cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Review of Embodiment in Autism Spectrum Disorders

In classical approaches to cognition, sensory, motor and emotional experiences are stripped of domain-specific perceptual and sensorimotor information, and represented in a relatively abstract form. In contrast, the embodied cognition framework suggests that our representations retain the initial imprint of the manner in which information was acquired. In this paper, we argue that individuals with ASD display impairments in the temporal coordination of motor and conceptual information (as shown in gesture research) and striking deficits in the interpersonal mimicry of motor behaviors (as shown in yawning research) – findings we believe are consistent with an embodied account of ASD that includes, but goes beyond, social experiences and is driven in part by significant but subtle motor deficits. In this paper, we review the research examining an embodied cognition account of ASD, and discuss its implications.
Serum lipase active in the hydrolysis of the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

Abstract Sera from numerous animal sources contain enzymes that degrade the potent tumor promoter, 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). The activity was present in rat, mouse, guinea pig, rabbit and goat, and absent in fetal bovine, bovine, porcine, horse, chicken and human sera. The enzyme shows a marked specificity for hydrolysis of the long-chain 12-O acyl group, which results in the formation of phorbol-13-monoacetate as the major product. Enzymatic catalysis displayed two pH optima (5.5 and 8.0) and was completely destroyed by heat inactivation (56°C, 30 min) of the serum. N -Ethylmaleimide and p -chloromercuribenzoate were relatively weak inhibitors, whereas NaF (5.0 mM) produced an approximate 80% reduction of hydrolysis. Esterase-lipase substrates, such as cholesterol oleate, α-naphthylacetate, α-naphthylpalmitate, and monotetradecanoylglycerol, were not inhibitory when added to the reaction mixture. Porcine pancreatic lipase does not catalyze the removal of the acyl or the acetyl groups from TPA.
Development of embedded sapphire optical waveguides for intelligent ceramic composites

Embedded fiber-optic sensors offer an attractive method for real-time in-situ characterization of composite materials. The present work is directed toward the development of an appropriate optical waveguide and sensing technique for high temperature ceramic applications. The waveguide consists of a sapphire optical fiber core and polycrystalline alumina cladding. The sensing technique is based on spatial intensity modulation induced within multimode optical fibers. This paper presents a brief description of the optical waveguide fabrication, a theoretical model for spatial intensity modulation (SIM) and experimental verification of SIM in sapphire fibers.
Preparation of monoclonal antibodies to murine platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (alphaIIbbeta3) and other proteins from hamster-mouse interspecies hybridomas.

To obtain mouse-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against platelet proteins, an Armenian hamster was immunized with washed mouse platelets. Immune splenocytes were then fused with a nonsecreting murine myeloma cell line, and the resulting heterohybridomas were screened for antibody production utilizing an ELISA in which the target antigen was mouse platelets adsorbed onto microtiter plates in the presence of thrombin. Secondary screening assays included ELISA tests using murine fibrinogen or platelets from beta3-integrin knockout mice, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and a functional assay to identify antibodies that inhibit platelet-fibrinogen interactions. Hybridoma cells producing hamster mAbs against murine glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, fibrinogen, CD9, and other platelet integrins were identified. Two hybridomas (1B5 and 9C2) producing antibodies that react with the GPIIb/IIIa complex in immunoprecipitation analysis were subcloned twice. Functional analyses by means of aggregation and adhesion assays revealed that 1B5 completely inhibits platelet-fibrinogen interactions, whereas 9C2 does not affect platelet aggregation or platelet adhesion.
Current Sierra Nevada-North America motion from very long baseline interferometry:Implications for the kinematics of the western United States

We use geodetic measurements from very long baseline interferometry to estimate the motion of the Sierra Nevadan microplate, which is composed of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Valley. The motion of the Sierra Nevadan microplate relative to the North American plate is described by a right-handed rotation of 0.61°/m.y. about lat 32°N, long 128°W. This Euler pole lies only 10° southwest of the Sierra Nevadan microplate and predicts a significant counterclockwise rotation about a local vertical axis. It further predicts a velocity of the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada (at 38.0°N, 119.3°W) relative to stable North America of 11 ±1 mm/yr toward N36° ±3°W (quoted uncertainties are plus or minus one standard error), which accounts for about one-fourth of the velocity between the Pacific and North American plates and is ∼25° clockwise of many prior estimates. The velocity nearly parallels the boundary between the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin, which implies that current motion within the Great Basin results in a rotational, noncoaxial deformation. We use this velocity to estimate how motion is distributed across the broad deforming zone taking up Pacific-North America plate motion. We find that the vector sum of strike slip along the San Andreas fault and motion of the Sierra Nevada relative to stable North America (taken up by deformation within the Great Basin) differs little from the Pacific-North America plate velocity. The difference can be described at 36°N along the San Andreas fault by a vector of 6 mm/yr directed toward N20°W. This vector resolves into components of 5 mm/yr parallel to the fault and 2 mm/yr perpendicular to the fault with 95% confidence intervals of 0 to 10 mm/yr and -1 to +5 mm/yr, respectively. The component perpendicular to the fault is several times smaller than found in prior studies and places a small upper bound on fault-perpendicular shortening. We conclude that motion previously inferred to be taken up by deformation other than strike slip along the San Andreas fault or deformation within the Great Basin is much smaller than previously thought.
Experimental comparison of the gravitational force on freely falling electrons and metallic electrons.

