cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metastable conduction states in Mo 2 S 3 : Conductivity fluctuations

In this paper, we present the results of measurements of the frequency and temperature dependences of the electrical noise in ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$. It will be seen that the frequency dependence of the noise is completely consistent with the double-well potential model for the carriers in ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ introduced in an earlier paper [Phys. Rev. B 38, 3973 (1988)]. In the earlier paper, we showed that at temperatures below 145 K, the carriers in ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ could exist in either a weakly conducting ground state or a relatively highly conducting metastable state. The conductivity behavior of ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ was found to be consistent with a phenomenological double-well potential model in which the ground state is separated from the metastable state by a large energy barrier of height W. The model predicts that carriers transfer from one state to the other by thermal activation, so that the lifetime of the carriers in the metastable state varies strongly with temperature according to \ensuremath{\tau}=${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$exp(W/kT), with W=0.25 eV and ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$=5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}15}$ sec. The magnitude of the electrical noise measurements reported here, when coupled with the magnitude of the conductivity and the carrier density, require either that the carriers in ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ have a very large mobility (\ensuremath{\sim}4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/V s), or that the carriers behave cooperatively, as they would if ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ were a charge-density-wave system.
Cdc42 GTPases facilitate TNF-α-mediated secretion of CCL2 from peripheral nerve microvascular endoneurial endothelial cells

Trafficking of autoreactive leukocytes across the blood-nerve barrier and into peripheral nerves is an early pathological hallmark of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine, promotes transendothelial migration by upregulating endothelial expression of inflammatory mediators, including CCL2, a chemokine implicated in GBS. We sought to determine the mechanism by which TNF-α induces expression and secretion of CCL2 from peripheral nerve microvascular endoneurial endothelial cells (PNMECs). Expression of CCL2 mRNA and protein in quiescent PNMEC cultures was minimal. In contrast, cultures treated with TNF-α exhibited increased CCL2 mRNA and protein content, as well as protein secretion. Simvastatin significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced CCL2 secretion without affecting CCL2 mRNA or protein expression. Co-incubation with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, but not farnesyl pyrophosphate, prevented the effect of simvastatin. By comparison, inhibiting protein isoprenylation with GGTI-298, but not FTI-277, mimicked the effect of simvastatin and significantly attenuated transendothelial migration in vitro. Inhibition of the monomeric GTPase Cdc42, but not Rac1 or RhoA-C, attenuated TNF-α-mediated CCL2 secretion. TNF-α-mediated trafficking of autoreactive leukocytes into peripheral nerves during GBS may proceed by a mechanism that involves Cdc42-facilitated secretion of CCL2.
Korean American Economy and Society

Changes and Conflicts: Korean Immigrant Families in New York. Pyong Gap Min. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 1998.134pp. The Korean American Dream: Immigrants and Small Business in New York City. Kyeyoung Park. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1997.228 pp. On My Own: Korean Businesses and Race Relations in America. In-Jin Yoon. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1997.274 pp.
Modelling Gas Transmission in Cylindrical Dynamic Accumulation Oxygen Transmission Rate Chambers to Explore Implications of Oxygen Sensor Location Relative to Samples

A model was developed to simulate oxygen accumulation in space and time within cylindrical dynamic accumulation chambers that are used to measure oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of materials. The model is based on Fick's law of diffusion and was validated against actual OTR measurements of polymer film samples. Measured OTR values and thicknesses were inputted into the model and oxygen concentrations outputted by the model. OTRs determined from the output of the model was in close agreement to within 0.3–3% of the measured OTR. Oxygen concentration versus time curves generated from model output oxygen concentrations and experimentally measured oxygen concentrations for three actual films were also in agreement. The model was then used to simulate results from three hypothetical test films at varying chamber lengths in order to evaluate effects of accumulation chamber dimensions relative to films on resulting OTR measurements. A typical design scenario was used, where the oxygen sensor is mounted on the chamber wall opposite the sample film. Results demonstrate that dynamic accumulation OTR instrument designers have considerable flexibility in choosing accumulation chamber dimensions because deviations in OTR are only expected to occur at impractically extreme chamber lengths (>10 m) for the entire envelope of OTRs expected for typical packaging films. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted ablation and reorganization of the principal preplate neurons and their neuroblasts identified by golli promoter transgene expression in the neocortex of mice.

