cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Northeasterly Cold Surges and Near-Equatorial Disturbances over the Winter MONEX Area during December 1974. Part I: Synoptic Aspects

Abstract This is a pre-Winter Monsoon Experiment (Winter MONEX) pilot study to examine the possible interactions between the northeasterly cold surges off the Asia continent and the convective disturbances in the near equatorial region. Based on surface and 850 mb wind and temperature analyses, satellite data, and synoptic weather charts of the Hong Kong Royal Observatory, a sequence of synoptic events associated with two cold air surges and near-equatorial disturbances over the Winter MONEX area of South China Sea and its vicinity during December 1974 is discussed. The results lead to the tentative conclusions that due to the varying degree of air-sea interactions between cold air originating from the southeastern China coast, Taiwan and Luzon Straits, and that originating from the South China coast, the near-equatorial latitudes of the South China Sea will experience a freshening of the low-level northeasterly monsoon Winds prior to a decrease in surface temperature which, if it occurs, is confined to t...
Differentiation of aggressive and nonaggressive schizophrenics with the Hand Test: another failure.

In an early study, Wagner and Medvedeff (4) were successful in discriminating aggressive from nonaggressive schizophrenics on the basis of two scores derived from the Hand Test, the Acc~ng Out Score (AOS) and the Wittdrawal Score (WITH). A subsequent smdy (2) did not corroborate the earlier results. The present study was designed to see if the Hand Test could successfully sort out schizophrenics into aggressive and nonaggressive groups. Patients were schizophrenics hospitalized in the psychiatric unit of a county hospital; they ranged in age from 21 to 60 yr. Ratings of aggressive-nonaggressive persons were made by psychiatrists, ward nurses, and medical students, and ratings on only those patients for whom 100% agreements among the three groups were included. The raters were unaware of the results of psychological testing of the subjects, and the tester was not informed of the ratings. The criteria for inclusion in the aggressive or nonaggrcssive groups were based on the clinical case history and current ward behavior. Aggressive schizophrenics were 16 men and 4 women whose mean age was 33.7 yr. (SD, 10.6). Nonaggressive ones were 7 men and 13 women whose mean age was 37.7 yr. (SD, 11.9). The comparative scores of AOS and WITH of two groups were analyzed by chi squared, as in the original study (4) and in the cross-validation study (2). The present results confirm the cross-validation with the English sample, nonsignificance on both AOS and WITH scores. With the AOS, placement as aggressive/nonaggressive on the basis of score was correct for 53%; 5 0% could correctly be labelled by chance alone. The WITH score resulted in correct placement in 48% of the class. Tests of significance (chi squared and phi) were nonsignificant for both Hand Test scores and the two categories.
A microscopic model for catalytic surfaces—I. Catalytic wires and gauzes

Abstract A new “fuzzy wire” model of catalytic wires and gauzes is presented which is in good agreement with observed ignition, extinction, and flickering phenomena. The model predicts both simple harmonic oscillations as well as a wide variety of nonperiodic chaotic oscillations. Quantitative comparisons with data for butane oxidation and cyclohexene oxidation are quite good; however, the very long period oscillations observed for H 2 and CO oxidation are not predicted by the simplest forms of the model.
Search strategies for retrieving complementary and alternative medicine clinical trials in oncology.

Purpose: Several Medline search strategies exist to retrieve complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) literature related to oncology. The objective of this study was to com- pare different search methods to ascertain the most optimal strategy. Methods: All clinical trials with CAM interventions in patients with cancer, published from 1965 to 2004, were abstracted using 4 different approaches. In the CAM filter search, the PubMed complementary medicine filter was used. The Ovid search was performed using a complex search strategy with the Ovid search engine. CAM keyword and not phytogenic searches involved the CAM filter search with the addition of the search terms "AND (complementary OR alternative)" and "NOT (antineoplastic agents, phyto- genic), respectively. Articles were evaluated by 3 reviewers to ascertain whether they were clinical trials, the study interven- tion was related to CAM, and the condition prevented/treated was cancer related (inclusion criteria). Results: The CAM filter search retrieved 10 718 citations, Ovid retrieved 1190, CAM keyword retrieved 2895, and not phytogenic retrieved 1806. Compared to the CAM filter search, all other methods had significantly lower sensitivity (Ovid 48.3% ± 3.2%, CAM key- word 5.8% ± 1.5%, and not phytogenic 77.9% ± 2.7%, P < .001). The specificity of Ovid (38.4% ± 2.8%) and not phy- togenic (40.8% ± 2.3%) searches was significantly higher (P < .001) compared to CAM filter (8.8% ± 0.5%) and CAM key- word searches (1.9% ± 0.5%). Conclusion: The search strategy using PubMed's complementary medicine filter, although comprehensive, lacks specificity; other methods, although more specific, lack sensitivity. Future indexing of all CAM clinical trials with a common medical subject heading term complementary medicine would enhance efficient retrieval of relevant citations.
Nitric oxide coupling mediated by iron porphyrins: the N–N bond formation step is facilitated by electrons and a proton