Gravitational effect on free falling electrons in vacuum, showing gravitational induction of electric field outside metal surface
Modeling Human-Automation Team Performance in Networked Systems: Individual Differences in Working Memory Count:

As human-machine systems grow in size and complexity, there is a need to understand and model how human attentional limitations affect system performance, especially in large networks. As a first s...
A viscosity prescription for a self-gravitating accretion disc⋆

A model for treating the transfer of angular momentum within a gaseous differentially rotating disc subject to gravitational instability is discussed in terms of an effective kinematic viscosity. It is assumed that even when matter in the disc is subject to self-gravitation, the instability does not necessarily lead directly to condensation of parts of the disc into self-gravitating bodies. Conditions under which the present model permits a similarity solution are discussed, and it is shown that the general solution tends to the similarity solution at large times.
Annelid transepithelial ion transport

Abstract 1. 1. The body wall of the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) and the freshwater leech (Haemopsisgrandis) can be isolated and mounted in a chamber with pondwater outside and Ringers inside. 2. 2. Under these condition, a transepithelial potential (TEP) is maintained across the isolated body wall for some time. The TEP across the isolated earthworm body wall is −14 mV (inside negative) and + 22 mV across the leech body wall. 3. 3. Addition of amiloride to the external medium (1 × 10−4M) depolarizes the TEP across the leech and hyperpolarizes the TEP across the earthworm body walls. Furosemide 1 × 10−4M) depolarizes the TEP across the earthworm body wall. 4. 4. Calculated flux ratios for Na+ and Cl− do not agree with those experimentally determined across the earthworm or leech body wall. 5. 5. Both Na+ and Cl− are actively transported across the leech and earthworm body wall. Na+ and Cl− movements in the earthworm body wall are both electrogenic, while only Na+ movement in the leech body wall is electrogenic.
Calcium and calcium ionophore A23187 alter protein synthesis and secretion by acini from rat mammary gland.

Abstract 1. 1. Acini (alveoli) from lactating rat mammary gland responded to increasing levels of calcium or calcium ionophore A23187 with increased protein synthesis and secretion. 2. 2. Inclusion of dibutyryl cyclic AMP in incubation medium with calcium or calcium ionophore decreased protein synthesis but increased rate of protein secretion. 3. 3. Calcium ionophore increased both rates of calcium uptake by acini and levels of intracellular calcium. 4. 4. These results suggest a relationship between calcium and cyclic AMP in milk protein synthesis and secretion.
Using the BETTER Model to assess sexuality.

A component of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) standards of nursing practice is systematic assessment and collection of data about the health status of each patient; this process includes sexuality (ONS & ANA, 1996). Many tools are available to nurses when obtaining a sexual history, assessing sexual function, and providing interventions that will assist patients in the management of any identified problems. Models such as PLISSIT, PLEASURE, and ALARM can support nurses by providing a guide for appropriate steps to address sexuality with patients (Andersen, 1990; Krebs, 2001; Mick, Hughes, & Cohen, 2003; Shell, 2001). The BETTER model also can be used to provide information to help oncology nurses conduct sexuality assessments more effectively (Mick et al.) (see Figure 1). Test your knowledge of sexuality assessment by answering the following questions, which are based on the BETTER model. 1. Sexuality is best described by which of the following definitions? a. Sexual function b. A composite of feelings and behaviors specific to gender c. Sexual activity and the love and caring that accompany it d. Body image, gender roles, patterns of affection, family and social roles, and genital sex 2. Mrs. A, a 63-year-old woman with stage II breast cancer, comes to the clinic for her chemotherapy follow-up visit. While the nurse performs her assessment, Mrs. A states that she has been feeling very tired most of the time. The nurse can use this comment to bring up the topic of sexuality and accurately provide information by saying, a. “Tiredness can change your sexual life, too. Many women notice changes in their sexual lives. If you have any conJoAnn Mick, RN, MSN, MBA, AOCN®, is a patient care nurse manager at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and a doctoral student at Texas Woman’s University in Houston; Mary Hughes, MS, RN, CNS, is a clinical nurse specialist in the Psychiatry Section of the Neuro-oncology Department at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Marlene Z. Cohen, RN, PhD, FAAN, is a John S. Dunn, Sr., distinguished professor in oncology nursing in the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the director of applied nursing research at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Sinophiles and Sinophobes in Tokugawa Japan: Politics, Classicism, and Medicine During the Eighteenth Century

