cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cranial anatomy of Desmatosuchus haplocerus (Reptilia: Archosauria: Stagonolepididae)

New skull material of the Triassic aetosaur Desmatosuchus haplocerus (Archosauria: Stagonolepididae) from the Cooper Canyon Formation (Late Triassic: early Norian) of Texas is described. This is the most complete description of the skull of Desmatosuchus to date, shedding light on the edentulous premaxilla, laterally exposed splenial on the mandible, reduced external mandibular fenestra, dentition (small denticles and wear facets), and variability of the hemispherical fontanelle. The quadratojugal/postorbital contact, a synapomorphy supposedly shared by the Stagonolepididae and Rauisuchia (sensu Parrish), is absent in Desmatosuchus. The interesting convergence in cranial and postcranial morphology of aetosaurs and certain living edentates (armadillos) suggests the possibility of insectivory or omnivory, instead of herbivory as a feeding strategy. This new description is intended to provide detailed information for future studies on the interrelationships of the Stagonolepididae (which are plagued by incomplete material), and their phylogenetic position among the archosaurs. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 136, 97−111.
Staying ahead in manufacturing and technology-the development of an automation cost of ownership model and examples

Staying ahead in manufacturing and technology is a challenge for us to do more with less in all aspects of our business. This includes strategies to drive down costs by eliminating waste and enhancing productivity, while driving yields up and enhancing our pace to meet the rapid pace of market pressures. Some of the strategies include managing risk, closing capability gaps, and cost reduction, with this message as motivation, we have undertaken the effort to understand how automation is addressing several of these areas, with an eye toward the bottom line implications of these efforts reduced cost and risk at the High Volume Manufacturing (HVM) stage of a manufacturing process. The fundamental core to this work is a better understanding of cost, i.e., automation dollar cost contribution per wafer from development through HVM, and the benefits derived.
HIV Rev-dependent binding of SF2/ASF to the Rev response element: Possible role in Rev-mediated inhibition of HIV RNA splicing

Production of the structural and enzymatic proteins of type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) is controlled by the rev regulatory gene product. The 116-amino acid Rev protein acts by binding to the Rev response element (RRE), a complex RNA stem–loop structure located within the env gene of HIV. Rev exerts a series of posttranscriptional effects, including the inhibition of viral RNA splicing, the activation of nuclear export of incompletely spliced viral RNAs, and the enhancement of translation of RRE-containing RNAs. Our studies now demonstrate that at least one member of the SR family of splicing factors, SF2/ASF, specifically binds to a subregion of the RRE in vitro in a Rev-dependent manner. Furthermore, expression of high levels of SF2/ASF inhibits Rev function and impairs HIV replication in vivo. Both the in vitro binding of SF2/ASF to the Rev/RRE complex and the in vivo inhibition of Rev action by SF2/ASF are abrogated by mutation of the N-terminal RNA recognition motif but are not affected by mutation of the C-terminal arginine–serine-rich domain. These findings suggest that Rev inhibition of HIV splicing likely involves recruitment of the essential splicing factor SF2/ASF to the Rev/RRE complex. However, these inhibitory effects of Rev on viral RNA splicing are apparently overcome by augmenting the intracellular levels of SF2/ASF expression.
Costs, Benefits and Careers in the U.S. House of Representatives: A Developmental Approach

Many have observed the rise of, and changes in, careerism in the U.S. House of Representatives, but few have attempted an explanation for careerism's emergence and change. We posit a cost-benefit model as an explanation for careerism with the House's structure and environment affecting the cost-benefit calculus. The model is not testable per se, but it is compared, and seems to fit well with the historical record of careerism and the political environment.
Gender differences in the prediction of condom use among incarcerated juvenile offenders: testing the information-motivation-behavior skills (IMB) model.

Abstract Purpose To validate the predictive value of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention for sexually active juvenile offenders and to explore gender differences in IMB model constructs for condom-protected vaginal intercourse. Methods Self-report measures of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge, pro-condom peer influence, risk perception, condom attitudes, condom use self-efficacy, frequency of vaginal intercourse, and frequency condom-protected vaginal intercourse were collected from predominantly African-American adolescent detainees. Analysis consisted of structural equation models for the combined sample (N = 523) and for separate gender groups (328 males and 195 females). Results In the combined model, condom use was significantly predicted by male gender, peer influence, positive condom attitudes, and condom self-efficacy. In separate gender analyses, condom use among adolescent males was predicted by peer influence (modestly) and by positive condom attitudes, whereas condom use among females was predicted by peer influence, self-efficacy, and condom attitudes. Compared with males, females reported significantly greater knowledge, less peer influence, higher perceived risk for infection, more positive condom attitudes, and more self-efficacy, but they reported less condom use. Conclusions Females may find it difficult to use condoms consistently despite their awareness of their efficacy. Power imbalances or other dynamics operating in their relationships with males need further exploration. Gender differences in the relationship between condom self-efficacy and condom use were masked in the analysis of the total sample, indicating the value of testing theories of HIV prevention separately by gender.
Impact of multislice CT on imaging of acute abdominal disease.

