cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Overgrowth and Expression of Prostatic Binding Protein in Rat Chimeric Prostate Gland

Enlargement of the chimeric ventral prostate gland (VP) was induced by directly implanting either fetal urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) or intact fetal urogenital sinus (UGS) into the VP of intact adult rats. The macromolecular content in the chimeric prostate increased from 40–100% (UGM implants) to 200-300% (UGS implants) above control levels. The enlargement of the prostate gland was the result of growth from both the donor tissue and the host gland. Growth of the donor fetal UGS within the host prostate gland may account for the difference observed between the growth induced by fetal UGS and fetal UGM implants. Because fetal UGM regressed when implanted and grown under the renal capsules, the observation of growth in the adult rat VP induced by fetal UGM, either by implanting UGM in situ or forming tissue recombinants of UGM and the adult VP, suggests that fetal UGM requires close association with the VP for the induction of growth to occur. The concentration of an epithelial androgen-dependent prot...
Phosphinidine-Palladium Complexes for the Polymerization and Oligomerization of Ethylene

Several cationic palladium complexes containing bulky phosphinidine-imine, phosphinidine-sulfide, and imine-sulfide ligands have been prepared. These complexes catalyze the oligomerization and polymerization of ethylene with moderate to high rates (for palladium catalysts) and display higher stability compared to diimine-palladium systems.
Observation of Electron Transfer between a Silver Electrode and Putidaredoxin Using Electromodulated Reflectance Spectroscopy

Abstract This paper reports measurements of the redox reaction rate for the {2Fe–2S} protein puditaredoxin (Pdx) on bare and bekanamycin-modified silver electrodes. The electron turnover rates were determined using electroreflectance (ER) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The measurements were analyzed with two kinetic models: (1) strongly adsorbed protein layer and (2) freely diffusing protein. For the adsorbed layer model, the rates obtained with ER were almost two orders of magnitude greater than the rates obtained with CV. For the freely diffusing model, the rates determined by the two methods were similar, suggesting that this kinetic model is more appropriate. Modification of the Ag electrode with bekanamycin resulted in a negative 0.1-V shift of the Pdx formal potential, but showed only a small increase in the observed redox reaction rates. The measured rate constants were compared with the predictions of the Marcus theory of electron transfer.
Damage assessment of a full-scale bridge using an optical fiber monitoring system

A network of distributed optical Bragg grating sensors is used for monitoring of a full scale laboratory bridge in its pristine and damaged state. Damages consist of a series of cuts that are introduced in an external girder to simulate fracture or fatigue crack of a main load carrying bridge component. The after fracture behavior is described in terms of load path redistribution and strain level changes in the structure.
Partner influences on sex-associated spoken language of children

Sex-associated features of spoken language were studied in 24 normal White middle-class children ages 4, 8, and 12 years. One hundred utterance units for each subject in conversations of same-sex and mixed-sex dyads of peers were recorded and transcribed. In same-sex dyads, boys talked significantly more about sports and location; girls referred significantly more to school, identity, and wishing and needing. In mixed-sex dyads, girls laughed significantly more, and were significantly more verbally compliant. Boys used significantly more direct requests and sound effects, and talked significantly more about sports in this situation. Major conclusions were that sex of speaker and sex of dyadic partner influence the spoken language of children.
Collaborative learning through augmented reality role playing

This research investigates the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) technologies, specifically handheld computers, to create an emotionally compelling, rich context for collaborative learning. Building on work in collaborative learning, we sought to design games requiring positive interdependence, promotive interaction, individual accountability, interpersonal and small group skills, and group processing. While the collaboration within groups was strong and successful in the first generation AR games, the collaboration between groups was limited or non-existent. Several new game play elements added to a new engine created a more dynamic game play experience. These features included time dependence, cascading events and distinct player roles. In subsequent iterations of AR games, we have found these new features to be effective at fostering collaboration, which in turn scaffolds a more authentic investigation process
Bioengineering Studies of Periodic External Compression as Prophylaxis Against Deep Vein Thrombosis—Part II: Experimental Studies on a Simulated Leg

In this companion paper to “Part I: Numerical Simulations,” we report in vitro experimental studies performed on a simple model leg consisting of a “vein” of thin-walled latex tubing surrounded by “tissue” of open-pore foam rubber. Three modes of periodic external compression were investigated: i) uniform compression; (ii) graded compression, decreasing from ankle to knee; and (iii) sequential compression, progressing from ankle to knee. The modes are compared on the basis of three hemodynamic criteria: degree of vessel collapse, level of fluid velocity, and level of shear stress. In uniform compression these measures of merit are distributed very nonuniformly along the length of the leg: they are high near the proximal end of the cuff but low elsewhere, a result due to the formation proximally of a partially occlusive throat. The latter does not form in either graded or sequential compression, with the consequence that favorable values of the three measures of merit occur more uniformly along the length of the pressurized region. It is concluded that either the graded or sequential mode of compression, or perhaps a combination of the two, would be more effective than uniform compression as a prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis.
Globalization: Theory and Trends

Since the Second World War, there has been a steadily increasing awareness of a global society, and of national interdependencies in this society. The catastrophes of the war (and earlier Depressio...
Comment on ``Dispersion Velocity of Galactic Dark Matter Particles''

A Comment on the Letter by R. Cowsiki Charu Ratnam, and P. Bhattacharjee, Phys. Rev. Lett. 76, 3886 (1996). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
Relationship of almond kernel damage occurrence to navel orangeworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) success.