This article first reviews the political, economic, and cultural context within which Japanese during the Tokugawa era (1600–1866) mastered Kanbun 漢文 as their elite lingua franca. Sino-Japanese cul...
Analysis of transient heat/mass transfer and adsorption/desorption interactions

A transient, two-dimensional theoretical analysis of combined heat and mass transfer and adsorption/desorption dynamics is presented to investigate the effects of the local non-linear interactions between heat and mass transfer and adsorption/desorption as the surface phenomena. A honeycomb adsorption column is used as a model system. The simplified statistical mechanics (SLD) model is employed to simulate an adsorption equilibrium on the flat walls of the honeycomb adsorbent. Appropriate surface boundary conditions for heat and mass transfer in the presence of adsorption/desorption are formulated. Model predictions are compared with available experimental data for adsorption of water vapor in a honeycomb column, and very good agreement is obtained between the numerical simulations of the system dynamics and the measurements. The findings demonstrate that it is important to correctly account for heat and mass transfer and adsorption/desorption interactions in the system.
A sensitive fluorometric assay for avidin and biotin

Abstract The quenching of the tryptophan fluorescence of avidin by biotin forms the basis for a rapid, sensitive assay for biotin and avidin in solutions free of fluorescent contaminants. Avidin solutions are assayed by titration with a standard biotin solution until no further decrease in fluorescence at 350 nm, with excitation at 290 nm, is observed. Unknown quantities of biotin in solution may be determined by titration with aliquots of standard avidin until the change in fluorescence observed following each addition undergoes a sharp increase. As little as 20 ng of biotin may be measured in this way.
Dynamical behaviour of planetesimals temporarily captured by a planet from heliocentric orbits: basic formulation and the case of low random velocity

Planetesimals encountering with a planet cannot be captured permanently unless energy dissipation is taken into account, but some of them can be temporarily captured in the vicinity of the planet for an extended period of time. Such a process would be important for the origin and dynamical evolution of irregular satellites, short-period comets, and Kuiper-belt binaries. In this paper, we describe the basic formulation for the study of temporary capture of planetesimals from heliocentric orbits using three-body orbital integration, such as the definition of the duration and rate of temporary capture, and present results in the case of low random velocity of planetesimals. In the case of planetesimals initially on circular orbits, we find that planetesimals undergo a close encounter with the planet before they become temporarily captured. When planetesimals are scattered by the planet into the vicinity of one of periodic orbits around the planet, the duration of temporary capture tends to be extended. Typically, these capture orbits are in the retrograde direction around the planet. We evaluate the rate of temporary capture of planetesimals, and find that the ratio of this rate to their collision rate on to the planet increases with increasing semimajor axis of the planet. Similar results are obtained for planetesimals with non-zero but small random velocities, as long as Kepler shear dominates the relative velocity between the planet and planetesimals. For larger initial random velocities of planetesimals, temporary capture in both prograde and retrograde directions with much longer duration becomes possible.
latheo, a Drosophila gene involved in learning, regulates functional synaptic plasticity.

Abstract Mutations in the latheo ( lat ) gene disrupt associative learning in Drosophila , but a role for LAT in regulating neuronal function has not been demonstrated. Here, we report that LAT plays a central role in regulating Ca 2+ - and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Immunological localization of the LAT protein indicates it is present at synaptic connections of the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and is enriched in presynaptic boutons. Basal synaptic transmission amplitude at the lat mutant NMJ is elevated 3- to 4-fold, and Ca 2+ dependence of transmission is significantly reduced. Multiple forms of synaptic facilitation and posttetanic potentiation (PTP) are strongly depressed or absent at the mutant synapse. Our results suggest that LAT is a novel presynaptic protein with a role in the Ca 2+ -dependent synaptic modulation mechanisms necessary for behavioral plasticity.
Tunable mesoscale-structured self-assembled hydrogels synthesized by organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization

Abstract A class of tunable, mesostructured self-assembled hydrogels has been developed based on a library of π–π stacking ABA-type telechelic triblock copolymers prepared by organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization (ROP). Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) served as a macroinitiator for ROP of methylene tricarbonate-benzyl ester (MTC-OBn), a benzyl-ester functionalized cyclic carbonate monomer, resulting in polymers with well-defined length and narrow polydispersity. Self-assembled hydrogels were formed by dissolving poly(MTC-OBn)-b-PEG-b-poly(MTC-OBn) copolymers in water. Physical cross-links in the hydrogels formed through hydrophobic and π–π stacking intermolecular interactions between poly(MTC-OBn) segments. The mesoscale material properties were probed using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic mechanical measurements. SAXS spectra show a scattering peak, corresponding to a molecular domain spacing of 20–25 nm, which we attribute to the formation of electron-dense poly(MTC-OBn) assemblies. Results from oscillatory shear experiments were analyzed in conjunction with SAXS data in order to develop an understanding of the influence that nanoscale structure has on the mechanical properties of self-assembled gels. Modeling of scattering peaks using the Bragg spacing model demonstrated that the hydrophilic PEG network chains connecting the scattering moieties behaved as a two-dimensional self-avoiding walk. We compared the observed microstructural features with the mechanical properties of self-assembled gels and determined that the molecular weight of the polycarbonate and PEG segments controls the gel structure on both the mesoscale and macroscale. A central contribution of this work is a synthetic strategy that utilizes ROP to control polymer structure, which in turn controls both the structure and mechanical properties of these biodegradable self-assembled hydrogels.
Induction of long-term potentiation leads to increased reliability of evoked neocortical spindles in vivo

Large amplitude electroencephalographic spindle waves (7-14 Hz) occur spontaneously in the neocortex during both sleep and awake immobility, and it has been proposed that synchronous neuronal activation during spindles may contribute to learning-related synaptic plasticity. Spindles can also be evoked in the sensorimotor cortex by electrical stimulation of cortical or thalamic inputs in the rat. To determine if strengthening cortical synapses can affect the initiation and maintenance of electrically evoked spindles, stimulation pulses were delivered at a range of intensities to the corpus callosum or ventrolateral thalamus in the awake rat before and after the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) by tetanization of the corpus callosum. The morphology of evoked spindles was similar to that of naturally occurring spindles. Spindles were evoked less reliably during slow-wave sleep than during waking, and this was correlated with smaller synaptic responses during slow-wave sleep. Similar to previous findings, daily tetanization of the corpus callosum for 15 days decreased the early component and increased the late component of synaptic responses evoked by corpus callosum stimulation, but did not significantly affect synaptic responses evoked by thalamic stimulation. Similarly, LTP induction increased the reliability with which low-intensity corpus callosum stimulation evoked spindles, but increases in spindles evoked by thalamic stimulation were not significant. Synaptic potentiation and the increased reliability of spindles developed with a similar time-course over the 15-day LTP induction period. These results reflect strong correlations between the strength of cortical layer V activation and the initiation of spindles in the sensorimotor cortex, and support the idea that monosynaptic and polysynaptic horizontal collaterals of layer V neurons can play a significant role in the initiation of spindles.
Microdialysis of Dopamine in the Nucleus Accumbens of Alcohol‐Preferring (P) Rats During Anticipation and Operant Self‐Administration of Ethanol

Background: The present study was designed to test directly whether a contextual stimulus for access to ethanol would acquire the ability to enhance locomotor activity and dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of alcohol-preferring (P) rats. The study also explored the association between elevated locomotor activity and NAc dopamine efflux during operant self-administration of ethanol. Methods: Adult female P rats were randomly assigned to operantly self-administer either 15% (v/v) ethanol or 0.0125% (w/v) saccharin. Both groups were trained in a daily 30-min two-lever concurrent operant task (FR-3) to orally self-administer ethanol or saccharin, with water on the alternate lever. A third (control) group was trained to self-administer water on both levers. All groups were also acclimated in the operant chambers to periods of habituation, anticipation, and postadministration. Results: Compared with controls, the ethanol group, but not the saccharin group, showed significant increases in locomotor activity as well as increased NAc dopamine efflux during the first 10 min of the anticipation period. During the first 10 min of the self-administration period, locomotor activity was significantly increased in both the ethanol and saccharin groups compared with control values. The ethanol group, but not the saccharin group, showed significant increases in NAc dopamine efflux during the 20th and 30th min of the self-administration period and during the first 10 min of the postadministration period. Conclusions: The findings suggest that acquisition of signal-induced anticipation of self-administered ethanol is associated with increases in locomotor activity and extracellular levels of dopamine in the NAc of P rats. Such associations may be important to the development and maintenance of ethanol-seeking behaviors. The findings also indicate that operant self-administration of ethanol is associated with increases in extracellular levels of dopamine in the NAc of P rats.
Direct electrical detection of target cells on a microfluidic biochip

Abstract Pathogenic bacterial cell detection is currently perfor med using techniques such as culture enrichment and various plating methods, which are expensive and can take up to several days. In this study, we describe the design, fabrication, and testing of a rapid and inexpensive sensor for detection of target cells electrically in real-time. The sensor operates with the use of microelectrodes integrated in a micro-channel. As a proof of principle, we have successfully demonstrated real-time detection of target yeast cells with a concentration of 10 7 cells/ml. We have also demonstrated the selectivity of our sensors in responding to target cells while remaining irresponsive to non-target cells. We also perform theoretical modeling in order to determine the ultimate detection limit of the sensor. Based on our modeling results, proper optimization of the sensor can yield detection limits approaching the single cell level. Keywords: Electrical Biosensor, Impedance, Microfluidics, Pathogen Detection
The Epidemiology of Bilateral Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. A Study of Children in Michigan

