cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Truncation of the cytoplasmic domain of the simian immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein alters the conformation of the external domain

Abstract We previously reported that truncation of the cytoplasmic domain of the macaque simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein enhanced its ability to induce cell fusion in a variety of cell lines. In the present study, we examined the expression of the full-length and truncated SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein complex on cell surfaces. Using a membrane-impermeable reagent to biotinylate proteins on cell surfaces followed by immunoprecipitation, we found that under conditions in which the full-length TM protein could not be detected on the surfaces of CD4-positive or CD4-negative cell lines, the truncated TM protein was detected efficiently. In contrast, using a membrane-impermeable iodination reagent to label proteins on cell surfaces, we could detect both the full-length and truncated TM proteins. No difference between the full-length and truncated proteins was observed in the detection of the SU proteins in the biotinylation assay. Additionally, we used an assay in which SIV-specific antibodies are prebound to the native envelope proteins expressed on the cell surface and then the proteins are immunoprecipitated. Using this assay, we could not detect the truncated or full-length TM protein on the cell surface, whereas we could detect the SU subunits of both proteins. We also observed that the truncated TM protein formed more stable sodium dodecyl sulfate-resistant oligomers than the full-length TM protein did. These results indicate that truncation of the cytoplasmic domain of the SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein affects the conformation of the external domain of the TM protein on the cell surface, even though the two proteins have no differences in the amino acid sequences of their external domains. This altered conformation could play a role in the enhanced fusion activity of the truncated SIV glycoprotein.
Determination of the absolute chirality of individual adsorbed molecules using the scanning tunnelling microscope

Determination of the absolute chirality of individual adsorbed molecules using the scanning tunnelling microscope
The Readable Delaware General Corporation Law

Author(s): LoPucki, Lynn | Abstract: Although artfully drafted, the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL) is unreadable.nSentences are excessively long – one rambles on for nearly two pages.nThe DGCL sometimes follows the standard convention that divides complex statutory sentences into multiple paragraphs.nBut more often the DGCL defies convention by burying several sentences on different topics in a single paragraph.nRoman numerals denoting list items hide undifferentiated in the midst of long block paragraphs.nAlthough the DGCL’s section headings are informative, sections are sometimes long and subsection headings are non-existent.nAdd to these problems the inherent difficulty in all statutory interpretation, the complexity of corporate law, and the excruciating explicitness of the Delaware drafters, and the result is an impenetrable law.nAll but the most determined readers simply bounce off.This pamphlet presents a readable version of the DGCL (RDGCL).nSome readability is through standard typographical techniques.nThe RDGCL employs running heads, squares and indents entire paragraphs rather than merely the first lines of paragraphs, uses leading to visually separate paragraphs, and bolds paragraph and subparagraph numbers – including those troublesome list denoters.But what most enhances the RDGCL’s readability is the application of a grammar-based marking system (VisiLaw) to the statutory text.nThe markings visually separate sentences, and clauses within sentences, making it possible to see where each begins and ends.nThis ability to see structure at a glance makes it possible to read clauses one at a time without losing orientation in the overall structure.nWithin each constituent clause, underlining identifies a skeletal sentence – subject, verb, direct object and a few other words.nThe underlining enables the reader to quickly get the gist, and understand the structure, of the constituent clause.nMarks are catalogued in a single-pageKey to Visilaw Markingsand the system is explained in a lengthierIntroduction to the VisiLaw Marking System.
Signal-dependent kernel for reduction of time-domain cross terms in time-frequency distributions

A signal-dependent tapering function which is able to reduce time-domain cross terms for the class of impulsive signals is introduced. The reverse-correlation function magnitude is constrained to suppress increases away from the origin. In combination with the cone-shaped kernel approach, the resulting time-frequency distribution (TFD) demonstrates a reduction in both the time- and frequency-domain cross terms. >
Broadband waveguide-to-coax transitions

This paper describes three transitions from waveguide to coaxial line, each of which cover a frequency band of more than 30%. These include: 1. A colinear end-on transition from RG 48/U waveguide (3" x 1-1/2" o.d.) to standard 50 ohm 7/8" coaxial line. VSWR<1.10 from 2600 to 3700 mc. 2. A colinear end-on transition from 2.840" x 0.875" i.d. waveguide to standard 50 ohm 7/8" coaxial line. VSWR<1.1O from 2600 to 3700 mc. 3. A transition from WR 159 to 50 ohm coaxial line with a VSWR<1.14 from 4800 to 6500 mc. This is a "normal" transition in that the coaxial line feeds into the center of the broad face of the waveguide.
A disk file servomechanism immunized to media defects

A position signal of excellent quality, free from media defects, is essential to the operation of a disk file access servomechanism. Described are two methods that address at high and low actuator velocities, respectively, the failure mechanisms of a disk file access servomechanism attributable to media defects. The resultant immunity permits improved accessing reliability with media of imperfect quality.
On the calculation of elastic electron scattering cross sections from molecular wavefunctions: CF4 and CH4