ABSTRACT Laboratory and field studies are reported that assess navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella (Walker)) development and damage on 11 almond varieties that represent both expected and outlying hull split and shell seal A. transitella damage. Twenty neonate larvae were introduced to almonds of three treatments for each variety: scratched (1 mm scratch through the pellicle), shelled (shell removed but pellicle intact), and unshelled (shell intact and exhibiting the tightest shell seal for the variety). Success was evaluated as moth emergence and degree-days (DD) to emergence. In 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, 10 replicate rows containing randomized strands of 20 unshelled, uninfested almonds from each variety were placed in the field for both the fall and spring A. transitella flight. The almonds were returned to the lab before the initiation of the second spring A. transitella flight and categorized by presumed cause of damage (bird damage, A. transitella damage, or both types of damage). Damage, variety,...
Simplified Streak/Strip And Scanning Photographic Systems

While streak cameras in particular, and strip cameras to an almost equal extent, are widely used in high speed photography, the level of sophistication achieved by these systems makes them appear much more complex than they really are. In this presentation the principles of slit shutter and scanning photographic techniques are related to ordinary focal plane shutter operation parameters. The commonalities and similarities between high speed and low speed systems are presented in very basic fashion. Photofinish, velocity recording, panoramic, peripheral and perspectiveless photography are among the applications explained and illustrated. Basic equipment suitable for experimentation is also described.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hierarchical Porous Gold Materials

A method to prepare hierarchical porous gold monoliths was developed. Cast hollow Au/Ag spheres, templated by polystyrene beads, were dealloyed to prepare hollow nanoporous shells, and robust gold monoliths with 2% relative density were readily achieved.
MULTILEVEL SELECTION IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF IMPATIENS CAPENSIS

This study partitions selection in natural populations of jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, into group- and individual-level components. Group selection has been a subject of controversy for decades, yet this is the first study to partition phenotypic selection in a natural population. Using contextual analysis combined with path analysis, we measured the correlation between fitness components (survival rate to first reproduction, chasmogamous [open-pollinated] seed production, and cleistogamous [selfed] seed production) and several group- and individual-level traits. Survival rate was studied for 2 yr, and the reproductive traits were studied for 1 yr. For survival rate and cleistogamous seed production, both group and individual selection occurred, and the two types of selection were in opposition. For chasmogamous seed production, only individual selection was detected. Group selection may be responsible for the constant yield law in plants. It may be more common than previously believed because it may be...
Effects of Prolonged Practice on Duration of Spiral Aftereffect: An Ideographic Study:

The effects of prolonged practice on the duration of the spiral aftereffect were investigated; 3,000 trials over 30 days with 5 levels of ambient illumination were randomly presented to a single subject. Scores gradually decreased until a plateau was reached during the last 13 days. A large decrement during the last 5 days was attributed to a decision process component. An early difference in performance at different illumination levels was largely eliminated by the last 5 days.
In-plant optimization of a full-scale Jameson flotation cell

Abstract An optimization study has been conducted to obtain the desired separation performance and the maximum throughput capacity from a 5-meter diameter Jameson Cell operating in a coal preparation plant in the Eastern United States. The results indicate that nearly 0.8 tonne/hr-m2 of clean coal is achievable while reducing the ash content from nearly 30% to 6% for a fine coal having a d90 particle size of approximately 45 μm. The test data indicate that a significant improvement in the combustible recovery value is achievable with the increased amount of tailings recirculation although at the cost of concentrate throughput capacity. Based on empirical models developed for the plant process responses such as clean coal tonnage, product ash and product total sulfur contents, an appropriate set of operating parameter values was determined to produce a target set of separation performance and throughput capacity.
Host-Feeding Patterns of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Collected from Livestock in Virginia, USA

Host-feeding patterns of female Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were studied in 3 physiographical provinces of Virginia, USA. Sheep- and cattle-baited traps collected 3662 female Culicoides of 17 species; these included 11 new host records. The most abundant species collected were C. biguttatus, C. stellifer, C. variipennis , and C. venustus . Examination of parous rates of collected specimens showed that nulliparous C. stellifer began host feeding earlier than parous flies. At the Piedmont site, parous rates were higher in C. stellifer collected from cattle than in those from sheep. At the coastal plain site, parous rates were higher in C. variipennis collected from cattle than in those from sheep. The parous rates of midges collected in bait traps and black-light traps did not differ. We suggest that site, host, and trap time influenced the number of parous females collected.
A dynamic model for in vivo virus replication.

