approximation used for computing the second-order statistics of the augmented stochastic forecast model. A comprehensive study of filter performance is carried out in the presence of various moment closure errors which are enhanced by additional model errors due to incorrect parameters inducing additive and multiplicative stochastic biases. The estimation skill of the unresolved stochastic parameters is also discussed and it is shown that the linear tangent filter, despite its popularity, is completely unreliable in many turbulent regimes for both parameter estimation and filtering; moreover, regimes of filter divergence for the linear tangent filter are identified. The results presented here provide useful guidelines for filtering turbulent, high-dimensional, spatially extended systems with more general model errors, as well as for designing more skillful methods for superparameterization of unresolved intermittent processes in complex multi-scale models. They also provide unambiguous benchmarks for the capabilities of linear and nonlinear extended Kalman filters using incorrect statistics on an exactly solvable test bed with rich and realistic dynamics.
AXIOMS FOR DEFERRED ACCEPTANCE

The deferred acceptance algorithm is often used to allocate indivisible objects when monetary transfers are not allowed. We provide two characterizations of agent-proposing deferred acceptance allocation rules. Two new axioms—individually rational monotonicity and weak Maskin monotonicity—are essential to our analysis. An allocation rule is the agent-proposing deferred acceptance rule for some acceptant substitutable priority if and only if it satisfies non-wastefulness and individually rational monotonicity. An alternative characterization is in terms of non-wastefulness, population monotonicity, and weak Maskin monotonicity. We also offer an axiomatization of the deferred acceptance rule generated by an exogenously specified priority structure. We apply our results to characterize efficient deferred acceptance rules.
Improved common carotid elasticity and intima-media thickness measurements from computer analysis of sequential ultrasound frames

B-mode ultrasound has gained popularity as a non-invasive method for direct visualization of superficial vessels. With B-mode ultrasound, arterial stiffness can be directly measured since image acquisition of the arterial wall thickness and vessel diameter can be obtained simultaneously in a dynamic fashion throughout the cardiac cycle. Recently, a method was developed to measure carotid arterial diameter and intima-media thickness (IMT) from B-mode images that utilizes computerized edge tracking-multiframe image processing that automatically measures arterial diameter and IMT in multiple sequential frames spanning several cardiac cycles. To evaluate this method, replicate B-mode common carotid artery ultrasound examinations and blood pressure measurements were obtained in 24 subjects 1‐2 weeks apart. Approximately 80 sequential frames spanning two cardiac cycles were analyzed from each ultrasound examination to obtain maximum arterial diameter (Dmax), minimum arterial diameter (Dmin), and IMT using a computerized edge detection method. The intraclass correlations of Dmax, Dmin, and IMT were 0.97‐0.99 and the mean absolute difference for these measurements were 0.03‐0.11 mm. The coefficient of variation for Dmax and Dmin were 1.28 and 1.18%, respectively. The intraclass correlation for several standard arterial stiffness indices, Peterson’s elastic modulus, Young’s modulus, arterial distensibility, compliance, and the beta stiffness index ranged between 0.84 and 0.89. Additionally, it was determined that averaging IMT over five frames centered at Dmin reduced single frame IMT measurement variability by 27% (P0.005) compared with IMT measured from a single frame corresponding to Dmin. Comparison of the phasic relationship of Dmax and Dmin measured from the B-mode ultrasound image with the simultaneously recorded electrocardiogram (ECG) signal in the 24 subjects, provided a more accurate method of frame selection for arterial diameter extrema independent of the ECG signal. The method of computerized edge detection-sequential multiframe image processing presented in this paper represents a technological advance for image analysis of B-mode ultrasound images of common carotid arterial dimensions that is highly reproducible and directly applicable to noninvasive imaging of atherosclerosis. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
An Integrative Experiential Learning Project in the Undergraduate Branding Course: Creating a Marketing Department Brochure:

This article introduces a selective approach to curriculum integration that consists of linking the subject matter of a new course with knowledge and skills acquired in two or more completed courses to create a deeper and richer learning experience. Benefits and challenges of the selective approach and an example of implementing an integrative project in a marketing elective are discussed. As part of the project, students in the undergraduate branding course design a marketing brochure to be used by the client, the marketing department, for student communication and recruiting purposes. This experiential team project benefits students who had the opportunity to apply new concepts and skills acquired in the branding class as well as reinforce consumer behavior and marketing research knowledge acquired in prior courses. The article discusses contributions and suggestions for project implementation.
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory general circulation model investigation of the indirect radiative effects of anthropogenic sulfate aerosol

effect) amounts to an annual mean of 1.5 W m 2 , concentrated largely over the oceans in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). The annual mean flux change owing to the response of the model to the first indirect effect is 1.4 W m 2 , similar to the annual mean forcing. However, the model’s response causes a rearrangement of cloud distribution as well as changes in longwave flux (smaller than solar flux changes). There is thus a differing geographical nature of the radiation field than for the forcing even though the global means are similar. The second indirect effect, which is necessarily an estimate made in terms of the model’s response, amounts to 0.9 W m 2 , but the statistical significance of the simulated geographical distribution of this effect is relatively low owing to the model’s natural variability. Both the first and second effects are approximately linearly additive, giving rise to a combined annual mean flux change of 2.3 W m 2 , with the NH responsible for 77% of the total flux change. Statistically significant model responses are obtained for the zonal mean total indirect effect in the entire NH and in the Southern Hemisphere low latitudes and midlatitudes (north of 45S). The area of significance extends more than for the first and second effects considered separately. A comparison with a number of previous studies based on the same sulfate-droplet relationship shows that, after distinguishing between forcing and flux change, the global mean change in watts per square meter for the total effect computed in this study is comparable to existing studies in spite of the differences in cloud schemes.
Binding of tRNA nucleotidyltransferase to Affi-Gel Blue: rapid purification of the enzyme and binding studies

Rabbit liver tRNA nucleotidyldransferase bound to columns of Affi-Gel Blue and could be specifically eluted with tRNA. This observation led to development of a rapid purification procedure for the enzyme. The adsorbent was also used to assess interaction of tRNA nucleotidyltransferase with various polynucleotides and substrates. The enzyme could be efficiently desorbed from Affi-Gel Blue by low concentrations of tRNA-C-C, less well by tRNA-C-C-A, and not at all by poly(A), poly(C), ATP or CTP.
Grassmannian beamforming on correlated MIMO channels

The diversity gains available from multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems are well documented. These gains are realizable through the use of transmit beamforming and receive combining. Transmit beamforming relies on the assumption of channel knowledge at the transmitter, an assumption that is often unrealistic. Limited feedback beamformers have been designed over the past few years, but they concentrate primarily on the assumption of a spatially uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channel matrix. The paper addresses the design of limited feedback beamformers for transmit and receive correlated MIMO channels. In particular, we use a technique where the receiver chooses the beamforming vector from a codebook of possible vectors and conveys this vector over a limited feedback channel. We show how this method obtains full diversity order. Monte Carlo simulations show performance close to optimal beamforming.
Extracellular transsulfuration generates hydrogen sulfide from homocysteine and protects endothelium from redox stress

Homocysteine, a cardiovascular and neurocognitive disease risk factor, is converted to hydrogen sulfide, a cardiovascular and neuronal protectant, through the transsulfuration pathway. Given the damaging effects of free homocysteine in the blood and the importance of blood homocysteine concentration as a prognosticator of disease, we tested the hypotheses that the blood itself regulates homocysteine-hydrogen sulfide metabolism through transsulfuration and that transsulfuration capacity and hydrogen sulfide availability protect the endothelium from redox stress. Here we show that the transsulfuration enzymes, cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, are secreted by microvascular endothelial cells and hepatocytes, circulate as members of the plasma proteome, and actively produce hydrogen sulfide from homocysteine in human blood. We further demonstrate that extracellular transsulfuration regulates cell function when the endothelium is challenged with homocysteine and that hydrogen sulfide protects the endothelium from serum starvation and from hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. These novel findings uncover a unique set of opportunities to explore innovative clinical diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in the approach to homocysteine-related conditions such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and dementia.
Differential Impacts of Blood Pressure and Lipid Lowering on Regression of Ventricular and Arterial Mass The Stop Atherosclerosis in Native Diabetics Trial

The relative impacts of lowering blood pressure versus lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol on regression of ventricular and arterial mass have not been systematically examined. Changes in left ventricular mass and arterial mass (common carotid artery cross-sectional area) after 36 months of simultaneous lowering of systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol were examined in the Stop Atherosclerosis in Native Diabetics Trial of standard versus aggressive LDL cholesterol and blood pressure targets in American Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The 2 treatment groups were combined to examine changes in left ventricular and arterial mass over a spectrum of achieved blood pressure and lipid levels. Among the combined group of 413 Stop Atherosclerosis in Native Diabetics Trials participants, systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and left ventricular mass were all significantly reduced, whereas arterial mass significantly increased, after 36 months of therapy (P<0.001 for all). In linear regression models, a decrease in arterial mass was significantly related to achieved systolic blood pressure and, to a lesser extent, achieved LDL cholesterol, after adjustment for important covariates. Left ventricular mass progressively decreased with lower achieved levels of systolic blood pressure, independent of baseline levels of left ventricular mass. In conclusion, achieved levels of systolic blood pressure are important determinants of the extent of regression of arterial and ventricular mass during prolonged therapy in diabetic individuals. Achieved levels of LDL cholesterol influence regression of arterial but not ventricular mass. Our findings suggest that there is no threshold of systolic blood pressure below which regression of cardiovascular target organ damage cannot be achieved.
Effect of Phosphate Type and Concentration, Salt Level and Method of Preparation on Binding in Restructured Beef Rolls

