cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Media Access: A Question of Design

This essay, written for a symposium in honor of Jerome Barron, asks what media access means in the age of the Internet. Twentieth century debates about media access presupposed a relatively small group of private media owners who tightly controlled access and who combined content delivery with content production. Today a central element of many telecommunications business models is providing widespread access to content delivery systems and encouraging mass participation in content production. That is because many business models increasingly depend on attracting user-generated content.In 1967, Jerome Barron argued that First Amendment doctrines created by courts could help secure media access and promote public participation in mass media. Although First Amendment *values* remain important in shaping public policy and technological design, the First Amendment itself, at least as interpreted by courts, will do relatively little to promote these goals.When people debate whether the First Amendment guarantees positive rights enforceable by courts, or rights of access to private media, they have probably already assumed a particular kind of media ecology, and taken existing business models and technology as a given. This is a mistake. Technology policy is prior to these rights questions. It is not prior logically or jurisprudentially, but practically. If the system of mass communications is designed correctly, better media access is already built into the system and into the existing models of business competition. The Internet by itself does not guarantee effective media access. It has to be built in a certain way: to facilitate openness and participation. Judges are not particularly good at this task.The basic problem of media access is not constitutional in the legal sense, i.e., what the U.S. Constitution demands or forbids. Rather, it is "constitutional" in a technological and social sense: what kinds of technologies, business models, social formations, and user practices constitute the media ecology. To promote media access today, we must look beyond the boundaries of judicially created First Amendment rights; we must look instead to issues of technological design and to law's role in shaping and regulating technologies, business models, and end-user practices.
Steroid Lysis of Protoplasts and Effects of Stabilizers and Steroid Antagonists

Six synthetic antimicrobial steroids were examined for indications of their mechanism of action. Dequadin acetate, cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), and sodium deoxycholate were studied for comparison. Aerated cells of Sarcina lutea were washed, suspended in 1.06 M sucrose, and converted to protoplasts with 20 μg/ml of lysozyme. Lysis was measured optically at 650 mμ as a decrease in optical density. Screening tests with 50 μg/ml of each compound showed five steroids and CPC to be lytic. Protoplasts were strongly protected from lysis by pretreatment with 0.001 to 0.004 M spermine tetrahydrochloride. Other polyamines, such as spermidine phosphate, were less protective, and putrescine was ineffective. Uranyl nitrate (5 × 10-4 M) rapidly agglutinated protoplasts and protected them from rupture by the lytic agents. Similar studies with 0.001 to 0.004 M Mg++ showed varying degrees of protection, which, in most cases, was only temporary. Steroidal lysis did not appear to be related to chelation, since ethylenediaminetetraacetate did not cause lysis alone and antagonized some lytic compounds. Lecithin, Tween 80, Tween 20, and Span 20 at 0.05% exhibited certain effects on protoplast stability. Span 20 strongly prevented lysis by steroids. Tween 20 alone quickly caused protoplast rupture. Lecithin and Tween 80, which also caused lysis alone, interfered with lytic steroids and CPC. The test compounds were both inhibitory and lethal to cells of Sarcina lutea. The results suggest that direct action on cell membranes may be chiefly responsible for the antimicrobial properties of the steroids.
GPCR-Gs-mediated cyclic AMP signaling for neuritogenesis, growth arrest, and cell survival is parcellated among the cAMP sensors NCS/Rapgef2, Epac, and PKA (843.7)

Ligands that elevate cAMP through Gs-coupled GPCR activation have profound effects on the differentiation of neuroendocrine cells. Using the PC12 cell subclone NS-1, we found that cAMP-induced neur...
The Flip Side of the Coin: Nascent Technology Ventures and Corporate Venture Funding - Executive Summary

My study examines when and why technology entrepreneurs raise venture funding from corporations. I focus on how strategic and social capital drivers influence entrepreneurs when making these critical funding decisions for their technology ventures. I draw on previous research on resource dependence, appropriability, and social capital to argue when entrepreneurs will seek corporate venture funding. Utilizing empirical data on venture fundraising rounds over a 25-year period, I assess which factors explain these funding decisions. My findings suggest that resource needs, technology development, prominent affiliate partners, and socio-regional differences influence entrepreneurs when deciding to raise funding from corporations.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemias

Acute myelogenous leukemias (AMLs)are aggressive hematological neoplasms that require,in most cases,urgent treatment.Despite intensive treatment with cytostatic drugs,only a minority of patients can be cured at present.In adults,about 80%of all acute leukemias belong to the group of AML.The term “acute nonlymphocytic leukemia ” is often used interchangeably for AML.The incidence of AML is about three to four new cases per 100,000 persons.AML is rare in children and young adults;the incidence of AML increases with advancing age,the median age being between 60 and 70 yr.
What Is “Regime Change From Within?” Unpacking the Concept in the Context of Iran

