cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification from Synaptosomal Plasma Membranes of Calpain I, a Thiol Protease Activated by Micromolar Calcium Concentrations

Synaptosomal plasma membranes (SPMs) were prepared from whole rat brain and assayed for calcium-stimulated proteolytic activity. Addition of calcium to SPMs caused a dose-dependent increase in trichloroacetic acid-soluble protein. Two peaks of protease activity directed against a casein substrate were detectable when SPMs were incubated with low-ionic-strength buffer and the extract was fractionated on DEAE-cellulose. The enzyme in peak 1 required less than 1/10 the calcium concentration for activation as the peak 2 protease (Kact1 = 35 microM; Kact2 = 500 microM). The specific thiol-protease inhibitors leupeptin and antipain and the alkylator iodoacetate blocked enzyme activity. The low-sensitivity protease was converted to a high-sensitivity enzyme (Kact = 20 microM) by substrate affinity chromatography in the presence of calcium. This protease was purified 550-fold from SPMs. The high- and low-sensitivity membrane-associated calcium-dependent proteases are part of a family of enzymes, the calpains, previously reported in cytosolic fractions of several tissues.
New-to-College “Academic Transformation” Distance Learning: A Paradox

At an urban Dallas community college, first-time-in-college (FTIC) distance learning students enrolled in a three-credit academic transformation class were compared with FTIC students enrolled in the same course in on-campus classes. The distance-learning students were more at risk as measured by final semester grades and retention compared to on-campus students. Distance learning FTIC students may be at a disadvantage with regards to programs that are typically leveraged within an on-campus class such as supplemental instruction and mentoring. FTIC distance learning of a new-to-college class may need to be reexamined so that the success of FTIC distance learning students can increase to comparative levels with on-campus students.
A Nonlinear Dynamical (Chaos) Approach to the Analysis of Broiler Growth

Abstract Mathematical chaos has been observed in a number of biological areas, suggesting that order can be found in systems previously described as random. Nonlinear analyses were conducted to determine whether periodicity or chaos was evident in the growth responses of broiler chickens. Analyses of the absolute growth rate and growth rate acceleration were conducted for four lines of broilers selected at 14 or 42 d for high or low growth rates (Experiment 1) and for a commercial broiler strain (Experiment 2). Resulting Lyapunov exponents (LE) and correlation dimensions (CD) were statistically evaluated. Time series and return map graphics were analyzed. In both experiments, independence of day-to-day growth responses was indicated by low r2 values. In Experiment 1, there were significant differences between lines in growth rate (low, 9.1 ± .3; high, 12.9 ± .5 g/d) and the standard deviation of growth rate (low, 5.8 ± .2; high 7.3 ± .3 g/d). There were no significant differences for LE or CD values between lines or day of selection. In general, the positive LE, noninteger values of CD, and return map graphics in both experiments suggested the presence of chaotic dynamics. Evaluation of mathematical chaos in broiler growth may give insight into the dynamics and modeling of growth and diseases associated with growth.
Economic stressors and alcohol-related outcomes: Exploring gender differences in the mediating role of somatic complaints

This study examined processes linking economic stressors, somatic complaints, and two alcohol-related outcomes (past-month drinking and problematic drinking). Structural equation models of data from a national survey revealed that somatic complaints partly explain the association between economic stressors and problematic drinking. The associations of both economic stressors and somatic complaints with problematic drinking were significantly greater for men than women. However, the association between economic stressors and somatic complaints was greater for women. These findings clarify the circumstances in which gender matters most for the associations among economy-related stressors, somatic complaints, and drinking. They highlight the significance of difficult economic circumstances for physical health and, in turn, problematic drinking-particularly among men.
Neustonic Marine Craspedomonadales (Choanofiagellates) from Washington and California

SYNOPSIS. Neustonic choanoflagellates can be found in marine tide pools in the San Juan Islands, Washington, and on the Monterey Peninsula, California. Several marine photo-synthetic Chrysophyceae (in the Pedinellaceae), which also occur in these regions, have a basic structure so similar to choanoflagellates that this family is placed in the Craspedomonadales. In pointing out this relationship, the derivation of the Craspedomonadales from pigmented Chrysophyceae is strongly indicated. In addition to the naked choanoflagellates, which are placed in the Codonosigaceae, these organisms produce loricae of two different types: 1) loricae possibly of cellulose and without visible structure in the light microscope (Salpingoecaceae), 2) loricae composed of silica strands, sometimes forming a mesh with large open spaces (Acanthoecaceae). Members of the latter family seem to be confined to a marine environment and are a prominent part of this investigation. Examination of several species with the electron microscope has revealed interesting details of lorica morphology that are not visible with the light microscope. Several new combinations of taxa are proposed in addition to new taxa, including 4 new species of Salpingoeca, 3 new species of Diploeca and 4 new species of Pleurasiga. Three new genera are described, Ellisiella gen. nov., Acanthoecopsis gen. nov., and Sportelloeca gen. nov.
Preliminary evidence of cannabinoid effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in humans

