cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and satisfaction in videotex database production

Abstract The costs of designing and producing electronic information products include two important elements not often investigated: production time and worker satisfaction. These aspects of preparation of videotex databases were examined through interviews of industry professionals and a case study. Professional designers and administrators were interviewed to estimate frame production rates and to assess job satisfaction. In the case study, a team created a database of 1273 frames. Average frame creation times were 7⋅2 min (text), and 10⋅1 min (text plus graphics). In both studies, job satisfaction came principally from the challenge of working in a new medium. The results suggest: (a) premonitory planning is essential for design and production; (b) frame production depends upon several discrete task elements; and (c) the tension between creativity and productivity is significant for those who produce electronic information products.
Chimpanzee antibodies to Australia antigen.

THE study of viral hepatitis has been held up by the failure to isolate or serologically identify the active viral agent. Hirschman et al.1 have shown that the Australia antigen2 is present in serum of 74 per cent of patients with serum hepatitis, and they have identified a virus-like particle from electron micrographs of the precipitate of the Australia antigen by antiserum from multi-transfused patients, which they tentatively consider to be the infectious agent. With antiserum in chimpanzees transfused with chimpanzee blood, the Australia antigen in human serum could also be detected with apparent antigenic identity.
The effect of CEOs on firm performance

The extent to which CEOs influence firm performance is fundamental to scholarly understanding of how organizations work; yet, this linkage is poorly understood. Previous empirical efforts to examine the link between CEOs and firm performance using variance decomposition, while provocative, nevertheless suffer from methodological problems that systematically understate the relative impact of CEOs on firm performance compared to industry and firm effects. This study addresses these methodological problems and reexamines the percentage of the variance in firm performance explained by heterogeneity in CEOs. The results of this study suggest that in certain settings the ‘CEO effect’ on corporate-parent performance is substantially more important than that of industry and firm effects, but only moderately more important than industry and firm effects on business-segment performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New d-separation identification results for learning continuous latent variable models

Learning the structure of graphical models is an important task, but one of considerable difficulty when latent variables are involved. Because conditional independences using hidden variables cannot be directly observed, one has to rely on alternative methods to identify the d-separations that define the graphical structure. This paper describes new distribution-free techniques for identifying d-separations in continuous latent variable models when non-linear dependencies are allowed among hidden variables.
Versatility of the microvena snare in pediatric interventional cardiac catheterization.

Improved catheter and device technology has allowed the practice of pediatric interventional catheterization to expand in recent years. One such example of technologic advancement has been the development of an intravascular snare by Microvena (White Bear Lake, MN). We present three patients in which the snare was effectively used to perform definitive transcatheter therapy and avoid the need of more invasive surgical treatment. We believe that the snare device significantly decreased our fluoroscopic and procedural time and facilitated the effectiveness of the specific procedure. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spintronic logic gates for spintronic data using magnetic tunnel junctions

The emerging field of spintronics is undergoing exciting developments with the advances recently seen in spintronic devices, such as magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). While they make excellent memory devices, recently they have also been used to accomplish logic functions. The properties of MTJs are greatly different from those of electronic devices like CMOS semiconductors. This makes it challenging to design circuits that can efficiently leverage the spintronic capabilities. The current approaches to achieving logic functionality with MTJs include designing an integrated CMOS and MTJ circuit, where CMOS devices are used for implementing the required intermediate read and write circuitry. The problem with this approach is that such intermediate circuitry adds overheads of area, delay and power consumption to the logic circuit. In this paper, we present a circuit to accomplish logic operations using MTJs on data that is stored in other MTJs, without an intermediate electronic circuitry. This thus reduces the performance overheads of the spintronic circuit while also simplifying fabrication. With this circuit, we discuss the notion of performing logic operations with a non-volatile memory device and compare it with the traditional method of computation with separate logic and memory units. We find that the MTJ-based logic unit has the potential to offer a higher energy-delay efficiency than that of a CMOS-based logic operation on data stored in a separate memory module.
Role of Glutamate Decarboxylase-like Protein 1 (GADL1) in Taurine Biosynthesis*

