cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why quality may not always win: the impact of product generation life cycles on quality and network effects in high-tech markets.

Abstract Marketing literature has recently witnessed major debates about the critical drivers of success – namely, the quality versus network effect, in high-tech markets as well as the efficiency of such markets. Extant research suggests that both quality and network effects are significant factors determining market share in these markets, but that quality effect is more important. Based on surveys of several retail managers and a new dataset on the US video game industry from 1995 to 2007, we replicate and extend this research in several directions: (1) we replicate and confirm prior results that both quality and network effects are critical drivers of market share; (2) network and quality effects vary over the product generation life cycle, and hence, quality does not always win; and (3) in the Growth and Maturity phases of the product generation life cycle, network effects can trump quality effects. Our empirical results provide some practical insights for retail managers.
Premarin priming does not alter growth hormone release following exercise

We evaluated the usefulness of premarin priming on excercise induced growth hormone release and the value of combining several growth hormone screening agents in a large population of prepubertal children. Two hundred five short healthy prepubertal children growing below the 5th percentile in height were studied. One hundred forty-four were screened with exercise following glucose ingestion, while 61 were primed with estrogen prior to glucose and exercise testing. Premarin priming did not significantly increase the number of our patients who responded to exercise nor to glucose; 86% and 88.5% of nonprimed and primed patients, respectively, responded with a growth hormone increase > 8 ng/ml following exercise and glucose. Glucose loading alone was not associated with a high enough growth hormone rise to rule out growth hormone deficiency in most of our children. Age (< 5 yr) was associated with lower post-exercise growth hormone levels and a higher failure rate to testing in both primed and non primed children. Premarin priming does not seem to alter the growth hormone releasing capacity to exercise of prepubertal children. The combined use of exercise, glucose loading and premarin priming in a single screening test does not improve on the results obtained by growth hormone exercise screening alone.
An animal model for nasofrontal duct obstruction and frontal sinus mucocele formation

BACKGROUND This study was performed to show occlusion of the nasofrontal duct and mucocele formation in a goat model. A pilot study was performed to investigate whether a goat is a suitable model for creating nasofrontal duct obstruction and mucocele formation. METHODS Three adult goats underwent frontal sinus anterior table osteoplastic flap creation with identification and occlusion of the nasofrontal outflow tract with frontalis muscle plugging. Three months later, the goats were killed and gross examination of the frontal sinus, along with histopathological confirmation of mucocele formation, were performed. RESULTS All animals showed mucocele formation on gross examination and histological sectioning. There was no gross or histological evidence of bony erosion. The nasofrontal outflow tracts remained occluded. CONCLUSION This study provides a suitable animal model for the investigation of nasofrontal outflow tract obstruction and mucocele formation in the frontal sinus. The goat frontal sinus and nasofrontal outflow tract provide an excellent model for frontal sinus studies because they are comparable in size with humans. The results provide evidence of mucocele formation with occluded nasofrontal outflow tracts.
Characterization of calcium-activated potassium channels in single smooth muscle cells using the patch-clamp technique.

Single-channel currents were recorded with the patch-clamp technique from freshly dissociated vertebrate smooth muscle cells from the stomach ofBufo marinus. Of the variety of channels observed, one displayed a large linear conductance of 250 pS (in symmetric 130 mM KCl) which in excised patches was shown to be highly K+ selective. The probability of the channel being open (Po) increased when [Ca2+]i was elevated and/or when the membrane potential was made more positive. Thus, the features of this channel resemble the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel found in a wide variety of cell types. The voltage sensitivity of the channel was studied in detail. For patches containing a single large-conductance channel a plot ofPo versus membrane potential followed the Boltzman relationship. Increasing [Ca2+]i shifted this plot to the left along the voltage axis to more negative potentials. Both the mean closed time and mean open time varied with potential as a single exponential with almost all of the voltage sensitivity ofPo residing in the mean closed time. These results were verified with a series of experiments carried out at lowPo (<0.1) in patches containing multiple (N) large-conductance channels. Here the ln (NPo) was a linear function of potential with an inverse slope of 9 mV. Almost all of the potential sensitivity lay in the mean closed time the natural log of which was also a linear function of potential with an inverse slope 11 mV in magnitude. The characteristics of this channel as well as the appearance of several of them in almost every patch suggest that they underlie the large peak outward macroscopic current found with whole-cell voltage-clamp studies.
Applying Social Justice to Oppression and Marginalization in Group Process: Interventions and Strategies for Group Counselors

A call from the group counseling literature (Brown, 2009) recognizes the need for theoretical and empirical writings that explore the intersection of social justice and counseling practice, as many counselors are unprepared to address the impact of oppression and privilege on group process. The authors explore these issues by making recommendations and offering five strategies to assist in group discussions of marginalization, privilege, and oppression into group theory. These strategies include ways to assist counselors in recognizing how group members may oppress one another as well as specific recommendations from two current group counselors who practice social justice.
Activation of complement in human serum by some synthetic polymers used for intraocular lenses.

