cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender, Resources Across the Life Course, and Cognitive Functioning in Egypt

In this article, I evaluate the life-course determinants of cognitive functioning among 1,003 women and men aged 50 and older in Ismailia, Egypt. Three questions motivate this analysis: (1) Do older women have poorer cognitive functioning than do older men?; (2) Do cognitive resources accrued in childhood and adulthood have net positive associations with later-life cognitive functioning for women and men?; and (3) To what extent do differences in the amounts and effects of women’s and men’s cognitive resources account for gaps in their cognitive functioning? Compared with men, women have lower Modified-Mini Mental Status Exam (M-MMSE) scores for overall cognitive functioning. Cognitive resources in childhood and adulthood are jointly associated with the M-MMSE score. About 83% of the gender gap in mean M-MMSE scores is attributable to gaps in men’s and women’s attributes across the life course. Gender gaps in childhood cognitive resources—and especially schooling attainment—account for the largest share (18%) of the residual gender gap in cognitive functioning.
Supramembrane potential-induced electroconformational changes in sodium channel proteins: A potential mechanism involved in electric injury

Effects of imposed large supraphysiological transmembrane potential (TP) pulses on channel proteins, particularly on the voltage-gated Na channels, were investigated. Voltage clamp techniques were used to deliver both shock and stimulation pulses, and to monitor changes in the channel functions. Our experimental results indicated that more than one 4 ms duration TP shock of -450 mV resulted in electroconformational denature of voltage-gated Na channels. This resulted in functional reductions in muscle cells' excitability. We quantified the TP shock-induced decrease in the Na channel currents, compared the pre- and post-shocked Na channel currents' voltage dependency, and studied the reversibility of the electroconformationally denatured ion channel proteins. These observations are particularly relevant to the problem of explaining the neuromuscular damage following high voltage electrical shock injuries despite no evidence of a thermal injury component.
Focus and tonal structure in Neapolitan Italian

Abstract This work investigates some acoustic and perceptual characteristics of focal and postfocal accents in questions of Neapolitan Italian. In this variety, yes/no question pitch accents are characterized by a rise–fall configuration, with a very conspicuous peak (L * + H). When intended focus is early, a postfocal accent is produced, which aligns with the last stressed syllable of the intonation phrase (!H * ). Results from a perception study suggest that the postfocal !H * is not the nuclear accent of the intonation phrase, despite being final. The phonetic and phonological nature of the focal L * + H and the postfocal !H * are also investigated in production through a set of yes/no questions varying in intended focus scope and focus placement. The results of this study support the hypothesis that focal and postfocal accents are structurally different, in that postfocal accents are acoustically much reduced. Finally, we explore the temporal alignment and melodic values of the initial rise and final fall in focus constituents varying in size. The results suggest an effect of “tonal repulsion” (Silverman and Pierrehumbert, The timing of prenuclear high accents in English, in: J. Kingston, M.E. Beckman (Eds.), Papers in Laboratory Phonology: Between the Grammar and the Physics of Speech, Cambridge University, Cambridge, 1990, pp. 71–106) on the temporal location of the L * + H peak as well as “seeming truncation” of the focus constituent final fall in one-word focus constituents.
A simplified model for predicting overall heat-transfer coefficients for cavity bearing flow obstructions

A NOVEL combination particulate pollution control and heattransfer element has recently been proposed [l]. The active element is a modified boiler tube. It has been found that by modifying the shape of a boiler tube to the configuration shown in Fig. 1, particulate removal can be realized without suffering any significant penalty in heat transfer performance. Since most boiler installations have a large array of boiler tubes, the net effect of replacing existing boiler tubes with the modified tubes is that the array of modified boiler tubes acts as a large filter in this new design. Provisions are made in the design to effect continuous particle removal after collection. The prediction of the heat-transfer coefficient for this element requires the description of the carrier gas flow field through laterally disposed boiler tubes such as the ones displayed in Fig. 1. Since the front opening cavity introduces a confined secondary flow into the solution, the complete,
Imaging studies in emphysema.

Definitions of types of emphysema within the framework of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are given. The classic findings on the chest radiograph are described, and the advances in sensitivity and specificity achieved with computed tomography (CT) scanning are noted. The “density mask” and the “percentile point” measurements rely on the densitometric property of X-rays, but the scan also shows the severity and distribution of low-attenuation regions that usually represent pathologic emphysema. The alteration of absolute density with changes in lung inflation, CT slice thickness, collimation, and reconstruction algorithm make comparison between CT scans and across studies more difficult. Nevertheless, quantitative CT has superseded subjective scoring of scan appearance by readers as a sensitive way to measure emphysema.
Neuroleptics up-regulate adenosine A2a receptors in rat striatum: implications for the mechanism and the treatment of tardive dyskinesia.

