cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
S641 contributes HERG K+ channel inactivation.

The kinetics of voltage-dependent inactivation of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier, IKr, are unique among K+ channels. The human ether-a-gogo-related gene (HERG) encodes the pore-forming subunit of IKr and shares a high degree of homology with ether-a-gogo (EAG) channels that do not inactivate. Within those segments thought to contribute to the channel pore, HERG, possesses several serine residues that are not present in EAG channels. Two of these serines, S620 and S631, are known to be required for inactivation. We now show that a third serine, S641, which resides in the outer portion of the sixth transmembrane segment, is also critical for normal inactivation. As with the other serines, S641 is also involved in maintaining ion selectivity of the HERG channel and alters sensitivity to block by E4031. Larger charged or polar substitutions (S641D and S641T) disrupted C-type inactivation in HERG. Smaller aliphatic and more conservative substitutions (S641A and S641C) facilitated C-type inactivation. Our data show that, like S620 and S631, S641 is another key residue for the rapid inactivation. The altered inactivation of mutations at S620, S631, and S641 were dominant, suggesting that a network of hydroxyl side chains is required for the unique inactivation, permeation, and rectification of HERG channels.
Analysis of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor expression and methylation patterns in human prostate cancers.

BACKGROUND Downregulation of genes which negatively control cell cycle progression represents a possible mechanism for prostate tumorigenesis. We examined the expression levels of the p16, p15, p14, and retinoblastoma-susceptibility (RB) genes in primary prostate cancers and human prostate cancer cell lines, and correlated this with the DNA methylation levels of two loci in p16. METHODS The mRNA levels of p16, p15, and p14 were examined by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR). DNA methylation of the p16 5′ CpG island was determined by bisulfite genomic sequencing, while methylation of exon 2 shared by the p16 and p14 genes was measured by a quantitative bisulfite-based technique, methylation-sensitive single-nucleotide primer extension (Ms-SNuPE). RB protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemical staining of histologic sections of normal and tumor prostate tissues, using a monoclonal antibody (mAB). RESULTS Overexpression of p16 mRNA was found in 6/9 (67) of prostate tumors compared to the adjacent normal prostate, whereas elevated p14 and p15 levels were only observed in 2/9 (22) and 1/6 (17) of prostate cases, respectively. There was no statistically significant association of grade (P = 0.18) and stage (P = 1.00) of prostate cancer to the elevated p16 levels in the tumors. The p16 5′ CpG island was completely unmethylated in these tissues. In contrast, exon 2 of p16/p14 was methylated in both the tumor and normal adjacent prostates, and was increased in 8/11 (73) of tumors relative to normal tissues. There was no association between p16 overexpression and increased p16/p14 exon 2 methylation in these tumors (P = 1.00). Diminished RB levels in prostate tumors that had upregulated p16 mRNA were found, although absent RB was also detected in tumors without elevated p16 levels. The expression levels of the two genes, RB and p16, were not correlated statistically (P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS Our studies show that although the levels of the cell cycle regulators p16, p15, p14, and Rb are altered in prostate cancers, there is no apparent correlation to grade, stage, or any pattern of regulation between the related genes. Exon 2 of p16/p14 is methylated in a majority of prostate tumors compared to the unmethylated upstream 5′ region, and may be a potential tumor marker for human prostate cancer. Prostate 43:233–242, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Concurrent measurement of platelet ionized calcium concentration and aggregation: Studies with the Lumiaggregometer

Abstract Platelet aggregation and aequorin-indicated cytoplasmic ionized calcium concentration ([Cai2+]) were measured simultaneously using a modification of a commercially available instrument, the Chronolog Whole Blood LumiaggregometerR. The [Cai2+] rise in response to arachidonic acid, the Ca2+-ionophore A23187, collagen, and epinephrine occurred either before or simultaneously with platelet shape change or aggregation. PGD2 caused concentration-dependent inhibition of both the [Cai2+] rise and aggregation. However, suppression of the [Ca2+] rise alone did not fully account for the inhibition of aggregation due to the elevated cAMP produced by PGD2. Agonist-induced elevation of [Ca2+] did not depend on platelet aggregation, but was enhanced by close platelet-to-platelet contact. Concurrent measurement of platelet aggregation and [Ca2+] may further clarify pathways to platelet activation.
Effects of Static and Motion Parallax Depth Information on Perception of Size in Children and Adults.

