cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in CTP:phosphatidate cytidylyltransferase activity during rabbit lung development.

The specific activity of CTP: phosphatidate cytidylyltransferase in rabbit lung and liver microsomes during fetal and neonatal development has been measured. The enzyme in the microsomal fraction of lung tissue has a requirement for Mg2+. Optimal enzyme activity is achieved with phosphatidate (4 mM) and CTP (2 mM) in the presence of ATP (6 mM). Analysis of the reaction products demonstrates that the ATP serves to inhibit the hydrolysis of CTP by microsomal pyrophosphatases. The specific activity of the microsomal enzyme remains constant from day 23 through day 28 of gestation, then increases 2.4-fold between day 28 and day 1 post-partum. The specific activity of the enzyme in the microsomal fraction from rabbit liver tissue does not change significantly, and is less than in the lung tissue at all stages of development. The increase in the activity of microsomal CTP: phosphatidate cytidylyltransferase in lung tissue is concurrent with the appearance of pulmonary surfactant containing phosphatidylglycerol during the perinatal period of rabbit lung development.
Gating by Voltage and Ca2+ in Human Connexin (cx26) Hemichannels

Opening of connexin hemichannels permits the release of small metabolites, such as ATP and glutamate, which play an important autocrine/paracrine signaling in a variety of cell types. The recently solved crystal structure of the Cx26 gap junction channel allows us to explore in greater detail the relationship between the structure and function of both, hemichannels and gap junction channels. Here, we begin by revisiting the activation mechanisms of human Cx26 (hCx26) hemichannels by voltage and Ca2+. Using the two electrode oocyte voltage-clamp technique, we found that depolarization up to +60 mV induced activation of hemichannel currents, and repolarization produced large tail-currents with slow deactivation (τ ∼10 s). Interestingly, the magnitudes of the tail-currents were dependent on the lengths of the depolarizating pulses rather than the magnitudes of the currents activated during the pulses. Strikingly, cell-attached single channel recordings showed that depolarizating pulses (≤40 mV) stimulated only infrequent and brief openings of hCx26 hemichannels. However, the repolarizating pulses induced opening of single hemichannel currents (likely corresponding to the tail currents) with smaller conductance and longer mean open times. In addition, we found that low Ca2+ (500 μM) increased macroscopic hemichannel currents at positive potentials and slowed deactivation of the tail currents. We are currently performing single channel recordings to elucidate how Ca2+ modulates channel activation and deactivation kinetics in response to depolarizing and repolarizing voltages. Our results indicate that while depolarization causes opening of some hCx26 hemichannels, it mostly shifts the hemichannels to a non-conductive state that will likely open after repolarization; and that Ca2+ ions may play a role by regulating the energetics of these transitions. Supported by The Grass Foundation.
Autoxidation of Fish Oils. II. Changes in the Carbonyl Distribution of Autoxidizing Salmon Oilsa,b

SUMMARY The carbonyl compounds of autoxidizing salmon oil were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed at predetermined levels of oxidation. The 2-thio-barbituric acid (TBA) number, peroxide values, and total carbonyls were determined in addition to the individual volatile and Girard-T-isolable carbonyls. The C1-C12 alkanals, C4C12 alk-2-enals, and the C6-C10 alk-2,4-dienals composed the major part of the monocarbonyl fractions. The shorter-chain carbonyls were predominant, with methanal and propanal in the highest concentration. It appears that the Girard T reagent, as employed in the investigation, degrades the precursors of the volatile carbonyl fraction. The hydroperoxides were readily destroyed in unpolymerized oil by the Girard T reaction conditions, but as polymerization proceeded the yield of hydroperoxides increased and that of the Girard-isolable monocarbonyls and malonaldehyde decreased. Polymerization of the salmon oil stabilized a large portion of the measurable hydroperoxides toward the degradative effects of the Girard and TBA reactions.
Societal Complexity and Lexical Growth

In this paper we report a high positive association between societal complexity and size of a language's lexicon in terms of total number of dictionary entries. Small-scale societies have many fewe...
Stalking acknowledgement and reporting among college women experiencing intrusive behaviors: Implications for the emergence of a “classic stalking case”

Research confirms the risk of victimization faced by women who attend the nation's universities. While stalking began to receive heightened attention in the 1990s, relative to other types of victimization, research regarding college women's stalking experiences is in its infancy. In particular, relatively little is known about victim acknowledgement of stalking and the process whereby victims decide to report to police. Drawing upon data from 1,010 female university students, this study provided important advances in understanding stalking-related victimization for college women, highlighting the influences that fear, offender relationship, types of behaviors involved, and other victimization experiences have on victim acknowledgement and police reporting. Findings offered important advancements in defining a “classic stalking case.” This study had implications for university and public policymakers, educators, and police officers who could benefit from improved understanding of women's perceptions of stalking and their formal help-seeking behavior in response to stalking-related behavior.
AGE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE IMPACT OF PSORIASIS ON QUALITY OF LIFE

