cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding written comments on mail questionnaires: A rhetorical analysis ☆

Abstract Informed by social constructionist philosophies and discourse theories, this paper presents a rhetorical analysis of comments written by respondents on mail questionnaires obtained in a survey of Vermont permanent and seasonal residents. A notable feature of the comments was their assertiveness, and so rhetorical analysis – the study of persuasive communication – was used to study the structural forms, nature of arguments and claims, and stylistic features of the texts. The inductive analysis revealed six types of text organization that varied in levels of rhetorical discourse. Different kinds of argumentation strategies and claims were associated with each form, and distinct linguistic styles were used to embellish the arguments. This study advances interpretive discourse analysis in outdoor recreation research, illustrating how people use language strategically in an effort to achieve effects in readers, and informs managers who draw insight from survey research. Management implications How should researchers and managers interpret the comments written by respondents on mail questionnaires? This paper describes a process of discourse analysis that theorizes survey research as a rhetorical situation in which respondents and researchers are separated in time and space. This research will sensitize researchers and managers to the discursive qualities of survey research, showing how written comments provided by survey respondents can take various structural forms, and use identifiable claims and styles. Analyses of these discourses can help strengthen survey research by offering new ways to analyze remote communications in recreation resource management and tourism, and offer nuanced appreciation of how people interact with resource places.
Parametric estimation of multivariable continuous systems of known structure

A rational generalization of the quasi-linearizing technique for estimating parameter values of continuous non-linear differential systems of known structure is presented. For linear time invariant systems it is shown that the procedure is capable of obtaining the system matrices.
The Homogeneous rate constant for the recombination of fluorine atoms with F2 as the third body

Abstract The rate constant for the homogeneous recombination of F-atoms with F2 as the third body was found to be (3.6 ± 1.4) × 1014 cm6/mol2s at 300 to 320 K. The corresponding rate constants with He and Ar as third bodies were also measured.
Cluster analysis of neuropsychological test results among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI): Implications for a model of TBI-related disability

Abstract Neuropsychological test data and educational attainment for 47 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were submitted to cluster analysis. Relationships of cluster membership to injury severity (coma days) and disabilities (Portland Adaptability Inventory; PAI) were examined. Cluster 1 was composed of highly educated individuals with relatively mild initial injuries, neuropsychological impairment, and disabilities. Impairments for Cluster 1 appeared more significant in contrast to probably high preinjury functioning. Cluster 2, whose members had lowest test performances on measures of remote memory and reading, may have been marginally functioning prior to injury. Those in Cluster 2 had only mild initial injuries, but showed moderately extensive disabilities on the PAI. Patients in Cluster 3 had mild initial injuries, very mild neuropsychological impairments, and mild disabilities, characterized by difficulties with planning and irritability. Individuals in Clusters 4 and 5 had more severe ini...
Inverted papilloma of the lacrimal SAC, the paranasal sinuses and the cervical region

A 22-year-old woman presented with a lacrimal sac mass which on biopsy was an inverted papilloma. Two years later an ipsilateral cervical mass was removed, which contained inverted papilloma with a histologically typical pattern. Subsequently, the patient had a medial maxillectomy and remains well 5 years later. The cervical mass may represent inverted papilloma arising in a branchial cleft cyst or it may be a metastasis of benign papilloma to a regional lymph node. This is the second such case reported and the first with substantial followup.
IC laser trimming speed-up through wafer-level spatial correlation modeling

Laser trimming is used extensively to ensure accurate values of on-chip precision resistors in the presence of process variations. Such laser resistor trimming is slow and expensive, typically performed in a closed-loop, where the laser is iteratively fired and some circuit parameter (i.e. current) is monitored until a target condition is satisfied. Toward reducing this cost, we introduce a novel methodology for predicting the laser trim length, thereby eliminating the closed-loop control and speeding up the process. Predictions are obtained from waferlevel spatial correlation models, learned from a sparse sample of die on which traditional trimming is performed. Effectiveness is demonstrated on an actual wafer of laser-trimmed ICs.
Electrical properties of Al2O3 during irradiation with spallation neutrons

DC and AC conductivity of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} ceramics were measured at elevated temperatures during irradiation with neutrons and gamma rays at the Los Alamos Spallation Radiation Effects Facility. DC conductivity was increased at start of irradiation, but was subsequently reduced as displacement damage was accumulated. AC conductivity appeared to increase at high levels of damage. The observed dc behavior is attributed to excitation of electrons into the conduction band by ionizing radiation, followed by charge trapping and recombination at damage sites. The ac behavior, which resembles RIED, is attributed to conductivity in the residual gas surrounding the samples. Surface conductivity, while not the source of the apparent RIED, nevertheless is of sufficient magnitude to be of concern for fusion applications.
Ontogeny, auditory structures, and primate evolution

