cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel On-chip Three-dimensional Micromachined Calorimeter with Fully Enclosed and Suspended Thin-film Chamber for Thermal Characterization of Liquid Samples

A microfabricated calorimeter (μ-calorimeter) with an enclosed reaction chamber is presented. The 3D micromachined reaction chamber is capable of analyzing liquid samples with volume of 200 nl. The thin film low-stress silicon nitride membrane is used to reduce thermal mass of the calorimeter and increase the sensitivity of system. The μ-calorimeter has been designed to perform DC and AC calorimetry, thermal wave analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The μ-calorimeter fabricated with an integrated heater and a temperature sensor on opposite sides of the reaction chamber allows to perform thermal diffusivity and specific heat measurements on liquid samples with same device. Measurement results for diffusivity and heat capacitance using time delay method and thermal wave analysis are presented.
Estrogen regulates placental androstenedione production during rat pregnancy.

During rat pregnancy the placenta appears to provide androgens, particularly androstenedione (Δ4A) as a source of precursor for estradiol (E2) formation by the ovary. The present study determined if the ovary and, specifically, estrogen have roles in regulating placental Δ4A production during the second half of rat pregnancy. Pregnant rats were ovariectomized (OVX) on day 9 of gestation, treated daily with 4 mg progesterone (P4) to maintain pregnancy, and received a Silastic capsule containing either E2 or oil on day 10 of gestation only. Placental steroidogenesis was then determined in vitro on day 14 by the ability of this tissue to convert [3H]pregnenolone ([3H] P6) substrate to the intermediate [3H]P4 and product [3H]Δ4A. Mean (±SE) placental formation of Δ4A from P5 increased (P < 0.01) from 6.3 ± 0.5% in control animals to 10.7 ± 1.6% in OVX P4-treated rats. In contrast, placentae from OVX animals treated with P4 and E2 exhibited a decline in Δ4A formation (2.5 ± 0.3%) compared to that in both contr...
Improved characterization of atherosclerotic plaques by gadolinium contrast during intravascular magnetic resonance imaging of human arteries.

Abstract Objectives To determine whether gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) facilitates discrimination of fibrous, lipid or calcified constituents during intravascular magnetic resonance imaging (IVMRI) of human atherosclerotic arteries. Background Atherosclerotic plaques that cause fatal thrombosis due to rupture have high content of lipid relative to fibrous tissue. We recently demonstrated that IVMRI identifies lipid, fibrous, and calcified components within atherosclerotic human arteries with favorable sensitivity and specificity. Gd-DTPA, a T1-shortening agent, selectively amplifies the signal from fibrous tissue on T1 weighted (T1w) surface MRI. Methods A 0.030 in. diameter receiver coil coupled to a 1.5T MR scanner was positioned in iliac arteries of nine subjects with atherosclerosis. Previously validated multi-parametric analysis of T1w and moderate T2w images identified 137 fibrous, lipid and calcified regions of interest within 37 arterial segments. T1w imaging was repeated following 0.1 mmol/kg IV Gd-DTPA infusion. Results Computer-derived mean gray value in fibrous regions increased by 34.2% with Gd-DTPA (95% CI 24.3–43.5%, p = 0.0001) while lipid and calcified regions showed only a non-significant increase of 4.3% (95% CI −0.6 to 9.2%, p = 0.0825) and 3.8% (95% CI −1.1 to 7.7%, p = 0.103), respectively. The increase in mean gray value with Gd-DTPA was greater for fibrous than for lipid or calcified regions ( p = 0.0001). Conclusions Gd-DTPA selectively enhances signal intensity of fibrous constituents during IVMRI of human atherosclerotic arteries and thus identifies key tissue characteristics associated with plaque stability. These findings have important implications for the assessment of plaque-stabilizing therapies and ultimately for reducing cardiovascular events.
Using directives to construct egalitarian or hierarchical social organization: Turkish middle-class preschool girls’ socialization about gender, affect, and context in peer group conversations

Prior research by M. H. Goodwin (1990) found that preadolescent African-American girls socialized one another towards ‘egalitarian’ forms of social organization in task activities, but preferred fo...
Comparison of determinants of frame size in older adults