The coupling of two NO molecules catalyzed by iron porphyrins is of biological importance. We use density functional theory calculations to examine the factors that control the fundamental N–N bond formation step mediated by a single iron porphyrin. The presence of an axial Im ligand, extra electrons, and most importantly a proton, enhance the N–N bond formation step in our model.
Probing the 3.6 μm CIRB with Spitzer in Three DIRBE Dark Spots

We observed three regions of the sky with Spitzer in which the cosmic infrared background (CIRB) has been determined at 3.5 μm using the method of subtracting 2MASS stellar fluxes from zodiacal light-subtracted DIRBE maps. For each of these regions we have obtained 270 s of integration time per pixel with IRAC on Spitzer over the central square degree. We present galaxy counts in each of these approximately 1 deg2 IRAC surveys. Along with deep galaxy counts in the extended Groth strip and GOODS North, we are able to compare the galactic contribution to the CIRB with the "DIRBE minus 2MASS"-determined L-band CIRB. Using the profile-fit photometry package GIM2D, we find a substantially larger flux contribution to the CIRB than that determined using aperture photometry. We have also made the first rigorous analysis of the uncertainties in determining the CIRB via galaxy counts in Spitzer images using a Monte Carlo Markov chain simulation of our data analysis. Using a simple broken power law model for galaxy counts as a function of magnitude we find a most probable contribution to the CIRB from galaxies at 3.6 μm of 10.8+2.1−1.1 kJy sr−1 (9.0+1.7−0.9 nW m−2 sr−1). Even with this restricted model, however, we find that galaxy counting does not strongly constrain the CIRB from above. We are able to find solutions in which the CIRB runs away to large intensities without the need for an additional diffuse source.
Discovery of Two Types of X-Ray Dips in Cygnus X-1

We observed Cyg X-1 with RXTE continuously over its 5.6 day binary orbit. The source was found to be in the hard state throughout the observation. Many intensity dips were detected in the X-ray light curves. We found that the dips fell into two distinct categories based on their spectral properties. One type exhibits strong energy-dependent attenuation of X-ray emission at low energies during a dip, which is characteristic of photoelectric absorption, but the other type shows nearly energy-independent attenuation. While the first type of dips is likely caused by density enhancement in an inhomogeneous wind of the companion star, as previous studies have indicated, the second type might be due to partial obscuration of an extended X-ray-emitting region by optically thick "clumps" in the accretion flow. It is also possible that the latter are caused by a momentary decrease in the X-ray luminosity of the source, due, for instance, to a decrease in the mass accretion rate, or by Thomson scattering in highly ionized clumps. We discuss the implications of these scenarios.
Testing Between-Family Associations in Within-Family Comparisons

Using behaviorally discordant siblings to test for gene-behavior associations is a common tool in molecular genetics, because the within-family contrast offers a research design that avoids confounds inevitable in all between-family comparisons of unrelated individuals. We propose a similar strategy to assess the behavior-behavior associations on which much of psychological science is built. Between-family correlations of personality test scores (e.g., sensation seeking) and behavioral outcomes (e.g., substance use) may be mediated by variables that differ between families (e.g., social class or religiosity) and correlate with both personality and outcome. Contrasting twin and nontwin siblings who were highly discordant for behavioral correlates of substance use, we tested whether between-family behavioral correlations replicated within families. Some, but not all, did. Within-family analyses of behaviorally discordant siblings may find wide application in efforts to clarify the meaning of correlational research data.
Provider-related Barriers to Rapid HIV Testing in U.S. Urban Non-profit Community Clinics, Community-based Organizations (CBOs) and Hospitals

We examined provider-reported barriers to rapid HIV testing in U.S. urban non-profit community clinics, community-based organizations (CBOs), and hospitals. 12 primary metropolitan statistical areas (PMSAs; three per region) were sampled randomly, with sampling weights proportional to AIDS case reports. Across PMSAs, all 671 hospitals and a random sample of 738 clinics/CBOs were telephoned for a survey on rapid HIV test availability. Of the 671 hospitals, 172 hospitals were randomly selected for barriers questions, for which 158 laboratory and 136 department staff were eligible and interviewed in 2005. Of the 738 clinics/CBOs, 276 were randomly selected for barriers questions, 206 were reached, and 118 were eligible and interviewed in 2005-2006. In multivariate models, barriers regarding translation of administrative/quality assurance policies into practice were significantly associated with rapid HIV testing availability. For greater rapid testing diffusion, policies are needed to reduce administrative barriers and provide quality assurance training to non-laboratory staff.
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME: GYNAECOLOGY OR PSYCHIATRY?