Abstract The effects of static and kinetic information for depth on judgments of the relative size of objects placed at different distances was studied in 3- and 7-yr-old children and adults. Subjects viewed either a pair of objects placed on the floor of a textured alley or a projected slide of the identical scene. The presence of motion parallax information for depth was also manipulated. All subjects showed a clear sensitivity to static pictorial depth information in judging objects placed so they projected equal retinal areas. When the retinal size of objects was very different, however, children tended to respond to retinal rather than physical size. Motion parallax information increased responsiveness to depth when a 3-dimensional scene was being viewed, but decreased responsiveness with 2-dimensional projections. The decrease was greater in children than adults.
Ambiguity reduction by relaxation labeling

Abstract A new relaxation labeling algorithm for a general n -node/ m -label system is developed and its theoretical as well as application aspects are analyzed. The convergence properties of the new relaxation algorithm are presented. Physical interpretations of the mathematical terms are discussed. Finally, an experiment of applying the new relaxation labeling algorithm to perform an object identification task in an intelligent robotic system with two cameras, is described.
Scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis of calcified α-elastin coacervates

The uptake of calcium and phosphorus from a serum calcification medium by coacervated α-elastin was studied by electron probe microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy. Calcium and phosphorus were bound by the coacervate in ratios similar to that of hydroxyapatite. A significant difference was observed in the secondary electron image of the coacervate films before and after calcification. Elemental mapping, i.e., formation of an image composed of a selected energy range, showed the calcium to be deposited evenly over the coacervate rather than at discrete foci. There appeared to be no deposition of sulfur-containing molecules from the serum during calcification of the coacervate.
Conformational preference of ChaK1 binding peptides: a molecular dynamics study

TRPM7/ChaK1 is a recently discovered atypical protein kinase that has been suggested to selectively phosphorylate the substrate residues located in α-helices. However, the actual structure of kinase-substrate complex has not been determined experimentally and the recognition mechanism remains unknown. In this work we explored possible kinase-substrate binding modes and the likelihood of an α-helix docking interaction, within a kinase active site, using molecular modeling. Specifically kinase ChaK1 and its two peptide substrates were examined; one was an 11-residue segment from the N-terminal domain of annexin-1, a putative endogenous substrate for ChaK1, and the other was an engineered 16-mer peptide substrate determined via peptide library screening. Simulated annealing (SA), replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) and steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations were performed on the two peptide substrates and the ChaK1-substrate complex in solution. The simulations indicate that the two substrate peptides are unlikely to bind and react with the ChaK1 kinase in a stable α-helical conformation overall. The key structural elements, sequence motifs, and amino acid residues in the ChaK1 and their possible functions involved in the substrate recognition are discussed.
A New Iron Meteorite from Webster County, Missouri

An iron meteorite weighing approximately 57 pounds was plowed up near Seymour, Webster County, Missouri, about 1940. The importance of the find was not recognized until the fall of 1963, when a small piece was sent to Harvard University. Externally the meteorite is irregular, showing no evidence of oriented flight. Structurally, it is a coarse octahedrite containing conspicuous large nodules of troilite, which are rimmed with schreibersite.
Intraoperative fluoroscopy to evaluate fracture reduction and hardware placement during acetabular surgery.

Objectives:To evaluate use of intraoperative fluoroscopy during acetabular surgery to determine fracture reduction and accurate placement of screws.Design:Retrospective.Setting:Level I trauma center.Participants:Thirty patients with thirty-two acetabular fractures.Intervention:Patients were evaluate
Corporate Succession: An Examination

Successor type, successor need deficiency, successor leadership style, and organizational change following succession are analyzed through a model of succession for corporate presidents. Organizati...
A diagnosis of twentieth century temperature records at West Lafayette, Indiana

A diagnostic study of 80 yrs(1901–80) of surface temperatures collected at West Lafayette, Indiana, has been found to be in tune with the global trend and that for the eastern two-thirds of the United States, namely, cold at the turn of the century, warming up to about 1940, and then cooling to present. The study was divided into two cold periods (1901–18, 1947–80) and a warm period (1919–46), based on the distribution of annual mean temperature. Decadal mean annual temperatures ranged from 10 °C in period I to 12.2 °C in period II, to 9.4 °C during the present cold period. Themean annual temperature for the 80 yr ranged from the coldest of 8.7 °C in 1979 to the warmest of 13.6 °C in 1939. Thedaily mean temperature for the entire 80-yr ranged from -4.7 °C on 31 January to 25.1 °C on 27 July. Thecoldest daily mean was -26.7 °C on 17 January, 1977, and thewarmest daily mean was 35 °C on 14 July, 1936. The range of values for thedaily mean maximum temperatures was -.2 °C on 31 January to 31.4 °C on 27 July. Corresponding values for thedaily mean minimum are -9.2 °C on 31 January and 18.7 °C on 27 July. The all-time extreme temperatures are -30.6 °C on 26 February, 1963 and 43.9 °C on 14 July, 1936.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Pregnancy.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in pregnancy presents a special challenge for the clinician, predominantly because of the potential side effects of pharmacologic interventions on the fetus. Lifestyle and dietary modifications, change in sleeping posture, and antacid medications are emphasized, as these options pose little risk to the fetus. When these interventions are not successful, sucralfate, a mucosal protectant with little to no systemic absorption, should be considered next. Therapy with H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors can be considered in patients with refractory symptoms; though not approved for this use, they are likely safe, particularly in third trimester. Prokinetic agents should be used with extreme caution or avoided altogether in the pregnant patient.
A comparison of futures and forward prices