In this paper we present a dynamic model of in vivo virus replication. Kinetic equations are formulated to describe the overall process of replication and then analyzed using a “synergetic” approach. First the importance of a rate-limiting substrate is taken explicitly into account, and secondly the coupling between the processes considered (translation, replication and assembly) is strictly preserved; the analysis itself is carried out in the linear regime. We treat the problems of defective-particle infections, standard-virus infections, inhibition of cellular synthesis, and the case of co-infected cells. The various parameters of the model (initial cellular concentrations, rate constants) are specified using existing experimental data and the full (numerical) consequences of the model are explored in detail and compared directly with experiments by Baltimore, Cole and others on viral systems. Quite surprisingly, the simple model developed in this paper is able to account qualitatively, and occasionally quantitatively, for the behavior observed experimentally for each of the problems cited above.
Multiple independent regulatory pathways control UBI4 expression after heat shock in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Transcription of the polyubiquitin gene UBI4 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is strongly induced by a variety of environmental stresses, such as heat shock, nutrient depletion and exposure to DNA-damaging agents. This transcriptional response of UBI4 is likely to be the primary mechanism for increasing the pool of ubiquitin for degradation of stress-damaged proteins. Deletion and promoter fusion studies of the 5' regulatory sequences indicated that two different elements, heat shock elements (HSEs) and stress response element (STREs), contributed independently to heat shock regulation of the UBI4 gene. In the absence of HSEs, STRE sequences localized to the intervals -264 to -238 and -215 to -183 were needed for stress control of transcription after heat shock. Site-directed mutagenesis of the STRE (AG4) at -252 to -248 abolished heat shock induction of UBI4 transcription. Northern analysis demonstrated that cells containing either a temperature-sensitive HSF or non-functional Msn2p/Msn4p transcription factors induced high levels of UBI4 transcripts after heat shock. In cells deficient in both heat stress pathways, heat-induced UBI4 transcript levels were considerably lower but not abolished, suggesting a role for another factor(s) in stress control of its expression.
Leader region of the gene encoding DNA polymerase III of Bacillus subtilis.

Previously we cloned and sequenced the polC gene of Bacillus subtilis and identified regions corresponding to various catalytic domains of DNA polymerase III, the enzyme it encodes. In the present study, by using primer extension, we have identified the transcription start site and a 139 nucleotide leader region upstream of the first codon. This region contains a DnaA box in the non-transcribed DNA strand. An RNA transcript of the leader would contain a sequence that could form a 29 by stem-loop secondary structure followed by a strong terminator sequence, rich in uracil, before the ribosome binding site. Plasmids were constructed containing either the intact leader region or deletion mutations of the leader, fused to the Escherichia coli lacZ gene in an expression vector. Single copies of the fusions were then integrated into the B. subtilis genome by transformation. Studies of the expression of β-galactosidase by the transformed cells supported the idea that the leader region is important in regulating polC gene expression.
Adenosine triphosphatase activity of lutein and ovarian tissues and weight of corpora lutea during the reproductive cycle of the rat.

IT IS WELL KNOWN that the adenosine triphosphate system occupies a key position in the energy exchanges of muscle during glycolysis. The presence of ATP and the ATP-splitting enzyme, ATP-ase, in variable quantities in a number of additional tissues has been reported (DuBois and Potter, 1943), and evidence has been presented pointing to the ATP system as a unique mechanism in linking the energy-requiring reactions of tissues with the energy-yielding reactions (Potter, 1945). These reports suggested that the energy changes occurring in tissues other than muscle might be mediated through the ATP system. We became interested, therefore, in determining whether or not the ATP-ase activity of ovarian tissues varied during the different phases of the reproductive cycle, as it is well known that these tissues undergo rapid changes in function and structure at these times. The studies which are reported here were made on the ATP-aee activity of lutein and remaining ovarian tissues during the reproductive cycle. A p...
Regulation of assimilation and senescence by the fruit in monocarpic plants

For most monocarpic species studied, blocking fruit development prevents or at least delays the death of the plants. However, it usually does not prevent the decline in photosynthetic rate, while it may or may not maintain the photosynthetic components (machinery) such as chlorophyll and ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase. Since sink demand influences photosynthetic rate and the fruit-less plants have limited sink capacity, their reduced photosynthesis may represent a metabolic adjustment but not senescence. The exact causes of the variable decreases in photosynthetic components in fruit-less plants are uncertain. The causes of metabolic decline may be different in reproductive-phase monocarpic plants with and without fruit. In any case, assimilation rate, i.e. photosynthesis, may not always provide a reliable index of senescence. Whether or not the developing fruits of monocarpic plants actually control the early and intermediate decline of metabolism is not clear; however, at least in soybean under non-stress conditions, they cause the final decrease and death.
The Importance of Small Earthquakes