Abstract Accurate designations of body frame size can enhance the interpretation of height-weight tables. Determinants of frame size should be quantifiable, reflective of skeletal dimensions, and not influenced by adiposity. Visual assessment, the height:wrist circumference ratio, elbow breadth by 1983 and 1984 standards, and Frame Index 2 were studied in 300 healthy adults over 64 years of age. Distribution of frame size across small, medium, and large categories revealed that visual assessment and height:wrist circumference ratio agreed with designations of elbow breadth measurements for less than 50% of the population. Highest levels of agreement occurred between elbow breadth (1984) and Frame Index 2. For men, high partial correlations between height:wrist circumference ratio and subscapular fatfold measurements corrected for age and arm muscle area indicated that measurement may be affected by body fat. Lowest correlations with subscapular fatfolds were for wrist and ankle breadths for women and ankle breadth for men. Elbow breadth and Frame Index 2 had low negative correlations with subscapular skinfold for men but much higher values for women. Elbow breadth measurements are widely used as frame size determinants, but for women, at least, ankle and wrist breadths meet the criterion of low associations with body fatness.
Personality Characteristics and Psychosocial Adjustment of Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Psychological tests and structured interviews were administered to 42 survivors of childhood cancer to asses their psychosocial adjustment. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was administered to each survivor, and the Personality Inventory for Children (PIC) was administered to his or her chopathology of each MMPI profile. Thirty-three percent of the survivors were found to exhibit clinical evidence of at least a moderate degree of emotional difficulty. The structured interviews, in combination with the MMPI test results, revealed agitation, restlessness, social withdrawal, and passivity as frequent behavioral difficulties. Parents' reprts (via the PIC) of their children's personalities were highly correlated with the survivors' MMPI profiles. With regard to social adjustment, the development of age-appropriate independent tasks appeared to be most difficult for survivors. The findings of this pilot study support the recommendation that psychosocial rehabilitation should be an importan...
A possible current system associated with the Sqp variation

It is suggested that the quiet day daily magnetic variation in the polar cap region, Sqp, results partly from the short-circuit effect of the magnetotail current by the polar ionosphere. This implies that there is an inward field-aligned current from the dawnside magnetopause to the forenoon sector of the auroral oval (positively charged) and an outward field-aligned current to the duskside magnetopause from the afternoon sector of the oval (negatively charged), together with the ionospheric (Pedersen and Hall) currents. The distribution of the magnetic field vectors of both combined current systems agrees with the observed Sqp vector distribution. The space charges provide an electric field distribution which is similar to that which has been observed by polar orbiting satellites.
Child custody in historical perspective: A study of changing social perceptions of divorce and child custody in Anglo-American law

The history of divorce law in England and America shows that child custody decisions have tended to be made on the basis of social biases about the nature of men and women, rather than on the basis of the competence of the individual parents or of the best interests of the children. This article traces the history of divorce law with particular attention to child custody from twelfth century England to modern America. The historical flipflop from paternal custody to maternal custody is documented, and the assumptions underlying the prejudices toward paternal and maternal custody are reviewed and compared. Joint custody, when possible, provides a solution to the custody problem. However, sexual stereotypes provide no substitute for meticulous fact-finding when parents cannot agree. Language: en
The moderating effects of cannabis use and decision making on the relationship between conduct disorder and risky sexual behavior

Risky sexual behavior (RSB) is a current public health concern affecting adolescents and young adults. Conduct disorder, cannabis use, and decision-making (DM) ability are interrelated constructs that are relevant to RSB; however, there is little research on the association of DM and RSB. Participants were 79 cannabis users assessed through self-report measures of RSB and mental health and a timeline follow-back procedure for substance use. DM ability was assessed via the Iowa Gambling Task. We found that more conduct disorder symptoms accounted for unique variance in measures of overall RSB and an earlier initiation of oral sex, even when taking into account DM and cannabis use. Amount of cannabis use and DM ability moderated the relationships between number of conduct disorder symptoms and number of oral sex partners and age of initiation for vaginal sex. An increase in conduct disorder symptoms was associated with more oral sex partners when DM was poor and fewer partners when DM was better; however, this relationship was only present at higher levels of cannabis use. Furthermore, when DM was poor, more conduct disorder symptoms predicted a younger age of initiation of vaginal sex, with the age decreasing as amount of cannabis use increased. Determining how DM influences RSB may assist in the identification of novel treatment approaches to reduce engagement in RSB.
Richard Wright's Nameless NATIVE SON

In his insightful analysis of the images of blindness and sight in Richard Wright's Native Son, James Nagel maintains that blindness functions throughout the novel as a metaphor for white society's...
Mapping properties for oscillatory integrals in d-dimensions

Abstract For a j , b j ⩾ 1 , j = 1 , 2 , … , d , we prove that the operator K f ( x ) = ∫ R + d k ( x , y ) f ( y ) d y maps L p ( R + d ) into itself for p = 1 + 1 r , where r = a 1 b 1 = ⋯ = a d b d , and k ( x , y ) = φ ( x , y ) e i g ( x , y ) , φ ( x , y ) satisfies (1.2) (e.g. φ ( x , y ) = | x − y | i τ , τ real) and the phase g ( x , y ) = x a ⋅ y b . We study operators with more general phases and for these operators we require that a j , b j > 1 , j = 1 , 2 , … , d , or a l = b l ⩾ 1 for some l ∈ { 1 , 2 , … , d } .
IT-Enabled Resource Management