This manuscript concerns the tissue-specific transcription of mouse and cattle glutamate decarboxylase-like protein 1 (GADL1) and the biochemical activities of human GADL1 recombinant protein. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that GADL1 appears late in evolution, only being found in reptiles, birds, and mammals. RT-PCR determined that GADL1 mRNA is transcribed at high levels in mouse and cattle skeletal muscles and also in mouse kidneys. Substrate screening determined that GADL1, unlike its name implies, has no detectable GAD activity, but it is able to efficiently catalyze decarboxylation of aspartate, cysteine sulfinic acid, and cysteic acid to β-alanine, hypotaurine, and taurine, respectively. Western blot analysis verified the presence of GADL1 in mouse muscles, kidneys, C2C12 myoblasts, and C2C12 myotubes. Incubation of the supernatant of fresh muscle or kidney extracts with cysteine sulfinic acid resulted in the detection of hypotaurine or taurine in the reaction mixtures, suggesting the possible involvement of GADL1 in taurine biosynthesis. However, when the tissue samples were incubated with aspartate, no β-alanine production was observed. We proposed several possibilities that might explain the inactivation of ADC activity of GADL1 in tissue protein extracts. Although β-alanine-producing activity was not detected in the supernatant of tissue protein extracts, its potential role in β-alanine synthesis cannot be excluded. There are several inhibitors of the ADC activity of GADL1 identified. The discovery of GADL1 biochemical activities, in conjunction with its expression and activities in muscles and kidneys, provides some tangible insight toward establishing its physiological function(s).
Applications of a computer algebra system in introductory statistics

Maple, a computer algebra system, is employed in introductory statistics courses to promote conceptual learning by students of statistical principles without direct use of mathematics. Maple’s symbolic computation, graphic display, and animation capabilities support an integrated set of procedures for active study of sampling distributions and concepts related to samples, populations, and statistical decision making, error, and power. Students select parameter values for one-line commands and examine the effects of alternatives on computer-generated graphical representations of distributions. The 20 procedures written to support active student exploration of basic statistical concepts are described, and examples of exercises to support their use are provided.
The primal scream of Glückl and the Frauenbibel

This article analyzes the ?cry from the heart? of Bertha Pappenheim through her German version of the Yiddish Memoirs of Gluckl von Hamel and the renowned ?female Bible? (Tsenerene). Involved here is the placing of this output in the framework of her private life ? a somewhat hysterical one, winning her the name of ?Anna O? in psychoanalytic literature ? and in the context of her feminism and social activism (among other things, she was the head of a Jewish orphanage in Germany and an investigator of Jewish cultural values in Eastern Europe). Her work shows how a tradition of biblical commentary can inspire both vernacular creativity and sacred literalism ? inventiveness in the sense of a creation of a new form of Yiddish called Taytshsprakh (?language of commentary?) and ?interlineal literalism? in Walter Benjamin?s sense. Most particularly, Pappenheim?s work as translator brings out the proud nature of a Jewish response to Hitler and helps to define the field of Jewish translation.
Application of multilevel analysis in animal sciences

Abstract Multilevel modeling is considerably useful way to analyze hierarchical data sets. The main purpose of this paper is to apply multilevel analysis in animal science and also show that this modeling technique is appropriate to analyze this kind of data. Thus multilevel modeling technique is used to analyze the milk yield data which has hierarchical structures, sires nested within cows. As a result of the analysis done in this paper, it is obvious that multilevel modeling is needed to use for analyzing this data. This illustrates that it is a convenient way to use multilevel analysis for the data which obtained from animals when the data have hierarchies.
Investigation of the Liquid Crystalline−Isotropic Phase Transition in Oligo(phenylenevinylene) with Alkyl Side Chains

Variable-temperature 13C NMR T1 and NOE measurements were performed on alkyl-substituted oligo(phenylenevinylene) (OPV) melts at two Larmor frequencies. The existence of a liquid crystalline (LC) phase in OPV was demonstrated by DSC and polarized microscopy experiments. The NMR data showed that while the OPV backbone behaves like a liquid crystal, the side chains act merely as a “solvent”. The backbone 13C T1 data were fitted to a modified log χ2 distribution, and information regarding backbone rotational dynamics was extracted from the fitting. It was found that the backbone rotational dynamics slow down as the OPV sample crosses from the LC phase into the isotropic phase. Instead of a sharp transition, the OPV LC−isotropic phase transition occurs in a temperature window of 2−3 °C. The composition of the two phases in the biphasic region was also calculated from the T1 data as a function of temperature.
Algorithms for Compensation of Multimode Fiber Dispersion Using Adaptive Optics

We propose adaptive algorithms for mitigating inter-symbol interference (ISI) in multimode fiber (MMF) systems using a spatial light modulator (SLM). Minimizing ISI in MMF systems using an SLM has previously been posed as a convex optimization problem. Based on these results, we propose a range of algorithms for adapting the SLM settings. Some of these are shown to converge to the global optimum in the absence of noise. We then propose modified versions of these algorithms to improve resilience to noise and speed of convergence. Simulation results are included, showing that these algorithms open an otherwise closed eye pattern.
Interactive Effects of Temperature and Leaf Wetness Duration on Sporangia Germination and Infection of Cucurbit Hosts by Pseudoperonospora cubensis.

