cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cultural Effects on Technology Performance and Utilization: A Comparison of U.S. and Canadian Users

Research to date on information technology (IT) adoption has focused primarily on homogeneous single country samples. This study integrates the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with Hofstedeâ€™s (1980, 1983) Masculinity/Femininity (MAS-FEM) work value dimension to focus instead on post adoption attitudes and behaviors among a mixed gender sample of 366 United States and Canadian users of a specialized supply chain IT. We test 11 hypotheses about attitudes towards IT within and between subgroups of users classified by nationality and gender. Consistent with the national MAS-FEM scores and contrary to the conventional consideration of the U.S. and Canada as a unitary homogenous cultural unit, we found significant differences between U.S. men and women, but not between Canadian men and women. These results support the importance of the MAS-FEM dimensionâ€”independent of genderâ€”on user attitudes and help to clarify the relationship between culture and gender effects. Implications for managers responsible for technology implementation and management are discussed and directions for future research are offered.
Evaluation of a New Approach to the Safety Assessment of Biomaterials

ABSTRACTThe effectiveness of a bacterial luminescence inhibition assay in assessing the toxicity of compounds which are released from biomaterials was evaluated. Luminescence from a strain of bacteria most closely resembling Photobacterium hoshoreum was measured. The concentration that inhibited luminescence by 50% (EC50) was determined for selected plasticizers, monomers and additives. The intraperitoneal (i.p.-ALD) and intravenous (i.v.-ALD) approximate lethal doses were determined using mice. By ranking the reference compounds toxic/non-toxic, a 37.5% agreement was obtained for the i.p.-ALD and i.v.-ALD toxicity data. While there was only a 12.5% agreement for the i.p. ALD and EC50 values, there was a 75% agreement between the i.v.-ALD and EC50 values. Although additional validation is required, these results provide preliminary indications that the bacterial luminescence inhibition assay is a promising alternative approach to the safety assessment of biomaterials.
A pharmacist model of perceived responsibility for drug therapy outcomes.

Abstract Pharmacists in community and ambulatory care settings are in a unique position to reduce drug-related morbidity and to optimize patient outcomes by identifying, resolving, and preventing drug therapy problems. This particular approach to pharmacy practice expands traditional pharmacist responsibilities of dispensing pharmaceuticals and providing drug information to optimizing patients’ drug therapy outcomes. However, pharmacists in general, and community pharmacists in particular, have yet to incorporate this expanded professional role into daily practice. The objective of this study was to examine the validity of a pharmacist model of perceived responsibility for drug therapy outcomes based on the triangle model of responsibility. A survey instrument was tested among community and ambulatory care pharmacists in Florida, USA. The survey instrument contained the following pharmacist-related constructs from the model: clarity of standards, personal control, professional duty, and perceived responsibility for drug therapy outcomes. The model was examined by testing hypothesized relationships between the model constructs and pharmacists’ reports of providing pharmaceutical care. The survey response rate was 40.9% (525/1283). All of the study measures exhibited Cronbach alpha values greater than .70. A measurement model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. The χ 2 /d f ratio (3.02), CFI (.95), and residual (.051) indicated a good fit of the item data to the constructs. According to path analysis, clarity of standards, personal control, and professional duty were significantly related to perceived responsibility for drug therapy outcomes, which in turn, was significantly related to pharmaceutical care provision. Perceived responsibility for drug therapy outcomes acted as a mediator of the effects of clarity of standards, personal control, and professional duty on pharmaceutical care provision. These findings have implications for pharmacy practice and research.
Effect of second-phase particle morphology on grain growth kinetics

Second-phase particles are often employed to inhibit grain growth in polycrystalline metals and ceramics. In this work, we studied the effect of second-phase particle morphology on the effectiveness of inhibiting grain boundary migration using the phase-field method. We employed a multi-order parameter phase-field model in combination with an efficient memory allocation strategy which allows large-scale and coalescence-free grain growth simulations. We analyzed the dependence of pinning forces on the particle size and shape, and performed computer simulations of grain growth in the presence of second-phase particles with different sizes and varying aspect ratios. We also discuss the relationship between the pinned grain size and size distributions.
The radular muscle myoglobins of the amphineuran molluscs, katharina tunicata wood, crtptochiton stelleri middendorf, and mopalia muscosa gould

