cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the sensitivity of project variability to activity mean duration

Abstract Traditionally the `importance' of an activity in the PERT model of projects is measured by its `criticality index', which is defined as the probability that the activity will be on the longest path. An insightful discussion by Williams (1992, Journal of Operational Research Society 43, 353–357) revealed that the classical criticality index is not always informative or intuitively appealing. In a recent study by Cho and Yum (1997, International Journal of Production Research 35, 2737–2757), a new `Uncertainty Importance Measure' is defined to measure the effect of the variability in an activity duration on the variability of the overall project duration. They propose Taguchi's sampling technique as a method for analyzing the network. The main contribution of this paper is to study the impact of changing the mean duration of an activity on the variability of the project duration. On the way to accomplish this, we further investigate the accuracy of Taguchi's sampling method for approximating the mean and standard deviation of the project duration, and propose steps that could result in computational savings in large networks.
Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA): Rugby in ‘Our Sea of Islands’

Epeli Hau‘ofa's influential essays ‘Our Sea of Islands’ and ‘The Ocean in Us’ advocated the development of an Oceanic identity for the peoples of the Pacific. That cause, he argued, was consistent with geography, history and the need for coordinated responses to navigate a globalising world. It was also consistent with contemporary regional trends, as evidenced by the rise of cultural, intergovernmental and sporting connections. Though Hau‘ofa did not specifically mention rugby, his work raises important implications for understanding the sport's growing regional possibilities. The following paper analyses the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA) in the context outlined by Hau‘ofa. Founded in 2002, PIRA represented a coordinated response by the Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Rugby Unions to the rise of global professional rugby. PIRA's ‘Pacific Islanders’ team undertook tours to the Southern and Northern Hemispheres in 2004, 2006 and 2008 before the organisation's demise in 2009. The article focuses on the follow...
The five-factor model of personality: Is evidence of its cross-measure validity premature?

Abstract The Adjective Check List (ACL; Gough and Heilbrun, The Adjective Check List Manual. Consulting Psychologists Press, Palo Alto, Calif., 1965) was used to study the cross-measure validity of the five-factor model of personality (McCrea and Costa, J. Person. soc. Psychol. 49, 710–721, 1985; 52, 81–90, 1987). Adjective scales from the ACL were selected as marker variables, in a factor analytic investigation, to assess the generalizability of the proposed five personality traits—Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to experience, Agreeableness-antagonism, and Conscientiousness-undirectedness—across adjective measures. Results of the factorial ACL adjective scales from 143 respondents failed to confirm the structure of the five factor model. Contrary to expectations, none of the hypothesized sets of ACL marker scales converged to form any of the suggested five personality factors. Certain procedural and methodological dissimilarities between the present and former studies are discussed, which may possibly account for the discrepancies in the findings.
Rule Invention in the Acquisition of Morphology Revisited

This paper presents a case study of a language-impaired child who signaled the distinction between English singular and plural using suprasegmental cues rather than the usual segmental form used wi...
Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Determination of Cadmium, Cobalt, and Nickel in Biological Samples Using a Flow Injection System with On-Line Preconcentration by Co-precipitation without Filtration

Cadmium, cobalt, and nickel at ng/g to μg/g levels in plant and animal tissue reference materials and at μg/L levels in blood and urine were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The analyte elements were preconcentrated and separated from the bulk of the matrix by on-line co-precipitation with the hexamethylene ammonium hexamethylene dithiocarbamate iron(II) chelate complex in a flow injection system. The precipitate was collected in a knotted reactor made from 150-cm-long, 0.5-mm-i.d. Microline tubing without using a filter. The precipitate was dissolved in methyl isobutyl ketone and introduced directly into the nebulizer-burner system of an atomic absorption spectrometer. Ascorbic acid in an HC1/KC1 buffer was added on-line in order to reduce iron(III) to iron(II) because of its much better efficiency as a collector for trace elements. Reagent concentrations were optimized so that at least 200 mg/L of iron and 15 mg/L of copper could be tolerated in the sample solution without causing significant interferences. The portion of the analyte retained in the collector was about 70% for cadmium and 50% for cobalt and nickel. Enrichment factors of 24, 19, and 20 were obtained for cadmium, cobalt, and nickel, respectively, with the use of a 40-s co-precipitation time, resulting in enhancement factors, including the effect of the organic solvent, of 52, 43, and 52, respectively. The detection limits (3σ) for cadmium, cobalt and nickel were 0.15, 1.3, and 1.5 μg/L, respectively, and the precision was 1.5% RSD for 10 μg/L, Cd, 2.7% RSD for 50 μg/L Co, and 1.8% RSD for 50 μg/L Ni. The analytical results obtained for a number of standard reference materials and control samples were in good agreement with the certified or recommended values.
Some genetic aspects of familial multiple polyposis of the colon in a kindred of 1,422 members.

