cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraocular pressure responses to the adenosine agonist cyclohexyladenosine: evidence for a dual mechanism of action.

Purpose Previous studies have shown that adenosine agonists are effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). However, the mechanism(s) responsible for this ocular hypotensive effect has not been established. This study evaluates the relative contribution of changes in aqueous flow and outflow facility associated with the ocular hypotensive response to the adenosine agonist cyclohexyladenosine (CHA). Methods New Zealand White rabbits were treated topically in one eye with the adenosine A(1) agonist CHA. Changes in IOP, aqueous flow, and total outflow facility at various times after CHA administration were then determined. Results These studies demonstrated that CHA produces a dose-related reduction in IOP. Analysis of the dose-response curve revealed an ED(50) and a Hill coefficient of 87 microg and 1.9, respectively. Aqueous flow measurements demonstrated that 1.5 hours after CHA administration, aqueous flow was reduced by 35%. However, by 3.5 hours postdrug, no significant change in aqueous flow was observed. Measurement of the outflow facility found no significant change in facility 1.5 hours after CHA administration. However, by 3.5 hours after CHA administration, outflow facility was significantly increased by 85%. Conclusions These data demonstrate that the adenosine agonist CHA lowers IOP in a dose-related fashion. This hypotensive action results from an early reduction in aqueous flow followed by a subsequent increase in outflow facility. This dual mechanism of action is consistent with analysis of CHA dose-response curve, which indicates that the reduction in IOP induced this agonist's results from multiple mechanisms of action.
Random Numbers and Statistical Samples

Chapter 9 discusses Java and Python classes used by Jython to generate random numbers. It also describes various third-party Java libraries for random number generators. This chapter explains how to fill arrays with random numbers in accordance with several probability distributions.
Performance of Dynamical Networks over Random Graphs

We consider dynamical networks whose agents have general linear time-invariant dynamics and are disturbed by the Gaussian white noise. The network graph evolves in time according to a random process. We demonstrate that under certain continuous-time switching regimes, the stability and performance of the network can be characterized using the spectra of the expected Laplacian in the steady-state. More specifically, we show that in these networks, the stability of the network is equivalent to the stability of a linear time-invariant network whose graph Laplacian is this expected Laplacian. Moreover, we indicate that our performance measure, the long-run output variance, is equal to its value for the described linear time-invariant network. This lets us express the measure as a spectral function of that Laplacian. We illustrate the effectiveness of our framework by investigating various random networks, including a consensus network over Erdos-Reyni graphs, a network of triple-integrators with random link failures, and a platoon of vehicles with random feedbacks decided by each car.
QSAR modeling of adipose/blood partition coefficients of Alcohols, PCBs, PBDEs, PCDDs and PAHs: A data gap filling approach

Physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model has immense role to play in the risk assessment process due to specified mathematical representation of the absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) of chemicals in diverse environmental compartment. Determination of adipose/blood partition coefficient [logP(adipose/blood)] is regarded as one of the crucial constraints of PBTK models. In respect to the challenge for identifying the chemical-definite parameters for these models, especially within short time frame and with limited resources, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models are beneficial for providing the chemical-specific parameters of PBTK models. In the present study, we have developed robust, statistically highly significant (R2 = 0.92, QLOO2 = 0.90, RPred2 = 0.92) and mechanistically interpretable three descriptors QSAR models for 67 environmental chemicals [Alcohols, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)] employing the experimental values of adipose/blood partition coefficient for human. The partitioning of chemicals into adipose tissue and blood offers information related to distribution and toxicological effects of these molecules in to the mammal system. The developed models are helpful to understand the mechanistic basis of toxicokinetic processes into the mammal system followed by risk assessment and risk management process. The applicability domain (AD) of the developed model was checked and followed by its employment to predict adipose/blood partition coefficient of 513 environmental contaminants consist of PCBs, PBDEs, PCDDs and PAHs from USA Environmental protection agency (US EPA) site.
Two-dimensional transition metal carbides as supports for tuning the chemistry of catalytic nanoparticles

Supported nanoparticles are broadly employed in industrial catalytic processes, where the active sites can be tuned by metal-support interactions (MSIs). Although it is well accepted that supports can modify the chemistry of metal nanoparticles, systematic utilization of MSIs for achieving desired catalytic performance is still challenging. The developments of supports with appropriate chemical properties and identification of the resulting active sites are the main barriers. Here, we develop two-dimensional transition metal carbides (MXenes) supported platinum as efficient catalysts for light alkane dehydrogenations. Ordered Pt3Ti and surface Pt3Nb intermetallic compound nanoparticles are formed via reactive metal-support interactions on Pt/Ti3C2Tx and Pt/Nb2CTx catalysts, respectively. MXene supports modulate the nature of the active sites, making them highly selective toward C-H activation. Such exploitation of the MSIs makes MXenes promising platforms with versatile chemical reactivity and tunability for facile design of supported intermetallic nanoparticles over a wide range of compositions and structures.
Influencing occupant's choices by using spatiotemporal information visualization in Immersive Virtual Environments

