cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intermediate-term, pre-earthquake phenomena in California, 1975-1986, and preliminary forecast of seismicity for the next decade

Intermediate-term observations preceding earthquakes of magnitude 5.7 or greater in California from 1975 through 1986 suggest that: (1) The sudden appearance of earthquakes in a previously inactive area indicates an increased likelihood of a significant earthquake in that area for a period from days to years; (2) these larger earthquakes tend to occur towards the ends of creeping fault segments; (3) one large earthquake in a region increases the likelihood of a subsequent significant event in the adjacent area; and (4) marginal evidence for the occurrence of a regional deformation event suggests that such events increase the probability of earthquake occurrence throughout the entire area. A common element in many of these observed patterns appears to be the transmission and amplification of tectonic stress changes by the mechanism of fault creep, and suggests that surface fault creep is a sensitive indicator of changes in stress. The preceding critieria are used to construct a preliminary ‘forecast’ of the likely locations of significant earthquakes over the next decade.
Two-parameter cubic convolution for image reconstruction

This paper presents an analysis of a recently-proposed two-parameter piecewise-cubic convolution algorithm for image reconstruction. The traditional cubic convolution algorithm is a one-parameter, interpolating function. With the second parameter, the algorithm can also be approximating. The analysis leads to a Taylor series expansion for the average square error due to sampling and reconstruction as a function of the two parameters. This analysis indicates that the additional parameter does not improve the reconstruction fidelity - the optimal two-parameter convolution kernel is identical to the optimal kernel for the traditional one-parameter algorithm. Two methods for constructing the optimal cubic kernel are also reviewed.
Context and sources in broadcast television coverage of the 2004 Democratic primary

This study examined context variables (reporter speculation, multiple viewpoints, and story emphasis) and source variables (anonymous sources and source transparency) in broadcast television coverage of the 2004 Democratic presidential primaries. Primary coverage was compared with coverage of other major stories. Primary coverage was no more focused on conflict than were other major stories. Primary coverage was, however, more focused on winners and losers, and primary reporting was more likely to include reporter speculation. Primary stories were just as likely to include anonymous sources as were other major stories, but primary stories also were more likely than other major stories to fully identify sources.
Ameliorating caustic properties of aluminum extraction residue to establish a vegetative cover.

High pH, electrical conductivity (E.C.), and extractable Na levels in the residue remaining after aluminum was extracted from bauxite were greater than can support vigorous plant growth. These caustic properties must be ameliorated so that vegetation could be established on the surface of large disposal ponds. Fresh residue was added to 14 field lysimeters of dimensions 3 m long × 3 m wide × 1 m deep. Internal drainage was enhanced in some lysimeters and restricted in others. Gypsum applied at the rate of 7.5% of the weight of the top 15 cm of residue in selected lysimeters. These management issues were studied to determine how their influence would lower chemical properties to support vegetation. Residue samples were removed annually for 5 years after the lysimeters were established to determine changes in pH, E.C., and extractable Na and Al over time. Plant species C. dactylon (bermudagrass), Atriplex nummalari (oldman saltbush), and Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush) were planted either as seeds or...
Quaternary structure of mushroom tyrosinase.

The quaternary structure of Agaricusbispora tyrosinase has been investigated by sodium dodecylsulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was found to contain two types of polypeptide chains, referred to as Heavy, molecular weight 43,000 ± 1,000, and Light, molecular weight 13,400 ± 600. In aqueous solution the predominant form of tyrosinase m.w. 120,000, has the quaternary structure L2H2.
Functional Proteomics: Examining the Effects of Hypoxia on the Cytotrophoblast Protein Repertoire†

The outcome of human pregnancy depends on the differentiation of cytotrophoblasts, specialized placental cells that physically connect the embryo/fetus to the mother. As cytotrophoblasts differentiate, they acquire tumor-like characteristics that enable them to invade the uterus. In a novel feedback loop, the increasingly higher levels of oxygen they encounter within the uterine wall influence their differentiation into vascular-like cells. Together, the invasive and cell surface properties of cytotrophoblasts enable them to form vascular connections with uterine blood vessels that divert maternal blood flow to the placenta, a critical hurdle in pregnancy. It is therefore important to understand how cytotrophoblasts respond to changes in oxygen tension. Here we used a proteomics approach, two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) combined with mass spectrometry, to characterize the protein repertoire of first trimester human cytotrophoblasts that were maintained under standard tissue culture conditions (20% O(2)). 2-D PAGE showed a unique protein map as compared to placental fibroblasts and human JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells. Mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 43 spots on the cytotrophoblast map. Enzymes involved in glycolysis and responses to oxidative stress, as well as the 14-3-3 signaling/adapter proteins, were particularly abundant. Hypoxia in vitro (2% O(2)) produced discrete changes in the expression of a subset of proteins in all the aforementioned functional categories. Together, these data offer new information about the early gestation cytotrophoblast protein repertoire and the generalized mechanisms the cells use to respond to changes in oxygen tension at the maternal-fetal interface.
Predicate negation and word-order change: A problem of multiple causation