The use of the phrase “regime change from within” has surged in recent years in media, policy, and opposition discourse, especially in relation to the Islamic Republic of Iran. But what does “regime change from within” actually mean? Is it just a script to encourage the aspirations of a people, or can it be defined with more specificity? This article argues that to be of value as a concept and the basis for articulate policy, “regime change from within” needs to be better defined. To bring greater clarity to the term, the article tries to unpack the concept by disaggregating it into three analytically separable problem components: the “regime,” “change,” and “from within.” Drawing on the case of Iran, I argue that although most of the current debate around the concept is on the “from within” component, the definitional choices that need more discussion are the “regime” and “change” aspects of the phrase.
The Changing Epidemiology of Stroke in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). (P1.089)

Objective:to analyze trends in the incidence of stroke with AIDS, demographics and AIDS related conditions over the last decade. Background:Patients with AIDS develop ischemic stroke through distinct mechanisms. These include infections(syphilis, tuberculosis, varicella), cocaine abuse, endocarditis and hypercoagulability. The effect of improved awareness, increased detection and treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART) on the incidence and demographics of AIDS patients with stroke is unknown. Methods:Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample(NIS) from 2001-2010 were analyzed. Patients with diagnoses of ischemic stroke and AIDS were identified using ICD-9codes. Certain AIDS associated conditions were also evaluated. Demographics, survival and frequency of AIDS associated conditions were analyzed for trends over time. Results:Proportion of AIDS among incident stroke patients increased significantly in the first half of the decade but leveled off in the latter half. Median age of all strokes decreased from 76y in 2001 to 72y in 2010. Conversely, the median age for men and women with stroke and AIDS increased from 44y to 51y and from 39y to 50y respectively. Proportion of stroke patients >60y decreased significantly across the decade from 83.8[percnt] to 76.6[percnt]. Proportion of men with stroke and AIDS >60y increased from 8.9[percnt] to 21.7[percnt], and women with stroke and AIDS >60y increased from 2.1[percnt] to 13.2[percnt]. Death rates from stroke in the AIDS patient declined, consistent with the improved survival in the general stroke population. Stroke patients with AIDS had increased odds of syphilis, varicella, tuberculosis, endocarditis, cocaine abuse and hypercoagulability, but the trends in incidence of these conditions were unchanged. Conclusions:There is an increased frequency of AIDS among stroke patients, possibly due to the increased detection of AIDS. In the HAART era, the median age of incident stroke in AIDS has increased. Whether HAART can reduce the incidence and improve survival of stroke needs to be explored. Disclosure: Dr. Kucab has received personal compensation for activities with Bayer HealthCare as an advisory board participant. Dr. Bhattacharya has nothing to disclose.
Response to Diet and Cholestyramine in a Patient with Sitosterolemia

In this report, an 11-year-old boy with diffuse tendinous and tuberous xanthomatosis and a plasma sterol concentration of 555 mg/dL, consisting primarily of cholesterol, is described. Three months after changing from an unrestricted diet to a cholesterol-lowering diet, his plasma sterol concentration decreased to 221 mg/dL. Because of the degree and rapidity of his response to diet, sitosterolemia was suspected. According to results of capillary gas-liquid chromatography of his plasma sterols, there was a sitosterol concentration of 31.3 mg/dL (normal less than 1.0 mg/dL), establishing the diagnosis of sitosterolemia. Addition of cholestyramine therapy (8 g/d) to a low sterol diet further lowered his plasma sterol concentration to 173 mg/dL and led to complete regression of all tuberous xanthomata. Tendinous xanthomata regressed at a slower rate. These findings show that the diagnosis of sitosterolemia should be suspected in severely hypercholesterolemic children (total cholesterol greater than 400 mg/dL) whose plasma cholesterol level is highly responsive to dietary manipulation. The rapid and sustained lowering of plasma cholesterol and regression of xanthomata after treatment with diet and cholestyramine suggest that sitosterolemia is a treatable cause of premature atherosclerosis.
Temporary Postoperative Epicardial Pacing Electrodes: Their Value and Management After Open-Heart Surgery

ince 1964, temporary epicardial pacemaking electrodes have been placed routinely at the time of operation in most patients underS going open-heart surgery at this institution and at St. Vincent Hospital. This practice was initiated as a precaution against postoperative heart block in isolated cases involving repair of tetralogy of Fallot or correction of ventricular septa1 defects. As our experience grew, however, we came to realize the frequent value of these electrodes in establishing a stable cardiac rhythm during the postoperative period. Friesen et al. [l] subsequently showed the value of atrial pacing in increasing postoperative cardiac output. Consequently, for the past two years most patients except those with long-standing atrial fibrillation have had both atrial and ventricular pacing wires placed prior to closure of the chest. The purpose of this paper is to describe our method of placement and the subsequent management of these temporary pacing wires.
Severity of alcohol-induced painful peripheral neuropathy in female rats: Role of estrogen and protein kinase (A and Cε)

