cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathways through which glucose induces a rise in [Ca2+]i of polymorphonuclear leukocytes of rats

Pathways through which glucose induces a rise in [Ca 2+ ]i of polymorphonuclear leukocytes of rats. Basal levels of [Ca 2+ ]i are elevated in diabetes mellitus. Such an abnormality is most likely due to both increased calcium influx into cells and decreased efflux of this ion out of the cells. The present study examined the cellular pathways that are responsible for hyperglycemia-induced acute rise in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), and explored whether such a rise is due to increased calcium entry into PMNL and/or to calcium release from their intracellular stores. There were dose dependent and time dependent rises in the [Ca 2+ ]i of PMNL exposed to high concentrations of glucose. Similar effects were observed when the PMNL were exposed to high concentrations of choline chloride or mannitol. A substantial part of the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i was inhibited when the media contained verapamil or nifedipine or when the PMNL were placed in calcium free media, and the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i was completely abolished when the PMNL were placed in calcium free media containing ryanodine. GDPβS or pertussis toxin almost completely prevented the glucose-induced rise in [Ca 2+ ]i of PMNL. Rp-cAMP, H-89 or staurosporine produced significant inhibition of the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i. High concentrations of glucose produced a dose dependent shrinkage of PMNL volume over a period of two hours. The volume of PMNL, however, was normal after 24 hours in in vitro incubation studies as well as after 1,2 and 12 days of streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in rats. The results are consistent with the formulation that the osmotic activity (cell shrinkage) of the high glucose concentrations activates G protein(s) which then stimulates the adenylate-cAMP-protein kinase A pathway, phospholipase C system and calcium channels. The stimulation of these cellular pathways permits both calcium influx into the PMNL as well as mobilization of calcium from their intracellular stores. Both of these events contribute to the acute rise in their [Ca 2+ ]i. It is possible that the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i is critical for the stimulation of the events that lead to the generation and accumulation of inorganic osmolytes to restore cell volume to normal.
Vertex detector R&D for the D0 upgrade

Abstract We describe some aspects of the research and development performed for the 850 00 channel D0 upgrade silicon tracking system. The system includes seven disk/barrel modules in the central detector and four stations of large area disk detectors. Results are reported for the SVX II chip, radiation damage, and studies of “black holes” caused by faulty detector channels. Production and testing status is briefly described.
Charting the Inward Journey: Applying Blackmore's Model to Meditative Religious Experiences

This article applies Susan Blackmore's model of brain self-modeling to explain how people experience altered states of consciousness in meditative religions. Against the experience vs. over-belief model put forth by William James and Wayne Proudfoot, Blackmore's model provides a theoretical base for a social role in the formation of meditative experience itself, not just in its interpretation. Learning to meditate involves learning to attend to certain bodily and feeling states, which involves learning to construct a brain model that produces a different experience of the self. This is not just a matter of socially learned labeling, but of learning to generate authentic psycho-physical experience. Examples are drawn from the author's study of Quakers and practitioners of the Gurdjieff Work.
Identification of a new HLA‐B*08 variant, HLA‐B*0804

The HLA-B locus is the most polymorphic locus known with currently over 100 different alleles described. Many of these alleles encode variants of the serologically-defined tissue transplantation antigens. This high level of diversity makes accurate tissue typing difficult. Here we present the sequence of a new HLA-B*08 variant, HLA-B*0804, found in Caucasian siblings JH and PF serologically typed as HLA-B51/B59 and HLA-B59/B60, respectively. Additionally, DNA-based typing by the polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) identified HLA-B*51 in JH and HLA-B*4001 in PF. However, PCR-SSP failed to identify a second allele in either of these individuals. The unusual finding of a B59 antigen in a Caucasian and the discrepant molecular typing results suggested that these individuals might express novel HLA molecules. Using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) followed by direct sequencing, we characterized a novel HLA-B*08 variant, HLA-B*0804. The presence of this allele was confirmed by cloning and sequencing. HLA-B*0804 differed from HLA-B*0801 by only one nucleotide substitution resulting in an amino acid replacement of phenylalanine by serine at position 67. Incidentally, this single nucleotide difference was sufficient to prevent amplification by PCR-SSP. This striking difference between both the serologically typed antigen and the PCR-SSP-identified allele compared to the sequenced allele supports the use of sequence-based typing for the analysis of HLA class I locus alleles.
Analysis of saddle-point configurations in 3-dimensional SU(2) lattice gauge theory

We discuss the properties of a class of saddle point solutions in SU(2) in three dimensions (SU(2)3), exhibiting localized peaks in the action. These configurations are generated by deterministic cooling and extremizing algorithms from analytic configurations. They share some characteristics with cooled and extremized Monte Carlo generated lattices. We have investigated physical behavior such as the string tension by averaging over this class of saddle point configurations. We have also measured the eigenvalues for harmonic fluctuations around these configurations.
Analysis and Optimization of a Tubular Lap Joint Subjected to Torsion