Abstract A very efficient method is described for calculating the Born elastic differential scattering cross section with molecular Hartree-Fock wavefunctions. This approach, which is based on Gaussian orbitals, reduces the computational time by about an order of magnitude, and is more stable at high momentum transfer than previous methods. Elastic electron scattering cross sections for CF4 and CH4 were calculated with large basis sets and both curves mimic the shapes of the experimental total cross sections for these molecules.
Inflammatory Effects of Woodsmoke Exposure Among Wildland Firefighters Working at Prescribed Burns at the Savannah River Site, SC

Wildland firefighters in the United States are occupationally exposed to high levels of woodsmoke. Results from experimental studies show that exposure to woodsmoke induces inflammation. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of occupational woodsmoke exposure on inflammatory biomarkers in firefighters working at prescribed burns. Twelve U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, volunteered to give blood samples during four prescribed burns between February and March 2011. Twenty-four paired (pre- and post-work shift) blood samples were collected using dried blood spot method to facilitate repeated sample collection. Inflammatory biomarker concentrations in blood samples were measured using the Meso Scale Discovery multi-spot assay system. Concurrent personal PM2.5 and CO monitoring of firefighters was conducted. Linear mixed models were used to test whether cross-work shift differences occurred in the following inflammatory biomarkers: IL-1β, IL-8, CRP...
Influence of drag reducing polymers on turbulent mass transfer to a pipe wall

Completely developed and entry region mass transfer rates in turbulent pipe flow of drag reducing polymer solutions were studied experimentally using electrochemical techniques. The percent change in the fully developed mass transfer rate at a given volumetric flow was found to be greater than the percent change in the pressure gradient. The data are interpreted by using the law of the wall, valid for Newtonian fluids at large Schmidt numbers, whereby K+ is related to Sc−0.74. The proportionality constant is correlated with percent drag reduction and is found to decrease with increasing drag reduction. The use of an analogy between momentum and mass transfer predicts a somewhat greater mass transfer reduction than was observed.
Exploring a Sociomaterial Perspective on Technology in Virtual Human Resource Development

The ProblemTechnology is creating immersive digital ecosystems that will radically transform the way humans communicate, collaborate, and create. Virtual human resource development (VHRD) is an exa...
Infrared multiphoton induced electron detachment from SF−6

Abstract We have observed infraicd multiphoton induced electron detachment from gas-phase SF6−. The time and pressure dependence of the extent of detachment suggests that only vibrationally activated SF6−★ absorbs CO2 laser radiation. The implications of this experiment regarding the structure of SF6− are discussed.
PA-RISC to IA-64: transparent execution, no recompilation

Making the transition to a new architecture is never easy. Users want to keep running their favorite applications as they normally would, without stopping to adapt them to a different platform. For some legacy applications the problem is more severe. Without all the source code, it is well-nigh impossible to recompile the application to a new platform. Binary translation helps this transition process because it automatically converts the binary code from one instruction set to another without the need for high-level source code. However, different choices force different trade-offs between some form of interpretation (or emulation) and static translation. Interpretation requires no user intervention, but its performance is slow. Static translation, on the other hand, requires user intervention but provides much better performance. To help PA-RISC (precision architecture-reduced instruction set computing) users migrate to its upcoming IA-64 systems, Hewlett-Packard has developed the Aries software emulator, combining fast interpretation. The article describes how the system works and outlines its performance characteristics and quality.
X-ray luminosity and the hydrogen-line ratios of quasars and Seyfert galaxies

New observations of the Ly-alpha/H-alpha ratio in a set of X-ray-selected active galactic nuclei and an archival study of International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations of Ly-alpha in low-redshift quasars and Seyfert galaxies have been used to form a large sample (49 objects) for studying the influence of soft X-rays on the enhancement of Balmer emission in the broad-line region. In common models of broad-line clouds, the Balmer lines are formed deep in the interior, largely by collisional excitation. Heating within the clouds is provided by soft X-ray radiation, while Ly-alpha is formed mainly by recombination after photoionization. The ratio Ly-alpha/H-alpha is expected to depend weakly on the ratio of ionizing ultraviolet luminosity to X-ray luminosity, L(UV)/L(x). If the Ly-alpha luminosity is used as a measure of L(UV), a weak dependence of Ly-alpha/H-alpha on the X-ray luminosity is found (valid at the 94 percent confidence level), similar to previous results. Future definitive studies depend more critically on contemporaneous observations and better internal reddening estimates rather than a larger sample size.
HYPERANDROGENISM IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME PERSISTS AFTER MENOPAUSE

Postmenopausal women with PCOS are characterized by hyperandrogenism of significant adrenal and ovarian contribution.
A broadband wide‐incident‐angle reflective polarization converter