Abstract It will be shown in this paper first, that various claims (e.g. Vennemann 1974; Harris 1976, 1978) to the effect that the positioning of the predicate negative particle in Proto-Indo-European, Latin, Germanic, and Romance (particularly French) is the result of the general syntactic typology of these languages cannot be supported. Where predicate negation appears to be typologically consistent, such consistency must be considered as purely accidental. Second, after demonstrating the weaknesses of both the ‘typological’ and other, earlier approaches to this problem, I propose a new hypothesis to account for word-order change in respect to predicate negation in Indo-European languages.
Three-dimensional point pattern tracking using a completely determined Hopfield network independent of the input data

Summary form only given, as follows. Three-dimensional point pattern tracking is viewed as an optimization problem where a global cost function, integrating multiple constraints on the feature points to be matched, is minimized. Minimization is efficiently performed by a Hopfield net independent of the input data, and the optimum positive constants of the cost function are determined in advance based on the stability of the network at equilibrium and its speed of convergence. Tested with computer generated data, the simulated network shows good performance, especially in the presence of noise, and compares favorably with other matching procedures. >
Enhanced Alphabet Knowledge Instruction: Exploring a Change of Frequency, Focus, and Distributed Cycles of Review

This article describes a 2-year exploratory research study of alphabet knowledge instruction in 13 kindergarten classrooms in four at-risk urban schools. Based on insights for teaching from five evidence-based advantages that influence acquisition of letter names and sounds, instruction of letter names and sounds was enhanced to increase students’ exposure to and practice with letters and to provide greater instructional focus on difficult-to-learn letters through brief lessons taught through distributed cycles of review. Results of this study show that students experienced increased success in acquiring alphabet knowledge, through Enhanced Alphabet Knowledge instruction.
Mating and agonistic behavior produce different patterns of Fos immunolabeling in the male Syrian hamster brain

Previous work has shown that mating induces the expression of Fos protein within the chemosensory pathways of the male Syrian hamster brain. However, it is not known if this pattern of labeling is specific to mating or the result of social interactions in general. To determine the behavioral specificity of activation within these pathways, Fos immunostaining following mating was compared to that following agonistic behavior. Both mating and agonistic behavior are dependent upon chemosensory cues and gonadal steroids (reviewed in Refs 64, 65) and areas belonging to the olfactory and vomeronasal pathways process chemosensory and hormonal information (reviewed in Ref. 48). The results of this study demonstrate both similarities and differences in brain activation patterns following these two social behaviors. Agonistic behavior increased the number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons within most subdivisions of the medial amygdala, the anteromedial and posterointermediate bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the ventrolateral septum and the ventral premammillary nucleus of the hypothalamus in a pattern comparable to that observed after mating. This pattern of activation common to mating and agonistic behavior may reflect an increase in an animal's general state of arousal during social interactions. In contrast, although mating and agonistic behavior both activated neurons within the caudal subdivision of the medial nucleus of the amygdala, the anterodorsal level of posteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the paraventricular and ventromedial nuclei of the hypothalamus, in these areas either the distribution and/or number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons differed. In addition, agonistic behavior selectively activated neurons within the anterolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the anterior nucleus of the hypothalamus and the dorsal periaqueductal gray, whereas mating alone activated neurons within the posteroventral level of posteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the medial preoptic area. No differences were found between dominant and subordinate males following agonistic behavior. These observations along with results from other laboratories suggest that mating and agonistic behavior activate distinct neural circuits.
Kinetics of activation of benzo[a]pyrene for inhibition of interferon induction

The induction of interferon-alpha/beta (IFN-alpha/beta) by polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (PIC) was inhibited when mouse embryo fibroblasts were pretreated with the carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene (BP). When BP was added to the cell cultures simultaneously with reduced glutathione (GSH) or beta-naphthoflavone (B-NF), followed 24 hr later by the IFN-alpha/beta inducer, the inhibitory effects of BP on IFN-alpha/beta induction were abrogated. GSH and B-NF both interfere with the activation of BP to its ultimate carcinogenic form. These results suggest that BP must be metabolically activated to inhibit the induction of IFN-alpha/beta.
Perception of two-dimensional Markov constraints within visual displays

A method is described for constructing visual displays in which statistical constraints are encoded within two spatial dimensions without introducing one-dimensional linear constraints. Within each local group of four elements, the state of one element was determined with a given probability by the previously generated states of the other three. Ss rated such displays on a scale from “lumpy” (or crude texture) to “lacy” (or even texture). The consistency of classification obtained for displays with strong aggregated (“lumpy”) properties was substantially higher than that obtained for displays with strong distributed (“lacy”) properties. An incidental feature of the Ss’ behavior was their deliberate degrading of the visual quality of the displays. Comparison is made with one-dimensional displays concatenated in two dimensions.
Gene regulation by Y-box proteins: coupling control of transcription and translation