Background Acute and chronic exposure to cannabinoids has been associated with cognitive deficits, a higher risk for schizophrenia and other drug abuse. However, the precise mechanism underlying such effects is not known. Preclinical studies suggest that cannabinoids modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Accordingly, we hypothesized that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the principal active component of cannabis, would alter BDNF levels in humans.
Optimal Base‐period Data for Productivity Measurement

The profit‐linked total‐factor productivity measurement models, such as the American Productivity Center model, use base‐period data as the standard against which the current‐period performance is measured. Hence, the design and development of accurate and appropriate base‐period data is critical in analysing performance. Presents a linear programming model to generate the optimal base‐period data as well as to provide valuable information through sensitivity analysis that is not possible by the measurement model. This information can lead to an investigation of the causes of problems such as resource inefficiencies, in addition to the validity and the flexibility of consumption and production figures.
Transport and vibrational lifetimes in amorphous structures

Abstract The lifetimes of high energy lattice vibrational states in amorphous or glassy materials are calculated on the basis of vibrational localization for energies ω > ωc, where ωc signifies the mobility edge. Anharmonicity-induced localized vibrational state hopping, with the emission of an extended vibrational state (a phonon), is found to be the dominant decay mechanism. Because of the contribution of the same vertex to thermal transport via localized vibrational state hopping, the vibrational lifetimes can be expressed in terms of this hopping contribution to the thermal conductivity, with only ωc as an undetermined variable. At low temperatures, the high energy vibrational lifetime is found to be proportional to the exponential of (ω/ωc)dφ/D where dφ is the superlocalization exponent of the localized vibrational state, and D is the mass density scaling exponent (equal to the Euclidean dimension d for dense systems, and the fractal dimension for fractal systems). Excellent numerical agreement is found with the experiments of Scholten et al. which find a lifetime τ = 70 ns for the 480 cm−1 TO vibration in a-Si:H.
Relationship Between Biologically Fluorescent Aerosol and Local Meteorological Conditions

Time-resolved characterization of biological aerosol is important both for understanding environmental processes that affect biological aerosols and for determining realistic test conditions for the evaluation of bioaerosol detection systems. Very little work has been done to develop an understanding of the temporal fluctuations in bioaerosol concentration. During an experiment from 1–10 November 2008 ambient biological aerosol and meteorological data were collected. A FLIR/ICx/S3I Instantaneous Bioaerosol Analysis and Collection sensor was used to count both the biological and nonbiological aerosol in two size bins. The data indicate that the ambient relative humidity affects the optically observable concentration of biological aerosol with higher relative humidity generally associated with higher biological aerosol concentrations. The short timescale over which these correlations exist implies an aerosol process, rather than a change in aerosol source. © 2013 American Association for Aerosol Research
Version-Aware Word Documents

When complex or detailed documents are created, the creation process often involves work done by multiple people, and the document tends to reach certain milestone changes, or revisions. Maintaining different copies or editions of a document, or viewing how a document has changed over time, can be difficult to manage or use effectively using conventional software solutions. It would be useful to provide tools for teams to allow collaborative editing and implement features such as maintaining revision history, automatically merging changes from multiple authors, and visualizing document change history. While some word processors, including Microsoft Word, attempt to offer some revision functionality, their capability is often limited. We propose an extension to the popular Microsoft Word document format that provides these revision and collaboration features. Our current implementation comes in two pieces: a custom Word add-on for managing versions stored within a document, and a separate, Java-based application to merge distinct version-aware documents and their contents while retaining their independent version information. We have successfully made Word documents version-aware and able to be merged as a new revision.
Human natural killer T cells are heterogeneous in their capacity to reprogram their effector functions.

Background Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of T cells that help potentiate and regulate immune responses. Although human NKT cell subsets with distinct effector functions have been identified, it is unclear whether the effector functions of these subsets are imprinted during development or can be selectively reprogrammed in the periphery. Results We found that neonatal NKT cells are predominantly CD4+ and express higher levels of CCR7 and CD62L and lower levels of CD94 and CD161 than adult CD4+ or CD4− NKT cell subsets. Accordingly, neonatal NKT cells were more flexible than adult CD4+ NKT cells in their capacity to acquire Th1- or Th2-like functions upon either cytokine-mediated polarization or ectopic expression of the Th1 or Th2 transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3, respectively. Consistent with their more differentiated phenotype, CD4- NKT cells were predominantly resistant to functional reprogramming and displayed higher cytotoxic function. In contrast to conventional T cells, neither the expression of CXCR3 nor the cytotoxic capacity of neonatal NKT cells could be reprogrammed. Conclusions and Significance Together, these results suggest that neonatal CD4+, adult CD4+, and adult CD4− NKT may represent unique states of maturation and that some functions of human NKT cells may be developmentally imprinted, while others are acquired similar to conventional T cell subsets during peripheral maturation and differentiation. Given the potent immuno-regulatory functions of NKT cells, these findings have important implications for the development of novel NKT cell-based therapeutics and vaccines.
Ultrahigh field induced strain and polarization response in electron irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) copolymer