Background. The impact of psoriasis upon the quality of life contributes significantly to the overall morbidity associated with the disease. An older age at onset of psoriasis and being a man have been associated previously with lower psychosocial morbidity. In order to further evaluate these potentially important mitigating factors, we examined the relation of age and gender on some aspects of psoriasis-related psychosocial morbidity. Methods. Two hundred and fifteen consenting psoriasis patients, representing a wide range of disease severity, were studied. They included 110 men and 105 women, age range 19-87 years (age: mean ± SD: 48.0 ± 15.9 years); all endorsed a list of 30 items (by checking a "Yes" or "No") pertaining to life events related to psoriasis that they had experienced in the previous one month. The patients selfrated the severity of their psoriasis. The patients were categorized into four age groups of 18-29 years (N = 28), 30-45 years (N = 77), 46-65 years (N = 76), and > 65 years (N = 34), respectively, forthe statistical analyses. Results. No age or gender differences in the severity of psoriasis were observed. Patients of both sexes in the 18 to 29 and 30 to 45 year age groups reported more frequent (P < 0.05) problems related to both appearance/socialization and occupation/finances, in contrast to patients in the 46-65 and over-65-year age groups. No gender differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the frequency of items related to appearance and socialization; however, men reported greater workrelated stresses. Conclusion. Psoriasis has a greater impact upon the quality of life of patients in the 18 to 45 year age range and affects the socialization of both sexes equally. Men face greater work-related stresses as a result of their psoriasis. IntJ Dermatol 1995; 34:700-703
The Learning Research Cycle: Bridging Research and Practice.

A science teacher and her mentor reflect on their participation in the Learning Research Cycle, a professional learning model that bridges research and practice in both university and public school contexts. Teachers do scientific research in scientists’ laboratories, then bridge their scientific experiences with the design of new classroom learning environments and teacher-driven educational research projects. Science students do scientific research via their teachers’ lessons that bridge laboratory research with classroom learning. Scientists and educational researchers bridge their research interests to create new questions centered on teaching and learning in authentic science learning environments. The authors engaged in this qualitative inquiry present their perspectives on “what goes on,” “what we have learned,” and “what it means to the larger community.”
Which weights on ℝ admit Jackson Theorems?admit Jackson Theorems?

Let W: ℝ→(0,∞) be continuous. DoesW admit a classical Jackson Theorem? That is, does there exist a sequence\(\{ \eta _n \} _{n = 1}^\infty \) of positive numbers with limit 0 such that for 1≤p≤∞, $$\mathop {\inf }\limits_{\deg (P) \le n} ||(f - P)W||_{L_p (R)} \le \eta n||f'W||_{L_p (R)} $$ for all absolutely continuousf with\(||f'W||_{L_p (R)} \) finite? We show that such a theorem is true iff both $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{\chi \to \infty } W(\chi )\int_0^\chi {W^{ - 1} } = 0$$ and $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{\chi \to \infty } W^{ - 1} (\chi )\int_\chi ^\infty W = 0,$$ with analogous limits asx→−∞. In particular,W(x)=exp(−|x|) does not admit a Jackson theorem of this type. We also construct weights that admit anL1 but not anL∞ Jackson theorem (or conversely).
Electron Channeling: A Problem for X-Ray Microanalysis in Materials Science

Electron channeling effects can create measurable signal intensity variations in all product signals that result from the scattering of the electron beam within a crystalline specimen. Of particular interest to the X-ray microanalyst are any variations that occur within the characteristic X-ray signal that are not directly related to a specimen composition variation. Many studies have documented the effect of crystallographic orientation on the local X-ray yield; however, the vast majority of these studies were carried out on thin foil specimens examined in transmission. Only a few studies have addressed these effects in bulk specimen materials, and these analyses were generally carried out at common scanning electron microscope microanalysis overvoltages (>1.5). At these overvoltage levels, the anomalous transmission effect is weak. As a result, the effect of electron channeling on the characteristic X-ray signal intensity has traditionally been overlooked in the field of quantitative electron probe microanalysis. The present work will demonstrate that electron channeling can produce X-ray variations of up to 26%, between intensity maxima and minima, in low overvoltage X-ray microanalyses of bulk specimens. Intensity variations of this magnitude will significantly impact the accuracy of qualitative and quantitative X-ray microanalyses at low overvoltage on engineering structural materials.
Transcatheter uterine fibroid embolisation for uterine fibroids using a mobile fluoroscopy unit in an outmpatient surgical centre

SummaryPerforming uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE), with or without laparoscopic myomectomy (LM), in an out-patient setting, using angiographic equipment, is much less expensive than the same procedure in hospital UFE can be performed as easily on a mobile fluoroscopy unit with angiographic equipment as with fixed equipment in a typical hospital angiographic suite The time saved by performing LM immediately after UFE makes it feasible to perform the procedure, allow the patient to recover and return home on the same day The absence of inter-operative bleeding shortens the time taken for LM and additional time is saved by performing LM on the same table immediately after UFE; there is therefore sufficient time to allow patient recovery in a day-care centre There were no groin haematoma complications, even though the hips were flexed placing patients into the lithotomy position immediately following haemostasis after femoral artery catheterisation Given that the standard period of observation following an...
Enhancing Corporate Governance in High-Growth Entrepreneurial Firms