Regional and local seismic networks have become ubiquitous throughout the world to study local seismotectonics, to provide immediate hypocentral and magnitude information following felt or damaging earthquakes, to create ShakeMaps of the ground shaking due to earthquakes, and to form the sensing backbone of incipient early warning systems of earthquake shaking. They also provide data for earthquake forecasting research, nuclear test monitoring, and analyses of nonearthquake events such as explosions, intense storms, mine collapses, etc . Some seismic networks are aimed at detecting and recording seismic events down to the lowest possible magnitude, while others are strong-motion networks that aim to properly record the strongest possible ground shaking that can take place. Significant resources are invested annually in regional and local seismic monitoring, and such networks have become a permanent fixture in many areas of the world. Is it important to record and process seismograms of all earthquakes down to magnitude 3? Magnitude 2? Magnitude 1? Magnitude 0 or below? My purpose in writing this opinion piece is not to question the intrinsic need for regional and local networks. On the other hand, I do feel it is important that there should be a full and informed public discussion about the importance of the small earthquakes that we record. Is it important to record and process seismograms of all earthquakes down to magnitude 3? Magnitude 2? Magnitude 1? Magnitude 0 or below? Informed discussions on these issues sometimes take place when a decision must be made about a particular site, such as whether to put a high-level radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. But for the most part, regional and local seismic networks, once they have been initiated, tend to grow based on a “more is better” philosophy as funding is available. I believe that the existence and …
Recombinant human growth hormone: old and novel uses

Abstract Recent studies of the growth hormone insulinlike growth factor I (IGF I) axis suggest that these hormones are involved in several physiologic processes, in addition to growth. Thus, several lines of evidence indicate an increasingly important role for recombinant human growth hormone as a part of the modern therapeutic armamentarium. In addition to the treatment of children with growth hormone deficiency, administration of growth hormone appears to be of considerable benefit to girls with Turner syndrome, children with chronic renal failure, and adults with growth hormone deficiency or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) wasting syndrome. Moreover, its therapeutic use is being investigated in other conditions, such as children with idiopathic short stature, the healthy elderly, and the critically ill. However, long-term surveillance among growth hormone recipients is needed to fully evaluate its risk-benefit profile.
Abstract 3550: Curcumin suppresses growth of human mesothelioma cells in vitro and in vivo, in part, by stimulating apoptosis

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive, asbestos-related malignancy of the thoracic pleura. Although platinum-based agents are the first line of therapy, there is an urgent need for second-line therapies to treat the drug-resistant MPM. Cell cycle as well as apoptosis regulatory pathways are frequently altered in MPM and thus remain attractive targets for therapeutic intervention strategies. Curcumin, the major component in the spice turmeric, alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutics has been under investigation for a number of cancers. Here we investigated the biological and molecular responses of MPM cells to Curcumin treatments and the mechanisms involved. Flow-cytometric analyses coupled with western immunoblotting and gene-array analyses were conducted to determine mechanisms of Curcumin-dependent growth suppression of human (H2373, H2452, H2461, and H226) and murine (AB12) MPM cells. Curcumin inhibited MPM cell growth in a dose and time dependent manner while pretreatment of MPM cells with Curcumin enhanced Cisplatin efficacy. Curcumin activated stress-activated p38 kinase, caspases 9 and 3, caused elevated levels of proapoptotic proteins Bax, stimulated PARP cleavage, and apoptosis. In addition, Curcumin treatments stimulated expression of novel transducers of cell growth suppression such as CARP-1, XAF1, and SULF1 proteins. Oral administration of Curcumin inhibited growth of murine MPM cell-derived tumors in vivo in part by stimulating apoptosis. Thus, Curcumin targets cell cycle and promotes apoptosis to suppress MPM growth in vitro and in vivo. Our studies provide a proof-of-principle rationale for further in-depth analysis of MPM growth suppression mechanisms and their future exploitation in development of effective therapeutic treatment options against resistant MPM. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3550. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3550
Origin of the cretaceous bridge creek cycles in the western interior, United States