The present study delineates the cellular responses of dorsal pallium to targeted genetic ablation of the principal preplate neurons of the neocortex. Ganciclovir treatment during prenatal development (E11-E13; where E is embryonic day) of mice selectively killed cells with shared S-phase vulnerability and targeted expression of a GPT [golli promoter transgene, linked to HSV-TK (herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase), τ-eGFP (τ-enhanced green fluorescent protein) and lacZ (lacZ galactosidase) reporters] localized in preplate neurons. Morphogenetic fates of attacked neurons and neuroblasts, and their successors, were assessed by multiple labelling in time-series comparisons between ablated (HSV-TK+/0) and control (HSV-TK0/0) littermates. During ablation generation, neocortical growth was suppressed, and compensatory reorganization of non-GPT ventricular zone progenitors of dorsal pallium produced replacements for killed GPT neuroblasts. Replacement and surviving GPT neuroblasts then produced replacements f...
TH‐C‐BRC‐03: An Image‐Guided Micro‐Radiotherapy System Based On Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Technology for Small Animal Irradiation for Cancer Research

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of a nanotechnology‐based micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and micro‐radiotherapy (micro‐RT) integrated system (micro‐CT‐RT) that delivers real‐time image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) for small animal irradiation. Materials and Methods:Carbon nanotube(CNT)field emission (FE) based x‐ray technology is used for the development of the multi‐pixel x‐ray beam array micro‐RT system. The multi‐pixel x‐ray beam array has individual pixel control to electronically shape the radiation field and form intensity modulation patterns in the irradiated object. Monte Carlo based dosimetric simulations and electro‐optical simulations have been performed to guide the micro‐RT system design. Results: A prototype multi‐pixel beam array micro‐RT system was designed and fabricated. The prototype can successfully generate a 5 × 10 x‐ray beam array which offers a maximum radiation field size of 10 mm x 20 mm . Each beam can produce a dose rate on the order of 1 Gy/min at the center of the irradiated object. Conclusions: The feasibility to fabricate a multi‐pixel beam array micro‐RT system based on CNT FE technology is demonstrated. The prototype micro‐RT can generate a 5 × 10 x‐ray beam array which offers a maximum radiation field size of 10 mm × 20 mm in the irradiated object. The system is still under testing and performance improvement. Once fully developed, the micro‐RT system will be integrated with the nanotechnology‐based prototype micro‐CT already developed for real time image‐guided IMRT and treatment response observation in small animals.
Search characteristics in different types of Web-based IR environments: Are they the same?

Transaction logs from four different Web-based information retrieval environments (bibliographic databank, OPAC, search engine, specialized search system) were analyzed for empirical regularities in search characteristics to determine whether users engage in different behaviors in different Web-based search environments. Descriptive statistics and relative frequency distributions related to term usage, query formulation, and session duration were tabulated. The analysis revealed that there are differences in these characteristics. Users were more likely to engage in extensive searching using the OPAC and specialized search system. Surprisingly, the bibliographic databank search environment resulted in the most parsimonious searching, more similar to a general search engine. Although on the surface Web-based search facilities may appear similar, users do engage in different search behaviors.
Sequelae of parenteral domoic acid administration in rats: comparison of effects on different metabolic markers in brain.

Abstract Parenterally administered domoic acid, a structural analog of the excitatory amino acids glutamic acid and kainic acid, has specific effects on brain histology in rats, as measured usung different anatomic markers. Domoic acid-induced convulsions affects limbic structures such as hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, and different anatomic markers can detect these neurotoxic effects to varying degrees. Here we report effects of domoic acid administration on quantitative indicators of brain metabolism and gliosis. Domoic acid, 2.25 mg/kg i.p., caused stereotyped behavior and convulsions in approximately 60% of rats which received it. Six to eight days after domoic acid or vehicle administration, the animals were processed to measure regional brain incorporation of the long-chain fatty acids [1- 14 C]arachidonic acid ([ 14 C]AA) and [9,10- 3 H]palmitic acid ([ 3 H]PA), or regional cerebral glucose utilization ( rCMR glc ) using 2-[1- 14 C]deoxy- d -glucose, by quantitative autoradiography. Others rats were processed to measure brain glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Domoic acid increased GFAP in the anterior portion of cerebral cortex, the caudate putamen and thalamus compared with vehicle. However, in rats that convulsed after domoic acid GFAP was significantly increased throughout the cerebral cortex, as well as in the hippocampus, septum, caudate putamen, and thalamus. Domoic acid, in the absence of convulsions, decreased relative [ 14 C]AA incorporation in the claustrum and pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus compared with vehicle-injected controls. In the presence of convulsions, relative [ 14 C]AA incorporation was decreased in hippocampus regions CA1 and CA2. Uptake of [ 3 H]PA into brain was unaffected. Relative rCMR glc decreased in entorhinal cortex following domoic acid administration with or without convulsions. These results suggest that acute domoic acid exposure affects discrete brain circuits by inducing convulsions, and that domoic acid-induced convulsions cause chronic effects on brain function that are reflected in altered fatty acid metabolism and gliosis. © 1977 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Volcanic time-trend analysis