ABSTRACTThe records of 224 children who had a slipped capital femoral epiphysis and who had no underlying metabolic or endocrine disorder were studied retrospectively to investigate the epidemiology of bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Eighty-two (37 per cent) of the 224 children (fifty-o
Arousal modulation in females with fragile X or Turner syndrome

The present study was carried out to examine physiological arousal modulation (heart activity and skin conductance, across baseline and cognitive tasks, in females with fragile X or Turner syndrome and a comparison group of females with neither syndrome. Relative to the comparison group, for whom a greater increase in skin conductance was associated with poor arithmetic performance and less risk taking behavior, females with fragile X displayed a minimal increase in heart activity that was nevertheless associated with poor performance on mental arithmetic. In contrast, no arousal–cognitive performance relationship emerged for the group with Turner syndrome. Taken together, our findings suggest that distinct profiles of arousal modulation might be associated with cognitive deficits in these syndrome populations.
A Process-Based Model of End-of-Life Electronics Recycling Driving Eco-Efficiency-Informed Decisions

This paper describes a model of end-of-life electronics recycling that uses process-based cost modeling and value-based metrics to determine the economic and value-recovery effectiveness of a processing operation. The process-based cost models combine engineering process models, operational models, and an economic framework to map from details of product and process to operating costs. The value-weighted mass recovery assessments, when compared against simple mass recovered, provide a better estimate of both environmental impact and retained quality. The combination of these two aspects offers several advantages over existing modeling methodologies: they consider the variety of products a recycler processes, are driven by data that a recycler collects, and can respond to rapidly changing conditions. Background on these aspects is provided, followed by a description of the modeling framework. An example case involving cathode ray tubes is presented to depict the type of analyses possible using the model
A proposed physical mechanism for ozone-meteorology correlations using land–atmosphere coupling regimes

Correlations between surface ozone and meteorological variables exhibit a north-south gradient over the Eastern United States (US), with the ozoneetemperature correlation weakening and the ozoneehumidity correlation transitioning from positive to negative south of 37 � N. Using 17 years of hourly August ozone, nitrogen oxide, and isoprene measurements from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality System and Photochemical Assessment Measurement Stations and hourly meteorological fields from the North American Land Data Assimilation System (Phase 2), we propose that the north-south transition and widely observed ozoneehumidity correlation results from a shift in the soil moisture-atmosphere coupling regime. Due to soil water limitations over the Southeast, evapotranspiration and specific humidity increase following precipitation events, and this coincides with reductions in temperature and ozone precursors. Therefore, the negative ozoneehumidity correlation in the Southeast is likely a manifestation of several meteorological factors directly influencing ozone production. Surface drying, as defined by the evaporative fraction, provides a better predictor of O3 than temperature, specific humidity, or radiation for the Southeast due to its ability to retain prior precipitation information and reflect sameday atmospheric conditions relevant to O3 production. Behavior of surface fluxes and coupling may be particularly relevant for prediction of seasonal and future O3 air quality, and further investigation into the links between landeatmosphere coupling and O3 is necessary.
Reduction of invasive bacteria in ethanol fermentations using bacteriophages.

Invasive Lactobacillus bacteria inhibit ethanol fermentations and reduce final product yields. Due to the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of Lactobacillus spp., alternative disinfection strategies are needed for ethanol fermentations. The feasibility of using the bacteriophage (phage) 8014-B2 to control Lactobacillus plantarum in ethanol fermentations by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. In 48 h media-based shake flask fermentations, phages achieved greater than 3-log inactivation of L. plantarum, protected final ethanol yields, and maintained yeast viability. The phage-based bacterial disinfection rates depended on both the initial phage and bacterial concentrations. Furthermore, a simple set of kinetic equations was used to model the yeast, bacteria, phage, reducing sugars, and ethanol concentrations over the course of 48 h, and the various kinetic parameters were determined. Taken together, these results demonstrate the applicability of phages to reduce L. plantarum contamination and to protect final product yields in media-based fermentations.
A voltage-based observer design for membrane water content in PEM fuel cells

This paper presents a scheme for estimating membrane water content in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells from voltage, current, temperature, and several pressure measurements. The approach is to exploit the resistive voltage drop which is closely associated with membrane water content. To distinguish this resistive drop from other voltage losses we make use of a well-developed fuel cell voltage model that characterizes each loss term, as well as the open circuit voltage. The unmeasured hydrogen and oxygen partial pressure values in the open-circuit model are estimated with a variant of the hydrogen and oxygen observers developed by M. Arcak et al. (2004). Preliminary experimental results, obtained at the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center, are presented and discussed.
Hammers and their Use: Some Issues Involved in the Selection of Appropriate Tools for Public Policy Analysis