With the advent of multislice CT (MSCT), higher resolution and more diagnostic images are now available. By transitioning from axial to single-slice helical to now MSCT scanners, imaging time has been reduced from minutes to seconds. In addition, collimation width and computing time have decreased. Increased coverage is now obtained with thinner slices and higher image quality. Although MSCT has had significant impact in evaluating the entire body, it has been particularly useful for abdominal imaging. For example, different phases of enhancement can now be separated more succinctly. Reduced breathhold times have resulted in more diagnostic scans by curtailing motion artifact. Thinner slices have decreased Z-axis blurring to allow evaluation of minute structures, such as blood vessels. Increased computing speed has also shortened reconstruction and reformation times, enabling selection of the optimal plane for the structure in question. Clinically, imaging findings on CT increase the certainty of diagnosis or offer an alternative diagnosis to guide patient management [1].
Autolytic activity associated with myxospore formation inMyxococcus xanthus

Whole cell autolytic activity ofMyxococcus xanthus strainFB was studied during glycerol-induced myxospore formation. Both the wild type and a mutant which converts late demonstrated a characteristic pattern of sensitivity to autolysis which coincided with the long rod to sphere morphogenesis.
So Hard to Say Goodbye? Turnover Intention among U.S. Federal Employees

Why do U.S. federal government employees choose to leave the federal service? By focusing on turnover intentions, this article develops propositions about why employees anticipate leaving their jobs along three dimensions: (1) demographic factors, (2) workplace satisfaction factors, and (3) organizational/relational factors. Two distinct measures of turnover intention are advanced that reflect those who intend to leave their agency for another position within the federal government and those who intend to leave the federal government for an outside position. The 2006 Federal Human Capital Survey is used to test the impacts of three clusters of independent variables on these measures of turnover intention. The findings suggest that overall job satisfaction and age affect turnover consistently. Practical recommendations are outlined for public managers seeking to boost employee retention.
Covariant procedures for perturbative nonlinear deformation of duality-invariant theories

We analyze a recent conjecture regarding the perturbative construction of nonlinear deformations of all classically duality-invariant theories, including $\mathcal{N}=8$ supergravity. Starting with an initial quartic deformation, we engineer a procedure that generates a particular nonlinear deformation (Born-Infeld) of the Maxwell theory. This procedure requires the introduction of an infinite number of modifications to a constraint which eliminates degrees of freedom consistent with the duality and field content of the system. We discuss the extension of this procedure to $\mathcal{N}=1$ and $\mathcal{N}=2$ supersymmetric theories, and comment on its potential to either construct new supergravity theories with nonlinear Born-Infeld type duality, or to constrain the finiteness of $\mathcal{N}=8$ supergravity.
Conversion of biomass-derived small oxygenates over HZSM-5 and its deactivation mechanism

HZSM-5 catalyst deactivation was studied using aqueous feed mixtures containing ethanol, ethanol + acetic acid, ethanol + ethyl acetate, or ethanol + acetaldehyde in a fixed bed reactor at 360 °C and 300 psig. Compared to an ethanol alone experiment, addition of other oxygenates reduced catalyst life in the order of: ethyl acetate < acetic acid < acetaldehyde. Based on the liquid product and spent catalyst analyses from the individual ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate feeds, the presence of acetaldehyde appears to produce high molecular weight aromatic compounds which deactivate the catalyst through a pore-blocking mechanism. Acetic acid deactivates the catalyst through an active site poisoning mechanism or strong adsorption of acetate intermediates on the active sites (hydroxyl groups). Ethanol deactivates the catalyst primarily through its pore-blocking mechanism, but the rate of ethanol deactivation is orders of magnitude slower than that of acetaldehyde. Ethyl acetate hydrolyzes to form acetic acid and ethanol which deactivate the catalyst through their respective mechanisms. In addition, each functional group of oxygenates requires different active sites/catalysts and different operating conditions due to competitive adsorptions on active sites for their conversion to the desired products. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-treat the mixture of oxygenates to produce a feed stream containing the same or similar functional group compounds before converting the feed stream to hydrocarbon compounds over the HZSM-5 catalyst.
Human microdosing for the prediction of patient response.