— A high-performance reflective polarization converter which could be used in a backlight recycling system for liquid-crystal-display (LCD) devices is proposed. The device consists of a twisted-nematic (TN) liquid-crystal film, a uniaxial A-plate, and a reflector. The configuration parameters, such as thickness and orientation of the films, are optimized using a genetic algorithm. As a result, the design can convert light from TM to TE polarization (or TE to TM) at a maximum 99.7%, minimum 91.3%, and average 96.7% conversion efficiency for the entire visible spectrum and incident angle from 0 to 60°. Such a broadband reflective polarization converter is particularly useful for enhancing the light efficiency and reducing the power consumption of LCDs.
An External Determinant in the S5-P Linker of the Pacemaker (HCN) Channel Identified by Sulfhydryl Modification

Abstract Hyperpolarization-activated,cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels underlie spontaneous rhythmic activities in the heart and brain. Sulfhydryl modification of ion channels is a proven approach for studying their structure-function relationships; here we examined the effects of the hydrophilic sulfhydryl-modifying agents methanethiosulfonate ethylammonium (MTSEA+) and methanethiosulfonate ethylsulfonate (MTSES−) on wild-type (WT) and engineered HCN1 channels. External application of MTSEA+ to WT channels irreversibly reduced whole-cell currents (I MTSEA/I Control = 42 ± 2%), slowed activation and deactivation kinetics (∼7- and ∼3-fold at −140 and −20 mV, respectively), and produced hyperpolarizing shifts of steady-state activation (V (MTSEA) = −125.8 ± 9.0 mVversus V (Control) = −76.4 ± 1.6 mV). Sequence inspection revealed the presence of five endogenous cysteines in the transmembrane domains of HCN1: three are putatively close to the extracellular milieu (Cys303, Cys318, and Cys347 in the S5, S5-P, and P segments, respectively), whereas the remaining two are likely to be cytoplasmic or buried. To identify the molecular constituent(s) responsible for the effects of MTSEA+, we mutated the three “external” cysteines individually to serine. C303S did not yield measurable currents. Whereas C347S channels remained sensitive to MTSEA+, C318S was not modified (I MTSEA/I Control = 101 ± 2%, V (MTSEA) = −78.4 ± 1.1 mV, andV (Control) = −79.8 ± 2.3 mV). Likewise, WT (but not C318S) channels were sensitive to MTSES−. Despite their opposite charges, MTSES− produced changes directionally similar to those effected by MTSEA+(I MTSES/I Control = 22 ± 1.6% and V (MTSES) = −145.9 ± 4.9 mV). We conclude that S5-P Cys318 of HCN1 is externally accessible and that the external pore vestibule and activation gating of HCN channels are allosterically coupled.
Iron Acquisition from Natural Organic Matter by an Aerobic Pseudomonas mendocina Bacterium: Siderophores and Cellular Iron Status

This research investigated the potential role of siderophores in aerobic microbial Fe acquisition from natural organic matter (NOM; XAD-8 isolate and reverse osmosis concentrate pre- and post-Chelex® treatment) through the use of a siderophore-producing Pseudomonas mendocina wild type (WT) bacterium and an engineered mutant (Mt) that was incapable of siderophore production. NOM had complex effects on microbial growth under Fe-limited conditions as measured by optical density, most likely because of the presence of other toxic (trace) metals such as Al, NOM binding interference with additional trace metal nutrients, and/or biofilm development. However, a bioassay for cellular Fe status showed that both WT and Mt readily acquired Fe naturally associated with NOM. Thus, while siderophores may be useful for Fe acquisition from NOM by P. mendocina, they do not appear to be essential for this process.
Long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase is a key enzyme in the mitochondrial β-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids

The first reaction of mitochondrial beta-oxidation, which is catalyzed by acyl-CoA dehydrogenases, was studied with unsaturated fatty acids that have a double bond either at the 4,5 or 5,6 position. The CoA thioesters of docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, 4,7,10-cis-hexadecatrienoic acid, 5-cis-tetradecenoic acid, and 4-cis-decenoic acid were effectively dehydrogenated by both rat and human long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (LCAD), whereas they were poor substrates of very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (VLCAD). VLCAD, however, was active with CoA derivatives of long-chain saturated fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acids that have double bonds further removed from the thioester function. Although bovine LCAD effectively dehydrogenated 5-cis-tetradecenoyl-CoA (14:1) and 4,7,10-cis-hexadecatrienoyl-CoA, it was nearly inactive toward the other unsaturated substrates. The catalytic efficiency of rat VLCAD with 14:1 as substrate was only 4% of the efficiency determined with tetradecanoyl-CoA, whereas LCAD acted equally well on both substrates. The conclusion of this study is that LCAD serves an important, if not essential function in the beta-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids.
Planning the next wave of SCHIP research.