Abstract Alternating beds of burrowed limestone and laminated, organic carbon-rich marlstone in the Bridge Creek Member of the Greenhorn Formation were deposited during maximum transgression of the Cenomanian-Turonian sea in the Western Interior of the United States. One view of the origin of the Bridge Creek limestone-marlstone rhythms holds that they represent dilution cycles produced by alternating climates within the Western Interior, the marlstones recording wet episodes when high runoff produced a sediment-laden brackish lid on the seaway and the limestones recording dry episodes when runoff was low and the water column well-mixed. A second view holds that the rhythms represent productivity cycles, the limestones representing times of high productivity of calcareous planktonic skeletons and the marlstones representing times of low productivity. In this view, the rhythms were produced by alternations in vertical circulation that characterized much of the world ocean at the time. The productivity origin of the rhythms is supported by the presence of abundant calcispheres in the limestone beds, the concentration of clay-size quartz in many of the limestone beds, the comparatively high δ 18 O and low δ 13 C in limestone beds, the similarity in proportion of clay minerals in marlstone and limestone beds, the pelagic depositional rate of the Bridge Creek Member, and by the discovery that Bridge Creek deposition began with a marlstone and not a limestone bed. The dilution model is not consistent with these features and it has not been supported by modeling of paleoclimates and lithofacies that were predicted from it, nor by macrofaunal distributions within the seaway. The dilution model is not consistent with the occurrence of diverse and abundant planktonic foraminifera in both marlstone and limestone beds, which indicate that near-normal marine salinities prevailed during deposition of both. Bed-by-bed analysis of the Bridge Creek Member may provide an analog for events in the Tethys that are poorly recorded in deposits from the deep sea itself.
Competition for soil water between annual plants and blue oak (Quercus douglasii) seedlings.

We examined the competitive effects of two annual species on soil water potential and blue oak (Quercus douglasii Hook & Arn.) seedling growth and water relations. Two densities of the annual grass Bromus diandrus (Roth.) (100/dm2, 3.6/dm2) and one density of the annual forb Erodium botrys (Cav.) (3.6/dm2) comprised plant neighborhoods around the oak seedlings grown in 1 m deep boxes. Rates of soil water depletion differed among neighborhoods. Soil in the Erodium neighborhoods dried significantly more slowly than did soil in the Bromus neighborhoods at either density. Differences in the rates of soil water depletion were correlated both with the 30% lower root biomass developed by Erodium, and the lower water extraction rates of Erodium relative to Bromus roots at constant root biomass. These results suggest that the annual species are not equivalent competitors for water: fibrous grass roots had greater competitive effect than did forb tap-roots. In a control container without an annual neighborhood, soil water potentials remained high for the duration of the experiment. Oak seedling emergence and growth responses were significantly affected by annual plant density. High density of annual plants suppressed oak root growth and shoot emergence. Only 20% of the acorns planted in high density Bromus neighborhoods showed aboveground shoot growth; 56% of those planted in low density Bromus or Erodium emerged. Ninety percent emerged in the control box. Relative growth rates of oak seedling roots and shoots were directly dependent on soil water potentials. Soil water was also closely correlated with oak seedling predawn water potentials and gas conductance measurements. Higher soil water potentials greater dry weights, and longer growing seasons were found for oak seedlings in the Erodium neighborhood and the container with no annuals than in Bromus neighborhoods of either density. These results suggest that competition for soil water with introduced annual species contributes to the increased rate of blue oak seedling mortality currently observed in California woodland systems.
A Procedure for the Correction of Biases in Winds Measured from Aircraft

Abstract A method for determining bias errors in winds derived from airborne Doppler radar and inertial navigation wind-finding systems is presented and tested on samples of field quality data from the GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE). The method requires only the measured wind components and true heading of the aircraft before and after a reasonable change in true heading.
On-the-road measurements of automotive emissions

Abstract Volkswagen has developed an on-board exhaust emissions measurement system which enables the direct and continuous determination of the mass emissions of the exhaust components HC, CO, NO x , and CO 2 , together with the real-time fuel consumption. The system can be installed in each type of passenger car and can be operated under all traffic and weather conditions. The system has proved itself in numerous on-the-road test runs. The test programs cover measurements in urban areas, on country roads, and on motor ways. The results of each test run are printed out immediately after completion of the test. As an example, some results of a high-speed motor way test program are presented.
Trophic interactions within pelagic microbial communities: indications of feedback regulation of carbon flow

Future considerations of carbon-energy flows within pelagic food webs should include internal, biotic feedback controls, in addition to abiotic forcing functions, in the regulation of these flows. Over the past two decades, research on microbial communities of pelagic ecosystems has yielded data suggestive of cybernetic-like regulation operating within these communities. As presently conceived, phagotrophic protozoa have a pivotal role in such regulation as a consequence of their rapid growth, grazing, and nutrient regenerative capabilities. Feedback controls within microbial food webs may have significant effects on distal portions of pelagic ecosystems, including the fate of organic detritus and metazoan production.
Optimal transmitter power of an intersatellite optical communication system with reciprocal Pareto fading