This analysis considers a tubular lap joint comprised of a steel tube adhesively bonded to a composite tube subjected to torsion. A finite element method is employed to characterize the stress concentration associated with the boundary layer effect in the end region of the adhesive layer. Through the selective perturbation of geometric and material properties, a parametric evaluation is conducted in which the peak stress and its gradient are reduced. A number of design guidelines are subsequently drawn based on the results of this evaluation.
Empty surface-state band structure of the alkali-metal adsorbed single-domain Si(100)-(2 × 1) surface

Abstract We have studied the electronic structure of potassium-covered Si(100)-(2 × 1) surfaces with angle-resolved direct (ultraviolet) and inverse photoemission at room temperature. Single-domain (2 × 1)-reconstructed surfaces were obtained by using vicinal samples. At a K coverage of less than 1/2 monolayer, an empty overlayer-derived state appears at 2.4 eV above the Fermi level. With increasing coverage it shifts downwards in energy and becomes dispersive. At saturation coverage, the surface is metallic owing to the filing of the minimum of this band, which has mainly K 4p 2 character. Parabolic-like dispersion are observed for it in theg¯G-J¯′ and theg¯G-J¯directions (i.e., both along and perpendicular to the dimer rows), showing the metallic bonding in the overlayer and a strong K-K interaction in both directions. Our results for saturation and near-saturation coverage at room temperature are consistent with atomic models having a full monolayer coverage of K atoms and a mainly covalent K-Si bonding.
Adults who read to Children need to be Good Listeners, too!

To help parents and teachers listen to a child's retelling of a story so that the child's comprehension and enjoyment of it are ultimately enhanced
Development of an Integrated Research, Curricular, Historically-Informed and Extracurricular Learning Environment

The Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering faculty at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) has developed a unique undergraduate program that integrates research, extracurricular activities, and outreach experiences. A common thread throughout the program is an introduction to the artistic and historical background of metallurgical engineering. These activities use kinesthetic learning to promote student learning of metallurgical engineering, aspects often not traditionally included in engineering curricula. These programs are similar to those envisioned by the National Academy of Engineering in response to the changing needs of engineering. These are described in two visionary books published by the National Research Council. A major focus of the program integrates blacksmithing activities with curricular, extracurricular, and outreach activities. All SDSM&T students are invited to a weekly blacksmithing activity called Hammer-in. Blacksmithing-related laboratories were added to the curriculum. Additionally, students developed a portable blacksmithing laboratory with faculty supervision. The laboratory has been taken to K-12 schools, including Native American schools on reservations, to reach out to regional students, thereby promoting interest in STEM careers. The success of these activities led to their incorporation into a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) at SDSM&T called Back to the Future that focuses on understanding new technologies through historical antecedents. The SDSM&T students who participated in this REU used this experience as part of their junior/senior design courses. This program has increased enrollment in the department and has led to better learning outcomes for the students.
Bicuspid Pulmonic Valve

![Figure][1] [![Graphic][3] ][3] A 53-year-old woman with hypertension and stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma was referred to a cardiologist when pulmonary artery enlargement was detected on computed tomography imaging. The patient had no symptoms referable to the chest. Physical
The relationship between serial monogamy and rape in the United States (1960-1995).

In mating systems where individuals pair, separate and re-pair repeatedly (i.e. serial monogamy), some males monopolize more than one female's reproductive life span and thus leave other males effectively mateless. Males who cannot secure females through traditional methods may seek alternatives, such as rape, to ensure gene passage into future generations. Analysis of US government records shows that (i) divorce and remarriage patterns in the United States are likely to increase the variance in male reproductive success, and (ii) rates of divorce and rape correlate positively. The former result suggests that serial monogamy increases the variance in male, relative to female, reproductive success and the latter result suggests that this variance influences the frequency of rape in American society. Because raped females sometimes become pregnant and take these pregnancies to term, our results indicate that rape has current adaptive significance.
Immunity to type IX collagen in rodents: a study of type IX collagen for autoimmune and arthritogenic activities

