cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mxd operon in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is induced in response to starvation and regulated by ArcS/ArcA and BarA/UvrY

Background S. oneidensis MR-1 is a dissimilatory metal-reducing bacterium. Under anoxic conditions S. oneidensis MR-1 attaches to and uses insoluble minerals such as Fe(III) and Mn(IV) oxides as electron acceptors. In the laboratory, S. oneidensis MR-1 forms biofilms under hydrodynamic flow conditions on a borosilicate glass surface; formation of biofilms was previously found to be dependent on the mxd gene cluster (mxdABCD).
The Russian puzzle: Mortality and ethnicity in a changing society, 1994–2004

Abstract Do ethnic minority populations cope better with the transition from socialism and subsequent economic decline than Russian majority populations in post-communist Russia? Using multivariate and random-effects models for the 1994–2004 panel data and adjusting for income, urbanization, and crime, this paper demonstrates that the long-standing pattern of Muslim mortality advantage continued to persist during the post-Soviet mortality crisis in Russia. This study suggests that in the ethno-territorial federative system of Russia belonging not to autonomous republics, but to the Muslim ethno-religious communities was significant in resistance to cumulative death crisis during a period of dramatic societal changes. In fact, both living in the Caucasus environment and in the Muslim ethno-religious communities appeared to be significant factors. This study suggests that not only religion, but cultural practices based on ethno-religious and environmental prescriptions may account for collectively healthier practices and, therefore, advantageous mortality outcomes.
Further insights into SI four-stroke combustion using flame imaging

Abstract Direct flame imaging was used to study the initial and final phases of lean combustion in a spark-ignition four-stroke optical engine. Changes in the flame size, shape, and location are used to infer the flows in each cycle that have caused these flame characteristics. Flame images after dual simultaneous ignition together with images of the very early flame kernel after single ignition show that large-scale flows past the spark plug are a major controlling factor for flame growth at lean operating conditions. In the absence of these flows, cooling by the adjoining spark-plug structure decreases the initial flame growth rate. For slow-burning cycles, images of combustion completion near the wall taken through the transparent cylinder show that the flame has a great deal of spatial structure, and some of the large-scale nonuniformities are repeatable. Bulk flame quenching due to the gas expansion from piston motion did not occur, demonstrated by images of flames at piston bottom-dead-center.
Recycling trash in cache

The disparity between processing and storage speeds can be bridged in part by reducing the traffic into and out of the slower memory components. Some recent studies reduce such traffic by determining dead data in cache, showing that a significant fraction of writes can be squashed before they make the trip toward slower memory. In this paper, we examine a technique for eliminating traffic in the other direction, specifically the traffic induced by dynamic storage allocation. We consider recycling dead storage in cache to satisfy a program's storage-allocation requests. We first evaluate the potential for recycling under favorable circumstances, where the associated logic can run at full speed with no impact on the cache's normal behavior. We then consider a more practical implementation, in which the associated logic executes independently from the cache's critical path. Here, the cache's performance is unfettered by recycling, but the operations necessary to determine dead storage and recycle such storage execute as time is available. Finally, we present the design and analysis of a hardware implementation that scales well with cache size without sacrificing too much performance.
Static and dynamic response of moderately thick laminated beams with damage

Abstract The bending and vibration response of thin and moderately thick laminated beams with ply damage or delaminations is studied using a new discrete-layer laminated beam finite element. The two-noded C° element is based on a new generalized form of the first-order zig-zag laminate theory, and has only four degrees of freedom per node, regardless of the number of layers in the laminate. The element formulation employs the penalty-function concept in conjunction with an interdependent element interpolation scheme, making the element very accurate and robust for application to thick and thin laminated beams. The element stiffness coefficients are exactly integrated without giving rise to shear locking, and a consistent force and mass matrix is derived. The compliant layer concept is employed to simulate delaminations. Comparison of numerical results using the current model with predictions of exact elasticity solutions demonstrates that the current model is capable of accurately simulating the response of thin and moderately thick laminates that contain damage. Additional comparisons with equivalent single-layer theories indicate that the layerwise construction and kinematics must be explicitly taken into account when modelling laminates whose layers have drastically different stiffness properties, as is the case when damage is present.
The nonlinear evolution of idealized, unforced, conditional symmetric instability : a numerical study

Abstract A two-dimensional version of the Penn State–NCAR mesoscale model (MM4) has been used to simulate the life cycle of conditional symmetric instability (CSI) under conditions of no deformational or planetary boundary layer forcing with the model starting from idealized initial conditions. Detailed diagnostics from the growth, decay, and post-CSI stages of the life cycle are presented, and some of these features are compared to expectations from linear theory. The life cycle features include local areas of potential and inertial instability and specific patterns of ageo-strophic zonal flow. Local areas of increased and decreased dry potential vorticity (q), including areas of negative q, develop from the initially everywhere-positive q field, principally because of the horizontally differential diabatic heating. Negative wet-bulb potential vorticity (qw) is principally advected into the upper troposphere by the CSI updraft, though some changes in qw do occur because of the diffusion of temperature. M...
Cardiac indices of infant speech perception: orienting and burst discrimination.