Abstract The use of nonhomogeneous Poisson processes to model volcanic events is increasingly popular, as they allow the inclusion of waxing or waning time-trends and better estimates of future activity. This model also enables the following hypotheses to be tested using simple computational algorithms: (1) Does the historical record of a single volcano show a significantly increasing (or decreasing) time-trend? (2) Is there a significant time-trend difference between two sets of volcanic recurrence interval data? (3) Does a group of volcanoes (≥ 3) show the same time-trend? The historical data of three volcanoes in New Zealand are analyzed to test each of the above hypotheses. A methodology for group model selection based on the hypothesis testing is presented.
Wallifoliol, a Taxol Congener with a Novel Carbon Skeleton, from Himalayan Taxus wallichiana

A new taxoid, wallifoliol [3], has been isolated, along with five known taxoids (taxol, cephalomannine, 10-deacetylbaccatin III, brevifoliol, 2-acetoxy brevifoliol = taxchinin A) from extracts of the needles of Himalayan Taxus wallichiana. The structure of wallifoliol has been assigned primarily from nmr studies. Wallifoliol [3] is assigned a structure in which rings A and B of the taxane system have undergone putative rearrangements producing a novel skeleton. Wallifoliol is the first diterpene to be found in nature with this particular 5/6/6/6/4 ring system.
When is Cheap, Cheap Enough to Bridge the Digital Divide? Modeling Income Related Structural Challenges of Technology Diffusion in Latin America

Summary The article presents a model that shows how income structures create diffusion patterns of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The model allows the creation of scenarios for potential cuts in access prices and/or required subsidies for household spending in Mexico, Uruguay, Brazil, and Costa Rica. One analyzed scenario would require the reduction of ICT prices to as low as 4% of the current price levels (to US$ 0.75 per month), or alternatively, a subsidy as high as 6.2% of GDP (a figure comparable to public spending on education plus health). This is the income reality of the poor. Neither existing technological solutions nor existing financial mechanisms are sufficient to cope with this economic reality. The alternatives, such as a prolonged period of public access, are discussed.
Structural and Electrochemical Studies on Thin-Film Yttria-Doped Zirconia Electrolytes for Microscale Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

We report in-plane and through-plane conductivity measurements of dense YSZ films varying in thickness from 20 to 200 nm. In-plane measurements were performed on YSZ films grown on silicon wafers coated with SiO2 or Si3 N4 . Micro-fabricated strips with Pt electrodes in various geometries were used to obtain conductivity as a function of temperature from 200 – 600 °C in a custom-designed micro-probe station. These films have activation energies, which vary from 0.77 to 1.09 eV. Their absolute conductivity is lower compared with other reports. Through-plane and fuel cell measurements were performed by depositing YSZ on a nitrided silicon wafer, then etching through the wafer and depositing porous platinum electrodes on both sides [6,7]. We discuss the electrochemical conduction studies in detail along with fuel cell performance and correlation with electrode microstructure.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Retroperitoneoscopy in dogs.

Retroperitoneoscopy, an endoscopic procedure which permits visualization of the retroperiloneal contents, was performed on 13 adult dogs. The procedure combines the techniques of retroperitoneal pneumography and peritoneoscopy. The kidneys, ureters, adrenals, vena cava, and aorta were examined. Renal biopsies were obtained under direct vision through the endoscope. Retroperitoneoscopy may have clinical application to the diagnosis and staging of retroperitoneal disease in human patients.
Key Component Design of Environment-Friendly Jujube Takes Core Machine

Environment-friendly wild jujube takes core machine is proposed in the current serious water pollution situation. At the time of take jujube core, the jujube core and jujube meat is difficult to separate. So, it needs to use a lot of water to flush the jujube meat. The wastewater, which contains jujube meat, brings great pollution to the environment. To solve this problem, the existing jujube core extraction technology is analyses firstly. Then a new project of jujube take core machine is proposed in this paper. This new project can separate the jujube core and the jujube meat in the same machine. The detailed structure calculation and kinematics analysis of the new machine key components, such as the broken device and the separate device, were done on the computer. Finally, according to the design result, using the software Pro/ENGINEER, the prototype machine was designed and manufactured, then test lots of times. The experiment proved that the machine can effectively reduce water consumption and the volume of sewage to achieve the purpose of environment protection.
Comparative in vitro cytotoxicity assessment of some manufacturednanoparticulate materials characterized by transmissionelectron microscopy