Abstract This paper uses the pricing models of Cox, Ingersoll and Ross (1981), Richard and Sundaresan (1981), and French (1982) to examine the relation between futures and forward prices for copper and silver. There are significant differences between these prices. The average differences are generally consistent with the predictions of the futures and forward price models. However, these models are not helpful in describing intra-sample variations in the futures-forward price differences. This failure is apparently caused by measurement errors in both the price differences and in the explanatory variables.
Decreased interleukin 1 production in aplastic anaemia.

Summary. Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is an important regulator of immune system function. IL 1 also affects baematopoiesis in vitro: it causes release of colony stimulating factors from fibroblasts and endothelial cells and can directly act on primitive haeniatopoietic stem cells. We investigated IL 1 production in vitro by stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with aplastic anaemia (N = 17), patients with other haematologic diseases (N = 27), and normal individuals (N = 22) using a bioassay for IIL 1 activity. Ten aplastic patient s showed markedly decreased IL 1 production. IL 1 production by fibronectin-affinity purified monocytes was decreased in six of seven of these patients: in three other cases, in which IL 1 mononuclear cell production was undetectable, sufficient monocytes could not be isolated. IL lα and IL 1β precursor molecules were also absent or much decreased when mononuclear cell lysates from these patients were analysed by immunoblot using specific polyclonal sera. Aplastic patients with low IL 1 production were distinguished by the severity of their disease and the degree of neutropenia. Patients with rnyelodysplasia with comparable degrees of pancytopenia had normal IL 1 production. This is the first example of deficient haematopoietic growth factor production in a bone marrow failure syndrome. Decreased IL I production may contribute to the pathogenesis of some cases of aplastic anaemia and to susceptibility to infection.
Photon-number-resolving detector with 10 bits of resolution

A photon-number-resolving detector with single-photon resolution is described and demonstrated. It has $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{bits}$ of resolution, does not require cryogenic cooling, and is sensitive to near ir wavelengths. This performance is achieved by flood illuminating a $32\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}32$ element ${\mathrm{In}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{AsP}$ Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode array that has an integrated counter and digital readout circuit behind each pixel.
En face view of the mitral valve: definition and acquisition

A 3-dimensional echocardiographic view of the mitral valve, called the "en face" or "surgical view," presents a view of the mitral valve similar to that seen by the surgeon from a left atrial perspective. Although the anatomical landmarks of this view are well defined, no comprehensive echocardiographic definition has been presented. After reviewing the literature, we provide a definition of the left atrial and left ventricular en face views of the mitral valve. Techniques used to acquire this view are also discussed.
Smoking and schizophrenia independently and additively reduce white matter integrity between striatum and frontal cortex.

Background Although schizophrenia patients are at high risk for tobacco use, the neurobiological basis of this comorbid association is not clear. White matter abnormalities have been described independently in schizophrenia and smoking cohorts. We sought to determine whether smoking and schizophrenia are associated with similar white matter abnormalities that could be biomarkers for the high risk of smoking in schizophrenia. Methods Whole brain white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy) was measured in 46 schizophrenia patients (32 smokers and 14 nonsmokers) and 69 healthy age-matched control subjects (48 smokers and 21 nonsmokers). Results Schizophrenia and smoking status were independently and additively associated with reduced fractional anisotropy in left anterior thalamic radiation/anterior limb of the internal capsule, and significant fractional anisotropy decreases were identified in the bilateral uncinate fasciculus/inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus in schizophrenia and the left prefrontal area in smoking status separately. Conclusions Common and distinct patterns of impaired white matter are associated with schizophrenia and smoking. Particularly, the anatomic congruence of an additive white matter abnormality in the anterior thalamic radiation/anterior limb of the internal capsule suggests that this abnormal fiber connectivity between frontal cortex and striatum/thalamus may be a biomarker for the increased comorbid smoking in schizophrenia patients.
The Israeli Planning and Grants Committee at the Crossroads: From Shock Absorber to Steering Wheel.

The Israeli Planning and Grants Committee (PGC) was established in 1974. It was modelled on the British system of the UGC. Since then, it has the most powerful and dominant organization in the governance of higher education.
Substance use disorders among adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders

Objective We set out to examine the prevalence and correlates of substance use disorders (SUD) in a large sample of adolescents with bipolar disorder (BP).
The basics of mass spectrometry in the twenty-first century

Enormous advances in our understanding of the chemistry underlying life processes have identified new targets for therapeutic agents. The discovery of effective therapeutics to address these targets is often accomplished through parallel synthetic and screening efforts. In almost all cases, what has enabled target identification and allowed parallel approaches to drug discovery to be effective are the development of either new analytical tools or the improvement of currently existing ones. Among these tools, mass spectrometry has evolved to become an irreplaceable technique in the analysis of biologically related molecules. This article will guide researchers in drug discovery through the basic principles of mass spectrometry.
District hospital based injury data—are they an option in a developing country?