Abstract Feedback systems are useful to increase occupant awareness and disrupt their wasteful behaviors. The study presented in this paper explores the opportunity for feedback system designers to use information visualization to guide occupants to a desired option without reducing the occupant's control over the environment. In contrast to previous studies, we utilize spatiotemporal information visualization, that not only contradicts with occupants' initial choices but also presents the consequences of their choices. The information visualization is presented in a 1 to 1 scale, where the visualization coexists with the occupants over the office space in an immersive virtual environment. In total, 80 participants' data were collected. Two visualizations were presented to the participants, one relating to energy consumption and another relating to light distribution in the room. The results show that the information visualizations made the participants reconsider their choices. Our results also show that the energy consumption information visualization was more effective on guiding the participants towards an option that supported by the visualization, compared to the visualization that focused on room lighting. The results support the idea of using information visualization to drive occupant behavior towards desired outcomes and could help in the design of future feedback systems targeted at influencing occupant behavior.
Industry Effects of LBO Events

We explore the effects of leveraged buyouts (LBOs) on industry rivals of the firm undergoing the LBO. In particular, we seek to explain why certain firms experience strong positive market reactions and other firms experience strong negative market reactions. We find evidence that an industry effect exists that helps to explain why LBO targets cluster by industry such that there is persistence in LBO activity within an industry. This persistence does not appear to be connected to future shocks to the industry. This indicates that the rival wealth response may be related to future expected LBO offers within the industry, and not due to some expected future shock. We explore this hypothesis further by examining firm-level data. We find further evidence in favor of a pure acquisition hypothesis: that an LBO in an industry indicates that more LBOs will be attempted in the same industry. Our investigation then brings us to explore changes made by rival firms in response to the LBO activity. We document changes in capital expenditure and leverage among rivals. However, such changes appear to be transitive. Finally, we note that industry-level return variance increases following LBOs, but that rival firms’ industry betas decrease. We examine any effect this has on executive compensation packages but find little evidence of any large changes. In sum, our results indicate that the pure acquisition hypothesis is the most sensible hypothesis in explaining rival firms’ abnormal returns around LBO announcements.
FcγRIIb on CD11c+ cells modulates serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and differentially affects atherosclerosis in male and female Ldlr-/- mice.

Abstract Background and aims Circulating levels of oxidized lipoprotein (oxLDL) correlate with myocardial infarction risk and atherosclerosis severity. Our previous study demonstrates that oxLDL immune complexes (oxLDL-ICs) can signal through FcγRs on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and enhance their activation and inflammatory cytokine secretion. While global FcγR−/− studies have shown that activating FcγRs are proatherogenic, the role of the inhibitory FcγRIIb is unclear. We sought to determine the role of DC-specific FcγRIIb in atherosclerosis. Methods Bone marrow chimeras were generated by rescuing lethally irradiated Ldlr−/− mice with hematopoietic cells from littermate CD11c-Cre+ or CD11c-Cre- Fcgr2bfl/fl donors. Four weeks following transplant, recipients were placed on a Western diet for eight weeks. Various tissues and organs were analyzed for differences in inflammation. Results Quantitation of atherosclerosis in the proximal aorta demonstrated a 58% increase in female CD11c-Cre+ Fcgr2bfl/fl recipients, but a surprising 44% decrease in male recipients. Hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides were increased in female CD11c-Cre+ Fcgr2bfl/fl recipients. This was associated with an increase in CD36 and MHC Class II expression on hepatic CD11c+CD11b+ DCs in female livers. In contrast, male CD11c-Cre+ Fcgr2bfl/fl recipients had decreased hepatic lipids with a corresponding decrease in CD36 and MHC Class II expression on CD11c+ cells. Interestingly, both sexes of CD11c-Cre+ Fcgr2bfl/fl recipients had significant decreases in serum cholesterol and TGs with corresponding decreases in liver Fasn transcripts. Conclusions The absence of FcγRIIb expression on CD11c+ cells results in sex-dependent alteration in liver inflammation influencing atherogenesis and sex-independent modulation of serum cholesterol and TGs.
Acute Ischemic Stroke Therapy in Infective Endocarditis: Case Series and Systematic Review.