A range of manufactured nanoparticulate materials, including Ag, TiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3, ZrO2, Si3N4, and a range of carbonaceous nanoparticulate materials: single-wall and multi-wall carbon nanotube aggregates and aggregated nanoparticles of black carbon, as well as commercial (mineral grade) chrysotile asbestos nanotube aggregates, have been rigorously characterized by transmission electron microscopy. These nanoparticulate materials ranged in primary particle sizes from roughly 3 to 150 nm (except for the nanotube materials with lengths in excess of 15 μm). Aggregate sizes ranged from 25 nm to 20 μm. Comparative cytotoxicological assessment of these nanomaterials was performed utilizing a murine (lung) macrophage cell line. Considering the chrysotile asbestos to be a positive control, and assigning it a relative cytotoxicity index of unity (1.0), relative cytotoxicity indexes were observed as follows at concentrations of 5 μg/ml: 1.6 and ∼ 0.4 for Ag and TiO2, respectively; 0.7–0.9 for the Fe2O3, Al2O3 and ZrO2, 0.4 for the Si3N4, 0.8 for the black carbon, and 0.9 to 1.1 for the carbon nanotube aggregate samples. Observations of a cytotoxic response, nearly identical to that for chrysotile asbestos, for multi-wall carbon nanotube aggregates which very closely resemble anthropogenic multi-wall carbon nanotubes in the environment, raise some concern for potential health effects, especially for long-term exposure.
Pioneer Advantage: Marketing Logic or Marketing Legend?

Several studies have shown that pioneers have long-lived market share advantages and are likely to be market leaders in their product categories. However, that research has potential limitations: the reliance on a few established databases, the exclusion of nonsurvivors, and the use of single-informant self-reports for data collection. The authors of this study use an alternate method, historical analysis, to avoid these limitations. Approximately 500 brands in 50 product categories are analyzed. The results show that almost half of the market pioneers fail and their mean market share is much lower than that found in other studies. Also, early market leaders have much greater long-term success and enter an average of 13 years after pioneers.
Public Opinion and the Environment Post-Earth Day Attitudes among College Students

A dramatic rise in public awareness of environmental problems occurred during the time of Earth Day, 1970. This study explores the depth and durability of I citizen concern for the environment. It is revealed that interest in ecological I issues remains despite the more recent crises in American life, that young people I believe that fundamental cultural values have been a basic cause of environmental I problems, and that present public and private institutions are unlikely to bring about meaningful reform. Nonetheless, most respondents held an abiding faith in I American society and felt that environmental problems can be solved if enough I people get involved. These findings suggest that while the need to deal with environmental problems is recognized, this is not to be interpreted as a commitment I to fundamental change.
Influence of definition and location of hypotension on outcome following severe pediatric traumatic brain injury.

Objective: To examine the influence of definition and location (field, emergency department, or pediatric intensive care unit) of hypotension on outcome following severe pediatric traumatic brain injury. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Harborview Medical Center (level I pediatric trauma center), Seattle, WA, over a 5-yr period between 1998 and 2003. Patients: Ninety-three children <14 yrs of age with traumatic brain injury following injury, head Abbreviated Injury Score ≥3, and pediatric intensive care unit admission Glasgow Coma Scale score <9 formed the analytic sample. Data sources included the Harborview Trauma Registry and hospital records. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: The relationship between hypotension and outcome was examined comparing two definitions of hypotension: a) systolic blood pressure <5th percentile for age; and b) systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg. Hospital discharge Glasgow Outcome Score <4 or disposition of either death or discharge to a skilled nursing facility was considered a poor outcome. Pediatric intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were also examined. Systolic blood pressure <5th percentile for age was more highly associated with poor hospital discharge Glasgow Outcome Score (p =.001), poor disposition (p =.02), pediatric intensive care unit length of stay (rate ratio 9.5; 95% confidence interval 6.7-12.3), and hospital length of stay (rate ratio 18.8; 95% confidence interval 14.0-23.5) than systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg. Hypotension occurring in either the field or emergency department, but not in the pediatric intensive care unit, was associated with poor Glasgow Outcome Score (p = .008), poor disposition (p =.03), and hospital length of stay (rate ratio 18.7; 95% confidence interval 13.1-24.2). Conclusions: Early hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure <5th percentile for age in the field and/or emergency department, was a better predictor of poor outcome than delayed hypotension or the use of systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg.
Concentration-dependent Effects of Anions on the Anaerobic Oxidation of Hemoglobin and Myoglobin

Abstract The redox potentials of hemoglobin and myoglobin and the shapes of their anaerobic oxidation curves are sensitive indicators of globin alterations surrounding the active site. This report documents concentration-dependent effects of anions on the ease of anaerobic oxidation of representative hemoglobins and myoglobins. Hemoglobin (Hb) oxidation curves reflect the cooperative transition from the T state of deoxyHb to the more readily oxidized R-like conformation of metHb. Shifts in the oxidation curves for Hb A0 as Cl− concentrations are increased to 0.2 m at pH 7.1 indicate preferential anion binding to the T state and destabilization of the R-like state of metHb, leading to reduced cooperativity in the oxidation process. A dramatic reversal of trend occurs above 0.2 m Cl− as anions bind to lower affinity sites and shift the conformational equilibrium toward the R state. This pattern has been observed for various hemoglobins with a variety of small anions. Steric rather than electronic effects are invoked to explain the fact that no comparable reversal of oxygen affinity is observed under identical conditions. Evidence is presented to show that increases in hydrophilicity in the distal heme pocket can decrease oxygen affinity via steric hindrance effects while increasing the ease of anaerobic oxidation.
Hand-Gesture Computing for the Hearing and Speech Impaired