Lack of epidemiological data on injuries is one of the main impediments to injury prevention activities.1 Setting up a costly surveillance system is not an option in many developing countries. Utilizing existing sources of data like the hospital logs has been suggested.2 We present our findings on the quality of injury data available in existing logs in a district hospital …
Diversity and phylogenetic relationships of hemosporidian parasites in birds of Socorro Island, México, and their role in the re-introduction of the Socorro dove (Zenaida graysoni).

Abstract: The Socorro dove Zenaida graysoni, endemic to Socorro Island, was last reported in the wild in 1972. Fortunately, the species has been propagated in zoos in Europe and the United States, and plans are under way to re-introduce it to its native habitat. This will be the first known attempt to return a bird species extinct in the wild to its ancestral island. In order to assess the disease threats the Socorro dove may face, the avifauna of Socorro Island, with a specific focus on Socorro ground doves Columbina passerina socorroensis and mourning doves Zenaida macroura, as well as Socorro doves in captivity, were screened for blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Trypanosoma spp. We found Haemoproteus spp. in 17 (74%) of 23 Socorro ground doves, 23 (92%) of 25 mourning doves, and 3 (14%) of 21 northern mockingbirds; none of the other bird species showed infections. Here, we report the phylogenetic analysis of 19 distinct lineages of Haemoproteus spp. detected in...
Efficient solution strategies for building energy system simulation

Abstract The efficiencies of methods employed in solution of building simulation models are considered and compared by means of benchmark testing. Direct comparisons between the Simulation Problem Analysis and Research Kernel (SPARK) and the HVACSIM+ programs are presented, as are results for SPARK versus conventional and sparse matrix methods. An indirect comparison between SPARK and the IDA program is carried out by solving one of the benchmark test suite problems using the sparse methods employed in that program. The test suite consisted of two problems chosen to span the range of expected performance advantage. SPARK execution times versus problem size are compared to those obtained with conventional and sparse matrix implementations of these problems. Then, to see if the results of these limiting cases extend to actual problems in building simulation, a detailed control system for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is simulated with and without the use of SPARK cut set reduction. Execution times for the reduced and non-reduced SPARK models are compared with those for an HVACSIM+ model of the same system. Results show that the graph-theoretic techniques employed in SPARK offer significant speed advantages over the other methods for significantly reducible problems and that by using sparse methods in combination with graph-theoretic methods even problem portions with little reduction potential can be solved efficiently.
Open peering by Internet transit providers: Peer preference or peer pressure?

Peering agreements between Autonomous Systems affect not only the flow of interdomain traffic but also the economics of the entire Internet ecosystem. The conventional wisdom is that transit providers are selective in choosing their settlementfree peers because they prefer to offer revenue-generating transit service to others. Surprisingly, however, a large percentage of transit providers use an Open peering strategy. What causes this large-scale adoption of Open peering, especially among transit providers? More importantly, what is the impact of this peering trend on the economic performance of the population of transit providers? We approach these questions through game-theoretic modeling and agent-based simulations, capturing the dynamics of peering strategy adoption, inter-network formation and interdomain traffic flow. We explain why transit providers gravitate towards Open peering even though that move may be detrimental to their economic fitness. Finally, we examine the impact of an Open peering variant that requires some coordination among providers.
Suggested Greek translations of expressions in the experimental analysis of behavior

Greek-English and English-Greek translations of expressions in the experimental analysis of behavior are presented. Included is a short discussion of some of the problems which arose, partly because of the mentalistic nature of Greek science.
Assessment of baroreflex control of heart rate during general anesthesia using a point process method

Evaluation of baroreflex control of heart rate (HR) has important implications in clinical practice of anesthesia and postoperative care. In this paper, we present a point process method to assess the dynamic baroreflex gain using a closed-loop model of the cardiovascular system. Specifically, the inverse Gaussian probability distribution is used to model the heartbeat interval, whereas the instantaneous mean is identified by a linear or bilinear bivariate regression on the previous R-R intervals and blood pressure (BP) measures. The instantaneous baroreflex gain is estimated in the feedback loop with a point process filter, while the RR→BP feedforward frequency response is estimated by a Kalman filter. In addition, the instantaneous cross-spectrum and cross-bispectrum (as well as their ratio) can also be estimated. All statistical indices provide a valuable quantitative assessment of the interaction between heartbeat dynamics and hemodynamics during general anesthesia.
Water Resources Systems Analysis: A Bright Past and a Challenging but Promising Future