Small-fiber painful peripheral neuropathy, a complication of chronic ethanol ingestion, is more severe in women. In the present study, we have replicated this clinical finding in the rat and evaluated for a role of estrogen and second messenger signaling pathways. The alcohol diet (6.5% ethanol volume:volume in Lieber-DeCarli formula) induced hyperalgesia with more rapid onset and severity in females. Following ovariectomy, alcohol failed to induce hyperalgesia in female rats, well past its time to onset in gonad intact males and females. Estrogen replacement reinstated alcohol neuropathy in the female rat. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (Walsh inhibitor peptide, WIPTIDE) only attenuated alcohol-induced hyperalgesia in female rats. Inhibitors of protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon-I) and extracellular-signal related kinase (ERK) 1/2 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone (PD98059) and 1,4-diamino-2, 3-dicyano-1, 4-bis (2-aminophenylthio) butadiene (U0126)) attenuated hyperalgesia in males and females, however the degree of attenuation produced by PKCepsilon-I was much greater in females. In conclusion, estrogen plays an important role in the expression of pain associated with alcohol neuropathy in the female rat. In contrast to inflammatory hyperalgesia, in which only the contribution of PKCepsilon signaling is sexually dimorphic, in alcohol neuropathy PKA as well as PKCepsilon signaling is highly sexually dimorphic.
PET studies of cerebral metabolism in Parkinson disease.

A defect in cerebral energy production due to dysfunction of the mitochondrial electron transport system (ETS) has been postulated to be important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson Disease (PD). However, direct in vivo measurements of cerebral mitochondrial function are scant and inconsistent. We directly investigated cerebral mitochondrial function in vivo with positron emission tomography (PET) in 12 patients with early, never-medicated PD and 12 age-matched normal controls by combined measurements of the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) and the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc). Instead of the decrease in CMRO2 and CMRO2/CMRglc molar ratio characteristic of defects in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, there was a statistically significant 24% general increase in CMRO2 and no change in CMRO2/CMRglc. Since PD symptoms were already manifest, reduced oxidative activity of the mitochondrial ETS cannot be a primary mechanism of neuronal death in early PD. This increase in metabolism could reflect the increased energy requirements of an injured brain or an uncoupling of ATP production from oxidation in the terminal stage of oxidative phosphorylation. Which is the case in early PD and whether these metabolic abnormalities are important in the pathogenesis of PD will require further study.
Experimental study of path independence of theJ integral in an aluminum tensile panel

A newly devised video-optical experimental technique allows for the automated determination of the in-plane, plane-stress components of the infinitesimal deformation tensor at discrete locations over an area of interest in a loaded specimen. It was used to evaluate a square area enclosing the central crack in a 5052-H32 aluminum panel loaded in tension. These experimental strain-tensor values were then used to evaluate theJ integral assuming that the mechanical behavior of the plate material is approximated by deformation plasticity theory.
Related rhenium(V) catalysts adopt different mechanisms for oxygen atom transfer

Abstract The chemical mechanisms for three related rhenium(V) catalysts of oxygen atom transfer reactions are reviewed. Two of the catalysts are compounds with a single rhenium atom, [MeReE(mtp)(PPh3)], where E is either O ( 1 ) or S ( 2 ) and mtpH 2 is 2-(mercaptomethyl)thiophenol; the third is the di-rhenium compound {MeReO(mtp)} 2 ( 3 ). In each of them, the Re atom is square-pyramidal, sitting slightly above the approximate basal plane defined by S, S, C, and P; the oxo or thio group occupies the axial position. They all catalyze oxygen atom transfer from pyridine N -oxides to PAr 3 . The reaction rates are in the orders 3 ≫ 1 ≫ 2 ; even more striking is that the rate laws for the trio of catalysts is distinctly different. This signals the intervention of different chemical steps and intermediates.
Extension of the shock layer theory to the case of a linear dependence of the axial dispersion and the mass transfer coefficients on the concentration

The classical shock layer theory assumes that the coefficients of axial dispersion and of mass transfer kinetics are constant. Experimental results have shown that this assumption is not always valid. The influence of a linear dependence of these coefficients on the concentration is investigated. The shock layer theory is easily extended to this case and an analytical solution is reported. Changes in the shape of the breakthrough curves and in the thickness of the shock layer are discussed. Excellent agreement was observed between the results of numerical calculations of breakthrough curves and the shock layer thickness derived from the analytical solution. The agreement found with experimental results previously reported was also excellent.
Exploring predictors of alternative job changes

Previous studies have found that the variables that predict employee turnover vary considerably across situations. This lack of consistency may reflect limitations imposed by viewing turnover only as a decision to leave a current job. The variables that predict turnover may depend on the type of job change that an employee makes after leaving. This study explored which variables predicted leaving a job and moving to three alternative types of job change. The results show that different variables predicted employee moves to a new type of job in the same organization, the same job in a different organization, and a different job in a different organization. This supports the concept that turnover may be better modelled as a decision not only to leave a job, but also to move to a different work situation.
The Relative Vitamin G Content of Alfalfa Meal