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the safety of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) therapy in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular therapy (EVT) such as mechanical thrombectomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent AIS therapy with IVT or EVT at a tertiary referral center from 2013 to 2017, that were later diagnosed with acute IE as the causative mechanism. We then performed a systematic review of reports of acute ischemic reperfusion therapy in IE since 1995 for their success rates in terms of neurological outcome, and mortality, and their risk of hemorrhagic complication. Results: In the retrospective portion, 8 participants met criteria, of whom 4 received IVT and 4 received EVT. Through systematic review, 24 publications of 32 participants met criteria. Combined, a total of 40 participants were analyzed: 18 received IVT alone, 1 received combined IVT plus EVT, and 21 received EVT alone. IVT compared to EVT were similar in rates of good neurologic outcomes (58% versus 76%, P= .22) and mortality (21% versus 19%, P= .87), but had higher post-therapy intracranial hemorrhage (63% versus 18% [P= .006]). Conclusion: IV thrombolysis has a higher rate of post-therapy intracranial hemorrhage compared to EVT. EVT should be considered as first-line AIS therapy for patients with known, or suspected, IE who present with a large vessel occlusion.
Correlation of the phase transformation accompanying the hydration of calcium aluminate with ultrasonic wave behaviour

Observations of changes in the amplitude and velocity of the ultrasonic wave transmitted through a hydrating high alumina cement were found to have no corresponding changes in X-ray phase analyses. A continuous X-ray scan of an hydrating sample showed no evidence for the completion of hydration. X-ray patterns from a sample aged for two months and from one aged for 24 hours were basically identical.
Self-Synchronization of Connected Vehicles in Traffic Networks: What Happens When We Think of Vehicles as Waves?

In this paper we consider connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) in a traffic network as moving waves defined by their frequency and phase. This outlook allows us to develop a multi-layer decentralized control strategy that achieves the following desirable behaviors: (1) safe spacing between vehicles traveling down the same road, (2) coordinated safe crossing at intersections of conflicting flows, (3) smooth velocity profiles when traversing adjacent intersections. The approach consist of using the Kuramoto equation to synchronize the phase and frequency of agents in the network. The output of this layer serves as the reference trajectory for a back-stepping controller that interfaces the first-order dynamics of the phase-domain layer and the second order dynamics of the vehicle. We show the performance of the strategy for a single intersection and a small urban grid network. The literature has focused on solving the intersection coordination problem in both a centralized and decentralized manner. Some authors have even used the Kuramoto equation to achieve synchronization of traffic lights. Our proposed strategy falls in the rubric of a decentralized approach, but unlike previous work, it defines the vehicles as the oscillating agents, and leverages their inter-connectivity to achieve network-wide synchronization. In this way, it combines the benefits of coordinating the crossing of vehicles at individual intersections and synchronizing flow from adjacent junctions.
A Comparison of Lumbar Spine and Lateral Distal Femur Bone Density in Girls With Rett Syndrome.

Abstract Introduction/Background: Patients with Rett syndrome (RS) are at risk for low bone mineral density (BMD) and femoral fractures. In patients with RS, assessment with lateral distal femur (LDF) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is recommended and clinically relevant. This study is the first to assess LDF BMD in girls with RS, and to compare LDF BMD results with lumbar spine BMD results in RS. Method Eleven girls (mean age 8.4 yr) with molecularly diagnosed RS and clinical DXA scan(s) were identified; medical charts were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline and serial lumbar spine and LDF BMD Z-scores were evaluated based on patients’ ambulation status, presence of epilepsy, and mutation type. Results At the time of first scan, 8 of 11 patients had normal lumbar spine BMD and low LDF BMD Z-scores. Two patients had fracture history. Fully ambulatory (3) patients had higher lumbar spine and LDF BMD than partially (5) and nonambulatory (3) patients. Patients with epilepsy had lower average BMD at all sites. No difference was seen in lumbar spine or LDF BMD in patients with high-risk BMD mutations. Seven patients had serial DXA scans with an average observation of 5.1 yr (range 3.1 yr to 6.2 yr). Lumbar spine BMD over time was variable, while LDF bone mass accrual occurred at a lower rate than typically developing girls. Conclusion Females with RS exhibited lower BMD Z-scores at the LDF than at the lumbar spine. LDF and lumbar spine results were discordant. Ambulatory status and the presence of epilepsy were related to BMD. LDF BMD accrual deviated from normal as patients aged.
Reconstructing the intrinsic potential energy landscape of interfacial interactions with thermally modulated force spectroscopy

The authors develop an approach to reconstruct continuous energy and force landscapes over large distances accurate even at points of high force gradients.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap

The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is a Mathes–Nahai type V flap (one major pedicle, multiple minor pedicles) and is the widest muscle in the human body. It is a workhorse flap in the armamentarium of the plastic surgeon. It is commonly used to reconstruct multiple, wide, or long lower extremity defects. Also, the ability to tuck the muscle deep into the wound allows for effective filling of unusual wound dimensions. The muscle serves as an external rotator and adductor of the humerus, and its sacrifice does not result in a significant defect for the patient. In addition, it has a very reliable blood supply, with a pedicle that is long (up to 15 cm) and wide (up to 5 mm if taken at the subscapular), making it an easy microsurgery target. The muscle is also quite thin, making it easy to be draped around difficult surfaces. It can be harvested as an innervated flap based on the thoracodorsal nerve. Finally, it can be harvested as a chimeric flap, with the addition of serratus anterior muscle, fasciocutaneous component (scapular/parascapular), or osseous segments (tip of the scapula or lateral border of the scapula).
Human Intervention into Automatic Decision-Making and Automatic Control

