cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Interactive Effect of Parental Education on Language Production

This study examines the interactive effect of mother’s and father’s education on childhood language development. Parents of sixteen- and twenty-month-old children (N = 48) completed measures on their children’s language production (MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Words and Sentences) as well as basic demographic information. There were variations in language production according to maternal education for only the older children. There was also an interaction between maternal and paternal education; children of parents with heterogeneous levels of education (that is, only one parent with a 4-year degree) had higher levels of language production than parents with homogeneous levels of education (that is, either both parents with a degree or both parents without a degree). Surprisingly, children with homogeneous levels of parental education were the ones who scored the lowest on measures of language production. This may be due to less effective parenting at both the low and high parental education levels or because disparity in parental education positively affects the home learning environment.
Long-term functional outcome after living-donor lung transplantation in adults

significant univariately were entered into a multiple logistic regression model and retained if significant at the 10% level. Model calibration and discrimination were assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve respectively. Results: 757 transplants were studied, 99 of whom died within 30 days. Four risk factors were retained: diagnosis -suppurative (baseline), pulmonary hypertension (Odds Ratio 2.5 (95% CI 1.2 to 5.5)), fibrosis (1.1 (0.4 to 2.8)), COPD (1.5 (0.5 to 2.3)), other (2.5 (1 to 6.2)); ventilation prior to transplantation (3.2 (0.9 to 11.5)); creatinine clearance 80 mls/min (1.7 (1.0 to 2.9)); recipient diabetes (2.0 (0.9 to 4.4)), and ischaemia time (1.5 (1.1 to 2.2)) per increase in time category from 3 hours to 3-4 hours to 4 hours. Calibration using the Hosmer-Lemeshow 2 1.39 (p 0.5) and the area under the ROC curve was 0.71. Conclusion: The risk model developed is well calibrated and produces accurate risk estimates. At present the model only has a moderate ability to discriminate between patients who die from those who survive. This model will continue to be refined as more data are accrued.
Design and performance of a new type of Knudsen cell for chemical beam epitaxy using metal-organic precursors

Abstract A chemical beam epitaxy system (CBE) with a new type of Knudsen cell was constructed to deposit LiTaO 3 films by the thermal decomposition of a double metal alkoxide precursor. The Knudsen cell facilitates molecular flow of the precursor to the substrate surface. It permits the use of metal-organic precursors of low volatility, and isolates the precursor from atmospheric moisture. The Knudsen cell is demonstrated to serve as a molecular flux source at controllable rates. The spatial distribution of the flux was measured and compared with Clausing's far field model and Monte Carlo simulations. Good agreement is seen between the measured intensity of the spatial flux distribution and the Monte Carlo simulation; however, the FWHM of the spatial distribution is much greater than that predicted by the far field model. The wider distribution and its Gaussian, rather than Cauchy, shape indicate that the Knudsen cell acts as an extended rather than a point source. This new Knudsen cell should be useful in the CVD growth of ferroelectric and superconductor thin films from low volatility, moisture sensitive precursors.
Surface enrichment of rhodium in Pd-Rh alloys after high temperature air oxidation

Abstract Foils of Pd-Rh alloys of two different compositions (85% Pd and 95% Pd) were heated in air in the temperature range 600–1100 °C, and their surface composition was determined by Auger electron spectroscopy and argon ion sputtering-depth profiling. Apparent surface enrichment of palladium as an oxide was observed for foils heated at or below 800 °C, whereas rhodium enrichment was found for foils heated between 850 and 950 °C. When the foils were heated at 1000 and 1100 °C, a slight (monolayer) enrichment of rhodium was observed. These changes in the surface composition can be attributed to the thermodynamic differences in the formation and decomposition of palladium and rhodium oxides and to diffusional processes in thick surface oxides formed on palladium-rich alloys.
Effect of Alanine Infusion on Glucose and Urea Production in Man

We have tested the response to a primed constant infusion of alanine (2 mg/kg·min infusion, 120 mg/kg prime) on glucose and urea kinetics in overnight fasted volunteers by using primed-constant infusions of 6,6-d2-glucose and 15N2-urea. When no alanine was infused, plateaus in glucose and urea concentration and enrichment were maintained for the final 3 hr of a 4-hr infusion of tracers. When alanine was infused over the final 2 hr of a second protocol, urea enrichment decreased significantly, indicating an increase in urea production from 4.4 ± 0.31 to 7.0 ± 0.63 μmol/kg·min. This corresponded to a potential increase in gluconeogenesis from alanine of 20%. Nonetheless, the alanine infusion had no significant effect on either the plasma concentration or enrichment of glucose, which means that hepatic glucose output was not affected. We conclude, therefore, that increasing gluconeogenic precursor availability does not stimulate hepatic glucose output in overnight-fasted man. (Journal of Parenteral and Enter...
The Hermeneutics of the Subject: Lectures at the Collège De France 1981–1982