Abstract Outbreaks of cucurbit downy mildew caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis are dependent on the weather but effects of temperature and leaf wetness duration on infection have not been studied...
Internet Infidelity: A Critical Review of the Literature

People are using the Internet more frequently to form friendships and romances and to initiate affairs. In the present article, the authors provide a critical review of the literature on Internet infidelity. The authors examine articles that focus on the definition of Internet infidelity, attitudes toward it, factors contributing to it, treatment, and/or any information about the impact of Internet infidelity on couples and families. The authors discuss the evolving use of the computer in sexual interactions and briefly summarize and critique the existing treatment methods. Recommendations for future directions in theory, research, and practice are presented.
Kcsa: It's a Potassium Channel

Ion conduction and selectivity properties of KcsA, a bacterial ion channel of known structure, were studied in a planar lipid bilayer system at the single-channel level. Selectivity sequences for permeant ions were determined by symmetrical solution conductance (K(+) > Rb(+), NH(4)(+), Tl(+) >> Cs(+), Na(+), Li(+)) and by reversal potentials under bi-ionic or mixed-ion conditions (Tl(+) > K(+) > Rb(+) > NH(4)(+) >> Na(+), Li(+)). Determination of reversal potentials with submillivolt accuracy shows that K(+) is over 150-fold more permeant than Na(+). Variation of conductance with concentration under symmetrical salt conditions is complex, with at least two ion-binding processes revealing themselves: a high affinity process below 20 mM and a low affinity process over the range 100-1,000 mM. These properties are analogous to those seen in many eukaryotic K(+) channels, and they establish KcsA as a faithful structural model for ion permeation in eukaryotic K(+) channels.
Dynamic cross-cultural competencies and global leadership effectiveness.

Abstract Analyzing data from a sample of 420 global leaders (matched with 221 supervisors), we found a combined effect of personality characteristics (extraversion, openness to experience, and lower neuroticism) and cross-cultural experiences (organization-initiated cross-cultural work experiences and non-work cross-cultural experiences) as predictors of dynamic cross-cultural competencies (tolerance of ambiguity, cultural flexibility, and reduced ethnocentrism). These competencies, in turn, are predictors of supervisors’ ratings of global leadership effectiveness. Our study suggests that developmental cross-cultural experiences occur through both work-related and non-work activities. The results suggest that both selection and development are critical for building a pipeline of effective global leaders.
Rosiglitazone Restores G-Protein Coupling, Recruitment, and Function of Renal Dopamine D1A Receptor in Obese Zucker Rats

Hypertension related to insulin resistance results from increased sodium retention. Dopamine, by activating D 1A receptors in renal proximal tubules, increases sodium excretion. Recently, dopamine has been shown to augment its own signaling by recruiting intracellular D 1A receptors to cell surface in proximal tubules. In this study, we hypothesized that coupling of D 1A receptors to G proteins and dopamine-induced recruitment of D 1A receptors to the plasma membrane are impaired in obese Zucker rats, resulting in a diminished natriuretic and diuretic response to D 1A receptor agonist, SKF-38393. We also examined effects of rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg per day, 15 days) in restoring the defects in D 1A receptor signaling and function in these animals. In obese rats, D 1A receptors did not couple to G proteins, as shown by a lack of fenoldopam-sensitive [ 35 S] GTPγS binding. In addition, we observed, by using radioligand binding and immunoblotting, that dopamine recruited D 1A receptors to cell surface in lean Zucker rats but failed to do so in obese rats. Rosiglitazone treatment resulted in restoration of G-protein coupling of D 1A receptors and their recruitment by dopamine in obese rats similar to that seen in lean rats. Furthermore, SKF-38393 failed to increase natriuresis and diuresis in obese rats compared with lean rats. However, in rosiglitazone-treated obese rats, SKF-38393 elicited a diuretic and natriuretic response similar to that in lean rats. Collectively, these results suggest that insulin resistance may be responsible for impaired renal dopamine D 1A receptor signaling and function as treatment with an insulin-sensitizer, rosiglitazone, normalizes these parameters in obese Zucker rats.
A nose gesture interface device: extending virtual realities

This paper reportsl on the development of a nose-machine interface device that provides real-time gesture, position, smell and facial expression information. The DATA NOSETM2—
Circulating biomarkers that predict incident dementia

Dementia is currently diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and signs, but significant brain damage has already occurred by the time a clinical diagnosis of dementia is made, and it is increasingly recognized that this may be too late for any effective intervention. It would therefore be of great public health and preventive value to define a variety of biomarkers that could permit early detection of persons at a higher risk for developing dementia, and specifically dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, for the purpose of large-scale screening, circulating biomarkers are more appropriate because they are less invasive than lumbar puncture, less costly than brain amyloid imaging and can be easily assessed repeatedly in a primary care clinic setting. In this brief review we will review a number of candidate molecules implicated as possible predictors of dementia risk. These candidates include markers of vascular injury, metabolic and inflammatory states, amyloid and tau pathway markers, measures of neural degeneration and repair efforts, and other molecules that might contribute to anatomical and functional changes characteristic of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cognitive Influence on Postural Stability A Neuromuscular Analysis in Young and Older Adults