Abstract This paper presents a paradigm of human intervention into automatic decision-making and/or automatic control and illustrates four types of intervention. The cause and the prevention of intervention are described from the perspectives of the controlled process, the operating environment, the automatic decision-maker/automatic controller, and the human operator. As an example, this paradigm is applied to the traffic incident management system of the Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project.
Plant availability of selenite and selenate as influenced by the competing ions phosphate and sulfate

The relative plant availability of selenate versus selenite depends on the concentrations of competing ions, specifically sulfate and phosphate, respectively. In solution culture, the concentration of phosphate is typically 100- to 1000-fold greater than in soil solution, an artifact that could lead to underestimation of the phytoavailability of selenite. A nutrient solution study was conducted to compare the availability of selenite and selenate to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Evening Shade) and strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferrum L. cv. O'Conner) at basal concentrations of SO4 (0.5 mM) and PO4 (2 μM) similar to those found in soil solution. Concentrations up to 5 mM SO4 and 200 μM PO4 allowed quantitative comparison of the efficacy of the competing ions. In both species, selenite was more phytotoxic than selenate, especially for shoot growth. Selenate was less toxic, and tended to preferentially inhibit root growth. Translocation percentages were much higher with selenate (≥84%) than with selenite (≤47%). A 10-fold increase in sulfate decreased uptake from selenate by >90% in both species. In ryegrass, 10-fold increases in phosphate caused 30% to 50% decreases in Se accumulation from selenite, but in clover such decreases only occurred in the roots. Sulfate-selenate antagonisms were thus stronger than phosphate-selenite antagonisms. Nonetheless, conventional nutrient solutions with millimolar phosphate will significantly underestimate Se availability from selenite, and moderate levels of sulfate salinity can inhibit selenate uptake sufficiently to reverse the apparent relative availability of the two forms of Se.
Near-Optimal Compressive Binary Search

We propose a simple modification to the recently proposed compressive binary search. The modification removes an unnecessary and suboptimal factor of log log n from the SNR requirement, making the procedure optimal (up to a small constant). Simulations show that the new procedure performs significantly better in practice as well. We also contrast this problem with the more well known problem of noisy binary search.
The Relative Importance of Firm Incentives versus Country Factors in the Demand for Assurance Services by Private Entities

Agency theory views the firm as a nexus of contracts in which information asymmetry exists and creates a conflict of interest between contracting parties (Alchian and Demsetz 1972; Jensen and Meckling 1976). In the limit, contracting will not occur if information asymmetry is not sufficiently resolved, and in this scenario agency problems can be mitigated and contracting facilitated by governance mechanisms like accounting and auditing. Specifically, accounting reports increase a firm’s transparency, and audits can be used for ex post monitoring and enforcement of contracts (Watts and Zimmerman 1983). While important, the seminal agency research does not recognize that the contracting environment varies across countries, which in turn will influence the nature of contracts in place and the related demand for governance mechanisms (La Porta, Lopez-de-Silanes, Shleifer, and Vishny 2000). Agency theory was formulated in the context of modern U.S. corporate ownership in which there is widespread separation of ownership and control and a diversified ownership structure with limited ownership concentration by individuals. The seminal agency literature assumes that the United States has a strong legal system and
Unification per the Relational Blockworld

We use the Relational Blockworld (RBW) interpretation of quantum mechanics to resolve the foundational problems therein. As predicted by Smolin, the resolution of these problems is not independent of the problem of unification and the nature of time. Specifically, RBW requires a theory fundamental to quantum physics in which one must explicitly construct dynamical/diachronic entities (objects obtained via trans-temporal identification) from 'relations'. We use discrete graph theory to propose heuristically the nature of this underlying theory, which is based on a self-consistency criterion for the mutual construct of dynamical/diachronic entities, space and time whence a spatiotemporally discrete action fundamental to the path integral approach to quantum and classical physics. The proposed unification scheme suggests a novel approach to quantum gravity.
Because I Am A Teacher: A Dialogue For Consideration

Abstract: I am an artist/researcher/teacher seeking to better understand and explicate the role and power of the arts in education. These identities have allowed me to explore the complex nature of what it means to teach and to learn, and has provided an ongoing conversation where I can inquire and respond through written dialogue. In reading a dialogue, we enter into conversation not as observers, but as participants in inquiry. We begin to actively involve ourselves in the vital process of asking questions. We become aware of a means of play within thought. Without this experience, our senses become impoverished of creative potential; we lose the ability and willingness to reach out beyond our own reality and engage in someone else’s. The willingness to imagine possibilities is what makes a good educator. This dialogue questions the senses, because our minds do not teach our students, our whole being and identity teaches students. Our lived experiences teach students. Our wholeness teaches students. We cannot separate out the parts and pieces of us before we enter the classroom. We need to take advantage of our whole beings and teach to the sensibilities we have as humans. It is the only caring, noble, democratic, informed thing we can do. What follows is a pedagogic creed; an exploration; a dialogue that considers what it means to teach and what roles must be considered for one to fully grasp the power and complexity of being a teacher, and the all-encompassing nature of learning.
Comparative effects of two benzodiazepine compounds on isolated human myometrium.