Abstract GREEN feed has been considered to be of special value in poultry rations for many years. Recent investigations have shown that part of this value is due to vitamin A activity, or carotene, and numerous studies on the effect of various factors in the drying on the vitamin A potency, particularly of alfalfa, have been reported. Salmon (1927) found that velvet bean leaves are rich in the growth-promoting part of the vitamin B complex. Bethke, Record, and Kennard (1931) found that alfalfa leaf meal prevented the occurrence of nutritional paralysis in chicks and also stimulated growth. Hunt and co-workers (1933) showed that alfalfa meal is a rich source of vitamin G and that the amount of this factor in the meal is influenced by the stage of maturity of the plants and by weather conditions during curing. Norris et al (1934) indicated that the improvement in hatchability when alfalfa meal . . .
The Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter on Human Alveolar Macrophage Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses

Epidemiologic and occupational studies demonstrated that ambient particulate matter (PM) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) exert deleterious effects on human cardiopulmonary health, including exacerbation of pre-existing lung disease and development of respiratory infections. The effects of ambient PM on lung cell responsiveness are poorly defined. Human alveolar macrophages (AM) were exposed to SRM 1649 (Washington, DC, urban dust; UD), SRM 2975 (forklift diesel exhaust particles; DEP), and fine or coarse ambient PM collected in Chapel Hill, NC, during the late fall (November) and early summer (June) of 2001-2002. AM were subsequently incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), or calcium ionophore A23817 for 6 or 24 h after PM exposure. UD and DEP markedly suppressed O2- release 24 h post-PM exposure. UD exposure significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 release after exposure to 10 nanog/ml LPS. DEP significantly suppressed only TNF-alpha and IL-6 release. Suppressed cytokine release may also be produced by reduced cellular cytokine production. Data suggested that decreased cytokine release is not produced by the presence of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Comparison of TNF-alpha release after LPS, PMA, or A23817 revealed that suppressive effects of UD are LPS dependent, whereas inhibitory effects of DEP may work across multiple mechanistic pathways. November and June Chapel Hill PM exposure stimulated TNF-alpha and IL-8 release before LPS exposure. Fine and coarse November PM exposure markedly suppressed TNF-alpha release 6 h after LPS stimulation, but appeared to exert a stimulatory effect on IL-8 release 24 h after LPS exposure. June fine and coarse PM suppressed IL-8 release after LPS exposure. Data suggest that seasonal influences on PM composition affect AM inflammatory response before and after bacterial exposure. Overall, delayed or inhibited AM immune responses to LPS after PM exposure suggest human exposure to ambient PM may enhance pulmonary susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Substitution of Information for Energy: An Empirical Investigation using Input-Output Analysis for the U.S. Regional Economy

This paper examines the substitution of information for energy in the U.S. regional economy during the 1990s using input-output (IO)-based methods. On the basis of the analyses of three-segment 10 models for the years 1990, 1995, and 2000 at three levels of geographic scales, it was found that: 1) the Information segment grew much faster than the other two segments, 2) as input factors for production, energy became more dependent on information while information became less dependent on energy, and 3) U.S. regional economies experienced a marked informatization1 process in the 1990s, especially in the Sun Belt. More studies at a variety of spatial and temporal scales are needed to comprehend the trend, mechanism, and policy implications of this informatization process.
Racial stereotypes: The contents of their cognitive representations☆

Abstract This research investigated the nature of contemporary racial stereotypes and their role in social cognition. A priming experiment was conducted in which racial categories (black, white) were presented as primes, and positive and negative black and white stereotypic words were presented as test stimuli. Subjects were asked to indicate (by pressing a response key) whether the test word characteristic could “ever be true” of the prime category or was “always false,” and reaction time was recorded. As predicted, primes of black and white most facilitated response to traits stereotypically attributed to these social groups. Thus, there appear to be important similarities between the information processing of object categories and the representation and use of stereotypes in social categorization. In addition, responses to the positive and negative evaluative words suggest that positive traits are more strongly associated with whites than with blacks, and negative characteristics are more strongly associated with blacks than with whites. Implications of these findings for social cognition, racial attitudes, and nonreactive measurement are discussed.
Effect of a premelted film on the dynamics of particle–solidification front interactions

Abstract Numerical simulations are performed to study the interaction of a solidification front with an embedded particle. A sharp-interface method is used to track both the phase boundary and the particle. The solidification front dynamics is fully coupled with particle motion. The main objective of the paper is to distinguish the role played by the premelted layer between the solidification front and the particle in determining conditions for particle engulfment. Results are obtained by assuming a premelted layer exists in the gap between the particle and the solidification front and compared to those assuming no premelted layer. In the absence of a premelted layer, arbitrary cut-off values for particle-front gap thickness need to be invoked in order to define the critical velocity for which the pushing–engulfment transition occurs. When a premelted layer is assumed to exist, the prediction of the critical velocity is determined solely from the dynamics of the coupled front–particle interaction. In addition, model predictions for the critical velocity based on a steady-state heat transfer analysis are shown to differ from that when the full dynamics of the phase boundary are taken into account.
FKBP-12 Recognition Is Dispensable For Signal Generation by Type I Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptors

The FK506-binding protein, FKBP12, is a putative target of type I receptors for transforming growth factor-β (TβR-I). As the FK506 motif that competes with TβR-I for FKBP12 resembles an invariant Leu-Pro dipeptide in TβR-I, we replaced Leu193 and Pro194 with Ala, along with mutations across the Gly/Ser box. L193A, P194A, and L193A/P194A do not alter TβR-I function; T204D partially activates, independent of ligand; L193A/P194A/T204D was an even more potent constitutive mutation. Association with FKBP12 in a yeast two-hybrid assay was disrupted by P194A, L193A/P194A, and L193A/P194A/T204D, but not L193A or T204D alone. Thus, FKBP12 recognition is dispensable for TGFβ signaling.
Cytokines and the pathogenesis of nosocomial pneumonia.

Background. Nosocomial pneumonia (NP) in injured patients is a significant clinical problem. We hypothesize that the pathogenesis of NP in injured patients involves an imbalanced cytokine response within the alveolar airspace that may inhibit effector cell function. Methods. Proinflammatory (IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from multitrauma patients on admission, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-injury and following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction of alveolar cells. Patients were compared based on IL-8 levels and the development of NP. Results. A high level of IL-8 on admission was associated with the development of NP. In addition, levels of IL-8 were significantly greater in NP-positive patients at all time points. The IL-10 levels decreased from admission values in NP-negative patients but increased in NP-positive patients. Furthermore, a high level of IL-10 ( > 120 pg/mL) at 72 hours post-injury was associated with the development of NP. Alveolar cells from NP-positive patients produced significantly more IL-10 in response to LPS than cells from NP-negative patients. Conclusions. The pathogenesis of NP in injured patients involves an early and severe IL-8 process within the lung followed by an exaggerated IL-10 response that may inhibit effector cell function. (Surgery 2001;130:602-11.)
Application of a unified molecular theory to gas—liquid chromatography

Abstract A novel, unified molecular theory of chromatography is applied to derive equations for gas—liquid chromatography (GLC) and to treat representative GLC problems involving the interpretation and prediction of absolute retention (partition coefficients), the effect of the molecular weight of the stationary liquid phase on relative retention, and the isolation and quantitation of functional-group (energetic) contributions to retention. The utility and efficacy of this new theoretical approach to GLC are thereby demonstrated.
Comparison of SPME and static headspace analysis of blood alcohol concentration utilizing two novel chromatographic stationary phases

Abstract Headspace gas chromatography, coupled to flame ionization detection (GC–FID) analysis of blood alcohol concentration is a routine analysis carried out in forensic laboratories. A common concern with this analysis is the possible co-elution of a variety of other commonly encountered compounds with the target compound ethanol. By use of application specific columns, improved separation of ethanol, as well as the other potential components can be achieved. The presented method includes the evaluation of blood alcohol concentration by both direct gas headspace and SPME utilizing a new combination of GC columns. An investigation of method detection limits (MDLs) was also conducted in order to determine a reporting limit as well as the degree of uncertainty at the common threshold value of 0.08 g/dL. The study showed that under the conditions of this work, static headspace analysis with the use of t-butanol as an internal standard provided the most accurate and precise data with an MDL of 0.002 g/dL for the Rtx® – BAC PLUS 1 column and 0.005 g/dL for the Rtx® – BAC PLUS 2 column. The study also showed that the SPME analysis using a Carboxen/PDMS (65 μm) fiber with the use of t-butanol provided the lowest overall MDL of 0.0006 g/dL for both Rtx® – BAC PLUS 1 and 2 columns without loss of accuracy or precision.
Contactless Tip‐Selective Electrodeposition of Palladium onto Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers

Palladium was electrodeposited onto the tips of isolated carbon nanofibers and carbon nanopipes using an electric field. The amount of Pd deposited on the tips was controlled by varying the field application time. The morphology obtained varied from agglomerate of small particles that just covers the end of the nanotube to large ramified deposits that grow off the tip of the nanotube. The influence of the orientation of the carbon nanostructures with respect to the applied electric field and the quantity of the metal deposited is discussed. Electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology and location of the deposits.
Permeabilization of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus with Ethanol

Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus cultures were treated with ethanol and tested for viability and β-galactosidase activity. Exposure of the biomass of test cultures to 30%–55% ethanol (vol/vol) caused a 100% loss of viability and up to 15-fold increase in measurable β-galactosidase activity in both streptococci and lactobacilli. Ethanol-treated cell suspensions could be stored for up to 6 months without loss of enzyme activity. The nonviable permeabilized biomass of the more active S. thermophilus was used to achieve up to 80% hydrolysis of lactose in aqueous solutions and non-fat milk.
Injective comodules for 2 × 2 quantum matrices

We study the injective comodules for the coordinate bialgebra of quantum 2 × 2 matrices at a root of unity. The related GL 2 and SL 2 theories are also specified.
Studies in osteoporosis: the long-term effect of oophorectomy and of ammonium chloride ingestion on the bone of mature rats.