AbstractThe influence of electron dosage on the field induced strain, dielectric constant, and polarization response has been investigated in electron irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) 50/50 copolymer. It was found that under suitable electron dosage an ultrahigh electrostrictive strain can be achieved. Interestingly, material after irradiation exhibits many features resembling those of relaxor ferroelectrics, suggesting that the electron irradiation breaks up the coherent polarization domain in normal ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer into nano-polar regions that transform the material into a relaxor ferroelectric. In addition, many of the material properties including the field induced polarization, the electrostrictive strain, and elastic modulus exhibit irregular change (non-monotonical) with electron dosage, indicating a complex relation among the crosslinking density, crystallinity, crystallite size, and molecular conformation in determining the material responses.
Molecular archaeology of the mitochondrial geonome

We develop a stepwise model for the net transfer of nucleic acid sequences between nonhomologous genomes. This model is then used to explain the two major patterns in the evolutionary history of mitochondrial genomes: the gross reduction of the number of genes, and the subsequent acquisition of introns.
Agencies’ Views on the Effects of the Council on Accreditation Process

While accreditation is widespread, the evidence of its effectiveness is still developing. This exploratory, multiple case study of five children and family service agencies aims to understand agency leaders’ and employees’ views on the effects of undergoing COA accreditation. COA affected processes, including quality improvement practices, policies and procedures, and communication among staff. COA spurred some structural changes, such as decreased caseloads and creation of new staff positions. Some employees were skeptical about accreditation, and the COA experience both increased and decreased morale. COA’s effect on client outcomes was not always prominent. Further research is needed to maximize accreditation’s potential.
Metal oxide buffer layer for improving performance of polymer solar cells

We report the application of aluminum doped ZnO (ZnO:Al) layer as a buffer on ITO glass for fabrication of non-inverted polymer solar cells. The ZnO:Al thin film was deposited using DC magnetron sputtering, with the thickness being varied from 23 to 100 nm. The devices showed most discernible improvements in their efficiencies when a thin layer of ZnO:Al film of thickness ∼40 nm was introduced. The observed enhancement in short circuit current density and open circuit voltage is likely attributed to the role of the ZnO:Al film as an optical tuner and an interfacial diffusion barrier. The result suggests that a metal oxide layer inserted between ITO and polymer layers can be a route for improving both efficiency and stability of polymer solar cells.
No cell-surface-reactive antibodies against cultured autologous melanocytes found in alopecia areata sera.

Sequence analysis of the joining regions VDJC of the two patients with patchy AA showed an interesting pattern in the diversity region. All the sequences shared one or two proline residues at the beginnin g of this region. In the control TCR V{318 sequences one proline residue was also found. In contrast, in the AU patient different and non-related sequences were found in the diversity region. Interestingly, one same motif was found in both patchy AA patients. Surprisingly, this CDRJ region specificity arose as a conse­ quence of two different J region rearrangements, suggesting a specific selected rearrangement rather than a random event, and possibly relevant to AA . We are in the process of extending the TCR V {3 repertoire and sequencing analysis to other AA patients with relative recent onset of the disease, long-standing AA, and more controls. THE JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
1404 IN-VIVO BRAIN OXIDATIVE METABOLISM IN THE VENTI LATOR AND NONVENTILATOR DEPENDENT LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS

1404 IN-VIVO BRAIN OXIDATIVE METABOLISM IN THE VENTI LATOR AND NONVENTILATOR DEPENDENT LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS
Theory, Technology, and Practice of Site-Specific Insect Pest Management

Abstract Insects are usually unevenly distributed throughout an area in nature. Despite this knowledge, analytical methods and technology have limited insect pest management to uniform management decisions in the field. Recently, the methods and technology to map and analyze insect spatial distribution have been developed to a level where the uneven nature of insect populations can be considered for application of pest management tactics. This new approach to insect management is termed site-specific pest management. Site-specific pest management utilizes spatial information about pest distribution to apply control tactics only where pest density is economically high within a field. This review will detail the current status of site-specific insect pest management in agriculture, technological requirements, its limitations, and future potential.
Laparoscopic mesh repair of incisional hernia following right lower quadrant renal transplantation

The development of an incisional hernia after lower quadrant renal transplantation is an infrequent complication, but poses a difficult surgical challenge due to the proximity of the incision to the allograft and the pelvic rim. We describe the first such case of a laparoscopic repair of a recurrent incisional hernia after renal transplantation in the literature.
Estrogen-like potentiation of ghrelin-stimulated GH secretion by fulvestrant, a putatively selective ER antagonist, in postmenopausal women.