Rhetoric is one of the oldest liberal arts, and for millennia it has been understood as the things that people say to persuade or advocate change. My work, like that of many readers of this journal...
Locating Damaged Members in a Truss Structure Using Modal Test Data: a Demonstration Experiment

On-orbit assessment of large flexible space truss structures can be accomplished, in principle, with dynamic response information, structural identification methods, and model correlation techniques which produce an adjusted mathematical model. In a previously developed approach for damage location, an optimal update of the structure model is formed using the response data, then examined to locate damaged members. An experiment designed to demonstrate and verify the performance of the on-orbit assessment approach uses a laboratory scale model truss structure which exhibits characteristics expected for large space truss structures. Vibration experiments were performed to generate response data for the damaged truss. The damage location approach, analytical work performed in support of the vibration tests, the measured response of the test article, and some preliminary results are described.
Redeemed bodies: The functions of divine healing in incipient pentecostalism

Dans les etudes consacrees a la naissance du pentecotisme aux Etats-Unis, a la fin du XIXe siecle et au debut du XXe, on a le plus souvent considere la glossolalie comme le trait caracteristique du mouvement. Cet article entend reevaluer l'importance de la guerison divine dans la naissance de ce mouvement issu du methodisme. En effet, trois figures essentielles dans la genese du pentecotisme - Maria B. Woodworth-Etter, John-Alexander Dowie et Charles F. Parham - etaient des guerisseurs. L'A. etudie le role joue par la guerison divine chez ces trois figures et constate qu'elle marque une nouvelle relation au corps, un rejet de la theodicee traditionnelle du protestantisme.
The Approximate Variance of a Function of Random Variables

In this communication we approximate the variance of a function of random variables by using a second degree Taylor series expansion, and demonstrate the increased accuracy this second degree approximation gives over the usual Delta method by using some examples from genetics.
Key elements of debriefing for simulator training

Introduction The use of simulators to train crisis resource management is increasing constantly [1,2]. The detailed, video-based discussion of a simulator scenario with all participants directly after the session, with the aim to enhance self-reflection, is called, ‘debriefing’. Methods A small survey was undertaken at 14 European simulator centres and at an interdisciplinary simulator workshop during the SESAM 2000 meeting in order to define the key elements of debriefing. As the numbers are very small only descriptive results are mentioned. Results Respondents claim that debriefing is the most important part of realistic simulator training. Debriefing is crucial for a successful learning process, but if performed badly it can be the source of severe harm to the trainee. Debriefing can ‘make or break’ a simulator session and can be attributed as the ‘heart and soul of simulator training’. Therefore, training of instructors in the art of debriefing should be emphasized. The debriefing instructor requires both clinical and teaching experience. As the setting of simulator training is very intense, coaching of the instructor by a psychologist is recommended. Good debriefing requires a thorough briefing beforehand. Briefing should include (a) explaining to the participants that the session concerns learning, not performance assessment, (b) that confidentiality is maintained, and (c) that making errors is important for the training benefit. A nonthreatening atmosphere should be established and the crisis management terminology should be explained. The simulator should be explained in detail. Limitations of the simulation and how to deal with them should be stated. Admitting that the simulator is not completely realistic helps trainees suspend disbelief. Elements of successful debriefing include: creating a good and friendly atmosphere, open-ended questions, facilitating of self-debriefing, positive reinforcement, open discussions on management aspects, pointing out underlying principles that lead to misconceptions/errors, using cognitive aids, showing alternatives, stressing that everybody makes errors, concentrating on few key learning points, and pointing out the good parts with the assistance of the audio-visual equipment. Elements that should be avoided during debriefing are: closed questions, criticism using destructive language, concentrating on errors, blaming and ridiculing participants, focusing too much discussion on medical points rather than on crisis management aspects, too much instructor talking, too many teaching points, too long a debriefing period. Conclusion Debriefing is the most important part of simulator training. Serious harm to trainees may result from poorly debriefed sessions. Training and coaching of instructors should be emphasized. Continuous studying and training of debriefing techniques in an interdisciplinary team involving psychologists should be the future.
PDE5 inhibitors as therapeutics for heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Abstract The phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, including sildenafil (Viagra™), vardenafil (Levitra™), and tadalafil (Cialis™) have been developed for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Moreover, sildenafil and tadalafil are used for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients. Since our first report showing the cardioprotective effect of sildenafil in 2002, there has been tremendous growth of preclinical and clinical studies on the use of PDE5 inhibitors for cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that PDE5 inhibitors have powerful protective effect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, ischemic and diabetic cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and the improvement of stem cell efficacy for myocardial repair. Mechanistically, PDE5 inhibitors protect the heart against I/R injury through increased expression of nitric oxide synthases, activation of protein kinase G (PKG), PKG-dependent hydrogen sulfide generation, and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β — a master switch immediately proximal to mitochondrial permeability transition pore and the end effector of cardioprotection. In addition, PDE5 inhibitors enhance the sensitivity of certain types of cancer to standard chemotherapeutic drugs, including doxorubicin. Many clinical trials with PDE5 inhibitors have focused on the potential cardiovascular and anti-cancer benefits. Despite mixed results of these clinical trials, there is a continuing strong interest by basic scientists and clinical investigators in exploring their new clinical uses. It is our hope that future new mechanistic investigations and carefully designed clinical trials would help in reaping additional benefits of PDE5 inhibitors for cardiovascular disease and cancer in patients.
MULTI-SITE EVALUATION OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS: THE PROJECT PROFILE APPROACH