Y-box proteins are multifunctional regulators of gene expression. In somatic cells, they have the capacity to exert positive and negative effects on both transcription and translation. In Xenopus oocytes, they help to mask maternal mRNA and couple the transcription of mRNA in the nucleus to its translational fate in the cytoplasm. This review describes how the capacity of the Y-box proteins to destabilize both RNA and DNA duplexes, together with their distribution between nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, might explain these multiple roles.
Selective Cleavage of Isoaspartyl Peptide Bonds by Hydroxylamine after Methyltransferase Priming

Formation of atypical isoaspartyl (isoAsp) sites in peptides and proteins via the deamidation-linked isomerization of asparaginyl-Xaa bonds or direct isomerization of aspartyl-Xaa bonds is a major contributor to spontaneous protein damage under mild conditions. This nonenzymatic reaction reroutes the Asx-Xaa peptide bond through the β-carbonyl of asparaginyl or aspartyl residues, thereby adding an extra carbon to the polypeptide backbone. Formation of isoAsp has been implicated in protein inactivation, aggregation, degradation, and autoimmunity. Knowing the location of isoAsp sites in proteins is important for understanding mechanisms of protein damage and for characterizing protein pharmaceuticals. Here we present a simple nonradioactive method for direct localization of isoAsp residues in peptides or proteins. Using three model peptides, we demonstrate that isoAsp linkages can be cleaved selectively and in high yield by a two-step process in which (i) the isoAsp linkage is converted into a succinimide on incubation with S-adenosyl-L-methionine and the commercially available enzyme, protein L-isoaspartyl-O-methyltransferase, and (ii) the succinimidyl bond is then cleaved by hydroxylamine under conditions that minimize cleavage of the traditional hydroxylamine-sensitive Asn-Gly and related peptide bonds. Location of the isoAsp linkage is then inferred by identifying the cleavage products by mass spectrometry or N-terminal sequencing.
Effect of Instantizing on Amino Acid Content of Nonfat Dry Milk

Abstract Commercial production of instantized skim milk powders by rehydration, agglomeration, and redrying of spray dried powder or by direct conversion of a skim milk concentrate to instant powder in a single step resulted in no marked loss of amino acids. One instant powder in which moisture content exceeded U.S. grade standard lost small amounts of lysine, methionine, and cystine during instantizing.
Magnetic circular dichroism of gaseous [RuO4] and excited state assignment with the complete, many-center orbital angular momentum matrix

Abstract The MCD of a gaseous sample of [RuO 4 ] demonstrates that the lowest energy, intense electric dipole allowed excitation contains a negative Faraday A term. The molecular orbital computation of the MCD A/D ratio by means of the complete 1-, 2-, and 3-center orbital angular momentum matrix confirms that the 1 A 1 → 1 T 2 band is of configuration change t 1 π → e and rules out the other strong possibility, t 2 π → e.
Identification of cryovolcanism on Titan using fuzzy cognitive maps

Future planetary exploration of Titan will require higher degrees of on-board automation, including autonomous determination of sites where the probability of significant scientific findings is the highest. In this paper, a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) method for the identification and interpretation of sites that yield the highest potential of cryovolcanic activity is presented. We introduce the theory of fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) as a tool for the analysis of remotely collected data in planetary exploration. A cognitive model embedded in a fuzzy logic framework is constructed via the synergistic interaction of planetary scientists and AI experts. As an application example, we show how FCM can be employed to solve the challenging problem of recognizing cryovolcanism from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Cassini data. The fuzzy cognitive map is constructed using what is currently known about cryovolcanism on Titan and relies on geological mapping performed by planetary scientists to interpret different locales as cryovolcanic in nature. The system is not conceived to replace the human scientific interpretation, but to enhance the scientists’ ability to deal with large amounts of data, and it is a first step in designing AI systems that will be able, in the future, to autonomously make decisions in situations where human analysis and interpretation is not readily available or could not be sufficiently timely. The proposed FCM is tested on Cassini radar data to show the effectiveness of the system in reaching conclusions put forward by human experts and published in the literature. Four tests are performed using the Ta SAR image (October 2004 fly-by). Two regions (i.e. Ganesa Macula and the lobate high backscattering region East of Ganesa) are interpreted by the designed FCM as exhibiting cryovolcanism in agreement with the initial interpretation of the regions by Stofan et al. (2006). Importantly, the proposed FCM is shown to be flexible and adaptive as new data and knowledge are acquired during the course of exploration. Subsequently, the FCM has been modified to include topographic information derived from SAR stereo data. With this additional information, the map concludes that Ganesa Macula is not a cryovolcanic region. In conclusion, the FCM methodology is shown to be a critical and powerful component of future autonomous robotic spacecraft (e.g., orbiter(s), balloon(s), surface/lake lander(s), rover(s)) that will be deployed for the exploration of Titan.
Bioconversion of D-Xylose and Pretreated Oak Sawdust to Ethanol Using Clostridium Thermosacchrolyticum by Batch and Continuous Up-Flow Reactors