Was the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) a flash in the pan or is it the future of children's health insurance? Your answer may depend on the news you read. As states have grappled with tight budgets in the recession economy and the long-ago planned “dip” in federal funding for SCHIP for fiscal years 2002–2004, several states made decisions to limit their SCHIPs through restricting enrollment, increasing premiums, limiting benefits, and decreasing outreach activities. As a consequence, July through December 2003 marked the first period since SCHIP was enacted in 1997 that program enrollment decreased nationally, attributable to marked declines in 11 states and the District of Columbia.1 On the other hand, during the latter half of 2003, a handful of states expanded SCHIP eligibility and enhanced program benefits, and the majority of states continued to report modest increases in SCHIP enrollment.1 Despite the national recession beginning in 2001 that led to increased unemployment and associated decreases in employer-sponsored insurance coverage for children, increased child enrollment in SCHIP and Medicaid more than offset the reduction in employer-sponsored coverage.2 As a result, the rate of uninsurance among US children declined from 15% in 19973 (at SCHIP inception) to 11.4% in 2003,4 a decline attributable in large part to SCHIP enrollment that was particularly robust among children living in households with annual incomes 2 to 3 times the poverty level, beyond the eligibility limits of most Medicaid programs. The findings of Kempe et al5 in this issue of Pediatrics regarding the Colorado version of SCHIP, Child Health Plan Plus, offer good news about SCHIP beyond enrollment statistics. Families reported higher rates of being able to see providers for a variety of routine and acute care needs and also reported a significant decline … Reprint requests to (M.M.D.) University of Michigan, 300 NIB, 6C23, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0456. E-mail: mattdav{at}med.umich.edu
Accelerated oxidation of silicon due to x-ray irradiation

Enhanced rates of oxide growth have been observed on silicon upon exposure to 10-keV X-ray irradiation. Oxide thicknesses were determined using spectroscopic ellipsometry on irradiated and control samples, and confirmed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The oxidation rate varied with the radiation total dose and dose rate. The increased oxidation rate is attributed to the generation of ozone, which decomposes into molecular oxygen and highly reactive atomic oxygen at the surface of the Si wafer. The generation of ozone by 10-keV X-rays was found to increase linearly with increasing dose rate. UV irradiation led to similarly enhanced oxidation rates. The potential application of this phenomenon to dosimetry is explored.
Asymmetric retraction of growth cone filopodia following focal inactivation of calcineurin

The neuronal growth cone is thought to be the site of decision making in nerve growth and guidance. One likely mechanism of how the growth cone translates various extracellular cues into directed motility involves rises in intracellular calcium. A variety of physiological cues, such as adhesion molecules and neurotransmitters, increases intracellular calcium, and artificial manipulations of growth cone calcium levels affect growth cone morphology and neurite outgrowth. The molecular events downstream of calcium fluxes are incompletely understood. Here we show that calcineurin, a protein phosphatase enriched in growth cones that is dependent on calcium ions and calmodulin, functions in neurite outgrowth and directed filopodial motility in cultured chick dorsal root ganglia neurons. Cyclosporin A and FK506, inhibitors of calcineurin, delayed neuritogenesis and inhibited neurite extension. Chromophore-assisted laser inactivation of calcineurin in regions of growth cones causes localized filopodial and lamellipodial retraction and influences the direction of subsequent outgrowth. We suggest that a spatial distribution of calcineurin activity within the growth cone can regulate motility and direct outgrowth.
Long-segment spinal fixation using pelvic screws.

OBJECTIVE: Long spinal constructs that extend to the sacrum place added stress on sacral screws. To prevent premature loosening of sacral fixation in these cases, the addition of pelvic screw (iliac screw) fixation has gained in popularity. Pelvic screw fixation has also been used in cases where sacral screw fixation is not possible (e.g., in sacral tumors). Pelvic screw fixation is more straightforward than prior pelvic rod fixation techniques (e.g., the Galveston technique). We describe our technique for pelvic screw fixation and review our experience with this technique. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients who underwent spinal-pelvic fixation were followed over a 3-year period (2004-2007). The patient population consisted of 11 men and 9 women with an average age of 58.8 years. Indications for spinal-pelvic fixation in this series included kyphoscoliosis, lumbosacral pseudoarthrosis, sacral fractures, lumbosacral spondylolisthesis, sacral tumors, and lumbar osteomyelitic fractures. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using flexion-extension x-rays and computed tomographic scans. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Odom's criteria and modified Prolo scale. RESULTS: One patient was lost to radiographic follow-up. One patient died after surgery. The mean follow-up for the remaining patients was 13 months (range, 1-21 mo). Odom's outcomes were rated as good to excellent in 11 (58%), fair in 7 (37%), and poor in 1 (5%) (one patient died). Preoperative and postoperative modified Prolo scores were 10.4 and 12.9, respectively (mean improvement, 2.5). Radiographic fusion across the lumbosacral junction was obtained in 16 (89%) of the 18 patients with follow-up. One patient required revision of a pelvic screw. There was one infection requiring explantation of hardware. CONCLUSION: Pelvic screw fixation is a safe and effective technique that provides added structural support to S1 screws in long-segment spinal fusions. Furthermore, pelvic screw fixation provides a distal point of fixation in cases where sacral screw fixation is not possible. The use of polyaxial screws and connectors makes this technique easier than Galveston rod fixation of the pelvis.
Dendrite characteristics in directionally solidified Pb-8 pct Au and Pb-3 pct Pd alloys