Microdosing allows study of the behavior of drugs via the administration of doses so low they are unlikely to produce whole-body effects, but of sufficient concentration to allow the determination of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). Microdosing was recently reviewed elsewhere [1,2]; although most effort to date has focused on pharmacokinetic (PK) predictions to accelerate drug development, microdosing was born out of molecular toxicology research [3-10] and is now extending to medical diagnostics applications. Here, we provide a brief overview of microdosing for drug development, followed by a description of recent efforts to implement prognostic and predictive diagnostics aimed at improving detection and treatment of human disease.
Postplanting Nutritional Augmentation of Jeffrey Pine Seedlings on an Infertile Sierran Site

Broadcast fertilization with an array of amendments was investigated for its capacity to stimulate growth and enhance nutrition of a three-year-old Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) plantation growing on an acidic Sierra Nevada surface mine. Four formulations that differed in N source, duration of release, and the suite of nutrients provided were evaluated, with each applied using four rates. Free Flow 29-3-4, a conventional amendment featuring urea as its near exclusive N source, and High N 22-4-6, a controlled release formulation containing ammoniacal, nitrate, and urea N, were the most stimulatory while an organic formulation relying exclusively on a municipal biosolid N source, Milorganite 6-2-0, was the least so. The lowest application rates employed were inadequate while the most advantageous was not the highest rate for any formulation. Foliar analysis revealed that improved N nutrition was probably critical in the favorable growth responses to fertilization, that of P was a likely contributor, and amelioration of potential Mn toxicity may have assumed an accessory role.
Investigating the Community of Practice of World Language Educators on Twitter

This study investigated how an online community of teachers engaged in professional development using collaborative Web (Web 2.0) technologies. This community of practice (CoP) consisted of world language (WL) teachers using the microblogging platform, Twitter. The study approached teacher learning from a sociocultural perspective. Its central questions were as follows: What are the characteristics of this CoP of WL educators on Twitter? How do those characteristics relate to or reflect teacher learning? With a qualitative, netnographic approach, data sources included over a year of participant observation, nine interviews with community members, and numerous online documents from blogs, wikis, and other sources. Findings demonstrated how the domain, community, and practice characteristics of this online CoP could also be linked to sustained and significant teacher learning. The study concludes with considerations for the future of similar online communities.
Women and Property in China, 960-1949

Introduction 1. The inheritance rights of daughters from the Song through the Qing 2. The inheritance rights of widows from the song through the Qing 3. Widows and patrilineal succession in the early republican period 4. Property inheritance under the republican civil code 5. Widows' inheritance under the republican code 6. Daughters' inheritance rights under the republican code 7. The property rights of concubines in the imperial and republican periods Conclusion References Character list Index.
CHARACTERISTICS OF INCARCERATED OUTLAW BIKERS AS COMPARED TO NONBIKER INMATES

Abstract Outlaw bikers have been described by various participant observation studies. To confirm empirically these observations and gather further data, incarcerated bikers and nonbiker inmates throughout the United States were surveyed. Discriminant analyses indicated that as compared to nonbikers, biker inmates were significantly more likely to be younger and be white, report a violent crime as their most serious offense, and report less time spent in juvenile institutions. They were also found to place a higher value on toughness, excitement, fate, and group autonomy. These findings suggest the existence of a distinct outlaw biker counterculture. Implications of these findings for further research are drawn.
Comparison of a cold enrichment and the FDA method for isolating Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. from ready-to-eat food on retail sale in the U.K.

A cold enrichment and the modified FDA selective enrichment method were compared for their ability to detect Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species from various ready-to-eat foods on sale in the UK. Of 57 food samples examined using cold enrichment, five yielded L. monocytogenes, and two L. innocua. The FDA enrichment method yielded three samples positive for L. monocytogenes only. Foods examined included soft cheeses, fermented meat sausages, pates and salads.
Distribution and Abundance of Saltcedar and Russian Olive in the Western United States

Over the past century, two introduced Eurasian trees, saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) have become wide spread on western United States of American (U.S.) rivers. This paper reviews the literature on the following five key areas related to their distribution and abundance in the western United States: (1) the history of introduction, planting, and spread of saltcedar and Russian olive; (2) their current distribution; (3) their current abundance; (4) factors controlling their current distribution and abundance; and (5) models that have been developed to predict their future distribution and abundance. Saltcedar and Russian olive are now the third and fourth most frequently occurring woody riparian plants and the second and fifth most abundant species (out of 42 native and non-native species) along rivers in the western United States. Currently there is not a precise estimate of the areas that these species occupy in the entire West. Climatic variables are important determ...
Episodic simulation and episodic memory can increase intentions to help others

Empathy plays an important role in human social interaction. A multifaceted construct, empathy includes a prosocial motivation or intention to help others in need. Although humans are often willing to help others in need, at times (e.g., during intergroup conflict), empathic responses are diminished or absent. Research examining the cognitive mechanisms underlying prosocial tendencies has focused on the facilitating roles of perspective taking and emotion sharing but has not previously elucidated the contributions of episodic simulation and memory to facilitating prosocial intentions. Here, we investigated whether humans' ability to construct episodes by vividly imagining (episodic simulation) or remembering (episodic memory) specific events also supports a willingness to help others. Three experiments provide evidence that, when participants were presented with a situation depicting another person's plight, the act of imagining an event of helping the person or remembering a related past event of helping others increased prosocial intentions to help the present person in need, compared with various control conditions. We also report evidence suggesting that the vividness of constructed episodes--rather than simply heightened emotional reactions or degree of perspective taking--supports this effect. Our results shed light on a role that episodic simulation and memory can play in fostering empathy and begin to offer insight into the underlying mechanisms.
Segregation of carbon to the (100) surface of Ni3Fe and its effect on oxygen adsorption