The present study investigated burst cue discrimination in 3- to 4-month-old infants with the natural speech stimuli [bu] and [gu]. The experimental stimuli consisted of either a [bu] or a [gu] bur...
Hydroxylation of specifically deuterated limonene enantiomers by cytochrome p450 limonene-6-hydroxylase reveals the mechanism of multiple product formation.

The regiochemistry and facial stereochemistry of the limonene-6-hydroxylase- (CYP71D18-) mediated hydroxylation of the monoterpene olefin limonene are determined by the absolute configuration of the substrate. (−)-(4S)-Limonene is hydroxylated at the C6 allylic position to give (−)-trans-carveol as the only product, whereas (+)-(4R)-limonene yields multiple hydroxylation products with (+)-cis-carveol predominating. Specifically deuterated limonene enantiomers were prepared to investigate the net stereospecificity of hydroxylation at C6 and the mechanism of multiple product formation. The results of isotopically sensitive branching experiments of competitive and noncompetitive design were consistent with a nondissociative kinetic mechanism, indicating that (4R)-limonene has sufficient freedom of motion within the active site of CYP71D18 to allow formation of either the trans-3- or cis-6-hydroxylated product. However, the kinetic isotope effects resulting from deuterium abstraction were significantly smalle...
Massive Subfascial Hematoma After Alteplase Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction

The authors report a case of a patient who received alteplase for acute myocardial infarction and developed spontaneous subfascial hematoma without any evidence of direct trauma. Subfascial hematoma remains a rare and self-limited complication of thrombolytic therapy. The development of cutaneous ecchymosis associated with a sudden fall in hemoglobin after the administration of alteplase should strongly suggest the possibility of diffuse subfascial hematoma. Physicians should be aware of the possible association between the use of alteplase and the development of subfascial hemorrhage.
Mammalian Prions Generated from Bacterially Expressed Prion Protein in the Absence of Any Mammalian Cofactors

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with the conformational conversion of a normal prion protein, PrPC, to a misfolded aggregated form, PrPSc. The protein-only hypothesis asserts that PrPSc itself represents the infectious TSE agent. Although this model is supported by rapidly growing experimental data, unequivocal proof has been elusive. The protein misfolding cyclic amplification reactions have been recently shown to propagate prions using brain-derived or recombinant prion protein, but only in the presence of additional cofactors such as nucleic acids and lipids. Here, using a protein misfolding cyclic amplification variation, we show that prions causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in wild-type hamsters can be generated solely from highly purified, bacterially expressed recombinant hamster prion protein without any mammalian or synthetic cofactors (other than buffer salts and detergent). These findings provide strong support for the protein-only hypothesis of TSE diseases, as well as argue that cofactors such as nucleic acids, other polyanions, or lipids are non-obligatory for prion protein conversion to the infectious form.
Zero-temperature thermodynamics of asymmetric Fermi gases at unitarity

The equation of state of a dilute two-component asymmetric Fermi gas at unitarity is subject to strong constraints, which affect the spatial density profiles in atomic traps. These constraints require the existence of at least one nontrivial partially polarized (asymmetric) phase. We determine the relation between the structure of the spatial density profiles and the T=0 equation of state, based on the most accurate theoretical predictions available. We also show how the equation of state can be determined from experimental observations.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxygen Atom Abstraction from a Dioxo-Rhenium(VII) Complex

The kinetics of reaction between triarylphosphanes and two newly prepared dioxorhenium(VII) compounds has been evaluated. The compounds are MeReVII(O)2(“O,S”) in which “O,S” represents an alkoxo, thiolato chelating ligand. With MeReO3, ligands derived from 1-mercaptoethanol and 1-mercapto-2-propanol form MeRe(O)2(met), 2, and MeRe(O)2(m2p), 3. These compounds persist in chloroform solution for several hours at room temperature and for 2−3 weeks at −22 °C, particularly when water is carefully excluded. They were obtained as red oils with clean 1H NMR spectra, but attempts to obtain pure, crystalline products were not successful because one decomposition pathway shows a kinetic order >1. The fastest reaction occurs between P(p-MeOC6H4)3 and 2; k298 = 215(7) L mol-1 s-1 in chloroform at 25(1) °C. The other rate constants follow a Hammett correlation against 3σ, with ρ = −0.69(7). This study relates to oxygen atom transfer reactions catalyzed by MeReO(mtp)PPh3, 1, in which MeRe(O)2(mtp), 4, is a postulated in...
Concubines in Sung China