Determination of the potential to activate complement can be used as one criterion in testing the biocompatibility of various synthetic polymers that are utilized in the medical field. Intraocular lenses (IOLs) made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with PMMA loops, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) lenses, silicone lenses, and PMMA lenses with polypropylene loops were examined in this study. The concentrations of the activation peptides C3a, C4a and C5a were measured by radioimmunoassay (r.i.a.) in human serum after incubation with and without IOLs for up to 12 h. The presence of silicone lenses caused an increase in C3a levels. In the presence of polypropylene loops, the concentrations of both C3a and C5a were significantly higher than in serum incubated alone. There was no statistically significant increase in the concentration of C4a caused by any of the materials tested. The results suggest that IOLs made from silicone or lenses with polypropylene loops activate the complement system via the alternative pathway.
A functional model of cortical gyri and sulci

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) have been broadly used in the neuroimaging field to investigate the macro-scale fiber connection patterns in the cerebral cortex. Our recent analyses of DTI and HARDI data demonstrated that gyri are connected by denser, streamlined fibers than sulci are. Inspired by this finding and motivated by the fact that DTI-derived fibers provide the structural substrates for functional connectivity, we hypothesize that gyri are global functional connection centers and sulci are local functional units. To test this functional model of gyri and sulci, we examined the structural and functional connectivity among the landmarks on the selected gyral/sulcal areas in the frontal/parietal lobe and in the whole cerebral cortex via multimodal DTI and resting state fMRI (R-fMRI) datasets. Our results demonstrate that functional connectivity is strong among gyri, weak among sulci, and moderate between gyri and sulci. These results suggest that gyri are functional connection centers that exchange information among remote structurally connected gyri and neighboring sulci, while sulci communicate directly with their neighboring gyri and indirectly with other cortical regions through gyri. This functional model of gyri and sulci has been supported by a series of experiments, and provides novel perspectives on the functional architecture of the cerebral cortex.
Combined natural and forced convection in a horizontal porous channel

Abstract In this paper, combined natural and forced convective flows through a horizontal porous channel connecting two reservoirs have been investigated both analytically and numerically. The forced throughflow is induced by an end-to-end mean pressure difference, while the natural convective motion is driven by a horizontal temperature gradient. The solutions are governed by three dimensionless parameters: the Rayleigh number R, based on permeability, the channel aspect ratio L(length/height) and the dimensionless end-to-end pressure differenceP, equivalent of the Peclet number. For small R, fixed L and P = O(1), an asymptotic expression based on the regular perturbation analysis is established for the Nusselt number up toOR2 as R→ 0. For fixed R and P = O(1/L) solutions for long channels, L→ ∞, are found by using matched asymptotic expansions, and the Nusselt number is evaluated up to O(1/L3). Finally, the numerical solutions of the full governing equations are obtained by the finite-difference successive over-relaxation technique. These solutions cover the parameter range R ⩽ 80,2 ⩽ L⩽ 5 and O⩽ P/R ⩽ 0.5. A comparison with the numerical solutions shows that the asymptotic solutions are valid for the parameter range (R2/L3 ⩽ 50 and P ⩽ 1.5. For this range the results indicate that heat transfer enhancement due to the natural convection and the forced flow can be simply added together in spite of the non-linear interaction of these two fields. The results also show that even a small rate of throughflow has a significant effect on the temperature distribution and the heat transfer across the channel, and for P/R ⩾ 0.2 the contribution of the natural convection to the Nusselt number is negligible.
Magnetic circular differential scattering in FeF 2

We have used magnetic circular differential scattering to study one- and two-magnon scattering in the antiferromagnet FeF2. The technique is useful in that it permits a spin-resonance-type measurement to be made with visible wavelengths. By synchronization of a cavity-dumped argon-ion laser with an acousto-optic modulator, the benefits of lock-in detection were realized. Using this technique, we have been able to measure the one-magnon g factor in a moderate magnetic field. Measurements of the two-magnon spectrum demonstrate that scattering processes involving Δsz = 2 contribute less than 5% of the observed intensity.
Development of micro direct methanol fuel cells for high power applications