As information technology becomes more widespread, access to real-time data regarding the supply and demand for resources is becoming central to the management of physical infrastructures. Current information systems for resource management are mostly static, so an underlying challenge in the management of resources is how to overcome time-lags in information transfer for efficiently measuring demand and then adequately provisioning a supply of resources to meet that demand. Particularly in the context of ‘smart cities’, a new framework is required for information management in the context of resource management. In this paper, we propose an information architecture consisting of life-cycle design, scalable and flexible resource microgrids, pervasive sensing, data analytics and visualization, and policy-based autonomous control that directly links real-time demand patterns to the state of various supply-side management systems. This integrated supply-demand information system is used to obtain a more holistic view of information flow through the infrastructure. We show that such an architecture is more efficient at information transfer than existing systems, and posit that this increased efficiency in turn enables improved management of resources within the infrastructure because of the availability of a higher number of degrees of freedom in the management of the infrastructure. The paper concludes by illustrating the applicability of the proposed architecture for a case study of two large-scale infrastructures.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Improving Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

As energy demands increase for applications such as automotive, military, aerospace, and biomedical, lithium-ion battery capacities are forced to increase in a corresponding manner. For this reason, much research is directed toward the development of improved battery anodes. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), silicon, tin, and nanocomposites with these metals are the leading candidates for the next generation of lithium-ion battery anodes, leading to capacities 3 to 10 times that of graphite alone. This review looks at some of the studies addressing high capacity lithium-ion battery anodes.
Transmural changes in stress-free myocyte morphology during pressure overload hypertrophy in the rat.

Cellular hypertrophy can alter the distribution of residual stress in the myocardium, hence can affect active and passive ventricular mechanics. It is hypothesized that an increase in stress-free cell cross-sectional area will tend to increase residual stresses. Therefore transmural distributions of myocyte cross-sectional areas and global ventricular dimensions in young rats 0–21 days following thoracic aortic banding with sham-operated and unoperated control groups were measured in tissue free of all external and residual stresses. Cell cross-sectional area increased in the stress-free state and was uniform across the wall except at 21 days when there was a transmural gradient, with cells at the endocardium 46% larger in diameter than those in the outer wall. Cell area increased from a mean of 156±30μm2at 0 days to a mean of 627±164μm2at 21 days, although during this time there were no statistical changes in the opening angles of stress-free tissue sections. Because the time course of opening angle did not follow the changes in cell thickening, the cellular growth measured in this study is probably not the only factor responsible for the distribution of residual stress.
Advances towards using finger/toenail dosimetry to triage a large population after potential exposure to ionizing radiation

Rapid and accurate retrospective dosimetry is of critical importance and strategic value for the emergency medical response to a large-scale radiological/nuclear event. One technique that has the potential for rapid and accurate dosimetry measurements is electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of relatively stable radiation-induced signals (RIS) in fingernails and toenails. Two approaches are being developed for EPR nail dosimetry. In the approach using ex vivo measurements on nail clippings, accurate estimation of the dose-dependent amplitude of the RIS is complicated by the presence of mechanically-induced signals (MIS) that are generated during the nail clipping. Recent developments in ex vivo nail dosimetry, including a thorough characterization of the MIS and an appreciation of the role of hydration and the development of effective analytic techniques, have led to improvements in the accuracy and precision of this approach. An in vivo nail dosimetry approach is also very promising, as it eliminates the problems of MIS from the clipping and it has the potential to be an effective and efficient approach for field deployment. Two types of EPR resonators are being developed for in vivo measurements of fingernails and toenails.
Paradoxical Action of Solvents on Bacterial and Liver β-Glucuronidases

Dichloromethane and chloroform have been found to inhibit the action of liver β-glucuronidase on phenolphthalein glucuronic acid at concentrations which produce a considerable enhancement of bacterial β-glucuronidase. Other solvents, including n-butanol, benzene, and toluene, have very little effect on the liver enzyme but nevertheless potentiate the bacterial enzyme.
Regioselective Synthesis and Photophysical and Electrochemical Studies of 20‐Substituted Cyanine Dye–Purpurinimide Conjugates: Incorporation of NiII into the Conjugate Enhances its Tumor‐Uptake and Fluorescence‐Imaging Ability