Type IX collagen (CIX), a cartilage-specific glycoprotein, constitutes < or = 10% of cartilage collagen. To ascertain whether CIX can induce arthritis as shown for type II and XI collagen (CII and CXI), outbred rats were sensitized with bovine, chick and human CIX; inbred rats, mice, and guinea pigs were sensitized with bovine CIX. Mice and guinea pigs proved resistant to arthritis, as did rats sensitized with CIX/Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA). Arthritis was seen in rats when 100 microg of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) were added to FIA, but seldom with smaller doses of Mtb, suggesting the arthritis was adjuvant-induced. High levels of antibodies to rat CIX, containing complement-fixing subclasses, were detected in rat sera in addition to DTH and lymphocyte proliferation responses to rat CIX. Given the potential for CIX-induced disease, CIX-sensitized rats were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate proinflammatory cytokine release, and intra-articularly with rat CIX to stimulate arthritis. LPS stimulation was ineffective; however, intra-articularly injected CIX produced transient synovitis. When rats with stable adjuvant arthritis were sensitized with CIX/FIA, significant increases in paw volume were measured compared with controls given CI/FIA. Immunohistochemical studies of actively and passively sensitized rats revealed deposits of CIX antibody, but not C3, at the joint margins where proteoglycan staining was weak. Together, these findings suggest that autoimmunity to CIX, in contrast to CII and CXI, is not directly pathogenic but may contribute to joint injury provided arthritis is initiated by an independent disease process.
Heuristic algorithms for on-line packing in three dimensions

In this paper, we investigate a three-dimensional packing problem, i.e., packing a list of rectangular boxes into a column with a unit-square cross section so that the height of the packing is minimized. Several on-line packing algorithms, called level-strip algorithms, are proposed and analyzed. Each of these algorithms has a separate heuristic in each dimension. In the height dimension, a packing consists of levels of height rk for some k ≥ 0, where r is a parameter, 0 l2 > …. Boxes b with height rk+1 < h(b) <- rk and length lm+1 < l(b) <- lm are packed into strips of length lm in levels of height rk by using well-known bin packing algorithms such as Next-Fit, First-Fit, and Harmonic. It is shown that the overall performance ratio of each algorithm is a product of the performance ratios of each individual heuristic used independently in different dimensions. It is also proven that there exists an algorithm which has an asymptotic performance bound that can be made arbitrarily close to 2.89 by choosing certain parameters appropriately.
Inhibition of the defense reaction of Drosophila melanogaster parasitized simultaneously by the wasps Pseudeucoila bochei and Pseudeucoila mellipes

Abstract The encapsulation reaction normally elicited by the wasp Pseudeucoila mellipes in Drosophila melanogaster fails to occur in hosts parasitized simultaneously or shortly afterwards by resistant Pseudeucoila bochei, but occurs as usual in hosts parasitized by P. bochei that are themselves susceptible to encapsulation. The protection from encapsulation afforded to P. mellipes by P. bochei in the same host is attributed to an active mechanism by which P. bochei protects itself from encapsulation. The possible role of substances elaborated by the wasp egg or female in preventing a successful host reaction is discussed.
Ticket-Splitting: Aggregate Measures Vs. Actual Ballots

F OR SOME DECADES now, political scientists have investigated the influence of various motivational, behavioral, and institutional variables on voting behavior. More recently, the phenomenon of ticket-splitting has captured the attention not only of political scientists but of political practitioners and journalists as well. Ticket-splitting refers to the behavior of individual voters; it generally is taken to mean the act of casting votes for candidates representing more than one political party on a single ballot. The study of split-ticket voting, however, has been confined to the use of indirect measures, primarily survey and aggregate data, because of the unavailability of actual ballots. This study, however, utilizes actual ballots.
Perturbation Solution to the Convection-Diffusion Equation with Moving Fronts

Electrophoresis of a solute through a column in which its transport is governed by the convection - diffusion equation is described. Approximate solutions to the convection - difision equation in the limit of small diffusion are developed using perturbation methods. The difision coeficient and velocity are assumed to be functions of space and time such that both undergo a sudden change from one constant value to another within a thin transition zone that itself translates with a constant velocity. Two cases are considered: (1) the thickness of the transition zone is negligible compared to the diffusional length scale, so the zone may be treated as a singular boundary across which the diffusion constant and velocity suffer discontinuous changes; (2) the transition zone is considerably wider than the difisional length scale, so the difision coeficient and velocity, although sharply varying, are smooth functions of position and time. A systematic perturbation expansion of the concentration distribution is presented for case 1 in terms of the small parameter E = l/Pe. A lowest order approximation is given for case 2. A suitably configured system analyzed here can lead to progressive accumulation, or focusing, of the transported solute. The degree of focusing in case 1 scales with E - ’, whereas in case 2 it scales with (E~E)-’~, and thus increases much more weakly with increasing Pe. A separation based on this concept requires development of materials and devices that allow dynamic tuning of the mass-transport properties of a medium. This would make it possible to achieve progressive focusing and separation of solutes, such as proteins and DNA fragments, in electrophoretic media with an unprecedented degree of control.
Specific recognition of non-initiator regions in RNA bacteriophage messengers by ribosomes of Bacillus stearothermophilus

