cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalysts and inhibitors for oxidative degradation of monoethanolamine

Abstract MEA solutions were subjected to oxidative degradation at both low and high gas rates. Solutions were degraded with 100 mL/min of 98%O 2 /2%CO 2 with mass transfer achieved by vortexing. Solutions were analyzed for degradation products by IC and HPLC. In a parallel apparatus 7.5 L/min of 15%O 2 /2%CO 2 was sparged through solution, with additional mass transfer achieved by vortexing. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyzer collected continuous gas-phase data on volatile products. Hydroxyethyl-formamide (HEF) and hydroxyethylimidazole (HEI) are the major liquid-phase oxidation products. In the presence of Fe 2+ and Cu 2+ , HEF, HEI, and MEA losses increase by a factor of 3 compared to Fe 2+ alone. Cr 3+ and Ni 2+ , two metals present in stainless steel alloys, resulted in MEA losses that are 55% greater. In terms of oxidative degradation potential (greatest to lowest): Cu 2+ > Cr 3+ /Ni 2+ > Fe 2+ > V 5+ . Inhibitor A reduces the formation of known products by 90% when catalyzed by Fe 2+ and Cu 2+ and by 99% with Cr 3+ /Ni 2+ . Inhibitor B reduces product rates by 97% and MEA losses by 75%, while a 100:1 ratio of EDTA to Fe 2+ completely inhibits oxidation.
Possible supersymmetry scenario for pp-bar collider monojet events and unaccompanied ''photon'' events

Anomalous missing-p/sub T/ events observed at the CERN pp-bar collider can be plausibly explained by the photino decay mode q..-->..qgamma-tilde of scalar quarks with mass approx.100 GeV. This gives a Jacobian peak in the jet p/sub T/ distribution suggested by the data of Arnison et al. Two-photon decays of ..pi../sup 0/, eta, eta' may account for the ''photon'' events. To account for the reported rates and to avoid gluino mass limits, the gluino and photino must be light and nearly degenerate.
DNA crosslinks, single-strand breaks and effects on bacteriophage T4 survival from tritium decay of (2-3H)adenine, (8-3H)adenine and (8-3H)guanine.

Escherichia coli and bacteriophage T4 DNA containing [2-3H]adenine accumulated crosslinks between the complementary strands. For T4 DNA stored in frozen solution there were 0.41 to 0.54 crosslinks formed per tritium decay. The crosslinks were demonstrated both by an increased DNA sedimentation rate in alkaline sucrose gradients and by an increasing amount of DNA that renatured quickly after denaturation by heat or alkali. Single-strand breaks were also formed with an efficiency of 0.08 to 0.50 breaks per tritium decay. DNA containing both [8-3H]adenine and [8-3H]guanine showed no crosslinking but did undergo single-strand breaks at a rate of 0.08 per tritium decay. T4 bacteriophage containing [2-3H]adenine lost plaque-forming ability when stored at 4 °C, with 0.34 lethal hits per tritium decay, whereas the same phage labeled with a mixture of [8-3H]adenine and [8-3H]guanine sustained only 0.12 lethal hits per tritium decay. The loss of plaque-forming ability in the latter case is probably due to a radiation effect from the emitted beta particle; the high lethal efficiency for tritium decay at 2-adenine is probably caused either by crosslinks between complementary strands or from some undetected lesion produced in the DNA.
Rapid targeting of nuclear proteins to the cytoplasm

Abstract Background: The transcription factor NF-ATc plays a key role in the activation of many early immune response genes and is regulated by subcellular localization. NF-ATc translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in response to a rise in intracellular calcium, and immediately returns to the cytoplasm when intracellular calcium levels fall. The rapid nuclear exit of NF-ATc is thought to be one mechanism by which cells distinguish between sustained and transient calcium signals. Results: To study the nuclear export of NF-ATc, we have developed a general, non-invasive assay for the identification and study of nuclear export signals (NESs). The NES is defined by its ability to translocate a protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm when the two are tethered by a membrane-permeable ligand. This procedure has allowed us to identify a NES within NF-ATc that functions in concert with a glycogen synthase kinase-regulated process to direct the rapid nuclear exit of NF-ATc. Conclusions: The rapid nuclear export of NF-ATc via its NES and a glycogen synthase kinase-regulated event may be an important mechanism for insulating cells from transient spikes in intracellular calcium which might otherwise lead to inappropriate activation. The assay we have developed allows the rapid identification of NESs and can be used as a general method for the inducible cytoplasmic export of nuclear proteins.
Relation of Job Satisfaction and Job Knowledge and Their Effect on Intention to Turnover