The field of water resources systems analysis is now experiencing one of its most exciting eras where scientists, decision makers, and funding agencies want to apply systems approaches to solve varied, complex, uncertain, and interdisciplinary resource management problems. Solving these problems presents great opportunities for us to engage in complex, real-world decision-making and make positive changes. However, to capitalize on these opportunities, we as a field must also overcome several large challenges related to problem identification, integration, blind use of systems tools, a focus on optimality, and harnessing big data. To overcome, we must look back to find what we have accomplished, why we have sometimes failed, and how we can improve upon past work. In May 2013, we had the privilege to organize and facilitate a thought-provoking panel discussion at the Environmental Water Resources Institute (EWRI) Congress in Cincinnati, Ohio, where different researcher and practitioner panelists spanning multiple generations plus esteemed audience members discussed the past and future of water resources systems analysis. Here, we distill some of the key points that emerged during the discussion that we think should guide our systems analysis work and research in the years and decades ahead.
The role of executive team actions in shaping dominant designs: Towards the strategic shaping of technological progress

The purpose of this paper is to argue that the destiny of the firm is closely linked to the evolution of product class in the industry and show that product-class evolution is driven by the variation, retention and selection of dominant designs in the context of lumpy markets. The paper demonstrates that business strategy decisions cannot be undertaken without an intimate understanding of the relationship between the firm's technology trajectory and the opportunity space created by lumpiness in the market. The paper identifies where the major choices facing the executive team, and the processes they implement in response, significantly influence the scope direction and quality of technology strategy decisions.
Synthesis of anorthite by the Pechini process and structural investigation of the hexagonal phase

Stoichiometric CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 gels prepared by the Pechini process crystallize to triclinic anorthite via an intermediate, previously unknown pseudohexagonal phase. Hydrothermal treatment of this pseudohexagonal phase at 350 °C transforms it to hexagonal anorthite. These combined processes produce the hexagonal phase via a low-temperature, chemical route in contrast to the conventional high-temperature melting and crystallization method. Powder x-ray diffraction data and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of the hexagonal anorthite agree well with the published structure. They indicate a high degree of tetrahedral Si/Al ordering within the layers, but long-range disorder in the average structure due to (001) stacking faults present between the layers.
A PHYSICAL‐CHEMICAL STUDY OF THE FLUSHING OF THE SANTA BARBARA BASIN1

Detailed vertical profiles of salinity, temperature, oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, nitrite, and silicate have been taken on 6 cruises over a I4-month period in the Santa Barbara basin. In May 1970, d uring a period of intense upwelling, the temperature, oxygen, and nitrate content of the basin water from the sill (475 m) to the bottom (5$0 m) showed significant changes from their normal conditions: the oxygen content increased from 0.05-0.10 ml/ liter to 0.35-0.43 ml/liter; the nitrate concentration, which previously decreased markedly below the sill due to nitrate reduction showed little nitrate reduction; and the temperature decreased by 0.14-0.19C. The results from 2 subsequent cruises in June and July 1970 kinetically follow the basin water back to its normal conditions. After 2 months the oxygen content had almost returned to normal with a measured average oxygen consumption rate of 1.3 ml liter-l yr-I, while the water temperature rose at a rate of 0.02-O.O4C/ month. These data indicate that the Santa Barbara basin was flushed out with seawater coming over the sill. This first direct evidence for the flushing of any California basin suggests that its oceanography is dynamic and that it is capable of flushing on a shorter time scale than previously thought.
Medium access control in mobile ad hoc networks: challenges and solutions

Summary Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are useful in environment where fixed network infrastructure is unavailable. To function normally, MANETs demand an efficient and distributed medium access control (MAC) protocol. However, characteristics of MANETs such as radio link vulnerability, mobility, limited power pose great challenges on MAC design. This paper surveys the recent advances in MAC design for MANETs. We first identify the challenges that are facing MAC in MANETs. Then we discuss the proposed MAC schemes according to their design goals, focusing on some critical design issues, and tradeoffs. Finally, we point out some future research directions. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lapitoid settlements of Futuna and Alofi, Western Polynesia

change in the Fiji-West Polynesian region, change due at least in part to adaptation to truly 'oceanic' environmental conditions (Green 1979; Kirch 1980), although we are still ignorant of the details of this transformation. Green (1978, 1979) has demonstrated that the Lapita Cultural Complex exhibits both spatial and temporal variability, and has convincingly distinguished major Western and Eastern subgroups. Within the Eastern subgroup (the Fiji-West Polynesian area) which concerns us here, there are only a handful of excavated, well-analyzed and published sites. The most important of these sites are: Natunuku, Yanuca, and Sigatoka in Fiji (Birks 1973; Hunt 1980); TO-2, Mangaia Mound, Vuki's Mound, and TO-6 on Tongatapu (McKera 1929; Poulsen 1968; Groube 1971); Lolokoka, Lotoa, and Pome'e on Niuatoputapu (Kirch 1978); and Ferry Berth, Sasoa'a, and Vailele on Upolu, Western Samoa (Green and Davidson 1969, 1974). To understand how Lapita colonizers diversified to become the cultures known historic-
CommNets 2.0: Using an evolutionary perspective to examine a statewide community networking initiative