The dendritic microstructure and solute compression profiles for Pb-8 pct Au and Pb-3 pct Pd alloy samples are examined. Two groups of models, the minimum undercooled dendrite tip model of Burden and Hunt (1974) and Laxmanan (1974, 1984) and marginal stability at the dendrite tip models of Trivedi (1980) and Laxmanan (1974) are used to predict growth behavior of the alloy samples. The experimentally observed dendrite tip radius, primary arm spacing, and liquid composition at the dendrite tip are compared with theoretical predictions. It is observed that the modified minimum undercooling dendrite tip model and both of the marginal stability models accurately predict dendritic behavior. It is concluded that quantitative comparison of the primary arm spacing measurements can not form the basis for distinguishing among the various dendrite growth models in a positive temperature gradient.
Equation of State for DNA Liquid Crystals: Fluctuation Enhanced Electrostatic Double Layer Repulsion

We have measured the equation of state for DNA solutions at different ionic strengths covering 5 orders of magnitude in DNA osmotic pressure. At high osmotic pressures the equation of state is independent of the ionic strength and is dominated by exponentially decaying hydration repulsion. At lower pressures the equation of state is dominated by screened electrostatics. We also found a fluctuation-enhanced repulsion with a decay length of 4 times the Debye screening length. We present arguments that the form of the fluctuation part of the osmotic pressure is due to the coupling between bending fluctuations and the compressibility of the nematic array normal to the average director.
Turbine blading designed for high heat load space propulsion applications

The operating conditions and the propellant transport properties used in Earth-to-orbit (ETO) applications affect the aerothermodynamic design of ETO turbomachinery in a number of ways. This paper discusses some aerodynamic and heat-transfer implications of the low molecular weight fluids and high Reynolds number operating conditions on future ETO turbomachinery. The objective of this work was to examine turbine blading concepts for increasing life and reliability by reducing thermal heat load. Using the current Space Shuttle main engine high-pressure fuel turbine as a baseline, aerothermodynamic comparisons were made for two alternate fuel turbine geometries. The first was a revised first-stage rotor blade designed to reduce peak heat transfer. This alternate design resulted in a 23% reduction in peak heat transfer. The second design concept was a single-stage rotor designed to yield the same power output as the baseline two-stage rotor. Since the rotor tip speed was held constant, the turbine work factor doubled. In this alternate design, the peak heat transfer remained the same as the baseline. Although the efficiency of the single-stage design was 3.1 points less than the baseline two-stage turbine, the design was aerothermodynamically feasible and may be structurally desirable.
Management of the Hospitalized Transplant Patient

Significant hyperglycemia is commonly observed immediately after solid organ and bone marrow transplant as well as with subsequent hospitalizations. Surgery and procedures are well known to cause pain and stress leading to secretion of cytokines and other hormones known to aggravate insulin action. Immunosuppression required for transplant and preexisting risk are also major factors. Glucose control improves outcomes for all hospitalized patients, including transplant patients, but is often more challenging to achieve because of frequent and sometimes unpredictable changes in immunosuppression doses, renal function, and nutrition. As a result, risk of hypoglycemia can be greater in this patient group when trying to achieve glucose control goals for hospitalized patients. Key to successful management of hyperglycemia is regular communication between the members of the care team as well as anticipating and rapidly implementing a new treatment paradigm in response to changes in immunosuppression, nutrition, renal function, or evidence of changing insulin resistance.
Compost feedstock and maturity level affect soil response to amendment

Although composts are commonly used soil amendments in a variety of production systems, literature reports on the effects of compost on soil properties are inconsistent. This study examined three mature composts, two immature composts, and one commercial compost produced by combining highly decomposed material with fresher material; all were produced from materials acceptable to organic production systems. The composts were mixed with soils and incubated for 114 days, and microbial, chemical, and physical properties were examined over time. One immature compost sustained a high level of soluble C, C mineralization, and microbial biomass throughout the incubation and increased soil aggregation. The other immature compost appeared to release soluble C that was relatively resistant to microbial decomposition; it was less effective at stimulating microbial activity and increasing aggregation. The compost produced by combining highly decomposed and fresh feedstocks was chemically stable, but it sustained a high level of soluble C, C mineralization, and microbial biomass and did not cause N immobilization. Despite its stability, this compost was highly stimulatory to microbial populations, and this method of producing compost deserves further study. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed promise as a way to investigate the chemistry of the soluble C released during compost decomposition.
Changing Toward Participative Management Approaches: A Model and Method