The purpose of this article is to describe a new approach for conducting multi-site evaluations of professional development (PD). The approach extends a popular model of PD evaluation through the creation of individual project profiles that take into account the unique contextual variables of individual projects while providing an evaluation picture of the overall program. We provide illustrative evaluation results highlighting the importance of understanding project contexts. Through two case comparisons, we demonstrate how case-based context informed our interpretation of outcomes data. Finally, we discuss how our approach maps onto and extends a popular model for professional development evaluation.
Flosequinan: A vasodilator with positive inotropic activity

Flosequinan is an oral arterial and venous vasodilator that is currently under investigation for the treatment of congestive heart failure. The effects of flosequinan on ventricular performance and myocardial contractility were studied in 10 patients with severe congestive heart failure during right and left cardiac catheterization. Sixty minutes after a 100 mg oral dose of flosequinan, the peak rate of rise in left ventricular pressure (dPdt) increased from 940 ± 180 to 1050 ± 240 mm Hg/sec (p < 0.05), while left ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased from 32 ± 5 to 26 ± 8 mm Hg (p < 0.05), and cardiac index increased (2.1 ± 0.4 to 2.3 ± 0.5 L/min/m2, (p < 0.05). The mean pulmonary artery pressure and vascular resistance decreased from 40 ± 8 to 33 ± 12 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and from 330 ± 240 to 290 ± 170 dyne-sec/cm5 (p < 0.05), respectively. Heart rate, mean aortic pressure, right atrial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and serum norepinephrine levels did not change significantly. The increase in left ventricular peak dPdt that was concomitant with a decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and no change in systemic arterial pressure or sympathetic tone, argue for a direct positive inotropic effect of flosequinan.
Proteins Involved in Glucose Recognition and Signaling are Expressed by Canine Insulinoma

Introduction: Canine insulinoma is a functional neoplasia of insulin-producing endocrine cells that produces hypoglycemia as a result of unregulated secretion of insulin. Knowledge of the molecular defects responsible for the observed functional abnormalities might help understand the clinical behavior of these tumors, predict the response to therapy, and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. We examined canine insulinomas to determine expression of beta-cell proteins known to be important for glucose recognition and signaling. Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from naturally-occurring canine insulinomas at the time of surgery or necropsy. A pancreatic beta cell line was used as control in functional studies. Normal canine pancreas served as control tissue for expression studies. For functional studies, glucose-induced insulin secretion by cultured canine insulinoma cells was determined using radioimmunoassay. For mRNA expression studies, total RNA was isolated and reverse transcription performed using commercial reagents. The expression of proteins of interest was determined using PCR. Identities of PCR products were confirmed by automated sequence analysis. For protein expression studies, proteins were solubilized in detergent-containing buffer, resolved by SDS-PAGE, and detected by immunoblot analysis using specific antibodies. Results: Canine insulinoma cells exhibited a half-maximal glucose response of 1.3 mM (23 mg/dL). Insulinomas were found to express proteins important for glucose responsiveness. Proteins expressed include those involved in glucose recognition (glucokinase, hexokinase), glucose signal transduction (Kir6.2, SUR1), and insulin exocytosis (SNAP 25, syntaxin 1A). Conclusions: Canine insulinomas express proteins similar to those found in the normal canine pancreas but exhibit an increased sensitivity to glucose.
Activation of cardiac adenylyl cyclase expression increases function of the failing ischemic heart in mice.

Objectives This study sought to evaluate whether increased left ventricular (LV) adenylyl cyclase VI (ACVI) expression, at a time when severe congestive heart failure (CHF) was present, would increase function of the actively failing heart. Background Increased LV ACVI content markedly reduces mortality and increases LV function after acute myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. However, the effects of increased cardiac ACVI content in the setting of severe heart failure caused by ischemic cardiomyopathy are unknown. Methods Mice with cardiac-directed and regulated expression of ACVI underwent coronary artery ligation to induce severe CHF 5 weeks later. ACVI expression was then activated in 1 group (AC-On) but not the other (AC-Off). Multiple measures of LV systolic and diastolic function were obtained 5 weeks later, and LV samples were assessed for alterations in calcium and beta-adrenergic receptor signaling, apoptosis, and cardiac troponin I phosphorylation. Results The LV systolic and diastolic function was increased 5 weeks after activation of ACVI expression. Improved LV function was associated with normalization of cardiac troponin I phosphorylation and reduced apoptosis. Conclusions Activation of cardiac ACVI expression in mice with ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe CHF improves function of the failing heart.
RAID: A Personal Recollection of How Storage Became a System