This article argues that concubines (ch'ieh) in traditional China should not be thought of as wives, even secondary wives. Using Sung dynasty (960-1279) evidence, the ritual, legal, and social differences between wives and concubines are examined. Wives were acquired through a betrothal process that entailed exchange of gifts and ceremonies; concubines were purchased through a market in female labor much as maids were. A wife's relatives became kin of her husband and his family; a concubine's did not. A man could take as many concubines as he could afford; he could marry only one wife. The sons of a concubine had the same rights of inheritance as the sons of a wife, but they had to treat their father's wife as their legal mother, honoring their "birth mother" to a lesser degree. A concubine had to treat the wife as her mistress, and she might well be used by the wife as a personal maid. The wife could rear the concubine's children herself if she chose to and would be their legal guardian if the father die...
Studies of fatty acid metabolism with positron emission tomography in patients with cardiomyopathy

Positron emission tomography (PET) permits in vivo as well as noninvasive study of fatty acid metabolism. Parameters of 11C-palmitate kinetics relate to the oxidation of fatty acids, and palmitic acid uptake is impaired in patients with coronary disease and cardiomyopathy. Normal myocardium shows homogenous fatty acid·metabolism and can resort to alternate substrates. Diseased myocardium exhibits regional heterogeneity in fatty acid uptake and utilization. In patients with cardiomyopathy, distinct patterns of fatty acid metabolism can be observed following changes of substrate availability by application of an oral glucose load. This intervention also enhances the heterogeneity of 11C-palmitic acid (CPA) uptake and clearance. Thus, PET studies with CPA permit the noninvasive demonstration of effects on substrate availability and may help to characterize patients with ventricular dysfunction on the biochemical level.
Steady-state pulse component in ultrafast pulse propagation in an anomalously dispersive dielectric

We describe a theoretical method to distinguish between the precursors (transient part) and main signal (steady state) for a Gaussian pulse propagating through an anomalously dispersive linear dielectric. According to conventional theory of optical precursors, there is no main signal for Gaussian pulse propagation regardless of the system parameters. In this paper, we show the existence of the main pulse by comparing the conventional asymptotic theory with recently published analytical expressions. Additionally, we show that experimentally observed, asymmetrically extended tails in Gaussian pulse propagation are due to a resonant precursor.
The travel cost method and the economic value of leisure time

Recent estimates of high values for tourist related recreation USA amenity values indicate that allocation of basic water and terrestrial resources to recreation activities should be given precedence over conventional market oriented activities that often degrade or even extirpate the resource. We discuss at length the travel cost method (TCM), a survey based technique that quantifies the non-market benefits of trips to recreation sites. The TCM has been cast in the role of an /umpire/ in recent resource allocation debates. Understanding the key role of the TCM in the debate will aid tourist agency officials throughout the world. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the U.S.A.
Social Media, Network Heterogeneity, and Opinion Polarization

Employing a national probability survey in 2012, this study tests relationships between social media, social network service (SNS) network heterogeneity, and opinion polarization. The results show that the use of social media is a positive predictor of the level of network heterogeneity on SNSs and that the relationship is mediated by several news-related activities, such as getting news, news posting, and talking about politics on SNSs. Testing the association between SNS network heterogeneity and polarization, this study considers 3 different dimensions of opinion polarization: partisan, ideological, and issue. The findings indicate that political discussion moderates the relationship between network heterogeneity and the level of partisan and ideological polarizations. The implications of this study are discussed.
CRISIS-INDUCED INTERMITTENCY AND MELNIKOV SCALE FACTOR

Abstract We study the post-critical behavior of a perturbed bistable Hamiltonian system to which the Melnikov approach is applicable under the assumption that the perturbation is asymptotically small. We examine the case of perturbations that are sufficiently large to cause chaotic transport between phase space regions associated with the system's potential wells. The main results are: (1) a small additional harmonic excitation can cause substantial changes in the system's mean residence time, and (2) the dependence of the magnitude of these changes on the additional excitation's frequency is similar to the dependence on frequency of the system's Melnikov scale factor. We discuss the relevance of these results to the design of efficient, Melnikov-based open loop controls aimed at increasing the mean residence time for the stochastically excited counterpart of the system.
Total atomic binding energy via the density functional theory

Following a suggestion by Lieb, the (original) Weizsacker inhomogeneity term is introduced into the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac energy-density functional by a correction factor of 1/5.376. Choosing the Ne atom as an example, and constructing the electron (number) density of this atom from hydrogen-like one-electron wavefunctions containing three variational parameters, the energy-density functional has been minimized. The resulting total binding energy (−128.463 a.u.) is in very good agreement with the near Hartree-Fock value (−128.574 a.u.). For comparison, calculations have also been carried out with the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac energy-density functional augmented by the (original) Weizsacker term multiplied by a correction factor of 1/9 that has been argued for by Kirzhnits and Kompaneets and Pavlovskil. The resulting total binding energy (−137.375 a.u.) is not in good agreement with the near HF value (−128.547 a.u.) though it still represents an agreement over the value (−153.225 a.u.) obtained without the inhomogeneity correction. It has been found that the radial electron (number) density computed with the factor advanced by Lieb (1/5.376) is in better agreement with the Hartree-Fock (double zeta) radial electron (number) density than the one computed with the factor advanced by Kirzhnits and Kompaneets and Pavlovskil (1/9).
Nozzle Contours for Minimum Particle-Lag Loss