This study explores how new ventures access advice to achieve high growth and sustainable performance. A relational model of three important themes — compliance (regulatory and legal governance), contacts (networks of suppliers, customers, investors), and content (strategic insights) — emerged as critical to any sustainable high-growth effort. Our findings suggest that advisory boards and boards of directors have a significant role in managing and creating value for emerging high-growth firms due to inherently high failure rates, technological complexity, and market risk — all of which requires access to external resources.
Structure of human prostasin, a target for the regulation of hypertension.

Prostasin (also called channel activating protease-1 (CAP1)) is an extracellular serine protease implicated in the modulation of fluid and electrolyte regulation via proteolysis of the epithelial sodium channel. Several disease states, particularly hypertension, can be affected by modulation of epithelial sodium channel activity. Thus, understanding the biochemical function of prostasin and developing specific agents to inhibit its activity could have a significant impact on a widespread disease. We report the expression of the prostasin proenzyme in Escherichia coli as insoluble inclusion bodies, refolding and activating via proteolytic removal of the N-terminal propeptide. The refolded and activated enzyme was shown to be pure and monomeric, with kinetic characteristics very similar to prostasin expressed from eukaryotic systems. Active prostasin was crystallized, and the structure was determined to 1.45A resolution. These apoprotein crystals were soaked with nafamostat, allowing the structure of the inhibited acyl-enzyme intermediate structure to be determined to 2.0A resolution. Comparison of the inhibited and apoprotein forms of prostasin suggest a mechanism of regulation through stabilization of a loop which interferes with substrate recognition.
Magnetic field and temperature tuning of resonant Raman scattering in diluted magnetic semiconductors

We report the observation of the resonance enhancement of the Raman line in ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathrm{x}}$Te associated with the LO phonons in combination with the spin flip of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$. The resonance condition is fulfilled when the large magnetic-field-induced exciton splitting allows one of its components to be brought into coincidence with the Raman line. The exciton splittings are due to the large effective g factors of the conduction and valence bands arising from the strong ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{2+}$\char21{}band-electron exchange interaction. The associated temperature tuning is also observed at a constant magnetic field. The feasibility of magnetic field tuning of resonance conditions for Raman scattering in diluted magnetic semiconductors is a result of the sensitive manner in which excitonic splittings depend on magnetic field, temperature, and concentration of magnetic ions. In addition, new higher order spin-flip Raman scattering is observed; an interpretation for their occurrence is presented.
The African National Congress, its Radio, its Allies and Exile* *

This article uses radio broadcasting as a lens into the fraught relationship between the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party during exile. Unlike the armed struggle, which waxed and waned, radio broadcasting remained a constant preoccupation for many constituencies within this alliance. This article provides several examples of the growing emphasis on radio broadcasting during the three decades of exile, explores the theoretical underpinnings of this strategic turn, and concludes with a discussion of the role of radio in the context of the camp mutinies in Angola. During this time, radio broadcasting underwent a significant transformation, beginning as a clandestine voice in the dark and ending as a significant means of public representation with a truly international reach. To illuminate this history, I will bring some of the literature on broadcasting in Africa into conversation with the voluminous writings on the South African exile community.
America's Ocean Wilderness: A Cultural History of Twentieth-Century Exploration

From whaling museums to National Geographic television specials to "tiki bars," the high seas have enchanted modern Americans as an adventurous frontier. And as contemporary explorers have discovered a new wilderness in the world's oceans, their depictions of the depths have influenced how we view these largely uncharted realms."America's Ocean Wilderness" is a cultural history of America's exploration of the ocean and the first book to critically analyze the legacies of seven marine explorers. Assessing work that often straddles professional science and popular culture, Gary Kroll examines the different perspectives a handful of scientists and naturalists - Jacques Cousteau, Thor Heyerdahl, Roy Chapman Andrews, Robert Cushman Murphy, Eugenie Clark, Rachel Carson, and William Beebe - have offered on what the ocean means and how their views helped shape the way many Americans relate to the seas.Kroll argues that to truly know the ocean we first need to understand our own western frontier, showing how easily our popular infatuation with the continental wilderness - in the spirit of manifest destiny and its problematic legacy of conquest - has been transferred to the watery world. Indeed, the twentieth-century American imagination was quick to imbue the ocean with frontier characteristics, whether as a trove of inexhaustible resources, an ecosystem in need of stewardship, or a place of recreation.Exploring the phenomenon of Americans' fascination with wild and inaccessible places, Kroll shows how these seven explorers helped create and perpetuate the idea of an ocean wilderness by applying terrestrial logic to the seas. And he demonstrates that their own appeal and accomplishments were abetted by the willingness of Americans to understand other new frontiers in terms of the West.As the ocean gradually became an extension of the nineteenth-century conception of wilderness - an attitude not without ecological consequences - many of the sea's environmental problems were linked to the way we think about it as a frontier space, Kroll argues. With poisoned waters, depleted fisheries, and dying coral reefs, the seas are endangered by the same kinds of forces that threatened and ravaged America's terrestrial wilderness. "America's Ocean Wilderness" offers a new perspective on this last earthly frontier, encouraging readers to realize that the way they view the ocean may well seal its fate.
Rise of chemical amplification resists from laboratory curiosity to paradigm enabling Moore's law