In this paper, we demonstrate how Aldrich and Ruef's (2006) community evolutionary perspective can help explain preliminary data from a follow-up website content analysis of Indiana's community networking initiative (Clodfelter, Buente, & Rosenbaum, 2006) and provide insight into the future of community networks in a Web 2.0 environment. We start by defining community networks and introduce several time-based views of community technology initiatives. We then describe the community evolutionary perspective and propose viewing community networks as an organizational community that is subject to the evolutionary processes of variation, selection, retention, and struggle. We then apply the community evolutionary perspective to community networking activity in the United States.
Superluminal reflection from photonic bandgap quarter wave dielectric mirror

A recently derived analytic equation for the reflection phase from a quarter wave dielectric stack demonstrates a regime of negative mirror penetration depth. Practical geometries are predicted with reasonable reflectivities and measurable superluminal photonic bandgap performance.
Preliminary Study of the Confined, Collateral, and Combined Effects of Reading and Behavioral Interventions: Evidence for a Transactional Relationship.

Recent correlational studies provide support for a transactional relationship between reading and behavior problems. A transactional relationship implies that reading problems cause behavior proble...
Bayesian function‐on‐function regression for multilevel functional data

over a grid|is frequently obtained. Moreover, researchers often sample multiple curves per person resulting in repeated functional measures. A common question is how to analyze the relationship between two functional variables. We propose a general function-on-function regression model for repeatedly sampled functional data on a ne grid, presenting a simple model as well as a more extensive mixed model framework, and introducing various functional Bayesian inferential procedures that account for multiple testing. We examine these models via simulation and a data analysis with data from a study that used event-related potentials to examine how the brain processes various types of images.
Uranium and Thorium Minerals: Natural Analogues for Radioactive Waste Forms

SYNROC (1) and Supercalcine (2) are proposed crystalline radio-waste forms that may be regarded as highly radioactive “artificial rocks.” In these crystalline radioactive waste forms, rare-earth elements (REE), U and transuranium (TRU) elements are strongly partitioned into five phases. These phases have U- and Th-bearing mineral analogues. In SYNROC, the actinide bearing phases are perovskite (CaTiO3) and zirconolite (CaZrTi2O7). “BAIT” (BaAl2Fe8Ti13O38) is a phase which may occur in SYNROC formulations for wastes with large amounts of Fe and Al. “BAIT” may be structurally similar to davidite(Fe6Ti15036). Supercalcine actinide phases include silicate-apatite (CaREE4(SiO4)30), monazite ((Ce, La) PO4 and uraninite (UO2+x). The purpose of this paper is to summarize the relevant geologic literature on these phases. Emphasis is given to: (1) solid-solution chemistry, (2) mode of occurrence, (3) alteration and (4) radiation damage effects. A special effort is made to identify stable and unstable mineral associations, as this may be important if hydrothermal conditions occur in the waste repository. The idea of devising a radioactive waste form which is in thermodynamic equilibrium with its repository is appealing but impossible. This is apparent from the conditions for equilibrium between two or more phases, namely, for each chemical species, i, the chemical potential, U., must in each phase be equal.
The Time Intensity of Childcare Provided by Older Immigrant Women in the United States

Older adults comprise an increasing share of new legal admits to the United States. While many are financially dependent on their families, a more complete picture requires taking into account the nonmonetary contributions of this population. Using the American Time Use Survey, this study examines whether older recent immigrant women provide more unpaid childcare than their native-born and more established immigrant counterparts. Results suggest that while older recent immigrant women are more likely to provide unpaid childcare, this effect is eliminated upon controlling for demographic characteristics. However, among those who do provide childcare, older recent immigrant women provide more hours of care even after controlling for demographic and household characteristics. This pattern holds up even after restricting the analysis to women living with young children. These results may signal reciprocal supportive networks. Working-age adults may financially support older recent immigrants, while older recent immigrants provide unremunerated childcare for working-age adults.
The spectrum of unhealthy drug use and quality of care for hypertension and diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study