The flow of a gas-particle mixture through a rocket nozzle is analyzed under the approximation that the particle slip velocity is small compared with the average mixture velocity, using one-dimensional gasdynamics, the Stokes drag law, and corresponding approximations for the heat transfer between solid and gas phase. The variational problem defining the pressure distribution giving the minimum impulse loss due to particle lag is formulated and solved for nozzles of prescribed mass flow, length, and of given exit pressure or area. The throat section of the optimum nozzle is considerably elongated and more gradual than that of the conventional nozzle. The velocity and temperature lags were much lower (about 1/3) in the throat region than those for the conventional nozzle. The impulse loss of the optimum nozzle was, however, reduced only about 30% below that of the conventional nozzle. It is concluded that contouring of the nozzle to improve gas-particle flow performance will result in only very modest gains. As a direct consequence, the impulse losses calculated herein for optimum nozzles can be used as a rough but convenient approximation for the impulse losses in conventional nozzles having the same area ratio or pressure ratio.
Insulin receptor defect in diabetic man with chronic renal failure: A comparison of erythrocyte insulin binding in diabetic and nondiabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Abstract 125I-Insulin binding to most accessible and easily obtained circulating erythrocytes in 7 diabetic and 16 nondiabetic, nonobese patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on maintenance hemodialysis was studied and compared with that of the 30 normal, nonobese volunteers. The percent-age of 125I-insulin binding was 4.7 ± 1.8 (mean ± SD) in the diabetic and 13.1 ± 2.4 in the nondiabetic patients with CRF while in the normal subjects it was 9.9 ± 1.4. There was no statistical difference in the fasting levels of glucose, insulin, and glycosylated hemoglobins in all the subjects studied. No correlation (r = −0.32) between insulin binding and endogenous insulin was observed in these subjects. The diabetic patients with CRF had no circulating factor(s) that would reduce insulin binding to normal erythrocytes. In comparison to the normal subjects, the reduction in insulin binding in the diabetic patients with CRF was accompanied by 47% reduction in insulin receptor sites (R0) but with no change in insulin receptor affinity, ( K e , 0.46 × 108 m −1), while in the nondiabetic patients with CRF no change in insulin receptor sites (R0) of increased affinity ( K e , 0.63 × 108 m −1) was observed. These findings suggest that insulin binding utilizing the much simpler erythrocyte insulin receptor assay can be used to evaluate alteration in insulin receptor status in CRF. These investigations also provide a very useful assay and characteristic studies for insulin receptors, if receptor modulation acquires a status of treatment for diabetes.
Cytologic-histologic correlation of screening and diagnostic Papanicolaou tests.

The Pap test (PT) is most commonly used as a screening test; however, it is often also used as a “diagnostic test,” usually in patients of known or suspected lesions. As we have recently shown that the yield of atypical interpretations in diagnostic Pap tests (DPTs) is nearly five times greater than the yield for screening Pap tests (SPTs), we speculated that the PT might function differently when used in each population. The University of Virginia's cytologic–histologic correlation results for PTs, accessioned between 4 January 2003 and 11 December 2003, were reviewed. PTs were considered as SPTs or DPTs, depending on the billing codes used by referring physicians. Using the original diagnosis, results were compared for SPTs and DPTs using chi-square testing. There were 1,311 PTs (776 DPTs and 535 SPTs), which had histologic follow-up within a 7-mo period. Of SPTs interpreted as negative (242), 11 (4.5%) showed SIL or worse and 3 (1.2%) showed HSIL or worse on follow-up biopsy. Of SPTs interpreted as ASC (133), 59 (44.3%) showed SIL or worse and 16 (12.0%) showed HSIL or worse on follow-up biopsy. Of SPTs interpreted as LSIL (117), 65 (55.5%) showed SIL or worse and 17 (14.5%) showed HSIL or worse on follow-up biopsy. Of SPTs interpreted as HSIL (38), 31 (81.6%) showed SIL or worse and 23 (60.5%) showed HSIL or worse on follow-up biopsy. Of SPTs interpreted as glandular lesions (AGC, adenocarcinoma, etc.) (4), 3 (75%) showed HSIL or malignancy. Of DPTs interpreted as negative (261), 69 (26.4%) showed SIL or worse and 10 (3.8%) showed HSIL or worse on follow-up biopsy. Of DPTs interpreted as ASC (166), 75 (45.2%) showed SIL or worse and 22 (13.3%) showed HSIL or worse on follow-up biopsy. Of DPTs interpreted as LSIL (227), 146 (64.4%) showed SIL or worse and 31 (13.7%) showed HSIL or worse on follow-up biopsy. Of DPTs interpreted as HSIL (119), 105 (87.4%) showed SIL or worse and 84 (70.6%) showed HSIL or worse on follow-up biopsy. Of DPTs interpreted as glandular lesions (AGC, adenocarcinoma, etc.) (3), 3 (100%) showed HSIL or malignancy. Overall, DPTs were more likely than SPTs to show SIL or HSIL on follow-up biopsy (P < 0.01), and negative DPTs were more likely than negative SPTs to show SIL or HSIL on follow-up biopsy (P < 0.01, P = 0.01, respectively). Some of this may be a reflection of the increased percentage of LSIL and HSIL results for DPTs. Despite the difference in disease prevalence between women having SPTs and those having DPTs, the PT seems to function relatively the same in both scenarios, except in high risk women with negative DPTs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006;34:503–506. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Despite the Increasing Use of Nonoperative Management of Firearm Trauma, Shotgun Injuries Still Require Aggressive Operative Management