The anatomy of the auditory region, particularly the carotid circulatory patterns and ectotympanic-petrosal relationships, has played a prominent role in primate systematics and phylogenetic reconstructions. Ontogenetic stages of petrosal-ectotympanic relationship are presented for certain strepsirhines. It is suggested that the “ectotympanic tube” or “ossified annulus membrane” found in early Tertiary primates is not necessarily an homologous structure to the true ectotympanic tube seen in haplorhines, and thus cannot be considered a shared, derived feature linking known Paleogene primates from Europe or North America to tarsioid and/or anthropoid ancestry. No fossil primate yet discovered makes a convincing ancestor for the earliest known anthropoids from the Oligocene of Africa. This is probably due to the fact that it still lies undiscovered in the Paleogene of Africa.
Self-esteem Instability and Psychological Adjustment

The psychological adjustment of individuals with stable and unstable forms of self-esteem was examined across three studies using undergraduate participants. Study 1 (N = 122) included indicators of global distress and aggression; Study 2 (N = 199) focused on depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and rejection sensitivity; and Study 3 (N = 183) examined global distress, affect, and psychological well-being. Across each study, unstable self-esteem was found to moderate the association between self-esteem level and psychological adjustment. The pattern of these findings suggests that individuals with unstable low self-esteem are especially likely to experience dejection, whereas those with unstable high self-esteem are likely to experience agitation.
Counteracting the Deviance of Depression: Peer Support Groups for Victims

Early laboratory research has shown that when people are faced with a stressfull situation they prefer the company of those facing the same unpleasant event. In this paper we extend this work by examining the impact that peer support group membership has on the mental health of participants, individuals who have sought the help of similarly afflicted others. We present a theoretical argument which proposes that needs for evaluating the appropriateness of one's emotional reactions to victimization are not likely to be met through normal social interactions, leading to feelings of perceived self deviance which could contribute to depression. We suggest that needs for validation, however, could be fulfilled when a victim is able to share emotional reactions with those having similar experiences in peer support groups. Indirect evidence from other research and relevant data from our pilot study on peer support for rape victims indicates that feelings of deviance do tend to decline after group participation. The findings on the reduction of negative affect of group members are rather limited, but positive outcomes generally have been obtained in groups facilitated by professionals. We conclude by suggesting some of the functions that peer support groups may serve for participants in the hopes of increasing their general effectiveness as vehicles for depression reduction.
FEW BODY MOLECULAR COLLISIONS: THEORETICAL

Abstract This paper discusses the theory of atom-diatom exchange collisions without breakup. Methods involving a direct solution of the Schrodinger equation by accurate and approximate techniques are described. The main focus is on reactions on single electronically adiabatic potential energy surfaces, with some consideration given to two electronic state calculations.
Habitat Selection by an Insectivorous Rodent: Patterns and Mechanisms across Multiple Scales

Patterns of habitat selection by small mammals reflect variation in availability of resources at a range of spatial and temporal scales. I investigated use of habitat by northern grasshopper mice ( Onychomys leucogaster ) in shortgrass prairie and related the patterns to distribution of vegetation and substrate and availability of arthropod prey. I used powder tracking to document use of microhabitats and live-trapping to estimate abundance on sites with different soil types and amounts of shrub cover (macrohabitats). At all spatial scales examined, mice used disturbances of soil (primarily pocket gopher mounds) and burrows more than expected based on abundance of these microhabitats, but showed no affinity for large shrubs. Furthermore, movement patterns suggested that mice concentrated activities in areas with high densities of mounds and burrows. Insect prey were more numerous on mounds than in other microhabitats and were generally more abundant in trapping areas where grasshopper mice were captured, especially in spring and early summer. Mounds and burrows provide arthropods with access to subterranean refuges, and the concentration and accessibility of prey, thus, may explain the intensive use of these microhabitats by mice. Microhabitat variables associated with mounds and burrows were better predictors of population density than was macrohabitat, which may reflect the spatial distribution and temporal predictability of insect prey. Although local abundance of grasshopper mice was best explained by availability of suitable foraging microhabitat, the relationship between these microhabitats and edaphic characteristics suggests that it may be difficult to separate the roles of microhabitat and macrohabitat for this wide-ranging species.
Partial chemical characterization of estuarine dissolved organic matter

Abstract Activated charcoal chromatography was used to isolate dissolved organic matter from a series of water samples collected in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, during 1975–1976. The range of dissolved organic carbon values in the samples was 1.46–3.75 mg OC/1. A relatively constant amount of organic carbon was isolated giving overall recoveries of 23 to 63% (mean of 45%). The isolated organic matter was characterized by spectrophotometric measurements, stable carbon isotope determinations, and copper solubilizing capacities. In general, the isolated material displayed considerable constancy in terms of the parameters measured. However, several chemical variations were detected that were probably related to the introduction of organic matter from diatom blooms and terrigenous runoff.
Preclinical Investigation of Ab Interno Trabeculectomy Using a Novel Dual-Blade Device