Objectives Although it is well known that addiction is associated with adverse medical consequences, the effects of the spectrum of unhealthy drug use (illicit drug or prescription misuse) on chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are understudied. This study evaluated the associations between measures of drug use (ie, frequency, severity and type) and standard quality metrics for inadequate blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose (BG) control. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Participants Adult primary care patients with unhealthy drug use and hypertension or diabetes. Setting Urban hospital-based primary care practice. Measurements Outcomes were (1) inadequate BP (systolic BP ≥140 or diastolic BP ≥90) and (2) inadequate BG (glycated haemoglobin ≥8%) control (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set criteria). Drug use was characterised by a primary independent variable, drug use frequency, and two secondary variables, severity of use and drug type. We fit separate regression models for each drug use measure and outcome. Results Overall, 40% (65/164) of the sample with hypertension had inadequate BP control and 44% (24/54) of those with diabetes had inadequate BG control. More frequent drug use was not significantly associated with inadequate BP control (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.67; 95% CI 0.31 to 1.46, highest vs lowest tertile; AOR 0.72; 95% CI 0.36 to 1.41, middle vs lowest tertile) or BG control (AOR 0.27; 95% CI 0.07 to 1.10, highest vs lowest tertile; AOR 1.01; 95% CI 0.38 to 2.69, middle vs lowest tertile). Drug use severity was also not associated with BP or BG control. Cocaine use was associated with inadequate BG control compared to marijuana use (AOR 8.82; 95% CI1.86 to 41.90). Conclusions Among primary care patients with recent drug use and hypertension or diabetes, drug type was significantly associated with inadequate BG, but not BP control. Frequency and severity of use were not significant predictors of either outcome.
Systematic Status and Biology of Chauliops fallax Scott, with a Discussion of the Phylogenetic Relationships of the Chauliopinae (Hemiptera: Malcidae)

Chauliops fallax is redescribed and differentiated from C. choprai sp. nov. ( =C. fallax of Indian economic literature). The eggs and instars of C. fallax are described. The phylogenetic significance of the trichobothrial patterns, the eggs, and the feeding habits of the Chauliopinae is discussed.
Elastic Yielding after Cold Drawing of Ductile Polymer Glasses

This work delineates the molecular mechanism and various characteristics of a remarkable elastic yielding phenomenon observed in cold drawn ductile polymer glasses including poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPE), bisphenol A–polycarbonate (PC), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Elastic yielding occurs when a sizable retractive stress appears from a cold-drawn polymer glass (stored in stress-free state for days after unloading) during annealing above the storage temperature Tst that is still well below the glass transition temperature Tg. The induction time characterizing the emergence and buildup of the retractive stress to a level of σ* above 10 MPa and the magnitude of σ* both depends on Tst and the cold drawing temperature Tcd as well as the annealing temperature Tel-yield. It is asserted that there is significant chain tension in the load-bearing strands (LBSs) of the chain network, produced during cold drawing of these ductile polymer glasses. The chain ...
Ultrasound transducer disinfection in emergency medicine practice

External ultrasound transducer disinfection is common practice in medicine. Unfortunately, clinically significant organisms, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia spread throughout healthcare facilities via direct contact despite disinfection protocols. Ultrasound transducers and coupling gel provide potential vectors for pathogen transmission, especially in immunocompromised and high-risk patient populations. Our objective was to conduct a survey to investigate the variety of cleaning solutions or sanitary wipes used and evaluate current standard practice for transducer disinfection across emergency medicine training programs in the United States. Eighty-three academic emergency medicine programs participated in this study. Eighty-seven percent (95 % CI 80–94 %) of responding programs do not have a mandated protocol or standard contact time for transducer disinfection. Ninety percent (95 % CI 84–96 %) of institutions use disinfectant solution or disinfectant wipes, as the standard of practice, to cleanse ultrasound transducers after every use. Currently, there is a great deal of variability with regard to non-endocavitary transducer disinfection protocols that seems to stem from the vast number of disinfectant products and ultrasound manufacturer disparate recommendations. In order to mitigate risk to patients and reduce health care costs linked to nosocomial infections; healthcare providers, ultrasound companies, and disinfectant manufacturers must develop a universal use disinfectant and a standard protocol for ultrasound device disinfection for noncritical device disinfection in the emergency department.
Analysis on Peak Load Regulation Performance of Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan Power Grid With Wind Farms Connected

Thermal power plants are main power sources of Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan power grid,however its peak load regulation ability is weak. Along with the large-scale and concentrative development of wind power resources in Bashang district,north Hebei province,the weak ability of peak load regulation of Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan power grid at valley load periods becomes more serious. According to load characteristics and power source composition of Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan power grid,the peak load and frequency regulation characteristics of Beijing-Tianjin- Tangshan power grid in different months of the year 2010 under different reserve rate are analyzed,thus the peak load regulation ability of Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan power grid in the year 2010 is obtained. This research result is available for reference to the rational development of wind power resources for Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan power grid in the viewpoint of peak load regulation ability of power grid.
Regulation of the adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate content of rat cerebral cortex: ontogenetic development of the responsiveness to catecholamines and adenosine.