Abstract The equilibrium segregation of carbon to the (100) surface of Ni3Fe shows unusual features. The surface carbon concentration is a maximum in the vicinity of the order-disorder transition temperature of the alloy. The effect of segregating carbon on the initial adsorption of oxygen and oxidation of the alloy surface is also reported.
Ocean Mixed-Layer Depth and Current Variation Estimated From Imagery of Surfactant Streaks

The ability of high-resolution imaging systems to resolve small-scale structure on the ocean surface suggests the possibility of using characteristics of Langmuir circulation to map the surface mixed-layer depth and near-surface current. We illustrate this using synthetic aperture radar and infrared imagery that are collected across the edge of the Gulf Stream (GS), which reveals surfactant streaks, or ldquowindrows,rdquo that are induced by Langmuir circulation. Based on changes in the windrow spacing and orientation, the mixed layer is estimated to deepen from 7 to 12 m across the edge of the GS and the current to increase from about 1 to 2 m/s. These spatial changes compare reasonably well with independent data, suggesting that the approach is plausible. It may also be possible to extract additional environmental information from the windrows.
Atomic and Molecular Hydrogen in the Si Lattice

Abstract Based on the calculated potentials of atomic and molecular hydrogen in the silicon lattice by the MNDO (modified neglect of diatomic overlap) method, the formation of hydrogen molecules in Si is predicted and the numerous experimental results are reinterpreted to give a unified picture of the state of H in Si.
Model Dependence of the Activation Energy Derived from Nonisothermal Kinetic Data

This work intends to explain mathematically the model dependence of the activation energy, Ea, derived from fitting nonisothermal kinetic data to a kinetic model. Artificial data following single reaction mechanisms, both isothermal and nonisothermal, were generated to fit exactly the following simulated kinetic models: first-order reaction, fourth-order Avrami−Erofeyev process, and one-dimensional diffusion. To simulate more closely experimental data, random errors, corresponding to ±0.1% of the maximum conversion value, were embedded in the data by adding a random number bounded by ±0.001 to each data point. For isothermal data, any kinetic model leads to the correct value of Ea. However, for nonisothermal data, the calculated Ea deviates from the correct value by an amount, ΔEa, that depends strongly on the kinetic model to which the data are fit. In addition, the apparent frequency factor depends slightly on the kinetic model for isothermal data, but depends strongly on the model for nonisothermal da...
Successive spatial discrimination reversals in the bat

The performance of five Eptesicus fuscus was studied across a series of nine successive reversals of a spatial discrimination problem. The Ss showed a decrease in mean number of errors across the reversals with an error peak on the third reversal. These results are consistent with the view that improvement across successive reversals (SDRs) is a behavioral indicator of taxonomic differences.
The connection between metal ion affinity and ligand affinity in integrin I domains

Integrins are cell-surface heterodimeric proteins that mediate cell-cell, cell-matrix, and cell-pathogen interactions. Half of the known integrin alpha subunits contain inserted domains (I domains) that coordinate ligand through a metal ion. Although the importance of conformational changes within isolated I domains in regulating ligand binding has been reported, the relationship between metal ion binding affinity and ligand binding affinity has not been elucidated. Metal and ligand binding by several I domain mutants that are stabilized in different conformations are investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance studies. This work suggests an inverse relationship between metal ion affinity and ligand binding affinity (i.e. constructs with a high affinity for ligand exhibit a low affinity for metal). This trend is discussed in the context of structural studies to provide an understanding of interplay between metal ion binding and ligand affinities and conformational changes.
Complexes of myosin subfragment-1 with adenosine diphosphate and phosphate analogs: probes of active site and protein conformation

Abstract Previous work has revealed phosphate-dependent differences in the complexes formed from myosin subfragment-1 with adenosine diphosphate (S1 · ADP) and aluminum fluoride (AlF 4 − ) or beryllium fluoride (BeF x ) [Phan and Reisler, Biophys. J., 66 (1994) A78], with the former resembling more the S1 ∗ ∗ · ADP · P i state while the latter resembles more the S1 · ATP state. In this work, the conformations of the S1 · eADP · AlF 4 − and S1 · eADP · BeF x complexes were examined by nucleotide chase and collisional quenching experiments. eADP release from S1 · eADP · AlF 4 − was slower than that from S1 · eADP · BeF x . However, acrylamide titrations of S1 · eADP · AlF 4 − and S1 · eADP · BeF x showed little difference in nucleotide protection from quenching between the two complexes. This contrasts with the earlier observation on phosphate analog-dependent changes in the reactivity of the SH 1 group on S1. To confirm phosphate-related perturbation of the SH 1 -SH 2 sequence, emission spectra of fluorescein (IAF)-labeled SH 1 and IANBD-labeled SH 2 were recorded for S1 complexes with nucleotides and phosphate analogs. Considerable differences were found between the BeF x and AlF 4 − complexes with S1 · MgADP for both SH 1 - and SH 2 -labeled proteins. These results are consistent with a recent crystallographic study of S1 complexes with ADP and phosphate analogs [Fisher et al., Biophys. J., 68 (1995) 19S] and the idea that the opening of the nucleotide cleft on S1 does not change much during ATP hydrolysis [Franks-Skiba et al., Biochemistry, 33 (1994) 12 720], while significant changes in the SH 1 -SH 2 region accompany phosphate cleavage.
Look-ahead routing switches for multistage interconnection networks