The concept of chemical amplification resists was proposed from IBM Research about 25 years ago. Although initially considered laboratory curiosity even within IBM, the tBOC resist based on acid-catalyzed deprotection was employed in a negative mode in mass production of 1 Mbit DRAMs by deep UV lithography in IBM in the mid 80's. Development of positive 248 nm resists faced a devastating postexposure delay problem, which threatened the future of chemical amplification resists. Tracing the cause to contamination of the resist film surface with airborne basic substances resulted in development of environmentally stable resist systems, which cemented the industry-wide acceptance of chemical amplification resists, enabling the semiconductor industry to follow the Moore's law. The migration from 248 to 193 nm necessitated abandonment of the etch-resistant but absorbing phenolic structure and introduction of alicyclic structures for transparency and etch resistance. Several platforms were developed, including polymethacrylates, all-norbornene systems, cycloolefin-maleic anhydride co- and terpolymers (COMA), and vinyl ether-maleic anhydride (VEMA) systems. Replacement of phenol with carboxylic acid for transparency and aqueous base development resulted in swelling. Lactones were incorporated to increase the polarity of hydrophobic alicyclic polymers. Hexafluoroalcohol was introduced to replace carboxylic acid and became employed ubiquitously in 157 nm resists, for transparency and base development. Although 157 nm lithography has been abandoned, the fluoroalcohol group has been heavily utilized in dry and wet 193 nm resists and immersion topcoats, and as additives for surface segregation. The chemical amplification resists initially developed for 1 mm patterning can now print <30 nm features. The question is how far chemical amplification resists can go in terms of resolution, maintaining sensitivity (or even increasing the sensitivity) while improving line edge roughness (LER).
On weighting approaches for missing data

We review the class of inverse probability weighting (IPW) approaches for the analysis of missing data under various missing data patterns and mechanisms. The IPW methods rely on the intuitive idea of creating a pseudo-population of weighted copies of the complete cases to remove selection bias introduced by the missing data. However, different weighting approaches are required depending on the missing data pattern and mechanism. We begin with a uniform missing data pattern (i.e. a scalar missing indicator indicating whether or not the full data is observed) to motivate the approach. We then generalise to more complex settings. Our goal is to provide a conceptual overview of existing IPW approaches and illustrate the connections and differences among these approaches.
Impact of Parkinson's Disease on Sexuality

This article describes the impact, the characteristics and limitations Parkinson's disease can have on the sexual expression and relationships of individuals. Discussed are the social and psychological implications of the disease and the key role of health care providers in addressing sexual issues and concerns. Recommendations are given for counseling Parkinson's disease patients and their families.
Determination of recognition sites of T4 RNA ligase on the 3'-OH and 5' -P termini of polyribonucleotide chains.

RNA LIGASE which was discovered by Silber et al.1 in T4-infected Escherichia coli cells, catalyses an ATP-dependent, intramolecular joining reacion of 5′-P and 3′-OH termini of various homopolyribonucleotides1,2. The shortest circularising polyadenylate was shown to be (pA)8, the optimal chain length for the reaction being 10–30 (ref. 2). These facts suggest that the substrate for T4 RNA ligase is a pair of suitably juxtaposed, 3′-OH and 5′-P termini, each a few single stranded residues long2.
UNEMPLOYMENT DURATION IN POOR DEVELOPING ECONOMIES: EVIDENCE FROM URBAN ETHIOPIA

The literature investigating unemployment duration in developing countries is rather scarce. In this paper, parametric and semi-parametric models are estimated to analyze the determinants of unemployment duration in a developing country context. Data from a nationally representative urban household survey in Ethiopia are used. The data reveal that mean unemployment duration in urban Ethiopia is very long-3 years for completed spells and 4.7 years for incomplete spells. The econometric evidence shows that the hazard rate into employment is significantly affected by age, marital status, highest level of education attained, location and support mechanism while unemployed. Ethnic background and gender are not found to be important determinants. Appropriate tests show that these results are not driven by unobservable heterogeneities. The nonparametric hazard function and the baseline hazard retrieved from the semi-parametric estimation reveal a unique shape with altemating signs of duration dependence across a range of years.
A multi-functional role of interferon regulatory factor-8 in solid tumor and myeloid cell biology