Bioconversions of lignocellulosic biomass, in particular sawdusts, into ethanol were investigated. First, acid hydrolyses by dilute sulfuric acids using 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 weight percent were performed. The optimum hydrolysis condition was found to be 1% acid at 124C and hydrolysis time 50 min. The total yields of saccharification, primarily xylose, is 23.7 g which is obtained from 100 grams of sawdusts with a liter of dilute at the optimum condition. Second, fermentations of xylose into ethanol were investigated using Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum (ATCC 31925) by a batch reactor and by a continuous up-flow cylindrical reactor. In a continuous up-flow reactor, two modes of operation are studied; namely, cells immobilized on polystyrene chips (size 2.79 {times} 3.78 {times} 2.64 mm) and cells freely suspended in the flowing substrate stream. The flow rates investigated were 17.5, 29.5, and 51.2 ml/hr for immobilized case and 27.3, 42.2, 66.1, and 109 ml/hr for free suspension case. The maximum concentration of ethanol yield obtained from the initial concentration of 6 g/l xylose was 1.8 g/l by a batch reactor, which is equivalent 60% of the theoretical conversion of xylose by weight. If the dilution rate is less than 0.3 hr{sup {minus}1}, the concentration of ethanolmore » by the continuous up-flow reactor for both cases approach the maximum of that by a batch reactor. Modelings of bioconversion kinetic parameters in Monod and Luedeking-Piret formulas were also obtained. The specific growth rate for the microorganism in CM-4 medium is found to be 0.43 hr{sup {minus}1}.« less
SECONDARY MORTGAGE MARKET PURCHASE COMMITMENT YIELDS

We provide empirical evidence that quoted secondary market mortgage yields conform to the predictions of option theory. We compare Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac origination yields offered in the secondary market from 1985 to 2003 with the predictions of a two-state binomial mortgage option valuation model. Our two-state approach considers a mean-reverting interest rate process as well as a stochastic housing price. Using predictions from option simulations, we find strong links between market practice and mortgage option prepayment and default factors over time. We also find cross-sectional differences that are consistent with the institutional structure of the markets.
Effect of damage to early, middle, and late-replicating DNA on progress through the S period in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Abstract In order to explain sequential replication of DNA in eukaryotic cells, the duplication of a given bank of replicons is proposed to be initiated by specific events coupled to synthesis of the preceding replicons in the sequence. This model predicts that DNA synthesis in mid or late S should depend upon the synthesis and/or integrity of previously replicating DNA, but should not depend upon the integrity of DNA replicating later in the sequence. By incorporating BUdR into DNA during a given short interval of one S period in synchronous Chinese hamster ovary cells, we are able to selectively damage this DNA by irradiation at selected times before or during the next S period. Utilizing this technique, we find that damage to early replicating DNA before entry into the second S phase markedly suppresses DNA synthesis in the entire S period. Damage to mid or late replicating DNA prior to entry into the second S period has no effect on early S, but markedly reduces DNA synthesis commencing in mid or late S, respectively. Furthermore, if early replicating DNA is damaged with light in mid-S, no effect on subsequent DNA synthesis is observed. These results can be fitted to a model in which sequential triggering of replicon synthesis promotes orderly progression through S.
Dynamics of self-trapping on a dimer with anharmonic coupling.

The dynamics of electron self-trapping on a dimer is studied with Poincar\'e maps. Formation of two symmetric trapping zones consisting of resonant tori is shown to occur as the electron-phonon coupling increases. When the vibrational anharmonic coupling is sufficiently strong, we observe a symmetry breaking caused by the induced stochasticity that destroys all the tori of one trapping zone while leaving those of the other zone unaffected. Chaotic and regular motion, thus, simultaneously exist on different sites, trapping the electron only on the site with periodic motion.
Models of Secondary School Students' Interest in Homework: A Multilevel Analysis.

This aim of this study was to test empirical models of variables posited to predict homework interest at the secondary school level. Student- and class-level predictors of homework interest were analyzed in a survey of 1,046 8th graders from 63 classes and of 849 11th graders from 48 classes. Most of the variance in homework interest occurred at the student level, with grade level appearing as the only significant predictor at the class level. At the student level, the variation in homework interest was positively associated with affective attitude toward homework, motivational orientation toward homework, student initiative in monitoring homework motivation, teacher feedback, and self-reported grade. Girls reported statistically significant higher scores in homework interest than did boys.
An Internal Flow Measurement That Senses a Pre-Cursor to Surge in Centrifugal Compressors