Genetic analysis of the kindred in this presentation indicates that the polyposis gene was transmitted as a simple mendelian dominant trait. The data showed no significant deviation from the hypothesis that the sexes are equally affected in polyposis; however, affected fathers produced a slight excess of affected sons, while affected mothers produced a marked excess of affected daughters which approached the P 0.05 level of significance. The incidence at birth of individuals with the polyposis gene was one in 6,850 for this Kentucky survey. Individuals possessing the polyposis gene had a relative biologic fitness of 84.85 per cent when compared with the general population. The penetrance of the polyposis gene in the kindred at the time of the investigation was 49.43 per cent. The mutation rate for the polyposis locus was 12 mutations per million loci per generation. Possible sources of error and bias entering into the above calculations have been discussed.
Immunohistochemistry for beta-catenin in the differential diagnosis of spindle cell lesions: analysis of a series and review of the literature.

Aims Nuclear staining for beta-catenin by immunohistochemistry is being used increasingly to diagnose desmoid tumours (deep fibromatoses), especially where the differential diagnosis includes other abdominal spindle cell neoplasms. This study aimed to define the prevalence of beta-catenin positivity in desmoid tumours and other morphologically similar spindle cell neoplasms. Method and results Nuclear beta-catenin expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 270 soft tissue tumours. Nuclear immunopositivity was detected in 80% of cases of sporadic desmoid fibromatosis (24/30) and in 67% of tumours in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (8/12). Nuclear positivity was also present in 14/25 superficial fibromatoses (56%), 3/10 low-grade myofibroblastic sarcomas (30%), 5/23 solitary fibrous tumours (22%), 1/5 infantile fibrosarcomas (20%), 1/18 desmoplastic fibroblastomas (6%) and 1/21 gastrointestinal stromal tumours (5%). No nuclear immunoreactivity was present in neurofibromas (0/26), schwannomas (0/25), nodular fasciitis (0/19), leiomyosarcomas (0/16), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours (0/12), fibromas of tendon sheath (0/9), lipofibromatoses (0/5), Gardner fibromas (0/4), calcifying aponeurotic fibromas (0/4) or fibromatosis colli (0/1). Conclusion Nuclear staining for beta-catenin is supportive, but not definitive, of the diagnosis of desmoid fibromatosis. No significant difference in immunoreactivity was observed between sporadic and familial desmoid fibromatoses. beta-Catenin negativity does not preclude the diagnosis of fibromatosis.
Modes of Tension Work within the Complex Self

As part of increased attention to the complexity of `self' and subjectivity, Falmagne recently presented a theory in which `self' is seen as constituted through the dialectic among processes at societal, local and `personal' (i.e., agentive) levels. The `self', so constituted, can be hybrid and filled with tensions, yet it remains substantial rather than fluid. Building from this perspective and related approaches, the aim of this article is to contribute to the growing understanding of self complexity by focusing on how individuals create cohesive `selves' and `minds' despite the presence of tension and contradiction. Our focus involves a detailed textual analysis of the `tension work' that individuals perform as they reason through contradictory beliefs. Based on these analyses, this article identifies three unique strategies for creating cohesion amidst contradiction.
In vitro synthesis of a 9 kbp terminally redundant DNA carrying the infectivity of moloney murine leukemia virus

Detergent-disrupted virions of Moloney murine leukemia virus synthesize a 9 kbp double-stranded infectious DNA. It contains mainly full-length, single-stranded DNA, and its infectivity and size are insensitive to digestion by the single-strand-specific S1 nuclease. Analysis of fragmentation of the DNA using restriction endonucleases has shown that it is indistinguishable from the linear double-stranded DNA synthesized in infected cells. On the basis of the positions of the cleavage sites for a number of enzymes, the 9 kbp DNA has a 575 base direct terminal repetition. It is longer than the viral RNA at both ends, evidently due to repetitive copying of segments of the RNA. Virions also synthesize an 8.4 kbp double-stranded circular DNA that lacks one copy of the terminal repetition, as well as viral DNA longer than 9 kbp. The enzymatic machinery in the virions of retroviruses therefore appears to be responsible for all the steps involved in making fully double-stranded linear and one form of circular DNA.
Economic and environmental impacts of trade liberalization: The case of Indonesia

Abstract In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the environmental impacts of trade liberalization. This paper provides further discourse in this area with a study on Indonesia and its trade agreements with Japan (IJEPA) and ASEAN (AFTA). A static global CGE model, known as the Global Trade Analysis Project, was used to project the Indonesian economy to the year 2022, with and without tariff reforms agreed under the agreements. Environmental impacts are assessed using different pollution indicators—air, water and waste. The study suggests that Indonesia would grow rapidly over the period considered with a large deterioration in its environment. Following these, however, the agreements only have a marginal positive impact on Indonesia's output but with a noticeable increase in trade flows and signs of trade diversion. Overall AFTA has a greater impact on the Indonesian economy compared to IJEPA. Similarly, the impact of trade liberalization on the environment is marginal. On the whole, tariff reform is inducing air pollution and reducing water pollution. In conclusion, the study suggests that Indonesia's participation in the AFTA and IJEPA agreements is not likely to bring drastic changes to her economic and environmental performance.
Asian Development Bank's support for clean energy