Adult female rats were subjected to a prolonged period of observation after oophorectomy. The oophorectomized animals and their controls were given a regular diet ad lib and water or ammonium chloride as their drinking fluid. Oophorectomy did not result in reduced bone density, fat free weight, total ash weight, or calcium content of the bone, thus failing to producethe changes of osteoporosis. Ammonium chloride ingestion caused significant decreases in the same parameters equally in normal and oophorectomized rats. Thus, oophorectomy neither leads to changes of osteoporosis, nor increases the sensitivity of the bone to ammonium chloride-induced osteoporosis.(Endocrinology 96:1304, 1975)
Some observations on hypothalamo-amygdaloid connections in the monkey

Abstract The projections of the hypothalamus to the amygdala have been studied autoradiographically in a series of eleven cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) in which injections of [3H]amino acids had been made in different regions of the caudal two-thirds of the hypothalamus. The most prominent projection arises from the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and terminates most heavily in the medial, magnocellular division of the central nucleus. Injections confined to the ventromedial nucleus also result in labeling of the piriform cortex, the periamygdaloid cortex, the anterior amygdaloid area, the medial amygdaloid nucleus and the parvocellular divisions of both the basal and basal accessory nuclei. All these projections are bilateral (although the contralateral component is much smaller) and show evidence of a rostro-caudal topographic organization. Isotope injections that involve the caudal part of the lateral hypothalamic area label projections to the medial division of the central amygdaloid nucleus, to the medial and cortical nuclei and to the anterior amygdaloid area. When such caudally placed injections also involved the lateral mamillary nucleus, the lateral division of the central amygdaloid nucleus was additionally labeled. Although the medial mamillary nucleus does not project to the amygdala, there is evidence for a minor projection from the supramamillary region to the medial amygdaloid nucleus. The ventral tegmental area appears to project to the lateral division of the central nucleus and the medial portion of the substantia nigra has a small projection to both divisions of the central nucleus. All of these projections reach the amygdala by way of the so-called ventral amygdalofugal pathway, but at least some of the fibers that arise in the ventromedial nucleus run in the stria terminalis.
The use of a chronic pain diary in older people

This article describes clinical data retrieved using a chronic pain diary in older people residing in a nursing home. Twenty-one diary entries provided the information necessary to formulate an effective plan of care. Residents reported duration of pain, pain at rest, pain with movement, number and location of pain sites, and pain descriptors. Although estimates of chronic pain among nursing home residents range from 44-80%, the nursing home participating in this project reported 0% persistent or chronic pain. Diary entries revealed that 17% of communicative residents reported chronic pain. Data showed that a majority of participants experienced pain with movement. They experienced pain an average of 11 hours a day and lower limbs and hips were the most prevalent sites, and residents averaged three pain sites. The dominant pain descriptors used were 'achy' and 'exhausting'.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy for spasticity not associated with cerebral palsy: reconsideration of surgical inclusion criteria

Children with spastic diplegia from cerebral palsy (CP) experience measurable improvement in their spasticity and motor function following selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). The role of this operation in the treatment of other spasticity causes is less well defined. A literature review was undertaken to survey outcomes from SDRs performed outside the CP population. Multiple sclerosis was the most common diagnosis found, accounting for 74 of 145 patients described. Selective dorsal rhizotomies have also been reported in patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, neurodegenerative disease, hypoxic encephalopathy, and other causes of spasticity. Outcomes from surgery are generally described as favorable, although postoperative assessments and follow-up times are not standardized across reports. Long-term outcomes are sparsely reported. Larger numbers of patients and more detailed outcomes data have the potential to form a basis for expanding the inclusion criteria for SDR.
60–110 GHz low loss HDI transitions for LCP-packaged silicon substrate

Wideband 3D transitions from 60 to 110 GHz using 50 μm via technology on liquid crystal polymer (LCP) are presented. A conductor backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) transition on a homogeneous LCP sample shows less than 0.8 dB loss from 60 to 110 GHz. In addition, a CBCPW-to-CBCPW and a CBCPW-to-CPW transition on LCP bonded to silicon substrate are presented also in the range 60-110 GHz. The CBCPW-to-CBCPW transition shows less than 0.5 dB loss up to 100 GHz. The CBCPW-to-CPW transition yields less than 1 dB loss up to 110 GHz. These transitions are the first characterisation of vias in organic substrate packaged silicon in the 60-110 GHz frequency range.
Rural poverty, tourism and spatial heterogeneity