Abstract The interaction between ribosomes of Bacillus stearothermophilus and the RNA genomes of R17 and Qβ bacteriophage has been studied. Whereas Escherichia coli ribosomes can initiate the synthesis of all three RNA phage-specific proteins in vitro , ribosomes of B. stearothermophilus were previously shown to recognize only the A (or maturation) protein initiation site of f2 or R17 RNA. Under these same conditions, a Qβ region is bound and protected from nuclease digestion. Qβ RNA, however, does not direct the synthesis of any formylmethionyl dipeptide in the presence of B. stearothermophilus ribosomes, nor does the binding of either this Qβ region or the R17 A protein initiation site to these ribosomes show the same fMet-tRNA requirement for recognition of initiator regions as that previously established with E. coli ribosomes. Analysis of a 38-nucleotide sequence in the protected Qβ region reveals no AUG or GUG initiator codon. These observations suggest that messenger RNA may be recognized and bound by B. stearothermophilus ribosomes quite independently of polypeptide chain initiation. Binding experiments using R17 RNA and mixtures of components from B. stearothermophilus and E. coli ribosomes confirm the conclusion drawn by Lodish (1970 a ) that specificity in the selection of authentic phage initiator regions by the two species resides in the ribosomal subunit(s). However, anomalous attachment of B. stearothermophilus ribosomes to R17 RNA, which is observed upon lowering the incubation temperature of the binding reaction, is clearly a property of the initiation factor fraction. The results are discussed with respect to current ideas on the role of ribosomes and initiation factors in determining the specificity of polypeptide chain initiation.
Time-dependent inhibition and tetrahydrobiopterin depletion of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase caused by cigarettes

Smoking causes a dysfunction in endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS), which is ameliorated, in part, by administration of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). The exact mechanism by which the nitric oxide deficit occurs is unknown. We have previously shown that aqueous extracts of chemicals in cigarettes (CE) cause the suicide inactivation of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) by interacting at the substrate-binding site. In the current study, we have found that CE directly inactivates eNOS by a process that is not affected by the natural substrate l-arginine and is distinct from the mechanism of inactivation of nNOS. We discovered that CE causes a time-, concentration-, and NADPH-dependent inactivation of eNOS in an in vitro system containing the purified enzyme, indicating a metabolic component to the inactivation. The CE-treated eNOS but not nNOS was nearly fully reactivated upon incubation with excess BH4, suggesting that BH4 depletion is a potential mechanism of inactivation. Moreover, in the presence of CE, eNOS catalyzed the oxidation of BH4 to dihydrobiopterin and biopterin by a process attenuated by high concentrations of superoxide dismutase but not catalase. We speculate that a redox active component in CE, perhaps a quinone compound, causes oxidative uncoupling of eNOS to form superoxide, which in turn oxidizes BH4. The discovery of a direct inactivation of eNOS by a compound(s) present in tobacco provides a basis not only for further study of the mechanisms responsible for the biological effects of tobacco but also a search for a potentially novel inactivator of eNOS.
The role of protein phosphorylation in renal amino acid transport.

Changes in tubular reabsorption of amino acids and other solutes are characteristic of the immature renal tubule and of various hereditary nephropathies. The cellular mechanisms governing these aberrations in renal amino acid transport have not been established. Calcium (Ca2+)-dependent protein kinases are known to phosphorylate membrane-bound carrier proteins, thereby modulating transport of various solutes by the proximal tubule. The role of these enzymes in regulating renal tubular amino acid transport, particularly during kidney development, is unknown. We investigated: (1) the effect of Ca2+- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase [protein kinase C (PKC)] and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) on sodium chloride (NaCl)-linked proline transport by renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from adult rats using the “hypoosmotic shock” technique (lysis of vesicles); (2) the activity, expression and subcellular distribution (cytosol, particulate, BBM) of Ca2+-dependent protein kinases in kidneys from 7-day-old and adult rats using MBP 4-14 and autocamtide II phosphorylation assays for PKC and CaMKII, respectively, endogenous protein phosphorylation (using gel electrophoresis and autoradiography) and Western immunoblot analysis to detect PKC and CaMKII. The studies showed: (1) endogenous (membrane-bound) CaMKII and PKC as well as exogenous, highly purified PKC inhibit proline uptake by phosphorylated, lyzed/resealed BBMV when compared with control vesicles; the volltage-clamped, nonelectrogenic component of proline transport was inhibited by PKC- but not CaMKII-mediated phosphorylation; (2) a Ca2+-dependent activity of both kinases was evident in all subcellular fractions tested in immature and adult kidneys. An increased activity of PKC and CaMKII in the cytosol and BBM was evident in immature kidneys when compared with adult kidneys. Autoradiographic analysis revealed a Ca2+-dependent protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation of several low and high molecular weight proteins in kidneys from both age groups. Immunoblot analysis detected α and β isoenzymes of PKC in the cytosol and BBM of kidneys from both ages, CaMKII α in the BBM of both age groups and CaMKII β in the cytosol of adult kidneys. These data suggest that Ca2+-dependent protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation inhibits NaCl-dependent proline transport across the luminal membrane. While CaMKII-induced inhibition of proline transport is secondary to a kinase-mediated modulation of electrolyte flux, PKC-mediated inhibition is in part due to a direct phosphorylation of the proline carrier. The protein kinase-induced inhibition of amino acid transport is similar to the inhibitory effect of these enzymes on other Na+-dependent transport mechanisms in the proximal tubule. Age-related changes in the activity of Ca2+-dependent protein kinases and differential regulation of their isoenzymes during kidney development may play an important role in renal cell growth and differentiation and in the developmental maturation of renal tubular transport.
A Portmanteau Test for ARMA Processes with Infinite Variance