Abstract Multistage interconnection networks have been implemented in several prototype parallel systems as well as marketed products. One major performance drawback of this type network is due to link contention. This contention may occur when messages share part of their routes with each other. Especially, under hot-spot traffic, the network can be easily saturated and provides a drastically degraded performance. To remedy this problem, we propose a switch design which uses two independent routes between each input port and each output port within a switch. With proper routing control mechanisms, the adverse effect on link conflicts can be greatly reduced. The design needs neither additional connection between switches nor message resequencing for maintaining serialization. Various simulations are used to illustrate the performance improvement of this new design under both uniform and hot-spot traffic patterns.
Effect of clarithromycin on airway obstruction and inflammatory markers in induced sputum in cystic fibrosis: A pilot study*

To determine whether macrolide antibiotics improve pulmonary function and decrease airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF), we treated 10 patients (females; aged 19–26 years, all colonized with P. aeruginosa, none with atypical Mycobacteria) with 3 weeks of placebo, followed by 6 weeks of clarithromycin (500 mg BID) in a single-blind prospective study. We also determined the safety of sputum induction and the reproducibility of assessing inflammatory markers in induced sputum. Subjects performed spirometry and underwent sputum induction (12-min inhalation of 3% saline) at 3-week intervals. We found that sputum induction was well-tolerated. We also found that the reproducibility was high for neutrophil (PMN) number (R = 0.87, P = 0.009), interleukin (IL)-8 (R = 0.73, P < 0.05, free neutrophil elastase (NE) (R = 0.82, P < 0.05), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels (R = 0.86, P < 0.05), but was less so for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (R = −0.15, P = 0.7). We found no significant difference in pulmonary function after 6 weeks of treatment with clarithromycin (FEV1 (% predicted) (mean ± SEM), 2.2 ± 0.9 (60 ± 24%) vs. 2.3 ± 1 (61 ± 29%)), and no significant differences in any of the inflammatory indices measured. The median (and range) values before and after treatment for indices of airway inflammation in the induced sputum samples were: for PMNs, 8 (1–326) and 21 (0.2 –175) × 106 cells/mL sputum; for IL-8, 156 (24–656) and 202 (16–680) ng/mL; for free NE, 260 (31–1,264) and 237 (49–1,048) μg/mL; for TNF-α, 20 (7–128) and 35 (17–87) pg/mL; and for MPO, 169 (13–960) and 195 (14–816) μg/mL. We conclude that clarithromycin is not uniformly effective in improving airway obstruction or in decreasing airway inflammation in patients with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2001; 32:29–37. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Childhood adversity, serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) genotype, and risk for cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence in alcohol dependent adults

Background This study examined the extent to which cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence in adults with alcohol dependence (AD) are associated with adverse childhood experiences. Gender, social support, and an allelic variant in the gene encoding the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) were examined as moderators of this relationship.
A real-time ultrasonic imaging system for carotid arteriography.

Abstract A real-time ultrasonic imaging system for the noninvasive assessment of atherosclerotic vascular disease has been developed. This instrument displays cross-sectional images of the artery and surrounding tissues plus superimposed profiles of blood flow within the vessel. The anatomical structure is depicted by a 10-MHz B -scan subsystem operating at 15 frames/sec. An instantaneous profile of the blood flow velocity is produced by a 5-MHz pulsed Doppler subsystem that can display the velocity at up to 20 individual points along a line segment intersecting the artery. Cross-sectional high-resolution gray-scale images, both transverse and longitudinal, of the major vessels in the neck in the region of the carotid bifurcation are presented. These images also demonstrate the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, and thyroid gland. Estimates of severity of atherosclerotic disease measured as percentage of lumen diameter obstructed by each lesion, are essentially the same as subsequent estimates made using roentgen angiography. Pulsating blood flow profiles in the common carotid have been clearly displayed; however, clinical applicability of the Doppler subsystem is not yet demonstrated.
Overloaded By the News: Effects of News Exposure and Enjoyment on Reporting Information Overload