This paper shows that optical signal transmission over intersatellite links with swaying transmitters can be described as an equivalent fading model. In this model, the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio is stochastic and follows the reciprocal Pareto distribution. With this model, we show that the transmitter power can be minimized, subject to a specified outage probability, by appropriately adjusting some system parameters, such as the transmitter gain.
Goal-setting considerations for persuasive technologies that encourage physical activity

Goal-setting has been shown to be an effective strategy for changing behavior; therefore employing goal-setting in persuasive technologies could be an effective way to encourage behavior change. In our work, we are developing persuasive technologies to encourage individuals to live healthy lifestyles with a focus on being physically active. As part of our investigations, we have explored individuals' reactions to goal-setting, specifically goal sources (i.e., who should set the individual's goal) and goal timeframes (i.e., over what time period should an individual have to achieve the goal). In this paper, we present our findings related to various approaches for implementing goal-setting in a persuasive technology to encourage physical activity.
A comparison of long-term outcomes of translaminar facet screw fixation and pedicle screw fixation: a prospective study.

Object In this paper, the authors compare the long-term outcomes of translaminar facet screw fixation (TFSF) and pedicle screw fixation (PSF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbosacral disease. Methods This prospective analytical study was performed to compare the long-term outcomes of TFSF and PSF for degenerative lumbosacral disease. Outcomes were defined as the need for reoperation for the development of a nonunion, end-fusion degeneration, or for explantation of hardware. Results A total of 77 patients were analyzed. Thirty-seven patients underwent PSF and 40 received TFSF. Twenty-three of the 77 patients required a reoperation: 13 (32.5%) of the 40 patients in the TFSF group and 10 (27%) of the 37 the patients in the PSF group. The overall mean time to reoperation (regardless of outcome) was 4.05 years. For patients in the TFSF group the mean time to reoperation was 2.94 years, whereas it was 4.35 years in the PSF group (p = 0.34). Nonunion was noted in seven of the 40 patients in the TFSF group an...
Demonstration of neutral atom trapping with microwaves

We demonstrate trapping of neutral Cs atoms by the magnetic dipole force due to a microwave field. The trap is formed in a spherical microwave cavity tuned near the ground state hyperfine transition (9.193 GHz). With a microwave power of 83 W, the trap is \ensuremath{\approxeq}0.1 mK deep. It is loaded with Cs atoms laser cooled to \ensuremath{\approxeq}4 \ensuremath{\mu}K. We observed oscillatory motion of atoms in the trap at frequencies of 1--3 Hz. This type of trap has certain advantages for achieving the conditions for Bose-Einstein condensation in hydrogen or the alkalis, because it can confine atoms predominantly in the lowest energy spin state.
Concerning the mechanism of displacement of nitro groups from activated aromatic systems

Abstract The photostimulated reactions of p-nitrobenzophenone and p-nitrobenzonitrile with a variety of nucleophiles have been investigated. Displacement of the nitro group is observed in all cases. The rates of the reactions were measured by FT-IR. The rates were slowed by substances such as sulfur, air, Galvinoxyl and p-benzoquinone. In several cases rates of loss of starting material were monitored by quenching the reaction mixtures and isolating product and starting material. These reactions also showed inhibition of their rates in the presence of inhibitors. These results indicate that the reactions are chain processes. It is concluded that the substrates are converted into their corresponding radical anions which then react with the nucleophiles in a bimolecular displacement reaction. The alternate mechanism, which involves dissociation of the radical anions, is precluded because they are known not to dissociate.
Viral determinants of virulence for Rift Valley fever (RVF) in rats.

Abstract Rift Valley fever viral strains or variants (RVFV) were compared with respect to (a) virulence for Wistar-Furth rats; (b) in vitro sensitivity to rat and human Interferon; (c) ability to form plaques in primary hepatocyte cultures from genetically resistant or susceptible rat strains, and (d) replicative potential in continuous rat cell lines. Egyptian strains were highly virulent for Wistar-Furth rats; relatively resistant to rat interferon-alpha/beta; capable of producing plaques in primary hepatocyte monolayers; and, in general, replicated more rapidly than the low-virulent, sub-Saharan strains. Virtually all strains from sub-Saharan Africa were sensitive to rat interferon and did not form plaques in rat hepatocyte monolayers. An exception was the 2269/74 strain from Zimbabwe, which had characteristics of the Egyptian strains including increased virulence for Wistar-Furth rats. The relative virulence of RVFV strains for rats did not correlate with interferon sensitivity when human recombinant interferon-alpha was tested on A-549 cells. Thus, several in vitro phenotypic characteristics of RVFV strains tend to correlate with virulence for Wistar-Furth rats and with geographical origin of the viral strains.
The Primacy of the Intentional