Abstract A micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) with active area of 1.625 cm 2 has been developed for high power portable applications and its electrochemical characterization carried out in this study. The fragility of the silicon wafer makes it difficult to compress the cell for good sealing and hence to reduce contact resistance in the Si-based μDMFC. We have instead used very thin stainless steel plates as bipolar plates with the flow field machined by photochemical etching technology. For both anode and cathode flow fields, widths of both the channel and rib were 750 μm, with a channel depth of 500 μm. A gold layer was deposited on the stainless steel plate to prevent corrosion. This study used an advanced MEA developed in-house featuring a modified anode backing structure with a compact microporous layer. Maximum power density of the micro DMFC reached 62.5 mW cm −2 at 40 °C, and 100 mW cm −2 at 60 °C at atmospheric pressure, which almost doubled the performance of our previous Si-based μDMFC.
Evidence that serotonin may be a melanocyte stimulating hormone releasing factor in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis

Abstract Various substances were tested for an effect on MSH release from the pituitary of the lizard, Anolis carolinensis . On the basis of the following findings it is believed that serotonin may be an MSH releasing factor in this animal. 1. (1) Serotonin creatinine sulphate in the incubation medium stimulated MSH release from hemipituitaries at all stages of the incubation. At 2.6 × 10 −8 M serotonin, a stimulatory effect could just be detected, while at 7.8 × 10 −8 M , total MSH released was increased twofold and at 2.6 × 10 −7 M , more than threefold. 5-Methoxytryptamine at 2.6 × 10 −7 M doubled MSH release, but at the same concentration 5-hydroxytryptophan had no stimulatory effect. The effect of 2.6 × 10 −7 M serotonin was reduced by imidazole (10 m M ), suggesting that serotonin acts to stimulate MSH release through the adenyl cyclase-cyclic AMP mechanism. 2. (2) Subcutaneous injections of serotonin creatinine sulphate darkened green Anolis . Injected doses ranging from 3 to 10 μg/g caused skin darkening, beginning after 2 min and lasting for about 15 min. Since it lacked a direct darkening effect in vitro on melanocytes of Anolis skin, injected serotonin was believed to be acting directly on the pars intermedia of the pituitary. 3. (3) The precursor of serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan, had no direct action on melanocytes nor on the release of MSH from the pituitary in vitro , but injections of 14–200 μg/g caused darkening of lizards, beginning after a short delay of about 12 min and lasting for up to 48 hr with the larger doses. Tryptophan injections did not cause lizards to darken. Melatonin injections (20–100 μg/g) reversed 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced darkening, an effect which lasted for about 30 min with the larger doses of melatonin. Melatonin, by itself, in vitro , had no clear effect on MSH release from the pituitary but the stimulatory effect of 2.6 × 10 −7 M serotonin was reduced significantly by the presence of equimolar melatonin. Injected synthetic mammalian MRF (H.cysH. tyr. ile. gln. asn. OH) did not cause darkening of lizards and MIF-I (H-pro, leu. gly. NH 2 ) did not cause paling of 5-hydroxytryptophan-darkened lizards. MIF-I and MRF at 1 μg/ml had no effect on MSH release in vitro .
The effect of attention on the average evoked response to speech sounds

Abstract The average evoked response to pre-recorded sentences and monosyllables was studied in ten subjects. EEG recordings with electrodes at the vertex and left ear were averaged with the use of trigger pulses generated synchronously at the onset of each syllable. Two tasks were presented. In the first, the subjects were asked to listen to or to ignore certain sentences on which they were later tested for recall. In the second, they heard a list of monosyllables from which they were to distinguish nonsense words from meaningful words. The amplitude of the evoked response to the first syllable of each sentence was approximately 8 μV, measuring from N 1 to P 2 , whereas the evoked response to subsequent syllables was only 1.5 μV. A crucial factor in the size of the response may be the duration of the silence between stimuli, since the first syllable of each sentence was separated from the end of the previous sentence by a 3.5 sec pause, whereas the rest of the syllables were separated only by the much shorter pauses of continuous speech. Attention and nonattention conditions produced differences in the wave forms that were shown by a discrimination index based on multiple cross-correlations between wave forms to be significant at the 0.01 level. These differences were idiosyncratic to the individual subject, usually appearing in the N 1 -P 2 region. Sense and nonsense words could not be distinguished by this discrimination index.
Distribution of Materials Excavated by the Lunar Crater Bullialdus and Implications for the Geologic History of the Nubium Region

Previous spectroscopic studies of the lunar crater Bullialdus, located in the Nubium Basin, indicated an unusual stratigraphy of two gabbroic layers overlying a noritic unit. The possible existence of a layered mafic pluton at Bullialdus was suggested. To investigate the geologic context with more detailed spatial information, charge-coupled device (CCD) images of Bullialdus were obtained using eight filters. A linear mixing model was used to investigate the fractional abundances of spectral end-members chosen from within the multispectral image. Since the reflectance properties of lunar materials over this wavelength range are sensitive to variations in composition and soil maturity, fractional abundance images were used to create a new geologic map of the crater. The spatial relationships of the surface materials confirm the previously inferred stratigraphy, and further reveal the central peaks to exhibit two distinct compositional units: noritic anorthosite and anorthositic norite. Three models for the origin of the observed stratigraphy are considered: Bullialdus has excavated stratigraphic units containing (1) early mare basalt overlying anorthositic-noritic crustal material, (2) part of a layered mafic pluton, and/or (3) part of an impact melt sheet formed by the Nubium Basin impact event.
Cognitive Strategies as a Dependent Variable in Media Research