Understanding mechanisms of tumor escape are critically important not only to improving our knowledge of cancer biology, but also for the overall development of more effective anti-neoplastic therapies. Our laboratory focuses on mechanisms of apoptotic resistance, with emphasis on Fas loss of function as an important determinant of tumor progression. Our work in solid tumor systems has led to the identification of interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF-8) as a differentially expressed gene important for tumor cell response to cytotoxicity, including Fas-mediated apoptosis and host-anti-tumor immunosurveillance mechanisms. Although IRF-8 was originally identified in the regulation of normal and neoplastic myeloid cell development, these findings revealed a new functional role for IRF-8 in non-hematopoietic malignancies and establish a molecular basis for its potential manipulation during cancer therapy.
Menarche: A crossroads that previews developmental change

In recent years the developmental implications of menarche have garnered particular attention. Investigators have determined that this developmental event tends to affect three significant domains of the adolescent girl's function: psychological status, relationships with peers, and role in the family. This paper explores these issues and introduces a new technique, referred to as previewing, that may help the teenage girl acclimate to the status of sexual maturity. Derived from the early life interactions of caregiver and infant, previewing promotes representational skills and enhances self-esteem as the adolescent confronts developmental challenges.
Isolation of Human Promoter Regions byAluRepeat Consensus-Based Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract Knowledge of the promoter structure is critical for an understanding of the regulation of genes. We demonstrate by analysis of 405 human genes that human promoter regions are flanked by upstream Alu repeat elements, typically at a distance of 0.5–5 kb from their protein-coding areas. We identified common Alu repeat consensus sequences (ARC) among the different members of the Alu subfamilies that can be used as universal anchor sites for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Utilizing ARC-specific primers and oligonucleotides specific for the 5′ end of a selected target gene, we show that sequences spanning unknown human gene promoter regions can be directly amplified by PCR from genomic DNA. This novel technique, termed ARC-PCR, allowed us to characterize the proximal promoters of the human LTA 4 hydrolase and SPARC genes, each within 1 day.
Simultaneous Delivery of Chemotherapeutic and Thermal-Optical Agents to Cancer Cells by a Polymeric (PLGA) Nanocarrier: An In Vitro Study

To test the effectiveness of a dual–agent-loaded PLGA nanoparticulate drug delivery system containing doxorubicin (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG) in a DOX-sensitive cell line and two resistant cell lines that have different resistance mechanisms. The DOX-sensitive MES-SA uterine sarcoma cell line was used as a negative control. The two resistant cell lines were uterine sarcoma MES-SA/Dx5, which overexpresses the multidrug resistance exporter P-glycoprotein, and ovarian carcinoma SKOV-3, which is less sensitive to doxorubicin due to a p53 gene mutation. The cellular uptake, subcellular localization and cytotoxicity of the two agents when delivered via nanoparticles (NPs) were compared to their free-form administration. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of DOX delivered by NPs were comparable to the free form in MES-SA and SKOV-3, but much higher in MES-SA/Dx5, indicating the capability of the NPs to overcome P-glycoprotein resistance mechanisms. NP-encapsulated ICG showed slightly different subcellular localization, but similar fluorescence intensity when compared to free ICG, and retained the ability to generate heat for hyperthermia delivery. The dual-agent-loaded system allowed for the simultaneous delivery of hyperthermia and chemotherapy, and this combinational treatment greatly improved cytotoxicity in MES-SA/Dx5 cells and to a lesser extent in SKOV-3 cells.
Ocean circulation and terrestrial runoff dynamics in the Mesoamerican region from spectral optimization of SeaWiFS data and a high resolution simulation

The evolution in time and space of terrestrial runoff in waters of the Mesoamerican region was examined using remote sensing techniques combined with river discharge and numerical ocean circulation models. Ocean color SeaWiFS images were processed using a new Spectral Optimization Algorithm for atmospheric correction and ocean property retrieval in Case-2 waters. A total of 157 SeaWiFS images were collected between 1997 and 2006 and processed to produce Colored Detrital Material images of the Mesoamerican waters. Monthly terrestrial runoff load and river discharge computed with a land-elevation model were used as input to a numerical model, which simulated the transport of buoyant matter from terrestrial runoff. Based on land cover for years 2003–2004, modeling results showed that the river discharge seasonality was correlated with the image averaged CDM, and the simulated plume reproduces the spatial patterns and temporal evolution of the observed CDM plume. River discharge peaked in August and CDM peaked from September to January. The buoyant matter concentration was high from October to January, and was at its lowest from March to April. Between October and December the plume was transported out of the Mesoamerican waters by a cyclonic gyre located north of Honduras. Part of the runoff from Honduras was transported towards Chinchorro Banks and the Yucatan Channel, part re-circulated into the Gulf of Honduras, and part taken toward the outside of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. This study shows that all the reefs of the MBRS, including the most offshore atolls of the region, are under the influence of terrestrial runoff on a seasonal basis, with maximum effect during October to January, and minimum from March to April. Furthermore, what is seen as a giant plume in satellite images is in fact composed of runoffs of different ages.
Speedy solution of quasi-steady-state species by combination of fixed-point iteration and matrix inversion

A speedy algorithm that utilizes both fixed-point iteration (FPI) and matrix inversion is developed for solving a set of nonlinear, coupled algebraic equations for the concentrations of the quasi-steady state (QSS) species in reduced mechanisms. It is shown that the slow convergence of FPI experienced in some reduced mechanisms is caused by QSS species that are strongly coupled. A method is developed for identifying groups of QSS species that are coupled and closely connected. During the iteration, the concentrations of those species without coupling to other species are obtained by FPI. The concentrations of species in coupled groups are solved by matrix inversion as FPI is inefficient. Using three reduced mechanisms with total number of QSS species ranging from 17 to 251, the performances of the proposed algorithm are extensively assessed. It is concluded that the proposed algorithm offers significant CPU savings when the coupling among species is strong.
Patients with end-stage COPD did not ask for help because they felt normal and did not realise the situation could be improved.

Why do patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) not actively ask for help? Qualitative study with semistructured interviews. Outpatient clinics in 4 hospitals and 1 specialist centre in the Netherlands. A purposeful sample of 11 patients 61–83 years of age (73% men) who had Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage IV COPD were identified from a sample of 82 patients from a quality of life study. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted, each lasting 1.5–2.5 hours. The first question asked was “Can you describe a normal day?” Other topics included activities of daily living, medical and informal care, social support, stigmatisation, anxiety, and the future. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed using an iterative process. Patients with end-stage COPD had both physical and social limitations. Breathlessness and anxiety were the most common physical limitations. Patients were afraid of suffocating because of severe breathlessness. As a result of physical limitations, patients became less mobile. They did not leave their houses in …
Reflection: enabling event prediction as an on-device service for mobile interaction

By knowing which upcoming action a user might perform, a mobile application can optimize its user interface for accomplishing the task. However, it is technically challenging for developers to implement event prediction in their own application. We created Reflection, an on-device service that answers queries from a mobile application regarding which actions the user is likely to perform at a given time. Any application can register itself and communicate with Reflection via a simple API. Reflection continuously learns a prediction model for each application based on its evolving event history. It employs a novel method for prediction by 1) combining multiple well-designed predictors with an online learning method, and 2) capturing event patterns not only within but also across registered applications--only possible as an infrastructure solution. We evaluated Reflection with two sets of large-scale, in situ mobile event logs, which showed our infrastructure approach is feasible.
An integer programming approach to generating airline crew pairings

The ability to generate crew pairings quickly is essential to solving the airline crew scheduling problem. Although techniques for doing so are well-established, they are also highly customized and require significant implementation efforts. This greatly impedes researchers studying important problems such as robust planning, integrated planning, and automated recovery, all of which also require the generating of crew pairings. As an alternative, we present an integer programming (IP) approach to generating crew pairings, which can be solved via traditional methods such as branch-and-bound using off-the-shelf commercial solvers. This greatly facilitates the prototyping and testing of new research ideas. In addition, we suggest that our modeling approach, which uses both connection variables and marker variables to capture the non-linear cost function and constraints of the crew scheduling problem, can be applicable in other scheduling contexts as well. Computational results using data from a major US hub-and-spoke carrier demonstrate the performance of our approach.
Puppet master: a tutorial framework for existing java applications

This paper describes an XML scripting language for authoring beginner's tutorials that require the student to control an external Java application.
Phosphorylation of golgin-160 by mixed lineage kinase 3

Golgin-160 is a member of the coiled-coil family of golgin proteins, which are proposed to regulate the structure of the Golgi complex. The C-terminal two-thirds of golgin-160 is predicted to form a coiled-coil domain and the N-terminal head domain contains several putative binding domains, regulatory motifs and phosphorylation sites. Recently, it has been demonstrated that caspase-dependent cleavage of the golgin-160 head domain occurs rapidly after induction of apoptosis. The role of golgin-160 phosphorylation and the functional implications for Golgi structure have not been defined. In this study, we investigated the kinase(s) responsible for phosphorylation of golgin-160. Signaling through the small G-protein Rac and mixed-lineage-kinase-3 (MLK3) resulted in increased phosphorylation of golgin-160. The intracellular distribution of MLK3 overlapped with that of golgin-160 and the two proteins could be co-immunoprecipitated. In vitro kinase assays demonstrated that MLK3 directly phosphorylates golgin-160 in the N-terminal head region between residues 96 and 259. Overexpression of MLK3 caused an enhanced caspase-dependent cleavage of golgin-160 at Asp139. Golgin-160 is the first non-kinase substrate of MLK3 identified, and phosphorylation by MLK3 might modulate cleavage of golgin-160 during apoptosis.
Continuous Scanning, Laser Imaging Velocimetry

Careful exploitation of the anisotropy native to late time stratified and rotating flows permits the use of a laser scanning measurement technique to simultaneously resolve the 2D velocity field in O(100) slices. The technique relies on getting the Reynolds number from the length scale while keeping the velocity small, this provides a characteristic time scale that is sufficiently large to permit full 3D scanning through the measurement volume in a relatively short time. As the vertical velocity component of these late time stratified flows is effectively zero, all components of the deformation tensor are resolved. 3D, time resolved measurements of the vorticity and enstrophy fields associated with stratified rotating flows such as vortex dipoles, monopoles and wakes are presented.
THE ROLE OF THE CORPORA ALLATA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEUCOPHAEA MADERAE (ORTHOPTERA)1

IT IS WELL KNOWN that the corpora allata play an important role in insect development. It is also established beyond doubt that this influence is hormonal in nature. There is, however, no full agreement among investigators as to the mode of action of the corpus allatum hormone and its interaction with other factors in the control of the various developmental steps. The present paper is intended as a contribution to the study of these problems.
The Effects of Cyclosporine Versus Standard Care in Dogs With Naturally Occurring Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a leading cause of chronic renal failure in dogs. However, little is known about the efficacy of available treatment options for GN in this species. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cyclosporine (Cy) administration on the outcome of naturally occurring GN in dogs. Thirteen dogs from 4 institutions were included in the study. Randomization of dogs into placeboversus Cy-treated groups was stratified according to initial morphological diagnosis and contributing institution. Seven and 6 dogs were assigned to be given placebo or Cy, respectively. The initial Cy dose of 10 mg/kg every 24 hours was adjusted to maintain 24-hour trough, whole blood Cy concentrations between 250 and 400 ng/mL. There were no statistically significant differences between placebo-and Cy-treated groups with respect to serum total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen and creatinine, and plasma protein concentrations; platelet count; urine protein-creatinine ratio; endogenous creatinine clearance; 24-hour urine protein concentrations; or 24-hour urine protein—endogenous creatinine clearance ratio. However, PCV was significantly lower in the Cy-treated group. Decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, involuntary shaking, and thrombocytopenia were noted in both treatment groups; however, clinical signs in Cy-treated dogs subjectively were more severe. One Cy-treated dog developed gingival hyperplasia. After entry into the study, the median survival times for placebo-and Cy-treated dogs were 16 and 11 months, respectively. Considering the expense and the frequency of adverse effects related to Cy administration, the use of Cy in the treatment of dogs with GN does not seem warranted.
Metallic reflectance of AsF5-graphite intercalation compounds

Abstract Room temperature measurements of the 0.07–2.0 eV optical reflectance of carefully prepared stage 1–4 AsF5-graphite intercalation compounds have been performed. Stages 1–3 show simple metallic behavior with a well-defined plasma edge. Curve fits to the data give good agreement between dc and optical conductivities for stage 1 and 2. Comparison between stage 2 data for AsF5 and HNO3 compounds suggests that the higher conductivity of the former arises from a longer carrier relaxation time rather than from a greater carrier density.
Corporate renewal: Evolutionary or leader driven?

This article discusses research that examined three methods of innovation used by companies to renew themselves. The study was conducted by Professors Stephen Mezias and Mary Ann Glynn. The three strategies for innovation were the institutionalization of strategies, usually in the form of a research and development program, revolutionary strategies that operate counter to organizational process and evolutionary strategies that emerge seeming less tied to purposeful intention and appear more spontaneous.
Preparation of activated graphene and effect of activation parameters on electrochemical capacitance

Abstract Activation parameters such as temperature and the amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH) were varied during the synthesis of activated microwave-exfoliated graphite oxide (a-MEGO) and the effects of these parameters on the specific surface area of a-MEGO and electrochemical capacitance of a-MEGO electrodes were investigated. At 800 °C and a KOH/MEGO mass ratio of 6.5, a maximum specific surface area of 3100 m2/g was obtained and a high specific capacitance of 172 F/g (at 1 A/g constant current and 3.5 V maximal voltage) was measured in a two-electrode cell with a-MEGO electrodes in an organic electrolyte.
Poly (vinylsulfonic acid) assisted synthesis of aqueous solution stable vaterite calcium carbonate nanoparticles

Calcium carbonate nanoparticles of the vaterite polymorph were synthesized by combining CaCl2 and Na2CO3 in the presence of poly (vinylsulfonic acid) (PVSA). By studying the important experimental parameters we found that controlling PVSA concentration, reaction temperature, and order of reagent addition the particle size, monodispersity, and surface charge can be controlled. By increasing PVSA concentration or by decreasing temperature CCNPs with an average size from ≈150 to 500 nm could be produced. We believe the incorporation of PVSA into the reaction plays a dual role to (1) slow down the nucleation rate by sequestering calcium and to (2) stabilize the resulting CCNPs as the vaterite polymorph, preventing surface calcification or aggregation into microparticles. The obtained vaterite nanoparticles were found to maintain their crystal structure and surface charge after storage in aqueous buffer for at least 5 months. The aqueous stable vaterite nanoparticles could be a useful platform for the encapsulation of a large variety of biomolecules for drug delivery or as a sacrificial template toward capsule formation for biosensor applications.
Incidence of ampicillin-resistant Hemophilus influenzae in otitis media

Ampicillin resistance in Hemophilus influenzae type b causing serious infections is appreciated, but little is known about ampicillin resistance in nonencapsulated strains causing otitis media. The ampicillin sensitivity of 984 middle-ear isolates of H. influenzae from children in Huntsville, Ala. obtained from 1970–1976, was examined: Nine AmpR isolates were found; one in 1973, two in 1974, three in 1975, and three in the first five months of 1976. Seven strains were nonencapsulated; two were type b. All nine produced β-lactamase. The incidence of ampicillin resistance in strains causing otitis media increased from 0.6% in 1973 to 2.4% in 1976. AmpR H. influenzae infection should be suspected in situations where ampicillin therapy of otitis media is unsuccessful.
Exciter-Regulator for the SNAP-8 Space Power System

A new static-exciter has been designed for the SNAP-8 electrical generating system, a nuclear powered 80 kva 3 phase, 400 cps space power supply built for NASA Lewis by Aerojet-General Corporation. The exciter-regulator incorporates many new features to meet the requirements for unattended long life in a space and radioactive environment. The design criteria placed reliability far above weight, volume and losses. The result is an exciter regulator which promises to be more reliable than a similar conventional aircraft system by several orders of magnitude.
Co‐stimulatory pathways controlling activation and peripheral tolerance of human CD4+CD28− T cells

Co-stimulation mediated by the CD28 molecule is considered critical in the activation of CD4+ T cells. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis and infrequently in normal individuals, CD4+ T cells lacking CD28 expression are expanded and contain clonogenic populations. To analyze whether these cells are independent of co-stimulatory requirements or whether they use co-stimulatory signals distinct from the CD28 pathway, we have compared CD4+ CD28+ and CD4+ CD28- T cell clones isolated from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Accessory cells supported the induction of CD25 expression as well as of proliferative responses after anti-CD3 cross-linking and prevented the induction of anergy in CD4+ CD28- T cell clones. In contrast to CD4+CD28+ T cells, the presence of accessory cells did not enhance the secretion of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-gamma, or IL-4. The co-stimulatory signals did not involve CD28/CTLA-4-CD80/CD86 receptor-ligand interactions. The proliferative response of CD4+CD28- T cells could not be blocked by anti-CD2, anti-CD18, and anti-CD58 antibodies, suggesting that these receptor-ligand interactions cannot provide CD28- independent co-stimulation. Our data suggest that CD4+CD28- T cells require co-stimulatory signals for optimal induction of cell growth and CD25 expression as well as for the prevention of anergy. The co-stimulatory receptor-ligand interaction is independent of the CD28 pathway and may be involved in the oligoclonal expansion of the CD4+ CD28- T cell subset in rheumatoid arthritis.
Transitioning Students out of College: The Senior LC in Psychology at Wagner College.

This chapter describes the senior learning community in psychology at Wagner College, which is an example of a discipline-specific curriculum-based learning community (LC). This LC acts both as a capstone to the undergraduate experience and as a transition for students from college to career. We describe the components of the LC, their development, our attempts to integrate them, and how they might be applied in other intradisciplinary LCs.
Relaxation of electronic state populations in expanding flows of ionized nitrogen.

Electronic state populations relaxation in dissociated and partially ionized N stream expanding supersonically through nozzle
A prospective examination of asthma symptom monitoring: provider, caregiver and pediatric patient influences on peak flow meter use

AbstractObjective: This study examined whether provider, caregiver and child communication predicted peak flow meter (PFM) use one month later. Methods: Five practices, 35 providers and 296 children with persistent asthma and their caregivers comprised the study sample. Audio-recorded provider–caregiver–child communication during the baseline medical visit captured discussion of the PFM; and child and caregiver baseline interviews after the medical visit collected factors associated with PFM use. Child- and caregiver-reported PFM availability and use, and observed child use of PFM were collected one-month later in the family’s home. Results: During the medical visit, provider communication about PFM use was infrequent (10% maximum) and child- or caregiver-initiated communication was nearly absent (0%–2%). Despite this, children demonstrated good use of the PFM one month later. Children were significantly more likely to perform at least six PFM steps correctly one month later when there was more communicat...
Mount St. Helens, Washington, 1980 Volcanic Eruption: Magmatic Gas Component During the First 16 Days

Eruption plumes of Mount St. Helens, Washington, showed low rates of sulfur dioxide emission, and ash leachates had low ratios of sulfur to chlorine. These data and the nonvesicularity of ash fragments are indicative of only a small eruptive magmatic component. The low amounts of soluble fluorine on the ashes pose no health problems. Violent magmatic activity is possible, and thus continued geochemical monitoring is advised.
The Importance of Facilitating Adherence in Maintenance Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Treatment goals for patients with bipolar disorder differ depending on the phase in which the patient presents. During maintenance treatment, the goal of therapy should be for patients to become stable and improve their quality of life. However, the most challenging barrier to effective treatment of bipolar disorder is patient nonadherence with clinician-recommended therapy. A strong treatment alliance between patients and clinicians to provide good social support can help patients adhere to treatment.