We propose a portmanteau test for autoregressive moving average (ARMA) time series models with infinite variance. Our test is based on the partial autocorrelation function (PACF) of trimmed residua...
Dynamic Modelling of a Flexible Cylindrical Manipulator

Abstract A dynamic model for a flexible cylindrical manipulator is presented. By considering the manipulator arm to be a distributed-mass, flexible element the equations of motion are developed by using the extended Hamilton's principle. The model includes the dynamics of the tail section of the manipulator arm. Simulated results presented for a numerical example indicate that the motion-induced vibration can be considerable and that the vibration of the tail section can cause appreciable position errors. The results emphasize the need for designing sophisticated controllers to dampen out the motion-induced vibration so that a specified maneuver can be executed efficiently.
Use of a mammalian interspersed repetitive (MIR) element in the coding and processing sequences of mammalian genes

Abstract The mammalian interspersed repetitive (MIR) element was amplified in mammals 130 million years ago. The MIR element is at least 260 bp in length and is found in approximately 105 copies in the mammalian genome. We analyzed copies of the MIR element in the DNA of various mammals to determine its relationship to the structure and function of genes, in an attempt to identify specific uses of the MIR element within the mammalian genome. We found that alternative splicing within the acetylcholine receptor gene in humans takes place within the MIR element and results in the incorporation of part of the MIR element into the coding sequence of this gene. Furthermore, the polyadenylation signal (AATAAA) at the 3' end of four different mammalian genes is derived from the MIR element. These uses of the MIR element suggest that other regulatory sequences found within the mammalian genome originated from ancient transposable elements, many of which may no longer be recognizable.
Experimental investigation of the flowfield of an oscillating airfoil

The flowfield of an airfoil oscillated periodically over a wide range of reduced frequencies, 0 less than or = k less than or = 1.6 is studied experimentally at chord Reynolds numbers of R sub c = 22,000 and 44,000. The NACA0012 airfoil is pitched sinusoidally about one quarter chord between angles of attack (alpha) of 5 and 25 degrees. Detailed flow visualization and phase averaged vorticity measurements are carried out for k = 0.2 to document the evolution and the shedding of the dynamic stall vortex (DSV). In addition to the DSV, an intense vortex of opposite sign originates from the trailing edge just when the DSV is shed. After being shed into the wake, the two together take the shape of a large 'mushroom' while being convected away from the airfoil. The unsteady circulation around the airfoil and, therefore, the time varying component of the lift is estimated in a novel way from the shed vorticity flux and is found to be in good agreement with the lift variation reported by others. The delay in the shedding of the DSV with increasing k, as observed by previous researchers, is documented for the full range of k. The DSV, for example, is shed nearly at the maximum alpha of 25 degrees at k = 0.2, but is shed at the minimum alpha of 5 degrees at k = 0.8. At low k, the flowfield appears quasi-steady and the bluff body shedding corresponding to the maximum alpha (25 degrees) dominates the unsteady fluctuations in the wake.
Perioperative management of patients on clopidogrel (Plavix) undergoing major lung resection

Background Management of patients requiring antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel (Plavix) and major lung resection must balance the risks of bleeding and cardiovascular events. We reviewed our experience with patients treated with clopidogrel perioperatively to examine outcomes, including results of a new strategy for high-risk patients. Methods Patients who underwent major lung resection and received perioperative clopidogrel between January 2005 and September 2010 were reviewed. Initially, clopidogrel management consisted of discontinuation approximately 5 days before surgery and resumption immediately after surgery. After July 2010, high-risk patients (drug-eluting coronary stent placement within prior year or previous coronary event after clopidogrel discontinuation) were admitted 2 to 3 days preoperatively and bridged with the intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor eptifibatide (Integrilin) according to a multidisciplinary cardiology/anesthesiology/thoracic surgery protocol. Outcomes were compared with control patients (matched for preoperative risk factors and extent of pulmonary resection) who did not receive perioperative clopidogrel. Results Fifty-four patients who had major lung resection between January 2005 and September 2010 and received clopidogrel perioperatively were matched with 108 control subjects. Both groups had similar mortality, postoperative length of stay, and no differences in the rates of perioperative transfusions, reoperations for bleeding, myocardial infarctions, and strokes. Seven of the 54 clopidogrel patients were admitted preoperatively for an eptifibatide bridge. Two of these patients received perioperative transfusions, but there were no deaths, reoperations, myocardial infarctions, or stroke. Conclusions Patients taking clopidogrel can safely undergo major lung resection. Treatment with an eptifibatide bridge may minimize the risk of cardiovascular events in higher risk patients.
Decentralized sliding mode control design using overlapping decompositions