We report herein a simple and efficient approach to the synthesis of a variety of meso-substituted purpurinimides. The reaction of meso-substituted purpurinimide with N-bromosuccinimide regioselectively introduced a bromo functionality at the 20-position, which on further reaction with a variety of boronic acids under Suzuki reaction conditions yielded the corresponding meso-substituted analogues. Interestingly, the free base and the metalated analogues showed remarkable differences in photosensitizing efficacy (PDT) and tumor-imaging ability. For example, the free-base conjugate showed significant in vitro PDT efficacy, but limited tumor avidity in mice bearing tumors, whereas the corresponding Ni(II) derivative did not produce any cell kill, but showed excellent tumor-imaging ability at a dose of 0.3 μmol kg(-1) at 24, 48, and 72 h post-injection. The limited PDT efficacy of the Ni(II) analogue could be due to its inability to produce singlet oxygen, a key cytotoxic agent required for cell kill in PDT. Based on electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical data in DMSO, the first one-electron oxidation (0.52 V vs. SCE) and the first one-electron reduction (-0.57-0.67 V vs. SCE) of both the free base and the corresponding Ni(II) conjugates are centered on the cyanine dye, whereas the second one-electron reduction (-0.81 V vs. SCE) of the two conjugates is assigned to the purpurinimide part of the molecule. Reduction of the cyanine dye unit is facile and occurs prior to reduction of the purpurinimide group, which suggests that the cyanine dye unit as an oxidant could be the driving force for quenching of the excited triplet state of the molecules. An interaction between the cyanine dye and the purpurinimide group is clearly observed in the free-base conjugate, which compares with a negligible interaction between the two functional groups in the Ni(II) conjugate. As a result, the larger HOMO-LUMO gap of the free-base conjugate and the corresponding smaller quenching constant is a reason to decrease the intramolecular quenching process and increase the production of singlet oxygen to some degree.
Alaska as a Site for High Duty-Cycle Solar Observations

The day/night cycle at a single observatory prevents definitive observations of many aspects of solar activity, convection, and oscillations with timescales near 1 day. Solutions to this problem include multi-site networks, spacecraft observatories, and observations from high-latitude sites during their summer season. We report here on our experience in using Alaska as a high-latitude site for observations of solar oscillations.
Finding Jane Doe: A forensic application of 2D image calibration.

Thirty years ago, a young girl was found decapitated. Her identity remains unknown, and neither her head nor her killer have been found. Until recently, the location of her grave was lost, preventing any efforts to identify her using modern forensic techniques. This paper presents a case study on the use of burial photos to accurately and precisely determine the location of the lost grave. We highlight challenges in finding good correspondences between points in thirty year old imagery and the actual scene today, characterize the sensitivity of a camera calibration's geometric constraints to inaccuracies in these correspondences, and discuss an interactive tool that allows an analyst to quickly identify problems with them. Using the geolocation pipeline and tools discussed in this paper, we localized the lost grave to an approximately 1.6 meter long uncertainty region. On June 16, 2013, the Saint Louis Police Department performed an exhumation according to this localization, quickly finding the body.
Numerical Simulation of Dry Ice Cloud Seeding Experiments

Abstract The application of a two-dimensional, time-dependent cloud model to describe the effects of dry ice cloud seeding is demonstrated. A conservation equation and associated auxiliary equations for the mixing ratio of dry ice (CO2) are presented. The importance of identical time steps in both seeded and unseeded cases is discussed. Small convective clouds are seeded at about the −10°C level and the seeding agent (CO2) traced as it falls through the cloud creating a mass of cloud ice in its trail. The cloud ice transforms to snow and the snow to graupel/hail which then melts into rain as it falls below the zero degree isotherm level. Precipitation starts about 6 min earlier in the seeded cloud and the timing of the rain fallout affects the interaction with a second cell. Approximately 20% more rain falls from the seeded cell in a very light shower.
Evaluation and staging of endometrial and endocervical adenocarcinoma by contact hysteroscopy.

Abstract Contact hysteroscopy is a new technique for examining the uterine cavity and endocervical canal to aid in the diagnosis and staging of neoplasia. Direct visual examination of the endometrium may be accomplished without any distending medium and regardless of the presence of bleeding. The contact endoscope does not require any light source other than ambient room light because of an ingenious light trap which is built into the instrument. Fifteen cases of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium and endocervix are described in which contact hysteroscopy aided in identification, localization, and definition of spread of the tumors.
Tracing professional development to practice: connection making and content knowledge in one teacher’s experience

In this study, we examine one teacher’s opportunities to develop a coherent understanding of proportional situations through connection making in professional development (PD) and the ways in which those experiences were evidenced in her own classroom practice teaching the same task from PD. Data from both settings were analyzed using a framework for connection making that highlighted the ways in which the teacher or facilitator promoted discussion, used representations, promoted multiple approaches, and scaffolded learning. Our findings suggest that this teacher treated pedagogy and mathematical content as separable, which led to problematic implementation of the types of teaching practices that PD was intended to foster. We provide suggestions for addressing this shortcoming in future professional development.
Paper: Optimal output feedback design of systems with ill-conditioned dynamics

Singular perturbation concepts are exploited to develop a procedure for designing a constant gain, output feedback control system. It is assumed that the original system is ill-conditioned in the sense that the plant contains widely separated dynamics, and that an accurate description for the high frequency behavior may not be available. The design procedure attempts to stabilize the system by minimizing a quadratic cost function made up of the control and states associated with a reduced order (low frequency) model for the plant, and a measure of stability for the neglected fast dynamics. The resulting design procedure does not require knowledge of the fast dynamics.
The linear stability of plane stagnation-point flow against general disturbances