1. 1. The radular muscle myoglobins of the amphineuran molluscs Katharina tunicata, Cryptochiton stelleri, and Mopalia muscosa have been purified. 2. 2. In each species the myoglobin can be separated into two components: Mb-1, a putative dimer with a molecular weight of about 34,000, and Mb-2, a monomer with a molecular weight of approximately 17,000. 3. 3. In K. tunicata the amino-acid composition to the nearest half residue of the half molecule of Mb-1 is: Lys13, His2, Arg8, Cys1.5, Asp13.5, Thr2, Ser13, Glu13.5, Pro3.5 Gly15.5, Ala11, Val11, Met7, Ileu8.5, Leu10.5, Tyr2, Phe10, Trp2. 4. 4. The amino-acid composition of K. tunicata Mb-2 is: Lys17, His3, Arg1, Cys1, Asp16, Thr5, Ser7, Glu12, Pro6, Gly21, Ala16, Val12, Met8, Ileu8, Leu8, Tyr3, Phe4, Trp3. 5. 5. In C. stelleri the amino-acid composition to the nearest half residue of the half molecule of Mb-1 is: Lys14, His2, Arg5.5, Cys1, Asp16.5, Thr5, Ser10, Glu10, Pro4, Gly14.5, Ala10, Val10.5, Met6, Ileu9.5, Leu9.5, Tyr2, Phe9, Trp2. 6. 6. The amino-acid composition of C. stellen Mb-2 is: Lys17, His2, Arg1, Cys1, Asp15, Thr5, Ser6, Glu13, Pro6, Gly20, Ala19, Val12, Met6, Ileu10, Leu10, Tyr4, Phe4, Trp4. 7. 7. In M. muscosa the amino-acid composition to the nearest half residue of the half molecule of Mb-1 is: Lys16, His2, Arg5, Cys1, Asp13, Thr4.5, Ser13, Glu12, Pro4, Gly15.5, Ala10.5, Val11, Met7.5, Ileu9, Leu9.5, Tyr2, Phe9.5, Trp2. 8. 8. The amino-acid composition of M. muscosa Mb-2 is: Lys17, His2, Arg1, Cys1, Asp16, Thr7, Ser6, Glu13, Pro6, Gly22, Ala17, Val11, Met6, Ileu10, Leu9, Tyr4, Phe4, Trp4. 9. 9. The quaternary structure of Mb-1 from K. tunicata is discussed. 10. 10. The radular muscle myoglobins of the amphineurans are compared.
Measured summertime concentrations of particulate components, Hg0, and speciated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at rural sites in New York State

Daily PM2.5 samples, Hg0 and speciated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) were simultaneously collected at Potsdam and Stockton site in NY during the summers of 2000 and 2001. Samples for determination of the mass concentration and chemical composition of the PM2.5 were obtained with a speciation network PM2.5 sampler. Chemical composition including trace elemental composition, water-soluble ions, and elemental carbon were analyzed. Elemental mercury and PAHs were sampled separately. Daily PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 0.47 to 53.7 microg m(-3) at the Potsdam site, and from 0.82 to 47.23 microg m(-3) at the Stockton site with large daily differences between the two sites. Potsdam consistently had lower mass values than Stockton. The greatest contributors to the PM2.5 mass (generally >0.1 microg/m(3)) were sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and BC at both sites. Seventeen PAHs were identified at each site in 2000 and the average total concentrations were 3.2 ng/m(3) and 2.9 ng/m(3) at the Potsdam and Stockton sites, respectively. The mean vapor phase mercury concentration at the Potsdam site (2.4 +/-1.2 ng m(-3), n=93) was higher than that at the Stockton site (1.2 +/- 1.0 ng m(-3), n=60) in 2000, whereas in 2001, the average concentrations were 1.1 ng m(-3) and 1.6 ng m(-3) at the Potsdam and Stockton sites, respectively. In general, vapor phase mercury concentrations increased with increasing ambient temperature at the Stockton site in 2000. These differences in values between 2000 and 2001 can be largely explained by distinct differences in the meteorological regimes that dominated in the different years.
The Cbl protooncogene product: From an enigmatic oncogene to center stage of signal transduction

The c-cbl protooncogene was first identified as the cellular homologue of a viral oncogene v-cbl that induces pre-B lymphomas and myeloid leukemias in mice. Until recently, the biochemical basis for Cbl's transforming potential and its physiological role remained unclear. However, a convergence of biochemical studies in mammalian cells and genetic studies in C. elegans and Drosophila has now identified Cbl as a negative regulator of tyrosine kinase signaling. The N-terminal transforming region of Cbl (Cbl-N) and an adjacent RING finger domain are the elements most conserved during evolution. The Cbl-N region has now been shown to contain a novel phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain that directly interacts with autophosphorylated tyrosine kinases via a D(N/D)XpY motif. A critical role of the PTB domain in Cbl function is demonstrated by the localization of a loss-of-function mutation in C. elegans Cbl homologue SLI-1 within this region. The corresponding mutation in human Cbl inactivates the PTB domain function and abrogates Cbl-mediated regulation of tyrosine kinase function. Recent studies have also identified a novel signaling pathway initiated by the interaction of mammalian Cbl proteins with the SH2 domains of Crk adaptor molecules, which results in Cbl's linkage with C3G, a guanine nucleotide exchange protein for Rap1 family of small G-proteins. Presently, Rap1 is thought to antagonize Ras function, although Rap1-specific targets have emerged recently. Thus, recent advances have firmly placed the little known protooncoprotein Cbl on the center stage of tyrosine kinase-mediated signal transduction.
Selective precipitation of orthophosphate from mixtures containing labile phosphorylated metabolites