Background The energy dissipation between gunshot and shotgun blasts is very different. Injuries from shotgun blasts vary depending on the distance of the victim from the shooter, the choke of the shotgun, the pellet load, and the wad of the ammunition. We postulated that gunshot and shotgun blasts create different injury patterns that dictate different treatment plans. Methods Medical records of patients with gunshot and shotgun trauma were reviewed from 1998 through 2007 at our university-based trauma center. Statistical comparisons were made via Fisher's test or t -test calculations. Results We evaluated 2833 patients injured by firearms; of these 61 had shotgun wounds (2.2%). The remainder sustained gunshot wounds. Mortality between shotgun and gunshot trauma patients was similar (7% versus 9%, respectively, P = 0.8). There was no difference in the mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) (13.7 ± 1.6 versus 12.9 ± 0.2; P = 0.6). Overall, 61% of patients underwent operative intervention after shotgun injuries versus 36% of patients with gunshot wounds ( P versus 5.9 ± 0.21, P Conclusions Although the injury severity was similar, injuries from shotguns required more operations and resource utilization. Shotgun blasts can create impressive superficial injuries as well as significant deep organ damage. An aggressive operative approach to managing shotgun trauma is advantageous.
A concise and regioselective synthesis of 1-alkyl-4-imidazolecarboxylates.

Reaction between ethyl 3-N,N-(dimethylamino)-2-isocyanoacrylate (1) and a primary amine (2) regioselectively affords 1-alkyl-4-imidazolecarboxylates (3) in good yields (52−89%). The method is applicable to unhindered and hindered amine substrates, as well as those containing reactive functionality such as alcohols and secondary and tertiary amines.
Applied mel-frequency discrete wavelet coefficients and parallel model compensation for noise-robust speech recognition

Abstract Interfering noise severely degrades the performance of a speech recognition system. The Parallel Model Compensation (PMC) technique is one of the most efficient techniques for dealing with such noise. Another approach is to use features local in the frequency domain, such as Mel-Frequency Discrete Wavelet Coefficients (MFDWCs). In this paper, we investigate the use of PMC and MFDWC features to take advantage of both noise compensation and local features (MFDWCs) to decrease the effect of noise on recognition performance. We also introduce a practical weighting technique based on the noise level of each coefficient. We evaluate the performance of several wavelet-schemes using the NOISEX-92 database for various noise types and noise levels. Finally, we compare the performance of these versus Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), both using PMC. Experimental results show significant performance improvements for MFDWCs versus MFCCs, particularly after compensating the HMMs using the PMC technique. The best feature vector among the six MFDWCs we tried gave 13.72 and 5.29 points performance improvement, on the average, over MFCCs for −6 and 0 dB SNR, respectively. This corresponds to 39.9% and 62.8% error reductions, respectively. Weighting the partial score of each coefficient based on the noise level further improves the performance. The average error rates for the best MFDWCs dropped from 19.57% to 16.71% and from 3.14% to 2.14% for −6 dB and 0 dB noise levels, respectively, using the weighting scheme. These improvements correspond to 14.6% and 31.8% error reductions for −6 dB and 0 dB noise levels, respectively.
Occupancy Models of Nesting-Season Habitat Associations of Red-Shouldered Hawks in Central Minnesota

Abstract Red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus) are a species of special conservation concern in much of the Great Lakes region, and apparent population declines are thought to be primarily due to habitat loss and alteration. To evaluate red-shouldered hawk–habitat associations during the nesting season and at the landscape scale, we conducted repeated call-broadcast surveys in central Minnesota, USA, across 3 landscapes that represented a range of landscape conditions as a result of differing management practices. In 2004, we conducted repeated call-broadcast surveys at 131 locations in 2 study areas, and in 2005, we surveyed 238 locations in 3 study areas. We developed models relating habitat characteristics at 2 spatial scales to red-shouldered hawk occupancy and assessed support for these models in an information–theoretic framework. Overall, a small proportion of nonforest (grass, clear-cut area, forest 40 yr old), had the strongest assoc...
THERMAL BEHAVIOR AND CURING KINETICS OF POLY(CARBOSILANE)

This study focuses on the thermal behavior and curing kinetics of a commercially available poly(carbosilane). Poly(carbosilane) is used for the production of silicon carbide (SiC) fibers by high-temperature pyrolysis. Thermal characterization studies were carried out by employing a differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetric analyzer. The change in the chemical structure during curing with oxygen was studied with an infrared spectrometer. It was found that the uncured poly(carbosilane) would froth under a nitrogen environment around 450°C. Curing with oxygen, which results in crosslinking at the surface, enables the sample to retain its shape during high-temperature pyrolysis. Curing was carried out at various temperatures, and the kinetics of the curing reactions were characterized.
The effect of glucose infusion on survival after acute mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion.