According to the thesis of the primacy of the intentional, the reference of language is to be explicated in terms of the intentionality of thought. The word “Pferd,” for example, refers to horses in so far as it is used to express thoughts that are directed upon horses. But most contemporary philosophers of language, until recently at least, have held that the intentionality of thought is to be explicated in terms of the reference of language. But no such explication is at hand.
Statistical Estimation Of Child Abuse Rates from Administrative Databases

Abstract Increasingly, child welfare agencies need to provide statistical summary reports on the safety of the children for whom they are responsible. Often these summaries include ordinary period rates of child abuse derived from administrative data. These indices fail to adjust for the length of exposure to risk, such as time in foster care during the year. Since duration of care often differs by living arrangement, race, gender, and other variables, the use of such period rates to measure child safety or abuse may bias comparisons over time or across groups. This bias may lead to misperceptions of trends in safety over time, and of the comparative safety of different modes of care. This article discusses fundamental issues in the extraction, from administrative data, of valid measures of child welfare outcomes targeted to specific populations. In addition, it provides an introduction to exposure adjustment of child welfare measures based on information that is generally readily available in administrative databases. Cohort-based incidence density rates are recommended in preference to period prevalence from cross-sectional data. Survival modeling/multiple event history analysis is described for more complex situations. The ready availability of such analytic tools suggests further directions for quantitative research in child welfare monitoring.
Did natural selection for increased cognitive ability in humans lead to an elevated risk of cancer

Despite the overall genetic similarity that exists between humans and chimpanzees, the species are phenotypically distinct. Among the most notable distinctions are differences in brain size and cognitive abilities. Previous studies have shown that significant differences in gene expression exist between the human and chimpanzee brain. Integration of currently available gene expression data with known metabolic and signaling pathways indicates that the expression of genes involved in the programmed cell death of brain neurons is significantly different between humans and chimpanzees and predictive of a reduced level of neuron apoptosis in the human brain. This pattern of expression is generally maintained in other human organs suggesting that apoptosis is reduced in humans relative to chimpanzees. We propose that a decreased rate of programmed neuron death may have been a consequence of selection for increased cognitive ability in humans. Since reduced apoptotic function is associated with an increased risk of cancer and related diseases, we hypothesize that selection for increased cognitive ability in humans coincidently resulted in an increased risk of cancer and other diseases associated with reduced apoptotic function.
Quarkonia production at CDF

In this paper we present results on {ital J}/{Psi}, {Psi}(2{ital S}), {chi}{sub {ital c}} and {Gamma} production at {radical}{ital s} = 1.8 TeV. These results were obtained from data taken with the CDF detector at Fermilab. We cover recently completed analyses of the 1992-1995 collider run. We find an excess of {ital J}/{Psi}, {Psi}(2{ital S}) and {Gamma} production compared with the predictions from the Color Singlet Model. Prospects for the near future are also discussed.
A system for recognition and description of graphics

A system for automatic recognition and description of graphical primitives and their interconnections in a mixed text/graphics image is described. The input to the system is a high-resolution binary image obtained by scanning paper-based documents. The Hough transform is applied to the connected components of the image to locate and separate text strings of various font size and orientation. The graphics in the segmented image is processed to represent thin entities by their core lines and thick objects by their boundaries. Lines of various types are identified and segmented into straight line and curved line segments during this process. The line segments and their interconnections are analyzed to locate minimum redundancy loops which are adequate to generate a succinct description of the graphics. Various hatching and filling patterns in the image are identified and described. The algorithm has been implemented as software, and its robustness and performance have evaluated tested using a number of test images. The results for a simple test image are reported. >
Femororenal Arteriovenous Graft : A Viable Option for Hemodialysis Access

There has been a significant increase in the number of patients with end-stage renal disease. The limited number of kidney transplants necessitates that most patients become dependent upon chronic dialysis. Due to the numerous complications associated with temporary access catheters, permanent arteriovenous access is more beneficial for long-term vascular access. However, with the restricted availability of sites for permanent vascular access, it is important to have a variety of possibilities. In this case report, we present an alternative choice for an arteriovenous graft, left common femoral artery to left renal vein, in a patient with limited vascular access options.
Designing reliable systems with unreliable components

Many electronics experts predicted that component failures (in particular, tube failures) in the pioneering ENIAC machine would be so frequent that the machine would never be useful. But the engineers (system architects) and component manufacturers improved their art over time to improve the systems availability. Their achievement of remarkably low failure rates should serve as an inspiration to chip- and system-level designers today. Three articles in this general issue of IEEE Micro address the challenge of reliable designs of the future.
Turbo equalization for GMSK signaling over multipath channels based on the Gibbs sampler