Purpose To evaluate the effects of a novel ab interno trabeculectomy device on human trabecular meshwork (TM). Design Laboratory evaluation. Methods The TM from human cadaveric corneal rim tissue was incised using 3 instruments: (1) novel dual-blade device; (2) microvitreoretinal (MVR) blade; and (3) Trabectome. Tissue samples underwent histologic processing and comparative analyses. Subsequently, human eye perfusion studies were performed to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of each device. Main outcome measures were degree of TM removal by histology and IOP in a perfusion model. Results The MVR blade exhibited minimal removal of TM and obvious injury to the adjacent sclera. The Trabectome removed a large portion of the central TM, but leaflets of residual tissue remained and thermal injury was noted in all samples. The dual-blade device achieved a more complete removal of TM without injury to surrounding tissues. All devices resulted in statistically significant lowering of IOP during perfusion model studies. MVR blade treatment across 170.0 ± 14.1 degrees of TM resulted in a decrease of IOP from 18.5 ± 1.9 mm Hg to 12.8 ± 2.2 mm Hg ( P P P Conclusions The novel dual-blade device demonstrated a more complete removal of TM without residual TM leaflets or damage to surrounding tissues and significantly reduced IOP in a human eye perfusion model.
Status of Organization-Public Relationship Research From an Analysis of Published Articles, 1985-2004

Abstract This study analyzes trends and patterns of research about organization-public relationships (OPR) through a content analysis of articles published between 1985 and 2004. The current status of OPR studies suggests that we have made progress in OPR research over the past two decades but need to explicate, replicate and extend the existing studies and cumulate the research trend.
Experience with mass production bump bonding with outside vendors in the CMS FPIX project

The experience with mass production bump bonding with outside vendors gained in the CMS Forward Pixel project is discussed. Results from two different vendors are presented. After an initial R&D and pre-production phase, 20% of the production parts have been completed. The main results are shown here.
A result on the transfer problem in international trade theory

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide a result on the welfare effect of a transfer, in a general equilibrium exchange model, with no arbitrary restrictions on either the number of commodities traded or the number of countries. Our result can be stated as follows. The donor country is worse off after a transfer, if (a) all goods are ‘net substitutes’ for the donor; (b) all goods are ‘gross substitutes’ for the other countries; and (c) all goods are ‘normal’ for all countries.
Lithium increases accumulation of second messenger inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate in brain cortex slices in species ranging from mouse to monkey

Abstract Historical aspects of the phosphoinositide field are briefly reviewed. The effects of the anti-manic depressive drug, lithium, on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate accumulation in brain cortex slices in species ranging from mouse to monkey are presented. In the guinea pig, lithium, in the presence of acetylcholine, increases the accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, but at therapeutic concentrations of lithium 1 m m inositol is required to see a statistically significant effect. In previous studies in rat brain cortex slices (27), lithium inhibited accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate by 15–20%. We have confirmed this and found a similar effect in mouse brain cortex slices. However, if we added 20–30 m m inositol we observed lithium-stimulated accumulations of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate in these two latter species. These observations in rat and mouse appear to relate to the following facts: (1) brain cortices of mouse and rat contain in vivo concentrations of inositol half that of guinea pig, (2) incubated rat brain cortex slices are depleted of inositol by 80% and (3) the slices require 10 m m inositol supplementation to restore in vivo concentrations. More recently, we have shown that in monkey brain cortex slices, therapeutic concentrations of Li + increase accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate is not increased. Neither inositol, nor an agonist, is required. The same effects are seen whether inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate is measured by the [ 3 H]inositol-prelabelling technique or by mass assay, although mass includes a pool of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate which is metabolically inactive. Thus, in a therapeutically relevant model for man, Li + increases Ins(1,4,5)P 3 in brain cortex slices, as was previously seen in lower mammals at nonrate-limiting concentrations of inositol.
Study of ferroelectric domain wall structures using electron holographic techniques

Abstract In this paper we will discuss our recent experimental results, using electron holography and electron interferometry, of studies of ferroelectric domain walls in BaTiO3 and PLZT thin specimens.
A unified approach to organ donor recruitment, organ procurement, and distribution.