The linear-stability theory of plane stagnation-point flow against an infinite flat plate is re-examined. Disturbances are generalized from those of Goertler type to include other types of variations along the plate. It is shown that Hiemenz flow is linearly stable and that the Goertler-type modes are those that decay slowest. This work then rationalizes the use of such self-similar disturbances on Hiemenz flow and shows how questions of disturbance structure can be approached on other self-similar flows.
The non-constant CTOD/CTOA in stable crack extension under plane-strain conditions

Abstract Contrary to the previous work that successfully applied the constant CTOD/CTOA fracture criteria to relatively thin structures, this paper demonstrates that the initial non-constant portion of the CTOD/CTOA plays an essential role in predicting fracture behavior under plane-strain conditions. Three- and two-dimensional finite element analyses indicate that a severe underestimation of the load would occur as the crack extends if a constant CTOD/CTOA criterion were used. However, the use of a simplified, bilinear CTOD/CTOA criterion to approximate its non-constant portion will closely duplicate the test data. Furthermore, using the experimental data from J -integral tests with various crack length to specimen width ratios ( a / W ), it is demonstrated that the critical CTOD/CTOA is crack tip constraint dependent. The initial high values of the CTOD/CTOA are in fact a natural consequence of crack growth process that is reflected by, and consistent with, the J -resistance ( J – R ) curve and its slope (tearing modulus).
DMBA induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the A20.1 murine B cell lymphoma.

DMBA Induces Programmed Cell Death (Apoptosis) in the A20.1 Murine B Cell Lymphoma. Burchiel, S. W., Davis, D. A. P., Ray, S. D., and Barton, S. L. (1993). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 21, 120-124. The mechanism by which 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) produces cytotoxicity in lymphocytes was investigated in these studies using the murine A20.1 B cell lymphoma. Results show that in vitro exposure of these cells to 10-30 μM DMBA for 4 hr produced an increase in intracellular Ca2+, DNA fragmentation, and subsequent cell death. Elevation of Ca2+ and DNA fragmentation induced by DMBA were greatly pronounced when the A20.1 cells were exposed at high cell density (107 cells/ml). DMBA-induced DNA fragmentation and cell death were inhibited by coexposure of A20.1 cells to a calcium chelator (EDTA), a general nuclease and polymerase inhibitor (aurintricarboxylic acid), and a protein synthesis inhibitor (cycloheximide). These agents have been previously shown to inhibit apoptosis in lymphocytes and other cells exposed to chemical agents. We also found that cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of Ca2+-dependent pathways of T and B cell activation, prevented apoptosis in the A20.1 cell line. These results demonstrate that DMBA induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in the A20.1 murine B cell lymphoma by Ca2+-dependent pathways. The increased sensitivity of A20.1 at high cell density to Ca2+ elevation and DNA fragmentation suggests that cell to cell interactions may also be important in this process.
Bacteriological Quality of Hot-Boned Primal Cuts from Electrically Stimulated Beef Carcasses

The objective of this study was to determine bacterial numbers on primal cuts from hot and cold-boned beef carcass sides, and to determine the influence of U.S. Grade and electrical stimulation of the cracass on the incidence of bacteria. Ten boneless primal cuts were removed from each of ten beef carcass sides either 1 or 48 hr after animal slaughter. The primal cuts included the brisket, clod, chuck roll, ribeye, striploin, tenderloin, top sirloin, knuckle, inside round, and gooseneck. The primal cuts were sampled for aerobic (APC 5°C, 20°, 35°C) and coliform bacteria at time of removal from the side and after 20 days' vacuum packaged storage at 2°C. The psychrotrophic bacteria enumerated at 5°C were more numerous (P<0.05) on the primals from the hot-boned sides than from the cold-boned sides before storage, but not after 20 days' storage at 2°C. The mesotrophic and psychrotrophic bacteria enumerated at 20°C, and the mesotrophic bacteria enumerated at 35°C, were more numerous on the hot-boned primals than on the cold boned primals both before and after storage (P<0.05). The magnitude of the difference, on some primals, was greater than one logarithm. Coliform bacteria were not influenced (P<0.05) by hot boning before or after storage. Storage of the primal cuts resulted in some profuse growth of the coliforms. Neither U.S. grade nor electrical stimulation had any apparent influence on the incidence or growth of aerobic bacteria.
A Cross-Comparison of The NOAA/NESDIS AIRS, IASI and CrIS Operational Channel Selections: Methodology and Information Content.