It is estimated that 50–80% of menstruating women experience some degree of physical and psychological premenstrual symptomatology and that 3–5% have symptoms of sufficient severity to disrupt social or psychological functioning. The diagnosis of clinically significant premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is applicable when at least one moderate to severe physical and psychological symptom occurs for up to two weeks prior to menses with remission by the end of the menstrual flow. Symptoms should cause functional impairment and must be documented prospectively for at least two consecutive menstrual cycles. Table 1 lists the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) criteria set for the diagnosis of PMS.
Inhibition of T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Proliferation In Vivo by Re-expression of the p16INK4a Tumor Suppressor Gene

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is characterized by the presence of differentiation-inhibited pro- and pre-T-cell blasts. The p16INK4a tumor suppressor gene has been shown to be frequently deleted in human T-ALL cases. Deletion of p16INK4a may be associated with poor prognosis and relapse of the disease. Radiation-induced murine T-ALL in C57B1/6 mice shares pathogenetic and molecular characteristics with the human disease. We used the murine disease as a model to study the status of the INK4/ARF gene locus and to examine the effect of p16INK4a-re-expression in T-ALL cells on their leukemic potential in vivo. In 9 of 17 radiation-induced murine T-ALL cell lines, the p16INK4a protein was not expressed as determined by immunoblotting. Southern blot analysis revealed homozygous deletions of the p16INK4a gene locus in three of the nine lines, along with the genes encoding p15INK4b and p19ARF. Transduction of p16INK4a-negative T-ALL lines with retrovirus encoding p16INK4a significantly inhibited their in vitro proliferation by inducing G1-arrest. Importantly, re-expression of p16INK4a in p16INK4a-negative T-ALL cells obliterated the induction of lethal disseminated leukemia in syngeneic mice. This is the first demonstration that re-establishment of p16INK4a expression is critical for in vivo growth regulation of T-ALL cells.
Dual SCR chopper as a motor controller for an electric car

Despite recent advances in solid-state controls for electric cars, chopper-induced problems still exist: commutation and ac losses are significantly high, the chopping action induces losses within the power source, and large ripple components in the chopper output cause increased rms losses at the motor. The author's dual chopper, two conventional choppers in parallel, reduces these problems. The duty cycle generated by the firing circuit is feedback controlled so that the load current remains proportional to control output. The dual chopper operates in a three-in-one system: in the first mode, the batteries charge at high rates; the second mode controls the amount of power flowing from battery to motor; and in the third or regenerative braking mode, the chopper transfers energy from the motor to the battery.
Signaling--2000 and beyond.

The important findings in the history of signal transduction are adequately covered in many reviews, and I have therefore cited reviews that discuss the seminal papers. Space constraints have unfortunately meant I have had to omit many pertinent citations in the forward-looking part of this review. I thank Tony Pawson for providing the basis for Figure 1Figure 1.
OPN08-02: Inter-Domain Provisioning in DWDM Networks

As DWDM technology proliferates there is a growing need to address distributed inter-domain lightpath provisioning issues. Although inter-domain provisioning has been well-studied for packet/cell- switching networks, the wavelength dimension presents many additional challenges. This paper develops a novel hierarchical GMPLS-based framework for provisioning all-optical and opto-electronic multi-domain DWDM networks. The scheme adapts topology abstraction schemes to aggregate domain-level state to improve routing scalability and lower inter-domain blocking. Related inter-domain lightpath RWA and signaling schemes are also tabled. Performance analysis results are presented along with directions for future work.
Cyclic Guanidino-Sugars with Low pKa as Transition-State Analog Inhibitors of Glycosidases: Neutral Instead of Charged Species Are the Active Forms

Cyclic guanidino-sugars with different pKa values are designed and synthesized as transition-state analog inhibitors of galactosidases. Characterization of these structures (7, 10, 12) reveals that...
The natural history, thermal physiology, and ecological impacts of intertidal mesopredators, Oedoparena spp. (Diptera: Dryomyzidae)

. The ecological roles of small (1–1000 mg) predators in benthic marine systems are poorly understood. We investigated the natural history and predatory impact of one group of such mesopredators—larvae of dipteran flies in the genus Oedoparena—which prey on intertidal barnacles. We 1) quantified patterns of larval Oedoparena distribution and abundance in the Northwest Straits of Washington State, USA, 2) determined larval physiological tolerance limits in the laboratory, and 3) conducted a manipulative field experiment to assess the role of microhabitat temperature on predation rates in Oedoparena. Members of Oedoparena in Washington are univoltine, with peak larval abundance in late spring and early summer. Infestation frequencies in the barnacles Balanus glandula and Chthamalus dalli were as high as 22% and 35%, respectively. In laboratory studies, larvae of O. glauca were able to tolerate temperatures up to 37°C; however, this temperature is often exceeded in high intertidal habitats. In a field manipulation using experimental shades, we demonstrate that the alleviation of physiological stress greatly increased the abundance of larvae of Oedoparena spp. As a result of increased larval densities under shades, adult B. glandula mortality increased from 5% to nearly 30%, and C. dalli mortality increased from less than 20% to over 60%. Because high intertidal barnacles serve as food and habitat for a diverse array of species, Oedoparena spp. have the potential to play a major role in structuring high intertidal communities, particularly in cooler microhabitats.
Unilateral LTP triggers bilateral increases in hippocampal neurotrophin and trk receptor mRNA expression in behaving rats: Evidence for interhemispheric communication

Induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus of awake rats triggered a rapid (2 hour) elevation in tyrosine kinase receptor (trkB and trkC) gene expression and a delayed (6–24 hour) increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) gene expression. Depending on the mRNA species, LTP induction led to highly selective unilateral or bilateral increases in gene expression. Specifically, trkB and NT-3 mRNA elevations were restricted to granule cells in the ipsilateral dentate gyrus, whereas bilateral increases in trkC, BDNF, and nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA levels occurred in granule cells and hippocampal pyramidal cells. Both unilateral and bilateral changes in gene expression were N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent and LTP-specific. Bilateral electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that LTP was unilaterally induced; this was corroborated by a dramatic unilateral increase in the expression of the immediate early gene zif/268, a marker for LTP, restricted to the ipsilateral granule cells. The results indicate that LTP triggers an interhemispheric communication manifested as selective, bilateral increases in gene expression at multiple sites in the hippocampal network. Furthermore, our findings suggest that physiological plastic changes in the adult brain may involve coordinated, time-dependent regulation of multiple neurotrophin and trk receptor genes. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Predictive and Concurrent Validity of the Altus Information Inventory with High School Students

The Altus Information Inventory was group-administered to high school and college students to assess its objectivity, reliability, and predictive and concurrent validity. Inter-scorer reliability was .97 for the high school Ss and .83 for the college Ss. The corrected split-half (odd-even) reliability was .76 for the high school Ss but only .28 for the college Ss. The predictive validity of the test with grade point averages was .50 for high school males, .64 for high school females, and .22 for college males. Good concurrent validity was indicated by correlations with measures of verbal aptitude for high school students. The Inventory was too easy for college students and had low predictive and concurrent validity for them.
Structural modification of nanocrystalline ceria by ion beams

Exceptional size-dependent electronic–ionic conductivity of nanostructured ceria can significantly alter materials properties in chemical, physical, electronic and optical applications. Using energetic ions, we have demonstrated effective modification of interface volume and grain size in nanocrystalline ceria from a few nm up to ∼25 nm, which is the critical region for controlling size-dependent material property. The grain size increases and follows an exponential law as a function of ion fluence that increases with temperature, while the cubic phase is stable under the irradiation. The unique self-healing response of radiation damage at grain boundaries is utilized to control the grain size at the nanoscale. Structural modification by energetic ions is proposed to achieve desirable electronic–ionic conductivity.
Economic justification of advanced manufacturing technology

Abstract Despite the far reaching implications of the advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) for the maintenance and enhancement of a firm's competitive position, the financial justification of investments in AMT has not been easy. Recent research in manufacturing strategy, financial theory, management accounting and organization decision making suggests that the AMT-justification process should involve (i) a strategic analysis to ascertain the strategic fit and the competitive advantage of AMT, (ii) an economic analysis to ascertain the financial viability of AMT and (iii) an understanding of the dynamics of organizational decision making to overcome the barriers to the adoption of AMT. Focusing on the economic analysis we present a concise review of the state of the art and propose a four-level justification framework for investment in AMT. At Level 1 of this framework, we analyze the easily quantifiable benefits and costs using the traditional discounted cash flow (DCF) models. We examine the limitations of the traditional DCF analysis and discuss some refinements suggested in the literature. At Level 2, we develop and illustrate with a numerical example, a stochastic mathematical programming model to quantify the strategic benefits such as flexibility and quality. At Level 3, we quantify the benefits of the time series linkages between the project currently being justified and a related future project using a learning curve model. Finally, at Level 4 we focus on a qualitative assessment of the benefits which were not included in the evaluation at the first three levels.
Simulation of detecting and climbing a ladder for a humanoid robot

The most recent DARPA challenge presents an industrial accident scenerio for a humanoid robot to traverse and then perform human oriented tasks. In the fifth stage of the challenge, the robot must climb a wall mounted metal rung ladder. To accomplish this task, the robot must first recognize and localize the ladder prior to grasping and climbing. This paper presents the localization of the rungs using point cloud data from a simulated Microsoft Kinect sensor. It also presents grasping and climbing manuveur using PR2 Robot. The basic approach is to first segment out the background planes. We apply a voxel grid filter to make the computation faster. Then using the RANSAC algorithm, lines that represent the legs and the interior rung midline are extracted. Vertical lines are thrown away and only the lines that represent the rungs are retained. The center of the computed line is our estimated location for the rung centroid. We then can use the centroid information for the PR2 grasping.
Three-month results with bilateral cochlear implants.