Neuroleptics, which are potent dopamine receptor antagonists, are used to treat psychosis. In the striatum, dopamine subtype-2 (D 2 ) receptors interact with high-affinity adenosine subtype-2 (A 2a ) receptors. To examine the effect of various neuroleptics on the major subtypes of striatal dopamine and adenosine receptors, rats received 28 daily intraperitoneal injections of these drugs. Haloperidol (1.5 mg/kg/day) increased the density of striatal D 2 receptors by 24% without changing their affinity for [ 3 H]sulpiride. Haloperidol increased the density of striatal A 2a receptors by 33% (control, 522.4 ± 20.7 fmol/mg of protein ; haloperidol, 694.6 ± 23.6 fmol/mg of protein ; p < 0.001) without changing their affinity for [ 3 H]CGS-21680 (control, 19.2 ± 2.2 nM ; haloperidol, 21.4 ± 2.3 nM). In contrast, haloperidol had no such effect on striatal dopamine subtype-1 (D 1 ) and adenosine subtype-1 (A 1 ) receptors. Binding characteristics and the pharmacological displacement profile of the increased [ 3 H]CGS-21680 binding sites confirmed them as A 2a receptors. Comparing different classes of neuroleptics showed that the typical neuroleptics haloperidol and fluphenazine (1.5 mg/kg/day) increased D 2 receptor densities, whereas the atypical neuroleptics sulpiride (100 mg/kg/day) and clozapine (20 mg/kg/day) did not (control, 290.3 ± 8.7 fmol/mg of protein ; haloperidol, 358.1 ± 6.9 fmol/mg of protein ; fluphenazine, 381.3 ± 13.6 fmol/mg of protein ; sulpiride, 319.8 ± 18.9 fmol/mg of protein ; clozapine, 309.2 ± 13.7 fmol/mg of protein). Similarly, the typical neuroleptics increased A 2a receptor densities, whereas the atypical neuroleptics did not (control, 536.9 ± 8.7 fmol/mg of protein ; haloperidol, 687.9 ± 28.0 fmol/mg of protein ; fluphenazine, 701.1 ± 31.6 fmol/mg of protein ; sulpiride, 563.3 ± 27.2 fmol/mg of protein ; clozapine, 550.9 ± 40.9 fmol/mg of protein). There were no differences in affinities for [ 3 H]CGS-21680 or [ 3 H]-sulpiride among the various treatment groups. This study demonstrates that typical neuroleptics induce comparable up-regulation in both striatal D 2 and A 2a receptors. Thus, A 2a receptors might be a pharmacologic target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to minimize the adverse effects of antipsychotic treatment.
A three-dimensionally interconnected metal-spring network in a silicone matrix as a resilient and electrically conducting composite material

Abstract Isotropic, highly resilient and electrically conducting composites in the form of a copper-spring three-dimensional network embedded in a silicone matrix were developed for use as electrical and thermal contact materials. The springs were made from 63 μm diameter copper wires and were coated and interconnected by Sn-Pb solder. The springs used were long coils, intersecting and interconnected to one another to form a three-dimensional network. Composites were fabricated by infiltration of a silicone resin into a preform of springs. A volume resistivity of 5 × 10 −4 Ω cm , a contact resistivity with copper of 0.016 Ω cm2 at ⩾ 0.03 MPa, and a permanent set of 0.6% after compresssion at 0.4 MPa were achieved in a silicone-matrix composite containing 3.1 volume% Cu springs and 2.9 volume% solder (i.e., 6.00 volume% total filler); the volume resistivity was not affected by heating in air at 130–150°C for 7 days, nor by immersion in water for 7 days. The volume resistivity values of composites containing from 4.17 to 6.00 volume% total filler were equal to three times the corresponding calculated values for composites containing unidirectional and continuous fibres, indicating that the filler was indeed a continuous three-dimensional network.
Time-resolved VUV spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation. Zeeman beats in resonance fluorescence of the 3P1 states in krypton and xenon

Abstract Oriented states of atomic krypton and xenon have been produced and found to exhibit quantum beats in fluorescence, using pulsed vacuum-ultraviolet synchrotron radiation. This experiment demonstrates for the firts time the feasibility of studying a number of atomic and molecular properties using syncrhotron radiation, in direct analogy with in-beam accelerator based angular distribution studies of nuclei.
Assessment of Local Bone Mineral Density With Strain-Gage Instrumented Surgical Tools

The bone mineral density (BMD) in a given fracture site may affect the outcome of fracture fixation. Low BMD values, such as those occurring in osteoporotic bone, can determine the fixation method and the postoperative care. Evaluation of the BMD is either done subjectively during surgery or by a preoperative measurement. The technique most commonly used to measure BMD preoperatively is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA scans have been shown to be site specific [1,2] and therefore may be inaccurate in determining local BMD at the fixation site. Furthermore, in trauma cases, patients frequently do not present with a pre-operative DEXA scan; and the ideal method of assessment would be intraoperative. Intraoperative BMD assessment could be used to guide surgical decisions such as the point of entry of a screw for a fracture plating system or use of locking versus non-locking screw-plate contruct.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Dynamic Profiling of the Post-translational Modifications and Interaction Partners of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling after Stimulation by Epidermal Growth Factor Using Extended Range Proteomic Analysis (ERPA)