The practices of organ procurement and organ donor recruitment in the United States rest upon two significant but incorrect assumptions. The first is that validly signed donor cards have merely advisorial function; that is, that their purpose is simply to communicate the supposedly nonbinding desires of deceased or incompetent potential donors to serve as sources of lifesaving organs and tissues after death. Procurement personnel do not accord these documents the legal force of wills. Hence, they invariably ask families of all potential donors declared and undeclared for permission to remove organs and tissues from deceased kin. This practice is, however, (a) inconsistent with both the spirit and the letter of nearly all state Uniform Anatomical Gift Acts; (b) inconsistent with the defensible claim that the majority of interests bound up with ownership apply to the relation of a person to his or her body during life and after death; and (c) almost unanimously judged to be morally unacceptable by respondents in two recent empirical surveys..The paper proposes an appropriate revised procedure for use by procurement staff in counseling with families of deceased declared donors. A second incorrect assumption lies at the heart of donor recruitment campaigns. This is the assumption that consenting to the posthumous removal of organs from one's own body is an act of charity, a work of superergogation. The author argues to the contrary that consenting to the removal and transfer of one's own organs after death is a moral duty. The duty to consent is derivative from a more general moral duty variously called the duty of mutual aid or the duty to attempt an easy rescue of an endangered person (or persons). So, while it is true that every individual has first authority, i.e., paramount right over all others, to control the posthumous disposition of his or her own body parts after death, the author argues that this right is overridden by the more weighty moral duty to consent to the removal and transfer of personal organs after death. * Chairman, Department of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin, River Falls,
How do low-income Kurdish migrant families in Turkey negotiate child/adolescent characteristics in child labor decisions? Insights from Kurdish mothers:

As part of a larger ethnographic study, this article explored the ways lowincome Kurdish families negotiated child characteristics identified as determinants in child labor decisions. Of the 27 Kur...
Personality, Stress, and Performance for Army Recruiters:

Recent research conducted with Army Recruiters has classified recruiting as a high-risk occupation that includes consistently high levels of stress. Some recruiters seem to possess stress-resilient characteristics while others are more vulnerable to the effects of stress. The objective of the present study was to empirically identify recruiter characteristics that contribute to recruiter stress and performance.Participants for the study included 145 recruiters. The Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire III-Revised was used as a measure of personality. The Multiple Affect Adjective CheckList - Revised, Subjective Stress Scale, and Specific Rating of Events Scale were administered as state measures of stress. A performance percentage was calculated for each recruiter by dividing the number of individuals recruited by the number of recruits required to meet their mission.A cluster analysis was performed using the subscale measures of the ZKPQ resulting in a four-cluster solution: High Impulsivity-High ...
Stereo presentation of Monte Carlo electron trajectory simulations

SUMMARY Electron trajectory data from Monte Carlo simulation techniques is three dimensional in nature, and thus is best represented by methods that most preserve the spatial information. Stereo plotting is a method that gives the three-dimensional illusion effectively while not requiring any special equipment beyond what is required to make standard two-dimensional plots. Stereo plots of electron trajectories are presented that illustrate the advantages of the spatial illusion in the context of examining in detail some of the interactions of the electron beam with planar bulk meta lic samples.
Non-Axisymmetric Instability of Core-Annular Flow

Stability of core-annular flow of water and oil in a vertical circular pipe is studied with respect to non-axisymmetric disturbances. Results show that when the oil core is thin, the flow is most unstable to the asymmetric sinuous mode of disturbance, and the core moves in the form of corkscrew waves as observed in experiments. The asymmetric mode of disturbance is the most dangerous mode for quite a wide range of material and flow parameters. This asymmetric mode persists in vertical pipes with upward and downward flows and in horizontal pipes. The analysis also applies to the instability of freely rising axisymmetric cigarette smoke or a thermal plume. The study predicts a unique wavelength for the asymmetric meandering waves.
Spectroscopic study of excited states in an argon plasma.

Excited states of decaying argon plasma jet from electron-ion recombination data through spectroscopic measurement
Functional Vascular Endothelium Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Vascular endothelium is a dynamic cellular interface that displays a unique phenotypic plasticity. This plasticity is critical for vascular function and when dysregulated is pathogenic in several diseases. Human genotype-phenotype studies of endothelium are limited by the unavailability of patient-specific endothelial cells. To establish a cellular platform for studying endothelial biology, we have generated vascular endothelium from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) exhibiting the rich functional phenotypic plasticity of mature primary vascular endothelium. These endothelial cells respond to diverse proinflammatory stimuli, adopting an activated phenotype including leukocyte adhesion molecule expression, cytokine production, and support for leukocyte transmigration. They maintain dynamic barrier properties responsive to multiple vascular permeability factors. Importantly, biomechanical or pharmacological stimuli can induce pathophysiologically relevant atheroprotective or atheroprone phenotypes. Our results demonstrate that iPSC-derived endothelium possesses a repertoire of functional phenotypic plasticity and is amenable to cell-based assays probing endothelial contributions to inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
On the characterization of ultrasonic transducers using pattern recognition