The Asian Development Bank's (ADB) support for the development of the clean energy sector in Asia and the Pacific is examined, together with its implications for mitigating climate change. A key question is whether financing has shifted from fossil fuel projects to renewable energy and energy efficiency in the past decade (2000–2009). Financial data from the ADB – a multilateral source of significant financing in the region – are assessed, and 127 technology-deploying projects and 199 technical assistance projects are evaluated. The assessment suggests that clean energy assistance has gained momentum during the last few years, peaking in 2008, implying a considerable shift in energy investments from conventional fossil-fuel projects to clean energy. Although private sector involvement has been central to the ADB's investment policy, only 30% of funding has been channelled into this sector over the past decade. The reporting of clean energy investments has also progressed within the ADB by including renewa...
Electronic spectra of intermediate charge transfer complexes of OVCl3 in argon matrices

Abstract The matrix isolation technique has been combined with Vis/UV spectroscopy to characterize electronic transitions in 1:1 complexes of OVCl 3 with a series of lone pair electron donors. Two unstructured absorptions between 400 and 600 nm were observed for each complex, and assigned to intermolecular ligand-to-metal charge transfer transitions. Qualitative agreement between the positions of the two charge transfer bands and the IP for the donor was observed. These charge transfer bands were identified as the photoactive transitions in the subsequent photochemistry of these complexes. Theoretical DFT calculations support the identification of these molecular complexes.
Elastic scattering of pions from the three-nucleon system

We examine the scattering of charged pions from the trinucleon system at a pion energy of 180 MeV. The motivation for this study is the structure seen in the experimental angular distribution of back-angle scattering for {pi}{sup +}-{sup 3}He and {pi}{sup {minus}}-{sup 3}H but for neither {pi}{sup {minus}}-{sup 3}He nor {pi}{sup +}-{sup 3}H. We consider the addition of a double spin flip term to an optical model treatment and find that, though the contribution of this term is non-negligible at large angles for {pi}{sup +}-{sup 3}He and {pi}{sup {minus}}-{sup 3}H, it does not reproduce the structure seen in the experiment. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Device physics of nanocrystalline silicon solar cells

We investigate the electronic properties of nanocrystalline silicon solar cells. It is shown that the material behaves very similarly to crystalline silicon but with mobility and minority carrier lifetimes being significantly lower than in c-Si. Mobility is shown to increase with grain size. Minority carrier lifetime was measured and shown to be inversely proportional to defect density. The recombination defects are shown to be approximately 0.4 eV below the conduction band. It is also shown that the fundamental optical absorption itself depends upon the grain size. We also show that a gradient of ppm levels of doping can improve the performance of solar cells by introducing a built infield. We also show that a post-deposition H anneal can reduce the defects and improve performance of devices made at higher temperatures.
Excess free energy of a two-component mixture of hard disks slightly different in size

Abstract The excess free energy g E of a mixture of hard disks with slightly different sizes is obtained by perturbation. The quantities involved are evaluated within the fluid region by the Monte Carlo method: g E is always small compared to kT .
Effect of dexamethasone on cortisol and prolactin responses to meals in bulimic and normal women

In normal individuals, serum cortisol and prolactin concentrations have been shown to rise following a mid-day meal. To determine whether abnormalities of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in bulimics lead to a disrupted hormonal response to eating, cortisol and prolactin responses to meals (600 kcal, 30% protein, 30% fat, 40% carbohydrate) were studied on two consecutive days in six normal weight bulimics and six normal volunteers. Dexamethasone (1 mg orally) was administered at 2330 h after baseline sampling. During baseline sampling, cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in the bulimics (18.2±0.9 μg/dl, mean ± SEM) than in the normals (12.1±0.4 μg/dl) (p<0.001). Post-dexamethasone cortisol concentrations also were higher in the bulimics (5.7±0.3 μg/dl) than in the normals (1.2±0.2 μg/dl) (p<0.001). The three bulimics with a major depressive disorder had higher peak post-dexamethasone cortisol concentrations than the nondepressed bulimics. Dexamethasone significantly enhanced the prolactin response to meals among both bulimics (at 90 min post onset of eating) and normals (at 60, 75 and 90 min post onset of eating). This enhancement of the prolactin response to meals by dexamethasone is opposite to the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on stress-induced prolactin release and suggesting that stress-induced and meal-induced prolactin release involve different neuroendocrine mechanisms.
Surfactant−Semiconductor Interfaces: Perturbation of the Photoluminescence of Bulk Cadmium Selenide by Adsorption of Tri-n-octylphosphine Oxide as a Probe of Solution Aggregation with Relevance to Nanocrystal Stabilization