A typology of participative approaches and methods is applied to organizations. Mechanisms behind the methods are discussed; a causal model is developed; and sets of contingencies conditioning the operation of the model are described. Issues around change toward participation are defined and illustrated, centering on the issue of congruence between the change method and the specific participative approach.
Basic Skills for Working With Smokers: A Pilot Test of an Online Course for Medical Students*

Background. Online learning can be an excellent method for presenting clinical skills to address health behaviors.Methods. Medical students pilot tested a skills-building course consisting of an online component and a practical application.Results. A total of 38 students were registered, 25 (66%) completed the online component, and 22 (58%) completed both course components. Students reported they were adequately trained to administer the brief 5A intervention to patients who smoke and they intended to deliver the intervention routinely.Conclusions. Online skill-building courses can have a positive effect on students’ knowledge and skills and can be used across health behaviors promote healthy lifestyles.
RENAISSANCE OF LARGE-SCALE MODELS

Since the late 1960s, a new kind of large-scale, regional science has begun to replace the more intuitive, ad hoc approaches proposed initially in the 1950s. The characteristics of these developments are explored for the lessons they may provide for future efforts by individuals and loams of re ware hers.
A compartmented neuronal culture system in microdevice format

This paper describes a microfabricated compartmented culture system (μ-CCS) for studying the effects of drugs on cultured neurons. We describe the fabrication of the microsystem and show the ability to culture DRG neurons in the microsystem. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability to culture neurons with extensions growing into adjoining compartments while maintaining fluid isolation between compartments. The axonal growth pattern was controlled along the surface of the glass microelectrode substrate using a micropatterned collagen film. The ability to isolate fluids to selected compartments while simultaneously allowing intercompartmental growth of the axons enables various studies in which selected segments of neurons or populations of neurons can be selectively exposed to biochemical treatment. The neurotoxin vincristine was used as the test vehicle to demonstrate the functionality of the μ-CCS. Vincristine was applied to the axonal compartment to show that the interaction of drugs with DRG neurons progresses in a way similar to neurons cultured/exposed using conventional techniques.
Relationship of steatosis grade and zonal location to histological features of steatohepatitis in adult patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background/Aims The relationship between severity and zonal location of steatosis and the presence of steatohepatitis and various histological features that define NASH has not been formally studied. Methods We conducted a study to examine the relationship of severity and zonal location of steatosis to the presence of NASH and to other histological features that define NASH in adult patients with NAFLD. Steatosis was graded as mild, moderate or severe. We examined the relationship between severity and zonal location of steatosis and the following: lobular inflammation, presence of ballooning, Mallory bodies, fibrosis score, and definite steatohepatitis. Results Mild, moderate and severe steatosis was present in 44%, 31% and 25% of biopsies, respectively. Definite steatohepatitis was present in 59% and advanced fibrosis in 29% of liver biopsies. Increasing levels of steatosis severity were positively associated with lobular inflammation ( p p p =0.02), but were unrelated to ballooning, Mallory bodies, or advanced fibrosis. As compared to zone 3 steatosis, pan-acinar steatosis was more often associated with ballooning, Mallory bodies, and advanced fibrosis. Conclusions Patients with severe steatosis are more likely to have steatohepatitis. More studies are needed to confirm this observation and to explore its significance.
Solidification and microstructure evolution during spray atomization and deposition of Ni3Al

Abstract The synergism between solidification phenomena and microstructural evolution in spray atomization and deposition was systematically analyzed on the basis of numerical and experimental studies. Accordingly, an integral model, whose formulation was based on fundamental principles of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and solidification, was used to describe the evolution of microstructure during spray atomization and deposition. To keep the problem tractable, the process was divided into two distinct but closely related stages: (a) atomization; and (b) deposition. In the atomization stage, the solidification microstructure was noted to be intimately coupled to the transfer of thermal energy from the droplets to the atomization gas, and the degree of undercooling experienced by the droplets. The heterogeneous nucleation behavior of the droplets was analyzed and a heterogeneous undercooling factor was defined as ƒ h = (1 + Av d ) −1 . In the deposition stage, the various microstructural features present in the spray-deposited material were rationalized on the basis of thermal energy considerations. In particular, the formation of spheroidal grains was proposed to evolve from two distinct mechanisms: (i) the homogenization and coalescence of deformed or fractured dendrite fragments. Support for this suggestion was provided by experimental results and numerical analyses that show that the microstructure is exposed to a high temperature anneal during deposition. Experimental measurement of the temperature demonstrated that the temperature during deposition remained below the solidus temperature, with an average cooling rate of approximately 2.6 K s −1 .
Asymmetrical hatching behaviors: The development of postnatal motor laterality in three precocial bird species