This correspondence is concerned with presenting a methodology for characterizing ultrasonic transducers using pattern recognition techniques. An apparatus was developed to collect focus, frequency spectrum, impulse response, and diameter parameters. Six different pattern recognition techniques were applied to classify 83 different transducers. These include: K-means, minimum distance, perceptron, potential function, cosine measure, and Bayes' classifier. Moreover, two dimensionality reduction techniques, the K-L transform and the Fisher multiple discriminant, were applied to reduce the feature space. It was found that the K-means was the most successful classification algorithm. Very close behind in performance was the combination of K-L transform with minimum distance classifier. The latter reduced the feature space by 44 percent with only 6 percent misclassification error more than K-means. The potential function scheme did not converge to a solution in a time equal to 60 times what was required for the other algorithms. Results of the classification, dimensionality reduction, comparison and validation are presented to highlight the advantages and limitations of the investigated techniques. >
International Trading Companies for Developing Countries-Latin America

The paper discusses the suitability of applying Brazilian and East Asian models of international trading companies (ITCs) to the Latin American environment. The adjustment process in developing countries is presently moving from the import-compression to the export-expansion phase requires a fresh look at the LDCs’ international business activities. As for Latin America, one of the current solutions to improve the balance of payment may therefore constitute improved productivity in its foreign trade account, through genuine export promotion and import substitution. Searching the alternatives of improved export/import performanc, we present a case for ITCs in Latin America through analysis and comparison of ITCs in Brazil and East Asia.
Lessons from a Martial Arts Dojo: A Prolonged Process Model of High-Context Communication

Rather than treat the context of communication as an exogenously determined factor, I investigate the extent to which communicators actively utilize context as a vehicle of communication. Focusing on three cases of “physicality norm” violations observed during a five-year ethnographic study of a Japanese martial arts dojo, I document the use of specific context management and content management practices on the part of the instructors to reconcile the situations in which they found themselves. The prolonged process model of high-context communication that I develop shows how communicators manipulate the two key dimensions of the contexting model of communication—the message content (via continuum staggering and continuum straddling), and the shared understandings that constitute the context in which messages are being delivered and interpreted (via context reliance, i.e., time giving, and context nonreliance, i.e., tearing and reprogramming)—often over extended periods of time.
Effects of Mercuric Chloride on the Hydraulic Conductivity of Tomato Root Systems (Evidence for a Channel-Mediated Water Pathway)

A pressure-flux approach was used to evaluate the effects of HgCl2 on water transport in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) roots. Addition of HgCl2 to a root-bathing solution caused a large and rapid reduction in pressure-induced root water flux; the inhibition was largely reversible upon addition of [beta]-mercaptoethanol. Root system hydraulic conductivity was reduced by 57%. There was no difference between treatments in the K+ concentration in xylem exudate. The results are consistent with the presence of a protein-mediated path for transmembrane water flow in tomato roots.
Synchronization of the acoustic evidence in the assassination of President Kennedy

We have revisited the acoustic evidence in the Kennedy assassination--recordings of the two Dallas police radio channels upon which our original NRC report (Ramsey NF et al., Report of the Committee on Ballistic Acoustics. National Research Council (US). Washington: National Academy Press, 1982. Posted at http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10264.html) was based--in response to the assertion by DB Thomas (Echo correlation analysis and the acoustic evidence in the Kennedy assassination revisited. Science and Justice 2001; 41: 21-32) that alleged gunshot sounds (on Channel 1), apparently recorded from a motorcycle officer's stuck-open microphone, occur at the exact time of the assassination (as established by emergency communications on Channel 2). We have critically reviewed these two publications, and have performed additional analyses. In particular we have used recorded 60 Hz hum and correlation methods to obtain accurate speed calibrations for recordings made on both channels, cepstral analysis to seek instances of repeated segments during playback of Channel 2 (which could result from groove jumping), and spectrographic and correlation methods to analyze instances of putative crosstalk used to synchronize the two channels. This paper identifies serious errors in the Thomas paper and corrects errors in the NRC report. We reaffirm the earlier conclusion of the NRC report that the alleged "shot" sounds were recorded approximately one minute after the assassination.
The Influence of Genetics on Response to Treatment with Ranibizumab (Lucentis) for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Lucentis Genotype Study (An American Ophthalmological Society Thesis)

Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has a complex etiology arising from genetic and environmental influences. This past decade have seen several genes associated with the disease. Variants in five genes have been confirmed to play a major role. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether genes influence treatment response to ranibizumab for neovascular AMD. The hypothesis was that an individual’s genetic variation will determine treatment response.
Important Role of Asparagines in Coupling the Pore and Votage-Sensor Domain in Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels

Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels contain an α-subunit incorporating the channel's pore and gating machinery composed of four homologous domains (DI-DIV), with a pore domain formed by the S5 and S6 segments and a voltage-sensor domain formed by the S1-S4 segments. During a membrane depolarization movement, the S4s in the voltage-sensor domains exert downstream effects on the S6 segments to control ionic conductance through the pore domain. We used lidocaine, a local anesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug, to probe the role of conserved Asn residues in the S6s of DIII and DIV in NaV1.5 and NaV1.4. Previous studies have shown that lidocaine binding to the pore domain causes a decrease in the maximum gating (Qmax) charge of ∼38%, and three-fourths of this decrease results from the complete stabilization of DIII-S4 (contributing a 30% reduction in Qmax) and one-fourth is due to partial stabilization of DIV-S4 (a reduction of 8-10%). Even though substitutions for the Asn in DIV-S6 in NaV1.5, N1764A and N1764C, produce little ionic current in transfected mammalian cells, they both express robust gating currents. Anthopleurin-A toxin, which inhibits movement of DIV-S4, still reduced Qmax by nearly 30%, a value similar to that observed in wild-type channels, in both N1764A and N1764C. By applying lidocaine and measuring the gating currents, we demonstrated that Asn residues in the S6s of DIII and DIV are important for coupling their pore domains to their voltage-sensor domains, and that Ala and Cys substitutions for Asn in both S6s result in uncoupling of the pore domains from their voltage-sensor domains. Similar observations were made for NaV1.4, although substitutions for Asn in DIII-S6 showed somewhat less uncoupling.
Allowing time to consolidate knowledge gained through random practice facilitates later novel motor sequence acquisition

Two experiments were conducted to examine the efficacy of random (RP) and blocked practice (BP) for enhancing later motor learning. Each experiment involved practicing three unique seven key serial reaction time (SRT) tasks in either a blocked or random format followed by practice of a novel SRT task either 2-min (Experiment 1) or 24-h (Experiment 2) later. While the expected benefit of RP for retention was present in both experiments, in Experiment 1 there was no advantage from prior RP for new learning. Experiment 2 explored the possibility that increasing the interval, from 2-min to 24-h, between BP or RP and practice of the novel motor task might allow consolidation of sequence knowledge acquired during BP or RP which in turn might facilitate new learning. As a result of the additional time between training bouts RP facilitated the rate at which the novel motor task was acquired. Interestingly, when this additional time was provided, both BP and RP supported (a) a performance saving for the first trial with the novel task, and (b) an offline improvement in performance across a 24-h interval not present when only the novel motor task was practiced. The latter benefits for new learning may have resulted from exposure to prior physical practice per se. or practice variability. These data are discussed with respect to (a) future learning benefits from prior experience training with greater CI, and (b) the importance of memory consolidation for motor learning.
Optimising femoral-head osteochondral allograft transplantation in a preclinical model.

Summary Background/Objective Osteochondral autografting and allografting of the femoral head have been described as treatments for avascular necrosis without segmental collapse, fracture, osteochondritis dissecans, and tumours. One long-term study reported that 80% of nonsteroid-treated patients had successful outcomes. Most data are compiled from small case reports or series. Although these results are encouraging, to the authors’ knowledge, there is no basic scientific evidence regarding optimal graft source or technique reported in the peer-reviewed literature. The objective of this study was to create a translational canine model to compare femoral-head osteochondral autografts and allografts with respect to safety and efficacy. Methods With Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, skeletally mature hound-mix dogs ( n = 6) weighing >20 kg underwent aseptic surgical implantation of osteochondral grafts using a craniolateral approach to the hip, without dislocation. Three graft options were evaluated: small auto ( n = 3), 6-mm-diameter autograft from the trochlear ridge of the ipsilateral knee; small allo ( n = 3), 6-mm-diameter fresh (21-day storage) allograft from a size-matched canine femoral head; or large allo ( n = 3), 14-mm-diameter fresh (21-day storage) allograft from a size-matched canine femoral head. Small grafts were implanted into the same femoral head of three dogs, and large grafts were implanted alone in the other three dogs. The dogs were allowed unrestricted activity in their runs, and were walked on a leash for 15 minutes 5 times/wk. The outcome measures included functional, radiographic, and arthroscopic assessments at 8 weeks, and functional, chondrocyte viability, and histologic assessments at 6 months after surgery. The pre- and postoperative data were compared for statistically significant ( p 30-mm diameter) size-matched femoral-head grafts. The radiographic, quality of life, and functional assessments were captured postoperatively. Results All grafts had >80% chondrocyte viability at the time of implantation. All grafts showed radiographic evidence for integration into host bone. Small auto and small allo showed significant ( p 30 mm) was performed in the four human patients. Due to the defect size, three out of the four human patients required two large allografts at the time of implantation. At the time of this manuscript's acceptance, patient follow-up ranged from 4 months to 18 months. All human patients were full weight-bearing without an assistive device, and showed no evidence of graft failure or progressive arthrosis. Conclusion These data provide initial translational and clinical evidence for large osteochondral allografts as a potential option for functional resurfacing of full-thickness cartilage defects of the femoral head.
The EU as a Democracy Promoter: Can the EU Use Albania’s Ambitions for Membership to Strengthen Democracy in the Balkans?