In a recent report, we introduced Extended Range Proteomic Analysis (ERPA), an intermediate approach between top-down and bottom-up proteomics, for the comprehensive characterization at the trace level (fmol level) of large and complex proteins. In this study, we extended ERPA to determine quantitatively the temporal changes that occur in the tyrosine kinase receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), upon stimulation. Specifically A 431 cells were stimulated with epidermal growth factor after which EGFR was immunoprecipitated at stimulation times of 0, 0.5, 2, and 10 min as well as 4 h. High sequence coverage was obtained (96%), and methods were developed for label-free quantitation of phosphorylation and glycosylation. A total of 13 phosphorylation sites were identified, and the estimated stoichiometry was determined over the stimulation time points, including Thr(P) and Ser(P) sites in addition to Tyr(P) sites. A total of 10 extracellular domain N-glycan sites were also identified, and major glycoforms at each site were quantitated. No change in the extent of glycosylation with stimulation was observed as expected. Finally potential binding partners to EGFR were identified based on changes in the amount of protein pulled down with EGFR as a function of time of stimulation. Many of the 19 proteins identified are known binding partners of EGFR. This work demonstrates that comprehensive characterization provides a powerful tool to aid in the study of important therapeutic targets. The detailed molecular information will prove useful in future studies in tissue.
Employment characteristics of recent PNP graduates.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of employment, health-illness characteristics of children cared for by PNPs, frequency of role functions by practice setting, and participation in professional organizations of recent graduates from 11 university programs. Method: A 60-item multiple-choice survey tool was sent to graduates from 1997-1999. Results: Two hundred twenty-five surveys were returned (response rate: 54%). More than 48% described their practice setting as primary care, and 33% described it as specialty practice. Graduates indicated they frequently cared for children “at risk,” with chronic health conditions, and with critical health conditions. Assessment of growth and development and provision of preventive care services were roles more frequently performed in primary care settings, whereas implementing and participating in research, case management, systems intervention, staff development, development of policies or programs, and writing for grants or publication were roles more frequently performed in specialty practice settings ( P Discussion: Findings from this survey confirm earlier survey findings regarding the varied practice settings, diverse role functions, and type of clients served by recent PNP graduates. Educational programs need to prepare graduates for the varied role functions they are likely to perform upon graduation and encourage them to participate in professional organizations and the development of health care policies affecting children and families. J Pediatr Health Care. (2003). 17, 133-139.
1793 FATTY ACID BINDING TO LUNG CYTOSOLIC PROTEINS

In tissues with a high rate of fatty acid utilization, intra-cellular free fatty acids are bound to a low molecular weight (12000 daltons) fatty acid binding protein (FABP). By differential binding of fatty acids, FABP may compartmentalize different fatty acid species and regulate cellular free fatty acid utilization. To determine if lung contains cytosolic proteins that bind free fatty acids, we prepared a 100,000xg supernatant of whole rabbit lung and incubated it with radiolabeled palmitate. After gel filtration on a calibrated Sephadex G-75 column, two peaks of radioactivity were noted. The first eluted in the void volume and probably represents high molecular weight aggregates of fatty acids. A second peak eluted at the volume calibrated to be approximately 12000 daltons. Similar studies on supernatants prepared from pure adult type II pneumocytes showed a similar elution profile. No peak in this region was observed following incubation of the cytosol with radiolabeled phospha-tidylcholine. Incubation with equimolar concentrations of radiolabeled oleate produced a smaller peak than observed with palmitate. These studies suggest that whole lung and pure type II cells contain an intracellular binding protein for fatty acids which may be similar to FABP. (Supported by a grant from the March of Dimes--Birth Defects Foundation 1–923).
Murine Cytomegalovirus Inhibits Interferon γ–induced Antigen Presentation to CD4 T Cells by Macrophages Via Regulation of Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II–associated Genes