Randy H. Katz, David Patterson, and Garth Gibson first defined the acronym RAID, or redundant arrays of inexpensive disks, in a 1987 paper. The RAID idea was that it was feasible to achieve significantly higher levels of storage reliability from possibly very large numbers of lower-cost and lower-reliability smaller disk drives, which were then emerging for personal computers. Today, the National Academy includes RAID among the technologies created by federally funded research in universities that have led to multibillion dollar industries, and software implemented RAID is a standard component of modern operating systems. Here, Katz chronicles his experiences and contributions to RAID's early development.
Segmentation Tree Based Multiple Object Image Retrieval

Inaccurate image segmentation often has a negative impact on object-based image retrieval. Researchers have attempted to alleviate this problem by using hierarchical image representation. However, these attempts suffer from the inefficiency in building the hierarchical image representation and the high computational complexity in matching two hierarchically represented images. Existing approaches construct the hierarchical image representation in two steps. The first step is to perform segmentation at different image resolutions, and the second step is to construct a hierarchical representation of the image by associating segments from different resolutions. In this research, an innovative all-in-one run approach is proposed that concurrently performs image segmentation and hierarchical tree construction, producing a hierarchical region tree to represent the image. In addition, an efficient hierarchical region tree matching algorithm is proposed with a reasonably low time complexity and used in multiple object image retrieval. The experimental results demonstrate the efficacy and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Determinants of the Size of the Small Business Sector: They Are Labor Productivity, Wage Rates and Capital Intensity

. Statistical analysis of a hitherto unpublished tabulation of the 1976 Annual Survey of Manufactures provides new evidence of the small business/ large business relationship in the U.S. economy. Small business (measured by employees) seems to have an advantage over large in that it has relatively lower wage costs. But the data prove it has a higher ratio of labor inputto unit output. Higher productivity in large firms make its wage/output relationship an advantage over small firms. Large firms pay appreciably higher wages than small where most production is by large firms. Highly skilled and hence higher paid workers may be a correlate of higher mechanization. Similarly, the role of capital intensity as an indicator of technology differences explains why capital productivity is no adequate explicator of firm industry share. These variables are closely related to profit margin. Relatively high book values in large firms are associated with low small business industry shares. Nor do large businesses have an advantage in lower prices for raw materials and parts. In the U.S. large business is centered in the capital intensive industries.
Early myocardial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: A study using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Background: Diabetes is associated with a cardiomyopathy that is independent of coronary artery disease or hypertension. In the present study we used in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiographic techniques to examine and characterize early changes in myocardial function in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Methods: Diabetes was induced in 8-week old C57BL/6 mice with two intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin. The blood glucose levels were maintained at 19–25 mmol/l using intermittent low dosages of long acting insulin glargine. MRI and echocardiography were performed at 4 weeks of diabetes (age of 12 weeks) in diabetic mice and age-matched controls. Results: After 4 weeks of hyperglycemia one marker of mitochondrial function, NADH oxidase activity, was decreased to 50% of control animals. MRI studies of diabetic mice at 4 weeks demonstrated significant deficits in myocardial morphology and functionality including: a decreased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, an increased LV end-systolic diameter and volume, a diminished LV ejection fraction and cardiac output, a decreased LV circumferential shortening, and decreased LV peak ejection and filling rates. Mmode echocardiographic and Doppler flow studies of diabetic mice at 4 weeks showed a decreased wall thickening and increased E/A ratio, supporting both systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
On upper bounds for unrestricted binary-error-correcting codes

In this paper improved upper bounds are obtained for A(n,d) , the maximum number of binary code vectors in a code of block length n and minimum distance d . Known bounds are presented in a unified way and then refined, giving improvement over best previously published results in almost all cases. Finally, tabulations of the improved results are given. Asymptotically, the new bounds agree with those given by Elias.
Encoding-Stage Crosstalk Between Object- and Spatial Property-Based Scene Processing Pathways

Scene categorization draws on 2 information sources: The identities of objects scenes contain and scenes' intrinsic spatial properties. Because these resources are formally independent, it is possible for them to leads to conflicting judgments of scene category. We tested the hypothesis that the potential for such conflicts is mitigated by a system of "crosstalk" between object- and spatial layout-processing pathways, under which the encoded spatial properties of scenes are biased by scenes' object contents. Specifically, we show that the presence of objects strongly associated with a given scene category can bias the encoded spatial properties of scenes containing them toward the average of that category, an effect which is evident both in behavioral measures of scenes' perceived spatial properties and in scene-evoked multivoxel patterns recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging from the parahippocampal place area (PPA), a region associated with the processing of scenes' spatial properties. These results indicate that harmonization of object- and spatial property-based estimates of scene identity begins when spatial properties are encoded, and that the PPA plays a central role in this process.
Inducible expression of claudin-1-myc but not occludin-VSV-G results in aberrant tight junction strand formation in MDCK cells