Abstract The intent of this research is to explore changes in US rural poverty rates from 1990 to 2000. Using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) I focus on spatial variations in the role of tourism and recreation in changing poverty rates. Results suggest that tourism and recreation as I have measured it play a small role in explaining changes in poverty rates and there is limited spatial variation. This result challenges the notion that the promotion of tourism and recreation as a rural economic development strategy results in low paying inferior job opportunities.
Floc breakage in agitated suspensions: Effect of agitation rate

Abstract A population balance equation that governs the floc size distribution in turbulent flow, incorporating both the splitting and erosion mechanisms of floc breakage has been presented in previous studies[6,7]. Experiments have been conducted in which transient floc size distributions of dilute suspensions of Kaolin-hydrous ferric-oxide flocs undergoing breakage in agitated batch system are obtained over turbulent microscale shear rates ranging from 60 to 400 sec −1 . Floc size distributions over a range of floc diameters from about 1 to 100 μ m are measured by overlapping techniques, including computerized optical scanning of photographs and rapid electronic sizing of individual flocs using a light blockage transducer. The experimentally determined size distributions are then fit to those computed from the population balance equation, using constrained nonlinear least squares. The splitting frequency of parent flocs is found to vary as the 0.33 power of the parent floc volume and 0.71 power of the shear rate. The average number of daughter fragments produced upon splitting of individual flocs is found to be about 2.5. The mean and standard deviation of the daughter fragments produced upon splitting are found to be in fixed ratio to one another, independent of the parent floc size and shear rate. An appropriately nondimensionalized coefficient characterizing floc erosion has been found to be independent of shear rate.
Pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus polypeptides: identification of new precursor proteins and alternative cleavage pathways

Abstract The genome of pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) contains a single 11964 nt long open reading frame (ORF) that is capable of encoding a 449 kDa putative polyprotein. Although previous studies have described many virus-coded polypeptides that are believed to arise by post- and/or co-translational proteolytic processing in infected cells, there are two separate regions in the ORF for which no polypeptide products could be identified. In the present study using site specific antisera, we identified two new large proteins of Mr 175 and 172 kDa which encompass two previously described smaller precursor proteins, p125 and p133, respectively. These two large precursor proteins together with two other previously described proteins p22 and gp118 (Mr approx. 84 kDa; unglycosylated) account for the predicted Mr of the putative 449 kDa polyprotein precursor. Furthermore, we discovered three additional polypeptides of Mr 168, 96 and 72 kDa encoded by the last third of the genome. These proteins may arise by an alternative cleavage pathway of the precursor protein p172. A modified and updated map of BVDV ORF incorporating the above findings is presented.
Characterization of Transcription Factors That Regulate the Type IV Secretion System and Riboflavin Biosynthesis in Wolbachia of Brugia malayi

The human filarial parasite Brugia malayi harbors an endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia (wBm) that is required for parasite survival. Consequently, targeting wBm is a promising approach for anti-filarial drug development. The Type IV secretion system (T4SS) plays an important role in bacteria-host interactions and is under stringent regulation by transcription factors. In wBm, most T4SS genes are contained in two operons. We show the wBm is active since the essential assembly factor virB8-1, is transcribed in adult worms and larval stages, and VirB8-1 is present in parasite lysates. We also identify two transcription factors (wBmxR1 and wBmxR2) that bind to the promoter region of several genes of the T4SS. Gel shift assays show binding of wBmxR1 to regions upstream of the virB9-2 and wBmxR2 genes, whereas wBmxR2 binds to virB4-2 and wBmxR1 promoter regions. Interestingly, both transcription factors bind to the promoter of the ribA gene that precedes virB8-1, the first gene in operon 1 of the wBm T4SS. RT-PCR reveals ribA and virB8-1 genes are co-transcribed as one operon, indicating the ribA gene and T4SS operon 1 are co-regulated by both wBmxR1 and wBmxR2. RibA encodes a bi-functional enzyme that catalyzes two essential steps in riboflavin (Vitamin B2) biosynthesis. Importantly, the riboflavin pathway is absent in B. malayi. We demonstrate the pathway is functional in wBm, and observe vitamin B2 supplementation partially rescues filarial parasites treated with doxycycline, indicating Wolbachia may supply the essential vitamin to its worm host. This is the first characterization of a transcription factor(s) from wBm and first report of co-regulation of genes of the T4SS and riboflavin biosynthesis pathway. In addition, our results demonstrate a requirement of vitamin B2 for worm health and fertility, and imply a nutritional role of the symbiont for the filarial parasite host.
Reliability-based assessment/design of floor isolation systems