ObjectivesTo evaluate possible binaural listening advantages for speech in quiet, speech in noise, and for localization in a group of postlingually deafened adults with two cochlear implants functioning independently after 3 mo experience.DesignNine postlingually deafened subjects who had received a
The greenhouse effect in a gray planetary atmosphere

Abstract Hopf's analytical solution is illustrated for several values of the greenhouse parameter, i.e., the ratio of gray absorption coefficients for insolating and escaping radiation, assumed to be constant at all depths.
Outbred, Inbred, and Hybrid House Flies as Test Insects2

Outbred (mixed strains), regular strains, inbred, and a single and double hybrid Musca domestica L. were compared for different biologic characteristics (oviposition, egg hatch, development, pupal weight, emergence, and longevity) and for their responses to test situations of ultraviolet irradiation of eggs, larval exposure to kojic acid, and adult treatment with diazinon. Variability throughout was greater than is desired for test insects, and no one type of genetic management yielded flies possessing maximum vigor and minimum variability in all parameters. Although, as expected, mixed parentage was highly desirable in producing the most vigorous and productive flies, hybrid flies were no more consistent in their responses in test situations than regular strains. It was concluded that hybrid flies are not especially advantageous as test insects except where vigor might be an important consideration.
Facilitating Fatherhood: A Longitudinal Examination of Father Involvement Among Young Minority Fathers

The effects of father absence on children have been well documented in research and range from increased risk of poverty, to increased risk of incarceration (Anderson et al. Family Relations 51(2):148–155, 2002). This study presents a longitudinal evaluation of young father’s involvement with their children conducted within the scope of a teen parenting program in Arlington County, Virginia. The respondents in the study are young, mainly Hispanic fathers who come from lower socio-economic groups. The theoretical foundation for the parenting program was derived from Prochaska’s Transtheoretical Model of Change (1979). Three scales of fatherhood involvement were assessed at four time periods, including two years post-program. Results from the evaluation indicated that all three fatherhood scales increased steadily and significantly from pre-test to two years post-program. Results support the notion that fatherhood involvement curricula have the potential to positively influence young fathers and keep them involved with their children. Suggestions for further research and discussion of public policy implications are included in the study.
Does scatter correction of cardiac SPECT improve image quality in the presence of high extracardiac activity

Background Extracardiac activity confounds conventional cardiac single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image reconstruction. It has been proposed that applying scatter correction (SC) may improve image quality. This study was done to test whether SC improves several quantitative measures of cardiac imaging in the presence of high extracardiac activity.
Extracellular enzyme-clay mineral complexes: Enzyme adsorption, alteration of enzyme activity, and protection from photodegradation

Enzymes released extracellularly by micro-organisms have major functions in nutrient acquisition and organic matter degradation. Clay particles, common in many surface waters, can modify enzyme activity. Clay minerals are known to form aggregates with organic molecules, and the formation of enzyme-clay complexes could alter the level of activity. Montmorillonite clay and clay extracted from Elledge Lake (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) basin soil were combined with alkaline phosphatase, glucosidase, protease, and xylosidase solutions to assess adsorption and the effect of this adsorption on enzyme activity. Adsorption to Elledge Lake basin clay decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, and adsorption to montmorillonite was observed for all four enzymes with reductions in enzyme activities. Adsorption of substrate onto clay surfaces resulted in a concentration effect and increased enzyme activity associated with the particles. When enzyme-clay complexes were exposed to natural sunlight there was a decrease in enzyme activity, but this decrease was usually not significantly different from the adsorption only treatment. The formation of enzyme-clay complexes may serve to protect the enzymes from natural in situ photodegradation. The results indicate the complex interactive effects adsorption of enzymes to clay particles can have on the availability and capability of hydrolysis – reduction of enzyme reactivity, storage attached to clay particles with changes in transport and distribution, and protection from photodegradation.
Asthma control and future asthma-related morbidity in inner-city asthmatic children

Background Asthma guidelines recommend routine evaluation of asthma control, which includes measurements of impairment and risk. It is unclear whether rigorous asthma control changes risk of asthma morbidity. Objective To examine whether the degree of asthma control in inner-city asthmatic children results in differential risk reduction of future asthma-related morbidity. Methods This retrospective observational study examines 960 inner-city children with asthma who were highly engaged in an asthma-specific disease management program for a minimum of 2 years. Degree of asthma control was determined during the first year of enrollment and was categorized as well controlled (≥80% of visits in control), moderately controlled (50%-79% of visits in control), or difficult to control ( Results Increasing the degree of asthma control measured during the first year of enrollment led to statistically significant incremental reductions in risk of acute asthma exacerbations and emergency department visits or hospitalizations during the second year of enrollment. Conclusions Achieving and maintaining asthma control in inner-city children with asthma results in significant reductions in asthma-related morbidity. Systematic assessments of asthma control may be useful for predicting future risk in children with asthma.
Aryl α-haloalkyl ketoximes as enzyme modifying agents. The reaction of α-haloacetophenone oximes with the active site of papain