Occludin and 18 distinct members of the claudin family are tetra-span transmembrane proteins that are localized in cell-specific tight junctions (TJs). A previous study showed that expression of chick occludin in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells raised transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and, paradoxically, increased mannitol flux. In the present study, we employed epitope tagged canine occludin expression, under the control of the tetracycline repressible transactivator, to determine the extent to which the unexpected parallel increase in TER and mannitol flux was related to a structural mismatch between avian and canine occludins, which are only 50% identical. To determine whether the paradoxical changes in permeability was specific to occludin, we assessed the effect of over-expressing epitope tagged murine claudin-1. Our data revealed that over-expression of either of the epitope tagged mammalian tight junction proteins increased TER, mannitol and FITC-dextran flux. We observed a 2- and up to 5.6-fold over-expression of occludin-VSV-G and claudin-1-myc, respectively, with no change in ZO-1, endogenous occludin or claudin-1 expression. Confocal microscopy revealed that occludin-VSV-G, claudin-1-myc and ZO-1 co-localized at the TJ. In addition, claudin-1-myc formed aberrant strands along the lateral cell surface without an underlying ZO-1 scaffold. In fracture labeled replicas these strands consisted of claudin-1-myc with little accompanying occludin. These observations suggest that in epithelial cells claudin-1 can assemble into TJ strands without the participation of either ZO-1 or occludin. The proximity of the myc tag to the COOH-terminal YV sequence of claudin-1 appeared to interfere with its interaction with ZO-1, since over-expression of non-tagged claudin-1 increased TER but had a minimal effect on solute flux and no aberrant strands formed. From our data we conclude that differences in structure between avian and mammalian occludin do not account for the observed paradoxical increase in mannitol flux. Levels of ZO-1 remained unchanged despite substantial increases in induced TJ integral protein expression, suggesting that an imbalance between levels of ZO-1 and occludin or claudin-1 leads to altered regulation of pores through which non-charged solute flux occurs. We suggest that ion and solute flux are differentially regulated at the TJ.
Do Political Preferences Change? A Longitudinal Study of U.S. Supreme Court Justices

Do the political preferences of U.S. Supreme Court justices change over time? Judicial specialists are virtually unanimous in their response: The occasional anomaly notwithstanding, most jurists evince consistent voting behavior over the course of their careers. Still, for all the research that presupposes the consistency of preferences, it is startling to find that scholars have yet to explore rigorously the assumption of stability. We fill this gap by describing the behavioral patterns of the 16 justices who sat on the U.S. Supreme Court for 10 or more terms, and began and completed their service some-time between the 1937 and 1993 terms. The data reveal that many experienced significant change over time-a result with important implications for virtually all longitudinal work on the Court.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Ligands Stimulate Endothelial Nitric Oxide Production Through Distinct Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ-Dependent Mechanisms

Objective— We recently reported that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) ligands 15-deoxy-Δ 12,14 -prostaglandin J 2 (15d-PGJ 2 ) and ciglitazone increased cultured endothelial cell nitric oxide (NO) release without increasing the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The current study was designed to characterize further the molecular mechanisms underlying PPARγ-ligand–stimulated increases in endothelial cell NO production. Methods and Results— Treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with PPARγ ligands (10 μmol/L 15d-PGJ 2 , ciglitazone, or rosiglitazone) for 24 hours increased NOS activity and NO release. In selected studies, HUVEC were treated with PPARγ ligands and with the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (2 μmol/L), which fully inhibited stimulation of a luciferase reporter gene, or with small interfering RNA to PPARγ, which reduced HUVEC PPARγ expression. Treatment with either small interfering RNA to PPARγ or GW9662 inhibited 15d-PGJ 2 -, ciglitazone-, and rosiglitazone-induced increases in endothelial cell NO release. Rosiglitazone and 15d-PGJ 2 , but not ciglitazone, increased heat shock protein 90-eNOS interaction and eNOS ser 1177 phosphorylation. The heat shock protein 90 inhibitor geldanamycin attenuated 15d-PGJ 2 - and rosiglitazone-stimulated NOS activity and NO production. Conclusions— These findings further clarify mechanisms involved in PPARγ-stimulated endothelial cell NO release and emphasize that individual ligands exert their effects through distinct PPARγ-dependent mechanisms.
High level traffic analysis of a LAN segment