Recent increases in the amount of news and information available in society have prompted claims that citizens are becoming psychologically “overloaded.” To investigate the validity of these claims, a secondary data analysis on the 2008 Pew Biennial Media Consumption Survey is performed. Results show increased news exposure is indeed positively associated with feeling overloaded. Conversely, news enjoyment is negatively associated with overload. There is also a moderating effect of news enjoyment, such that high news enjoyment reduces overload effects of high news exposure. These results imply that while news exposure may have various beneficial outcomes, such as increased political knowledge, it simultaneously relates to greater psychological discomfort. Motivated news processors, however, appear to be better insulated from this discomfort. Implications for news exposure and democratic citizenship are discussed.
Manipulation of Single DNA Molecules via Lateral Focusing in a PDMS/Glass Microchannel†

In a hybridized microchannel made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and glass, nonuniform electroosmotic flow (EOF) was created when an electric field was applied. PDMS and glass pieces were bonded at room temperature after oxidization with oxygen plasma. After oxidization, the PDMS surface has a higher zeta (ζ) potential than that of glass, which results in faster EOF at that surface. When the channel has a large aspect ratio (width ≫ depth), the EOF can be considered as a two-dimensional gradient shear flow. By using a scanning confocal fluorescence microscope, we demonstrated that negatively charged DNA molecules were focused by the nonuniform EOF and the electric field into a thin layer at the glass surface of about one-fifth of the channel depth. This phenomenon was applied to selectively detect target DNA molecules using evanescent-field excitation. Streptavidin-conjugated quantum dots (QD) were used to selectively bind biotinylated DNA. After applying an electric field, free QD remained randomly dis...
The Center for Quantum Devices — extending the scope of photonics

Abstract The Center for Quantum Devices (CQD) at Northwestern University, Illinois, USA, opened in June 1992, and since then has built a worldwide reputation for making scientific advances in the field of semi-conductor science and technology. The CQD sees its role as providing a bridge between new technology and scientific knowledge, and the materials of the 21 st century. This article highlights some of the current research activities at the CQD.
Actions of insulin on MCF-7 cells that are synchronized with hydroxyurea

The role of insulin in stimulating metabolic processes in MCF-7 cells was studied in cells synchronized at the G1:S interphase of the cell cycle using hydroxyurea. Cells released from the hydroxyurea block progressed through one S-phase of the cell cycle when insulin was absent from the medium. When free insulin was present the cells continued through more than one S-phase. Since cells accumulate at G0 in serum- and hormone-free conditions it is apparent that insulin has an essential action in the MCF-7 cells between the G0 and S-phase of the cell cycle. Insulin is also known to stimulate the incorporation of [3H]leucine into a pH 4.6 precipitable phosphoprotein fraction in the MCF-7 cells. Insulin was shown to express this action, even when the cells were maintained at the G1:S interphase with hydroxyurea. Insulin is thus able to effect a differentiative action, i.e. a stimulation of phosphoprotein synthesis, under conditions where insulin's effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA is prevented.
The use and interpretation of troponin in ESRD patients.

Brian Bostick*† and Adam Whaley-Connell†‡§ *Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, †Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, ‡Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, and §Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
Quantitative Analysis of Residual EDTA in Vaccine Products by HPLC with Luminescence Detection of Terbium(III) Complexation

Abstract To facilitate the investigation of EDTA clearance in a protein purification process, a relatively simple, sensitive, and rapid method for EDTA analysis was developed using HPLC with pre‐column complexation of EDTA and terbium(III) (Tb3+). The limit of detection of this method is about 87 ng/mL, and the limit of quantitation is about 260 ng/mL. The accuracy, intra‐ and inter‐assay variability of this method were evaluated. The method was applied to determine the residual EDTA concentrations in various stages of the purification process for vaccine products. Examples of evaluating EDTA clearance in a protein purification process will be discussed.
Cytoprotective and proangiogenic activity of ex-vivo netrin-1 transgene overexpression protects the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

In continuation of a previous work that transgene expression of sonic hedgehog promoted neo-vascularization via netrin-1 release, the current study was aimed at assessing the anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic role of netrin-1 transgene overexpression in the ischemic myocardium. pLP-Adeno-X ViralTrak vectors containing netrin-1 cDNA amplified from rat mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-netrin) or without a therapeutic gene (Ad-null) were constructed and transfected into HEK-293 cells to produce Ad-netrin and Ad-null vectors. Sca-1+-like cells were isolated and propagated in vitro and were successfully transduced with Ad-netrin transduced Sca-1+ cells (NetSca-1+) and Ad-null transduced Sca-1+ cells (NullSca-1+). Overexpression of netrin-1 in NetSca-1+ was confirmed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Neonatal cardiomyocytes and rat endothelial cells expressed netrin-1 specific receptor Uncoordinated-5b and the conditioned medium from NetSca-1+ cells was protective for both the cell ...
Electron tomographic analysis of frozen-hydrated tissue sections.