Context: Hyposomatotropism in healthy aging women reflects in part physiological estrogen (estradiol [E2]) depletion associated with menopause. Objective and Design: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that low concentrations of endogenous E2 after menopause continue to drive GH secretion. Setting: The study was performed at the Mayo Center for Clinical and Translational Science. Participants: The participants were 24 postmenopausal women (aged 50–77 years with body mass index of 19–32 kg/m2). Interventions: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-cohort treatment study with placebo (PL) (n = 14) or the antiestrogen fulvestrant (FUL) (n = 10) for 3 weeks, followed by infusion of l-arginine with saline, GHRH, ghrelin, or both peptide secretagogues. Outcomes: GH concentrations were measured over 6 hours with 10-minute sampling and mass spectrometry measures of testosterone, E2, and estrone. Results: Concentrations of testosterone, E2, estrone, SHBG, IGF-I, LH, and ...
Low-Dose Total-Body γ Irradiation Modulates Immune Response to Acute Proton Radiation

Health risks due to exposure to low-dose/low-dose-rate radiation alone or when combined with acute irradiation are not yet clearly defined. This study quantified the effects of protracted exposure to low-dose/low-dose-rate γ rays with and without acute exposure to protons on the response of immune and other cell populations. C57BL/6 mice were irradiated with 57Co (0.05 Gy at 0.025 cGy/h); subsets were subsequently exposed to high-dose/high-dose-rate proton radiation (250 MeV; 2 or 3 Gy at 0.5 Gy/min). Analyses were performed at 4 and 17 days postexposure. Spleen and thymus masses relative to body mass were decreased on day 4 after proton irradiation with or without pre-exposure to γ rays; by day 17, however, the decrease was attenuated by the priming dose. Proton dose-dependent decreases, either with or without pre-exposure to γ rays, occurred in white blood cell, lymphocyte and granulocyte counts in blood but not in spleen. A similar pattern was found for lymphocyte subpopulations, including CD3+ T, CD19...
Budget Deficits in the States: New York

New York faces large projected budget shortfalls. Although the recession has contributed, a large part of the shortfalls are due to long standing structural imbalances. The structural imbalances result from high spending levels, particularly on Medicaid and education, a volatile revenue structure, and political forces that make it difficult to achieve recurring spending reductions. In the most recent budget session, federal stimulus money allowed legislators to avoid the tough decisions needed to move the state toward long-run fiscal balance, and the adoption of increased income tax rates for high earners is likely to increase revenue volatility moving forward.
The control of Ca2+ influx and NFATc3 signaling in arterial smooth muscle during hypertension

Many excitable cells express L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs), which participate in physiological and pathophysiological processes ranging from memory, secretion, and contraction to epilepsy, heart failure, and hypertension. Clusters of LTCCs can operate in a PKCα-dependent, high open probability mode that generates sites of sustained Ca2+ influx called “persistent Ca2+ sparklets.” Although increased LTCC activity is necessary for the development of vascular dysfunction during hypertension, the mechanisms leading to increased LTCC function are unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that increased PKCα and persistent Ca2+ sparklet activity contributes to arterial dysfunction during hypertension. We found that PKCα and persistent Ca2+ sparklet activity is indeed increased in arterial myocytes during hypertension. Furthermore, in human arterial myocytes, PKCα-dependent persistent Ca2+ sparklets activated the prohypertensive calcineurin/NFATc3 signaling cascade. These events culminated in three hallmark signs of hypertension-associated vascular dysfunction: increased Ca2+ entry, elevated arterial [Ca2+]i, and enhanced myogenic tone. Consistent with these observations, we show that PKCα ablation is protective against the development of angiotensin II-induced hypertension. These data support a model in which persistent Ca2+ sparklets, PKCα, and calcineurin form a subcellular signaling triad controlling NFATc3-dependent gene expression, arterial function, and blood pressure. Because of the ubiquity of these proteins, this model may represent a general signaling pathway controlling gene expression and cellular function.
Corneal and scleral trauma

Corneal and scleral wounds commonly occur in the context of serious eye trauma, and their management requires careful evaluation and planning prior to closure. The globe must be closed so that it is watertight with the original anatomy restored and the original function can be as closely approximated as possible. Closure of the cornea and sclera is different from the typical skin technique of "halving" the wound. Long corneal wounds are closed utilizing the Rowsey-Hays technique whereas scleral wounds extending posteriorly are closed in a stepwise fashion, proceeding posteriorly only after the anterior portion has been sutured. Suture removal from the cornea is dependent on a variety of factors including length of the laceration, age of the patient, and Keratorefractive anomalies caused by the sutures themselves.
Longitudinal damping system with two transverse kickers