A data collection and analysis study of packet traffic over a local area network is reported. The objectives of this study are to develop analysis tools to isolate the effect of each protocol, and eventually each application. The measurements of the LAN are made using a raw Ethernet packet capture program (tcpdump) running on a Sun workstation. The analysis was accomplished using a PERL script and the ACE/gr data analysis program. The contribution of each protocol and host is isolated, and the higher-level application mix is examined. The characteristics of the protocol traffic are examined, and it is shown that the lower-rate traffic protocol characteristics, while not Poisson, are similar to a proposed two-state Markov chain model, while the higher-rate protocol/application traffic exhibits correlation and periodicity that are more difficult to model analytically. >
The coupling of α6β4 integrin to Ras-MAP kinase pathways mediated by Shc controls keratinocyte proliferation

The signaling pathways linking integrins to nuclear events are incompletely understood. We have examined intracellular signaling by the α 6 β 4 integrin, a laminin receptor expressed in basal keratinocytes and other cells. Ligation of α 6 β 4 in primary human keratinocytes caused tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc, recruitment of Grb2, activation of Ras and stimulation of the MAP kinases Erk and Jnk. In contrast, ligation of the laminin‐ and collagen‐binding integrins α 3 β 1 and α 2 β 1 did not cause these events. While the stimulation of Erk by α 6 β 4 was suppressed by dominant‐negative Shc, Ras and RhoA, the activation of Jnk was inhibited by dominant‐negative Ras and Rac1 and by the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor Wortmannin. Adhesion mediated by α 6 β 4 induced transcription from the Fos serum response element and promoted cell cycle progression in response to mitogens. In contrast, α 3 β 1 ‐ and α 2 β 1 ‐dependent adhesion did not induce these events. These findings suggest that the coupling of α 6 β 4 integrin to the control of cell cycle progression mediated by Shc regulates the proliferation of basal keratinocytes and possibly other cells which are in contact with the basement membrane in vivo .
Basic-level categories: A review

This paper analyses selected literature on basic-level categories, explores related theories and discusses theoretical explanations of the phenomenon of basic-level categories. A substantial body of research has proposed that basic-level categories are the first categories formed during perception of the environment, the first learned by children and those most used in language. Experimental studies suggest that high-level (or superordinate) categories lack informativeness because they are represented by only a few attributes and low-level (or subordinate) categories lack cognitive economy because they are represented by too many attributes. Studies in library and information science have demonstrated the prevalence of basic-level categories in knowledge organization and representation systems such as thesauri and in image indexing and retrieval; and it has been suggested that the universality of basic-level categories could be used for building crosswalks between classificatory systems and user-centred indexing. However, while there is evidence of the pervasiveness of basic-level categories, they may actually be unstable across individuals, domains or cultures and thus unable to support broad generalizations. This paper discusses application of Heidegger's notion of handiness as a framework for understanding the relational nature of basic-level categories.
Hits and misses: leveraging tDCS to advance cognitive research

The popularity of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in basic, commercial, and applied settings grew tremendously over the last decade. Here, we focus on one popular neurostimulation method: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Many assumptions regarding the outcomes of tDCS are based on the results of stimulating motor cortex. For instance, the primary motor cortex is predictably suppressed by cathodal tDCS or made more excitable by anodal tDCS. However, wide-ranging studies testing cognition provide more complex and sometimes paradoxical results that challenge this heuristic. Here, we first summarize successful efforts in applying tDCS to cognitive questions, with a focus on working memory. These recent findings indicate that tDCS can result in cognitive task improvement or impairment regardless of stimulation site or direction of current flow. We then report working memory and response inhibition studies that failed to replicate and/or extend previously reported effects. From these opposing outcomes, we present a series of factors to consider that are intended to facilitate future use of tDCS when applied to cognitive questions. In short, common pitfalls include testing too few participants, using insufficiently challenging tasks, using heterogeneous participant populations, and including poorly motivated participants. Furthermore, the poorly understood underlying mechanism for long-lasting tDCS effects make it likely that other important factors predict responses. In conclusion, we argue that although tDCS can be used experimentally to understand brain function its greatest potential may be in applied or translational research.
Total Knee Arthroplasty using the Stryker Knee Trac System