Abstract This paper describes a method for selective precipitation of orthophosphate from complex extracts containing cellular phosphorylated metabolites. A mixture of tungstate, tetraethylamine, and procaine is used as the precipitant. Under appropriate acidic conditions (pH 2–4) a sticky, white precipitate forms instantaneously. Removal of the precipitate by centrifugation, followed by thin-layer chromatographic analysis of the supernatant, demonstrates that more than 99.94% of the orthophosphate is removed. No other phosphorylated metabolite from a crude extract of bacterial cells is significantly precipitated or hydrolyzed during this procedure. Even the most acid labile phosphates such as acetyl phosphate are not hydrolyzed. The method is particularly useful for removing undesirable 32 Pi from radioactive biochemical preparations.
Prediction intervals for a balanced one-way random-effects model

This article presents numerical methods for constructing, from past sample data, prediction intervals to contain future samples from a population consisting of many batches. The appropriate model for this population is the balanced one-way random-effects model. Two special cases are considered. Specifically, future observations are restricted to be either from a single batch or from multiple batches with one observation per batch. Tables of factors are given for past data from 3(1)10 batches with 2, 6, or 10 observations per batch. The tables are restricted to 2, 6, or 10 future observations.
Partial tubal salvage through neosalpingostomy in a 12-year-old girl with combined ovarian and fallopian tube torsion

The combined torsion of both the ovary and the fallopian tube in the pediatric population has been a rarely encountered pathology. Although detorsion of the twisted adnexa is an option, most torsion cases reported in the pediatric literature have undergone adnexectomy as the primary treatment modality. We believe that, in an attempt to maximize the future reproductive potential, a viable portion of the fallopian tube can be salvaged in selected cases. This is the first reported case where a partially necrotic twisted tube is salvaged through neosalpingostomy after the resection of the necrotic distal portion. In this article, we are presenting a 12-year-old girl with a combined torsion of the right ovary and fallopian tube as well as the surgical management of this rare condition.
Assembly of two types of tubules with putative cytolytic function by cloned natural killer cells

The formation of ultrastructural membrane lesions of varying size during cell mediated cytolysis effected by human peripheral blood leukocytes was recently reported by Dourmashkin et al.1 and Henkart et al.2. Using cloned mouse natural killer (NK) cells3 as effectors and YAC-1 cells or rabbit erythrocytes as targets, we now report two types of membrane lesions with inner diameters of 16±2 nm and ∼5 nm, respectively. These lesions arise by membrane insertion of tubular complexes that may be assembled from subunits during the cytolytic reaction. The tubules are detected on target membranes by immune electron microscopy and appear to form transmembrane channels as seen in ultrathin sections. Both tubules are partially purified by membrane extraction with SDS and gel filtration in deoxycholate containing buffer. Based on the correlation of tubule assembly and cytolysis and on their detection on target membranes, we suggest that both types of tubules may be related to cytolysis.
Surgeon-specific factors in the acquisition of laparoscopic surgical skills.

Background: Training and experience vary widely among surgeons performing laparoscopic surgery (LS). Visual perceptual demands are greater for LS than for traditional surgery, necessitating greater understanding of surgeon variables in skill acquisition and performance. Methods: During an LS skills course incorporating didactic and simulator-based instruction, 94 surgeons completed an experience/demographic questionnaire, a test of course-specific knowledge acquisition, 10 trials of three dexterity drills, 15 suturing trials using course-specific methods, and 3 standardized tests of visual perception. Results: Age, years posttraining, and visual perception correlated significantly with time required to complete drills and suturing trials (Pearson correlations ranged from r = 0.21, P <0.05, to r = 0.51, P <0.001) even after statistically controlling for variations in knowledge acquisition, which correlated (r = 0.30, P <0.01) with suturing speed. Conclusions: Surgeon variables play a significant role in speed of acquisition and performance of LS skills. Further studies need to elucidate their role in quality of LS performance.
Correlates of smoking among young adults: The role of lifestyle, attitudes/beliefs, demographics, and exposure to anti-tobacco media messaging