An instrumented data glove with a wireless interface provides convenient and natural human- computer interaction for people with speech or hearing impairments.
The impact of molecular genetics on oral health paradigms

As a result of our increased understanding of the human genome, and the functional interrelationships of gene products with each other and with the environment, it is becoming increasingly evident that many human diseases are influenced by heritable alterations in the structure or function of genes. Significant advances in research methods and newly emerging partnerships between private and public sector interests are creating new possibilities for utilization of genetic information for the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. The availability and application of genetic information to the understanding of normal and abnormal human growth and development are fundamentally changing the way we approach the study of human diseases. As a result, the issues and principles of medical genetics are coming to bear across all disciplines of health care. In this review, we discuss some of the potential applications of human molecular genetics for the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases. This discussion is presented in the context of the ongoing technological advances and conceptual changes that are occurring in the field of medical genetics. To realize the promise of this new molecular genetics, we must be prepared to foresee the possibilities and to incorporate these newly emergent technologies into the evolving discipline of dentistry. By using examples of human conditions, we illustrate the broad application of this emerging technology to the study of simple as well as complex genetic diseases. Throughout this paper, we will use the following terminology: Penetrance--In a population, defined as the proportion of individuals possessing a disease-causing genotype who express the disease phenotype. When this proportion is less than 100%, the disease is said to have reduced or incomplete penetrance. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)--A technique for amplifying a large number of copies of a specific DNA sequence flanked by two oligonucleotide primers. The DNA is alternately heated and cooled in the presence of DNA polymerase and free nucleotides, so that the specified DNA segment is denatured, hybridized with primers, and extended by DNA polymerase. MIM--Mendelian Inheritance in Man catalogue number from V. McKusick's Mendelian Inheritance in man (OMIM, 1998).
A molecular marker linkage map of tetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

A genetic linkage map was constructed for an F1 genotype of auto-tetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) using two backcross populations of 101 individuals each and 82 single-dose restriction fragments segregating in each population. The percentages of marker loci deviating from Mendelian ratios were considerably less than reported for inbred diploid mapping populations (4–9% compared to 18–54%), probably due to the greater buffering capacity of autotetraploids against the effects of deleterious recessive alleles. Four homologous coupling-phase cosegregation groups were detected for seven of the eight linkage groups of diploid alfalfa and aligned using probes in common. No cosegregation groups were found for linkage group 7 due to the lack of polymorphisms in this cross. A composite map was generated by integrating the four homologous cosegregation groups and consisted of 88 loci on seven linkage groups covering 443 cM. The locus map-orders and distances were in general agreement with those found in diploid alfalfa. The mapping population segregates for winterhardiness, fall dormancy, and freezing tolerance; and the map will be used to locate genomic regions affecting these traits.
Developing a game-based learning curriculum for "Big Data" in middle school (abstract only)

Exposing students early to computer science may influence their choice of career, and there is increasing recognition that even for students who do not pursue computer science careers, computational literacy is important. This poster reports on a project targeting the development of a new middle school computer science curriculum. This research aims to highlight the role of computation in Big Data in the context of middle school computer science education, which serves as a catalyst to keep students engaged in computer science through middle school via the ENGAGE narrative game-based learning environment. This poster discusses steps taken to validate one activity meant to highlight the role of computation in the context of Big Data: skip list manipulation. While we found that most of the middle school students performed poorly in assessments after the skip list activities, several students showed they were capable of completing the activity successfully, implying that a repetition of the revised skip list study and additional pilot studies for other Big Data activities are needed to pave the way for the development of this Big Data curriculum. This activity will be just one part of a broader curriculum designed to showcase the social relevance and power of Big Data.
Social and resource factors related to the utilization of emergency psychiatric services in the Athens area

— Emergency Psychiatric Service of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Athens is the only referral service for the emergency psychiatric cases coming from the Athens greater area. During 1981 2,169 patients used the Service. The relations of socio-demographic and resource factors of the 26 districts of the greater area of Athens to a Standardized Psychiatric Emergencies Index (S.P.E.I.) are investigated in the study. Unemployment, education, profession, distance from the service, psychiatric coverage and involuntary incoming were considered as independent variables and S.P.E.I. for 1981 as a dependent variable. Multiple regression analysis showed that the only factor significantly correlated with the emergency use of the psychiatric service is the distance from the Facility.
Structure and function of a serine carboxypeptidase adapted for degradation of the protein synthesis antibiotic microcin C7