Background. Previous literature indicates that attentional resources are required for recovery of postural stability. Previous studies have also examined the effect of aging on the performance of a static postural task while a secondary cognitive task is being conducted. This study describes the effect of a cognitive task on the neuromuscular response characteristics underlying reactive balance control in young versus older adults. Methods. The attentional demand on the neuromuscular system was examined in 14 young and 12 healthy older adults by analysis of the integrated electromyography activity while the adults were performing a dual-task paradigm. The primary task involved standing platform perturbations and the secondary task was a math task that involved subtraction by threes. Integrated electromyography activity was compared between the cognitive (math and balance) task versus control (balance only) task. Results. For both groups of subjects, onset latency of postural muscle responses did not change under dual-task conditions. In contrast, the amplitude of postural muscle activity was significantly affected by performance of a secondary task. When electromyography data were combined for both young and older adults, there was a decrease in muscle response amplitude in both agonist (gastrocnemius) and antagonist (tibialis anterior) muscles when the cognitive math task was performed. This was apparent at 350‐500 milliseconds from plate onset for the gastrocnemius and between 150 and 500 for the tibialis anterior. When young and older adults were compared, an age by task interaction effect was seen in muscle response amplitude for the agonist (gastrocnemius) muscle between 350 to 500 milliseconds, with older adults showing a significantly greater reduction than young adults. Conclusion. The decline of muscle activity when the secondary task was performed suggests that less attentional processing capacity was available for balance control during the dual-task paradigm. The results also indicate that the dual-task activity has a greater impact on balance control in the older adults than in the young adults. S our population ages, a stronger interest in the issue of balance control has emerged. Previous research has shown that postural stability declines with age, and that these declines may be due to a multitude of factors that increase the likelihood of serious falls in many older adults. Included among these is an age-related deterioration in the
Effect of water temperature, pressure and chemical solution on removal of fecal material and bacteria from lamb adipose tissue by spray-washing.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of various water temperatures, pressures and chemical solutions of spray-washing on the removal of fecal and bacterial contamination from lamb carcass samples taken from the breast area ( post mortem ) and inoculated (6.50 cm 2 area) with an ovine fecal paste containing Escherichia coli (ATCC 11370). Inoculated samples were held for 15 min and then knife-trimmed and/or spraywashed with varying water temperatures (16, 35 or 74 °C), pressures (2.76, 13.79, 20.68 or 27.58 bar) and chemical solutions (12% trisodium phosphate, 2% acetic acid, 5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.003% available chlorine) for 18 s. After the respective treatments, samples were evaluated visually for presence of fecal material and microbiologically for aerobic plate counts (APC). Knife-trimming reduced ( p p p 2 ) at the inoculation site. Use of 74 °C water was more effective ( p
On the nature of antibody combining sites: unusual structural features that may confer on these sites an enhanced capacity for binding ligands

A detailed analysis of the structural aspects of antibody-antigen interactions has been made possible by the availability of X-ray structures for three complexes of antilysozyme Fabs to lysozyme (reviewed by Davies et al.: J. Biol. Chem. 263:10541-10544, 1988.) Examination of the antigen-contacting residues in the three antilysozyme Fabs reveals the occurrence of a large number of aromatics, particularly tyrosines, and the absence of apolar, aliphatic residues. Calculation of the frequency of occurrence of the various amino acid types reveals that tyrosines are three times, and histidines and asparagines eight times, more likely to be found in the complementarity-determining regions than in the framework of the variable domains. Analysis of the solvent accessibility of the residues in Fvs (the modules containing variable domains of the light and heavy chains) of known three-dimensional structure indicates that tyrosines and tryptophans are more exposed when they occur in the complementarity-determining regions than when in the framework. Furthermore, many more of the asparagines in the complementarity-determining regions than in the framework are buried. These asparagines appear to have a structural role in that they hydrogen-bond through their side chains to other side chains and, even more so, to the protein backbone. The stabilizing effect of the asparagines, plus the rigidity of the framework, may serve to allow the greater exposure of the aromatic residues to solvent. In view of the greater potential contribution of aromatic side chains to the total binding energy, these results suggest that antibody combining sites have structural features that make them especially suited for interacting with ligands.
Associations between Distal Upper Extremity Job Physical Factors and Psychosocial Measures in a Pooled Study