We describe here a scheme for damping of longitudinal oscillations of a bunch of charged particles in a storage ring. This scheme uses two transverse kickers operating in push-pull mode for pass lengthening in accordance with instant energy deviation of bunch energy from its equilibrium value. By this way the main cavity of the ring damps the energy oscillations.
Monitoring Curing of Emulsion-stabilized Roadways Using the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer

Several counties in Minnesota have used an emulsified asphalt to stabilize unimproved gravel highways in rural areas. This has been done in hopes of reducing dust on such roads, reducing the frequency and extent of maintenance, and improving ride quality. As applications of such a stabilization technique increase, the need to investigate and quantify the benefits of this technique is becoming more important. Several county roads in rural Blue Earth County, in south central Minnesota, were stabilized and monitored during the fall of 2005. Dynamic Cone Penetrometer measurements were taken periodically for several months following the stabilization of two gravel roads using emulsified asphalt. Due to the nature of the emulsion compound, the stabilized material was expected to increase in stiffness with time as curing of the emulsion occurred. The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer results verified that the stiffness did increase with time as expected with this stabilization process.
Purified yeast aspartic protease 3 cleaves anglerfish pro-somatostatin I and II at di- and monobasic sites to generate somatostatin-14 and -28

Abstract Anglerfish somatostatin-14 (SS-14) and somatostatin-28 (aSS-28) are derived from pro-somatostatin I (aPSS-I) and pro-somatostatin II (PSS-II), respectively. Purified yeast aspartic protease 3 (YAP3), was shown to cleave aPSS-I at the Arg 18 -Lys 82 to yield SS-14 and Lys −1 SS-H. In contrast, YAP3 cleaved aPSS-II only at the monobasic residue. Arg 73 to yield aSS-28. Since the paired basic and monobasic sites are present in both precursors, the results indicate that the structure and conformation of these substrates dictate where cleavage occurs. Furthermore, the data show that YAP3 has specificity for both monobasic and paired basic residues.
Fourth frame forums: interactive comics for collaborative learning

In this paper, we describe Fourth Frame Forums, an application that combines traditional four-frame comic strips with online web-based discussion forums. In this application, users are presented with a four-frame comic strip where the last dialogue balloon of the fourth frame is left blank. By typing a statement into this dialogue balloon, the user creates a new discussion thread in the forum, where the user's dialogue choice can be critiqued and discussed by other users of the forum. We argue that Fourth Frame Forums provide an elegant and cost-effective solution for online education and training environments for communities of learners. We provide examples from the domain of US Army leadership development, and compare Fourth Frame Forums to alternative methods of story-directed simulation and training.
Honest Services Fraud: Construing the Contours of Section 1346 in the Corporate Realm

The honest services fraud statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1346, makes it a crime to engage in a scheme to "deprive another of the intangible right to honest services." Congress enacted the statute in an effort to fight fraudulent activity, but it has received disparate treatment among the courts since its inception in 1988. For instance, it is not clear how the statute should be applied in a private context as opposed to a case involving a publically elected official. Moreover, section 1346 has been criticized of being "void for vagueness," because it does not clearly define what behavior is prohibited.In 2010, after several years of inconsistent application of section 1346 by lower courts, the United States Supreme Court attempted to more clearly define the outer limits of the statute's reach in Skilling v. United States. The decision simply limited the use of section 1346 to cases involving bribes and kickbacks. Despite the Court's attempt to provide guidance on the reach of section 1346, Skilling left many questions unanswered. For instance, the Court failed to define precisely what behavior constitutes a "bribe" or a "kickback." Additionally, though the Court explained that honest services fraud cases almost always involve breaches of fiduciary duties, it neglected to indicate the source of these duties. Finally, the Court failed to illustrate how the statute should properly be enforced in the private sector — for example, in a case involving claims against corporate officers and directors — where relationships are undeniably vastly different than those in the public sector, between elected officials and the public. The honest services fraud statute has potentially unanticipated implications for corporate relationships, particularly corporate relationships in Delaware. This Note analyzes the potential reach of the statute in a corporate context and illustrates the need to bifurcate the statute in a way that differentiates between public and private honest services fraud violations.Presently, the contours of section 1346 are poorly defined and subject to broad interpretation. The circuit courts have come to differing conclusions on the source of the duty that invokes an honest services fraud violation. Additionally, the courts are unable to agree on a uniform definition of either bribes or kickbacks. Congress should be charged with addressing these gaps in the current legislation as well as enacting separate legislation to address purely private honest services fraud violations.
Introducing Parasites and Predators to Control Native Pests