Several classes of naturally occurring antimicrobials exert their antibiotic activity by specifically targeting aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, validating these enzymes as drug targets. The aspartyl tRNA synthetase “Trojan horse” inhibitor microcin C7 (McC7) consists of a nonhydrolyzable aspartyl-adenylate conjugated to a hexapeptide carrier that facilitates active import into bacterial cells through an oligopeptide transport system. Subsequent proteolytic processing releases the toxic compound inside the cell. Producing strains of McC7 must protect themselves against autotoxicity that may result from premature processing. The mccF gene confers resistance against endogenous and exogenous McC7 by hydrolyzing the amide bond that connects the peptide and nucleotide moieties of McC7. We present here crystal structures of MccF, in complex with various ligands. The MccF structure is similar to that of dipeptide ld-carboxypeptidase, but with an additional loop proximal to the active site that serves as the primary determinant for recognition of adenylated substrates. Wild-type MccF only hydrolyzes the naturally occurring aspartyl phosphoramidate McC7 and synthetic peptidyl sulfamoyl adenylates that contain anionic side chains. We show that substitutions of two active site MccF residues result in a specificity switch toward aromatic aminoacyl–adenylate substrates. These results suggest how MccF-like enzymes may be used to avert various toxic aminoacyl–adenylates that accumulate during antibiotic biosynthesis or in normal metabolism of the cell.
Optothermal response of plasmonic nanofocusing lens under picosecond laser irradiation

This work studied the optothermal response of plasmonic nanofocusing structures under picosecond pulsed laser irradiation. The surface plasmon polariton is simulated to calculate the optical energy dissipation as the Joule heating source and the thermal transport process is studied using a two temperature model (TTM). At the picosecond time scale that we are interested in, the Fourier heat equation is used to study the electron thermal transport and the hyperbolic heat equation is used to study the lattice thermal transport. For comparison, the single temperature model (STM) is also studied. The difference between TTM and STM indicates that TTM provides more accurate estimates in the picosecond time scale and the STM results are only reliable when the local electron and lattice temperature difference is negligible.
Programming Multicores: Do Applications Programmers Need to Write Explicitly Parallel Programs?

In this panel discussion from the 2009 Workshop on Computer Architecture Research Directions, David August and Keshav Pingali debate whether explicitly parallel programming is a necessary evil for applications programmers, assess the current state of parallel programming models, and discuss possible routes toward finding the programming model for the multicore era.
Tree LANs with collison avoidance: station and switch protocols

Abstract Packet collisions and their resolution create a performance bottleneck in random access LANs. A hardware solution to this problem is to use collision avoidance switches. These switches allow the implementation of random access protocols without the penalty of collisions among packets. We describe some tree LANs that use collision avoidance switches. These LANs have the potential of combining the benefits of random access (low delay when traffic is light; simple, distributed, and therefore robust, protocols) with concurrency of transmission and excellent network utilization. The collision avoidance LANs we describe are broadcast star, CASB Tree (Collision Avoidance Single Broadcast Tree), CAMB Tree (Collision Avoidance Multiple Broadcast Tree), and Tinker Tree.
Parameter estimation for 3-parameter log-logistic distribution (LLD3) by Pome

The principle of maximum entropy (POME) was employed to derive a new method of parameter estimation for the 3-parameter log-logistic distribution (LLD3). Monte Carlo simulated data were used to evaluate this method and compare it with the methods of moments (MOM), probability weighted moments (PWM), and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). Simulation results showed that POME's performance was superior in predicting quantiles of large recurrence intervals when population skew was greater than or equal to 2.0. In all other cases, POME's performance was comparable to other methods.
Biodegradation of LAS benzene rings in activated sludge

Effluents from continuous flow and from fill and draw activated sludge cultures were analyzed quantitatively for benzene ring content by ultraviolet spectroscopy, with appropriate correction for interference by nitrate ion. C12 LAS mixture and two of its components in pure form, 3-phenyl- and 6-phenyldodecane-p-sulfonates, all showed approximately 90% ring biodegradation under a variety of conditions once acclimation had occurred. When feeds to 3-phenyl and 6-phenyl acclimated cultures were interchanged, the characteristics 100% primary biodegradation (methylene blue analysis) proceeded without interruption. However, ring degradation was impaired for 4–7 days until reacclimation was accomplished. Biochemical implications are discussed.
Evaluation of standard versus nonstandard vital signs monitors in the prehospital and emergency departments: results and lessons learned from a trauma patient care protocol.