Introduction. There is an increasing body of literature relating musculoskeletal diseases to both job physical exposures and psychosocial outcomes. Relationships between job physical exposure measures and psychosocial factors have not been well examined or quantified. These exploratory analyses evaluate relationships between quantified exposures and psychosocial outcomes. Methods. Individualized quantification of duration, repetition, and force and composite scores of the Strain Index (SI) and the Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity Level (TLV for HAL) were compared to 10 psychosocial measures. Relationships and predicted probabilities were assessed using ordered logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for age, BMI, and gender. Results and Discussion. Among 1834 study participants there were multiple statistically significant relationships. In general, as duration, repetition, and force increased, psychosocial factors worsened. However, general health and mental exhaustion improved with increasing job exposures. Depression was most strongly associated with increased repetition, while physical exhaustion was most strongly associated with increased force. SI and TLV for HAL were significantly related to multiple psychosocial factors. These relationships persisted after adjustment for strong confounders. Conclusion. This study quantified multiple associations between job physical exposures and occupational and nonoccupational psychosocial factors. Further research is needed to quantify the impacts on occupational health outcomes.
Land use, residential density, and walking: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Background: The neighborhood environment may play a role in encouraging sedentary patterns, especially for middle-aged and older adults. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between walking and neighborhood population density, retail availability, and land-use distribution using data from a cohort of adults aged 45 to 84 years. Methods: Data from a multi-ethnic sample of 5529 adult residents of Baltimore MD, Chicago IL, Forsyth County NC, Los Angeles CA, New York NY, and St. Paul MN enrolled in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis in 2000 –2002 were linked to secondary land-use and population data. Participant reports of access to destinations and stores and objective measures of the percentage of land area in parcels devoted to retail land uses, the population divided by land area in parcels, and the mixture of uses for areas within 200 m of each participant’s residence were examined. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate associations of self-reported and objective neighborhood characteristics with walking. All analyses were conducted in 2008 and 2009. Results: After adjustment for individual-level characteristics and neighborhood connectivity, it was found that higher density, greater land area devoted to retail uses, and self-reported proximity of destinations and ease of walking to places were each related to walking. In models including all land-use measures, population density was positively associated with walking to places and with walking for exercise for more than 90 minutes/week, both relative to no walking. Availability of retail was associated with walking to places relative to not walking, and having a more proportional mix of land uses was associated with walking for exercise for more than 90 minutes/week, while self-reported ease of access to places was related to higher levels of exercise walking, both relative to not walking. Conclusions: Residential density and the presence of retail uses are related to various walking behaviors. Efforts to increase walking may benefit from attention to the intensity and type of land development.
Properties of Composite Laminates Reinforced with E-Glass Multiaxial Non-Crimp Fabrics:

Multiaxial knitted non-crimp fabrics (NCFs) are a relatively new form of reinforcement for composites. A study focusing on the mechanical properties of such composites has been carried out and the ...
Preliminary evidence for reduced auditory lateral suppression in schizophrenia

Background Well-documented auditory processing deficits such as impaired frequency discrimination and reduced suppression of auditory brain responses in schizophrenia (SZ) may contribute to abnormal auditory functioning in everyday life. Lateral suppression of non-stimulated neurons by stimulated neurons has not been extensively assessed in SZ and likely plays an important role in precise encoding of sounds. Therefore, this study evaluated whether lateral suppression of activity in auditory cortex is impaired in SZ.
Mutagenesis of non-conserved active site residues improves the activity and narrows the specificity of human thymidine kinase 2.

Human thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) is critical for the nucleotide salvage pathway and phosphorylation of nucleoside analog prodrugs in vivo; however, it remains poorly studied because of difficulties in expressing it heterologously. TK2 is strictly pyrimidine-specific, whereas its phylogenetic relative, the Drosophila melanogaster deoxyribonucleoside kinase (DmdNK), shows higher activity and broader specificity towards both pyrimidines and purines. These differences are counterintuitive, as only two of 29 active site residues differ in the two enzymes: F80 and M118 in DmdNK are L78 and L116 in TK2. In addition to reporting an optimized protocol for the expression and purification of TK2, we have used site-directed mutagenesis to introduce the DmdNK-like amino acids into TK2, and characterized the three resulting enzymes (L78F-TK2, L116M-TK2, and L78F/L116M-TK2). These mutations improve the KM for thymidine, increasing the catalytic activity of L78F/L116M-TK2 4.4-fold, yet leaving the activity for deoxycytidine or the purine nucleosides unchanged.
Concomitants of asymptomatic retinal cholesterol emboli.