We present a cross-comparison of the NOAA/NESDIS operational channel selection for AIRS, IASI and CrIS. The focus of this study is on the channel selection methodology and the final information content in the three systems.
Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Disease

I RESISTANCE describes an impaired biological response to insulin (1–4). In the early states of insulin resistance there is a compensatory increase in insulin concentrations. Although hyperinsulinemia may compensate for resistance to some biological actions of insulin, it may result in overexpression of actions in tissues that retain normal or minimally impaired sensitivity to insulin. Also, high concentrations of insulin can act through receptors for insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) (5–8). Thus, accentuation of some actions of insulin with concurrent resistance to other actions gives rise to diverse clinical manifestations and sequelae of the insulin resistance syndrome. In general, insulin resistance can be due to a prereceptor, receptor, or postreceptor abnormality (1). One signaling pathway for insulin and IGF-I is the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3 -kinase) system. Upon binding to their receptors, there is autophosphorylation of the b-subunit, which mediates noncovalent but stable interactions between the receptor and cellular proteins (1). Several proteins are then rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues by ligandbound insulin receptors, including insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) (1). IRS docking proteins bind strongly to the enzyme PI3 -kinase (1), a heterodimer consisting of a p85 regulatory subunit and a p110 catalytic subunit, via SH-2 domain interaction with the p85 subunit (1). Insulin and IGF-I stimulation increases the amount of PI3 -kinase associated with IRS, and the binding process is associated with increased activity of the enzyme. Activation of the enzyme is crucial for transducing the actions of these peptides in cardiovascular (CV) tissue (9–14) as well as conventional insulin-sensitive tissues (1). The interruption of this pathway creates a resistance to the actions of insulin/IGF-I in stimulating vascular nitric oxide (NO) production (9, 10), CV cation transport mechanisms (11–15), as well as glucose transport (1, 6) (Fig. 1) in classically sensitive tissues such as muscle and adipose tissue. PI3-kinase mediates the increases in NO, Na pump, K channel, and calcium (Ca) myofilament sensitivity by increasing the trafficking and translocation of NO synthase and cation pump units as well as glucose transporters (1, 9, 16) (Fig. 2). Therefore, resistance to the actions of insulin and IGF-I in these tissues occurs whenever there is reduced PI3 -kinase activation (Fig. 2).
Normal Acceleration Behavior of Passenger Vehicles Starting from Rest at All-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections:

Acceleration characteristics of passenger cars starting from rest are often used in traffic simulation, modeling of vehicle fuel consumption and emissions, and design of intersections, acceleration lanes for entrance terminals, turning bays, and passing lanes. Most of the previous studies developed four different acceleration models: the constant acceleration model, the two-phase model, the linear-decreasing acceleration model, and the polynomial acceleration model. However, most of the studies were based on outdated and limited data, so their conclusions may not be applicable for the current vehicle fleet and drivers. The normal acceleration behavior of current passenger vehicles starting from rest at all-way stop-controlled intersections is evaluated, and the previous acceleration models are verified with recent observations. A comparison is included between the acceleration behaviors of straight and turning maneuvers and the influence of speed limits on acceleration rates, and two new polynomial models are developed for driver acceleration behavior for turning maneuvers versus straight maneuver acceleration from a stopped condition.
“man the fisher”: salmon fishing and the expression of community in a rural Irish settlement

This paper analyzes the significance of the summer salmon fishery of Teelin, a small coastal settlement in county Donegal, Ireland. Although not of great economic importance to most Teelin families, the salmon pursuit is the subject of considerable cultural attention, providing a source of communal and personal identity. An explanation for the disproportionate cultural strength of the fishery is sought in its contribution to the maintenance of the local community as a bounded social entity in a region where historical disincorporations have made the existence and nature of such communities problematic. The ways in which the interactional and experiential aspects of this fishery contribute to Teelin’s “local culture” are examined as a sample case of the relation between any such socially definitive activity and the structure of a local system of social relations or ideology.
On characterizations of Meir-Keeler contractive maps

Let (X, d) be a metric space. A map T : X → X is called Meir-Keeler contractive if ∀ > 0 ∃δ > 0 such that ≤ d(x, y) < + δ ⇒ d(Tx, Ty) < We introduce ”L-functions” and characterize Meir-Keeler contractive maps as maps that satisfy d(Tx, Ty) < φ(d(x, y)) for some L-function φ. This characterization makes it easy to compare such maps with those satisfying the Boyd-Wong’s condition.
Highly effective contact antimicrobial surfaces via polymer surface modifiers.