This paper discusses overlapping decentralized sliding mode controller design for large-scale continuous-time systems. Design issues, like connective reachability of the sliding manifold and the stability of the sliding mode equations in the expanded and original state spaces are examined. Application of the results to automatic generation control is also discussed briefly.
Fast and slow: Technical communicators, rational agents, and behavioral economics

A growing body of behavioral economics research provides insight into the human decision-making process. While this research is useful for rhetoricians in determining what rhetorical appeals will effectively persuade audiences, it also raises ethical concerns. In his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, the Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman explains the decision-making process as having a fast, intuitive, and emotional System 1 and a slow, logical, and calculating System 2. This paper examines the principles and techniques of argument in this book and considers the ethical implications of his model of the human mind. Kahneman's advice on communication, based on studies of human decision-making, affirms the practices of technical communicators. However, we conclude that technical communicators and rhetoricians should remain skeptical of excessively narrow definitions of rationality and of the kinds of values and social contexts that define deliberative rhetoric.
Stationary self-similar random fields on the integer lattice

Abstract We establish several methods for constructing stationary self-similar random fields (ssf's) on the integer lattice by “random wavelet expansion”, which stands for representation of random fields by sums of randomly scaled and translated functions, or more generally, by composites of random functionals and deterministic wavelet expansion. To construct ssf's on the integer lattice, random wavelet expansion is applied to the indicator functions of unit cubes at integer sites. We demonstrate how to construct Gaussian, symmetric stable, and Poisson ssf's by random wavelet expansion with mother wavelets having compact support or non-compact support. We also generalize ssf's to stationary random fields which are invariant under independent scaling along different coordinate axes. Finally, we investigate the construction of ssf's by combining wavelet expansion and multiple stochastic integrals.
The role of teams, culture, and capacity in the transfer of organizational practices

– Transferring organizational practices requires an understanding not only of what is being transferred but also of what is needed to ensure that the transfer is successful. In line with this thinking, the purpose of this study is to examine three factors that are crucial parts of this mechanism: use of teams, culture, and capacity., – The study uses a quantitative approach of a Fortune 500 company involved in energy supply. Data are gathered using survey methodology with items drawn from previous research. Hierarchical ordinary least squares are the methodology employed to analyze the data., – The study highlights how using teams, employing a collaborative culture, and possessing capacity after accounting for the control variables affected the knowledge transfer process and provides some insights into ways in which the process can be better managed., – Using this framework, it becomes problematic to separate individual and collective learning., – The paper reinforces the idea that building a collaborative environment in which sharing and seeing knowledge as an organizational asset are essential to success., – The study reinforces the notion that individuals are being asked to make a major change in their approach to the management of knowledge: rather than as an individual asset to be exploited, it should be seen as an organizational asset. This requires that employees change the way they do things. Furthermore, knowledge is not an asset that can be easily discarded and replaced. As a consequence, organizations need to recognize that knowledge management can only be successful if a collaborative environment is created and the organization builds on what it already knows.
Generational Differences among a Small Group of Hmong Americans

Few studies have looked at the differences in culture, language, and educational attainments among generations of Hmong in the United States since the beginning of their immigration to the United States. This study of 195 Hmong participants examines the effects of generational status on Hmong immigrants across several factors including marriage and family planning practices, cultural identity, and educational attainment. Cultural identity and family practices of immigrants lean toward increased adaptation to American culture with each successive generation; however, educational attainment was lower among second-generation immigrants when compared to their first-generation counterparts. Explanations for lower educational attainment may be due to confounding factors such as time effect. This study informs social work practice by exploring the variations in acculturation trajectories among the Hmong in the United States.
The active components of crotoxin

Summary The main component of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, crotoxin, represents a natural complex of two types of proteins of isoelectric points at pH 3.7 and 8.6 and molecular weights of about 9000 and 12,000 daltons, respectively. The neurotoxicity of that venom requires the synergistic action of both, while the lecithin requiring hymolytic activity is shown by the basic protein above.
DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMED CONSENT

Documentation remains the key factor that leads to success or failure of a claim in a significant number of cases. Since the time of a trial is often years later, an accurate memory can only be reflected by the records kept by the physician in question. This article focuses on developing good habits of documentation in areas such as medical record maintenance, handwriting, informed consent, and record tampering. Guidelines for improved record keeping are also presented in this article.
Media Scrutiny of Higher Education: An Ongoing Challenge and Long-term Trend

Increasing skepticism was identified as a key trend in a recent American Journalism Review assessment of media coverage of higher education. However, this trend is hardly new, as American colleges and universities have been subjected to intense media scrutiny for at least the last two decades. This article examines the frequently adversarial relationship that exists between higher education and the media, concluding that despite increasing media skepticism, media relations should still be a key component of an institution's integrated marketing efforts.
A scanning electron microscope study of the mesothoracic and metathoracic scolopophorous organs of Lethocerus (Belostomatidae-heteroptera).