The magical aura which encases sports in our society continues to encourage cities to offer inducements to attract franchises. Now, even minor league franchises have become coveted assets by smaller cities seeking the same "glamour" that major league teams give larger cities. Smaller cities are seemingly mesmerized by the idea, "build it and they will come. " The "they" is the anticipated economic impact and benefits of the team. This article analyzed one city's decision by measuring the substitution effects and real growth impact of a team on the local economy. Given the tax structure in the community and the marginal impact of the team, the city and the private sector made the correct decision in not offering substantial inducements; net gains were too small for all concerned The small impact also suggests no natural constituency existed to support the needed investments. Finally, some have argued economic analyses are not the most important element in considering whether or not to invest in sports sinc...
Quantitation of simvastatin and its β-hydroxy acid in human plasma by liquid-liquid cartridge extraction and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A sensitive and reliable procedure for the simultaneous determination of simvastatin (SV) and its active beta-hydroxy acid metabolite (SVA) in human plasma was developed and validated. The analytes were extracted simultaneously from 0.5 ml aliquots of human plasma samples by methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) via Chem Elut cartridge extraction [also called liquid-solid extraction (LSE) or liquid-liquid cartridge extraction (LLCE)], separated through a Kromasil C(18) column (50 x 2 mm i.d. 5 microm) and detected by tandem mass spectrometry with a turbo ionspray interface. Stable isotope-labeled SV and SVA, (13)CD(3)-SV and (13)CD(3)-SVA, were used as internal standards. SV and SVA were detected in positive and negative ion modes, respectively, via within-run polarity switching. The use of Chem Elut cartridges not only provided a simple and efficient means of plasma sample extraction but also successfully reduced the interconversion between SV and SVA to an undetectable (for lactonization of SVA) or negligible (<0.07%, for hydrolysis of SV) level. The method showed excellent reproducibility, with intra- and inter-assay precisions <4.5% (RSD), and intra- and inter-assay accuracy between 94% and 107% of nominal values, for both analytes. The extraction recoveries were 78% and 87% on average for SV and SVA, respectively. The analyte was found to be stable in plasma through three freeze (-70 degrees C)-thaw (4 degrees C) cycles and for at least 3 h under bench-top storage condition in an ice-bath (4 degrees C), and also in the reconstitution solution at 4 degrees C for at least 24 h. The method has a lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 50 pg ml(-1) with a linear calibration range of 0.05-50 ng ml(-1) for both analytes, and has proved to be very reliable for the analysis of clinical samples.
Multiple theoretical perspectives for studying the assimilation of emerging information technologies

The paper examines a number of theoretical perspectives that can be used to study the assimilation and impact of emerging information technologies (IT). The authors apply these theoretical perspectives to document image processing (DIP). The paper adopts an emergent perspective, constructing a conceptual framework that can be used to study both the process of implementation and the factors which affect it. The interplay of associated environmental, technological and behavioral factors in this implementation are also studied. DIP systems are an emerging information technology which can result in marked organizational changes, including changes in workflow, job descriptions and organizational form. Imaging's viability is established, but the exact conditions under which it flourishes remain obscure. This study informs both the use of the technology and the theory which addresses the assimilation of emerging information technologies. >
Distributed mining of maximal frequent itemsets from databases on a cluster of workstations

In this paper, we propose a new algorithm, named Distributed Max-Miner (DMM), for mining maximal frequent itemsets from databases. A frequent itemset is maximal if none of its supersets is frequent. DMM requires very low communication and synchronization overhead in distributed computing systems. DMM has the local mining phase and the global mining phase. During the local mining phase, each node mines the local database to discover the local maximal frequent itemsets, then they form a set of maximal candidate itemsets for the top-down search in the subsequent global mining phase. A new prefix-tree data structure is developed to facilitate the storage and counting of the global candidate itemsets of different sizes. This global mining phase using the prefix-tree can work with any local mining algorithm. We implemented DMM on a cluster of workstations and evaluated its performance for various cases. DMM demonstrates better performance than other sequential and parallel algorithms, and its performance is quite scalable, even when there are large maximal frequent itemsets (i.e., long patterns) in databases.
FUNDAMENTALS OF HEAT FLOW IN MOLTEN GLASS AND IN WALLS FOR USE AGAINST GLASS1

This paper deals with the flow of heat through molten glass and through glass retaining clay walls. Reference is given to previous work on heat flow by convection, radiation and conduction as applied to clay refractorise. Experimental data are given for conductivity of flux block, and for the effective conductivity of molten glass as a function of temperature. Photographs are presented to show existence of convection currents in a glass tank.
Biomechanical and histological evaluation of a laparoscopic stapled gastropexy technique in dogs