Abstract Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, psychotherapeutic drugs of the benzodiazepine class, were evaluated for their relaxant effects upon isolated strips of human myometrium in 58 separate experiments. Three of these are described to illustrate the effects observed. Both drugs demonstrated specific spasmolytic action. They suppressed uterine activity by reducing frequency and decreasing the amplitude of contractions. They lowered basal tonus, and, at higher dosage concentrations, produced complete arrest of spontaneous contractions. Diazepam more rapidly effected cessation and produced a more prolonged suppression of contractions than did chlordiazepoxide, even when the latter was given in five times the diazepam dosage. Neither drug impaired muscle vitality, as demonstrated by the prompt contractile recovery of the myometrial strips upon rinsing them free of the drugs. Indeed, following the drug-induced uterine arrest, marked improvement in recovery patterns occurred. The diazepam solvent was tested alone and found to have no significant effect on isolated human myometrium. A comparison between the effects of chlordiazepoxide on human and rabbit myometrium was made. The uterotropic relaxant effect of the benzodiazepines, particularly diazepam, has stimulated clinical interest in these compounds. The results obtained in the in vitro studies would appear to warrant extensive clinical evaluation of these compounds during pregnancy and labor.
Reproductive parameters of female Hawaiian damselfish Dascyllus albisella with comparison to other tropical and subtropical damselfishes

The reproductive ecology of female Hawaiian damselfish Dascyllus albisella (Gill) was studied at Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii (21°27′N; 157°47′W) during two peak reproductive seasons (June–September 1997, July–August 1998). In both years, spawning occurred cyclically every 5–7 days, with all spawning in the study area in each cycle concluding within 2–3 days. The study period encompassed 16 spawning cycles in 1997 and 10 cycles in 1998. Some females spawned in almost all cycles, whereas others spawned in as few as one. Mean spawning interval of individual females ranged from 6.4 to 11.7 days in 1997 and from 5.5 to 29.0 days in 1998. Batch fecundity increased exponentially with body length, and ranged from 23,100 to 52,800. Spawning duration increased linearly with body length and ranged from 20 to 286 min. On a single day, large females spawned earlier than small females. Females mated with several different males over a season, but typically mated with only one male on a single spawning day. Female spawning frequency and interval, spawning duration, batch fecundity, as well as diel timing of spawning in D. albisella were comparable to those reported for other large, planktivorous, non-territorial damselfishes.
Serum Leptin Levels as a Marker for a Syndrome X-Like Condition in Wild Baboons

We measured serum leptin levels in two groupings of wild male baboons, one with access to abundant quantities of food from gardens and garbage dumps near human habitations (Garbage; n = 11) and one without access (No Garbage; n = 10). A Garbage subgroup had high leptin levels (Garbage HL), whereas the rest of the Garbage group had low leptin levels (Garbage LL) similar to those in the No Garbage group. The Garbage HL individuals were obese, with higher mass, body mass index, and leptin to mass ratios; were insulin to resistant, with elevations in serum insulin, glucose, and insulin to glucose ratios; and were hyperlipidemic. This syndrome X-like condition occurred only in the Garbage HL subset. The Garbage LL subset did not differ from the No Garbage individuals in mass, body mass index, leptin to mass ratio, insulin, glucose, or insulin to glucose ratios. The highest cholesterol levels, however, occurred in the Garbage LL individuals, suggesting that susceptibility to hyperlipidemia is distinguishable from susceptibility to obesity and insulin resistance. The differences were not explained by age or social status. These results show that a subgroup of wild baboons is susceptible to developing obesity and insulin resistance and that this susceptibility is not related to age or social rank.
One-legged balance test times.