Centrifugal compressors are critical for moving large volumes of gas in the natural gas pipeline, hydrocarbon processing, and general energy industries. The operation of centrifugal compressors is limited by a number of factors including the occurrence of surge at low flows. The exact low flow conditions at which surge occurs cannot be determined from external measurements. The precise flow and head at which surge occurs is effected by factors including the installed piping configuration, the dynamic impedance of the piping system, the pulsating pressures in the piping, and the gas properties such as compressibility among other variables. The results of the many factors affected when surge occurs and the sudden nature of surge onset are such that there are no previously identified reliable ways to detect an approaching surge. Current surge control methods rely on external measurements of head or speed and flow to estimate the conditions at which surge will occur and then recycle flow at some margin above the expected surge conditions in order to avoid surge. However, this type of surge control is inefficient and frequently leads to recycling more flow than necessary with the result that fuel and energy are wasted. If a means were available to measure a fundamental pre-cursor to surge then a reliable indication of the operating margin above surge could be developed and the amount of recycle flow and the loss of efficiency could be minimized. Such a pre-cursor has been found and a sensor technique base on drag probe technology has been developed. This paper presents some of the background on pre-surge detection in centrifugal compressors and then describes the known behavior of the impeller inlet outer wall re-circulating flow that develops as surge approaches. In addition, this paper reports on the development of a drag probe sensor to measure these internal flow components. Evidence from direct surge control testing is presented to support the finding that these internal flows are a basic surge pre-cursor and a useful control for centrifugal compressors. The measured flow changes prior to surge are identified and data is shown. The result of this research will lead to an improved surge control system for a significant class of signal stage modern centrifugal compressors and will increase the operating range and overall efficiency of such machines.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Contribution of associative and nonassociative processes to the development of morphine tolerance.

The contribution of associative and nonassocia- tive processes to the development of tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine in rats was investigated in two experiments. Associative contingencies were manip- ulated by administering a series of moderately high mor- phine doses (20 mg/kg) either explicitly paired or explicitly unpaired with a distinctive context. During distinctive context exposures, animals were placed for 60 min in plastic boxes located in a room adjacent to the colony room. The distinctiveness of this environment was en- hanced by the presence of white noise and a pine scent. Nonassociative processes were manipulated by adminis- tering the morphine at either a very short (6 h) or rela- tively long (96 h) interdose-interval (IDI). Analgesia was measured on a tail-flick test. At the 96 h IDI, tolerance, as indexed by shifts in dose-response curves, was controlled primarily by associative processes. Associative control over tolerance at the long IDI was evident at an immedi- ate test (experiment 1) and was retained for a 30 day interval (experiment 2). In contrast, tolerance that de- veloped at the 6 h IDI was not influenced by associative contingencies at the immediate test (experiment 1) and showed no retention over a 30 day interval (experiment 2). These data suggest that tolerance that developed at the short IDI was nonassociative. Overall, the results indicate that conditions conducive to the development of non- associative tolerance disrupt the acquisition of associative tolerance. Hypotheses regarding the absence of associ- ative effects at the short IDI are reviewed. Methodological implications of these results for evaluations of associative and nonassociative morphine tolerance are also discussed.
Arcs in clusters of galaxies as gravitational lens images.

The observed properties of the arclike images discovered by Lynds and Petrosian in clusters of galaxies are summarized. It is shown that these observations can best be described by gravitational lensing of a distant and somewhat unusual galaxy, by the mass distribution in the clusters. It is further shown how the modeling of the phenomenon can be used to determine the distribution of visible and dark matter in the clusters and to obtain the characteristics of the distant sources.
Medical students benefit from the use of ultrasound when learning peripheral IV techniques

Recent studies support high success rates after a short learning period of ultrasound IV technique, and increased patient and provider satisfaction when using ultrasound as an adjunct to peripheral IV placement. No study to date has addressed the efficacy for instructing ultrasound-naive providers. We studied the introduction of ultrasound to the teaching technique of peripheral IV insertion on first- and second-year medical students. This was a prospective, randomized, and controlled trial. A total of 69 medical students were randomly assigned to the control group with a classic, landmark-based approach (n = 36) or the real-time ultrasound-guided group (n = 33). Both groups observed a 20-min tutorial on IV placement using both techniques and then attempted vein cannulation. Students were given a survey to report their results and observations by a 10-cm visual analog scale. The survey response rate was 100%. In the two groups, 73.9% stated that they attempted an IV previously, and 63.7% of students had used an ultrasound machine prior to the study. None had used ultrasound for IV access prior to our session. The average number of attempts at cannulation was 1.42 in either group. There was no difference between the control and ultrasound groups in terms of number of attempts (p = 0.31). In both groups, 66.7% of learners were able to cannulate in one attempt, 21.7% in two attempts, and 11.6% in three attempts. The study group commented that they felt they gained more knowledge from the experience (p < 0.005) and that it was easier with ultrasound guidance (p < 0.005). Medical students feel they learn more when using ultrasound after a 20-min tutorial to place IVs and cannulation of the vein feels easier. Success rates are comparable between the traditional and ultrasound teaching approaches.
Leaving Nothing to Chance: Modeling the ProactiveStructuration of a New Technology