The effects of asymmetrical hatching behaviors on the development of turning bias and footedness in domestic chicks, bobwhite quail, and Japanese quail chicks were examined. Control tests with incubator reared domestic chicks and bobwhite quail revealed significant individual and population left-side turning bias and right footedness. When late stage hatching behaviors were disrupted, population laterality was not evident and individual laterality was reduced. By contrast, Japanese quail chicks demonstrated no population turning bias or footedness and only weak individual biases. Disruption of hatch behaviors further decreased laterality. Examination of discarded eggshells showed significant differences in the degree of rotation made to cut out of the egg by Japanese quail versus domestic chicks and bobwhite quail. Taken together these findings suggest that the counterclockwise hatching behaviors that are characteristic of many precocial bird species serve to facilitate the development of motor laterality at both the individual and population level.
Use of a micro-ionization chamber and an anthropomorphic head phantom in a quality assurance program for stereotactic radiosurgery

Quality assurance methods used in association with radiosurgery must include all aspects of the radiosurgery process: visualization and localization of the target, treatment and dose planning and dose delivery. Presented here is a quality assurance method that utilizes an anthromorphic head phantom and a micro-ionization chamber to demonstrate precise target localization and accurate dose delivery. This micro-ionization chamber method offers an immediate readout which is both accurate and reproducible. Additionally, this method allows unlimited repetition of the dose measurement process without repeated radiographic localization studies as is necessary with the conventional methods of TLD, film, and Fricke gels. The method and techniques presented can be used in the acceptance testing and routine quality assurance of both linac-based and Gamma Knife radiosurgery units.
Confined lateral selective epitaxial growth of silicon for device fabrication

An epitaxy technique, confined lateral selective epitaxial growth (CLSEG), which produces wide, thin slabs of single-crystal silicon over insulator, using only conventional processing, is discussed. As-grown films of CLSEG 0.9 mu m thick, 8.0 mu m wide, and 500 mu m long were produced at 1000 degrees C at reduced pressure. Junction diodes fabricated in CLSEG material show ideality factors of 1.05 with reverse leakage currents comparable to those of diodes built in SEG homoepitaxial material. Metal-gate p-channel MOSFETs in CLSEG with channel dopings of 2*10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/ exhibit average mobilities of 283 cm/sup 2//V-s and subthreshold slopes of 223 mV/decade. >
Primary subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis: consensus and commentary.

Abstract Fifteen multiple-choice questions concerning options in the management of primary subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis were discussed by a panel of experts and then voted upon by 25 attending vascular surgeons with a special interest in venous disease and considerable experience in subclavian-axillary vein thrombosis. The large majority favored, or agreed upon: (1) early clot removal for active, healthy patients with a need/desire to use the involved limb in work or sport; (2) catheter-directed thrombolysis as initial therapy; (3) further therapy based on follow-up positional venography; (4) surgical relief of demonstrated thoracic outlet compression after a brief period of anticoagulant therapy; (5) conservative therapy if post-lysis venogram showed either (a) no extrinsic compression or (b) a short residual occlusion; and (6) intervention for residual intrinsic lesions with over 50% narrowing. However, there was little unanimity regarding the most appropriate intervention for residual stenoses, with opinion split between surgical and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. For residual symptomatic occlusion 66% favored jugular vein turndown; only 10% would perform first rib removal. Copyright © 1996 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery.
Force versus choice, or force and choice? An integrative model of expectancy theory

Abstract There have been two major conceptualizations of expectancy theory: single alternative force models and choice models. Traditionally the models have been viewed as mutually exclusive interpretations of expectancy theory and reviewers have concluded that the choice model is theoretically correct, while the force model is an incorrect and unacceptable operationalization of Vroom's theory. The purpose of this article is to argue that the theories are not contradictory but complimentary. It is demonstrated that an integrated force-choice model is an improvement over existing motivation theories because it not only explains goal choice, but explains why two individuals with the same goal, ability, and environmental constraints may exert different amounts of effort.
The behavior of the uranium decay chain nuclides and thorium during the flank eruptions of Kilauea (Hawaii) between 1983 and 1985

Abstract The concentrations of members of the 238U decay chain and 232Th have been determined for the lavas that erupted on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii (Puu Oo) between January 1983 and January 1985. There was a decrease during the first 180 days in the abundances of all nuclides, following the behavior of the incompatible elements. (230Th/238U) varies with (232Th/238U) yielding a batch process age for the source magma of 127,800 ±28,500 (2σ) y, similar to East Pacific Rise basalts. No (226Ra/230Th) disequilibrium was evident at Puu Oo although Haleakala and Loihi show significant excesses of (226Ra) over (230Th). The initial (210Pb) excess relative to (226Ra) implies strong incompatibility of 210Pb probably with the help of chloride complexing, and the deficiency in later episodes indicates volatilization from the melt mediated by the formation of volatile chloride compounds.
VIBRATION OF INHOMOGENEOUS STRINGS, RODS AND MEMBRANES