The biochemical holding strength and histological characteristics of a laparoscopic stapled gastropexy (LG) adhesion were compared with that of an incisional gastropexy (IG) adhesion. An LG was performed in 14 dogs and an IG was performed in six dogs. During the LG procedure, the abdomen was insufflated with carbon dioxide and three cannulae were placed in the caudal aspect of the right side of the abdomen. A 35 mm laparoscopic stapler was used to staple the gastric antrum to the adjacent right lateral abdominal wall. The IG procedure was performed through ventral midline celiotomy. A 35 mm IG was made by apposing the gastric antrum to the adjacent right lateral abdominal wall with two continuous rows of suture. Half of each group of dogs was euthanatized at 7 and 30 days after surgery. The mean tensile load to failure at 7 days was 44.86 +/- 18.54 N for the LG group and 85.33 +/- 23.59 N for the IG group (P < .05). At 30 days the values were 72.39 +/- 18.01 N for the LG group and 71.17 +/-12.11 N for the IG group (P = .41). The gastropexy adhesions in the 7-day postoperative group contained variable amounts of fibrin, hemorrhage, mononuclear cell inflammation, loose fibrovascular tissue, and mature collagenous connective tissue. Adhesions in the 7-day postoperative group were divided subjectively into three histological subgroups based on the relative amounts of mature connective tissue within the adhesion. The LG and IG adhesions were randomly distributed among these subgroups (P = 1.0). Adhesions in the 30-day postoperative group contained well-organized fibrous connective tissue. No difference in the amount of connective tissue could be detected histologically in the LG or IG adhesions. Complications with the LG procedure included stomach perforation (2 cases), splenic puncture (2 cases), and subcutaneous emphysema (4 cases).
Britton Chance's lab and thereafter: From NIR spectroscopy to molecular sensing via nanotechnology

I was fortunate to work with/for Dr Britton Chance as his postdoctoral fellow, in the Biochemistry and Biophysics Department at the University of Pennsylvania, between August 1991 and January 1994. As anyone who worked for him, I had a sufficient dosage of "Britton Chance" over the years. Initially, to me, I felt that he was someone who was above regular people and far away to reach. Then I became to know him as a person, who was simple and complicated at the same time, with a persistent pursuit for his life interests, i.e., the advancement in science related to human health. As far as it goes to science (and perhaps with sailing), he had few boundary: He communicated with any age group, any one from any country with any cultural background. Any scientists were welcomed to his lab, his own house, and even his boat. He was happy with minimal material things. He kept his friendship faithfully. From him, I came to know how much one person can actually do during a life time. I am very grateful that I got to know him during my life path. In this paper, I list some of my experiences with him scientifically and also how and what I learned from him impacted my research and personal life.
Genome-Wide Mapping of in Vivo Protein-DNA Interactions

In vivo protein-DNA interactions connect each transcription factor with its direct targets to form a gene network scaffold. To map these protein-DNA interactions comprehensively across entire mammalian genomes, we developed a large-scale chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIPSeq) based on direct ultrahigh-throughput DNA sequencing. This sequence census method was then used to map in vivo binding of the neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF; also known as REST, for repressor element–1 silencing transcription factor) to 1946 locations in the human genome. The data display sharp resolution of binding position [±50 base pairs (bp)], which facilitated our finding motifs and allowed us to identify noncanonical NRSF-binding motifs. These ChIPSeq data also have high sensitivity and specificity [ROC (receiver operator characteristic) area ≥ 0.96] and statistical confidence (P <10^(–4)), properties that were important for inferring new candidate interactions. These include key transcription factors in the gene network that regulates pancreatic islet cell development.
Durability of the partial reinforcement and partial delay of reinforcement extinction effects after minimal acquisition training

Four groups of 10 rats each were given six acquisition trials (Phase 1) under continuous reinforcement (CR), partial reinforcement (PR), constant delay (CD), or partial delay of reinforcement (PD) conditions. In Phase 2, all Ss were given 18 nonreinforced trials, followed by 12 continuously reinforced trials in Phase 3. In Phase 4, all Ss were given 12 more extinction trials. A constant 24-h ITI was observed throughout the experiment. A strong partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE) was obtained in both Phases 2 and 4. Only a temporary partial delay of reinforcement effect (PDRE) was observed, which was restricted to the first nine trials of the first extinction phase. No constant delay of reinforcement effect (CDRE) was observed in either extinction phase. The results were discussed in terms of both frustration and sequential theories.
Childhood Development and Access to Nature: A New Direction for Environmental Inequality Research