The purpose of this paper is to assess the nature and effectiveness of the European Union’s democracy promotion policy in Albania. Although the Balkan region was home to wars, ethnic tension, and political instability in the recent past, all western Balkan countries have expressed interest in gaining membership in the EU. The Albanian question is particularly important because of the regression of democratic conditions in the country due to an 18 month-long political gridlock that ended in violent and deadly protests in January 2011. This happened only two months after the EU voted unanimously for visa liberalization of Albanian citizens in the Schengen Area, and the EU has pressured the Albanian government to hold officials accountable for the deaths in 2011. This paper analyzes the “leverage and linkage” of the EU on Albanian domestic politics and whether the EU can offer sufficient incentives to facilitate democratic consolidation.
Penseive Box: Themes for Digital Memorialization Practices

In this work, we describe several themes that can be useful for designing tangible technology in the context of death and mourning. We explore the effectiveness of physical and digital artifacts in the process honoring a loved one who has passed away. We employ a speculative prototype called Penseive Box to explore the intersection of tangible digital memorialization practices. Using this prototype to elicit reflections on personal memorialization practices, we interviewed several individuals who had recently lost a loved one, and present the results of our initial analysis here.
Assembly and Packaging of a Wireless, Chronically-Implantable Neural Prosthetic Device

We present a chronically implantable, 121-channel, wireless neural prosthetic device assembled using a combination of novel and standard microelectronics packaging techniques. The exposed components are made of long-term biocompatible materials and are assembled into a three-dimensional package to minimize implant size. This device will be implanted into the spinal cord of an animal and is capable of electrically stimulating neural tissue. The objective of this work is to develop a clinical treatment for patients who lack micturition or bladder control due to paralysis or neurological-impairment.
Failure analysis of aluminum alloy swing arm welded joints

Fracture failures in a welded motorcycle swing arm made of aluminum alloys 7075 and 7020 were studied by optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Lamellar tearing transverse to the loading direction of the swing arm was found in the collar structure. Analysis shows that during welding the collar piece close to the stringerlike inclusions led to tearing at the grain boundaries parallel to the rolling direction of the base metal. Subsequent cooling applied shrinkage stress to the stringers and opened the inclusion-matrix interfaces. These welding-generated tearing defects are the result of the material processing/welding operations and are transverse to the loading direction of the swing arm. Under workloads, these cracks propagated by fatigue, connected, and the swing arm fractured in a brittlelike mode.
Migration of Peripheral Leukocytes in the Presence of Carcinoembryonic Antigen. Studies in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases of the Intestine and Carcinoma of the Colon and Pancreas

SummaryThe leukocyte migration technique was employed to study in vitro cell-mediated immune responses to purified CEA in patients with Crohn's disease and active ulcerative colitis and in those with colonic and pancreatic carcinoma.No significant inhibition of leukocyte migration was demonstrated by CEA, with the exception of one patient with pancreatic carcinoma. Thus, with the leukocyte migration technique, no consistent in vitro cell-mediated immunity to CEA was demonstrated supporting the hypothesis that CEA is not the antigen toward which cell-mediated host response phenomena are directed.The authors wish to thank Jacques Vandevoorde, of the Hoffmann-La Roche Research Division, Nutley, NJ, for performing the radioimmunoassays for CEA and Carlos Pereira for skillful technical assistance.These studies were supported under U.S.P.H.S. Grant No. Al 09857, a N.I.H. Training Grant (AM-05126), and Mount Sinai Clinical Genetics Center Grant No. GM 19-443.
Ceramic Films for Optical Applications Code: D7

Recent progress is reviewed on the wet chemical synthesis of films for optical applications. Specific attention is directed to planar waveguides and to electrooptic, non-linear optical and electrochromic films, including recent results obtained in our laboratories.
Fly Control Costs on Northern California Poultry Ranches