The construct of job knowledge has received increasing attention from researchers interested in the relations with variables such as performance ratings, work experience, job sample test scores, and ability. The purpose of the present study was to estimate the previously unexamined relationship of job knowledge to both job satisfaction and intention to turnover. Although job satisfaction and intention to turnover were negatively correlated as predicted, the job knowledge of 60 MBA students was independent of the other two variables.
Spindle tuber virus in seeds and pollen of infected potato plants

The presence of potato spindle tuber virus (PSTV) in seed and pollen of diseased plants was demonstrated. Transmission through the seed from open-pollinated female parents to the seedlings occurred frequently (average 31%) but varied in individual collections from zero to 100%. The amount of transmission did not appear to be correlated with variety or with age of the seed. All PSTV infections encountered appeared to be caused by mild strains. It is suggested that only healthy parents should be used for breeding purposes.
The evolution of conceptual systems in science

Abstract The general outlines of evolutionary epistemology and the in‐principle objections to this epistemological view have been set out at great length. Advocates of treating conceptual change as an evolutionary process need to turn their attention increasingly to the development and testing of models about specific aspects of this general process. Several of these models and attempts to test them are discussed. Such testing can help determine the general outlines of an evolutionary account of conceptual development, especially in science.
Multivalent Antimicrobial Peptides from a Reactive Polymer Scaffold

We report an application of the principle of multivalency to create new antimicrobial agents using the reactive polymaleic anhydride (PMA) chain to link antimicrobial tetrapeptides to afford multivalent variants containing approximately 40 monomer units. Relative to the free peptides, the product shows a 10-fold improvement in IC(50) without provoking more severe hemolysis of red blood cells. Thus, multivalency or polyvalency may offer a route to enhance the activity of antimicrobial peptides.
Uniformly ultimately bounded uncertain adaptive tracking control systems

Fuzzy adaptive tracking controllers for a class of uncertain nonlinear dynamical systems are proposed and analyzed. The controllers consist of adaptive and robustifying components whose role is to nullify the effect of uncertainties and achieve a desired tracking performance. The interactions between the two components have been investigated. The tracking error of the closed-loop system driven by the proposed controllers is shown to be uniformly ultimately bounded with all the adaptation parameters being bounded. An upper bound on the steady-state tracking error is obtained as a function of the gain of the robustifying term and the parameters of the adaptive component. The controllers are tested on an inverted pendulum and simulation results are included.
Redox warfare between airway epithelial cells and Pseudomonas: dual oxidase versus pyocyanin

The importance of reactive oxygen species-dependent microbial killing by the phagocytic cell NADPH oxidase has been appreciated for some time, although only recently has an appreciation developed for the partnership of lactoperoxidase with related dual oxidases (Duox) within secretions of the airway surface layer. This system produces mild oxidants designed for extracellular killing that are effective against several airway pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Burkholderia cepacia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Establishment of chronic pseudomonas infections involves adaptations to resist oxidant-dependent killing by expression of a redox-active virulence factor, pyocyanin, that competitively inhibits epithelial Duox activity by consuming intracellular NADPH and producing superoxide, thereby inflicting oxidative stress on the host.
Anticoagulation in the management of venous thromboembolism in the cancer patient

Cancer is associated with a four to sevenfold increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This risk is influenced by the site and extent of cancer and its treatment. Despite its availability, effective VTE prophylaxis is used in less than 50% of oncology patients. Pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis should be administered to all hospitalized medical and surgical oncology patients for the duration of their hospitalization or up to 10–14 days, whichever is longer. Extended duration (up to 4 weeks post-operation) VTE prophylaxis is recommended for high-risk surgical oncology patients. Routine use of prophylaxis in ambulatory medical oncology patients awaits prospective testing of VTE risk assessment models. Routine prophylactic dose anticoagulation to prevent central venous catheter (CVC) thrombosis is ineffective and not indicated. Low molecular weight heparin is the first line choice for acute and chronic therapy of VTE in cancer patients. Therapy should continue for at least 3 months or the duration of the malignancy, whichever is longer. Anticoagulation is indicated for at least 3 months or the duration of the catheter for CVC thrombosis. Preliminary data indicate that some cancer patients with pulmonary embolism may be managed as outpatients. Prospective validation of these studies and testing of current risk assessment strategies in oncology patients is warranted. Management of recurrent VTE and unsuspected VTE in the cancer patient are also reviewed.
Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lenses in Patients with Unsuspected Malignant Melanoma of the Ciliary Body and Choroid