Perfusion of ischemic tissue with glucose has been shown to be deleterious to heart, spinal cord, and kidney. Observations that glucagon improves survival after acute mesenteric ischemia, however, suggest that hyperglycemia may not be deleterious during bowel ischemia. This experiment examined the effect of glucose infusion on survival in an established rat model of acute mesenteric ischemia. The superior (cranial) mesenteric artery (SMA) was occluded for 85 min in 36 anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were randomized to receive 5% glucose in normal saline (n = 15; 16.5 mL/kg.min iv), normal saline alone (n = 13; 16.4 mL/kg.min iv), or no intravenous fluid (n = 8). Ninety-minute intravenous infusions were initiated 10 min after SMA occlusion. Survival to 48 h was 47% in glucose-saline-treated rats, 31% in saline-only-treated rats, and 12.5% in control rats. These results demonstrate no deleterious effect of glucose infusion on mortality after acute mesenteric ischemia in this model.
Molecular Dissection of Na+ Binding to Thrombin

Abstract Na+ binding near the primary specificity pocket of thrombin promotes the procoagulant, prothrombotic, and signaling functions of the enzyme. The effect is mediated allosterically by a communication between the Na+ site and regions involved in substrate recognition. Using a panel of 78 Ala mutants of thrombin, we have mapped the allosteric core of residues that are energetically linked to Na+ binding. These residues are Asp-189, Glu-217, Asp-222, and Tyr-225, all in close proximity to the bound Na+. Among these residues, Asp-189 shares with Asp-221 the important function of transducing Na+ binding into enhanced catalytic activity. None of the residues of exosite I, exosite II, or the 60-loop plays a significant role in Na+ binding and allosteric transduction. X-ray crystal structures of the Na+-free (slow) and Na+-bound (fast) forms of thrombin, free or bound to the active site inhibitor H-d-Phe-Pro-Arg-chloromethyl-ketone, document the conformational changes induced by Na+ binding. The slow → fast transition results in formation of the Arg-187:Asp-222 ion pair, optimal orientation of Asp-189 and Ser-195 for substrate binding, and a significant shift of the side chain of Glu-192 linked to a rearrangement of the network of water molecules that connect the bound Na+ to Ser-195 in the active site. The changes in the water network and the allosteric core explain the thermodynamic signatures linked to Na+ binding and the mechanism of thrombin activation by Na+. The role of the water network uncovered in this study establishes a new paradigm for the allosteric regulation of thrombin and other Na+-activated enzymes involved in blood coagulation and the immune response.
Training teachers to evaluate emerging bilingual students’ biliterate writing

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore and identify issues related to training teachers to use a bilingual writing rubric designed to examine the biliterate writing of emerging bilingual students who are participating in a biliteracy model. Findings indicate the need to provide clarifications on the rubric rating criteria and the need to pay attention to the differences between Spanish and English rhetoric, as teachers had lower levels of consensus when they rated Spanish content. This finding also indicates a need to revise the rubric itself. High levels of consensus were reached when teachers rated spelling and structural elements in both languages. When conducting an analysis of students’ Spanish and English writing, teachers noted students’ ability to transfer writing abilities across languages. This study is significant to the advancement of this biliteracy model and to the education of emerging bilingual students. It is also important to develop a shared vision of what it means to be...
A prostate fibromyxoid sarcoma with smooth muscle differentiation in a F344xBNF1 rat.

This report describes a spontaneous prostate fibromyxoid sarcoma with smooth muscle differentiation in an approximately 136-week-old intact male F344xBNF1 rat on a diet study for 2 weeks. At necropsy, the prostate was markedly distorted and enlarged by a firm white multinodular mass (6.0 × 4.5 × 3.5 cm). Histopathologically, the mass consisted of solid sheets of interlacing mesenchymal spindle cells with indistinct cell borders. Nuclei were separated by variable amounts of hyaline to fibrillar eosinophilic and/or myxomatous material. The extracellular myxomatous material tended to form whorls and stained positively with alcian blue. The mass stained strongly with Masson trichrome and vimentin throughout. Approximately 5% of the neoplastic cells were positive for smooth muscle actin, and none stained for desmin and pancytokeratin. To the authors’ knowledge, this fibromyxoid sarcoma with smooth muscle differentiation is the first such described prostatic sarcoma in a rat.
A small molecule inhibitor of ETV1, YK-4- 279, prevents prostate cancer growth and metastasis in a mouse Xenograft model