The band edge photoluminescence (PL) of bulk single-crystal n-CdSe is perturbed by adsorption of tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) from toluene solution onto the crystal's 0001, 0001, and 1120 faces. These are three of the crystal faces observed in studies of CdSe nanocrystals, which are commonly capped with TOPO surfactant molecules to control their properties. At low concentration, where monomeric TOPO dominates the toluene solution composition, reversible PL enhancements are observed, indicating that the adsorbate is acting as a labile Lewis base toward the surface. However, above ∼10 mM concentration, there is an abrupt reversal in the PL signature, such that net quenching of PL is observed relative to the PL intensity in the toluene reference ambient. The PL changes at concentrations above 10 mM are not reversible with toluene rinsing, and are associated with a strongly bound species of Lewis acidic character that requires exposure to a strong base such as pyridine for desorption. XPS data are cons...
Formation of Stable Nanocapsules from Polymerizable Phospholipids

The formation of lipid-based hollow, spherical nanocapsules is reported. Polymerizable phospholipids equipped with divinylbenzoyl functionality in their headgroup region are synthesized to explore their polymerization behavior in vesicles. Polymerizable phospholipids alone or as mixtures with phosphatidylcholine produced vesicles as an aqueous dispersion and produced stable nanocapsules upon polymerization at room temperature. These structures survived lyophilization and a redispersion cycle and maintained their structural integrity in nonaqueous solvent. Vesicles were used for encapsulating enzymes in their hydrophilic cores.
Factors Affecting College Students' Perceptions of Sexual Relationships Between High School Students and Teachers

This study explored the effects of respondent gender, gender combination (male teacher/female student versus female teacher/male student), and teacher age (24 versus 39-years-old) on the perception of a sexual relationship between a teacher and a 16-year-old student. Participants were 80 male and 80 female undergraduates. A MANOVA yielded significant main effects for respondent gender and gender combination. Subsequent ANOVAs indicated that men generally viewed the experience more positively and that the male teacher/female student combination was viewed more negatively than the female teacher/male student pairing.
Integration and Disintegration: A Political Geography of the European Union.

Abstract In the 40 years since the Treaty of Rome, we have witnessed a Europe that has become increasingly economically and politically integrated. However, just as that integration is producing a form of united Europe, it is also fostering a new interest in the decentralization of power. This article describes the moves towards integration and disintegration in the European Union (EU) today and discusses the implications of those trends for the future of the sovereign state. Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are used as examples of the way in which regions and political parties have been affected by the process of European integration and of how regions are beginning to use the European Union's financial and political resources to wrest power from the core states.
Early initiation of colorectal cancer screening in individuals with affected first-degree relatives.

Several guidelines recommend initiating colorectal cancer screening at age 40 for individuals with affected first-degree relatives, yet little evidence exists describing how often these individuals receive screening procedures. To determine the proportion of individuals in whom early initiation of colorectal cancer screening might be indicated and whether screening disparities exist. Population-based Supplemental Cancer Control Module to the 2000 National Health Interview Survey. Respondents, 5,564, aged 40 to 49 years were included within the analysis. Patient self-report of sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or fecal occult blood test. Overall, 279 respondents (5.4%: 95% C.I., 4.7, 6.2) reported having a first-degree relative affected with colorectal cancer. For individuals with a positive family history, 67 whites (27.9%: 95% C.I., 21.1, 34.5) and 3 African American (9.3%: 95% C.I., 1.7, 37.9) had undergone an endoscopic procedure within the previous 10 years (P-value = .03). After adjusting for age, family history, gender, educational level, insurance status, and usual source of care, whites were more likely to be current with early initiation endoscopic screening recommendations than African Americans (OR = 1.38: 95% C.I., 1.01, 1.87). Having an affected first-degree relative with colorectal cancer appeared to have a stronger impact on endoscopic screening for whites (OR = 3.21: 95% C.I., 2.31, 4.46) than for African Americans (OR = 1.05: 95% C.I., 0.15, 7.21). White participants with a family history are more likely to have endoscopic procedures beginning before age 50 than African Americans.
Parameter Sensitivity as a Criterion for Evaluating and Comparing the Performance of Biochemical Systems

Parameter sensitivity is a theoretical criterion that can be used in the quantitative evaluation and comparison of different biochemical systems that regulate, for example, the supply of end product.
LONG‐TERM EXPECTATIONS FOR FINANCING HIGHER EDUCATION

It is an error to base higher education enrollment projections solely on birth statistics of twenty years earlier. Nationwide enrollment may show substantial increases during the present decade, and ultimately very great gains are probable. Federal support will. in the long run come to exceed the contribution of the states. The view of higher education as a private purchase of a consumers1 good, for private gratification and aggrandizement, is slowly changing to the salutary view that higher education is a public service whose benefits accrue chiefly to the whole society. An interlude of emphasis of federal tax-cuting need not necessarily mean that the fifty states will abandon themselves to fiscal austerity for higher education.
Nuclear quadrupole interaction in the Fe 2 + ion including many-body effects