This paper is concerned with the vibration of inhomogeneous strings, rods and membranes with continuously varying properties. The work has two main purposes. First we provide specific examples for which closed-form exact solutions are obtained. Apart from their intrinsic interest, such examples serve as benchmark problems against which the accuracy of approximate analytical or numerical methods may be assessed. The second objective is to demonstrate the effectiveness of an integral-equation-based method for obtaining lower bounds for vibration frequencies.
Improvement of Multiprocessing Performance by Using Optical Centralized Shared Bus

With the ever-increasing need to solve larger and more complex problems, multiprocessing is attracting more and more research efforts. One of the challenges facing the multiprocessor designers is to fulfill in an effective manner the communications among the processes running in parallel on multiple multiprocessors. The conventional electrical backplane bus provides narrow bandwidth as restricted by the physical limitations of electrical interconnects. In the electrical domain, in order to operate at high frequency, the backplane topology has been changed from the simple shared bus to the complicated switched medium. However, the switched medium is an indirect network. It cannot support multicast/broadcast as effectively as the shared bus. Besides the additional latency of going through the intermediate switching nodes, signal routing introduces substantial delay and considerable system complexity. Alternatively, optics has been well known for its interconnect capability. Therefore, it has become imperative to investigate how to improve multiprocessing performance by utilizing optical interconnects. From the implementation standpoint, the existing optical technologies still cannot fulfill the intelligent functions that a switch fabric should provide as effectively as their electronic counterparts. Thus, an innovative optical technology that can provide sufficient bandwidth capacity, while at the same time, retaining the essential merits of the shared bus topology, is highly desirable for the multiprocessing performance improvement. In this paper, the optical centralized shared bus is proposed for use in the multiprocessing systems. This novel optical interconnect architecture not only utilizes the beneficial characteristics of optics, but also retains the desirable properties of the shared bus topology. Meanwhile, from the architecture standpoint, it fits well in the centralized shared-memory multiprocessing scheme. Therefore, a smooth migration with substantial multiprocessing performance improvement is expected. To prove the technical feasibility from the architecture standpoint, a conceptual emulation of the centralized shared-memory multiprocessing scheme is demonstrated on a generic PCI subsystem with an optical centralized shared bus.
Plasmin immunization preferentially induces potentially prothrombotic IgG anticardiolipin antibodies in MRL/MpJ mice.

Objective To test the hypothesis, utilizing 2 experimental mouse models, that plasmin is an important autoantigen that drives the production of certain IgG anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies in patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome. Methods BALB/cJ and MRL/MpJ mice were immunized with Freund's complete adjuvant in the presence or absence of human plasmin. The mouse sera were analyzed for production of IgG antiplasmin, IgG aCL, and IgG anti–β2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies. IgG monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were generated from the plasmin-immunized MRL/MpJ mice with high titers of aCL, and these 10 mAb were studied for their binding properties and functional activity in vitro. Results Plasmin-immunized BALB/cJ mice produced high titers of IgG antiplasmin only, while plasmin-immunized MRL/MpJ mice produced high titers of IgG antiplasmin, IgG aCL, and IgG anti-β2GPI. Both strains of mice immunized with the adjuvant alone did not develop IgG antiplasmin or IgG aCL. All 10 of the IgG mAb bound to human plasmin and cardiolipin, while 4 of 10 bound to β2GPI, 3 of 10 bound to thrombin, and 4 of 10 bound to the activated coagulation factor X (FXa). Functionally, 4 of the 10 IgG mAb inhibited plasmin activity, 1 of 10 hindered inactivation of thrombin by antithrombin III, and 2 of 10 inhibited inactivation of FXa by antithrombin III. Conclusion Plasmin immunization leads to production of IgG antiplasmin, aCL, and anti-β2GPI in MRL/MpJ mice, but leads to production of only IgG antiplasmin in BALB/cJ mice. IgG mAb generated from plasmin-immunized MRL/MpJ mice bind to various antigens and exhibit procoagulant activity in vitro. These results suggest that plasmin may drive potentially prothrombotic aCL in genetically susceptible individuals.
Genetic basis of galactosemia.

Classic galactosemia is an inborn error of galactose metabolism and results from deficiency of the ubiquitously expressed enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT). Nine missense mutations, three splicing mutations, three GALT protein polymorphisms, and one silent nucleotide substitution have been identified to data. Most of the disease-causing mutations are rare among patients. The most common mutation, Q188R, has a frequency of only one-fourth in the patient population examined. Three classes of disease-causing mutations have been reported: CRM+ missense mutations (the most common class), CRM− missense mutations, and splicing mutations. Thus, galactosemia is heterogeneous at the molecular level, which is noteworthy in light of the well-documented clinical variability observed in this disorder. It has also been shown that eight of nine galactosemia missense mutations occur in evolutionarily well-conserved domains, suggesting that they affect functionally and/or structurally important residues. In contrast, all protein polymorphisms alter variable amino acids which presumably are not important for the enzyme's function. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.