Although the need to investigate the cognitive processes by media research was recognized as early as 1961, there has been hardly any such attempt. The lack of experimental techniques by which the “black box” can be reached is probably responsible for the lack of research attention. This experiment employs a technique called blank trial to investigate cognitive strategies used by S in solving problems presented by slide. It is assumed that this technique may systematically investigate and presumably externalize cognitive processes.
Some remarks concerning triple angular correlations

Abstract The theory and reported experiments involving triple angular correlations are reviewed. The sensitivity of these experiments to nuclear spectroscopic parameters is discussed.
Body temperature modulates the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on airways responsiveness in the rabbit

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent mediator known to cause bronchoconstriction and increase airways responsiveness.In vitro studies have shown that the effects of PAF on cell function can be very temperature-dependent. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of elevated body temperature on numbers of circulating cells and pulmonary function in anesthetized rabbits in response to PAF. PAF was given intravenously, at a dose of 1.2 μg/kg/hour, whereas the control experiments were performed after the animals received a saline infusion. Alteration of airways function was assessed by measuring specific pulmonary conductance (SGL) and dose-response relationships to inhaled histamine, where airways responsiveness was expressed as the effective concentration causing 50% of maximal change in specific airways conductance (EC50SGL). The rabbits were studied at two body temperatures: a normal temperature (rectal temperature of 39.8°C), and a higher temperature (rectal temperature 41.2°C). Changes in circulating inflammatory cells, plasma corticosterone concentrations and in hematocrit were also monitored, to examine some potential mechanisms which might explain why body temperature altered airways responsiveness. At the normal body temperature infusion of PAF caused a significant increase in airways responsiveness (p<0.025), while at the high body temperature, there was a significant decrease in responsiveness (p<0.025). However, at both body temperatures, a profound but similar thrombocytopenia and neutropenia was observed. While plasma corticosterone levels and hematocrit showed increases coincident with the infusion of PAF, this response was unchanged by altering body temperature. We conclude that increased body temperature reduces the effect of PAF on airways responsiveness apparently through a mechanism independent of PAF effects on hemoconcentration, plasma corticosterone or circulating inflammatory cells.
Regional distribution of the enzymes and substrates mediating the action of cAMP in the mammalian lens.

Localization of adenylate cyclase activity in the outer cortical regions of the bovine lens correlates with the restriction of the G 8 and G 1 guanine nucleotide regulatory subunits of this enzyme to these same regions of the lens. In contrast, the major membrane substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK) (molecular masses of 18, 26 and 28 kDa) were identified in both the inner nuclear and the outer cortical regions of the lens. However, there were differences in the relative amounts of P i incorporated into the 18 kDa and 28 kDa components in different lens regions. The three major membrane substrates for cAMP-PK were also phosphorylated when homogenates of lens cortex were incubated with [γ- 32 P]ATP plus activators of the lens adenylate cyclase. In contrast, there was no incorporation of 32 P into these substrates when homogenates of lens nucleus were used. When exogenous cAMP was added to homogenates of lens nucleus or cortex, 32 P was incorporated into the membrane substrates for cAMP-PK in both regions of the lens, indicating that cAMP-PK was present in both regions. Interestingly, cAMP phosphodiesterase activity was at least 10-times greater in lens cortex than in the lens nucleus. These results indicate that while the major membrane substrates for cAMP-PK could be phosphorylated in all regions of the lens, there is a restriction of those enzymes that synthesize and degrade cAMP to the outer cortical regions of this organ.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation duty cycle in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract Background Duty cycle is the portion of time spent in compression relative to total time of the compression–decompression cycle. Guidelines recommend a 50% duty cycle based largely on animal investigation. We undertook a descriptive evaluation of duty cycle in human resuscitation, and whether duty cycle correlates with other CPR measures. Methods We calculated the duty cycle, compression depth, and compression rate during EMS resuscitation of 164 patients with out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. We captured force recordings from a chest accelerometer to measure ten-second CPR epochs that preceded rhythm analysis. Duty cycle was calculated using two methods. Effective compression time (ECT) is the time from beginning to end of compression divided by total period for that compression–decompression cycle. Area duty cycle (ADC) is the ratio of area under the force curve divided by total area of one compression–decompression cycle. We evaluated the compression depth and compression rate according to duty cycle quartiles. Results There were 369 ten-second epochs among 164 patients. The median duty cycle was 38.8% (SD = 5.5%) using ECT and 32.2% (SD = 4.3%) using ADC. A relatively shorter compression phase (lower duty cycle) was associated with greater compression depth (test for trend Conclusions Duty cycle was below the 50% recommended guideline, and was associated with compression depth and rate. These findings provider rationale to incorporate duty cycle into research aimed at understanding optimal CPR metrics.
Velocity discrimination by pigeons