Abstract Electron tomography of frozen-hydrated tissue sections enables analysis of the 3-D structure of cell organelles in situ and in a near-native state. In this study, 160–200-nm-thick sections were cut from high-pressure frozen rat liver, and improved methods were used for handling and mounting the sections. Automated data collection facilitated tilt-series recording at low electron dose (∼4000 e − /nm 2 at 400 keV). Higher doses (up to 10 000 e − / nm 2 ) were found to increase contrast and smooth out surface defects, but caused section distortion and movement, with likely loss of high-resolution information. Tomographic reconstruction showed that knife marks were 10–40 nm deep and located on the “knife face” of the section, while crevasses were 20–50 nm deep and found on the “block face.” The interior of the section was normally free of defects, except for compression, and contained useful structural information. For example, the topology of mitochondrial membranes in tissue was found to be very similar to that in frozen-hydrated whole mounts of isolated mitochondria. In rare cases, a 15-nm banding pattern perpendicular to the cutting direction was observed in the interior of the section, most evident in the uniformly dense, protein-rich material of the mitochondrial matrix.
Model-driven integration of federated event services in real-time component middleware

Rapid advances in hardware, networking technologies and software technologies, including standards-based optimized component middleware, has enabled the growth of component middleware-based complex, large-scale distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems. These DRE systems found in different domains, such as avionics, telecommunications, defense, enterprise and healthcare, often use a publisher/subscriber communication paradigm, such as that provided by an event service. A federation of such event services provides a scalable solution to address the complex distribution challenges of DRE systems. By connecting event channels from different systems together a federated event service enables seamless and application-transparent interchange of event information across distribution boundaries.Although component middleware supports the creation of applications via composition of reusable and flexible software components, however, to deploy such systems effectively involves numerous challenges in integrating the various distributed components communicating via different event channels. Current state of the art in deploying a federation of event services for these component middleware-based DRE systems involves ad hoc techniques that are tedious and error-prone.This paper describes a novel scheme we have developed based on a model-based paradigm that resolves the challenges in configuring the federated event service. Our approach centers around the notion of the federated event service modeling language (FESML), which is a modeling tool we have developed to resolve the configuration and deployment challenges of federated event service for component middleware-based DRE systems.
Social comparison as a basis for evaluating others

Abstract Previous research suggests that a comparison between one's own and others' reactions has a stronger impact on impressions of the comparison others than on self-evaluations. The present study addressed the question of whether the similarity between self and other affected the relationship between comparison and other-evaluation. Male and female subjects read a description of an emergency, estimated what they would have done in the situation, and then evaluated either a male or female target who failed to offer help. Increasing discrepancy between self and other's reactions led to more negative evaluations of the target, but only if self and target were of the same sex. Implications of the results for understanding attributional processes were discussed.
Centrosome fragments and microtubules are transported asymmetrically away from division plane in anaphase

Spinning disc confocal microscopy of LLCPK1 cells expressing GFP-tubulin was used to demonstrate that microtubules (MTs) rapidly elongate to the cell cortex after anaphase onset. Concurrently, individual MTs are released from the centrosome and the centrosome fragments into clusters of MTs. Using cells expressing photoactivatable GFP-tubulin to mark centrosomal MT minus ends, a sevenfold increase in MT release in anaphase is documented as compared with metaphase. Transport of both individually released MTs and clusters of MTs is directionally biased: motion is directed away from the equatorial region. Clusters of MTs retain centrosomal components at their focus and the capacity to nucleate MTs. Injection of mRNA encoding nondegradable cyclin B blocked centrosome fragmentation and the stimulation of MT release in anaphase despite allowing anaphase-like chromosome segregation. Biased MT release may provide a mechanism for MT-dependent positioning of components necessary for specifying the site of contractile ring formation.
Defective proliferation and regulatory function of CD4+ T cells bearing Leu-8 homing receptor in primary biliary cirrhosis : phorbol myristate acetate enhances T-cell function

The majority of circulating CD4+ T cells express the Leu-8 peripheral lymph node homing receptor, and these cells have previously been shown to have suppressor-inducer and suppressor function. In the present study, it was found that CD4+, Leu-8+ T cells from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have a significantly (P<0.01) lower proliferative response when stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), or pokeweed mitogen (PWM) compared to normal controls. The proliferative response of CD4+, Leu-8− T cells was similar in patients and controls. However, the proliferative responses of CD4+, Leu-8+ from patients with PBC was normal when cells were stimulated with PHA, Con A, anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, or ionomycin in combination with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). CD4+ T cells from patients with PBC mediated normal helper function for PWM-stimulated immunoglobulin synthesis at high T/B ratios and their regulatory function was similar to that of normal CD4+ T cells that had been irradiated to inactivate their suppressor activity. When CD4+ T cells from patients with PBC were precultured with the combination of Con A and PMA, they mediated potent inhibitory activity similar to that of normal CD4+ T cells. Thus, CD4+, Leu-8+ T cells from patients with PBC have a defect of proliferation and suppressor function that is reversed by coculture with PMA. This finding suggests that impairment of a PMA-inducible lymphocyte activation pathway contributes to abnormal lymphocyte function in PBC.
Children's performance in simple and successive-reversal concept identification problems