Considerable evidence substantiates the idea that native pests can be controlled by parasites and predators of allied species and genera. In a survey of 66 pest species, which were successfully controlled by biological means and for which the habitats of all species could be verified, it was found that 39% were controlled by an introduced parasite or predator of an allied species or genus. Although relatively few attempts have been made to control native and imported pests with parasites and predators of species allied to the pest species, the proportion of successes is surprisingly high. Employing these species has certain advantages, especially in the control of imported pests, because no ecological homeostasis has evolved and the association between the parasite and host (predator and prey included) is new.
Elastic constants of transversely isotropic media from constrained aperture traveltimes

The elastic constants that control P‐ and SV‐wave propagation in a transversely isotropic media can be estimated by using P‐ and SV‐wave traveltimes from either crosswell or VSP geometries. The procedure consists of two steps. First, elliptical velocity models are used to fit the traveltimes near one axis. The result is four elliptical parameters that represent direct and normal moveout velocities near the chosen axis for P‐ and SV‐waves. Second, the elliptical parameters are used to solve a system of four equations and four unknown elastic constants. The system of equations is solved analytically, yielding simple expressions for the elastic constants as a function of direct‐ and normal‐moveout velocities. For SH‐waves, the estimation of the corresponding elastic constants is easier because the phase velocity is already elliptical. The procedure, introduced for homogeneous media, is generalized to heterogeneous media by using tomographic techniques.
Designing concurrent engineering and computer integrated manufacturing into a manufacturing engineering technology program

To better prepare graduates for a rapidly changing global market place, concurrent engineering (CE) and computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) concepts have been fully integrated into the manufacturing engineering technology (MET) program at Western Washington University. Freshman students are taught solid modeling, design concepts and basic CIM in their introductory graphics courses. Sophomore students are taught the basics of CIM with an introduction to computer numerical control (CNC) machining, data file translation and the production of real tooling and parts. Junior students have an entire slate of design oriented basic engineering mechanics, fluid power and CNC machining courses. A real shop floor atmosphere has been constructed for the CIM, CNC and robotics classes with a new Haas CNC vertical mill with an automatic tool changer, a new Mazak turning center, a new Brown and Sharp coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and a used ASEA/ABB articulated arm robot. Senior students complete their studies with courses in robotics and automation, CIM, quality assurance, advanced CNC and a capstone senior project with industrial sponsors. Manufacturing students interact with electronics and plastics engineering technology students, industrial design students and industrial technology students. The paper describes the development of the CIM/CNC/Robotics laboratory, the integration of CIM and CE throughout the entire MET curriculum, the faculty development accompanying such changes, the faculty team effort to make these changes, course changes and examples of projects exemplifying CE and CIM in the past year.
Meeting-or-Beating, Earnings Management, and Investor Sensitivity after the Scandals

SYNOPSIS: We contribute to the literature investigating the market reaction to firms' small positive earnings surprises following the large accounting scandals in the early 2000s. While prior studies provide evidence that the market no longer rewards firms for meeting-or-beating (MBE) in the post-scandal period, their efforts to address the rationality of the market response invite additional analysis. We demonstrate that the change in the market reaction to MBE is consistent with temporary over-skepticism. Specifically, we show that the market does not differentiate between MBE achieved operationally versus through earnings management, despite previously documented differences in future performance. We explore the relation between MBE, earnings management, and future performance in the post-scandal period and find evidence of mispricing consistent with the market underreacting to small positive earnings surprises earned by firms that do not appear to have manipulated earnings to MBE. Our study provides ...
Ultrastructure of sequestered chloroplasts in sacoglossan gastropods with differing abilities for plastid uptake and maintenance

. Many sacoglossan sea slugs incorporate intact, functional chloroplasts from their algal food sources into specialized cells lining the digestive diverticulum. The chloroplasts in adults of Elysia clarki are photosynthetically functional for many months. Members of this species feed on algae in the Ulvophyceae, including species of Penicillus and Bryopsis. However, other sacoglossans (Elysia patina, Elysia rufescens, and Placida kingstoni) use similar algal food sources as do adults of E. clarki, but are unable to maintain the chloroplasts for more than a week, with individuals of P. kingstoni apparently being unable to maintain chloroplasts for >24 h. We have examined chloroplast sequestering cells of these species looking for morphological differences that may help explain the variation in chloroplast sequestration and maintenance among them. Our results indicate that P. kingstoni does not actively sequester chloroplasts at all, digesting them instead. However, the plastid sequestering mechanisms of individuals of E. patina and E. rufescens are similar to those of E. clarki, and the degradation of chloroplasts by specimens of E. patina is ultrastructurally similar to the same process in E. clarki, although chloroplast degradation occurs much more slowly in individuals of E. clarki. Our results suggest that species-level differences in the digestive capability of the phagosomes involved in the uptake of chloroplasts account for variation in the length of these kleptoplastic associations.
Venous hemostasis postcatheter ablation of atrial fibrillation while under therapeutic levels of oral and intravenous anticoagulation.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) requires utilizing multiple venous femoral sheaths in conjunction with aggressive periprocedural anticoagulation, which can lead to increased risk of vascular access complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the “figure-of-eight” (“F-8”) suture technique for femoral venous hemostasis while on therapeutic doses of intravenous anticoagulation at the time of sheath removal. In this case-control analysis, 376 consecutive patients underwent AF ablation while on uninterrupted oral anticoagulation and received intraprocedural heparin. In the first 253 patients (the control group), manual pressure was used for femoral venous hemostasis after reversal of heparin effects. The subsequent 123 patients (the F-8 group) had femoral venous hemostasis using the F-8 suture technique and while under therapeutic heparin effects. The F-8 subcutaneous suture technique achieved adequate venous hemostasis in 98.4 % of patients. As compared to the control group, there was significantly less frequent utilization of the FemoStop compression assist device (1.2 vs. 16.8 %, p < 0.0001) and in a significantly shorter interval (6.8 ± 5.7 vs. 50.7 ± 12.2 min, p < 0.0001). Vascular access complications and thromboembolic events occurred in 9.8 % in the F-8 group vs. 13.0 % in the control group (p = 0.678). Immediate hemostasis of the femoral venous access sites after insertion of multiple sheaths for AF ablation in the presence of anticoagulation can be safely and effectively achieved using the F-8 suture technique. This technique helps minimize the period of inadequate anticoagulation immediately following ablation and shortens the time required to achieve adequate hemostasis.
Thinking about the Past: Early Knowledge about Links between Prior Experience, Thinking, and Emotion

In two studies the authors investigated the situations where 3- to 7-year-olds and adults (N = 152) will connect a person's current feelings to the past, especially to thinking or being reminded about a prior experience. Study 1 presented stories featuring a target character who felt sad, mad, or happy after an event in the past and who many days later felt that same negative or positive emotion upon seeing a cue related to the prior incident. For some story endings, the character's emotion upon seeing the cue matched, or was congruent, with the current situation, whereas for others, the emotion mismatched the present circumstances. Participants were asked to explain the cause of each character's current feelings. As a further comparison, children and adults listened to behavior cuing stories and provided explanations for characters' present actions. Study 2 presented emotional scenarios that varied by emotion-situation fit (whether the character's emotion matched the current situation), person-person fit (whether the character's emotion matched another person's), and past history information (whether information about the character's past was known). Results showed that although there were several significant developments with increasing age, even most 3-year-olds demonstrated some knowledge about connections between past events and present emotions and between thinking and feeling. Indeed, children 5 years and younger revealed strikingly cogent understanding about historical-mental influences in certain situations, especially where they had to explain why a person, who had experienced a negative event in the past, was currently feeling sad or mad in a positive situation. These findings help underwrite a more general account of the development of children's coherent understandings of life history, mind, and emotion.
The Power of Priming in Legal Advocacy: Using the Science of First Impressions to Persuade the Reader

While legal advocates have long understood that first impressions can strongly influence the decision-maker's view of their cases, so far legal scholars have not explored in any depth the growing body of research on the science of first impressions. This article remedies that by looking at the scientific studies of a psychological phenomenon called "priming." These studies reveal the subtle and surprising ways in which first impressions can be shaped to the legal advocate's advantage. Priming is a phenomenon through which a person's reaction to information is influenced by her exposure to prior material. For example, priming studies show that if a person reads about golf, her first thought will tend to be "golfer" if someone later mentions Tiger Woods to her. Her first thought is likely to be quite different if someone has previously spoken to her about marriage or adultery. Because priming can change a person's reaction to information by exposing her to different introductory material, it has significant implications for legal advocacy. This article examines the major studies on priming, with the goal of showing how legal advocates can use the lessons of the studies to make more persuasive arguments. The article also demonstrates how the psychological data on priming offer new and unique insights on how to use emotion in legal advocacy. Throughout the article, concrete examples show how legal advocates can use the science of priming to make strategic decisions. In sum, the article represents a first, serious step in studying this powerful tool that has potential application to all facets of legal advocacy.
Calcium agonists and antagonists of the dihydropyridine type: effect on nicotine-induced antinociception and hypomotility

Abstract The influence of a calcium agonist (BAYK 8644) and several calcium channel blockers on nicotine-induced antinociception was investigated in mice. The effect of nicotine was sharply increased by BAYK 8644. This potentitation by BAYK 8644 was blocked by pretreating the animals with nifedipine at 2 and 10 mg/kg. The calcium channel antagonists, nifedipine and nimodipine at doses that had no effect on tail-flick time, reduced significantly the antinociception induced by nicotine (1.5 mg/kg s.c.). However, the effect of verapamil on nicotine was not significant. These results indicate that DHP calcium channels (type L-channel) play a role in some of the pharmacological effects of nicotine, particularly, locomotor activity and antinociception.
Effects of nocloprost on gastric functions in man.