Abstract Three pigeons were trained to discriminate stimuli varying in velocity of movement, in an operant-psychophysical variation of the method of constant stimuli. For two of the subjects, stimulus velocity—rather than distance travelled, duration of appearance or location—controlled response. The remaining subject's accuracy depended on stimulus location; data from this subject therefore do not reflect sensitivity to velocity alone. Using available measurements of pigeon's viewing distances, difference thresholds of subjects responding to velocity were computed as 12.35 and 10.22 degrees of visual angle per second. Standard deviations were 4.87† and 5.12† per sec; these measurements are in a form that may be compared to data from neurophysiological studies of motion-sensitive and directionally-selective visual neurons.
Climatology of 500 mb Cyclones and Anticyclones, 1950–85

Abstract The geographical and monthly frequencies of 500 mb cyclones and anticyclones in the National Meteorological Center analyses over the western half of the Northern Hemisphere are investigated for the period 1950–85. These cyclones and anticyclones, defined by the appearance of at least one closed (approximately) 6-dekameter contour around relatively low or high heights in the 500 mb height field, are generally observed less than ten percent of the time in any 10° by 10° latitude-longitude quadrangle, with cyclones being more numerous than anticyclones. The 500 mb cyclones are found primarily at middle and high latitudes, while anticyclones are observed most frequently over the subtropics. Cyclone frequency increases over the northern oceanic regions during summer, while anticyclone frequency increases throughout the subtropics during summer, especially over southwestern North America. Exceptions to these rules are observed; relatively high springtime 500 mb anticyclone frequency is found over the n...
Validity of Alternative Approaches for the Identification of Learning Disabilities Operationalizing Unexpected Underachievement

This article reviews the validity of models based on (a) aptitude-achievement discrepancies, (b) low achievement, (c) intraindividual differences, and (d) response to instruction for the classification and identification of learning disabilities (LD). Models based on aptitude-achievement discrepancies and intraindividual differences showed little evidence of discriminant validity. Low achievement models had stronger discriminant validity but do not adequately assess the most significant component of the LD construct, unexpected underachievement. All three of these status models have limited reliability because of their reliance on a measurement at a single time point. Models that incorporate response to instruction have stronger reliability and validity but cannot represent the sole criterion for LD identification. Hybrid models combining low achievement and response to instruction most clearly capture the LD construct and have the most direct relation to instruction. The assessment of students for LD must reflect a stronger underlying classification that takes into account relations with other developmental disorders as well as the reliability and validity of the underlying classification and resultant identification system.
Part IV: How Do Reputations Affect Corporate Performance?: Has the Influence of Financial Performance on Reputation Measures Been Overstated?

A question invariably recurs in discussions about corporate reputation: are they cause, consequence, or epiphenomenon? That is: do they have an independent causal effect on corporate performance; are they a consequence of good financial performance? Or are they an incidental by-product? The second day of the conference began with a review of avail- able evidence of the possible financial impact of corporate reputations. The following panelists discussed their prepared papers:
Towards a molecular theory of polymer blends

The importance of including specific monomer structures, local correlations, and “equation of state effects” into the statistical thermodynamics of polymer blends is accomplished by developing and applying the lattice cluster theory. This new theory provides systematic corrections to Flory-Huggins theory from local correlations and describes polymers as containing structured monomers that extend over several lattice sites.
Nanoscale and manufacturable sensing tip for biomedical applications

This paper presents a novel miniature sensing tip structure for various biomedical applications. With such a tiny tip, the sensor has potential to be inserted into cells for intracellular measurements without any label as indicator. This label-free detection method is very useful in biological areas such as DNA hybridization detection and antigen-antibody interaction monitoring. Single-cell analysis (SCA) technology can provide dynamic analysis of interactions within individual living cells, in addition to providing a complement to conventional bulk cell assays. When the number of sample cells obtained from surgical procedures is limited, and cannot be propagated for study, SCA is especially important. It provides a valuable tool for intracellular studies that have applications ranging from medicine to national security. In addition, the sensor fabrication is simple and has potential for batch manufacturing. The sensor performance will be reproducible and uniform. Uniformity and reproducibility are two very important requirements for sensor manufacturing. Unfortunately, most current optical fiber sensors are hand-made one by one, and the sensors' performance is not easy to be uniform. Our novel sensor will be able to address this problem. This may lead to batch processing and a great reduction of the fabrication cost.
All-trans/13-cis isomerization of retinal is required for phototaxis signaling by sensory rhodopsins in Halobacterium halobium