Abstract Background Young adults (18-24 years) have the highest smoking rate of any age group. Unlike youth/adult populations where there is one primary message targeting behavior, anti-tobacco campaigns targeting young adults should contain messages of prevention and cessation. The objective was to identify factors influencing young adult cigarette use, employing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logic model, with an emphasis on the role of lifestyle, tobacco use tolerance, and attitudes/beliefs. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 4401 young adults using telephone interviews in 2010 as part of the evaluation for the Tobacco Free Florida Campaign. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between current smoking status and lifestyles, tolerance of tobacco use, and attitude/belief variables. Results The young adult cigarette prevalence rate is 20.3%, with males more likely to be smokers (25.1%) than females (15.6%) and non-Hispanic Whites more likely to be smokers than other racial/ethnic groups (23.8%). Significant associations were found between lifestyle variables (frequent bar/club, drinks per month, and number of friends who smoke), tolerance of tobacco use (allow smoke in house/car and moderate tobacco use), and four attitude/belief indices and current smoking behavior. Conclusions Results suggest lifestyles and attitudes/beliefs should be key behavioral targets of prevention programs aimed at young adults. Data strongly suggest that as young adults reject negative labels attached to smokers, they are more likely to smoke. Prevention (and cessation) programs may need to reduce barriers that result in segregating nonsmokers/smokers so smokers can have an increased chance of adopting attitudes/beliefs of nonsmokers.
Melanoma Molecular Subtypes: Unifying and Paradoxical Results

In this issue, Hacker and colleagues provide further evidence that molecular subtypes of malignant melanoma may develop along divergent pathways. The authors did not find an association between somatic BRAF-mutant melanoma and germline melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene status. We discuss this seeming paradox in light of previous studies demonstrating strong associations.
Mitochondria: Regulators of Cell Death and Survival

The past 5 years has seen an intense surge in research devoted toward understanding the critical role of mitochondria in the regulation of cell death. Apoptosis can be initiated by a wide array of stimuli, inducing multiple signaling pathways that, for the most part, converge at the mitochondrion. Although classically considered the powerhouses of the cell, it is now understood that mitochondria are also “gatekeepers” that ultimately determine the fate of the cell. The mitochondrial decision as to whether a cell lives or dies is complex, involving protein-protein interactions, ionic changes, reactive oxygen species, and other mechanisms that require further elucidation. Once the death process is initiated, mitochondria undergo conformational changes, resulting in the release of cytochrome c (cyt c), caspases, endonucleases, and other factors leading to the onset and execution of apoptosis. The present review attempts to outline the complex milieu of events regulating the mitochondrial commitment to and processes involved in the implementation of the executioner phase of apoptotic cell death.
Does sensitization to contact allergens begin in infancy

Objective. Because previous studies have found allergic contact sensitization common in children by 5 years of age, our aim was to determine the prevalence of positive epicutaneous test results in children Methods. We recruited 95 asymptomatic children 6 months to 5 years of age from well-child visits at Denver area pediatric practices for epicutaneous patch testing using the T.R.U.E. Test system. Allergens were placed on the skin for 48 hours, and at a later follow-up visit, positive reactions were evaluated. Results. A total of 85 patients completed the study. Of these, 20 (24.5%) had 1 or more positive reactions to the tested allergens. Positive reactors ranged from 6 to 65.5 months of age, with an average of 30.4 months of age. Of the children, 16 reacted to 1 allergen, and 4 reacted to 2. Eleven positive reactions were observed to nickel, followed by 8 to thimerosal. Other positive reactions were to neomycin, cobalt, and kathon CG. Conclusions. Children as young as 6 months of age may be sensitized to contact allergens. Within this pediatric population, the prevalence of sensitization is 24.5%. Sensitization to contact allergens may occur in infants.
Nicotine Addiction: Mechanisms and Consequences

(2011). Nicotine Addiction: Mechanisms and Consequences. International Journal of Mental Health: Vol. 40, No. 1, pp. 22-38.
ALDH-1 expression levels predict response or resistance to preoperative chemoradiation in resectable esophageal cancer patients

Abstract Purpose Operable thoracic esophageal/gastroesophageal junction carcinoma (EC) is often treated with chemoradiation and surgery but tumor responses are unpredictable and heterogeneous. We hypothesized that aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 ( ALDH-1 ) could be associated with response. Methods The labeling indices (LIs) of ALDH-1 by immunohistochemistry in untreated tumor specimens were established in EC patients who had chemoradiation and surgery. Univariate logistic regression and 3-fold cross validation were carried out for the training (67% of patients) and validation (33%) sets. Non-clinical experiments in EC cells were performed to generate complimentary data. Results Of 167 EC patients analyzed, 40 (24%) had a pathologic complete response (pathCR) and 27 (16%) had an extremely resistant (exCRTR) cancer. The median ALDH-1 LI was 0.2 (range, 0.01–0.85). There was a significant association between pathCR and low ALDH-1 LI ( p ≤ 0.001; odds-ratio [OR] = 0.432). The 3-fold cross validation led to a concordance index (C-index) of 0.798 for the fitted model. There was a significant association between exCRTR and high ALDH-1 LI ( p ≤ 0.001; OR = 3.782). The 3-fold cross validation led to the C-index of 0.960 for the fitted model. In several cell lines, higher ALDH-1 LIs correlated with resistant/aggressive phenotype. Cells with induced chemotherapy resistance upregulated ALDH-1 and resistance conferring genes ( SOX9 and YAP1 ). Sorted ALDH-1+ cells were more resistant and had an aggressive phenotype in tumor spheres than ALDH-1− cells. Conclusions Our clinical and non-clinical data demonstrate that ALDH-1 LIs are predictive of response to therapy and further research could lead to individualized therapeutic strategies and novel therapeutic targets for EC patients.
Modeling, measurements, and analysis of x-ray emission from 0.26- microm-laser-irradiated gold disks.