Contact antimicrobial coatings with poly(alkylammonium) compositions have been a subject of increasing interest in part because of the contribution of biocide release coatings to antibiotic resistance. Herein, a concept for antimicrobial coatings is developed on the basis of the thermodynamically driven surface concentration of soft block side chains. The concept incorporates structural and compositional guidance from naturally occurring antimicrobial proteins and achieves compositional economy via a polymer-surface modifier (PSM). To implement this concept, polyurethanes were prepared having random copolymer 1,3-propylene oxide soft blocks with alkylammonium and either trifluoroethoxy or PEGlyted side chains. Six carbon (C6) and twelve carbon (C12) alkylammonium chain lengths were used. The PSMs were first tested as 100% coatings and were highly effective against aerosol challenges of Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). To evaluate the surface concentration, solutions co...
Exploring switching behavior of US mobile service customers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the switching behavior of mobile service customers in the USA with a focus on service quality, innovation and lock-in strategies as deterrents of switching. Design/methodology/approach – A thorough literature review coupled with two focus group interviews provided the impetus for the design and development of a survey instrument that was then administered to graduate and undergraduate students in the Southeast USA. Findings – The paper finds that: mobile service quality (m-SERVQUAL) is a significant detractor of switching intentions of customers – if customers perceive their provider to be innovative, they are less likely to switch to another provider; the perception of being innovative is equally as important as the perception of the service quality delivered by the provider; hard lock-in (unreasonable contract length) leads customers to increase their intention to switch, which is completely counter to its intended purpose; and service quality perception...
A comparison of the change from inhibiting to enhancing anions in the electrochemical oxidations of ethylene glycol and formaldehyde

Techniques dealing with inhibiting anions have previously been employed to measure their properties. The present approach is to change the behavior of inhibiting anions. Anions, which have long been considered to inhibit reactions, are shown to enhance some electrochemical reaction rates. Fluoroborate, nitrate, and (hydrogen) sulfate are separately shown to increase the current response of the electrochemical oxidation of formaldehyde. The reaction rate of the oxidation of ethylene glycol is increased but for a restrictive set of conditions. Experimental data, as well as theoretical considerations lead to the conclusion that adsorption of the added anions is the slow step of the process that increases the reaction rate. The differences in the response of ethylene glycol and formaldehyde follow well-documented changes of surface CO. These observations are consistent with general properties of the step in the part of the mechanism on the electrode surface that enhances the reaction rate.
Impression matrix technique for cusp replacement using direct composite resin.

UNLABELLED Placement of Class II composite resin restorations often presents unique challenges in achieving proper contour and contact. Although the use of sectional bands has provided solutions to these problems, their use typically is limited to more ideal cavity preparations. With more extensive loss of tooth structure, recreating the natural tooth contours and contacts with direct resin composite can be difficult. Typically an indirect restoration is the treatment of choice when a cusp is lost. However, situations may arise that require the use of direct resins for cusp replacement. This article describes the use of an impression matrix to facilitate the replacement of missing tooth structure and allow the dentist to use sectional bands in certain cusp loss situations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE When applicable, the impression matrix provides a significant saving in time and effort in cusp replacement with direct composite resins.
Antenatal Steroid Treatment and Adverse Fetal Effects: What Is the Evidence?

This article reviews current animal and human data regarding possible adverse fetal effects from antenatal steroid treatment. Although it is now well accetped that such treatment is of benefit to fetal lung development, the potential for adverse fetal outcomes as a result of single or multiple glucocorticoid dosing has not been widely recognized. There are now growing concerns, based on animal and some human data, that repeated antenatal doses could lead to a decrease in birth weight, a decrease in fetal brain and other organ size, and abnormal neuronal development. Previous investigations have been hampered by nonstandardization in the type of glucocorticoid, route of delivery, timing of administration, and number of treatment courses. It is recommended that these concerns be addressed through large randomized, controlled clinical trials. In the meantime, it would be prudent to minimize antenatal steroid treatments to a single course with repeated dosing only if there is a persistent threat of preterm delivery. THe practice of giving weekly injections of steroids starting at fetal viability and continuing into the third trimester is not supported.
Spin Models and Superconformal Yang-Mills Theory

Abstract We apply novel techniques in planar superconformal Yang–Mills theory which stress the role of the Yangian algebra. We compute the first two Casimirs of the Yangian, which are identified with the first two local Abelian Hamiltonians with periodic boundary conditions, and show that they annihilate the chiral primary states. We streamline the derivation of the R-matrix in a conventional spin model, and extend this computation to the gauge theory. We comment on higher-loop corrections and higher-loop integrability.
Training Statistics Teachers at Iowa State University

Graduate teaching assistants at Iowa State University develop their teaching skills through an apprenticeship-like process. First-year graduate students start out as laboratory instructors/graders. After the first year, some graduate teaching assistants teach a section of an introductory statistics course. This article describes this apprenticeship-like process and the mentoring and resources provided to graduate teaching assistants.
Peptide characterization of secretin preparations.