Syn-α-chloroacetophenone oxime has been found to inactivate papain rapidly at pH 7 and 25.0O in a 1:1 stoichiometric fashion as measured by rate assays with p-nitrophenyl N-benzyloxycarbonylglycinate and sulfhydryl group titrations with 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid). By the use of a 14C label in the halomethyl function a similar stoichiometric reaction with papain could be demonstrated for syn-α-bromoacetophenone oxime despite the rapidity of the competitive nonenzymatic solvolysis of the latter compound under the conditions employed. These results indicate that a new class of reactive modifying agents, α-haloalkyl oximes, can be used for the selective alkylation of catalytically essential functional groups in enzyme active sites.
Electronic Voting Machines and Ballot Roll-Off:

Innovations in voting systems raise questions about the electoral effects of such developments. This study examines the impact of a new voting device, electronic voting machines, on ballot roll-off...
A method of computer-assisted pacemaker surveillance from a patient's home via telephone.

Abstract A system is described for remote computer-assisted surveillance of implanted pacemakers from a patient's home. Using an inexpensive, portable, frequency-modulated transmitter, a patient's electrocardiogram is sent over voice-grade telephone lines to any cardiology clinic. The signal can be demodulated and the pacemaker spike plus electrocardiogram recorded on paper for visual review by the physician. The modulated signal is further transmitted to a remote on-line computer system. The computer calculates the spike-spike interval to approximately five millisecond precision, stores pacemaker information and other patient data on disk, and displays calculated results on a cathode ray screen in the cardiology clinic. The cardiologist can immediately review past and present pacemaker function, patient medications, and other pertinent data from the computer terminal. If further medical action is warranted, the patient can be immediately advised.
Extremely low birth weight preterm infants lack vasomotor response in relationship to cold body temperatures at birth.

This study evaluated peripheral vasoconstriction in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants when body temperature decreased during the first 12 h of life. An exploratory, within-subjects design with 10 ELBW infants. Abdominal and foot temperatures were measured every minute. Peripheral vasoconstriction (abdominal>peripheral temperature by 2 °C) and abdominal–peripheral temperature difference were also evaluated. Results:Abdominal and peripheral temperatures were significantly correlated within each infant. One 880 g infant exhibited isolated peripheral vasoconstriction; a 960-g infant had abdominal temperatures >1 °C higher than peripheral temperatures. Eight smaller infants exhibited no peripheral vasoconstriction and spent most of their observations with peripheral greater than abdominal temperatures. In eight infants, mean temperature difference was significantly higher when abdominal temperature was <36.5 °C. Most ELBW infants did not exhibit peripheral vasoconstriction during their first 12 h of life, despite low temperatures. ELBW infants’ vasomotor control may be immature during this period.
Lack of significant association between serum inflammatory cytokine profiles and the presence of colorectal adenoma

Inflammatory cytokines in the colonic microenvironment have been shown to increase with advance colorectal cancer disease state. However, the contribution of inflammatory cytokines to pre-malignant disease, such as the formation of adenomas, is unclear. Using the Milliplex® MAP Human Cytokine/ Chemokine Magnetic Bead Panel Immunoassay, serum cytokine and chemokine profiles were assayed among participants without an adenoma (n = 97) and those with an adenoma (n = 97) enrolled in the NCI-funded Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Colon Study. The concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-12(p70), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β) were determined. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between adenoma prevalence and cytokine levels. The presence of colorectal adenomas was not associated with significant increases in the systemic levels of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) or T-cell polarizing (IL-12, IL-2, IL-10, IL-4, IL-17, IFN-γ) cytokines. Furthermore, MCP-1 and RANTES levels were equivalent in the serum of study participants with and without adenomas. These findings suggest colorectal adenoma prevalence may not be associated with significant alterations in systemic inflammation.
Inhibition within the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) ameliorates environmental exploration deficits due to cerebellum lesions in an animal model for autism