CD4 T cells and interferon γ (IFN-γ) are required for clearance of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection from the salivary gland in a process taking weeks to months. To explain the inefficiency of salivary gland clearance we hypothesized that MCMV interferes with IFN-γ induced antigen presentation to CD4 T cells. MCMV infection inhibited IFN-γ–induced presentation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II associated peptide antigen by differentiated bone marrow macrophages (BMMφs) to a T cell hybridoma via impairment of MHC class II cell surface expression. This effect was independent of IFN-α/β induction by MCMV infection, and required direct infection of the BMMφs with live virus. Inhibition of MHC class II cell surface expression was associated with a six- to eightfold reduction in IFN-γ induced IAb mRNA levels, and comparable decreases in IFN-γ induced expression of invariant chain (Ii), H-2Ma, and H-2Mb mRNAs. Steady state levels of several constitutive host mRNAs, including β-actin, cyclophilin, and CD45 were not significantly decreased by MCMV infection, ruling out a general effect of MCMV infection on mRNA levels. MCMV effects were specific to certain MHC genes since IFN-γ–induced transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP)2 mRNA levels were minimally altered in infected cells. Analysis of early upstream events in the IFN-γ signaling pathway revealed that MCMV did not affect activation and nuclear translocation of STAT1α, and had minor effects on the early induction of IRF-1 mRNA and protein. We conclude that MCMV infection interferes with IFN-γ–mediated induction of specific MHC genes and the Ii at a stage subsequent to STAT1α activation and nuclear translocation. This impairs antigen presentation to CD4 T cells, and may contribute to the capacity of MCMV to spread and persist within the infected host.
Negotiation of Identity and Power in a Japanese Online Discourse Community.

Abstract The study of electronic discourse in the computers and composition field has thus far focused mostly on the English language while electronic discourse practices in non-European languages have received relatively little attention. This article examines the discursive construction of identity and power in a Japanese online discourse community by focusing on an email list for Japanese professionals in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Through the analysis of Japanese linguistic features—including formal verb endings, address terms, and honorifics—as well as metaphors for characterizing relationships, this study shows how social relations among the list members were transformed as the emphasis shifted from conventional criteria for establishing social relations (age, gender, and social status) to other criteria available online, that is, the amount of knowledge one demonstrated through discourse. Based on this analysis, I argue that online discourse communities do not diminish hierarchical social relations found in offline discourses but may allow the negotiation of criteria for hierarchical relations, thus, providing an alternative site for the negotiation of identity and power.
Inhibition of autophagy increases apoptosis during re-warming after cold storage in renal tubular epithelial cells.

Summary Prolonged cold storage and re-warming (CS/REW) of kidneys are risk factors for delayed graft function (DGF). Studies in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) have determined apoptosis and autophagy in models of either cold storage (CS) or re-warming alone. The effect of both cold storage and re-warming on apoptosis and autophagy, in RTECS is not known and is relevant to DGF as the kidney is subjected to both CS and re-warming. We hypothesized that CS/REW of RTECs would induce autophagy that protects against apoptosis. In CS/REW, there was increased autophagic flux of RTECs. Autophagy inhibition using an Atg5 siRNA resulted in increased cleaved caspase-3 and increased apoptotic cells (on both morphology and annexin V staining) during CS/REW. The effect of autophagy inhibition on necrosis in RTECs is unknown. There were increased necrosis and caspase-1, a mediator of necrosis, during CS/REW, and the Atg5 siRNA had no effect on necrosis and caspase-1. In a kidney transplant model, there was an increase in LC3 II, a marker of autophagy, in kidneys transplanted after cold storage. In summary, autophagic flux is increased during CS/REW. Autophagy inhibition resulted in increased cleaved caspase-3 and increased apoptosis during CS/REW without an effect on necrosis or caspase-1. In conclusion, autophagy inhibition in RTECs after CS/REW induces apoptotic cell death and may be deleterious as a therapy to decrease DGF.
A modified RNA polymerase transcribes a cloned gene under sporulation control in Bacillus subtilis.

A modified form of RNA polymerase from Bacillus subtilis selectively transcribes a cloned gene under early sporulation control. This RNA polymerase lacks σ factor but contains a newly identified subunit of molecular weight 37,000, termed P37. P37 could be a regulatory protein that controls, at least in part, an early stage of spore development.
Multiple-samples-method enabling high dynamic range imaging for high frame rate CMOS image sensor by FPGA and co-processor

We present results from a prototype CMOS camera system implementing a multiple sampled pixel level algorithm (“Last Sample Before Saturation”) to create High-Dynamic Range (HDR) images that approach the dynamic range of CCDs. The system is built around a commercial 1280 × 1024 CMOS image sensor with 10-bits per pixel and up to 500 Hz full frame rate with higher frame rates available through windowing. We analyze imagery data collected at room temperature for SNR versus photocurrent, among other figures of merit. Results conform to expectations of a model that uses only dark current, read noise, and photocurrent as input parameters.
Arousability in schizophrenia: relationship to emotional and physiological reactivity and symptom severity.