Adaptive structuration theory (AST, DeSanctis and Poole 1994) describes how people come to understand and use a technology. In this paper we develop the idea of proactive structuration -- how social networking can be proactively managed in order to speed the comprehensive adaptation of a technology within a community of users. We examine two facets of proactive structuration ‐ formal institutionalization of a community of practice and socialization of users ‐ and stochastically model the impact of proactive structuration on comprehensive adaptation latency. Implications for the effective management of new technology adoption are discussed.
Bacterial Infection in Prostatodynia

AbstractPurpose: We investigated a possible bacterial etiology for prostatodynia.Materials and Methods: We evaluated segmented urine specimens from 22 patients and 16 controls by bacteriological localization studies. Immunological studies were performed on patient and control sera.Results: Nine patients had positive cultures from prostatic secretions. When compared to controls, this novel finding was statistically significant (p less than 0.025). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common isolates (68 percent). No humoral (IgG) immune differences were found between patients and controls.Conclusions: In a subset of prostatodynia patients bacteria may have an etiological role. Antibiotic treatment demonstrated clinical efficacy.
Pain after total knee arthroplasty caused by soft tissue impingement

The usual causes of pain after total knee replacement are well known, but there are a small number of patients in whom its aetiology is obscure. We report three patients with a specific pain syndrome caused by hypertrophic fibrous tissue in the intercondylar notch. Excision of this tissue relieved the symptoms completely.
Copper as the future interconnection material

Cu film was evaluated as a candidate for future interconnection. As the device dimensions are scaled below 0.5 mu m, the RC time constant of interconnection becomes a major part of the total delay. By reducing the resistivity of interconnect, the operating speed can be increased by more than 20% without any change in design rule. An electroless deposition process is proposed to solve the Cu patterning difficulty. Patterns of 2.0- mu m pitch were achieved with this process. Copper contamination was addressed, and dielectric films such as silicon oxynitride and silicon nitride were shown to be effective in stopping Cu diffusion. The authors also investigated Cu corrosion. By coating a thin Ni film on Cu they reduced the corrosion from 0.2 mu m/h to less than 0.05 mu m/h at 100 degrees C in 1-mol/1 KCl solution. >
Clinical Application of Electrotherapeutic Modalities

The purposes of this survey study were 1) to determine the frequency of use of eight forms of electrical stimulation and ultrasound in clinical practice and 2) to determine the factors that influence how and when these forms of electrical stimulation are used. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 490 physical therapists in clinics affiliated with the academic programs of Ithaca College and Temple University. Forty-five percent (221) of the distributed surveys were returned. Descriptive statistics and chi-square calculations were used in the data analysis. Respondents frequently used two forms of pulsed current and rarely used two forms of alternating current. No form of electrical current was used as frequently as ultrasound. The frequency and type of electrical stimulation used depended on the availability of electrical stimulators and the adequacy of entry-level training in electrotherapy. The results of this study suggest the need for additional electrical stimulators in physical therapy clinics, training for physical therapists, and research in electrotherapy.
Real-time support of flash memory file system for embedded applications

NAND flash memory has emerged as an attractive proposition for embedded storage applications due to its properties of robustness, low price, a high number of write-erase cycles, and large capacities. To make it suitable for real-time embedded applications, this paper presents the design of a log structured file system that utilizes data redundancy and parallel operations to guarantee bounded read-write access latencies to real-time tasks, in the presence of requests from non real-time tasks. The proposed scheme requires minimal support from the underlying operating system. In addition, the paper proposes a storage scheme to reduce RAM footprint for the log structured file system while preserving reliability and minimal read/write overhead.
PARADOXICAL HYPOINSULINÆMIA: AN ALPHA-ADRENERGIC-MEDIATED RESPONSE TO GLUCOSE

Abstract After the stress of a drug reaction, a previously non-diabetic subject had a unique, paradoxical decrease in circulating insulin in response to intravenous glucose. This response disappeared during α-adrenergic blockade with phentolamine and could be reproduced by α stimulation with adrenaline. It was concluded that the α receptor, possibly stimulated by endogenous catecholamine release in response to glucose, played a role in this unusual example of abnormal insulin secretion.
Surgical Strategy for Aortic Coarctation Repair Resulting in Physiologic Arm and Leg Blood Pressures

Objective. The goal of aortic coarctation repair is laminar aortic blood flow resulting in a negative or absent arm:leg blood pressure (BP) gradient. Despite satisfactory relief of coarctation, associated arch hypoplasia can result in residual obstruction and postoperative upper body hypertension. Intervention. We devised a surgical strategy to create a tension-free anastomosis with a diameter as large as both the adjacent proximal and distal aorta using a radically extended end-to-end anastomosis via sternotomy and/or thoracotomy. Sternotomy is chosen when there is significant transverse arch hypoplasia defined as a distal transverse arch ≤ diameter of the left carotid artery, presence of a common brachiocephalic trunk, or coexisting intracardiac lesion requiring repair. Thoracotomy is used in all other cases. Results. From 2000 to 2008, 95 consecutive patients were repaired using this approach, 35 with sternotomy and 60 with thoracotomy. At a mean follow-up of 50 ± 23 months, mean systolic BP was 94 ± 10 mm Hg, and 84% of patients had no residual arm:leg BP gradient. Mean arm:leg BP gradient was not statistically different between groups (−8.5 ± 15 sternotomy and −7.0 ± 10 mm Hg thoracotomy, P= .7). With Doppler echocardiography, 96% of patients demonstrated normal early diastolic reversal of blood flow in the descending thoracic aorta. Conclusions. For aortic coarctation repair in infancy, a strategy designed to directly address aortic arch hypoplasia results in excellent intermediate-term results with normal BP, physiologic arm:leg BP relationship, and near normal descending aortic blood flow velocities by Doppler.
ADSORPTION OF INFLUENZA HEMAGGLUTININS AND VIRUS BY RED BLOOD CELLS.