We present modeling, measurements and analysis that extend our understanding of laser-plasma coupling and x-ray conversion processes to shorter laser wavelengths at kilojoule energies. We have studied the x-ray emission from gold-disk targets irradiated at 0.26-\ensuremath{\mu}m wavelength, using 0.5--1.5-kJ, 1-ns full width at half maximum Gaussian pulses at intensities of 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{14}$--2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{15}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. We interpret measurements of the absolute broadband x-ray spectrum, the time history of sub-keV x-ray emission flux, and the broadband hard-x-ray spectrum. We find negligible hot-electron levels (${l10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$${E}_{\mathrm{inc}}$). We infer increased conversion of incident light to soft x rays (72%\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15% at 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{14}$ and 38%\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}12% at 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{15}$), compared with longer wavelengths, as predicted. We find good overall agreement between the modeling and the data, but identify some areas that need to be better understood, including certain aspects of the x-ray emission spectrum and the decay rate of the emission pulse.
Multiple Hormone Deficiencies in Children with Hemochromatosis

Patients with thalassemia major require multiple blood transfusions leading to hemochromatosis. These patients often have pubertal delay and growth failure, the etiology of which has not been fully elucidated. We performed an extensive endocrine evaluation which included measurements of spontaneous and stimulated levels of gonadotropins, GH, thyroid hormone, and adrenal hormones in 17 patients between the ages of 12 and 18 yr with hemochromatosis receiving desferoxamine therapy. All of the 17 patients had at least one endocrine abnormality, and 12 had more than one abnormality. Abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis were the most common. Six patients had clinical evidence of delayed puberty with spontaneous and stimulated gonadotropin and sex steroid levels appropriate for their delayed pubertal stage. All 14 children in puberty LH pulsatility index below the mean for pubertal stage compared to normal children. Six of the 14 had LH pulsatility index more than 2 SD below the mean for pube...
Atypical Default Network Connectivity in Youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a major public health concern. It has been suggested that the brain's default network may provide a crucial avenue for understanding the neurobiology of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Evaluations of the default network have increased over recent years with the applied technique of resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fcMRI). These investigations have established that spontaneous activity in this network is highly correlated at rest in young adult populations. This coherence seems to be reduced in adults with ADHD. This is an intriguing finding, as coherence in spontaneous activity within the default network strengthens with age. Thus, the pathophysiology of ADHD might include delayed or disrupted maturation of the default network. If so, it is important to determine whether an altered developmental picture can be detected using rs-fcMRI in children with ADHD. Methods This study used the typical developmental context provided previously by Fair et al. (2008) to examine coherence of brain activity within the default network using rs-fcMRI in children with ( n = 23) and without attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( n = 23). Results We found that functional connections previously shown as developmentally dynamic in the default network were atypical in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder—consistent with perturbation or failure of the maturational processes. Conclusions These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that atypical consolidation of this network over development plays a role in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization Among Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Their Household Contacts

Background:Little is known about the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization and the epidemiology of methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and their household members.Objectives:We sought to determine the epidemiology of
Grazing behavior and diet selection of goats

Abstract Goats possess characteristics including versatility in harvesting forage and ability to survive under adverse foraging conditions which set them apart from other species of livestock. Classification of goats as grazers or browsers is equivocal especially when grazing patterns are examined over a variety of environmental conditions. It is perhaps more appropriate to term goats as mixed-feeding ‘opportunists’ because they adapt much faster than cattle or sheep to seasonal and geographic variation. Goats preferentially select plant parts that are higher in digestibility when stocking density is low. Tolerance of goats toward bitterness may play an important role in maximizing grazing capacity and in biological control of weeds. Allelochemical-type reactions may contribute to the detoxification of secondary plant compounds in goats' diets. The role of tannins and saponins deserves further studies. The pattern of rumination in goats is not different from cattle and sheep although a faster rate of eating and more frequent feeding may be observed in goats. Estimating energy expenditures for grazing may be critical for the estimation of energy requirements of goats under different management systems. Precise estimations of intake and digestibility remain to be established for grazing goats.
Vibrationally elastic scattering cross section of water vapor by electron impact

Absolute differential cross sections of electrons vibrationally elastically scattered from water vapor have been measured at room temperature by electron impact. A modulated crossed-beam method was used. The energy and angular range covered were from 2.2 to 20 eV and from 15 to 150 deg, respectively. Strong backward scattering has been observed as predicted by theory. The measured integrated and momentum-transfer cross sections are generally larger than others in the literature by 50 percent.
Modification of tubulin cysteines by nitric oxide and nitroxyl donors alters tubulin polymerization activity.