An analogue of all-trans retinal in which all-trans/13-cis isomerization is blocked by a carbon bridge from C12 to C14 was incorporated into the apoproteins of sensory rhodopsin I (SR-I) and sensory rhodopsin II (SR-II, also called phoborhodopsin) in retinal-deficient Halobacterium halobium membranes. The "all-trans-locked" retinal analogue forms SR-I and SR-II analogue pigments with similar absorption spectra as the native pigments. Blocking isomerization prevents the formation of the long-lived intermediate of the SR-I photocycle (S373) and those of the SR-II photocycle (S-II360 and S-II530). A computerized cell tracking and motion analysis system capable of detecting 2% of native pigment activity was used for assessing motility behavior. Introduction of the locked analogue into SR-I or SR-II apoprotein in vivo did not restore phototactic responses through any of the three known photosensory systems (SR-I attractant, SR-I repellent, or SR-II repellent). We conclude that unlike the phototaxis receptor of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which has been reported to mediate physiological responses without specific double-bond isomerization of its retinal chromophore (Foster et al., 1989), all-trans/13-cis isomerization is essential for SR-I and SR-II phototaxis signaling.
Is there life after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Acceptance of new technology depends on early clinical trials of safety and efficacy followed by the requisite “midterm” and finally “long-term” follow-up. We prefer to rely on the results of randomized trials for understanding how new technology might fit into patient care strategy. But
Seasonal sucrose, drymatter, and cation concentrations of sugarbeet as influenced by variety and N‐fertilization

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of variety and nitrogen (N) fertilization on sucrose, dry‐matter, and cation concentrations in sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) root tissue. A field experiment was conducted on a non‐saline, calcareous Nunn clay loam soil (Aridic argiustoll) using a factorial experimental design with three N‐rates, two varieties, and four replications. Beets were harvested nine times during the growing season. The first and final harvests were on June 25 and October 11, respectively. In addition to the above measurements, purity and extractable sucrose also were measured at the final harvest. Dry‐matter content, sucrose, sums of monovalent and divalent cations, and the monovalent:divalent cation ratios all were influenced significantly by variety, N‐fertilization, and date of harvest. Sucrose concentration was negatively correlated to the sum of monovalent and divalent cations. Root drymatter content was negatively correlated to the monovalent:divalent cation ratio. A relationship of c...
Use of micellar casein concentrate for Greek-style yogurt manufacturing: Effects on processing and product properties

The objective of this work was to develop and optimize an alternative make process for Greek-style yogurt (GSY), in which the desired level of protein was reached by fortification with micellar casein concentrate (MCC) obtained from milk by microfiltration. Two MCC preparations with 58 and 88% total protein (MCC-58 and MCC-88) were used to fortify yogurt milk to 9.80% (wt/wt) protein. Strained GSY of similar protein content was used as the control. Yogurt milk bases were inoculated with 0.02% (wt/wt) or 0.04% (wt/wt) direct vat set starter culture and fermented until pH 4.5. The acidification rate was faster for the MCC-fortified GSY than for the control, regardless of the inoculation level, which was attributed to the higher nonprotein nitrogen content in the MCC-fortified milk. Steady shear rate rheological analysis indicated a shear-thinning behavior for all GSY samples, which fitted well with the power law model. Dynamic rheological analysis at 5°C showed a weak frequency dependency of the elastic modulus (G') and viscous modulus (G") for all GSY samples, with G' > G", indicating a weak gel structure. Differences in the magnitude of viscoelastic parameters between the 2 types of GSY were found, with G' of MCC-fortified GSY < G' of control, indicating a different extent of protein interactionsin the 2 types of yogurt. Differences were also noticed in water-holding capacity, which was lower for the MCC-fortified GSY compared with the control, attributed to lower serum protein content in the former. Despite some differences in the physicochemical characteristics of the final product compared with GSY manufactured by straining, the alternative process developed here is a feasible alternative to the traditional GSY make process, with environmental and possibly financial benefits to the dairy industry.
Multifocal optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy in vivo

Although ultrasound arrays have been exploited in photoacoustic imaging to improve imaging speed, ultrasound-array-based optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) has never been achieved previously to our knowledge. Here we present our development of multifocal OR-PAM using a microlens array for optical illumination and an ultrasound array for photoacoustic detection. Our system is capable of imaging hemoglobin concentration and oxygenation in individual microvessels in vivo at high speed. Compared with a single focus, multiple foci reduce the scanning load and increase the imaging speed significantly. The current multifocal system can acquire 1000×500×200 voxels at ∼10 μm lateral resolution within 4 min.
Occurrence of Ciprofloxacin, Sulfamethoxazole, and Azithromycin in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