Means and ranges of single-leg balance times for 8 studies of men and women from 50 to 90 years of age are generally consistent, except the 50- to 59-yr.-old men's mean from the Rudisill and Toole ...
The hierarchical arrangement of internalizing cognitions

This investigation examined whether a hierarchical arrangement existed in internalizing cognitions in a sample of 162 outpatient adults. Results demonstrated that Watson and Clark's (1992) hierarchical model of emotional states could be extended to cognitions and clinical patients. Significant convergent and discriminant correlations among anxiety and depressive cognition measures demonstrated that specific and nonspecific relationships existed within the primarily cognition data. Hierarchical multiple-regression analyses and principal-factors analysis demonstrated that a general (nonspecific) cognitive component had more explanatory power than specific cognitive components within the data. Results support a cognition model in which a broad-band valence factor (e.g., negative affectivity) comprises specific discrete content factors (e.g., depressive cognitions, anxious cognitions). Results are discussed in light of Beck's (1976) cognitive content-specificity hypothesis.
Collective Reactivity of Molecular Chains Self-Assembled on a Surface

Self-assembly of molecules on surfaces is a route toward not only creating structures, but also engineering chemical reactivity afforded by the intermolecular interactions. Dimethyldisulfide (CH3SSCH3) molecules self-assemble into linear chains on single-crystal gold surfaces. Injecting low-energy electrons into individual molecules in the self-assembled structures with the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope led to a propagating chemical reaction along the molecular chain as sulfur-sulfur bonds were broken and then reformed to produce new CH3SSCH3 molecules. Theoretical and experimental evidence supports a mechanism involving electron attachment followed by dissociation of a CH3SSCH3 molecule and initiation of a chain reaction by one or both of the resulting CH3S intermediates.
Evaluation of Components of the Purdue Creative Thinking Program: A Longitudinal Study

This study investigated whether effects of the Purdue Creative Thinking Program (PCTP) were persistent over time. Students were pretested and then instructed for 14 wk. with one of the three PCTP components or a combination. Seven months later, divergent thinking measures were administered to 456 fourth, fifth and sixth grade pupils. For most treatments, no group was significantly better than controls across the outcome variables on the longitudinal tests. However, in the fourth grade, two instructional components were still effective. Thus short-term training (14 wk.) may not produce long-term changes in divergent thinking abilities.
Creating a national K--12 computer science community

ACM launches a new organization to help teachers, and ultimately students, to better appreciate the educational and professional opportunities inspired by the computing sciences.
The Peripheral or Edge-Guidedmodeson the Inhomogeneously and Homogeneously Ferrite Loadedstripline

The results of a rigorously formulated solution of the edge-guided mode on inhomogeneouslyand homogeneously ferrite loaded stripline are presented. The assumption that the width of the stripline is sufficiently large so that interaction between the edges may be neglected, has been invoked. In addition, it is assumed that the central strip conductor is located centrally between the ground plane and the shielding plate. This high degree of symmetry leads to a canonial geometry where we have a groundplane supporting a substrate of ferrite (x>o) and dielectric (x o.
Compensation of frequency dependent parasitic resistance in a CMOS linvill negative inductor

This paper presents an effective approach for reducing parasitic resistance of a CMOS negative inductor with a single compensating resistor. A compensating resistor is used to mitigate the effect of parasitic resistance with quadratic frequency dependence. The undesired parasitic effect is induced by the inevitable finite drain-source resistance of the input CMOS transistor of the most common Linvill negative inductor configuration. In particular, a two-transistor Linvill negative impedance inverter is considered. Theoretical analysis and circuit simulations show that the parasitic CMOS drain-source resistance leads to this undesired quadratic frequency dependency, and the proposed simple compensation circuit is effective. Measured results are given for a prototype CMOS circuit demonstrating the proposed compensation method.
Observations of ultra-long period normal modes from the 2004 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake

Abstract The great December 2004 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake was the first “giant” or “extreme” (moment magnitude Mw ≥ 9) earthquake recorded by broadband digital seismometers whose data were rapidly available to investigators worldwide. As a result, analysis of the earth's longest period normal modes became a primary tool for studying the earthquake, rather than an elegant afterthought. The mode data provided the first evidence that the earthquake was much larger (Mw ≈ 9.3) than initially inferred from surface wave data and involved slip on a much longer fault than initially inferred from body wave data. These observations in turn yielded important insight into the likely recurrence of similar earthquakes and the resulting tsunamis both on the segment of the trench that ruptured and on neighboring segments. The normal mode data are more numerous and much higher quality than previously available. They thus provide the first direct evidence for effects that had been theoretically predicted, such as the control of the splitting pattern by receiver latitude and the splitting of torsional modes. They similarly yield better results for mode properties such as the attenuation of the longest period radial modes, found in agreement with existing models of intrinsic Earth attenuation.
The role of the faculty research consultant at Indiana University