Abstract : This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using a wireless, portable vital signs monitor (WVSM) for predicting the need for lifesaving interventions (LSIs) in the emergency department (ED) and use a multivariate logistic regression model to determine whether the WVSM was an improved predictor of LSIs in the ED over the standard of care monitor currently being used. This study analyzed 305 consecutive patients transported from the scene via helicopter to a Level I trauma center. For 104 patients in the study, a WVSM was also attached to the patient s arm and used to record and display prehospital and hospital physiologic data in real time on a handheld computer and in the trauma bay. Multivariateogistic regression analyses were performed for accuracy in predicting needs for LSIs in control and WVSM subjects. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curves were obtained to examine the discriminating power of the models for the outcome of one or more LSIs in the ED. Of the 305 patients, 73 underwent 109 LSIs in the ED. Of these, 21 patients wore the WVSM during transport in addition to the standard monitor. Logistic regression analysis revealed that heart rate, respiratory rate, and systolic blood pressure were significantly associated with an increased risk for LSIs in the ED (p G 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis also demonstrated better prediction for LSIs performed in the ED in WVSM subjects than in control subjects (area under the curve, 0.86 vs. 0.81, respectively). The WVSM system leads to improved LSI accuracy in the ED. In addition, many important lessons have been learned in preparation for this study. Adoption of nonstandard vital signs monitors into critical care/trauma medicine may require a new paradigm of personnel education, training, and practice.
Characterization of the thermal, surface, and oxygen adsorption properties of type 4A and 5A synthetic zeolites

Abstract Thermal, surface, and adsorption properties of a Davison 4A zeolite were investigated using DTA, TGA, and oxygen adsorption at −196°C. Surface properties of a Linde 5A zeolite were also evaluated using oxygen adsorption and compared with similar properties determined by nitrogen adsorption. Temperature-programmed desorption analyses were performed using the TGA data and showed the activation energy for water desorption to be 7.8 kcal/mole. Adsorbed water was found to inhibit oxygen adsorption, but this inhibiting influence was reduced by increasing the outgassing temperature and eliminated by outgassing at 200°C or higher. Pore volumes and diameters were determined using the MP method. The total pore volume was 0.225 cm3/g for the 4A and 0.261 cm3/g for the 5A. Pore diameters were calculated to be 12 and 12.8 A for the 4A and 5A, respectively. These values agreed well with those calculated for the alpha cavity using other methods.
Linearization of graphic toposes via Coxeter groups

Abstract In an associative algebra over a field K of characteristic not 2, those idempotent elements a , for which the inner derivation [−, a ] is also idempotent, form a monoid M satisfying the graphic identity aba = ab . In case K has three elements and M is such a graphic monoid, then the category of K -vector spaces in the topos of M -sets is a full exact subcategory of the vector spaces in the Boolean topos of G -sets, where G is a crystallographic Coxeter group which measures equality of levels in the category of M -sets.
IMPLICATIONS OF HIERARCHICAL COMPLEXITY FOR SOCIAL STRATIFICATION, ECONOMICS, AND EDUCATION

The institutionalization of systems of informed consent in market economies has exaggerated rather than minimized the meritocractic effect of such economies. In developing economies, it may help reduce both inherent economic gaps and effects of inherited wealth. In both cases, the highest paid people are those whose performances evidence the highest hierarchical complexity, and lowest paid people have the lowest stages of performance. Society is stratified according to stage of performance. Postformal thought is more likely to develop in graduate level education. Higher education has the effect of further stratifying individuals by stage of performance, rather than equalizing opportunity.
Distributed p–n nano-interfaces

An ordered array of n-type semiconductor spheres was interfaced with a matrix of p-type material to realize a distributed structure with face-centre-cubic symmetry. Both types have been realized by the use of functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes. The structures lack typical dc junction characteristics because of connectivity between p-type regions. They exhibit nonlinear optical characteristics (ac effect), which was attributed to the quadratic Stark effect.
The U.S. saving deficiency, current-account deficits, and deindustrialization: Implications for China

Abstract In the United States, both private and governmental saving dropped sharply after 1980 in contrast to the preceding postwar decades. But investment in the America economy has held up quite well (except for the 2008 banking crisis) because of heavy borrowing from foreigners as manifested in the trade deficit. But what is cause and what is effect? The problem is that the Federal government faces an ultra soft borrowing constraint because of the dollar's central role in the international monetary system. Since 2002, Emerging Markets on the dollar standard's periphery have voluntarily bought—or being forced by hot money flows to buy—more than $6 trillion of foreign exchange reserves. But selling low-yield U.S. Treasury bonds to other industrial countries has hidden costs: (1) accelerated de-industrialization in U.S. manufacturing, and (2) the threat of a huge credit crunch should there be a worldwide loss of confidence in the dollar standard. With its stable dollar exchange rate, China—as America's largest creditor and largest trading partner—has a key role to play in avoiding (2) and mitigating (1).
The effect of three hypolipidemic drugs on catalase activity and peroxisomal and mitochondrial palmitate oxidation in rat cardiac and skeletal muscle.