Background The erythroblastosis virus E26 transforming sequences (ETS) family of transcription factors consists of a highly conserved group of genes that play important roles in cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion. Chromosomal translocations fusing ETS factors to promoters of androgen responsive genes have been found in prostate cancers, including the most clinically aggressive forms. ERG and ETV1 are the most commonly translocated ETS proteins. Over-expression of these proteins in prostate cancer cells results in a more invasive phenotype. Inhibition of ETS activity by small molecule inhibitors may provide a novel method for the treatment of prostate cancer.
C-Reactive Protein: Risk Marker or Mediator in Atherothrombosis?

Inflammation appears to be pivotal in all phases of atherosclerosis from the fatty streak lesion to acute coronary syndromes. An important downstream marker of inflammation is C-reactive protein (CRP). Numerous studies have shown that CRP levels predict cardiovascular disease in apparently healthy individuals. This has resulted in a position statement recommending cutoff levels of CRP 3.0 mg/L equating to low, average, and high risk for subsequent cardiovascular disease. More interestingly, much in vitro data have now emerged in support of a role for CRP in atherogenesis. To date, studies largely in endothelial cells, but also in monocyte-macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, support a role for CRP in atherogenesis. The proinflammatory, proatherogenic effects of CRP that have been documented in endothelial cells include the following: decreased nitric oxide and prostacyclin and increased endothelin-1, cell adhesion molecules, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8, and increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. In monocyte-macrophages, CRP induces tissue factor secretion, increases reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine release, promotes monocyte chemotaxis and adhesion, and increases oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake. Also, CRP has been shown in vascular smooth muscle cells to increase inducible nitric oxide production, increase NFkappa(b) and mitogen-activated protein kinase activities, and, most importantly, upregulate angiotensin type-1 receptor resulting in increased reactive oxygen species and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Future studies should be directed at delineating the molecular mechanisms for these important in vitro observations. Also, studies should be directed at confirming these findings in animal models and other systems as proof of concept. In conclusion, CRP is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease and, based on future studies, could emerge as a mediator in atherogenesis.
Influence of age and incentive conditions on children's self-rewards.

Two experiments investigated the effects of age, incentives, and class-standing on frequency of self-reinforcement (SR) in children. In Exp. I children in classes rewarded themselves for anticipating E's response correctly, when chances for successful guessing were near zero. Younger children gave more inappropriate SRs, as did children who were rewarded with candy, and others who also observed a model's self-rewards. Children who were ranked in the lower half of their classes exceeded high-ranking Ss in self-rewards in the candy and model groups. In Exp. II, SR was taken for correct responding after a simple partially learned visual discrimination in individual sessions. Low-ranking Ss performed equally well as high ranking Ss but took more undeserved self-rewards Incorrect SRs correlated 0.45 in Ss across Exps. I and II. The relationship of age, class-standing, and tendency to take undeserved self-reinforcements was discussed.
Novel super structured Bragg gratings for optical encryption

A new type of optical encryption based on super-structured Bragg gratings is proposed. Security is provided by the transformation of the signal to noiselike patterns in the optical domain, which hides any structure to nonauthorized users. Encryption at speeds of several gigabits per second with low bit error rates is simulated.
Radiation therapy for orbital lymphoma.

Purpose: To describe radiation techniques and evaluate outcomes for orbital lymphoma. Methods and Materials: Forty-six patients (and 62 eyes) with orbital lymphoma treated with radiotherapy between 1987 and 2003 were included. The majority had mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (48%) or follicular (30%) lymphoma. Seventeen patients had prior lymphoma at other sites, and 29 had primary orbital lymphoma. Median follow-up was 46 months. Results: The median dose was 30.6 Gy; one-third received Conclusions A dose of 30 Gy is sufficient for indolent orbital lymphoma. Distant relapse rate in patients with localized orbital lymphoma was lower than that reported for low-grade lymphoma presenting in other sites. Orbital radiotherapy can be used for salvage of recurrent indolent lymphoma.
Emerging nephron sparing treatments for kidney tumors: a continuum of modalities from energy ablation to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

ABSTRACTPurpose: The current global medical trend toward minimally invasive treatment for various tumors has generated special interest in several minimally invasive options in the management of kidney tumors. We discuss the role of nephron sparing surgery by less invasive options than the time-honored partial nephrectomy, and the current multitude of energy based tumor ablative methods.Materials and Methods: We searched the English literature following the introduction of nephron sparing surgery, with special attention to various emerging minimally invasive surgical and ablative alternatives.Results: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be performed safely following the surgical oncology principles established by open partial nephrectomy. Initial results from the various energy based modalities, most notably cryoablation, indicate that high local control rates can be achieved. However, caution is advised since viable tissue has been observed after minimally invasive ablative therapies. Available data, wh...
Tracking design methodology in DAMOCLES