Although environmental inequality researchers have increased our understanding of race- and class-based environmental inequality in many important ways, few environmental inequality studies ask whether children are disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution or whether poor and minority youth are less likely than their White and wealthier counterparts to spend time in green spaces and the natural world. This gap in the literature undermines the ability of researchers to fully understand and explain environmental inequality. To demonstrate the importance of filling this gap, the authors (a) highlight current research findings from the environmental health, environmental education, and environmental psychology literatures regarding the cognitive, emotional, and physical importance of childhood exposure to nature and (b) summarize the few existing studies that have examined class- and race-based inequalities in children's exposure to the natural world and industrial environmental hazards. The authors then suggest several avenues of research that would, if undertaken, significantly increase our understanding of youth-based environmental inequality. By synthesizing findings across multiple disciplines, the authors hope to convince environmental inequality researchers of the importance of investigating children's differential exposure to nature, green spaces, and industrial environmental hazards.
A hybrid method for wave propagation simulation in near-surface regions

Summary To study the effects of both free-surface t opography and volume heterogeneities on seismic data, we develop a hybrid method which couples the boundary element (BE) method to model arbitrarily complex topography with the screen method for large volume of heterogeneous media. After briefly describing the principles of the two methods, we develop a boundary connection technique which is a critical step of coupling the BE method with the screen method. Its validity is tested by numerical experiments. Finally we apply the hybrid method to wave propagation in a model with both rough surface topography and irregular subsurface structure.
A population-based study of the clinical course of chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) presents a challenge for patients, health care providers, and health insurance groups because of its incapacitating nature, unknown cause, and poorly understood prognosis. We conducted a longitudinal population-based study to characterize the clinical course of CFS. Sixty-five CFS subjects were identified from a random-digit-dialing survey of Wichita, Kansas residents and followed for up to 3 years. We evaluated changes in CFS classification (partial or total remission, alternative medical or psychiatric diagnoses), CFS case-defining criteria, wellness scores, hours of activities and sleep, and treatments used to reduce fatigue. Associations between risk factors and outcomes were determined by use of logistic regression and generalized estimating equations models. Only 20%-33% of the subjects were classified as having CFS at follow-up, 56.9% ever experienced partial or total remission, 10% sustained total remission, and 23.1% received alternative diagnoses, of which 20% were sleep disorders. Higher fatigue severity scores and total number of symptoms were negatively associated with ever remitting. Duration of illness ≤ 2 years was positively associated with sustained remission. Unrefreshing sleep persisted in at least 79% of the subjects across all periods but, as with most of the CFS symptoms, tended to be less frequent over time. The number of activities affected by fatigue decreased over time, while wellness scores increased. At any follow-up, more than 35% of subjects reporting reduced fatigue used complementary and alternative medicine therapies, and of those subjects, at least 50% thought these therapies were responsible for reducing their fatigue. The clinical course of CFS was characterized by an intermittent pattern of relapse and remission. Remission rates documented by our population-based study were similar to those reported in clinical studies. Shorter illness duration was a significant predictor of sustained remission, and thus early detection of CFS is of utmost importance. The persistence of sleep complaints and identification of sleep disorders suggest that CFS subjects be evaluated for sleep disturbances, which could be treated.
Coupling timing objectives with optical proximity correction for improved timing yield

Design-manufacturing co-optimization has been earmarked as a key enabler of future technology scaling. Current manufacturing methods treat all transistors equally irrespective of their criticality in the design flow. In the presence of variations in the lithographic process, this leads to timing violations which reduces chip yield. In this paper, we develop a timing-driven process window optical proximity correction (TD-PWOPC) algorithm that tunes the mask generation for each transistor based on its electrical criticality in the design. Our method utilizes knowledge of timing information to generate delay bounds on each cell. It then develops a process variation aware OPC cost function for each cell to ensure that post-lithography delay lies within these bounds. This method uses a single image simulation coupled with simplified models for regular polysilicon layouts to predict though-process performance. We finally use a gradient-descent algorithm to minimize this cost function. Results show that the use of TD-PWOPC can reduce delay errors significantly compared to regular OPC at small runtime overheads of 4.5%.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura: How Close Is Close Enough?

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an uncommon life-threatening disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, commonly associated with infections, malignancy, drugs, and autoimmune diseases. We report a case of 19-year-old previously healthy female that presents with anemia and thrombocytopenia diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura that was treated successfully with plasmapheresis and corticosteroids. Laboratory findings also revealed antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to double-stranded DNA. Two weeks after presentation developed inflammatory arthritis, fulfilling diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prompt diagnosis and treatment with plasma exchange and corticosteroids should be instituted as soon as the diagnosis of TTP is suspected, even if other diagnoses, including lupus, are possible. When present, the coexistence of these two etiologies can have a higher mortality than either disease alone. An underlying diagnosis of SLE should be considered in all patients presenting TTP and the study of this association may provide a better understanding of their immune-mediated pathophysiology.