The modification of reduced cysteines of proteins by nitric oxide alters protein function, structure, and potentially, interactions with downstream signaling targets. We assessed the effect of the S-nitroso compounds S-nitrosoglutathione and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine, the NO donor 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate 2-oxide, and the nitroxyl donor Angeli’s salt on the cysteines of the abundant cytoskeletal protein, tubulin. Total cysteine modification by each compound was quantitated and compared to peroxynitrite anion, an oxidant that we have studied previously. Angeli’s salt was most effective at modifying the cysteines of tubulin and at inducing the formation of tubulin interchain disulfide bonds followed by peroxynitrite anion, S-nitrosoglutathione, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine, and 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate 2-oxide. S-nitrosation of tubulin by S-nitrosoglutathione and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine was detected by the Saville assay. Our data show that tubulin interchain disulfide bon...
Spectral pictures of 2-variable weighted shifts

Abstract We study the spectral pictures of (jointly) hyponormal 2-variable weighted shifts with commuting subnormal components. By contrast with all known results in the theory of subnormal single and 2-variable weighted shifts, we show that the Taylor essential spectrum can be disconnected. We do this by obtaining a simple sufficient condition that guarantees disconnectedness, based on the norms of the horizontal slices of the shift. We also show that for every k ⩾ 1 there exists a k-hyponormal 2-variable weighted shift whose horizontal and vertical slices have 1- or 2-atomic Berger measures, and whose Taylor essential spectrum is disconnected. To cite this article: R.E. Curto, J. Yoon, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 343 (2006).
Steroids and Exogenous γ-ENaC Subunit Modulate Cation Channels Formed by α-ENaC in Human B Lymphocytes

Abstract Previous studies using whole-cell recording methods suggest that human B lymphocytes express an amiloride-sensitive, sodium-permeable channel. The present studies aim to determine whether this channel has biophysical properties and a molecular structure related to the α, β, and γ subunits of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Northern blots showed that human B lymphocytes express messages for both α- and β- but not γ-ENaC. Western blots showed that both α- and β- but not γ-ENaC proteins are expressed and strongly reduced by antisense oligonucleotides. Patch clamp experiments demonstrated that lymphocyte sodium channels are not active in cell-attached patches. However, membrane stretch can activate a 21-pS nonselective cation channel. The frequency of observance of this channel was significantly reduced by antisense oligonucleotide against α-ENaC but not by antisense oligonucleotide against β-ENaC, indicating that only the α subunit of ENaC is necessary to form stretch-activated cation channels. Aldosterone (1.5 μm) reduced the frequency of observance of 21-pS α-ENaC channels and simultaneously induced the appearance of spontaneously active 10-pS channels. Antisense oligonucleotide experiments showed that this 10-pS channel is formed from α- and β-ENaC. After expression of exogenous γ-ENaC, aldosterone again reduced the frequency of observance of the 21-pS α-ENaC channel but induced the appearance of a 5-pS channel, presumably a αβγ-ENaC channel. In the absence of aldosterone, the α subunit forms an α-cryptic channel that is activated by stretch, and in the presence of aldosterone, β and α subunits together form an active channel that is modulated by aldosterone.
Storage device performance prediction with CART models

This work explores the application of a machine learning tool, CART modeling, to storage devices. We have developed approaches to predict a device's performance as a function of input workloads, requiring no knowledge of the device internals. Two uses of CART models are considered: one that predicts per-request response times (and then derives aggregate values) and one that predicts aggregate values directly from workload characteristics. After training on the device in question, both provide reasonably-accurate black box models across a range of test traces from real environments. An expanded version of this paper is available as a technical report [1].
Bugs versus bugs: probiotics, microbiome and allergy.