Introduction This author was in the process of studying the effects of soft-tissue release in managing varus and valgus knee deformities when the possibility of guiding the entire total knee operation became apparent. We were using magnetic spatial tracking equipment in a first stage cadaver study of the effects of sequential soft tissue release on the achievement of proper alignment and ligament balance. The natural step after this preliminary work was to measure similar changes occurring during actual surgical cases. An Optotrak infrared tracking system was purchased (Northern Digital Corp. Ontario, Canada), which required the development of custom software for our application. In planning this software it became apparent that nearly all of the relevant anatomic landmarks for TKA could be indicated to this type of system. The single point having great importance in knee alignment which is out of the field, is the center of the femoral head. Recognizing that the motion of the femur at the hip is about a point in space which is that femoral head center, it became immediately apparent that this point could be determined mathematically simply by tracking the motion of the femur. With this determination it then followed that we could track and measure the displacements occurring during the entire total knee operation. Rather than measuring only relative movement of the tibia in relationship to the femur, similar to the cadaver study, we could determine absolute positions of the femur and tibia in the whole body. In addition to positions of the bones themselves it followed that we could determine the positions of jigs, resulting cuts, and positions of the trial and final prosthetic components. As a result of these realizations, software and hardware were developed to these ends. A study of the accuracy of the femoral head determination was undertaken in cadavers, and this very equipment was used to assist in the performance of the entire total knee procedure. The first fully navigated total knee arthroplasty was successfully done, in our first try, in August 1997. The cadaver study and that case were the subject of a publication which implicitly became the first report of a fully navigated TKR [1].
Is there a solution to the Rarita-Schwinger wave equation in the presence of an external electromagnetic field

The method of characteristics is applied in order to obtain the retarded Green's function for the Rarita-Schwinger (RS) wave equation coupled minimally to an external electromagnetic field. The retarded Green's function is Taylor expanded in terms of singularities around the characteristic surfaces and the coefficients of singular terms are calculated. In general, when the above method is applied to a hyperbolic partial differential equation, the equations satisfied by the coefficients are singular but compatible in the sense that iteration is possible. In this paper, we shall show that in the case of the RS equation in the presence of an external electromagnetic field, this compatibility does not exist implying that the existence of the solution is doubtful.
Potential Climate Change Effects on Rice: Carbon Dioxide and Temperature

The projected doubling of current levels of atmospheric CO{sub 2} concentration [CO{sub 2}] during the next century, along with increases in other radiatively active gases, has led to predictions of increases in global air temperature and shifts in precipitation patterns. Since 1987, several [CO{sub 2}] and temperature experiments have been conducted on rice (Oryza sativa L., cv. IR-30) in outdoor, naturally-sunlit, environmentally-controlled, plant growth chambers. The objectives of this chapter are to summarize some of the major findings of these experiments. In these experiments, season-long [CO{sub 2}] treatments ranged from 160 to 900 {micro}mol CO{sub 2} mol{sup {minus}1} air, while temperature treatments ranged from 25/18/21 to 40/33/37 C (daytime dry bulb air temperature/nighttime dry bulb air temperature/constant paddy water temperature). Total growth duration was shortened by 10 to 12 d as [CO{sub 2}] increased across a [CO{sub 2}] range from 160 to 500 {micro}mol mol{sup {minus}1}, due mainly to a shortened vegetative phase of development and a reduction in the number of mainstem leaves formed prior to panicle initiation. Photosynthesis, growth, and final grain yield increased with [CO{sub 2}] from 160 to 500 {micro}mol mol{sup {minus}1}, but were very similar from 500 to 900 {micro}mol mol{sup {minus}1}. Carbon dioxide enrichmentmore » from 330 to 660 {micro}mol mol{sup {minus}1} increased grain yield mainly by increasing the number of panicles per plant, and increasing temperature treatment above 28/21/25 C resulted in decreased grain yield, due largely to a decline in the number of filled grain per panicle. Evapotranspiration decreased and water-use efficiency increased with increasing [CO{sub 2}] treatment, while the reverse trends were found with increasing temperature treatment. 60 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Insect Pest Management in Perspective

In reading the current literature one gets the impression that insect control began with DDT in the 1940's. Also, to control pestiferous insects DDT and other synthetic insecticides are applied season-long at high rates to the exclusion of all other control methods and without regard to human health and safety, to adverse environmental effects or to their limitations in controlling insects. To this which is currently becoming widely accepted, we say that it is historically incorrect.
Migrant Labor Relations: The Role of Nonprofits Following the Earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand

ABSTRACTA 6.3 magnitude earthquake on February 22, 2011 set over 60 percent of the downtown and over 6,000 homes in suburban Christchurch, New Zealand, for demolition. Migrants and refugees settled in Christchurch relied on the joint efforts of familiar nonprofits to provide information and supplies in the initial response and recovery phase. As the recovery progressed, new migrant construction workers took part in the rebuild. Ensuring housing, livelihoods, and community engagement opportunities for shifting populations of migrants and refugees depended on nonprofit and civil society partnerships. Based on in-depth interviews with six migrant-focused nonprofit and civil society partners, functional redundancy was ascertained based on organizational structures and networks. Findings suggest that connectivity persisted into midterm recovery through colocation and relationship building, and long-term commitments to diverse advocacy outlets improved collective understandings of migrants' rights in postdisast...
Efficacy and economics analysis of two anticoagulant schemes in the treatment of inpatients with pulmonary embolism