The occurrence of ciprofloxacin (CIP), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and azithromycin (AZI) was evaluated in various aqueous streams of four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Midwestern United States. Aqueous phase grab samples were collected from different locations in the WWTPs at four different times of the year. The target compounds were extracted using solid phase extraction, separated with high-performance liquid chromatography, and identified/quantified using ultraviolet and fluorescence spectroscopy (CIP and SMX) or mass spectrometry (AZI). Aqueous phase concentrations for CIP and AZI were similar to literature values while SMX concentrations were generally higher than those reported in the literature. The average aqueous phase concentrations for CIP, AZI, and SMX in the raw wastewater were 1.44, 1.11, and 18.3 μg∕L , respectively, while the concentrations in the WWTP effluent were 0.59, 1.23, and 3.25 μg∕L , respectively. AZI concentration was consistently lower in the winter. While ...
Inhibition of Dirofilaria immitis in gregarine-infected Aedes aegypti: Preliminary observations

Abstract This study examined some of the effects of Ascocystis culicis infections in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and on the development of dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis , in A. culicis -infected A. aegypti . Infections of 100 or more gregarines had an adverse effect on mosquito larvae and the resulting pupae weighed 1 to 2 mg less than the gregarine-free stock mosquitoes. Intensity of gregarine-induced pathology of adult mosquitoes was best estimated by counting the cells of the Malpighian tubules. Larvae infected with approximately 100 gregarines per larva had at least half the number of cells in their tubules destroyed, and development of D. immitis was greatly reduced. Thus, gregarine infections may be useful in reducing populations of aedine mosquitoes and, in areas endemic for heartworm, may interrupt transmission of D. immitis .
Folding of beta-sheet membrane proteins: a hydrophobic hexapeptide model.

Beta-sheets, in the form of the beta-barrel folding motif, are found in several constitutive membrane proteins (porins) and in several microbial toxins that assemble on membranes to form oligomeric transmembrane channels. We report here a first step towards understanding the principles of beta-sheet formation in membranes. In particular, we describe the properties of a simple hydrophobic hexapeptide, acetyl-Trp-Leu5 (AcWL5), that assembles cooperatively into beta-sheet aggregates upon partitioning into lipid bilayer membranes from the aqueous phase where the peptide is strictly monomeric and random coil. The aggregates, containing 10 to 20 monomers, undergo a relatively sharp and reversible thermal unfolding at approximately 60 degreesC. No pores are formed by the aggregates, but they do induce graded leakage of vesicle contents at very high peptide to lipid ratios. Because beta-sheet structure is not observed when the peptide is dissolved in n-octanol, trifluoroethanol or sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles, aggregation into beta-sheets appears to be an exclusive property of the peptide in the bilayer membrane interface. This is an expected consequence of the hypothesis that a reduction in the free energy of partitioning of peptide bonds caused by hydrogen bonding drives secondary structure formation in membrane interfaces. But, other features of interfacial partitioning, such as side-chain interactions and reduction of dimensionality, must also contribute. We estimate from our partitioning data that the free energy reduction per residue for aggregation is about 0.5 kcal mol-1. Although modest, its aggregate effect on the free energy of assembling beta-sheet proteins can be huge. This surprising finding, that a simple hydrophobic hexapeptide readily assembles into oligomeric beta-sheets in membranes, reveals the potent ability of membranes to promote secondary structure in peptides, and shows that the formation of beta-sheets in membranes is more facile than expected. Furthermore, it provides a basis for understanding the observation that membranes promote self-association of beta-amyloid peptides. AcWL5 and related peptides thus provide a good starting point for designing peptide models for exploring the principles of beta-sheet formation in membranes.
A Load Service System with Reputation Proof in P2P Networks

In this paper, a new system design for load services in computer networks with a new reputation system is constructed. The use of the reputation system is to address the free-rider problem. Database systems are used by directory agents to save information provided by load-server agents. Protocols are built for how a host finds available servers for load service or load transfer, especially when a host moves to a new region. Detailed procedures include how a directory agent builds its database, how a load-server agent provides services, and how a load-client agent receives its desired services. The system uses the fuzzy logic control method to transfer loads for load balancing, instead of the method of a fixed threshold level. For an ad-hoc (wireless) computer network framework, this new system structure is aimed to provide efficient ways for hosts to communicate with one another and to access resources in the system. This will also help the users of networks locate resources in a most effective and secure manner.
Some methods for simulating random fields

Several methods exist for simulating random fields. This paper reviews some of the methods used to simulate stationary random fields in Rn, n ≥ 1. A recent study comparing the traditional turning bands method to a method called the random impact method is given. The results of this study indicate that the random impact model is comparable to the turning bands method in terms of execution time, and in terms of reproducibility of the covariance functions.
Turbulent heat and mass transfer in dilute polymer solutions