Objective: Socioenvironmental stressors have been linked with increased symptom severity and relapse in those with schizophrenia. However, little is known about how individual differences in stress reactivity may contribute to these outcomes. Method: This study examined the association between the temperament characteristic of arousability and changes in negative affect and cardiovascular activity during a challenge task in 58 in-patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia and 21 controls. Results: In the patient group, levels of arousability were significantly associated with increases in negative affect in response to the task and greater severity of affective symptoms. Levels of arousability were associated with decreased heart rate during the challenge task in our patient group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that greater attention be given to individual differences, such as temperament and personality characteristics, and their role in the experience of stressors, including emotional and physiological response, as well as symptom development.
Passive Wireless Sensing of Temperature Using RF Technology

Sensor networks are emerging as an attractive technology for deployment in monitoring applications due to their flexibility, small size, ease of installation, low cost and low power characteristics. Since the wireless nodes use batteries as energy sources, their operating lives are limited by the life of the batteries. Replacing batteries periodically in a sensor network can be a burden as the nodes may be dispersed over a wide area. Moreover the battery increases the size of the sensor nodes and offsets one of the primary advantages of such networks. This study proposes a design for wireless sensing of temperature based on passive RF-technology. The experimental setup includes: 1) signal generator 2) sensor tag 3) receiver. The carrier signal is produced by function generator. The sensor tag consists of a voltage divider circuit combined with loop antennas. The sensor tag filters the carrier signal and transmits back a modulated signal of the same frequency. The variable resistor acting as a thermistor is connected as a voltage divider. The change in amplitude of the output signal is relative to the temperature change. Experimental results show that the passive RF design can be effective way for wireless temperature monitoring. The results can be generalized to any sensor that converts the measured signal into a change of resistance.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Probing interfacial equilibration in microsphere crystals formed by DNA-directed assembly

DNA is the premier material for directing nanoscale self-assembly, having been used to produce many complex forms. Recently, DNA has been used to direct colloids and nanoparticles into novel crystalline structures, providing a potential route to fabricating meta-materials with unique optical properties. Although theory has sought the crystal phases that minimize total free energy, kinetic barriers remain essentially unstudied. Here we study interfacial equilibration in a DNA-directed microsphere self-assembly system and carry out corresponding detailed simulations. We introduce a single-nucleotide difference in the DNA strands on two mixed microsphere species, which generates a free-energy penalty for inserting 'impurity' spheres into a 'host' sphere crystal, resulting in a reproducible segregation coefficient. Comparison with simulation reveals that, under our experimental conditions, particles can equilibrate only with a few nearest neighbours before burial by the growth front, posing a potential impediment to the growth of complex structures.
Transition of cellulose crystalline structure and surface morphology of biomass as a function of ionic liquid pretreatment and its relation to enzymatic hydrolysis.

Cellulose is inherently resistant to breakdown, and the native crystalline structure (cellulose I) of cellulose is considered to be one of the major factors limiting its potential in terms of cost-competitive lignocellulosic biofuel production. Here we report the impact of ionic liquid pretreatment on the cellulose crystalline structure in different feedstocks, including microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), pine (Pinus radiata), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), and its influence on cellulose hydrolysis kinetics of the resultant biomass. These feedstocks were pretreated using 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]) at 120 and 160 °C for 1, 3, 6, and 12 h. The influence of the pretreatment conditions on the cellulose crystalline structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). On a larger length scale, the impact of ionic liquid pretreatment on the surface roughness of the biomass was determined by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Pretreatment resulte...
Always On: Architecture for High Availability Cloud Applications

With the shift towards cloud computing, application availability becomes a valid concern. Cloud applications have to be taken down to address various hardware and software problems. Even thoug redundancy insulates applications from hardware errors, the software updates and patches still require the service to be taken down for the period of the update. Organizations generally use lowactivity hours to do software updates. This paper proposes architecture for constructing high-availability cloud applications that can be updated without shutting down the service. The paper discusses how the various components of application can be structured into request receiver nodes and request processor nodes. Request receivers receive the request and request processors act on the request. We provide a mechanism of detecting whether any worker or responder node is not working optimally and allow user to save the state and restart this particular node. Finally we present scenarios wherein these nodes can be upgraded either individually or in batches. This reduces dependency on administrators and operations engineers in data center thereby reducing the cost. The reduced cost can directly benefit cost sensitive emerging markets. Furthermore this improves the service level agreement (SLA) since the application will not have to be taken down for updates.
Dynamic aspects of consumer decisions in housing markets

Abstract In this study we estimate a model of the joint tenure, length of stay, and consumption level choices of families in the housing market. This is the first attempt we know of to do this type of estimation. The data pertain to a single residence spell per household from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Wealthier and better educated families were found to be more mobile. In terms of housing consumption, after accounting for tenure choice and controlling for planned length of stay, renters and owners were found to have similar demand function relationships in terms of the impacts of socioeconomic variables. This confirms the notion that renters and owners are not differentiated by housing choice but simply in life-cycle circumstances as to when it is optimal to own or rent.
Self-Diffusion on All Time Scales

We find that a simple, formally convergent expansion of the Green's function for self-diffusion generates an accurate description of self-diffusion on all time scales and converges to the (hydrodynamic) Fick's law description in the long time limit. Super-Burnett and higher order corrections to the hydrodynamic equation are shown to be finite. The accuracy of the expansion is checked by comparison to molecular dynamics calculations.
Thiophosphate labelling of mitochondria-lack of evidence for an acyl-phosphate intermediate in oxidative phosphorylation.