A number of experiments were performed on the adsorption of influenza hemagglutinins on chicken red blood cells, from which the following conclusions were drawn:— 1. When chicken red blood cells and preparations of influenza viruses were mixed together, the influenza hemagglutinins present were rapidly adsorbed onto the cells. After varying lengths of time, dependent on the conditions of the experiment, the adsorbed hemagglutinins began to elute from the cells. With the Lee strain at 23°C. and the PR8 strain at 37°C. almost all of the adsorbed agglutinin was released in 4 to 6 hours. 2. When the number of red cells used for adsorption was increased, the speed and degree of adsorption of the hemagglutinins increased. The time of maximum adsorption of hemagglutinins was the same, regardiess of red cell concentration, and with the larger amounts of red cells the speed and degree of elution was decreased. 3. When adsorption of PR8 virus agglutinins was carried out at 4°C. the adsorption was rapid and nearly complete. When the reaction was carried out at higher temperatures (27° and 37°C.), the adsorption was equally rapid but was progressively less complete with rise in temperature. At 4°C. the maximum adsorption was not reached for 5 hours; at 27°C. it was reached in 25 minutes; and at 37°C. the greatest degree of adsorption was attained between 3 and 5 minutes. The amount of elution observed at 4°C. at 18 hours was negligible, but the degree of elution increased with temperature so that at 37°C. almost all of the adsorbed agglutinin was released in 6 hours' time. 4. Red cells which had adsorbed and then fully eluted the agglutinin were not capable of adsorbing a detectable amount of fresh agglutinin. In addition, such cells would no longer agglutinate even though exposed to fresh virus suspensions. 5. The hemagglutinin of influenza B virus was capable of being adsorbed on and eluted from several successive lots of chicken red cells without appreciable loss of agglutinating activity. 6. The hemagglutinins of the PR8 and Lee strains were rapidly inactivated at 60°C. The presence of active virus was not necessary for the occurrence of the adsorption-elution reaction on chicken red cells. 7. The activity of the portion of the red cells responsible for the adsorption of the hemagglutinins persisted, though in reduced amount, even after heating for 5 minutes at 100°C. Hemagglutinins were adsorbed and eluted from red cell stroma. 8. The infective agent in influenza virus suspensions was adsorbed by chicken red cells simultaneously with the adsorption of hemagglutinins. 95 per cent of the infective agent was removed from suspension by the red cells after contact for 15 minutes. From then on the infective agent was gradually released from the red cells. After 4 hours the 50 per cent mortality titer of the supernatant fluid was as high as at the beginning of the experiment.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of NaAlH4 nanocluster decomposition

Reactive nanoparticles are of great interest for applications ranging from catalysis to energy storage. However, efforts to relate cluster size to thermodynamic stability and chemical reactivity are hampered by broad pore size distributions and poorly characterized chemical environments in many microporous templates. Metal hydrides are an important example of this problem. Theoretical calculations suggest that reducing their critical dimension to the nanoscale can in some cases considerably destabilize these materials and there is clear experimental evidence for accelerated kinetics, making hydrogen storage applications more attractive in some cases. However, quantitative measurements establishing the influence of size on thermodynamics are lacking, primarily because carbon aerogels often used as supports provide inadequate control over size and pore chemistry. Here, we employ the nanoporous metal–organic framework (MOF) Cu-BTC (also known as HKUST-1) as a template to synthesize and confine the complex hydride NaAlH4. The well-defined crystalline structure and monodisperse pore dimensions of this MOF allow detailed, quantitative probing of the thermodynamics and kinetics of H2 desorption from 1-nm NaAlH4 clusters (NaAlH4@Cu-BTC) without the ambiguity associated with amorphous templates. Hydrogen evolution rates were measured as a function of time and temperature using the Simultaneous Thermogravimetric Modulated Beam Mass Spectrometry method, in which sample mass changes are correlated with a complete analysis of evolved gases. NaAlH4@Cu-BTC undergoes a single-step dehydrogenation reaction in which the Na3AlH6 intermediate formed during decomposition of the bulk hydride is not observed. Comparison of the thermodynamically controlled quasi-equilibrium reaction pathways in the bulk and nanoscale materials shows that the nanoclusters are slightly stabilized by confinement, having an H2 desorption enthalpy that is 7 kJ (mol H2)−1 higher than the bulk material. In addition, the activation energy for desorption is only 53 kJ (mol H2)−1, more than 60 kJ (mol H2)−1 lower than the bulk. When combined with first-principles calculations of cluster thermodynamics, these data suggest that although interactions with the pore walls play a role in stabilizing these particles, size exerts the greater influence on the thermodynamics and reaction rates.
BioExplorer bus - Low cost approach [satellite design]