The shielding factor $R$ for the field gradient due to valence electrons in the ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ ion has been studied by the many-body perturbation-theoretic procedure including correlation effects. The calculated value of ($1\ensuremath{-}R$) comes out as 0.93, consistency and correlation effects being, respectively, - 1.3% and - 10.8% of the lowest-order conventional Sternheimer contribution to $R$. Our calculated value of ($1\ensuremath{-}R$) is about 35% larger than the earlier commonly accepted value of 0.68. This earlier value, which corresponds to an unusually large $R$ as compared to most other systems, is shown to be a consequence of combining a calculated radial contribution to $R$, comparable to our result, with an angular contribution which is a substantial overestimate over both our results and those obtained by Sternheimer by a different procedure. Using our value of ($1\ensuremath{-}R$), the quadrupole moment $Q$ of $^{57}\mathrm{Fe}^{m}$, based on M\"ossbauer data in FeSi${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}6${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, is significantly reduced from 0.21 barn obtained using the earlier value of ($1\ensuremath{-}R$) to a new value $Q=0.15$ b.
An ecological model of Lake Ontario

Abstract An ecological model of the epilimnion, hypolimnion and sediment of Lake Ontario is described. The model is based on realistic process equations posed by experimentalists over the past several decades and it simulates observations made of several phytoplankton and zooplankton groups; components of the phosphorus, nitrogen, silicon and carbon cycles; dissolved oxygen; and particulate sediment and pore water dynamics during the International Field Year for the Great Lakes (IFYGL). Model output is aggregated into a carbon flow diagram to illustrate the importance of detritus and herbivorous zooplankton in the ecology of Lake Ontario. The model serves as a synthesis tool for analysis of the large ecosystem.
Sustainable Swimming Speeds of Striped Bass Larvae

Abstract Sustainable swimming speeds, defined as speeds maintained in 1-h tests, were measured for three size-classes (6–6.9 mm, 7–7.9 mm, and 8–8.9 mm) of larval striped bass Morone saxatilis. Probit analysis was used to find failure velocities (the water velocity at which 50% of the larvae fail to sustain swimming speed) and confidence intervals for each size-class. Failure velocities were 1.7, 2.1, and 3.0 cm/s for 6–6.9-mm, 7–7.9-mm, and 8–8.9-mm larvae, respectively. There was a general improvement in swimming performance with age, There was no difference in swimming ability due to the presence or absence of an inflated swim bladder. Striped bass larvae approached the upper range of swimming speeds recorded for other larval fishes and reached speeds of 3–4 body lengths/s, which are comparable to adult fish speeds. The relatively high speeds attained by striped bass larvae may improve feeding success rates by increasing the volume of water larvae are capable of searching for food.
Adsorption of iron oxide nanoclusters stabilized with sulfonated copolymers on silica in concentrated NaCl and CaCl2 brine

Transport of metal oxide nanoparticles in porous rock is of interest for imaging and oil recovery in subsurface reservoirs, which often contain concentrated brine. Various copolymers composed of acrylic acid and either 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate or styrenesulfonate were synthesized and adsorbed on iron oxide nanoclusters to provide colloidal stability and to achieve low adsorption on silica in high salinity brine composed of 8%wt. NaCl+2%wt. CaCl2. Furthermore, the degree of adsorption of the nanoparticles on silica was controlled by modifying the acrylic acid groups in the copolymers with a series of diamines and triamines to add hydrophobicity. The adsorption on colloidal silica microparticles ranged from <1 mg/m(2) for highly charged hydrophilic surfaces on the iron oxide nanoparticles to 22 mg/m(2) for the most hydrophobic amine-modified surfaces, corresponding to monolayer coverages that ranged from 0.2% to 11.5%, respectively. The specific adsorption (mg-IO/m(2)-silica), monolayer coverage, and parameters for Langmuir isotherms were evaluated for various IO nanoclusters as a function of the properties of the copolymers on their surfaces.
The responsible use of online social networking: who should mentor medical students.

Background: As medical students become more active in online social networking (OSN), there are increasing concerns regarding violations of patient privacy and a lack of professionalism. Purpose: Students need to be mentored, but who is best suited to the task? We hypothesized that residents are closer to students in usage and attitudes toward online communication than are faculty. If so, they would be more credible as mentors. Methods: We surveyed faculty (N = 16), 1st-year residents (N = 120), and 3rd-year medical students (N = 130) to compare attitudes about OSN and the online usage patterns. Results: We found residents to be more like students in usage patterns of personal electronic media and in their choice of the mentoring techniques that should be used. Conclusion: Residents say they were not prepared to mentor students without additional guidance but were more confident than faculty members that they had the knowledge to do so.
Activation of phospholipase D in human platelets by collagen and thrombin and its relationship to platelet aggregation.