Abstract Catalase activity and peroxisomal and mitochondrial palmitate oxidation have been investigated in cardiac and skeletal muscle from rats fed clofibrate, ciprofibrate or nafenopin in an unrefined diet for different periods of time. Nafenopin was also added to either a high carbohydrate (70% of kilocalories from glucose) or high fat (70% of kilocalories from lard) diet and fed to rats for either 1 or 3 weeks. Catalase activity was elevated in all muscles from rats fed the hypolipidemic drugs. The response of catalase activity in muscle to clofibrate was dose-dependent. The resonse of catalase activity was different in individual muscles. Peroxisomal palmitate oxidation was elevated in the heart and soleus muscle from rats fed nafenopin in either the high-carohydrate or the high-fat diet. There was no change in peroxisomal palmitate oxidation in psoas or extensor digitorum longus muscle from rats fed the drugs. Mitochondrial palmitate oxidation was only slightly increased by nafenopin in the heart and soleus muscles after 3 weeks of nafenopin feeding. The results suggest that the cardiac muscle, like the liver, responds to hypolipidemic drug treatment with an increase in peroxisomal fat oxidation. The skeletal muscle response is less specific and that tissue may not contribute to the hypolipidemic effect of the drugs. The findings also suggest that these drugs don not induce peroxisome proliferation in skeletal muscle.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: An Event-Related Potential Study of Lexical Relationships and Prediction in Context.

Two related questions critical to understanding the predictive processes that come online during sentence comprehension are (1) what information is included in the representation created through prediction and (2) at what functional stage does top-down, predicted information begin to affect bottom-up word processing? We investigated these questions by recording event-related potentials (ERPs) as participants read sentences that ended with expected words or with unexpected items (words, pseudowords, or illegal strings) that were either orthographically unrelated to the expected word or were one of its orthographic neighbors. The data show that, regardless of lexical status, attempts at semantic access (N400) for orthographic neighbors of expected words are facilitated relative to the processing of orthographically unrelated items. Our findings support a view of sentence processing wherein orthographically organized information is brought online by prediction and interacts with input prior to any filter on lexical status.
BEACH‐RIDGE DEVELOPMENT IN TABASCO, MEXICO1

The largest Gulf coast alluvial plain in Mexico lies primarily in the state of Tabasco. Although predominantly a fluvial-deltaic plain, the coastal landforms contribute beach-ridge topography which extends inland up to twenty miles. Beach ridges attain fullest development adjacent to distributory channels and reflect periods of active discharge. Trenching of the ridges disclosed their internal stratification to comprise foreset units which suggest sequences of washover deposits.
Effects of long-term fixation on histological quality of undecalcified murine bones embedded in methylmethacrylate

While long-term fixation and storage of specimens is common and useful for many research projects, it is particularly important for space flight investigations where samples may not be returned to Earth for several months (International Space Station) or years (manned mission to Mars). We examined two critical challenges of space flight experimentation: the effect of long-term fixation on the quality of mouse bone preservation and the preservation of antigens and enzymes for both histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses, and how the animal/sample processing affects the preservation. We show that long-term fixation minimally affects standard histological staining, but that enzyme histochemistry and immunolabeling are greatly compromised. Further, we demonstrate that whole animal preservation is not as suitable as whole leg or stripped leg preservation for long-term fixation and all histological analyses. Overall, we recommend whole leg processing for long-term storage of bone specimens in fixative pr...
Hepatic veno-occlusive disease in children undergoing bone-marrow transplantation: usefulness of sonographic findings.

Background. Reports of the usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) have presented conflicting results.¶Objective. To determine the usefulness of gray-scale or Doppler ultrasonographic measurements in the diagnosis of HVOD in pediatric patients undergoing BMT.¶Materials and methods. We prospectively obtained 202 serial sonograms on 48 patients and examined the association between the clinical diagnosis of HVOD (McDonald criteria) and eight ultrasound parameters, including the hepatic artery resistive index (HARI), direction and velocity of portal venous flow, and thickness of the gall bladder wall.¶Results. HVOD developed in 29 of the 48 patients. The portal venous velocity increased after BMT in the group without HVOD and decreased in the group with HVOD; this difference was significant (P = 0.01). However, there was a great deal of variability in velocity measurements for individual patients. The mean HARI was 0.64 in the group with HVOD and 0.63 in the group without HVOD, and there was no difference between the two groups in the pattern of change in HARI relative to the day of BMT (P = 0.4). There was also no significant difference in thickness of the gallbladder wall between the two groups (P = 0.6).¶Conclusion. No ultrasound parameter studied was as useful as the McDonald criteria for diagnosing HVOD.
The formation of highly excited H 3+ in the reaction H2+(v) + H2 → H 3+ + H

A quasiclassical trajectory surface hopping method has been used to study H(v) + H2 H + H for v = 0, 3, 7, 10, 13, and 17 with an emphasis on determining the H internal energy and angular momentum distributions for high v. For v = 13 and 17, significant cross sections are found for producing H at energies above its dissociation energy. An average metastable H lifetime of 11.5 ps for v = 13 and 4.7 ps for v = 17 is found, but there is also a much longer lived component to the lifetime distributions that is more important for v = 13 than for v = 17. Some of the longer lived metastables correspond to high angular momentum orbiting states of H, but other sources of metastability are also present.