Abstract Floor isolation systems have been becoming increasingly popular as a protective measure for critical structural contents such as computer servers or museum artifacts. Supplemental dampers, working in tandem with the isolation system, are also frequently considered in this context for reducing the isolated floor displacement or enhancing vibration suppression. This paper discusses a reliability-based optimization approach for this kind of applications that adequately addresses at the design stage the variability related to the earthquake hazard as well as the nonlinear dynamics of the coupled structure/isolation system. The floor isolation system is optimized based on reliability criteria, where the reliability of the system is quantified by the plausibility that the acceleration of the protected contents will not exceed an acceptable performance bound, and is calculated using stochastic simulation. The latter facilitates the adoption of complex numerical models for the coupled system. A stochastic ground motion model is utilized to characterize the seismic hazard, and an efficient stochastic optimization approach, called non-parametric stochastic subset optimization, is adopted for performing the associated design optimization. Near-fault directivity pulses are explicitly addressed within this modeling context and their effect on the optimal design is investigated in detail. Also, a global sensitivity analysis is integrated within the framework to investigate the importance of the different uncertain model parameters (risk factors) towards the system failure probability. For demonstrating the proposed framework, the protection of a computer server placed at different floors within a four-story structure is considered.
Utilization of Turkey Feather Fibers in Erosion Control Materials

Currently, between two and four billion pounds of feathers are produced annually by the poultry processing industry. These feathers are usually converted to animal feed in an attempt to recycle it rather than dispose of them in landfills. However, this method can result in diseases being passed along to the ingestors of this feather meal. Until recently there was no method of removing the quill from feather, but a method of effectively stripping the feather fibers from the quill without damaging the fibers has been patented, and as a result research is being conducted to determine uses for these fibers. Current research has focused on creating nonwoven latex bonded fabrics containing turkey feather fibers for utilization as erosion control fabrics. These fabrics have been compared with currently available erosion control fabrics to determine their suitability for this particular purpose.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Common pitfalls in interpretation of medical evidence: a case demonstration of misleading interpretation in the analysis of cervical spine fusions

Abstract Background Evidence-based clinical practice requires the incorporation of information available in the medical literature into clinical decision making. Reliance on randomized trials as criteria for making recommendations is usually impractical. Conclusions based on low-quality information or post hoc analysis of high-quality information must be interpreted with caution. Purpose To present a clinical research “case report” as means to describe common pitfalls faced by authors, editors, and readers of the medical literature with a focus on spinal surgery. Study design/setting This article describes a historical cohort study performed at a university hospital. Patient sample One hundred thirty-eight consecutive patients treated with single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by a single surgeon. Outcomes measure The primary outcome measure was the need for reoperation. Methods The authors performed a retrospective cohort comparison of 138 consecutive patients treated with single-level ACDF using either constrained or translational plates. The primary outcome measure of interest was the need for reoperation at the index or adjacent level. The mean follow-up exceeded 3 years in both groups. Results Patients treated with a single-level ACDF using a translational plate had a decreased incidence of reoperation compared with those treated with a constrained plate (1.6% translational, 12% constrained). This result was initially felt to be statistically significant when analyzed primarily (p Conclusions Faulty study design or overaggressive statistical data mining leads to unreliable conclusions. It is important that practicing spinal surgeons appreciate the perils and pitfalls of interpretation of the medical literature. Common sense, clinical experience, and healthy skepticism are indispensable for the rational incorporation of lesser quality information from the medical literature into clinical decision making.
Partial characterization of a low-molecular weight methylmercury complex in rat cerebrum.

Abstract Treatment of rats with methylmercury produced a stable low-molecular weight methylmercury-containing complex which could be isolated by gel chromatography from either a 10,000 g supernatant or a 108,000 g supernatant prepared from cerebrum. The complex appeared within 5 min after iv injection of methylmercury and persisted for at least 5 days. At all time points investigated, the low-molecular weight complex accounted for about 30% of the total cerebral soluble methylmercury burden. The complex had elution properties on gel and ion exchange chromatography similar to those found for methylmercury-glutathione. Its migration and staining in gel electrophoresis also suggested its identity as methylmercury glutathione.
Crisis intervention with families in shelters for battered women

(1999). Crisis Intervention with Families in Shelters for Battered Women. Journal of Family Psychotherapy: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 71-75.
Macroeconomic effects of budget deficits: further international evidence

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of budget deficits on money growth, inflation, investment and real output growth using annual data from a sample of 32 countries. The findings can be summarized as follows: (i) deficits are generally not monetized and, therefore, they do not produce inflation via monetary expansions; (ii) deficits are not inflationary even through their (alleged) aggregate demand effects; (iii) deficits are negatively correlated with the rate of growth of real output, but this may just reflect their countercyclical nature; and (iv) increased deficits do appear to retard investment usually after one or two years. (JEL E63, H62).
Growth of monoclinic macrocrystalline ZrO2 by hydrolysis of ZrF4-LiF-NaF melts at 650–800°C☆

Abstract Macrocrystalline monoclinic ZrO2 crystals up to 3 mm size were grown during hydrolysis of LiF-NaF-ZrF4 melts at 650–800°C.