Objective: To compare the curative effect and economic difference of two anticoagulant schemes for pulmonary embolism. Methods: A retrospective study was adopted. The inpatients with pulmonary embolism in 2008 in our hospital were divided into two groups. GroupⅠwere treated with low molecular heparin combined with warfarin, and groupⅡwere treated with low molecular heparin only. The rates of symptom alleviation and improvement in blood gas analysis were compared between two groups. Results: The alleviative rate of cough was higher in groupⅠthan in groupⅡ,and the difference was statistically signif icant (P 0.05). While the remission rates of chest tightness with dyspnea, shortness of breath after activity, chest pain, haemoptysis and so on showed no significant difference between two groups (P 0.05). The drugs expenditure, inspection fees, treatment fees and the total cost were lower in groupⅠthan in groupⅡwith significant difference (P 0.05). Conclusion: There was no difference in curative effect between two groups, while the cost of low molecular heparin combined with warfarin was lower than that of single low molecular heparin.
Diels–Alder Reactions of Furans with Itaconic Anhydride: Overcoming Unfavorable Thermodynamics

Unfavorable thermodynamics often render furans reluctant to engage in high-yielding Diels–Alder (DA) cycloaddition reactions. Here, we report the highly efficient conversion of the biosourced reactants itaconic anhydride (IA) and furfuryl alcohol (FA) to a single DA adduct. The free energy advantages provided by anhydride ring opening and crystal lattice energy of the product overcome the loss of aromaticity of the furanoid diene. Detailed 1H NMR studies provided valuable insights about relevant kinetic and thermodynamic features.
Utilization of Feeding Tubes in the Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

Esophagostomy feeding tubes are useful, and in many cases essential, for the comprehensive management of cats with moderate to advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). They should be considered a lifelong therapeutic appliance to facilitate the global management of cats with CKD thus providing improved therapeutic efficacy and quality-of-life. Esophagostomy tubes facilitate the maintenance of adequate hydration and increase owner compliance by facilitating the administration of medications. Finally, feeding tubes provide a means to deliver a stage-appropriate dietary prescription for cats with CKD and maintain an adequate nutritional plane in a patient that otherwise would be subject to chronic wasting.
Assessing the pressure of tennis balls using nonlinear solitary waves: a numerical study

We present a method based on the propagation of highly nonlinear solitary waves (HNSWs) to measure the internal pressure of tennis balls. HNSWs are compact waves that can form and travel in nonlinear systems such as one-dimensional chains of spherical particles, where they are conventionally generated by the mechanical impact of a striker. The speed, amplitude, and duration of these waves can be tuned by modifying the particles’ material or size, or the velocity of the striker. In the present study we numerically investigated the coupling mechanism between the solitary waves propagating along a 1-D granular chain and a tennis ball in contact with the nonlinear medium. A discrete particle model of the beads was coupled to a linear mass–spring–damper model of the tennis ball computed using finite element analysis. Balls with different internal pressures were considered and we found that the time of flight of the HNSWs decreases monotonically with the increase of the internal pressure of the ball.
Sol-gel derived aluminum doped nanocrystalline zinc oxide for hydrogen gas sensing

Aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) films were synthesized on alkali free glass substrates by sol-gel spin-coating method using two different precursors (zinc acetate and zinc nitrate). The results showed that the crystallite size decreased with increasing dopant concentration. The films were fabricated using zinc acetate (precursor 1) as a starting material show a pipe-like structure, which significantly influenced the properties of films. The gas sensing tests showed the highest dopant concentration, 3 at.% aluminum doped zinc oxide film has the smallest crystalline size, dense surface, lowest resistivity and highest gas sensitivity.
Pegylated interferon alpha – 2a is clinically effective and tolerable in myeloproliferative neoplasm patients treated off clinical trial

Polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, and myelofibrosis are chronic Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms that are characterized by clonal hematopoiesis, splenomegaly, risk of hemorrhagic and thrombotic sequelae, and profound symptom burden. We review the outcomes of 75 myeloproliferative neoplasm patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha 2a off study at an academic medical center. In the 56 treated polycythemia vera and essential thrombocytosis patients, a complete or partial response was obtained in 78.6% of patients per ELN/IWG-MRT revised criteria, with >80% of polycythemia vera patients becoming phlebotomy independent and 60% of essential thrombocytosis patients having platelet normalization with therapy. In the 19 treated myelofibrosis patients, stable disease was seen in 63.2% of patients. Vascular events occurred in 2/75 (2.6%) of treated patients while on therapy. Grade 3 toxicity was uncommon with leukopenia noted in 1 patient (1.3%). The most common adverse event overall was grade 1 fatigue in 18.7%. This retrospective single center analysis demonstrates pegylated interferon alpha 2a is active and well-tolerated therapy outside the support of a clinical trial. These results substantiate the previously reported efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha 2a in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Further prospective and randomized clinical trial data is required to better delineate pegylated interferon alpha 2a's use in myeloproliferative disease, with emphasis placed on comprehensive molecular characterization, allelic burden quantification, and measurement of histologic response.