Stanford University students have successful built several small satellites already. CubeSat is advocated as another student built satellite with 100 mm cube shape (hence the name) and 1 kg mass. NASA Ames Research Center will use the satellite equivalent to size of six CubeSats for highly miniaturized autonomous cell-culture systems that can fit inside the palm of a hand. Such a system will be the payload of the first satellite of the BioExplorer project. BioNano Satellite-1 is the first satellite for BioExplorer, which will study the growth rate of yeast cells (saccaromyces cerevisiae) in microgravity. The yeast will go through ten life cycles over a period of 160 hours. The satellite will be flying in a sun-synchronous orbit, and transmitting still pictures of the yeast growth at least twice a day depending on the number of available ground stations. BioNano Satellite-1 bus is another student build satellite. Through this short cycle of satellite bus development, the student can have hands-on experiences on a complete cycle of the system engineering as well as subsystem engineering. This satellite is expected to be low cost, and can be available as a future multipurpose bus satellite.
A Prospective, Open-Label Trial of Clevidipine for Controlled Hypotension During Posterior Spinal Fusion

OBJECTIVES: Controlled hypotension is one means to limit or avoid the need for allogeneic blood products. Clevidipine is a short-acting, intravenous calcium channel antagonist with a half-life of 1 to 3 minutes due to rapid metabolism by non-specific blood and tissue esterases. To date, there are no prospective evaluations with clevidipine in the pediatric population. We prospectively evaluated the dosing requirements, efficacy, and safety of clevidipine for ontrolled hypotension during spinal surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis in the pediatric population. METHODS: Patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis were eligible for inclusion. The study was an open label, observational study. Maintenance anesthesia included desflurane titrated to maintain a bispectral index at 40 to 60 and a remifentanil infusion. Motor and somatosensory evoked potentials were monitored intraoperatively. When the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was ≥ 65 mmHg despite remifentanil at 0.3 mcg/kg/min, clevi...
Evidence for urea-induced hypometabolism in isolated organs of dormant ectotherms.

Many organisms endure extended periods of dormancy by depressing their metabolism, which effectively prolongs the use of their endogenous energy stores. Though the mechanisms of hypometabolism are varied and incompletely understood, recent work suggests that urea accumulation in autumn and early winter contributes to reduced metabolism of hibernating wood frogs (Rana sylvatica). Urea accumulation during dormancy is a widespread phenomenon, and it has long been presumed that numerous species from diverse taxa benefit from its hypometabolic effect. To investigate the phylogenetic prevalence of urea-induced hypometabolism, we studied four species of urea accumulators from the clades Amphibia (Spea bombifrons and Ambystoma tigrinum), Reptilia (Malaclemys terrapin), and Gastropoda (Anguispira alternata), and one amphibian species (R. pipiens) that does not accumulate urea during dormancy. We measured rates of oxygen consumption (VO2) of excised organ samples from dormant animals in the presence or absence of physiological concentrations of urea. Three of the four urea-accumulating species had at least one organ whose VO2 was significantly decreased by urea treatment. However, VO2 of organs from R. pipiens, the one species tested that does not accumulate urea during dormancy, was not affected by urea treatment. Our results support the hypothesis that urea accumulation can reduce metabolic rate of dormant animals and provide a base for further investigation into the evolution of urea-induced hypometabolism. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:28–34, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Localization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Protein Phosphatase 2A Subunits throughout Mitotic Cell Cycle

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulates a broad spectrum of cellular processes. This enzyme is a collection of varied heterotrimeric complexes, each composed of a catalytic (C) and regulatory (B) subunit bound together by a structural (A) subunit. To understand the cell cycle dynamics of this enzyme population, we carried out quantitative and qualitative analyses of the PP2A subunits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found the following: the level of each subunit remained constant throughout the cell cycle; there is at least 10 times more of one of the regulatory subunits (Rts1p) than the other (Cdc55p); Tpd3p, the structural subunit, is limiting for both catalytic and regulatory subunit binding. Using green fluorescent protein-tagged forms of each subunit, we monitored the sites of significant accumulation of each protein throughout the cell cycle. The two regulatory subunits displayed distinctly different dynamic localization patterns that overlap with the A and C subunits at the bud tip, kinetochore, bud neck, and nucleus. Using strains null for single subunit genes, we confirmed the hypothesis that regulatory subunits determine sites of PP2A accumulation. Although Rts1p and Tpd3p required heterotrimer formation to achieve normal localization, Cdc55p achieved its normal localization in the absence of either an A or C subunit.