The present study was designed to examine and compare the peptide composition and relative immunochemical purity of GIH and boots secretin preparations. Gastrointestinal peptides were measured by radioimmunoassay using antibodies to secretin, gastrin, immunoreactive cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastric inhibitory peptide, and somatostatin. Boots secretin was found to contain substantial quantities of gastrin, immunoreactive cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastric inhibitory peptide, and somatostatin. In contrast, GIH secretin contained only a very small amount of vasoactive intestinal peptide. GIH also contained approximately three to four times more secretin per unit as did Boots secretin. Intravenous infusion of Boots, but not GIH, secretin in seven healthy volunteers produced significant increases in venous plasma of all peptides. Results of these studies indicate that Boots secretin contains large and variable quantities of gastrointestinal peptides other than secretin and that the contents of both secretin and the other peptides vary among different lots. Because the quantity of these peptides is sufficient to increase significantly their blood levels and consequent biological effects, it is concluded that GIH is preferable to Boots secretin in the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis or gastrinoma.
An On-Line Spectrophotometer for Collection and Manipulation of Absorbance Spectra

A uv-visible recording spectrophotometer has been developed which uses an on-line general purpose digital computer and the optical train of a conventional double beam recording spectrophotometer. The computer controls all functions of the instrument and permits the collection and manipulation of high quality absorption spectra without the use of electronic or optical correction devices. Spectra are represented by a series of up to 500 individual data points. Spectra can be manipulated in a variety of ways to meet particular experimental situations and can be displayed or plotted on an arbitrary absorbance scale. A spectrum can be added to, or substracted from, any other spectrum, differentiated, converted to log absorbance, or multiplied by an arbitrary factor. Data can be preserved on paper tape or presented graphically as a high quality labeled plot of variable size on either a wave-length or wave number scale. The complete system can scan a full spectrum at a maximum rate of 30 nm/sec over any part of a range from 230 to 700 nm. Details of the system are presented with examples of its performance.
Activation of the formyl peptide receptor by the HIV-derived peptide T-20 suppresses interleukin-12 p70 production by human monocytes.

It has been proposed that in the early stages of human immunodeficiency (HIV) infection, before the loss of CD4+ T cells, inhibition of IL-12 production from host antigen-presenting cells plays a critical role in the suppression of T-helper cell type 1 responses. Activation of the Gi-protein–coupled high-affinity N-formyl peptide receptor by f-met-leu-phe and HIV-derived peptide T-20–suppressed IL-12 p70 production from human monocytes in response to both T-cell–dependent and T-cell–independent stimulation are reported. Activation of the low-affinity N-formyl peptide receptor by the HIV-derived F-peptide suppressed IL-12 production more modestly. This suppression was pertussis toxin sensitive and was selective for IL-12; the production of IL-10, transforming growth factor-β, and tumor necrosis factor-α was unaltered. The production of IL-12 p70 by dendritic cells was unaffected by these peptides despite functional expression of the high-affinity fMLP receptor. These findings provide a potential direct mechanism for HIV-mediated suppression of IL-12 production and suggest a broader role for G-protein–coupled receptors in the regulation of innate immune responses.
Cranial morphology and adaptations of Palaechthon nacimienti and other paromomyidae (Plesiadapoidea, ? primates), with a description of a new genus and species

The Middle Paleocene paromomyid Palaechthon nacimienti has the most primitive cranial anatomy known for any plesiadapoid. In relative size and functional morphology, its molars resemble those of primates and tree shrews known to feed largely on insects. Its orbits were small, laterally directed, and widely separated, and the relative size of its infraorbital foramen shows that it had well-developed facial vibrissae resembling those of extant erinaceids. Its anterior dentition was probably also hedgehog-like. These features suggest that it was a predominantly terrestrial insect-eater, guided largely by tactile, auditory and olfactory sensation in its pursuit of prey. Adaptations to living in trees and feeding on plants probably developed in parallel in more than one lineage descended from the ancestral plesiadapoids. A new genus and species of paromomyid, Talpohenach torrejonius, is erected for material originally identified as Palaechthon.
Radiative shock dynamics. II - Hydrogen continua

The interaction between radiation and a shock wave propagating through a stellar atmosphere is investigated. Departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) are permitted in the first two levels of a 10-level hydrogen atom; levels 3-10 are in LTE. A piston moving at constant velocity into the bottom of the atmosphere drives a shock wave. This shock produces precursor radiation that diffuses through the gas well ahead of the shock and causes a mild luminosity flash in the emergent Balmer and free-free radiation when it reaches the surface. The precursor wave deposits a large amount of radiative energy in the outer layers of the atmosphere, initiating a radiation-induced pressure wave. The process of energy transfer from the radiation field to the compression wave is similar to the Eddington valve mechanism which drives stellar pulsations. Material is accelerated outward by the radiation-induced wave; eventually it free-falls inward, hits the quasistationary atmosphere, and forms an accretion shock. The piston driven shock is weakened by radiative energy losses. When it reaches the surface, the shock is invisible in the continuum radiation.