Specific requirements enabling design tracking in design data management systems (DDMS) are discussed. The concepts of active and distributed workspaces are introduced. Active workspaces allow the control of the design stage while maintaining integrity and sharing of design data. >
Red-Eared Slider Turtles Lack Response to Immunization with Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin but Have High Levels of Natural Antibodies

While the specific humoral response of reptiles is slow and does not typically increase in titer or binding affinity upon secondary immunization, reptiles produce polyreactive natural antibodies (NAbs) that have low binding affinity and are produced in the absence of antigen stimulation. Given the poor specific response, NAbs may be an important protective resource in reptiles. In order to investigate the relative contributions of natural and specific antibodies, we immunized turtles with the novel antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). We did not detect an increase in antibody titers. However, preimmunization titers to KLH, as well as to a series of other novel antigens, were high in the turtles, indicating a strong NAb response. Interestingly, we found an age-associated increase in NAb titers in adults. Overall, our data suggest that reptiles may use NAbs as part of a strong innate immune response rather than relying on slower specific humoral responses.
Effects of DAP on diaphragm force and fatigue, including fatigue due to neurotransmission failure

Van Lunteren, Erik, and Michelle Moyer. Effects of DAP on diaphragm force and fatigue, including fatigue due to neurotransmission failure. J. Appl. Physiol. 81(5): 2214–2220, 1996.—Among the aminop...
Micro programming rational arithmetic operations

For many years, real number arithmetic, whether accomplished in hardware, software, or firmware, has utilized a floating point scheme. This paper summarizes the results of a study assessing rational representation as a possible replacement for floating point representation. The Hewlett-Packard 2100A microprogrammable computer was used as the test vehicle. Both accuracy and speed comparisons were used to judge the usefulness of the substitution.
A metadata system for information modeling and integration

Information integration in computerized enterprises entails global modeling and repository systems that represent both data resources and control knowledge of the enterprise. Toward this end, a metadata system has been developed based on the two-stage entity-relationship approach. The system's functions include creation of functional models, structural models, and implementation schemata for both data and knowledge. The mappings between functional and structural models, as well as between structural models and implementation schemata, are automated. Integration of heterogeneous subsystem models across the enterprise is another function of the system. The resulting global conceptual model of the enterprise could be used for administration purposes or further mapped into physical schema for implementation. Management of the metadata repository is a third function. The system supports the creation, storage, and management of the metadatabase as a stand-alone global information resources dictionary for all enterprise users. The creation and population of the metadatabase are fully automated according to the information model. Manipulation and query against the metadatabase are done through a metadata engine, which is implemented using a relational database management system coupled with a Lisp environment. >
The relation between sluggish cognitive tempo and DSM-IV ADHD.

To test the relation between sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and DSM-IV ADHD symptoms, parent and teacher ratings of the 18 DSM-IV ADHD items and five potential SCT items were obtained in a community sample of 8–18 year-old twins that was overselected for ADHD and learning disabilities (n = 296). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that a three-factor model provided the best fit to the data for both parent and teacher ratings. DSM-IV inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity symptoms loaded on two factors consistent with the DSM-IV model, and five SCT symptoms loaded primarily on a third factor. The SCT and inattention factors were highly correlated, whereas SCT and hyperactivity–impulsivity were weakly related. Both raters indicated that children meeting symptom criteria for the combined and inattentive subtypes exhibited significantly more SCT symptoms than those meeting symptom criteria for hyperactive–impulsive type and the comparison group without ADHD. Children meeting symptom criteria for the inattentive type exhibited significantly more SCT symptoms than those meeting criteria for the combined type, based on teacher ratings. These results suggest that SCT is an internally consistent construct that is significantly associated with DSM-IV inattention.
Distributed error handling and HRI

The implementations of a distributed, autonomous error handler (EH) and a human-robot interface (HRI) are presented. The interface is combined with the EH to allow a human operator to see that a failure has occurred on a robot and whether or not it has been served by the EH. An experiment was run to test how well the EH and the interface work together, as well as the usefulness of the EH. The results were inconclusive, although the EH and interface worked together successfully.
Social antecedents and consequences of interpersonal rejection sensitivity

Although there is good evidence linking interpersonal rejection sensitivity to mood and anxiety disorders, less attention has been given to the social context in which it develops. This study is an investigation of the interpersonal antecedents and consequences of rejection sensitivity. A sample of 104 college students was given the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM), the Teasing Questionnaire-Revised (TQ-R), the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire (ICQ), and retrospective measures of childhood peer acceptance and social support. The results indicate that interpersonal sensitivity is associated with teasing during childhood, but not acceptance and social support. The IPSM was also related to interpersonal competence during adulthood.
Closing the Cultural Gap: Awareness Groups for Migrant Children.

(1977). Closing the cultural gap: Awareness groups for migrant children. Central States Speech Journal: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 134-139.