We consider the problem of Bayesian data restoration for Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) signals over unknown multipath channels. As an alternative to the linear approximation method employed in the conventional finite impulse response (FIR) model, we develop a nonlinear signal model for this system. A Bayesian equalizer based on the Gibbs sampler, a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedure, is developed for estimating the a posteriori symbol probability in the GMSK system without explicit channel estimation. The basic idea of this technique is to generate ergodic random samples from the joint posterior distribution of all unknowns, and then to average the appropriate samples to obtain the estimates of the unknown quantities. Being soft-input soft-output in nature, the proposed Bayesian equalization technique is well suited for iterative processing in a coded system, which allows the Bayesian equalizer to successively refine its processing based on the information from the decoding stage, and vice versa.
A tutor for counter-controlled loop concepts and its evaluation

We have developed a Web-based tutor for teaching and testing counter-controlled loop concepts in C++. The tutor is designed to promote problem-based learning. It repeatedly generates problems, grades user's answers and provides feedback about the correct answers. This paper describes the design of the tutor, outlines a test that we used to evaluate its effectiveness, and presents the results of die test. The test confirmed our hypothesis that using the tutor helps improve student learning. The improvement is statistically significant. This tutor can be used for practice or testing in Computer Science I.
Modeling the Dardanelles strait outflow plume using a coupled model system

The ADvanced CIRCulation Model, ADCIRC, and the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model, HYCOM, are coupled in the Northern Aegean Sea. Over its 62 km, the Dardanelles Strait connects the Aegean Sea to the Marmara Sea. The Dardanelles outflow spreads to the Aegean Sea as a buoyant plume showing seasonal characteristics. The unstructured nature of the ADCIRC mesh provides the resolution necessary to model flow in the narrow strait whose minimum width is about 1 km. During one-way coupling efforts, ADCIRC is initialized using interannual solutions for temperature, salinity, velocity and water surface elevation fields taken from a larger domain HYCOM-AMB model, covering the Aegean, Marmara and Black Seas. Experiments using the one-way coupled model system are targeted at early February and late May of 2003 representing typical winter-spring and summer-fall conditions, respectively.
Diversification of the North American shrub genus Ceanothus (Rhamnaceae): conflicting phylogenies from nuclear ribosomal DNA and chloroplast DNA

Ceanothus comprises ;55 morphologically and ecologically diverse species of woody perennials endemic to North America. Interpretations of the natural history of Ceanothus have served as a general model of evolution for woody perennials with simple entomophilous pollination systems, but these interpretations lacked explicit phylogenetic context. We used cladistic analysis of sequences of the chloroplast-encoded matK and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and 5.8S coding region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) to reconstruct the phylogeny of Ceanothus. The nuclear and organellar phylogenies exhibited very low levels of both topological and character congruence. Subgenera Ceanothus and Cerastes are monophyletic sister taxa in both phylogenies, but both data sets suffer from a lack of resolution below the level of subgenus. Lack of taxonomic congruence between the two data sets may be a result of introgression and/or lineage sorting. The ITS tree was accepted as the better estimate of a species phylogeny for Ceanothus, on the assumption that nuclear markers are less prone to introgression. Three of five polytypic species in the ITS data set were paraphyletic, and four of six polytypic species in the matK data set were paraphyletic. This study demonstrates the degree to which matched independent data sets can produce conflicting summaries of evolutionary history.
ESTIMATING THE BIOMASS OF MICROBIAL FUNCTIONAL GROUPS USING RATES OF GROWTH- RELATED SOIL RESPIRATION

Snmmary-We developed a simple method that can be used to estimate the biomass and growth rates of microbial functional groups in soil. The method is derived from basic principles and can be used to estimate the biomass of organisms that can mineralize specific substrates added to soil. We adapted the substrate-induced growth-response (SIGR) model that was originally used to analyze curves of substrate disappearance or cumulative CO2 production. The present model utilizes data describing the rate of CO2 production from substrates added to soil. We used two unique systems to demonstrate the applicability of this method. In one test of the model we added glucose to alpine tundra soil to estimate the biomass that could respond to a labile carbon source. We also derived biomass estimates from a widely used substrate-induced respiration (SIR) model for the same soil. Overall the SIGR method yielded conservative biomass estimates (mean = 194 pg C g-’ mates (mean = 436 pg C g-’ soil) when compared to the SIR estisoil). In the second test we used a soil to which a known biomass of a specific functional group (i.e. pentachlorophenol-mineralizers) was added. In this case the SIGR method also gave a conservative estimate of 0.05 pg C g-’ compared to a death-rate adjusted value of 0.11 pg C g-’ for the actual inoculum added to the soil. The SIGR model also estimated maximum specific growth rates (0.1 l-0.12 hh’) similar to those measured in independent experiments (0.09 h-‘) for the Sphingomonas sp. that was added to the soil. Using our model we were able to obtain biomass estimates and growth rates for microbial functional groups without using calibrations needed for other physiological methods. Overall, the SIGR approach gives conservative estimates of the active biomass that can mineralize specific carbon substrates added to soil. 0 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd