cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Pressure Welding Process of Thin Sheet Metals in Cold and Warm Temperature Conditions

The effects of material and process conditions in the pressure welding process of thin sheet metals on the minimum welding pressure and the final bond strength are investigated in this work. The studied parameters include the material type (copper, aluminum, nickel, and stainless steel), initial blank thickness (0.051–0.254 mm), welding pressure, welding temperature (25–300°C), surface condition (wet, dry, and brushed), and indenter size. Two sets of pressure welding apparatus were developed for testing of different materials and process conditions. Based on the experimental results, copper, aluminum, and nickel blanks were successfully bonded at room temperature (“cold welding”), while stainless steel blanks could only be joined at elevated temperature levels (150 and 300°C). The material type (i.e. strength) and thickness were shown to have significant impact on the welding pressure; in that more pressure is required to bond the blanks with higher strength or thinner. To reduce the required welding pressure, the process can either be carried out at elevated temperature levels or by scratch brushing the surfaces to be joined. In this study, the bond strength of the welded blanks was measured using tensile testing. The tensile test results showed that the bond strength could be increased by either scratch brushing the surfaces or by increasing the welding pressure or temperature. However, the increase in bond strength by increasing welding pressure was shown to have an optimal point, after which the bond strength would decrease with further increase in pressure. This critical pressure value appeared to be dependent on the material and process conditions. The width of the straight line indenter showed no significant impact on the minimum welding pressure. Finally, the bond formation mechanisms for different materials were studied through microscopic analyses. The microscopy images of the weld spots showed that for the bonding to take place, the contaminant layers at the surfaces must be removed or broken to allow the virgin metal underneath to be extruded through. The metallic bonds only form at these locations where both surfaces are free of contaminant layers.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Myocardial dysfunction in group B streptococcal shock.

ABSTRACT: A rabbit model of group B Streptococcal (GBS) shock was used to determine if myocardial dysfunction contributes to GBS shock and, if so, to ascertain if prostaglandins modulate this dysfunction. The infusion of heat-killed GBS (group I) produced a dramatic decrease in the first derivative of left ventricular pressure with respect to time (LVdP/dt) from baseline values (p < 0.05). LVdP/dt remained stable in rabbits pretreated with indomethacin (group II) and in saline-infused control rabbits (group III), and was significantly different at 30 min from LVdP/dt in group I (p < 0.05). Values for group I mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, pulmonary vascular resistance, and heart rate and for pH and pO2 after GBS infusion were all significantly different from baseline values and from postinfusion values for groups II and III (p < 0.05). Systemic vascular resistance and left ventricular end diastolic pressure did not change significantly in any group at any time interval. These results indicate a primary role for myocardial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of GBS shock, and suggest strongly that prostaglandins modulate GBS-induced myocardial dysfunction.
Contributions to the mathematical theory of organic form. II Asymmetric metabolism of cellular aggregates

The case is studied of a cellular aggregate forming a hollow spherical shell, the physical constants and the metabolic rate being non-uniform throughout the shell. This leads to asymmetries of concentration distributions, which are calculated here for some simple cases.
The Rediscovered Map Collection of the John Hay Library: An Example of Creating and Promoting a Collection of Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century American Maps

The Rediscovered Map Collection of the John Hay Library offers vivid examples of mapmaking and map use in the United States from 1800 to 1920. This collection testifies to the changing technology and diversifying demands that made maps more available throughout this epoch. Libraries often have hidden treasures of this material, uncataloged and unknown to the community. With some organization and commitment, Americana paper maps can be arranged into a vibrant collection. We break down this epoch into 30-year periods to analyze the tremendous changes that occurred and how they impact libraries today.
The flip side of FLIP.

Two major pathways regulate apoptosis induction in mammalian cells. In the extrinsic pathway, apoptosis is induced through specialized surface receptors, whereas in the intrinsic pathway, apoptosis is induced from within the cell, mainly through activation of mitochondria. Shortly after the major mediators of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, the initiator caspases-8 and -10, were identified, c-FLIP [FLICE-like inhibitory protein; FLICE is FADD (Fas-associated death domain protein)-like interleukin-1β-converting enzyme], a catalytically inactive caspase-8/-10 homologue, was reported. Whether this structure acts as an inhibitor or promoter of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway has been the subject of much debate. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Boatright et al. provide further evidence for the long splice form of c-FLIP (c-FLIPL) being an activator of caspase-8/-10, and demonstrate that the resulting heterodimer is enzymically active with a substrate specificity identical with that of the caspase-8 homodimer. Our understanding of the regulators of the extrinsic apoptosis signalling pathway biochemically may provide the means to design drugs to correct the imbalance between apoptosis and proliferation, as found in many diseases.
THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF RIPARIAN CORRIDORS IN CORNBELT FLOODPLAINS: A RESEARCH FRAMEWORK∗

A new research framework determines the economic value of riparian corridors in floodplains of the agricultural Midwest. Market mechanisms can fail to account for many positive attributes of riparian wetland ecosystems. Individual farmers frequently make socially inappropriate decisions regarding floodplain land-uses because the benefits accruing from wetlands, such as improved water quality and enhanced recreational activities, are public goods. A spatial economic model, based on willingness-to-pay procedures, assesses the apposite mix of agricultural/wetland land uses that compares the marginal value of natural riparian vegetation and agricultural production on rural Cornbelt floodplains. A simple case study illustrates the framework.
Long-Term Regional Shifts in Plant Community Composition Are Largely Explained by Local Deer Impact Experiments

The fact that herbivores and predators exert top-down effects to alter community composition and dynamics at lower trophic levels is no longer controversial, yet we still lack evidence of the full nature, extent, and longer-term effects of these impacts. Here, we use results from a set of replicated experiments on the local impacts of white-tailed deer to evaluate the extent to which such impacts could account for half-century shifts in forest plant communities across the upper Midwest, USA. We measured species' responses to deer at four sites using 10–20 year-old deer exclosures. Among common species, eight were more abundant outside the exclosures, seven were commoner inside, and 16 had similar abundances in- and outside. Deer herbivory greatly increased the abundance of ferns and graminoids and doubled the abundance of exotic plants. In contrast, deer greatly reduced tree regeneration, shrub cover (100–200 fold in two species), plant height, plant reproduction, and the abundance of forbs. None of 36 focal species increased in reproduction or grew taller in the presence of deer, contrary to expectations. We compared these results to data on 50-year regional shifts in species abundances across 62 sites. The effects of herbivory by white-tailed deer accurately account for many of the long-term regional shifts observed in species' abundances (R2 = 0.41). These results support the conjecture that deer impacts have driven many of the regional shifts in forest understory cover and composition observed in recent decades. Our ability to link results from shorter-term, local experiments to regional long-term studies of ecological change strengthens the inferences we can draw from both approaches.
IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE: MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST THAT 'BEHAVES' LIKE AN ESSAY EXAMINATION

A multiple-choice testing system that provides immediate affirming or corrective feedback and permits allocation of partial credit for proximate knowledge is suggested as an alternative to essay examinations.
58.3: Fabrication of Zinc Tin Oxide TFTs by Self‐Aligned Imprint Lithography (SAIL) on Flexible Substrates

Zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) provide attractive performance and are suitable for low-temperature processes compatible with flexible “plastic” substrates. We report our progress in integrating ZTO into our SAIL process to produce high-performance TFT on flexible substrates.
System Identification for Small, Low-Cost, Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aircraft

This paper describes a practical system identification procedure for small, low-cost, fixed-wing unmanned aircraft. Physical size and cost restrictions limit the sensing capabilities of these vehicles. The procedure is demonstrated on an Ultra Stick 25e, therefore emphasizing a minimum complexity approach compatible with a low-cost inertial sensor. A linear model, obtained from the generic nonlinear equations of motion for aircraft, is used as a basis for system identification. This model is populated with results from a first principles analysis to form a baseline model. Flight experiments are designed using the baseline model and operational constraints to collect informative data. Parameters of the linear model are identified by fitting the model to frequency responses extracted from the data. The parameters are integrated into the nonlinear equations of motion, and both linear and nonlinear models are validated in the time domain. Verification of model accuracy is extended with a sensitivity and resid...
Visual Acuity Outcomes among Patients with Appositional Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage

Objective: The purpose of the study is to investigate visual acuity outcomes among patients with appositional suprachoroidal hemorrhage and to identify clinical features associated with visual prognosis. Design: The study design was a retrospective chart review. Participants: All patients whose ocular echographic examination results showed appositional suprachoroidal hemorrhage at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 1996 were included. Fifty-one patients were identified. Intervention: Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from patients' medical records. Main Outcome Measures: Visual acuity at 3, 6, and 12 months posthemorrhage and clinical features associated with visual prognosis were defined. Results: At final follow-up fifteen (29.4%) patients achieved either their prehemorrhage visual acuity (n = 7) or a visual acuity of 20/200 or better (n = 8), but 14 (27.5%) patients had no light perception. Predictors of a poor visual outcome include vitreous incarceration in the wound/bleb ( P = 0.014), concurrent or delayed retinal detachment ( P = 0.003), and afferent pupillary defect on presentation ( P = 0.002). Poorer visual acuity on presentation ( r = 0.37, P = 0.008) and longer duration of central retinal apposition ( r = 0.51, P P = 0.006). The association between duration of apposition and final visual acuity was significant, both among patients whose suprachoroidal hemorrhages were observed ( n = 26, r = 0.60, P = 0.001) and among patients who underwent secondary surgical intervention ( n = 23, r = 0.66, P = 0.001). Patients with postoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhages achieved better final visual acuities than did patients in whom suprachoroidal hemorrhages developed intraoperatively or after trauma ( P = 0.038). Conclusions: Appositional suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a serious ocular complication with a guarded visual prognosis. A variety of clinical features, including vitreous incarceration in the wound/bleb, concurrent or delayed retinal detachment, afferent pupillary defect, presenting visual acuity, and duration of central retinal apposition, may help predict visual outcome.
Some biological and physicochemical properties of blue-green algal virus LPP-1

Adsorption and one-step growth experiments performed with blue-green algal virus (BGAV) LPP-1 under normal conditions revealed a slow adsorption rate, in comparison with bacteriophage systems, followed by a 7-hour latent period. The burst size was approximately 100 virus particles per cell. The molecular weight of the virus obtained from sedimentation and diffusion measurements was 51 +/- 3 x 10(6) daltons, and the hydration was calculated to be 0.37 g of H2O per gram of virus. Phosphorus analysis indicated a DNA content of 40% w/w, while amino acid analysis revealed all the common amino acids to be present. At reduced magnesium concentrations, the virus breaks apart, liberating its DNA, which then can be separated from the protein by sedimentation in a CsCl density gradient. A protein component was obtained as ghosts. Neutralization experiments with BGAV antiserum established no relationship to bacteriophages T1, T2, or T3.
Wnt/Fz signaling and the cytoskeleton: potential roles in tumorigenesis.

Wnt/β-catenin regulates cellular functions related to tumor initiation and progression, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and adhesion. β-Catenin-independent Wnt pathways have been proposed to regulate cell polarity and migration, including metastasis. In this review, we discuss the possible roles of both β-catenin-dependent and -independent signaling pathways in tumor progression, with an emphasis on their regulation of Rho-family GTPases, cytoskeletal remodeling, and relationships with cell-cell adhesion and cilia/ciliogenesis.
A model of selective perception: The effect of presenting alternatives before or after the stimulus

Selective perception, a concept supported by recent “before/after” studies, is usually thought to function by guiding the extraction, of information from briefly viewed stimuli. However, recent findings from a related type of study are not in agreement, so a second interpretation of before/after data is developed here. This interpretation, based in part on a statistical decision model taken from signal detection theory, assumes that selective perception functions by guiding the perceptual process of comparing extracted stimulus information with internal representations of stimulus alternatives
Phase II trial of erlotinib with temozolomide and radiation in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme

Approximately 40–50% of glioblastomas (GBM) overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Erlotinib is a specific and potent EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor active against refractory GBM. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer and ≥grade 2 erlotinib-induced rash have improved survival. This phase 2 study assessed the efficacy and safety of concurrent radiation therapy (RT) and temozolomide with pharmacodynamic dose escalation of erlotinib in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Patients received RT 60 Gy in 30 fractions with concurrent temozolomide 75 mg/m2/day × 42 days, followed in four weeks by temozolomide 150–200 mg/m2/day × 5, every 28 days for 12 cycles. Patients received erlotinib, 50 mg/day and increased by 50 mg/day every 2 weeks until the occurrence of grade 2 rash or to a maximum dose of 150 mg/day, from day 1 until disease progression. Twenty-seven patients were treated in this study. Twenty-two (81%) patients came off study for progressive disease (18 [67%]) or adverse events (4 [15%]). Eighteen patients (67%) have died. Median progression-free survival was 2.8 months, and the median overall survival was 8.6 months. Five patients remain on study with a median follow-up of 16 months. Grade 3/4 toxicities included thrombocytopenia, anemia, lymphopenia, fatigue, and febrile neutropenia. There were four deaths on study, three definitely treatment-related; therefore, the trial was terminated after accrual of 27 of 30 planned patients. Erlotinib co administered with RT and temozolomide was not efficacious and had an unacceptable toxicity.
SU-E-I-97: Smart Auto-Planning Framework in An EMR Environment (SAFEE)

Purpose: Our Radiation Oncology Department uses clinical practice guidelines for patient treatment, including normal tissue sparing and other dosimetric constraints. These practice guidelines were adapted from national guidelines, clinical trials, literature reviews, and practitioner's own experience. Modern treatment planning systems (TPS) have the capability of incorporating these practice guidelines to automatically create radiation therapy treatment plans with little human intervention. We are developing a software infrastructure to integrate clinical practice guidelines and radiation oncology electronic medical record (EMR) system into radiation therapy treatment planning system (TPS) for auto planning. Methods: Our Smart Auto-Planning Framework in an EMR environment (SAFEE) uses a software pipeline framework to integrate practice guidelines,EMR, and TPS together. The SAFEE system starts with retrieving diagnosis information and physician's prescription from the EMR system. After approval of contouring, SAFEE will automatically create plans according to our guidelines. Based on clinical objectives, SAFEE will automatically select treatment delivery techniques (such as, 3DRT/IMRT/VMAT) and optimize plans. When necessary, SAFEE will create multiple treatment plans with different combinations of parameters. SAFEE's pipeline structure makes it very flexible to integrate various techniques, such as, Model-Base Segmentation (MBS) and plan optimization algorithms, e.g., Multi-Criteria Optimization (MCO). In addition, SAFEE uses machine learning, data mining techniques, and an integrated database to create clinical knowledgebase and then answer clinical questions, such as, how to score plan quality or how volume overlap affects physicians' decision in beam and treatment technique selection. Results: In our institution, we use Varian Aria EMR system and RayStation TPS from RaySearch, whose ScriptService API allows control by external programs. These applications are the building blocks of our SAFEE system. Conclusion: SAFEE is a feasible method of integrating clinical information to develop an auto-planning paradigm to improve clinical workflow in cancer patient care.
A new, simple method for gently collecting planktonic protozoa1

An easy and gentle method for collecting planktonic protozoa is described: a l-liter polyethylene bag attached to a stainless steel, spring-hinged sampling device is operated from a standard heavy-duty fishing rod and reel. The sampler has been used successfully at depths from 1 to 300 m in ocean and in coastal waters. Acantharia and Foraminifera collected by this technique appear in excellent physical condition.
Do humorous preoperative teaching strategies work

Incorporating humor into preoperative teaching may improve patients' ability to recall pertinent instruction. This article describes a study in which an experimental, two-group, pretest/posttest design was used to determine whether there was a significant difference in the amount of knowledge patients recalled after receiving a teaching booklet either with (ie, experimental) or without (ie, control) humor. The sample included 50 patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Results indicate that there was no significant difference (F1, 48 = .07, P > .05) between the groups in the amount of knowledge gained related to postoperative pulmonary exercises. Both groups, however, had a statistically significant increase in the amount of knowledge gained from pretest to posttest (F1, 48 = 39.16, P < .05). Before humorous teaching strategies can be recommended for use in preoperative teaching, further research about the relationship between preoperative instruction, humor, and knowledge retention is necessary. AORN J 74 (Nov 2001) 683–689.
Image reconstruction of continuously varying objects and simulated breast cancer lesions

Numerical simulations of near-infrared diffusion tomography are used to reconstruct absorption and scattering images of continuously varying objects and simulated breast cancer lesions. The breast cancer lesions are modeled using chromophore levels derived from typical breast anatomy and an approximation for breast cancer lesions based on contemporary investigations of tissue/tumor optical properties. Images of hemoglobin concentration and oxygenation are derived using least squares regressions on multiple wavelength near-infrared absorption images. The simulations are performed using finite element based iterative reconstructions. The results are compared with in vivo measurements of breast cancer patients acquired using near-infrared diffusion tomography.
Epidemiology of pure valvular regurgitation in the large middle-aged African American cohort of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study

Background There are limited data on the prevalence and the clinical and echocardiographic correlates of pure valvular regurgitation in African Americans despite the higher rates of cardiovascular disease in this group. Purpose The Jackson, Mississippi, site of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study provides a unique opportunity to study mitral regurgitation (MR), tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and aortic regurgitation (AR) in this population. Methods There were 2285 participants who were available for analysis. The prevalence rates of MR, TR, and AR by severity were calculated for participants aged 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and ≥70 years. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine clinical and echo variables associated with the presence of MR, TR, and AR. Results Mild or greater MR and TR were present in 14.7% and 17.2% of participants, respectively. Aortic regurgitation was present in 15.6% of participants. In the multivariable regression model, MR was independently associated with age, sex, lower body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, left atrial size, left ventricular (LV) diastolic diameter, and low LV ejection fraction. Tricuspid regurgitation was independently associated with age, sex, lower BMI, high-density lipid, left atrial size, and lower relative wall thickness. Aortic regurgitation was independently associated with age, sex, lower BMI, systolic blood pressure, LV diastolic diameter, LV hypertrophy, and low LV ejection fraction. Conclusion In this middle-aged African Americans cohort, the prevalence of mild to greater MR and TR was similar to that seen in other cohorts; however, AR was more prevalent. Several cardiovascular risk factors and echo parameters were identified as independent correlates of valvular regurgitation.
Chronic N-amended soils exhibit an altered bacterial community structure in Harvard Forest, MA, USA

At the Harvard Forest, Petersham, MA, the impact of 20 years of annual ammonium nitrate application to the mixed hardwood stand on soil bacterial communities was studied using 16S rRNA genes pyrosequencing. Amplification of 16S rRNA genes was done using DNA extracted from 30 soil samples (three treatments × two horizons × five subplots) collected from untreated (control), low N-amended (50 kg ha(-1) year(-1)) and high N-amended (150 kg ha(-1) year(-1)) plots. A total of 1.3 million sequences were processed using qiime. Although Acidobacteria represented the most abundant phylum based on the number of sequences, Proteobacteria were the most diverse in terms of operational taxonomic units (OTUs). UniFrac analyses revealed that the bacterial communities differed significantly among soil horizons and treatments. Microsite variability among the five subplots was also evident. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination of normalized OTU data followed by permutational manova further confirmed these observations. Richness indicators and indicator species analyses revealed higher bacterial diversity associated with N amendment. Differences in bacterial diversity and community composition associated with the N treatments were also observed at lower phylogenetic levels. Only 28-35% of the 6 936 total OTUs identified were common to three treatments, while the rest were specific to one treatment or common to two.
Functions on adjacent vertex degrees of trees with given degree sequence

In this note we consider a discrete symmetric function f(x, y) where $$f(x,a) + f(y,b) \geqslant f(y,a) + f(x,b) for any x \geqslant y and a \geqslant b,$$ associated with the degrees of adjacent vertices in a tree. The extremal trees with respect to the corresponding graph invariant, defined as $$\sum\limits_{uv \in E(T)} {f(deg(u),deg(v))} ,$$ are characterized by the “greedy tree” and “alternating greedy tree”. This is achieved through simple generalizations of previously used ideas on similar questions. As special cases, the already known extremal structures of the Randic index follow as corollaries. The extremal structures for the relatively new sum-connectivity index and harmonic index also follow immediately, some of these extremal structures have not been identified in previous studies.
Staying positive in a down economy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for sustaining effective marketing and fundraising in challenging economic times.Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses and gives examples of marketing and promotion strategies to sustain fundraising.Findings – This paper proposes that, in an economic downturn, donors and stakeholders will respond to positive messages rather than tales of woe.Originality/value – The value of this paper is in its suggestions for telling the library's story in ways that encourage financial support.
Microsoft implements readiness as a strategic force

The success of Microsoft's global product launches and solutions for a huge, diverse customer base hinges upon readiness in the field. To make workforce readiness a strategic lever, field training is aligned with business objectives, the role, and the task, and delivered to highly mobile communities at the right time, in the right place, and on the right device. The Sales, Marketing, and Services Group Readiness group builds its training offerings on three pillars of content development: an operating model that aligns priorities across businesses, regions, and customer segments; strong partnerships with business groups and subject matter experts; and metrics for assessing results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrids, Political Economy, and Macroeconomics A Comment on the Political Economy of Human Capital

In this piece I comment on Nancy’s Folbre’s David Gordon Memorial Lecture for the 2012 Allied Social Science Associations meetings, focusing on the strengths of how she combines Marxian sensibilities with neoclasscial analytical tools, the advantages of her proposed definition of political economy, and extending her call for developing a macroeconomic approach to human capital.JEL codes: B50; E11; E24
Three-month cumulative incidence of thromboembolism and bleeding after periprocedural anticoagulation management of arterial vascular bypass patients

The objective of this study was to determine 3-month cumulative incidence of peri-procedural thromboembolism (TE) including graft occlusion, and peri-procedural bleeding for chronically anticoagulated vascular bypass graft (BG) patients requiring temporary warfarin interruption for an invasive procedure. Appropriate peri-procedural management of patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy to preserve lower extremity arterial BG patency is unknown. In a protocol driven, cohort study design, all BG patients referred to the Mayo Clinic Thrombophilia Center for peri-procedural anticoagulation (1997-2007) were followed forward in time to estimate the 3-month cumulative incidence of TE and bleeding. Decisions to provide "bridging" low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were individualized based on estimated risk of TE and bleeding. There were 78 BG patients (69 ± 10 years; 38% women), of whom 73% had a distal autogenous and 53% had prosthetic BG; 45% received antiplatelet therapy. Peri-procedural LMWH was prescribed for 77% of patients and did not vary by BG distal anastomosis location or type. The 3-month cumulative incidence of TE was 5.1% (95% CI 1.4-12.6), including two BG occlusions, one DVT, and one myocardial infarction. Major bleeding occurred in 1 patient (1.28%, 95% CI 0.0-6.94). One patient died due to heart failure. TE and bleeding did not differ by bridging status. The 3-month cumulative incidence of TE among BG patients in whom warfarin is temporarily interrupted for an invasive procedure may be higher than in other "bridging" populations (atrial fibrillation, prosthetic heart valve, venous thromboembolism). This finding underscores the often tenuous nature of distal bypass grafts necessitating an aggressive approach to peri-procedural anticoagulation management.
Adverse Effect of Propranolol on Airway Function in Nonasthmatic Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

Bronchomotor tone is, in part, under β -adrenergic control, and β -adrenergic agonists are commonly used in the therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). β -adrenergic blockade with propranolol is contraindicated in asthmatic patients, yet little is known of its effect in patients with COPD. We studied 13 patients with COPD in a random-entry, double-blind crossover comparison of oral propranolol, 40 mg, and oral placebo on separate days. Pulmonary function worsened after administration of propranolol. Significant differences were present between the drugs' effect on heart rate, airway resistance, specific resistance, and flow rates at one hour, and persisting through four hours (p
Nutritional regulation of somatostatin expression in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Previously we characterized three DNAs from the endocrine pancreas (Brockmann body) of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that encode for distinct preprosomatostatin (PPSS) molecules: one containing somatostatin-14 and its C-terminus (PPSS I) and two containing [Tyr7, Gly10]-somatostatin-14 at their C-termini (PPSS II′ and PPSS II″). In the present study, the regulation of PPSS expression was studied in rainbow trout placed on varying nutritional regimes (fed continuously, fasted, fasted then refed). Fish that were fasted for one week displayed reduced growth compared to their fed counterparts, but no alteration in pancreatic PPSS expression was noted between the two groups. Fish fasted for 4 and 6 weeks also were growth retarded and displayed increased levels of PPSS I mRNA and PPSS II″ mRNA compared to fed animals; PPSS II′ mRNA levels were not affected by food deprivation. Refeeding fish for two weeks following 4 weeks of food deprivation restored growth and reduced PPSS I and PPSS II″ mRNA expression to levels similar to those displayed by continuously fed fish. Changes in PPSS expression were correlated with increases in plasma SS. These results indicate that nutritional state modulates differential expression of PPSSs.
Does comovement among exchange rates imply market inefficiency

Abstract This paper argues that, contrary to what has been reported in the empirical literature previously, cointegration between pairs of exchange rates does not necessarily rule out informational efficiency in currency markets. The basic reason is that market efficiency does not rule out predictable exchange rate movements, but only rules out arbitrage opportunities from predictable exchange rate movements as the usual parity conditions dictate.
Investigation of a Brief Teaching Encounter Using Standardized Patients

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a brief teaching intervention using standardized patients (SPs) trained to improve residents’ detection and advising of problem drinkers.
Silencing Mexico: A Study of Influences on Journalists in the Northern States

During President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa’s administration, the military was called on to confront organized crime, and dozens of journalists were killed in Mexico. Attacks on journalists have cont...
Hilltopping, leks and female choice in the Carpenter bee Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) varipuncta

The mating system of the Carpenter bee, Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) varipuncta Patton, closely resembles the leks of certain vertebrates. Males defend hovering stations at small creosote bushes on ridgetops in the Sonoran Desert, as well as at large ironwood trees in dry washes. Ridgetops, like washes, may provide orientation guides for dispersing females, channelling potential mates to waiting males. During the height of the two month flight season, both males and females were more concentrated on the ridge than in the wash. Males were particularly densely aggregated at or near two prominent peaks on the study ridge. At times, two or more males occupied the same creosote bush. Females visited hovering males infrequently, and exhibited a high degree of freedom in mate choice, usually rejecting males after a close inspection. The reduction in territorial intolerance exhibited by some males at ridgetop sites may occur: (1) because of the costs of repelling many intruders and (2) because females may choose among males through direct analysis of male phenotype, rather than by selecting a male on the basis of territory position.
Differential Ability Scales – Second Edition (Neuro)psychological Predictors of Math Performance for Typical Children and Children with Math Disabilities

Concerns about the ability-achievement discrepancy method for specific learning disability (SLD) determination led to alternative research-based methods, such as failure to respond to intervention. Neither of these regulatory methods address the statutory SLD definition, which explicitly includes a deficit in basic psychological processes. Examining neuropsychological processing differences among typical children and children with math SLD, commonality analyses revealed that Differential Ability Scales – Second Edition (DAS-II) predictors accounted for more achievement variance in typical children (46% to 58%) than in children with math SLD (33% to 50%), with substantial loss of predictive validity when General Conceptual Ability was used instead of subcomponent scores. Results suggest that differences in typical predictor-outcome relationships may provide a foundation for developing specific cognitive and academic interventions for children with math SLD. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enzyme or protein immobilization techniques for applications in biosensor design

New generations of biosensors are emerging that are based on novel and promising transducers such as miniature, reagentless-mediated electrodes, field-effect transistors, piezoelectric and optical devices. Reagentless-mediated biosensors can be constructed by co-immobilizing both enzymes and mediators onto a miniaturized electrode using electropolymerization, thus improving the sensitivity and speed of the response. Even more promising is the development of electrochemical sensors, in which electron transfer is made directly from a redox enzyme to an electrode surface via molecular wires. While this has only been reported, so far, for a specific enzyme entrapped in N-methylpyrrole under defined circumstances, the development of new oriented immobilization techniques, coupled with progress in protein engineering, may make direct electron transfer the rule rather than the exception.
Inhibition of Myeloma Cell Growth by All-Trans Retinoic Acid is Associated with Upregulatidn of p21 and Dephosphorylation of the Retinoblastoma Protein

Retinoic acid and dexamethasone, in combination, inhibit the growth of human myeloma cell lines in a synergistic manner. Previously, we observed that all-trans retinoic acid (ATR4) caused G1 arrest and inhibited clonogenic growth of the OPM-2 human myeloma cell line. This was associated with downregulation of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) gp80 protein, while autocrine IL-6 production and gp130 were not affected. Growth inhibition was not reversed by the addition of exogenous IL-6 or forced, constitutive expression of the IL-6 receptor gp80 protein, suggesting that the mechanism of action of ATRA may be due to effects on the post-receptor pathway. Therefore, in this study we have investigated whether growth arrest was associated with changes in the level of phosphorylation of the RE3 protein. ATRA decreased the level of phosphorylation of the RB protein at doses > 5 × 10−9 M and also induced a five fold increase in p2lWAF1, while levels of p27KIPI and CDK2 were unchanged. The ATRA-mediated increase in p21 prec...
Cognitive tools for locating and comprehending software objects for reuse

The authors describe a conceptual framework to facilitate software reuse. It is shown that high functionality computer systems by themselves do not provide sufficient support for software reuse. Two systems that support this framework, CODEFINDER and EXPLAINER, are presented. CODEFINDER addresses issues on information access for software reuse. Support for comprehending software objects is demonstrated with EXPLAINER. A scenario describing how the two systems are used in a reuse situation is presented. The authors show how these systems fit into the bigger pictures of software development environments, address limitations of the systems, and discuss future directions. >
Bending and stretching an elastic strip around a narrow cylindrical drum

An analysis is made of the deflected forms assumed by an elastic strip when it is bent and stretched around a rigid drum. A summary is first given of the method of analysis used and the results obtained in a previous study where the drum width is equal to or greater than that of the strip. This work is then extended to the case where the strip width exceeds that of the drum. Deflected forms and contact regions are delineated for a strip-width/drum-width ratio of two and for various values of two parameters: anticlastic deformation and tension.
Parent and adolescent responses to povertyRelated stress: Tests of mediated and moderated coping models

We tested several models of the associations among economic strain, life stress, coping, involuntary stress responses, and psychological symptoms in a sample of 57 parent-adolescent dyads from rural, lower-income families. Economic strain and life stress predicted symptoms for both parents and adolescents. Stressor-symptom specificity was found for parents, such that economic strain uniquely predicted depression, whereas negative life events predicted hostility. Involuntary stress responses were associated with higher levels of symptoms for both parents and the adolescent children. Secondary control coping was associated with fewer symptoms for both parents and adolescents. Results support a mediational role of coping and responses to stress during adolescence, with a shift to moderational status in adulthood. Implications of these results are discussed with regard to developmental coping theory and potential interventions with at-risk families.
Pose estimation using tactile sensor data for assembly operations

The paper describes the use of a gray scale tactile array sensor available in two specific geometric configurations. A larger pad, which has a 16 by 16 element array of sensors, is used to demonstrate the "image," processing capabilities of the system including a pose estimation algorithm for regular objects placed in contact with the pad. Following this, a smaller sensor with an 8 by 16 element configuration is developed for mounting directly in the fingertip of a robot gripper. The transfer of the software and hardware into a turnkey system suitable for factory-floor manufacturing assembly operations is described, along with an appropriate computer architecture for realizing the real time capabilities of the sensor.
Essene Sectarianism and Social Differentiation in Judaea After 70 C.E.

What happened to the Essenes after the first Jewish revolt? The answer to this seemingly simple question has proven elusive. Prior to the war, the Essenes stood alongside the Pharisees and Sadducees as one of the most prominent social factions in Judaea. Josephus and Philo allege that they numbered in the thousands and that they could be found in cities and towns throughout the country.
Race, class, and Hurricane Katrina: Social differences in human responses to disaster.

Hurricane Katrina pounded the Gulf South at the end of August 2005, devastating lives and raising questions about how race and class influence human, as well as institutional, responses to disaster. This study uses survey data collected from over 1200 Hurricane Katrina survivors to examine these influences on a wide array of responses, ranging from evacuation timing and emotional support to housing and employment situations and plans to return to pre-storm communities. Results reveal strong racial and class differences, indicating that neither of these dimensions can be reduced to the other when seeking to understand responses by survivors themselves. This intersection renders low-income black home owners from New Orleans those most in need of targeted assistance as residents work to put themselves and the region back together.
Mechanisms of neural blockade.

Originally, regional anesthesia was performed by compressing peripheral nerves over an extended period of time to cause profound long lasting anesthe- sia, distal to the site of compression. This could also produce long lasting nerve damage as well. This method of nerve compression was described in the 16 th Background: Neural blockade remains a key diagnostic and treatment modality for interventional pain management. Most of the techniques used in chronic and acute pain management today evolved out of different techniques used by surgeons and anesthe- siologists alike to facilitate surgical proce- dures and alleviate intra- and postoperative pain. Many of these techniques were de- veloped and introduced into medical prac- tice during the late 19th and early 20th cen- turies and were only recently challenged by increasing neurophysiologic understanding and modern imaging studies. A brief histor- ical overview of the topic of neural blockade as well as current knowledge of mechanisms and clinical aspects of nerve blocks are con- sidered. The review focuses on relevant as- pects of anatomy, cell physiology, molecular mechanisms of effect, and clinical aspects of nerve blocks.
Predictors of developmental outcomes in children with complete transposition

Cognitive, functional, educational achievement and behavioural measures were employed to assess neurobehavioral status in 57 of 60 participants who were initially enrolled in the Baltimore–Washington Infant Study, and who survived surgical correction of complete transposition (concordant atrioventricular and discordant ventriculo-arterial connections). Charts were reviewed to investigate the relationship between birth variables, surgical strategy and developmental outcomes. Higher preoperative weight was associated with better outcomes on the Stanford–Biner Short-term Memory subtest, while lower preoperative oxygen tension was associated with better outcomes on the Abstract/Visual Reasoning subtest and a test of Visual–Motor Integration. Longer total bypass time was associated with poor outcomes on the Short-term Memory subtests. Higher average flow rates during cooling and rewarming were associated with higher scores in the test of short term memory but poorer outcomes on a test for visual motor integration. Longer cooling times were associated with higher scores on the test for Visual–Motor Integration. Patients suffering seizures scored lower on the Stanford–Biner Composite, as well as in their tests of achievement. The data indicate that non-verbal. skills may be particularly sensitive to variations in surgical strategies employed to correct complete transposition. Overt neurological events, such as seizures, were related to global deficits in intellectual functioning. Prospective studies evaluating systemic variations in surgical procedures and attempts to prevent and manage perioperative neurological events are important for further investigation of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children surviving surgical correction.
Staphylococcus aureus synthesizes adenosine to escape host immune responses.

Staphylococcus aureus infects hospitalized or healthy individuals and represents the most frequent cause of bacteremia, treatment of which is complicated by the emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus . We examined the ability of S. aureus to escape phagocytic clearance in blood and identified adenosine synthase A (AdsA), a cell wall–anchored enzyme that converts adenosine monophosphate to adenosine, as a critical virulence factor. Staphylococcal synthesis of adenosine in blood, escape from phagocytic clearance, and subsequent formation of organ abscesses were all dependent on adsA and could be rescued by an exogenous supply of adenosine. An AdsA homologue was identified in the anthrax pathogen, and adenosine synthesis also enabled escape of Bacillus anthracis from phagocytic clearance. Collectively, these results suggest that staphylococci and other bacterial pathogens exploit the immunomodulatory attributes of adenosine to escape host immune responses.
Attitudes toward driving safety and their modification

This paper reviews and discusses the measurement of attitudes toward traffic safety and the attempts to change these attitudes and related driving behavior. Psychological testing of such attitudes and personality characteristics is fairly well developed and there are some instruments of good reliability and useable validity. Efforts to modify driver attitudes and behavior are inconclusive and only mildly encouraging. Considerable research needs to be done before the attitudes and behavior of drivers can be changed to improve traffic safety in the United States. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
Software development teams: the challenges of meeting global complexity with self assessment and process control

Globalization of the market for products and services produced by software engineering efforts place increasing amounts of pressure on software development teams to deliver high-quality, complex products in a highly competitive, complex environment. Complexity, while a compelling reason for a team, is also a hindrance. Concurrent with the increased complexity of software development and the reduced time to market is the drive for higher quality which is increasingly being measured by process assessments. This paper describes research that is examining indicators of volatility in organizations and the stabilizing mechanisms that organizations have developed to cope with this volatility. The goal of this research is to determine the key challenges facing software development teams and organizational management at different stages of volatility and recommend best practices for each stage.
Spectrin mutations that cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 impair axonal transport and induce neurodegeneration in Drosophila

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the SPTBN2 gene encoding β-III–spectrin. To investigate the molecular basis of SCA5, we established a series of transgenic Drosophila models that express human β-III–spectrin or fly β-spectrin proteins containing SCA5 mutations. Expression of the SCA5 mutant spectrin in the eye causes a progressive neurodegenerative phenotype, and expression in larval neurons results in posterior paralysis, reduced synaptic terminal growth, and axonal transport deficits. These phenotypes are genetically enhanced by both dynein and dynactin loss-of-function mutations. In summary, we demonstrate that SCA5 mutant spectrin causes adult-onset neurodegeneration in the fly eye and disrupts fundamental intracellular transport processes that are likely to contribute to this progressive neurodegenerative disease.