In the presence of substrate and oxygen, aurovertin-inhibited rat-liver mitochondria incorporate 0.27±0.02 nanomoles of [35S] thiophosphate per mg protein into an acid-precipitable fraction. This incorporation is not prevented by uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, there is no significant difference in thiophosphate incorporation by aurovertin-or oligomycin-inhibited mitochondria.
Low-Energy Intranuclear Cascade Calculation

Monte Carlo cascade calculations have been performed for nuclear reactions involving incident protons, neutrons, ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$, and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ on complex nuclei. The upper energy limit of validity of the calculation is \ensuremath{\approx}350 MeV below which pion production is not likely. In order to determine the effects of a diffuse nuclear edge, calculations were performed both for nucleon-density distributions within the nucleus which approximated the charge distribution obtained from electron-scattering data and for constant-density distributions. The results indicate that the bulk of the effect in going from a uniform to nonuniform nucleon-density distribution is due to the increased nuclear size when a diffuse edge is used, while the effects due to the diffuse edge alone are of second order. The limits of application of the general model have been investigated and are discussed.
Optical Low-Coherence Tomography Using an Injection-Seeded Optical Amplifier and a High-Speed A-Scan Rotating Plate Technique

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) using superluminescent diodes and femtosecond lasers have been used for imaging of highly scattering media1,5.
Synthesis of an azulene lactone by an intramolecular [6+4] cycloaddition

Abstract Intramolecular cycloadditions of 6-fulvenyl 2.2-dimethyl-3,5-hexadienoate produce both [6+4] and [4+2] adducts. The [6+4] adduct can be converted into an azulene lactone. Less highly substituted fulvenyl diene esters give analogous products in modest yields.
Mechanical Strength and Interface Adhesion of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with Doped Ceria Electrolyte

An SOFC must have sufficient mechanical strength and interface adhesion to ensure it can be handled without breakage during fabrication and assembly, and has desired performance and reliability. Methods for measuring mechanical properties and interface adhesion of an SOFC have been developed and measurements made on a cermet-supported SOFC with a SDC electrolyte. The SOFC evaluated had a porous NiO-YSZ substrate, a porous NiO-SDC anode and a dense SDC electrolyte fabricated using tape-casting, screen-printing and co-firing techniques. The flexural strength and interface adhesion of the substrate, the anode and the electrolyte, along with their Young’s modulus, hardness and residual stress, were quantitatively measured. The results of the measurements indicate that the NiO-YSZ supported, SDC electrolyte SOFC has adequate mechanical strength and sufficient interface adhesion.
Conditions of silver chromate in gelatine hydrolysed and electrodialysed to different extents

IN a series of papers, Dhar, Chatterji, and collaborators have shown that if a reaction between two salts giving rise to an insoluble product is allowed to take place in gels, the insoluble substance exists in colloidal condition in the gel and the formation of Liesegang rings is due to the coagulation of the colloid. It has been shown, however, by Williams and Mackenzie1 and Bolam,2 that the insoluble substance produced by the reaction between two salts exists in supersaturated condition in the gel, and their results support the theory of the formation of Liesegang rings proposed by Wi. Ostwald.3 Experiments have been carried out by us to study the condition of silver chromate in gelatine hydrolysed (by heating) and electrodialysed to different extents, by determining the contact potential of pure silver in a mixture of N/100 silver nitrate, N/100 potassium chromate, and 3 per cent gelatine.
Wagering on a large scale: Relationships between public gambling and game manipulations in two state lotteries

Public wagering was examined in relation to game adjustments during the first 523 draws of Oregon's “Megabucks” lottery and the first 540 draws of Arizona's “The Pick” lottery. Oregon's lottery was modified five times during this period, and Arizona's lottery underwent four modifications. Public wagering was not related to decreases in the odds of winning in either state. Wagering increased in both states following the introduction of a minimum $1 million jackpot. Wagering also increased following a change in game frequency from weekly to semiweekly draws. Sales trends in both states suggest that over the period examined, larger jackpots were required to maintain previous levels of lottery play. These data suggest that public participation in gambling can be manipulated by state lottery commissions through adjustments in lottery contingencies.
Vascular tissue engineering: building perfusable vasculature for implantation

Tissue and organ replacement is required when there are no alternative therapies available. Although vascular tissue engineering was originally developed to meet the clinical demands of small-diameter vascular conduits as bypass grafts, it has evolved into a highly advanced field where perfusable vasculatures are generated for implantation. Herein, we review several cutting-edge techniques that have led to implantable human blood vessels in clinical trials, the novel approaches that build complex perfusable microvascular networks in functional tissues, the use of stem cells to generate endothelial cells for vascularization, as well as the challenges in bringing vascular tissue engineering technologies into the clinics.
Towards Biomimetic Virtual Constraint Control of a Powered Prosthetic Leg