Abstract Stimulation of phospholipase D after activation of cell surface receptors has been reported in many cell types. We have investigated the mechanism of activation of this enzyme by collagen in the human platelet by assaying the release of [3H]methylcholine from [3H]methylphosphatidylcholine. Results from these studies suggest that phospholipase D activity is regulated by reversible phosphorylation. Phospholipase D activity was stimulated when platelet-rich plasma was preincubated with collagen and was not inhibited by aspirin. Among various aggregating agents tested, collagen and thrombin but not ADP activated phospholipase D activity (2- to 3-fold). The addition of sphingosine inhibited phospholipase D activity. Preincubation of platelet-rich plasma with sphingosine inhibited collagen- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and the release of ATP. The inhibitory effect of sphingosine on collagen- and thrombin- induced platelet aggregation and release of ATP was dose-dependent. The functional significance of phospholipase D activation was also tested by examining the effect of the product, phosphatidic acid, on collagen-induced platelet aggregation and release of ATP. Platelet shape change and the reversibility of platelet aggregation resulted by the addition of phosphatidic acid to platelet-rich plasma. Furthermore, the simultaneous addition of phosphatidic acid and collagen shortened the latency period but had no effect on platelet aggregation. Two platelet proteins (47 kDa and 22 kDa) increased in phosphorylation after the addition of 1 |gmM phosphatidic acid which did not cause platelet aggregation. These results suggest that collagen stimulates phospholipase D activity which plays a secondary role in platelet aggregation and the release reaction.
Value of ventricular electrogram recordings in the diagnosis of arrhythmias precipitating electrical device shock therapy

Abstract An antitachycardia pacemaker-cardioverter-defibrillator that is capable of storing ventricular electrograms before and after delivery of device shock therapy was implanted in 16 patients. Three of the patients experienced out-of-hospital device shock therapy preceded by minimal symptoms. Although limitations of electrogram analysis exist and are discussed, careful analysis and registration of electrograms during all supraventricular and ventricular rhythms observed during in-hospital testing served as an important reference for subsequent arrhythmia diagnosis. By analyzing the electrogram rate and RR interval stability and configuration, a definitive diagnosis was established in all three patients (atrial fibrillation, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and rate-sensing lead disruption, respectively). Thus, the ability to store ventricular electrograms before shock therapy represents a major advance in the management of patients who receive an electrical device to treat ventricular tachyarrhythmia.
Analytical-Finite Element hybrid model for CMUT arrays with arbitrary membrane geometry

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of CMUT arrays offers flexibility with membrane geometry, but it can become computationally expensive as the transducer array and fluidic space increases in size. The objective is to combine the modeling flexibility of 3D FEA with the computational effectiveness of 2D numerical methods to analyze and design CMUT arrays with arbitrary membrane shapes. Effective numerical methods for CMUT arrays combine finite difference (FD) approximations of thin plate equations with fluid coupling through the use of the Boundary Element Method. As such, the array can be modeled with a 2D surface mesh, but the thin plate approximations limit the analysis to CMUTs with high aspect ratios and uniform surfaces. A hybrid method using static FEA (COMSOL 4.2a) of an individual CMUT membrane was used to generate an equivalent stiffness matrix associated with the mesh density of the 2D surface, eliminating the dependence on the thin plate approximation. This FEA need only be performed once for a given geometry and mesh density as it is reused for an entire array. The resonant frequency of square CMUTs with 2 μm thickness in vacuum was evaluated using FD and hybrid methods. The hybrid method shows good agreement with full FEA, while the FD method deviated for low aspect ratios. Hybrid analysis of mass-loaded CMUTs with an aluminum electrode for operation at ~40 MHz shows good agreement FEA analysis while reducing the computation time by a factor of 20 for a simple array simulation.
Motor vehicle accidents related to psychiatric impairment.

Abstract To aid in preventing motor vehicle accidents, physicians should be aware of psychiatric factors related to impaired driving ability. Individuals with alcoholism and personality disorders account for much of the increased risk of accidents among the mentally ill. Alcoholics are involved in one third of accidents involving fatalities. Contrary to speculation, less than 5% of such accidents represent suicides. Individuals with antisocial traits and personality also appear to have an important role in motor vehicle accidents. These accidents are often preceded by stressful life events, especially disruption of important relationships. Alcohol and other substances also contribute to accident risk.
Prognosis of acute severe autoimmune hepatitis (AS-AIH): the role of corticosteroids in modifying outcome

Background & Aims No standardised definition exists for acute, severe AIH (AS-AIH). However, rapid identification of AS-AIH and early corticosteroid therapy may prevent the need for liver transplantation (LT). We set out to determine the clinical outcomes of patients with AS-AIH presenting to our institution with particular focus on the role of corticosteroids. Methods Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collated database identified patients presenting with AS-AIH from 1999 to 2009. We defined AS-AIH as an acute presentation with an INR of ⩾1.5 at any time without histological evidence of cirrhosis. Results 32 patients were identified with AS-AIH. Among the 32 AS-AIH patients 23 were treated with corticosteroids of whom 10 (48%) required LT, whilst all 9 untreated patients required LT ( p =0.01). Untreated patients demonstrated higher MELD scores at presentation (34 vs. 28 p =0.01) and a non-significant decrease in episodes of sepsis but no difference in sepsis or mortality was observed between untreated or treated patients (11% vs. 26% p =0.6 and 22% vs. 17% p =0.99 respectively). Among treated patients, no difference in MELD scores was observed between responders or failures. Despite 59% undergoing LT, six deaths (19%) occurred. Conclusion In a well characterised cohort of patients with AS-AIH, almost 60% required LT and 20% died. There was no difference in prognostic scores between steroid responders and failures and steroid exposure did not appear to jeopardise survival. Patients with AS-AIH should be considered for a trial of corticosteroids expediently whilst a thorough search for sepsis and assessment for LT should occur if clinical deterioration or encephalopathy develops.
PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, and THERMAL CHARACTERIZATION of WHEAT FLOUR MILLING COPRODUCTS