Previous studies in animals and humans demonstrated that nocloprost, a stable prostaglandin E2 analogue, shows very high gastroprotective potency, relatively weak gastric inhibitory activity, and low systemic bioavailability after oral administration. In this study the effects of nocloprost on gastric acid secretion and intraluminal pH and on gastric emptying and plasma gastrin levels were determined in humans. Nocloprost at doses of 50 and 100 μg was ineffective, but at a dose of 200 μg it reduced the response to pentagastrin significantly and that to a peptone meal by 30–50% and abolished plasma gastrin response without affecting the rate of gastric emptying. Nocloprost given at a dose of 100 μg three times daily 30 min before the major meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) did not affect intragastric pH significantly as monitored by continuous intraluminal pH-metry. We conclude that nocloprost does not affect gastric acid secretion or intraluminal pH when applied at a dose (50–100 μg) that is gastroprot...
Fungal Bezoars of the Upper Urinary Tract

We report our experience with 6 cases of upper tract fungal bezoars involving 9 renal units-3 bilateral aspergillomas and 3 Candida bezoars. The Aspergillus bezoars were notably more morbid: 2 patients required nephrectomy after failure of medical therapy, whereas the 3 unilateral Candida bezoars all resolved with medical therapy and endourological access. In 1 patient whose aspergilloma was resistant to amphotericin B the investigational drug itraconazole proved effective. These opportunistic infections, seen increasingly in immunocompromised patients, can present a difficult management problem. A combined approach is necessary, including medical therapy with topical and systemic antifungal agents, and endourological access for extraction, lavage and debulking.
Understanding and Quantifying the Impact of Freeman and Medoff's What Do Unions Do? A Quarter of a Century Later

We examine the impact of Freeman and Medoffs seminal book What Do Unions Do? on the field of Industrial and Labor Relations, in the 25 years since its publication. While it is widely accepted that this book has had a major impact on its field, we attempt to quantify this by using various bibliometric indicators (e.g., h-index) and descriptive statistics; via a combination of manual literature review and specialized citation software using multiple databases. As expected, our findings quantifiably indicate that What Do Unions Do? has had and continues to have an above average impact on in its field.
Exposure and Use of Mobile Media Devices by Young Children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Research on children’s use of mobile media devices lags behind its adoption. The objective of this study was to examine young children’s exposure to and use of mobile media devices. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 350 children aged 6 months to 4 years seen October to November 2014 at a pediatric clinic in an urban, low-income, minority community. The survey was adapted from Common Sense Media’s 2013 nationwide survey. RESULTS: Most households had television (97%), tablets (83%), and smartphones (77%). At age 4, half the children had their own television and three-fourths their own mobile device. Almost all children (96.6%) used mobile devices, and most started using before age 1. Parents gave children devices when doing house chores (70%), to keep them calm (65%), and at bedtime (29%). At age 2, most children used a device daily and spent comparable screen time on television and mobile devices. Most 3- and 4-year-olds used devices without help, and one-third engaged in media multitasking. Content delivery applications such as YouTube and Netflix were popular. Child ownership of device, age at first use, and daily use were not associated with ethnicity or parent education. CONCLUSIONS: Young children in an urban, low-income, minority community had almost universal exposure to mobile devices, and most had their own device by age 4. The patterns of use suggest early adoption, frequent and independent use, and media multitasking. Studies are urgently needed to update recommendations for families and providers on the use of mobile media by young children.
120-GHz-Bandwidth Characterization of Microwave Passive Devices Using External Silicon-On-Sapphire Photoconductive Sampling Probe

Conventional purely electronic measurement instruments such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers and sampling oscilloscopes are not effective at above 100 GHz. One major limitation is imposed by the connectors and waveguides needed for signal coupling between the test instrument and the device under test. To overcome those limitations of present measurement techniques, we have developed a photoconductive probe sampling technique which can be applied to the measurement of S-parameters of mm- wave circuit components with a 120-GHz measurement bandwidth [1]. The photoconductive probe sampling technique combines the ultrafast optical technology of 120-fs Ti-Sapphire short pulse laser [2] and microfabrication technology of Silicon-On-Sapphire (SOS) photoconductive sampling probe, which consists of a high-impedance interdigitated photoconductive switch. The probe technology has demonstrated a 2.1 ps temporal resolution and low-invasiveness making this very attractive for external circuit testing of mm-wave circuits with a 120-GHz measurement bandwidth.