Clinical observations suggest that abnormalities within the cerebellum and/or the cerebellum--cholinergic forebrain connections may be key to explain the severe behavioral deficits and increases in seizures seen in autism. In order to explore functional relationships between brain areas implicated in many of the core behavioral features of autism, experiments utilizing animal models for specific autism-like behaviors have increased in recent years. In the current study, we used a rodent model for the autism-like behavior of environment exploration deficits to examine the role of the cerebellum and its connectivity to the forebrain. In addition, due to the possible common neural pathways between seizures and autism-like behaviors, we explored the possibility for limiting autism-like behaviors via antiseizure brainstem and cerebellar circuitry. In two experiments, adult male rats showed a significant decrease in exploration behavior following developmental cerebellar suction lesions (experiment 1) or i.c.v. saporin injections specifically targeting Purkinje cells, but not after the addition of saporin-induced cholinergic forebrain lesions (experiment 2). In both experiments, the anticonvulsant treatment of inhibition of the medullary nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) restored exploration behavior to control levels. These findings suggest that specific neuronal populations within the cerebellum are responsible for mediating exploration behavior, and these neuronal populations are similar to the circuitry involved in limbic motor seizures in that they are sensitive to brainstem inhibition. Furthermore, these results suggest this connection could be utilized in order to control behavioral deficits seen in autism with treatments, such as vagal nerve stimulation, which are effective against pharmaco-resistant seizures.
Amorphous phase formation in aluminum-ion-implanted refractory metals☆

Implantation with aluminium ions (Al+) was investigated for producing amorphous, microcrystalline and crystalline phases in the refractory metals tantalum, niobium and vanadium. Surface alloys with a substantial aluminum content resulted from the implantation, reaching more than 70 at.% Al in tantalum. Surface roughening occurred at the higher fluences, a factor important in interpreting microstructures observed by transmission electron microscopy. B.c.c. solid solutions persisted to fluences greater than 1.2 × 1018 Al+ cm−2 (near about 60 at.% Al for tantalum) for all three refractory metals. At higher fluences the implanted layers transformed to microcrystalline and then amorphous phases (tantalum and niobium) or to another crystalline phase (vanadium). Microstructural observations show that dislocations are present at fluences of 6 × 1017 Al+ cm−2 and persist to at least twice this fluence. The microcrystalline phase nucleates beneath the surface and first appears at the surface in sputtered depressions. Further implantation leaves islands of the b.c.c. phase surrounded by the microcrystalline phase. The results are discussed in terms of the calculated free energies for the alloy systems and in terms of the phase instabilities caused by the radiation damage accompanying implantation.
Biodegradable and functionally superior starch–polyester nanocomposites from reactive extrusion

Biodegradable starch-polyester polymer composites are useful in many applications ranging from numerous packaging end-uses to tissue engineering. However the amount of starch that can form composites with polyesters without significant property deterioration is typically less than 25% because of thermodynamic immiscibility between the two polymers. We have developed a reactive extrusion process in which high amounts of starch (approx. 40 wt%) can be blended with a biodegradable polyester (polycaprolactone, PCL) resulting in tough nanocomposite blends with elongational properties approaching that of 100% PCL. We hypothesize that starch was oxidized and then crosslinked with PCL in the presence of an oxidizing/crosslinking agent and modified montmorillonite (MMT) organoclay, thus compatibilizing the two polymers. Starch, PCL, plasticizer, MMT organoclay, oxidizing/crosslinking agent and catalysts were extruded in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and injection molded at 120° C. Elongational properties of reactively extruded starch-PCL nanocomposite blends approached that of 100% PCL at 3 and 6 wt% organoclay. Strength and modulus remained the same as starch-PCL composites prepared from simple physical mixing without any crosslinking. X-ray diffraction results showed mainly intercalated flocculated behavior of clay at 1,3,6, and 9wt% organoclay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that there was improved starch-PCL interfacial adhesion in reactively extruded blends with crosslinking than in starch-PCL composites without crosslinking. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed changes in primary α-transition temperatures for both the starch and PCL fractions, reflecting crosslinking changes in the nanocomposite blends at different organoclay contents. Also starch-polytetramethylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PAT) blends prepared by the above reactive extrusion process showed the same trend of elongational properties approaching that of 100% PAT. The reactive extrusion concept can be extended to other starch-PCL like polymer blends with polymers like polyvinyl alcohol on one side and polybutylene succinate, polyhydroxy butyrate-valerate and polylactic acid on the other to create cheap, novel and compatible biodegradable polymer blends with increased toughness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1072–1082, 2005
Repeated probing of Southwestern blots using alkaline phosphatase stripping.

Southwestern blotting is when a DNA sequence is used to probe DNA-binding proteins on an electrophoretic gel blot. It would be highly desirable to be able to probe a blot repeatedly with different DNA sequences. Alkaline phosphatase can remove 5′-phosphoryl groups from DNA and radiolabeled 5′-32P-DNA probes are commonly used in Southwestern blotting. Here is shown that once probed, the radioisotope signal on the blot can be effectively removed by brief digestion with alkaline phosphatase, and the blot can then be repeatedly probed at least six times with different DNA probes. This exceeds the repetitions possible with another commonly used method using SDS. The technique can be used with either one-dimensional or multi-dimensional Southwestern blots and does not have a large effect on the phosphorylation state of the blotted proteins. An alternative method using T4 polynucleotide kinase stripping is also introduced but was less well characterized.
High-throughput peptide mass mapping using a microdevice containing trypsin immobilized on a porous polymer monolith coupled to MALDI TOF and ESI TOF mass spectrometers.