Hard red winter (HRW) and hard red spring (HRS) wheat milling coproducts (bran, germ, shorts, and red dog) from three commercial pour mills and the Kansas State University pilot mill were evaluated for diferences in physical, chemical, and thermal properties. The ranges of bulk density for bran, germ, and red dog determined at three moisture levels were 146.5 to 205.2 kgm’l, 269.2 to 400.6 kgm”, and 298.9 to 398.1 kgm;’, respectively. The true density ranking order was: red dog > shorts = germ > bran, independently of the moisture level. Red dog had the smallest geometrical mean diameter with the highest variation (coeficient of variation of 23.8%). There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference among wheat blends and milling flows in the thickness of bran and germ at the same particle separation size. The image analysis study determined that the equivalent projected area diameter of bran at the same
Defective-interfering particles of the human parvovirus adeno-associated virus.

Abstract We have previously shown that adeno-associated virus (AAV) grown in KB cells with a helper adenovirus, produced several classes of particles defined by their buoyant density in CsCl. The predominant density classes were referred to as AAV(1.450, AAV(1.41), AAV(1.35), and AAV(1.32), respectively, where the density of the particles was written in the parentheses. The AAV(1.45) and AAV(1.41) particles which contained standard genomes were the only infectious AAV particles. These infectious AAV particles exhibited autointerference. The light-density AAV(1.35) and (1.32) particles contained aberrant (deleted and/or snap-back) genomes. We report here experiments which show that the light-density AAV particles were noninfectious but interfered with the replication of AAV(1.41). The interference was intracellular and resulted in inhibition of synthesis of standard (14.5 S) AAV genomes. In some cases there was also a concomitant increase in synthesis of aberrant, shorter AAV DNA. The inhibitory activity of the light-density particles was abolished by uv irradiation. These results show that the population of light AAV particles contained DI particles. The observed autointerference of AAV(1.45) or AAV(1.41) virus is postulated to be due to AAV DI particles. Replication of AAV DI genomes appeared to require the presence of replicating, standard AAV genomes. This is interpreted to mean that progeny strand replication of AAV requires an AAV-specified product, presumably the AAV capsid protein. In contrast to standard, infectious AAV, the AAV DI particles alone do not inhibit replication of the helper adenovirus.
Spontaneous pup‐killing by mice in response to large litters

Primiparous lactating nice mice whose young were removed on the day of parturition were presented with foster litters of either 12 or 16 day-old young. The adults spontaneously killed young during Day 3-7 of the lactation period, killing more in the 16-pup than in the 12-pup litter. The lactating animal appeared to select the young to be killed on the basis of body weight. It killed significantly more young that were in the bottom half than in the top half of the weight range for its particular litter.
Activity of Local Anesthetic Agents in Goldfish

The activity of procaine hydrochloride, lidocaine hydrochloride, tetracaine hydrochloride, and dibucaine hydrochloride in producing overturn in goldfish was measured in pH 8.0 buffer. Calculation of the apparent minimum effective concentration of local anesthetic necessary to result in overturn of the goldfish showed that the activity of these agents increased in the following order: procaine hydrochloride < lidocaine hydrochloride < tetracaine hydrochloride < dibucaine hydrochloride. The effect of these agents on goldfish can be correlated with previous work on the minimum concentration necessary to block conduction in isolated nerve and muscle fibers. The activity of the local anesthetic agents could be explained, in part, by the relationship between the chloroform-pH 8 buffer partition coefficient and the minimum effective concentration in goldfish. Experimental results indicate that the unionized drug molecule is responsible for the observed effects.
Anti-CD3-induced T-cell activation — II. Effect of 2,3,7,8- Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD)

An in vivo model was used to examine the effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on various parameters of T-cell-activation. In this model, the hamster anti-mouse monoclonal antibody 145-2C11 (anti-CD3) to the CD3 portion of the murine T-cell receptor was injected into both rear footpads of female C57B1/6 mice and the draining popliteal and inguinal lymph node cells (LNC) were removed 24 h later. Cyclosporin A (CsA) was included as a known immunosuppressive control. As expected, CsA (50 mg/kg, i.p.) suppressed anti-CD3-induced proliferation, IL-2-driven 3H-TdR incorporation, and IL-2R expression. In contrast, TCDD unexpectedly enhanced anti-CD3-induced 3H-TdR incorporation. Flow cytometric analysis showed that TCDD treatment increased the percentage of both CD4+ and CD8+ cells cycling in S and G2M. LNC from TCDD-treated mice also had enhanced 3H-TdR incorporation when cultured in the presence of a saturating amount of exogenous mIL-2. TCDD did not significantly alter the percent positive or the number of IL-2 receptors (IL-2R) on either CD4+ or CD8+ cells when examined at several time points after anti-CD3 treatment. Both the kinetics and extent of anti-CD3-induced down-modulation of CD3 expression on CD4+ and CD8+ cells was unaffected by TCDD. TCDD alone did not result in enhanced 3H-TdR incorporation, cell cycling or IL-2R expression. Therefore, TCDD appears to be targeting T-cells that are undergoing activation rather than resting cells. The strength of the anti-CD3 model is evidenced by the fact that two known immunosuppressive compounds (CsA and TCDD) have distinct and opposite effects on T-cell activation. These findings suggest that the mechanism(s) by which CsA and TCDD impair T-cell function are different.
Design and testing of a disposable microfluidic chemiluminescent immunoassay for disease biomarkers in human serum samples.