The presence of scolopophorous organs in aquatic Heteroptera has been reported in a number of species. This study presents a morphological investigation of these sensory structures of Lethocerus (Belostomatidae) as observed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Paired mesothoracic and metathoracic organs are present. Externally, each sensory structure consists of a raised sensory membrane. The distal-most portion consists of thickenings of this sensory membrane (sclerite). The receptor neurons of the mesothoracic organ are of two types—one discolopidial sensillum and 12 monoscolopidial sensilla. The former is attached to the internal wall and distal thickening of the sensory membrane, while the latter are dispersed throughout the interior and attached to the internal wall of the sensory membrane. The structure of the organs suggest that an effective stimulus could be a compression of the membrane. A discussion of possible functions (pressure reception and hearing) is included.
Performance Test of Generator Terminal Supplement Damping Control Based on Real-Time Digital Simulation

Generator terminal supplement damping control (GTSDC) is an effective method to damp the sub-synchronous resonance. In this paper, the real time closed loop testing technique of GTSDC is studied. The four kind of performance test is discussed. They are characteristic valuation of GTSDC, model contrast of GTSDC and real-time digital simulation (RTDS), GTSDC coordination with the excitation damping control, and robustness analysis of GTSDC. The testing results show that the real time closed loop testing technique of GTSDC is effective and reliable.
A novel centrifugal diffuser test device

A large scale (2 in.-wide test vanes at 50-in. inlet diameter), low speed (100-200 ft/sec) steady flow radial cascade wind tunnel for diffuser studies was designed, built and tested. The apparatus was shown to provide flow angles (from radial) in the range of 58-72 deg with suitable spanwise profiles. The novel flow angle control mechanism was shown to work, but measured flow angles were somewhat smaller than expected. The mechanism for controlling case-wall boundary layer profile did not behave as predicted. Attempts to predict the generated flow both analytically and with computational codes are compared with initial measurements. The low speed apparatus will be used to obtain detailed data for diffuser design and analysis code verification, and to provide experience toward the design of a high speed device.
Growth, photosynthesis, and water relations of wheat grown on acid soil amended with coal combustion by-products

Aluminum toxicity often reduces plant growth on acid soils, and coal combustion by-product (CCBPs) can partially mitigate acid soil effects. Columns containing acidic (pH 4.7) Lily soil (Typic Hapludult) were amended in the upper 15 cm with CCBPs, lime, or both. Amendments were, in grams per kilogram, (i) none (Check); (ii) 3.98 dolomitic limestone (Lime); (iii) 15.88 high-gypsum flue gas desulfurization by-product (FGD); (iv) 3.98 + 15.88 combination of Lime + FGD; (v) 15.88 high-gypsum FGD by-product containing ∼ 6% Mg(OH) 2 (FGD + Mg); and (vi) 6.45 fluidized bed combustion by-product (FBC). The soil columns were leached with 138 cm of deionized water. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 'Arthur) was grown in the columns for 34 d with no additional water. Plants grown in Check and FGD treatments had lowest and similar shoot and root dry matter (DM) and leaf area. Leaf areas and DM for FBC, FGD+Mg, Lime, and Lime + FGD plants were similar and 13 to 17 times higher than for Check plants. Total root length (RL) was highest for FBC plants, which was about six-fold higher than FGD plants, while total RL of plants grown with other amendments was about half that of FBC plants. Specific RL was highest for FGD plants. Plants grown on Lime, Lime +FGD, FGD + Mg, and FBC treatments had higher leaf photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll, and ET and lower leaf temperatures than Check and FGD plants. Even though DM of FGD plants was low, they had the highest leaf relative water content (RWC) and leaf water potential (LWP). Amendments increased soil pH and reduced acid soil stress. Higher mineral nutrient concentrations were noted in shoots of plants grown on amended soil, except for the FGD plants, which had lower Mg and higher B than considered optimal. Some but not all CCBPs benefitted plants grown on acid soil.
Blindness in Walnut Grove: How Did Mary Ingalls Lose Her Sight?