Asymptomatic retinal cholesterol emboli are sometimes encountered on ophthalmoscopic examination. They are associated with decreased survival, but their clinical significance is not fully known. We sought to determine which vascular risk factors are associated with such emboli.We studied 70 consecutive men (55-84 years old) with asymptomatic retinal cholesterol emboli diagnosed in an eye clinic. Twenty-one men (57-78 years old) from the same eye clinic without retinal emboli or retinal ischemic events were randomly selected as control subjects. We determined vascular risk factors, presence of ischemic heart disease, and extracranial carotid artery disease.Patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension, smoked more, and had a higher prevalence of heterogeneous or echolucent carotid plaques on either side than did control subjects (p less than 0.001 for all three factors). Patients also had a higher prevalence of carotid artery stenosis greater than or equal to 50% on either side and a higher prevalence o...
Synthesis and Properties of Asymmetric Heteroarm PEOn-b-PSm Star Polymers with End Functionalities

We report on the “core-first” synthesis of asymmetric three- and four-arm poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)−polystyrene (PS) star polymers with functional terminal groups of a general formula PEOn-b-PSm with n = 0, 1, and 2 and n + m ≤ 4. The synthesis was conducted by anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide and followed by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene. The properties of asymmetric star-shaped macromolecules with different numbers of arms (n = 1; m = 2 and 3) and similar lengths of the PEO arm were compared with homoarm star polymers (PEO4 and PS4) and corresponding linear polymers. All star polymers obtained here possessed well-defined architecture with a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution as confirmed by NMR, FTIR, and arm-disassembling techniques. Star polymers showed suppression of melting temperature and lower crystallinity PEO phase due to the presence of a junction point. Preliminary studies demonstrated surface activities of these block copolymers with a rich polym...
Regulated expression of GRP78 during vasopressin-induced hypertrophy of heart-derived myocytes.

Although the development of cellular hypertrophy is widely believed to involve Ca(2+) signaling, potential supporting roles for sequestered Ca(2+) in this process have not been explored. H9c2 cardiomyocytes respond to arginine vasopressin with an initial mobilization of Ca(2+) stores and reduced rates of mRNA translation followed by repletion of Ca(2+) stores, up-regulation of translation beyond initial rates, and the development of hypertrophy. Rates of synthesis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones, GRP78 and GRP94, were found to increase preferentially at early times of vasopressin treatment. Total GRP78 content increased 2- to 3-fold within 8 h after which the chaperone was subject to post-translational modification. Preferential synthesis of GRP78 and the increase in chaperone content both occurred at pM vasopressin concentrations and were abolished at supraphysiologic Ca(2+) concentrations. Co-treatment with phorbol myristate acetate decreased vasopressin-dependent Ca(2+) mobilization and slowed appearance of new GRP78 molecules in response to the hormone, whereas 24 h pretreatment with phorbol ester prolonged vasopressin-dependent Ca(2+) mobilization and further increased rates of GRP78 synthesis in response to the hormone. Findings did not support a role for newly synthesized GRP78 in translational up-regulation by vasopressin. However up-regulation, which does not depend on Ca(2+) sequestration, appeared to expedite chaperone expression. This report provides the first evidence that a Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormone at physiologic concentrations signals increased expression of GRP78. Translational tolerance to depletion of ER Ca(2+) stores, typifying a robust ER stress response, did not accompany vasopressin-induced hypertrophy.
Echocardiography in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Sixty-four patients with acute transmural myocardial infarction had daily echocardiograms while in the coronary care unit. Patients with previous infarction were excluded. The electrocardlographic site of infarction was anterior wall in 28, inferior wall in 33 and both anterior and inferior wall in 3 patients. Echocardiograms satisfactory for Interpretation were obtained in 92 percent of cases. Abnormal left ventricular wall motion corresponding to the electrocardiographic site of infarction was seen in the echocardiogram in 84 percent of cases. Exaggerated normal motion in noninfarcted areas was seen in 30 percent. The left ventricular internal dimension correlated with clinical heart failure ( P
Lessons learned from an initial effort to bring a quantified self "meetup" experience to a new demographic

Quantified Self "meetup" groups appear to appeal largely to middle-aged white males. What happens when the target demographic is changed to high school-aged Latina girls? This paper summarizes two lessons learned from an initial effort to enact a version of a Quantified Self meetup with youth from this population. Specifically, the appearances of the devices and limited access to resources outside of the meetup sessions were major concerns.
Differential disclosure across social network ties among women living with HIV.

Women’s disclosure of their HIV serostatus across social network ties was examined in a sample of women living in Los Angeles (n = 234), using multivariate random intercept logistic regressions. Women with disclosure-averse attitudes were less likely to disclose, while women with higher CD4+ counts were significantly more likely to disclose, regardless of relationship type. Relative to all other types of relationships, spouses/romantic partners were greater than four times more likely to be the targets of disclosure. Women were more than 2.5 times more likely to disclose to a given network member if that target provided the woman with social support. Social network members whom women believed to be HIV-positive were more than 10 times more likely to be the targets of disclosure. The implications for how social roles and social identities are manifest in these results are discussed, including the implications such an interpretation has for future prevention research.
An Empirically Calibrated Framework for Including the Effects of Near-Fault Directivity in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis

Forward directivity effects are known to cause pulselike ground motions at near-fault sites. We propose a comprehensive framework to incorporate the effects of near-fault pulselike ground motions in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) computations. Also proposed is a new method to classify ground motions as pulselike or non-pulselike by rotating the ground motion and identifying pulses in all orienta- tions. We have used this method to identify 179 recordings in the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) database (Chiou et al., 2008), where a pulselike ground motion is observed in at least one orientation. Information from these 179 recordings is used to fit several data-constrained models for predicting the probability of a pulselike ground motion occurring at a site, the orientations in which they are expected relative to the strike of the fault, the period of the pulselike feature, and the response spectrum amplification due to the presence of a pulselike feature in the ground motion. An algorithm describing how to use these new models in a modified PSHA computation is provided. The proposed framework is modular, which will allow for modification of one or more models as more knowledge is obtained in the future without changing other models or the overall framework. Finally, the new framework is compared with existing methods to account for similar effects in PSHA computation. Example applications are included to illustrate the use of the proposed framework, and impli- cations for selection of ground motions for analysis of structures at near-fault sites are discussed.
N,N-Dicyclohexyl-2-iodoacetamide

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C14H24INO, the sum of the angles around the N atom is 359.9°, implying a planar configuration.
Fabrication and characterization of active devices for enhanced luminescence from silicon nanocrystals

We demonstrate enhanced photoluminescence from silicon nanocrystals using a DBR microcavity. We also show a candidate electroluminescent device which can be embedded into a similar DBR cavity for enhancement.
Discovery of novel transcripts and gametophytic functions via RNA-seq analysis of maize gametophytic transcriptomes

Plant gametophytes play central roles in sexual reproduction. A hallmark of the plant life cycle is that gene expression is required in the haploid gametophytes. Consequently, many mutant phenotypes are expressed in this phase. We perform a quantitative RNA-seq analysis of embryo sacs, comparator ovules with the embryo sacs removed, mature pollen, and seedlings to assist the identification of gametophyte functions in maize. Expression levels were determined for annotated genes in both gametophytes, and novel transcripts were identified from de novo assembly of RNA-seq reads. Transposon-related transcripts are present in high levels in both gametophytes, suggesting a connection between gamete production and transposon expression in maize not previously identified in any female gametophytes. Two classes of small signaling proteins and several transcription factor gene families are enriched in gametophyte transcriptomes. Expression patterns of maize genes with duplicates in subgenome 1 and subgenome 2 indicate that pollen-expressed genes in subgenome 2 are retained at a higher rate than subgenome 2 genes with other expression patterns. Analysis of available insertion mutant collections shows a statistically significant deficit in insertions in gametophyte-expressed genes. This analysis, the first RNA-seq study to compare both gametophytes in a monocot, identifies maize gametophyte functions, gametophyte expression of transposon-related sequences, and unannotated, novel transcripts. Reduced recovery of mutations in gametophyte-expressed genes is supporting evidence for their function in the gametophytes. Expression patterns of extant, duplicated maize genes reveals that selective pressures based on male gametophytic function have likely had a disproportionate effect on plant genomes.
Frontostriatal maturation predicts cognitive control failure to appetitive cues in adolescents

Adolescent risk-taking is a public health issue that increases the odds of poor lifetime outcomes. One factor thought to influence adolescents' propensity for risk-taking is an enhanced sensitivity to appetitive cues, relative to an immature capacity to exert sufficient cognitive control. We tested this hypothesis by characterizing interactions among ventral striatal, dorsal striatal, and prefrontal cortical regions with varying appetitive load using fMRI scanning. Child, teen, and adult participants performed a go/no-go task with appetitive (happy faces) and neutral cues (calm faces). Impulse control to neutral cues showed linear improvement with age, whereas teens showed a nonlinear reduction in impulse control to appetitive cues. This performance decrement in teens was paralleled by enhanced activity in the ventral striatum. Prefrontal cortical recruitment correlated with overall accuracy and showed a linear response with age for no-go versus go trials. Connectivity analyses identified a ventral frontostriatal circuit including the inferior frontal gyrus and dorsal striatum during no-go versus go trials. Examining recruitment developmentally showed that teens had greater between-subject ventral-dorsal striatal coactivation relative to children and adults for happy no-go versus go trials. These findings implicate exaggerated ventral striatal representation of appetitive cues in adolescents relative to an intermediary cognitive control response. Connectivity and coactivity data suggest these systems communicate at the level of the dorsal striatum differentially across development. Biased responding in this system is one possible mechanism underlying heightened risk-taking during adolescence.
Evaluation of Trade-offs in Costs and Environmental Impacts for Returnable Packaging Implementation