This paper presents the development of a plastic microfluidic immunosensor for rapid, reliable and on-the-spot detection of disease biomarkers in human sera. The microfluidic chips were fabricated in cyclic polyolefin by hot-embossing with a silicon master mold. The master itself was made using photolithographic techniques and Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE). As a platform model, serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), a cardiac and inflammation marker, was measured on-chip using chemiluminescence based immunoassay. The assay results were read via an on-board instant photographic film, and with an imager capable of detecting chemiluminescent signals. The on-board detection module obviates the need for any dedicated bench-top analyzer for reading the immunoassay results, and therefore makes the device self-sufficient for point-of-care diagnostics when simple positive/negative results are sought. The microfluidic chemiluminescence results were compared with standard microplate ELISA analysis to assess the accuracy of the developed microfluidic immunoassay. Screening of CRP in human serum samples showed good correlation with ELISA analysis and the mean difference between the two methods using the Bland and Altman method was −0.079 ± 0.858 mg/L for hsCRP. With approximate assay times of 25 min, the developed microfluidic immunoassay approach shows great potential for rapid plus sensitive detection of disease markers at the point-of-care.
Synergies between VSWIR and TIR data for the urban environment: An evaluation of the potential for the Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) Decadal Survey mission

Abstract This study provides an introduction to the HyspIRI mission a National Research Council “Decadal Survey” mission that combines a 213 channel visible, near−infrared and shortwave infrared (VSWIR) imaging spectrometer with an 8 channel multispectral thermal infrared (TIR) instrument and evaluates some of its potential in urban science. Potential synergies between VSWIR and TIR data are explored using analogous airborne data acquired over the Santa Barbara metropolitan region in June, 2008. These data were analyzed at both their native spatial resolutions (7.5 m VSWIR and 15 m TIR), and aggregated 60 m spatial resolution similar to HyspIRI. A spectral library of dominant urban materials (e.g., grass, trees, soil, roof types, roads) was developed from field and airborne-measured spectra using Multiple-Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis (MESMA) and used to map fractions of impervious, soil, green vegetation (GV, e.g., trees, lawn) and non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV). Land Surface Temperature (LST) and emissivity were also retrieved from the airborne data. Co-located pixels from the VSWIR and TIR airborne data were used to generate reflectance/emissivity spectra for a subset of urban materials. MESMA was used to map GV, NPV, soil and impervious fractions at the different spatial resolutions and compare the fractional estimates across spatial scales. Important surface energy parameters, including albedo, vegetation cover fraction, broadband emissivity and surface temperature were also determined for and evaluated for 14 urban and natural land-cover classes in the region. Fractions were validated using 1 m digital photography. Fractions for GV and NPV were highly correlated with validation fractions at all spatial scales, producing a near 1:1 relationship but with a
Wirelessly Powered Passive Systems With Dynamic Energy Storage Mechanism

Wirelessly powered passive sensors extract the required energy from external radiators. However, their sensitivity is typically worse than -20 dBm due to the limitation of the RF power harvesting. We study the theoretical and practical constraints on the RF power scavenging at low incident power levels. The concept of dynamic energy storage is introduced to enable the operation of the wirelessly powered passive systems at very low input power levels. The extra received power beyond the sensitivity level is stored and later used to enhance the sensitivity of the wireless sensor. As a proof of concept, an integrated wirelessly powered passive transponder with dynamic energy storage mechanism and sensitivity enhancement is designed and fabricated in a 0.13- μm CMOS technology. Based on the measurement results, the sensitivity of the wireless sensor with matching circuitry has been improved from -18.2 to -27.5 dBm at 900 MHz. The total chip area is 0.8 mm × 0.9 mm.
Optimal synthesis of a geared four-link mechanism

Abstract Geared linages often present better transmission characteristics and greater ranges of input and output rotation than pivoted linkages. The method of complex numbers (see reference [4]) is well suited for the analysis and synthesis of geared linkages, and is therefore applied in the present paper to develop the equations of synthesis for a geared four-link function generator consisting of a frame, input crank, coupler and output gear, where the coupler is formed as a rack to engage the output gear. Solutions are derived for 3, 4 and 5 point approximations of function generation, including optimization to minimize structural error. The mechanism permits large input and output rotations with good transmission characteristics. The solutions have been programmed for automatic digital computation and numerical examples are given which demonstrate the favorable characteristics of this mechanism.