What percentage of faculty on my campus can I count as active computists?How can I determine faculty computing needs?What can a Faculty Research Consultant do on my campus?Does every campus need a specially designated faculty research consultant?These are questions each university computing center must answer for itself.This paper will endeavor to unravel some answers and give some insight into the functions this designated staff member performed at Indiana University-Bloomington. This perhaps will help determine campus needs for such a staff position.
Effects of statins on inflammation in patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the cell biology of atherosclerosis. Coronary risk factors, and particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, injure the endothelium and decrease the bioavailability of nitric oxide to promote the expression of proinflammatory genes, cellular adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. For example, the expression of CD40/CD40 ligand increases cell-mediated immune responses to activate a number of inflammatory cells and destabilize atherosclerosis. As part of this response, soluble markers of inflammation that are released into the blood offer insights into the cell biology of inflammation in atherosclerosis. In groups of patients, these markers have provided a means to study inflammatory mechanisms and have supported the value of many of our interventions that prevent cardiovascular disease. Statins have potent effects to reduce LDL cholesterol in the plasma and the artery wall and also appear to have a number of nonlipid effects that decrease inflammatory stimuli. Because statins also reduce some soluble markers of inflammation, it is likely that at least part of their benefit reflects a reduction in vascular inflammation in stable and unstable coronary syndromes. Although these inflammatory markers are valuable tools for studying the mechanisms of atherosclerosis, their use in clinical practice to stratify cardiovascular risk or assess treatment in individual patients requires further evaluation.
The Crystal Structure of a Munc13 C-terminal Module Exhibits a Remarkable Similarity to Vesicle Tethering Factors

Unc13/Munc13s play a crucial function in neurotransmitter release through their MUN domain, which mediates the transition from the Syntaxin-1/Munc18-1 complex to the SNARE complex. The MUN domain was suggested to be related to tethering factors, but no MUN-domain structure is available to experimentally validate this notion and address key unresolved questions about the interactions and minimal structural unit required for Unc13/Munc13 function. Here we identify an autonomously folded module within the MUN domain (MUN-CD) and show that its crystal structure is remarkably similar to several tethering factors. We also show that the activity in promoting the Syntaxin-1/Munc18-1 to SNARE complex transition is strongly impaired in MUN-CD. These results show that MUN domains and tethering factors indeed belong to the same family and may have a common role in membrane trafficking. We propose a model whereby the MUN-CD module is central for Munc13 function but full activity requires adjacent sequences.
Electronic health records as a tool for recruitment of participants' clinical effectiveness research: lessons learned from tobacco cessation

Translating tobacco dependence treatments that are effective in research settings into real-world clinical settings remains challenging. Electronic health record (EHR) technology can facilitate this process. This paper describes the accomplishments and lessons learned from a translational team science (clinic/research) approach to the development of an EHR tool for participant recruitment and clinic engagement in tobacco cessation research. All team stakeholders—research, clinical, and IT—were engaged in the design and planning of the project. Results over the first 17 months of the study showed that over one half of all smokers, coming in for any type of clinic appointment, were offered participation in the study, a very high level of adherent use of the EHR. Study recruitment over this period was 1,071 individuals, over 12 % of smokers in the participating clinics.
Path-delay fingerprinting for identification of recovered ICs

The counterfeiting of integrated circuits (ICs) has been on the rise over the past decade, impacting the security and reliability of electronic systems. Reports show that recovered ICs contribute to about 80% of all counterfeit ICs in the market today. Such ICs are recovered from scrapped boards of used devices. Identification of such counterfeit ICs is a great challenge since these ICs have an identical appearance, functionality, and package as fresh ICs. In this paper, a novel path-delay fingerprinting technique is proposed to distinguish recovered ICs from fresh ICs. Due to degradation in the field, the path delay distribution of recovered ICs will become different from that found in fresh ICs. Statistical data analysis can effectively separate the impact of process variations from aging effects on path delay. Simulation results of benchmark circuits using 45nm technology demonstrate the efficiency of this technique for recovered IC identification.
Effects of Somatostatin on the Secretion of Thyrotropin and Prolactin

Somatostatin, a tetradecapeptide isolated from ovine hypothalamic extracts on the basis of its ability to inhibit the spontaneous secretion of growth hormone (GH) by pituitary cell cultures, has been found to inhibit the stimulated secretion of thyrotropin (TSH) mediated by TRF(pGlu-His- Pro-NH2), 10 × [K†], or theophylline in vitro, while having no effect on the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) due to LRF. The spontaneous release of PRL in vitro is also inhibited by somatostatin but to a lesser extent than is the spontaneous secretion of GH. In vivo, the TRF-triggered secretion of TSH but not of PRL is suppressed by somatostatin in the estrogen-progesteronepretreated male rat. The injection of TRF leads to a greater rise in both plasma TSH and PRL in estrogen-progesterone-pretreated male rats than in untreated male rats. Somatostatin acts rapidly but reversibly to inhibit the secretion of TSH due to TRF in a dose-dependent manner. Thyroid hormones and somatostatin exhibit summation in their inhibiti...
To what extent are American and Japanese managerial concepts and techniques converging