This brief presents a novel control strategy for a powered prosthetic ankle based on a biomimetic virtual constraint. We first derive a kinematic constraint for the “effective shape” of the human ankle-foot complex during locomotion. This shape characterizes ankle motion as a function of the center of pressure (COP)-the point on the foot sole where the resultant ground reaction force is imparted. Since the COP moves monotonically from heel to toe during steady walking, we adopt the COP as a mechanical representation of the gait cycle phase in an autonomous feedback controller. We show that our kinematic constraint can be enforced as a virtual constraint by an output linearizing controller that uses only feedback available to sensors onboard a prosthetic leg. Using simulations of a passive walking model with feet, we show that this novel controller enforces exactly the desired effective shape, whereas a standard impedance (i.e., proportional-derivative) controller cannot. This brief provides a single, biomimetic control law for the entire single-support period during robot-assisted locomotion.
Recent progress in the design of nanofiber-based biosensing devices

This review addresses recent progress made in the use of nanofibers for analyte detection and sample preparation within analytical devices. The unique characteristics of nanofibers make them ideal for incorporation within sensors designed to allow for sensitive detection of clinical, environmental, and food safety analytes. In particular, the extremely large surface area provided by nanofiber mats and arrays drastically increases the availability of immobilization sites within biosensors. Additionally, nanofibers can be made from a variety of biocompatible materials and can be functionalized through the incorporation of nanoscale materials within spinning dopes or polymerization solutions. Finally, methods of nanofiber formation are largely well understood, allowing for controlled synthesis of nanofiber mats with specific sizes, shapes, pore sizes, and tensile strengths. In this paper, we present a survey of the different materials that are currently being used to produce nanofibers for use within sensing devices. In addition, we compare the limits of detection and linear ranges of nanofiber-based sensors and conventional sensors to determine if detection is improved by the inclusion of nanoscale materials.
Biliary atresia and the Kasai portoenterostomy: never say never?

Background/Purpose: Kasai portoenterostomy is recommended as the primary initial therapy for extrahepatic biliary atresia if the procedure can be performed within 10 to 12 weeks of life. The optimal management for infants with delayed presentation of biliary atresia remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the success rate and outcome for patients who underwent a “late” Kasai portoenterostomy. Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of all patients with biliary atresia who underwent a Kasai portoenterostomy at their institution from 1986 to 1999 (n = 31). The authors analyzed success rates compared with age at the time of the Kasai procedure and the association with patient demographics. Surgical success was defined as achievement of a total serum bilirubin less than or equal to 2 mg/dL. Long-term follow-up assessments included the need for liver transplantation and patient survival rate. Results: The demographics of this study cohort showed a predominance of African-Americans. 19 of 31 (61%), and girls, 23 of 31 (74%). Assessment of success compared with subject age at the time of the initial portoenterostomy showed that 52% had successful Kasai procedure at 0 to 75 days, compared with 83% success rate at age 76 days or older (P = .359), Liver transplantation was performed in 16 of 31 patients (45%). Overall survival rate for the entire cohort is 23 of 31 (74%), whereas 12 of 31 (39%) are currently alive without a liver transplant. Conclusion: These data suggest that there is no contraindication to performing a Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia in children over 75 days of age.
Personality and eyeblink conditioning seven years later

Abstract Seven years of experiments with the conditioned eyeblink are reviewed and evaluated and some further experimental data contributed. It is concluded that neither the construct of habit strength (introvernion-extraversion) nor that of drive strenght is adequate in itself to account for the facts. Both habit strength and drive variables need to be taken into consideration in most situations. Much further research remains, especially the determination of the circumstances under which these two components make their relative contributions and the resolution of the question of the existence and significance of one or more general factors of conditionability.
Reliability of First, Second, and Third Records for Estimating the Breeding Value of Dairy Cows

Summary Heritabilities of the first, second, and third lactations were compared, using 312 dam-daughter pairs from the Iowa State University herd and 472 dam-daughter pairs from Iowa DHIA data. The trend observed in these data, as well as the results found in the literature, suggest (but do not demonstrate unmistakably) that the first record gives a somewhat more accurate estimate of the breeding value of a cow than the second or third. Using the first seems adequate for proving sires, but the information in the second and third records would help considerably in estimating the breeding values of cows. For optimum use for this purpose, perhaps less weight should be given to the second and third record than to the first. The fact that the second and third records are affected by sources of variabilities, as dry period, which are not present in the first may account for part of the difference in heritabilities. The effect of terminal records and of the selection of the cows, when only those with two or more records are studied, may also have some bearing on the apparent differences in heritability among the first, second, and third records, but these points need further investigation.
A decade of atmospheric studies using a pulsed CO/sub 2/ Doppler lidar

NOAA has operated a pulsed Doppler lidar system for more than a decade. During the period, the instrument has been used to investigate a variety of phenomena, including convection, terrain-forced and channeled flows, sea breeze evolution, aerosol climatologies, and frontal passages. >
The importance of trust for ethics, law, and public policy.