The average cost of fly control for 1 year (1962) on 10 poultry ranches was 7.4¢/bird/year. Manure management costs averaged 6.5¢/bird/year (range 3.5–13.8¢/bird/year), whereas insecticide costs averaged 1.36¢/bird/year (range 0.3–3.6¢/bird/year). Overhead costs (depreciation, interest, taxes and insurance on equipment specifically purchased for fly control) were included in the overall cost analyses. Fly control (good, fair, or poor) was good where manure management was conscientiously practiced and fair or poor where manure was removed only occasionally or once yearly. The degree of fly control was not related to cost, but on a per-bird-per-year basis costs were higher on smaller ranches.
CXCR4 heterogeneity in primary cells: possible role of ubiquitination

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is a primary coreceptor for the HIV-1 virus. The predicted molecular weight (MW) of glycosylated CXCR4 is 45-47 kDa. However, immunoblots of whole cell lysates from human lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and the Jurkat T-lymphocyte line revealed multiple MW isoforms of CXCR4. Three of the bands could be precipitated by anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibodies (101 and 47 kDa) or coprecipitated with CD4 (62 kDa). Expression of these isoforms was enhanced by infection with a recombinant vaccinia virus encoding CXCR4. In immunoblots of two-dimensional gels, antiubiquitin antibodies reacted with the 62-kDa CXCR4 species from monocytes subsequent to coprecipitation with anti-CD4 antibodies. Culturing of monocytes and lymphocytes with lactacystin enhanced the amount of the 101-kDa CXCR4 isoform in immunoblots by three- to sevenfold. In lymphocytes, lactacystin also increased cell-surface expression of CXCR4, which correlated with enhanced fusion with HIV-1 envelope-expressing cells. Similar increases in the intensity of the 101-kDa isoform were seen after treatment with the lysosomal inhibitors monensin and ammonium chloride. Antiubiquitin antibodies reacted with multiple proteins above 62 kDa, which were precipitated with anti-CXCR4 antibodies. Our data indicate that ubiquitination may contribute to CXCR4 heterogeneity and suggest roles for proteasomes and lysosomes in the constitutive turnover of CXCR4 in primary human cells.
Evaluation on Application of Cultivation Method for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

[Objective]To evaluate the application value of fluorescence interpretoscope in tuberculosis diagnose by the means of fast cultivation method for Mycobacterium tuberculosis,and establish a economical,rapid and effective cultivation method of tubercle bacillus.[Methods]The sputum of 43 cases of active tuberculosis was fast cultured for Mycobacterium tuberculosis which was compared with the slow cultivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in modified Russell medium simultaneously.Time spent of the 2 method and the positive rate of culture were compared.[Results]The fast fluorescence interpretoscope cultivation method was about 15 days prior to Russell medium and the positive rate was 8.7 % higher.[Conclusion]Comparing with conventional Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture,the fluorescence interpretoscope method is faster,with a higher positive rate.The fluorescence interpretoscope method is more economical,practical and suitable for promotion and application in grassroots tuberculosis hospitals than other fast cultivation methods.
Analysis of tubing failure in Daqing oil fields

Failures of tubing in sucker rod pumping wells in Daqing oil fields have been investigated and analyzed. It is concluded that what have led to the tubing failures are defects on the bottoms of tubing threads, ill-operation of tubing and poor working conditions in wells. Some preventive measures to reduce tubing failures are recommended. The measures include improving cutting process of tubing threads, using external upset tubing, improving operation management of tubing and adjusting well work conditions. The measures have helped the plants in Daqing oil fields reduce their tubing failures.
Adaptive reliable shortest path problem in stochastic traffic network

In order to analyze the problem of selecting optimal path in traffic network,adaptive reliable shortest path problem is addressed in stochastic network.First,the mathematical model of stochastic traffic network is established to reflect the stochastic characteristic of traffic time in traffic network.Second,the optimal-reliable routing policy and optimal-reliable state chain based on reliability theory are uniformly defined in stochastic network;and the optimal-reliable state chain satisfies Bellman's principle that is the core of dynamic programming.Third,a successive approximation algorithm based on the dynamic programming is developed to solve the adaptive reliable shortest path problem in stochastic network,whose complexity is polynomial time.Finally,a computer program using Matlab language is developed to compute on the SiouxFalls(SF)network.Numerical results in typical transportation network show the validity and feasibility of the successive approximation algorithm.
Absence of anatomic origin from heart of pulmonary arterial supply: Clinical application of classification

A group of 262 patients with discontinuity between the heart and the pulmonary arterial supply was reviewed with respect to the anatomic variants. Of the 262 patients, 167 (64 per cent) had confluence of the right and left pulmonary arteries, and only 9 (3 per cent) had nonconfluence. Sixty-two patients (24 per cent) had no pulmonary arteries, and 24 patients (9 per cent) had unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery (mixed type). The review indicates that the classification is practical when applied to a large clinical experience since it distinctly categorizes individual patients, differentiates those who are operable from those presently inoperable, and conforms to the technical considerations for repair in operable cases.