Abstract A new model based on Levich's three-zone model is developed to discuss the turbulent heat and mass transfer in drag-reducing solutions. The proposed model, which has no adjustable parameters and is represented in an explicit form, provides satisfactory predictions of the maximum heat and mass transfer reduction in smooth and rough pipes. The mass transfer to a disk rotating in drag-reducing solutions is also discussed using the proposed model.
Using Unannounced Standardized Patients to Assess Residents' Competency in Asthma Severity Classification

Objective The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an educational intervention would increase the competency of pediatric residents in classifying asthma severity as assessed using unannounced standardized patients (SPs). Methods Six SPs were trained to represent mild-intermittent, mild-persistent, moderate-persistent, and severe-persistent asthma. Data from a control group were obtained in 2002–2003. In 2003–2004, after an intervention, data were collected from an intervention group. The intervention consisted of a didactic session and posting the criteria for asthma severity classification. During precepting, faculty obtained a commitment from residents (N = 12) regarding the severity classification. Faculty and residents were blinded to the presence of SPs. The assigned severity of each SP was used as the criterion standard. Residents' severity classification was compared with the criterion standard. To test whether competency improved postintervention, we compared residents' performance by using intervention group versus control group and within-subject control comparisons. Bivariate analyses tested differences in proportions of categorical variables. Results Fifty resident-SP encounters were analyzed. The intervention group performed significantly better than controls at each level of training in identifying persistent asthma: postgraduate year 3 (PGY3, 100% vs 71%), PGY2 (71% vs 50%), and PGY1 (50% vs 43%). They also performed significantly better in determining subclassifications of persistent asthma: PGY3 (87% vs 40%), PGY2 (67% vs 33%), and PGY1 (50% vs 33%). All had P Conclusions An educational intervention resulted in significant improvements in the competency of residents in asthma severity classification.
Detection of the recombinant proteins in single transgenic microbial cell using laser tweezers and Raman spectroscopy.

Laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy (LTRS) has been used for the rapid detection of recombinant somatolactin protein produced in single Escherichia coli bacteria and Pichia pastoris yeast cell in the current study. A cDNA sequence encoding mature peptide of zebrafish somatolactin β was inserted into two different expression vectors and transfected into E. coli or P. pastoris yeast cells. We measured Raman spectra of single E. coli cells at different culture times following the induction with isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside, from which the amount of the generated somatolactin proteins was obtained by the projection of the entire cell's spectrum onto the spectrum of the pure somatolactin proteins or the dot product between these two spectral vectors. We found that the intensity of the somatolactin β protein-associated spectra from single E. coli cells increased as the function of the culture time, which correlates with the accumulation of recombinant proteins inside the cells. This spectral observation ...
Coherence theorems via knot theory

A generalization of the usual motion of symmetry for monoidal categories, called a ‘braiding’, was introduced in [3,4]. In that work, Joyal and Street showed that the free such category was the category with (geometric) braids as arrows, and gave a coherence theorem for braided monoidal categories in terms of braids. It was shown that a braiding was the appropriate notion of ‘commutativity’ for a 2-categorical version of the Eckmann-Hilton theorem (“A group object in the category of groups is an abelian group.“), to wit, “A monoid in the category of monoidal categories is a braided monoidal category”. Also in [3, 41, Joyal and Street gave an interpretation of abelian 3-cocycles in terms of braided compact closed groupoids. In [2] Freyd and Yetter showed that certain categories arising naturally from topological considerations in the work of Jones, Kauffman, Homfly, and others (esp. Kauffman [5]) are in fact braided categories satisfying a nonsymmetric generalization of compact closedness. In particular, it was shown that the category of oriented tangles modulo regular isotopy is the free braided strict pivotal category on one object generator (in the terminology of Joyal and Street [4]). This observation was then used to give a functorial view of the recently discovered knot polynomials, and to construct invariants of links, framed links and 3- manifolds. In this work, we shall use the connection between knot theory (in particular ‘formal’ knot theory in the style of Kauffman) and category theory in the opposite direction to derive coherence theorems for various generalizations of compact closed categories, both braided and (general) nonsymmetric. The authors are indebted to Andre Joyal and Ross Street for observations of errors
A new predictive efficiency criterion for approximate stochastic realization

The problem addressed in this paper is that of realizing a minimum phase ARMA model for a stochastic process, from noisy measurements or estimates of its covariance lags. The new algorithm proposed in this paper optimizes the covariance approximation in terms of the predictive efficiency of the current state vector for the future of the output process. Reasons for preferring the new approximation criterion to canonical correlation analysis are presented, and illustrated with the help of a counter example. Simulations indicate that the new method is capable of high resolution estimates, as compared with existing methods.