exposure to infections. Although exposure to infections may be one source of immune education, the most extensive interaction of the human body with microbes occurs within our own gut, which, in addition to being the site of greatest bacterial colonization, is also the largest lymphoid organ in the body. Over 40 years ago, it was reported that germ-free status resulted in spontaneous allergy and anaphylaxis to dietary milk in rabbits [8] , suggesting that the microbiota is important for actively suppressing allergic sensitization and supporting the concept of ‘good bugs’ that could be used therapeutically. It has been proposed that a change in the constituents of the intestinal microbiota promotes allergic disease, a concept supported by recent preclinical data [9] . Using culture-based approaches to studying the human microbiome, there has been a lack of consistent findings comparing healthy to atopic infants [10, 11] . However, the vast majority of commensal bacteria cannot be cultured and are not represented in such approaches. The development of highthroughput genomic approaches for quantifying taxonomic units has been used to study stool samples from atopic infants compared to healthy controls, with a finding of reduced diversity and dysbiosis in allergic disease [12, 13] . Readers are referred to Garn et al. [14] for a comprehensive review of the current state of microbiome research in allergic disease. Studies on larger birth cohorts are needed to definitively answer the question of how changes in the microbiome precede the development of atopic disease. Advances in sequencing techniques now Probiotics, defined as ‘live organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host’ [1] have a long history of human use, such as the ingestion of fermented milk products for health purposes. Commonly used probiotics include Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium species, which have effects on the immune system and intestinal barrier function that support their use in the prevention or treatment of immune-mediated disorders [2–4] . It remains poorly understood, however, how probiotics actually interact with our commensal bacteria. The intestine, particularly the large intestine, is heavily colonized and commensal bacteria outnumber human cells by a factor of 10 to 1. The intestinal microbiota plays a key role in the maintenance of mucosal health: it helps to metabolize nutrients, produce shortchain fatty acids required for epithelial metabolism and has broad-ranging effects on the mucosal barrier, immune function and metabolism [5] . Manipulation of health by altering the microbiome was first systematically applied to livestock, where both antibiotics and probiotics have been used to promote weight gain [6] .
Anchor Semantics Enabled Ranking Method for Service Discovery and Integration

As Web services proliferate, the discovery and integration of appropriate services will become a challenging task particularly with services that share common similarities and functionalities. To assist requesters to find Web services of interest easily, we need to enhance the present service discovery mechanisms with ranking method. Enlightened by disciplines of Web 2.0, the anchor semantics enabled ranking method is proposed. In this method, the service requestor, as a consumer, can also become the producer to contribute not only the request description but also the usage reputation as part of service description. Based on case study and analogical analysis, we argue that this method improves recall and precise metrics at the same time.
Computer Use and Visualization in Students' Construction of Reflection and Rotation Concepts

The effects of a dynamic instructional environment (based on use of The Geometer's Sketchpad, N. Jackiw, 1991, in a computer lab) and visualization on eighth-grade students' (N= 241) construction of the concepts of reflection and rotation were investigated. Also investigated were the effects of the environment on students' two- and three-dimensional visualization. After controlling for initial differences, it was concluded that students experiencing the dynamic environment significantly outperformed students experiencing a traditional environment on content measures of the concepts of reflection and rotation, as well as on measures of two-dimensional visualization. The students' environment did not significantly affect their three-dimensional visualization.
A tribute to Dr. Anthony C. Bellotti and his contributions to cassava entomology

Anthony (Tony) Bellotti’s career as a humanitarian and entomologist followed a trajectory that took him to El Salvador with the Peace Corps (PC) in 1962, New Mexico State for a Masters, Paraguay (again with the Peace Corps), Cornell University for a Ph.D., and Colombia where he worked for the Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) from 1974 until his passing in March 2013 in Naples, Florida. Tony became a passionate advocate of cassava, and one of the world’s pre-eminent authorities on the entomology of that orphan crop that sustains millions of the world’s poorest popula tions. Tony played a crucial role in one of the most often cited and successful examples of classical biological control, the introduction of a parasitoid wasp from Paraguay to control the cassava mealybug throughout a broad area of Africa known as the Cassava Belt. His career spanned a period of time that might be referred to as a golden age of commodity programs at the international “CG Centers” organized under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which followed in the footsteps of Norman Borlaug and Robert McNamara, the unlikely alliance that led to the Green Revolution. Among Tony’s lesser accomplishments was his recruitment of the author to CIAT in 1986, where I worked on pests of tropi cal forages and then on cassava integrated pest management in northeastern Brazil and West Africa. Tony was a mentor and a friend whose career offers a chance to look at a unique life and his contributions to international agriculture.
Learning the expected utility of sensors and algorithms

A method is proposed which estimates the expected utility of a sensor being used in a sensor fusion framework. The resulting values are used to predict the subset of sensors which should be read to minimize the total cost of an observation cycle. Preliminary results from experiments taken with three sensors mounted on a mobile robot indicate that the method is indeed capable of reducing the average cost of an observation cycle, and that it is also capable of dynamically tracking conditions which change the expected utility values. >
Combined Clinical and Imaging Information as an Early Stroke Outcome Measure

Background and Purpose — Imaging information has been proposed as a potential surrogate outcome in stroke clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an early outcome measure combining clinical and imaging information is better than either alone in predicting 3-month outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods — Clinical information (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and imaging information (CT infarct volume), measured at 1 week from 201 patients from the Randomized Trial of Tirilazad Mesylate in Acute Stroke (RANTTAS) study, were used in a multivariable logistic regression analysis to predict excellent and devastating 3-month outcome. The combined models were compared with the infarct volume models and the clinical models. Discrimination, calibration, and change in global model chi-square were assessed. Results — The combined models and models using clinical information alone had areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves that did not differ significantly (probability value = 0.092 to 0.4), ranging from 0.83 to 0.95. The imaging alone models performed less well ( P <0.005) and had areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves that ranged from 0.70 to 0.80. Conclusions — The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at 1 week is highly predictive of 3-month outcome in ischemic stroke patients. The addition of 1-week infarct volume does not improve the accuracy of the predictive model.
Anterior bridging bronchus