The effect of combinations of phosphate type [tetrasodium pyrophosphate (PP), sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), sodium tetrapolyphosphate (TTPP), and sodium-hexametaphosphate(HMP)], phosohate concentration (0.125%-0.500%). and salt level (0.6%-2.0%) on the binding in restructured beef rolls was studied. The rolls were prepared either with or without a homogenate that contained all the added salts. Preparation method had little effect on binding. The effectiveness of the phosphates was: PP > TPP > TTPP > HMP. Changes in binding produced by varying phosphate type, phosphate concentration and salt level could be explained in terms of changes in ionic strength and pH. Between 90% and 96% of the variation in binding could be explained in terms of these two variables.
Enjoyment of Mediated Fright and Violence: A Meta-Analysis.

In this meta-analysis, we synthesized data from published journal articles that investigated viewers' enjoyment of fright and violence. Given the limited research on this topic, this analysis was primarily a way of summarizing the current state of knowledge and developing directions for future research. The studies selected (a) examined frightening or violent media content; (b) used self-report measures of enjoyment or preference for such content (the dependent variable); and (c) included independent variables that were given theoretical consideration in the literature. The independent variables examined were negative affect and arousal during viewing, empathy, sensation seeking, aggressiveness, and the respondents' gender and age. The analysis confirmed that male viewers, individuals lower in empathy, and those higher in sensation seeking and aggressiveness reported more enjoyment of fright and violence. Some support emerged for Zillmann's (1980, 1996) model of suspense enjoyment. Overall, the results de...
Emotional Disclosure and Closeness Toward Offenders

Two studies tested whether emotional disclosure increases feelings of closeness toward offenders. In Study 1, participants recalled either someone who had offended them or a neutral acquaintance. "Disclosure" participants then expressed their thoughts and feelings regarding their targets, and "suppression" participants described their targets nonemotionally. As predicted, disclosure increased closeness toward offenders but not toward acquaintances. Study 2 extended these results by including a good friend to test whether disclosure selectively increases closeness toward offenders, and not simply toward any person who evokes strong feelings. This prediction was confirmed. Furthermore, the disclosure effect remained reliable even after controlling for mood. Studies 1 and 2 also showed that closeness toward offenders, but not toward friends or acquaintances, was positively related to the proportion of emotion-related words disclosed. Collectively, these findings suggest that confronting the emotions associated with an offense may be an important first step toward forgiveness.
The monitoring of racial/ethnic status in the USA: data quality issues.

This paper reviews the assessment of racial and ethnic identification in the major data collection sytstems of the US Department of Health and Human Services. It evaluates the quality of the available data and outlines recommendations for improving the collection of racial data and enhancing our understanding of the role of race in health. Special attention is also given to the role of socioeceonomic status in understanding racial differences in health and the assessment of racial status in data systems in the UK.
Love on the racks, by Michelle Nolan

Love on the Racks is a single-author historical overview of everything related to romance comics. To that end, Love on the Racks takes the form of a genre study. The text begins with 1940s pre-comi...
Body Satisfaction as Antecedent to Virtual Product Experience in an Online Apparel Shopping Context

Body satisfaction, largely ignored in studies of online shopping for body-involved products, was examined as an antecedent variable to the virtual product experience. The purpose of this study was ...
Carbon nanotube atomic force microscopy tips: Direct growth by chemical vapor deposition and application to high-resolution imaging

Carbon nanotubes are potentially ideal atomic force microscopy probes because they can have diameters as small as one nanometer, have robust mechanical properties, and can be specifically functionalized with chemical and biological probes at the tip ends. This communication describes methods for the direct growth of carbon nanotube tips by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using ethylene and iron catalysts deposited on commercial silicon-cantilever-tip assemblies. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements demonstrate that multiwalled nanotube and single-walled nanotube tips can be grown by predictable variations in the CVD growth conditions. Force-displacement measurements made on the tips show that they buckle elastically and have very small (≤ 100 pN) nonspecific adhesion on mica surfaces in air. Analysis of images recorded on gold nanoparticle standards shows that these multi- and single-walled carbon nanotube tips have radii of curvature of 3–6 and 2–4 nm, respectively. Moreover, the nanotube tip radii determined from the nanoparticle images are consistent with those determined directly by transmission electron microscopy imaging of the nanotube ends. These molecular-scale CVD nanotube probes have been used to image isolated IgG and GroES proteins at high-resolution.