The ontogenetic development of the regulation of adenylate cyclase by adenosine and catecholamines was studied in slices of cerebral cortex of rats from birth to 18 days of age. Incubation of slices in the presence of 100 , µM adenosine did not lead to an increased accumulation of cyclic AMP until the fifth day after birth. The magnitude of the response to adenosine then increased gradually to maximal levels by day 15. In contrast, responsiveness to catecholamines did not develop until 11-12 days after birth, whereupon the system attained maximal responsiveness within 2-3 days. Prior to the development of sensitivity to catecholamines alone, combination of norepinephrine with adenosine resulted in potentiation of the ability of adenosine to increase cyclic AMP levels in the slices. The catalytic activity of adenylate cyclase, measured in cell-free homogenates of rat cortex, was substantial at birth and increased 3-fold by day 20. The results suggest two alternative interpretations: either the adenylate cyclase of rat cerebral cortex undergoes a progressive development of responsiveness to catecholamines or there is a distinct class of adrenergic receptors involved in the potentiative effects of norepinephrine and another class which mediates the effects of norepinephrine alone.
Oral immunization against respiratory viruses in mice

The results presented here extend our previous observations regarding oral immunization against respiratory viruses in three areas. First, from an experiment comparing Sendai virus with influenza virus it appears that the nature of the antigen as well as host-parasite interactions may play an important role in efficiency of oral immunization. Second, oral immunization with an inactivated virus can apparently induce a cell-mediated immune response. Preliminary evidence (not shown) indicated that the magnitude of effector cell killing versus virus-infected target cells was positively influenced by including cholera toxin in the oral immunization regimen. This is consistent with a recent report that cholera toxin could enhance T cell proliferative response to co-fed KLH. Finally, we have shown that oral immunization with inactivated virus plus cholera toxin combined with intranasal inactivated virus boosting, can protect mice from infection for nearly two years--their normal life span.
Predicting ponderosa pine plantation yields using unmanaged stand data

Developpement d'une methode de prevision des rendements de plantations forestieres soumises a un amenagement intensif lorsque les donnees des peuplements amenages n'existent pas. Utilisation de donnees provenant de peuplements non soumis a l'amenagement, application a des plantations de Pinus ponderosa de l'ouest du Montana
Uniform approximation of functions with random bases

Random networks of nonlinear functions have a long history of empirical success in function fitting but few theoretical guarantees. In this paper, using techniques from probability on Banach Spaces, we analyze a specific architecture of random nonlinearities, provide Linfin and L2 error bounds for approximating functions in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces, and discuss scenarios when these expansions are dense in the continuous functions. We discuss connections between these random nonlinear networks and popular machine learning algorithms and show experimentally that these networks provide competitive performance at far lower computational cost on large-scale pattern recognition tasks.
Technology Transfer: French researchers are told to innovate

The French government wants to create a new breed of entrepreneurial researchers to kick-start the country's economy. It plans to let academic researchers start up their own businesses without first having to sever links with their research organizations. They will also be allowed to work as industrial consultants without having to lose their civil-service status and pay.
The effect of violent crime on female decision-making within the household: evidence from the Mexican war on drugs

This paper uses the surge in drug-related violence in Mexico to study the effect of violent crime on married women’s decision-making. Using a fixed-effects regression model, we find that increased violence is associated with a reduction in women’s participation in household decision-making. Yet, the effect is small—at the average, it leads to women making 0.11 fewer decisions, a decrease of 1.2% relative to the baseline value. Further, the effect is short-lived—the effect of past homicides is not significant when controlling for current levels of violent crime. We find that violence is associated with higher probability of working and higher number of working hours for women, while men experience a reduction in their probability of working. This implies that our results are likely not due to changing norms or women losing economic power but rather women spending less time at home while men take on some of the household responsibilities.
Cloning, sequencing and expression analysis of the mouse NOD2/CARD15 gene

Background: Mutations in the human NOD2/CARD15 gene have been associated with Crohn's disease and Blau syndrome. The objective of the present study was to clone the murine form of NOD2 and characterize its tissue distribution, function and response to inflammatory stimuli. Methods: Murine NOD2 was isolated using anchored polymerize chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis confirmed the identification of full-length cDNA representing the murine NOD2 gene. Using this sequence to search a Mus musculus supercontig database, NOD2 genomic DNA was identified. NOD2 was transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation was measured using a reporter assay. Tissue distribution and changes in transcription in mouse monocytes in response to inflammatory stimuli was determined by real time PCR. Results: The NOD2 gene spans 39 KB and contains 12 coding exons on chromosome 8. Expression of mouse NOD2 into HEK cells resulted in NF-κB activation. NOD2 was found to be expressed in all mouse tissues analyzed except skin, with highest levels in lung, thymus and spleen. NOD2 mRNA levels increased greater than two-fold in a monocyte cell line in response to lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, interferon-g and tumor necrosis factor-α. Conclusions: Common structural and functional features between human and mouse NOD2 were identified. This should allow for development of relevant animal models to evaluate the role of NOD2 in chronic inflammatory disorders.