An enzymatic microreactor with a volume of 470 nL has been prepared by immobilizing trypsin on a 10 cm long reactive porous polymer monolith located in a 100 μm i.d. fused silica capillary. This reactor affords suitable degrees of digestion of proteins even after very short residence times of less than 1 min. The performance is demonstrated with the digestion of eight proteins ranging in molecular mass from 2848 to 77 754. The digests were analyzed using mass spectrometry in two modes: off-line MALDI and in-line nanoelectrospray ionization. The large numbers of identified peptides enable a high degree of sequence coverage and positive identification of the proteins. The extent of sequence coverage decreases as the molecular mass of the digested protein increases. Keywords: high-throughput protein identification • immobilized enzyme • mass spectrometry • monolith • proteomics
A lightning motion prediction technology based on spatial clustering method

Lightning warning is an essential means and a key technology for lightning disaster reduction. Passivity is the main drawback of existing lightning warning methods. This paper present a lightning prediction technology based on spatial clustering method to predict lightning motion by utilizing realtime and historical lightning monitoring data of lightning location system. On the contrary to the existing passive lightning prediction and warning methods, this technology initiatively predicts the prospective lighting area. The independent, discrete, random-happen flashes are aggregated to different thunderstorm groups similar to thunderclouds by the spatial clustering method presented in this paper. The position prediction of lightning can be achieved by tracking these thunderstorm groups and calculating the movement direction and speed of them. The lightning prediction method is applied to a certain region of central China. The experiment result shows that the predicted and real positions of lightning are approximately consistent. The average prediction accuracy is around 75%. Important support will be provided for improving the accuracy and reducing the false alarm rate of lightning warning by the presented technology.
Airport noise, location rent, and the market for residential amenities

Abstract The present study reports on the influence of aircraft noise on housing prices in the vicinity of six major U.S. airports, including San Francisco, St. Louis, Cleveland, New Orleans, San Diego, and Buffalo. The sampling procedures attempt to control for the effect of accessibility on location rent, and hence, housing prices. Regression results are reported for the individual samples and for a pooled sample consisting of 845 observations. The regression coefficients for aircraft noise are stable about their weighted mean and are comparable to coefficient estimates from the pooled sample. Dummy variables and partitioned regressions are used to test for remaining accessibility effects.
The teaching of cultural issues in U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Purpose. Despite the importance of culture in health care and the rapid growth of ethnic diversity in the United States and Canada, little is known about the teaching of cultural issues in medical schools. The study goals, therefore, were to determine the number of U.S. and Canadian medical schools that have courses on cultural issues, and to examine the format, content, and timing of those courses. Method. The authors contacted the deans of students and/ or directors of courses on cultural issues at all 126 U.S. and all 16 Canadian medical schools. Using a cross-sectional telephone survey, they asked whether each school had a course on cultural sensitivity or multicultural issues and, if so, whether it was separate or contained within a larger course, when in the curriculum the course was taught, and which ethnic groups the course addressed. Results. The response rates were 94% for both U.S. (118) and Canadian (15) schools. Very few schools (U.S. = 8%; and Canada = 0%) had separate courses specifically addressing cultural issues. Schools in both countries usually addressed cultural issues in one to three lectures as part of larger, mostly preclinical courses. Significantly more Canadian than U.S. schools provided no instruction on cultural issues (27% versus 8%; p = .04). Few schools taught about the specific cultural issues of the largest minority groups in their geographic areas: only 28% and 26% of U.S. schools taught about African American and Latino issues, respectively, and only two thirds of Canadian schools taught about either Asian or Native Canadian issues. Only 35% of U.S. schools addressed the cultural issues of the largest minority groups in their particular states. Conclusions. Most U.S. and Canadian medical schools provide inadequate instruction about cultural issues, especially the specific cultural aspects of large minority groups. Acad. Med. 2000;75:451‐455.
Optimization of biodiesel production from edible and non-edible vegetable oils

The non-edible vegetable oils such as Jatropha curcas and Pongamia glabra (karanja) and edible oils such as corn and canola were found to be good viable sources for producing biodiesel. Biodiesel production from different edible and non-edible vegetable oils was compared in order to optimize the biodiesel production process. The analysis of different oil properties, fuel properties and process parameter optimization of non-edible and edible vegetable oils were investigated in detail. A two-step and single-step transesterification process was used to produce biodiesel from high free fatty acid (FFA) non-edible oils and edible vegetable oils, respectively. This process gives yields of about 90-95% for J. curcas, 80-85% for P. glabra. 80-95% for canola, and 85-96% for corn using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst. The fuel properties of biodiesel produced were compared with ASTM standards for biodiesel. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.