Previously reported patients with a bridging bronchus (BB) presented with respiratory distress. In addition, each patient had one or more associated anomalies. All but two patients progressed to cardiopulmonary failure and death. We describe a case of an anterior BB without associated anomalies, who did well without operative intervention. This patient presented with a cough at 6 months of age. Chest X-ray was normal, but due to suspicion of foreign body aspiration, bronchoscopy was performed, which revealed a third bronchus at the carina. Bronchography demonstrated the anatomy of the BB. The patient has continued to do well without further intervention.
Working Models for Uncertain Data

This paper explores an inherent tension in modeling and querying uncertain data: simple, intuitive representations of uncertain data capture many application requirements, but these representations are generally incomplete―standard operations over the data may result in unrepresentable types of uncertainty. Complete models are theoretically attractive, but they can be nonintuitive and more complex than necessary for many applications. To address this tension, we propose a two-layer approach to managing uncertain data: an underlying logical model that is complete, and one or more working models that are easier to understand, visualize, and query, but may lose some information. We explore the space of incomplete working models, place several of them in a strict hierarchy based on expressive power, and study their closure properties. We describe how the two-layer approach is being used in our prototype DBMS for uncertain data, and we identify a number of interesting open problems to fully realize the approach.
How involved are American L2 learners of Spanish in lexical input processing tasks during reading

This study examines the nature of the involvement load (Laufer & Hulstijn, 2001) in second language (L2) lexical input processing through reading by considering the effects of the reader-based factors of L2 reading proficiency and background knowledge. The lexical input processing aspects investigated were lexical inferencing (search), attentional allocation during target word (TW) verification (evaluation), TW episodic memory after verification, TW retention, and changes in lexical input processing. This study also addresses the relationships between inferencing and retention as well as the relationships among the various phases of lexical input processing. A questionnaire on self-reported strategy use during the TW verification task was designed to examine motivation and cognitive involvement. A repeated-measures design was used with a cross-sectional sample of 35 adult L2 learners of Spanish. Participants read narratives (one more and one less familiar) that contained nonsense words. They guessed the meanings of the TWs. After reading all of the stories, participants completed an online inference verification task whose goal was to confirm or to correct guesses and to encourage deeper processing of TWs. This was followed by a test of TW episodic memory (yes/no verification) and a strategy questionnaire. Afterward, participants completed two tests that measured receptive retention of meaning. Analyses reveal differential effects of the reader-based variables across the different aspects of lexical input processing and negative changes in lexical input processing due to an interaction between reading proficiency and background knowledge. Results illustrate how reader-based factors also affect learner involvement and lexical input processing.
Sidewall epitaxial piezoresistor process for in-plane sensing applications

We report, a novel, selective epitaxial fabrication method to form piezoresistors on the sidewalls of microstructures for in-plane sensing applications. We have fabricated and characterized cantilevered force sensors with lateral piezoresistors. Their sensitivity was found to be 2-7 times more sensitive than most ion-implanted cantilevers we have made with equivalent dopant concentration. In addition, we have characterized noise and electrical characteristics and the effect of trench dimension on deposition rate.
Infection by Toxoplasma gondii specifically induces host c-Myc and the genes this pivotal transcription factor regulates

Toxoplasma gondii infection has previously been described to cause dramatic changes in the host transcriptome by manipulating key regulators, including STATs, NF-κB, and microRNAs. Here, we report that Toxoplasma tachyzoites also mediate rapid and sustained induction of another pivotal regulator of host cell transcription, c-Myc. This induction is seen in cells infected with all three canonical types of Toxoplasma but not the closely related apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum. Coinfection of cells with both Toxoplasma and Neospora still results in an increase in the level of host c-Myc, showing that c-Myc is actively upregulated by Toxoplasma infection (rather than repressed by Neospora). We further demonstrate that this upregulation may be mediated through c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and is unlikely to be a nonspecific host response, as heat-killed Toxoplasma parasites do not induce this increase and neither do nonviable parasites inside the host cell. Finally, we show that the induced c-Myc is active and that transcripts dependent on its function are upregulated, as predicted. Hence, c-Myc represents an additional way in which Toxoplasma tachyzoites have evolved to specifically alter host cell functions during intracellular growth.
Mitral regurgitation due to ruptured chordae tendineae correction by “mitral purse-string”

Abstract Four cases of mitral insufficiency due to ruptured chordae tendineae have been seen in a group of 43 patients studied. One case in which surgical correction led to an excellent clinical result is presented with objective data to substantiate the clinical impression. Three specimens were studied on the pulse duplicator, showing the mechanical efficacy of the technique.