Little Strep on the PrairieScarlet fever was once one of the most feared diseases of childhood. Readers familiar with Laura Ingalls Wilder’s semi-autobiographical “Little House” series will recall that her sister Mary became blind from the infection. Or did she? This paper explores the actual events behind Mary Ingalls’ illness, and in the process opens a window into child health on the American frontier in the late 1800s.—Jeffrey P. Baker, MD, PhDSection Editor, Historical Perspectives Millions who have read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books are familiar with the trials and tribulations of Laura’s blind sister Mary. In By the Shores of Silver Lake , Laura attributes Mary’s blindness to scarlet fever: “Mary and Carrie and baby Grace and Ma had all had scarlet fever. Far worst of all, the fever had settled in Mary’s eyes and Mary was blind.” (p 1).1 Herein, we examine the plausibility of scarlet fever as the cause of Mary Ingalls’ blindness by systematically analyzing biographical documents, local newspapers, school registries, and epidemiologic data on blindness and infectious disease in the years when Mary and Laura Ingalls were children. We conclude that Mary’s blindness was probably caused not by scarlet fever but by viral meningoencephalitis. Mary Ingalls went blind in 1879 at age 14. Between 1840 and 1883, scarlet fever, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes , was one of the most common infectious causes of death among children in the United States.2 Case fatality rates ranged from 15% to 30%.2 As late as 1910, scarlet fever was cited as one of the top 4 causes of blindness, along with measles, meningitis, and “other diseases of the head.”3 For reasons that remain unclear, scarlet fever case fatality rates fell dramatically in the early 20th century, well before antibiotic treatment.2 … Address correspondence to Beth A. Tarini, MD, MS, Assistant Professor, Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit, Division of General Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 300 N. Ingalls St, Room 6D19, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5456. E-mail: btarini{at}umich.edu
Recognition of coalition by computer in a three‐person game

An information processing model for recognition of coalitions in three-person games is developed by using a computer program, which simulates humans' move selection behavior, in Chinese checkers. The program plays as a participant against human opponents and decides if a coalition was formed after a game is over. It has two main parts: (a) a heuristic search algorithm for move selection and (b) a coalition recognition procedure which evaluates deviation patterns. The latter is defined as the difference between the move pattern of the selection algorithm and that of a human player. With this model, it is shown that humans' move selection behavior may be relatively simple even when the task environment involves human interaction and also that the moves of human players are influenced to some extent by the possible existence of coalitions. The system treated here is an information processing system, a computer program, which works as a member of a social environment and recognizes interactive behavior of other members. It models human behavior in such environments at the symbolic information processing level or the level of information processing psychology.
Venous thromboembolism overview.

Thrombosis and its associated complications are a common cause of death throughout the world. Each year, more than 200,000 new cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are diagnosed and 30% of these patients die in the first 30 days after diagnosis. In addition, many patients suffer long-term physical consequences from the thrombotic event, resulting in an adverse quality of life and millions of dollars spent for health care. The pathogenesis of thrombosis results from abnormalities in many components of the vascular and coagulation systems. In 1856, Virchow first described the pathogenesis of thrombosis as the result of defects in the vessel wall, platelets, and coagulation proteins. The interplay of these 3 factors became known as the Virchow triad. Thrombi that form within the venous system are rich in fibrin, resulting from disruption in the coagulation process in areas of blood stasis. In normal circumstances, the endothelial lining of blood vessels is not a thrombotic surface. Surveillance and maintenance by cellular components of blood interact with the endothelial cells to inhibit thrombus formation. Blood cells, such as platelets, release several antithrombotic factors, such as thrombomodulin and plasmin, which regulate the tissue factor pathway inhibitor system as well as the antithrombin systems. As this is occurring, the platelets limit their own coagulation response with aggregation directly inhibited by prostacyclins and nitric oxide. When the endothelial surface becomes damaged, the platelets become activated and they no longer guard the endothelium but instead perpetuate the coagulation response. Exposure of vascular collagen in the damaged endothelium also leads to activationofthenormalmechanismsofhemostasis,includingthecoagulationcascade, through exposure of tissue factor leading to hemostasis in the wrong place. Thecoagulationcascadeisthemainmediatorofthisprocess.Boththetissuefactor– mediated pathway (extrinsic) and the contact-mediated pathway (intrinsic pathway)
THE EARLY REACTIONS OF NON-NEURONAL CELLS TO BRAIN INJURY

One of the great goals in neuroscience research has been to improve the recovery of the mammalian central nervous system after damage. Considerable effort has gone into learning about changes that occur in the brain after injury, and the extent to which these changes are protective or injurious in themselves. This review deals with the responses of non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system that occur from the first seconds to hours after brain injury. This is a very large topic, and it has been necessary to select only some aspects for consideration. Emphasis is placed on three cell populations: astrocytes, brain macrophages, and endothelial cells. For each cell type, we can distinguish responses related to properties existing before the lesion, and responses reflecting the expression of new properties. Where possible, interactions between these cell types are discussed, but the complex and important interactions with the immune system are mentioned only briefly. Different classes of injury are associated with different arrays of cellular responses; the injury of ischemic stroke is discussed in sufficient detail to emphasize the complexity and interactions of cellular responses. Only some of the cellular responses to injury have obvious benefits, and others may fail to support or may inhibit recovery.