This paper explains the effects of the Japanese recession and the accelerated pace of globalisation and technological diffusion on the rationalisation of what were previously held up as the mainstays of Japanese management. These are the key questions: What caused the failure of the superior Japanese industrial agenda that was guided by the much–lauded Japanese management models of the 1980s? What are the managerial values, concepts, and norms that enabled the U.S. economy to move expeditiously toward reforms and inhibited the Japanese from doing the same? Finally, which managerial values, concepts and norms are culturally determined, which are financially determined, or both, or are they a mix, and if so, how has this mix changed over time? The paper concludes with a reexamination of notions of Japanese and/or American cultural dominance as they express themselves in theories of management, drawing conclusions about the erosion of nationally distinct management practices in the face of a globalisation.
English spelling as a marker of register and style

(1971). English spelling as a marker of register and style. English Studies: Vol. 52, No. 1-6, pp. 201-209.
Selection for and evaluation of an avocado orchard soil microbially suppressive to Phytophthora cinnamomi

A survey was undertaken in southern California in 1999–2000 to search for an avocado soil that exhibits natural suppression to avocado root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. The Somis-1 soil, which had consistent massive degradation of P. cinnamomi hyphal mats, low P. cinnamomi populations and good tree health, was shown to be a soil with a high level of microbial suppression to P. cinnamomi in greenhouse studies. Other soils chosen for study, which seemed to demonstrate some type of suppression in the field as evidenced by high P. cinnamomi soil populations yet with good tree health, did not demonstrate microbial suppression in greenhouse studies. These soils may represent a type of suppression which is ephemeral or highly dependent on specific environmental factors. The suppression of the Somis-1 soil was transferable to a conducive soil with as little as 1% natural soil mixed with 99% fumigated soil. The suppression was gradually eliminated in soil pre-treated at various temperatures from 25° to 90°C. The suppression in the Somis-1 soil did not correspond with cellulase or laminarinase activity or soil microbial activity. The suppression appeared to correspond with moderately well-drained soils as found in the Somis-1 soil, which drained at a rate that might be conducive to the growth and activity of microorganisms antagonistic to P. cinnamomi.
Differential expression of α-like glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoforms in catfish intestine

Abstract Previous studies suggested that dietary composition affected glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in catfish intestine, and this activity varied along the intestine. In this study, catfish were fed a semi-purified diet or a commercial chow for at least 2 weeks. GST activity, percent protein cross-reacting with anti-catfish GST π antibody, and immuno-cross-reactivity with antibodies specific for human α, μ, π and θ class GSTs were determined in cytosol prepared from sections of proximal, medial, and distal intestine. The bulk of GST activity with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and ethacrynic acid, and the percent protein cross-reacting with anti-catfish GST π were in the more proximal segments and dropped off distally in the two diet groups. The percent of cross-reacting GST protein in the proximal section of fish fed on commercial chow was significantly higher (4.3±1.7%) than in fish fed purified diet (2.3±0.2%). Further Western blot analysis revealed a differential expression of GST isoforms only in the distal segment of fish fed commercial chow that recognized human anti-α GST antibody. Distal intestinal segments of catfish exposed to 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB) and β-naphthoflavone (BNF) also revealed expression of distinct α-like GST isoforms. Results strongly suggest the distal segment as a site for potential biomarkers for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)- and co-planar polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-type contaminants.
Asbestos Fibers Contributing to the Induction of Human Malignant Mesothelioma

UNLABELLED To elucidate the features of the asbestos fibers contributing to the induction of human malignant mesothelioma, we used high-resolution analytical electron microscopy to determine the type, number, and dimensions of asbestos fibers in lung and mesothelial tissues in 168 cases of mesothelioma. RESULTS 1. Asbestos fibers were present in almost all of the lung and mesothelial tissues from the mesothelioma cases. 2. The most common types of asbestos fibers in lung were either an admixture of chrysotile with amphiboles, amphibole alone, and occasionally chrysotile alone. In mesothelial tissues, most asbestos fibers were chrysotile. 3. In lung, amosite fibers were greatest in number followed by chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite/actinolite, and anthophyllite. In mesothelial tissues, chrysotile fibers were 30.3 times more common than amphiboles. 4. In some mesothelioma cases, the only asbestos fibers detected in either lung or mesothelial tissue were chrysotile fibers. 5. The average number of asbestos fibers in both lung and mesothelial tissues was two orders of magnitude greater than the number found in the general population. 6. The majority of asbestos fibers in lung and mesothelial tissues were shorter than 5 micro m in length. CONCLUSIONS 1) Fiber analysis of both lung and mesothelial tissues must be done to determine the types of asbestos fibers associated with the induction of human malignant mesothelioma; 2) short, thin asbestos fibers should be included in the list of fiber types contributing to the induction of human malignant mesothelioma; 3) RESULTS support the induction of human malignant mesothelioma by chrysotile.
The Birth of Web Site Design Skills Making the Present History

The fleeting life cycle of Internet technologies poses new challenges to the pillars of scientific method, validity and reliability, in research about technology. Time compression—the concentration...