Abstract In Experiment I sixth-grade children learned two concept identification (CI) problems, a simple and a successive-reversal problem, either sequentially (Se) or concurrently (Con). Retention tests given during the CI problems indicated no significant differences in stimulus or response retention for any of the conditions. CI performance was poorer in the Con condition than in the Se condition. Contrary to adult data and predictions derived from the Bower and Trabasso (1964) model, there were fewer informed errors in the successive-reversal problem than the simple problem. It was suggested that children formulate the correct hypothesis but later forget the correct stimulus-response pairings. In Experiment II the associative strength of the response pairs was manipulated with the expectation that there would be less confusion of the appropriate stimulus-response pairings with response pairs of low associative strength. The data confirm, in part, this expectation.
THE VALVE BLADDER SYNDROME: 20 YEARS LATER

Purpose: Just more than 20 years ago a group of associated findings was identified in patients with posterior urethral valves and persistent upper tract dilatation following valve ablation, including a noncompliant thick walled bladder, incontinence and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Subsequently the pseudonym “valve bladder syndrome” became associated with this phenomenon. The history of the valve bladder syndrome concept, continuing debate regarding the etiology and management of the valve bladder, and 20 years of urodynamic and histological investigations are reviewed.Materials and Methods: Outcome studies, histological findings, animal model experimentation and urodynamic investigations reported in the literature more than the last 20 years were reviewed and compared.Results: Varying degrees of bladder compliance loss are seen in the majority of patients following valve ablation. Severe loss of compliance can lead to persistent upper tract dilatation and later urinary incontinence. A large urine outp...
Keeping time: the history and theory of preservation in America

Keeping time: the history and theory of preservation in America, by William J. Murtagh, Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, 2005, 249 pp., US$55.00 (paperback), ISBN 0-471-47377-4 For 50 years William ...
Notes on distribution, propagation, and products ofBorassus Palms (Arecaceae)

The palmyra, or toddy, palm (Borassus flabellifer L., Arecaceae) grows wild from the Persian Gulf to the Cambodian-Vietnamese border; is commonly cultivated in India, Southeast Asia, Malaysia and occasionally in other warm regions including Hawaii and southern Florida, where there are also a number of specimens of the similarB. aethiopum Mart. In addition to the sweet sap from the inflorescence and the many products of the leaves, trunk and underground seedlings, a thin orange pulp coating the fibers of the mature fruit is consumed fresh or dried as a paste. The large seeds, when immature, before the shell hardens, contain jelly-like kernels esteemed for food. These kernels, whole or sliced and canned in thin, clear sirup, are being exported from Thailand and are appearing in Asiatic markets across the United States. Mature kernels are hard as ivory. A number ofBorassus palms have succumbed to lethal-yellowing disease in Florida.
Cycling and walking: Explaining the spatial distribution of healthy modes of transportation in the United States

This study analyzes the spatial distribution of healthy modes of transportation (cycling and walking commuting) at the county scale. Geographic information systems, negative binomial, and zero-inflated negative binomial regression techniques are used to test four types of geographic covariates: built, natural, socioeconomic, and civic environments. Descriptive, GIS, and regression results indicate that the expected count of cycling and walking commuters in a county increases significantly with unit changes in population density, natural amenities, education and wealth, and estimates of local civic concern. Expected counts decrease significantly by unit changes in pollution and the average distance traveled to work by a typical commuter.
Cerebral metabolism of intraventricular [3H]-fenfluramine.

Abstract The time-course of the cerebral metabolism of intraventricularly injected [ 3 H]-fenfluramine (FE) was followed. Four hours after its intraventricular injection, 99% of cerebral FE was dealkylated to norfenfluramine (NFE). Norfenfluramine had reached all areas of the brain, and was still detectable at 3 days. Two toluene-extractable metabolites could be isolated from the brain. By gas-chromatography and mass spectroscopy, these metabolites (FE 3 ) were N-acetylnorfenfluramine and (FE 2 ) m -trifluoro-methyl hippuric acid. Experiments in vitro confirmed the cerebral synthesis of FE 2 . Distributional studies indicated that the level of FE 3 in the neocortex was twice as high as that in the brain stem. In rats injected with Lilly 110140, the cerebral conversion of intraventricular FE to FE 3 and FE 2 did not take place. Iprindole given alone or in combination with Lilly 110140 increased cerebral levels of FE 2 and FE 3 . FE 2 and FE 3 were recoverable from the urine but not from the liver of rats given intraperitoneal or intraventricular FE. Intraperitoneal injection of FE did not lead to the appearance of FE 2 and FE 3 in brain. Administration of Iprindole increased the urinary output of FE 2 and FE 3 , but not of FE and NFE. Following subcellular and density gradient fractionation, 20% of all FE 3 and 10% of all NFE appeared in the synaptosomal fraction. The marked differences in the metabolism of FE and p -CA, both neurotoxic agents, are discussed.