The main thrust of returnable packaging these days is to provide logistical services through transportation and distribution of products and be environmentally friendly. Returnable packaging and reverse logistics concepts have converged to mitigate the adverse effect of packaging materials entering the solid waste stream. Returnable packaging must be designed by considering the trade-offs between costs and environmental impact to satisfy manufacturers and environmentalists alike. The cost of returnable packaging entails such items as materials, manufacturing, collection, storage and disposal. Environmental impacts are explicitly linked with solid waste, air pollution, and water pollution. This paper presents a multi-criteria evaluation technique to assist decision-makers for evaluating the trade-offs in costs and environmental impact during the returnable packaging design process. The proposed evaluation technique involves a combination of multiple objective integer linear programming and analytic hierarchy process. A numerical example is used to illustrate the methodology.
Some Issues Regarding the Completeness of Science and the Limits of Scientific Knowledge

The incompleteness of knowledge is a familiar conception, but nevertheless deserves closer scrutiny. A body of knowledge is incomplete when it is defective in point of comprehensiveness, self-sufficiency, and scope. In such a case, the body will have gaps, omissions, or such-like deficiencies in the inclusiveness of its ‘coverage’. The whole is then lacking in mutual support — like a broken statue with missing pieces. Some parts of it will demand the operation of elements that are simply lacking, there is a collective inadequacy to the common task.
American Indian jurisdiction as a policy issue

States has struggled with the issue of self-government for American Indians. Despite the careful attention of several Supreme Court justices, the questions relating to self-government, especially the question of jurisdiction, have be come only more complex and confus ing. Simply put, "jurisdiction" refers to the authority by which courts hear and determine legal cases. The question of "American Indian jurisdiction" refers specifically to the scope of the au thority that American Indians on reser vations have in tribal courts. The im
Compensation for air voids in photoacoustic computed tomography image reconstruction

Most image reconstruction methods in photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) assume that the acoustic properties of the object and the surrounding medium are homogeneous. This can lead to strong artifacts in the reconstructed images when there are significant variations in sound speed or density. Air voids represent a particular challenge due to the severity of the differences between the acoustic properties of air and water. In whole-body small animal imaging, the presence of air voids in the lungs, stomach, and gastrointestinal system can limit image quality over large regions of the object. Iterative reconstruction methods based on the photoacoustic wave equation can account for these acoustic variations, leading to improved resolution, improved contrast, and a reduction in the number of imaging artifacts. However, the strong acoustic heterogeneities can lead to instability or errors in the numerical wave solver. Here, the impact of air voids on PACT image reconstruction is investigated, and procedures for their compensation are proposed. The contributions of sound speed and density variations to the numerical stability of the wave solver are considered, and a novel approach for mitigating the impact of air voids while reducing the computational burden of image reconstruction is identified. These results are verified by application to an experimental phantom.
Self-Watering Acrylic Cages for Confining Insects and Mites on Detached Leaves

Cages made with three 7.3×9.8-cm acrylic plastic plates were used to confine the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor); citrus thrips, Scirtothrips citri (Moulton); and the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), on excised citrus leaves. A rubber band compressed between the upper surface of the leaf and the center plate prevented the insects’ escape around the area of the midrib and other uneven surfaces, and a watering platform kept the entire under surface of the leaf saturated. Mature leaves remained in a condition suitable for phytophagous forms up to 4 weeks; young tender leaves could be held for 2 weeks.
Stochastic Spatial Wind Field Simulation using a Potential Field

A new simulation environment is proposed, featuring the generation of unique spatial wind velocity fields using stochastic methods. This wind field simulation technique can be tuned to match realistic atmospheric conditions based on weather data measurements at a desired location. The proposed simulation environment also includes an aircraft dynamic model of a research unmanned aerial vehicle and corresponding sensor error modeling. The parameters of the aircraft model were determined from previous studies utilizing experimental flight data. The new simulator is used to validate the effectiveness of a nonlinear Kalman filtering based wind estimation algorithm.
Relation of oxygen and temperature in the preservation of tissues by refrigeration.

An inquiry has been made into conditions which may influence the viability of 1×1 cm areas of biopsied rabbit skin during refrigeration at 0° and 6-8°C. Since the availability of oxygen, as well as the nature of the storage medium, had an, important influence on the preservation of viability at these two temperatures, these relationships may be of interest to those wishing to store or ship tissues for surgical and other purposes.Tissues separated from the circulation rapidly become anoxemic and necrotic at room or body temperatures. This condition may be prevented in uterine or intestinal strips by oxygenation or by chilling.1, 2 The survival of ligated limbs3 and of the cells in whole embryos4, 5 or organs5, 6 is optimal (among the widely spaced temperatures which have been studied) at 0°. At this temperature respiration is minimal, while oxygen solubility in water is twice that at 30°.Though Lambert7 Carrel,8 and Hetherington and Craig5 found 0 to 7° favorable for preserving the small masses of crowded ...