The importance of preserving trust in physicians and in medical institutions has received widespread attention in recent years. Primarily, this is due to the threats to trust posed by managed care, but there is a general and growing recognition that trust deserves more attention than it traditionally has received in all aspects of medical ethics, law, and public policy. Trust has both intrinsic and instrumental value. Trust is intrinsically important because it is a core characteristic that affects the emotional and interpersonal aspects of the physician/patient relationship. As an instrumental value, trust is widely believed to be essential for effective therapeutic encounters. It has been hypothesized or shown to affect a host of important behaviors and attitudes relating to care, including seeking care, disclosing private information, complying with treatment, and being satisfied with care. Moreover, trust may be a mediator of measurable clinical outcomes and a key factor in the mind–body interactions that underlie placebo/nocebo effects and the effectiveness of alternative medicine. It is no surprise, then, that preserving, justifying, and enhancing trust is the fundamental goal of much of medical ethics, and is a prominent objective in healthcare law and public policy. Discussions of trust and related concepts were commonplace in professionally based medical ethics prior to the 1970s.This research was supported in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, under its Patient-Provider Relationship Initiative. Several colleagues contributed to the development of these ideas, including Elizabeth Dugan, Ph.D., Douglas Levine, Ph.D., Beiyao Zheng, Ph.D., Raj Balkrishnan, Ph.D., and Charles Rawlings, M.D. This article is based in part on a prior article and book chapter.Hall MA. The ethics and empirics of trust. In: Englehardt TH, Bondeson W, eds. The Ethics of Managed Care: Professional Integrity and Patient Rights. Amsterdam: Kluwer;2003:109–26.Hall MA. Law, medicine and trust. Stanford Law Review 2002;55:463–527.
Disparities in health-related quality of life: a comparison of lesbians and bisexual women.

Objectives. We investigated the association of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) with sexual orientation among lesbians and bisexual women and compared the predictors of HRQOL between the 2 groups.Methods. We used multivariate logistic regression to analyze Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System population-based data (2003 to 2007) in a sample of 1496 lesbians and bisexual women and examined determinants of HRQOL among lesbians and bisexual women.Results. For lesbians and bisexual women, frequent mental distress and poor general health were associated with poverty and lack of exercise; poor general health was associated with obesity and mental distress. Bisexual women showed a higher likelihood of frequent mental distress and poor general health than did lesbians. The odds of mental distress were higher for bisexual women living in urban areas as compared with nonurban areas. Lesbians had an elevated risk of poor general health and mental distress during midlife.Conclusions. Desp...
Technology Advances in Batch Production and Improved Competitive Position

Gaining a competitive advantage from computerized manufacturing in batch production operations requires the realignment of structure and technology to create a new fit within the firm and innovative approaches to strategy selection and implementation. This article presents propositions for the effective strategic use of computerized batch production. These propositions are drawn from existing research and from observations offirms using advanced technology to gain a competitive edge.
Monopolizing markets by exploiting trust

We investigate trust-based relationships in electronic supply chains where trust is a measure of consistency in meeting negotiated contract deadlines. We consider scenarios where contractors assign contracts to contractees who are significantly more successful in meeting deadlines. The task deadlines are drawn from a known distribution. We present a probabilistic analysis that enables contractees to strategically bid on only certain tasks to earn the trust of their contractors. Once a contractee achieves a high level of trust, it can then exploit that trust to increasingly corner a larger portion of the market share of all tasks. We present a trust exploitation scheme that monopolizes the market against greedy contractees who bid on all announced tasks. We also show that such market monopolization is not possible in the presence of a trusted, but non-exploiting, contractee. The exploiter can, however, effectively "starve" the non-exploiting trusted agent.
Visual marker detection and decoding in AR systems: a comparative study

Visual markers are widely used in existing augmented reality (AR) applications [7,12,11,19 ]. In most of such applications, the performance of an AR system depends highly on the tracking system for visual marker detection, tracking,and pose estimation. Currently, there are more than one marker based tracking/calibration systems available. It is thus desirable for the user to know which marker tracking system is likely to perform the best for a specific AR application. To this purpose, we compare several marker systems all using planar square coded visual markers. We present the evaluation results, both qualitatively and quantitatively, for the following properties: the usability, efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. For a particular AR application, there are different marker detection and tracking requirements. Therefore, the purpose of this work is not to rank the existing marker systems; instead, we try to analyze the strength and weakness of various aspects of the marker tracking systems and provide the AR application developers with this information.