During a recent four-year period, 21 patients were referred to the Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital with previously unsuspected posterior uveal melanomas in an eye that had been operated upon for a unilateral cataract. Twelve of the 21 patients had undergone standard cataract extraction and nine had had implantation of an intraocular lens, which was often in juxtaposition to the unsuspected melanoma. Preoperative ultrasonography in these patients had apparently been performed only to obtain an axial length of the globe and the eye was not scanned for pathologic processes in the posterior segment. Management of the melanoma included a cobalt plaque in eleven cases, enucleation in five, periodic observation in three, iridocyclochorioretinectomy in one, and orbital exenteration in one. It is stressed that a thorough external and slit-lamp examination, transillumination, carefully performed ultrasonography and, if necessary, a radioactive phosphorus uptake test can establish the diagnosis of uveal melanoma and prevent diagnostic delay and misdirected therapy in such cases.
Reversal of trimethoprim-induced antikaliuresis

High-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) causes hyperkalemia, thought to result from TMP-induced blockade of amiloride-sensitive Na(+)-channels in the distal nephron. The present study was performed in anesthetized dogs to determine if increasing distal sodium delivery affects this antikaliuretic effect. In Group 1, intrarenal infusion of vehicle did not alter renal function. In Group 2, i.v. infusion of amiloride led to diuresis, natriuresis and antikaliuresis associated with a reduction of the transtubular potassium gradient (TTKG) in both kidneys. Intrarenal infusion of TMP (0.2 mg/kg/min) into the left kidney did not further alter these parameters. In groups 3 and 4, intrarenal infusion of TMP caused an ipsilateral diuresis, natriuresis, antikaliuresis and a reduction in (TTKG) without affecting the contralateral kidney. The TMP infusion was followed by furosemide (20 mg i.v.) in group 3 and acute saline loading in group 4. Despite continuous TMP infusion, both furosemide and saline loading reversed the antikaliuretic effect of TMP in the ipsilateral kidney and was associated with a similar kaliuresis, diuresis, natriuresis and decrease in urine osmolality in both kidneys. The TTKG following furosemide or saline loading increased in the ipsilateral kidney and decreased in the contralateral kidney. In all groups the systemic and renal hemodynamics remained unchanged. These results suggest that acute administration of TMP inhibits the amiloride-sensitive Na(+)-channel and K+ secretion in the distal nephron. Maneuvers that increase distal Na+ delivery can abrogate TMP's antikaliuretic effect due, in part, to an increase of the low TTKG observed with TMP.
A unique computer representation for molecular structures

Abstract Converting a non-unique connection table to a unique (canonical) name can be accomplished by assigning unique sequence numbers on the basis of topological (constitutional) properties. An algorithm is reported which performs this task by perceiving the topological symmetry of the molecule. A convention for assigning a single name to topologically unique structures which vary only in the position of π-electrons (resonance forms) is also presented.
55% System detection efficiency with self-aligned WSi superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors

We report a system detection efficiency of 55 % at 1500 nm with an amorphous tungsten-silicide (WSi) superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) using a self-aligned packaging scheme for alignment of the detector and optical fiber.
Evaluation of serum proteins in relation to body nitrogen in tumor-bearing rats.

Assessment of visceral and somatic protein stores by serum proteins in surgical oncology patients has been difficult to interpret. Tumor-bearing (methylcholanthrene sarcoma) (TB) and nontumor-bearing (NTB) Fischer 344 rats were infused with a total parenteral nutrition solution at either 25, 100, or 175% of an infusion rate that provided sufficient nutrients for normal rat growth. On the fifth day after diet initiation, the rats were exsanguinated, decapitated, eviscerated, and skinned. Serum was analyzed for transferrin (TF), complement C3, albumin (ALB), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and transthyretin (TTR). Carcass (CAR) and organ (VIS) nitrogens were determined by the Kjeldahl method. TTR, TF, and RBP correlated significantly with TB and NTB VIS nitrogen and TB CAR nitrogen. The correlation of NTB VIS nitrogen with TTR, TF, and RBP (rrange = 0.70-0.85, P < 0.001) was higher than for TB rats (r range = 0.53-0.57, P < 0.005). The correlation of TB carcass nitrogen (r range = 0.47-0.51, P < 0.01) with TTR, TF, and RBP was higher than for NTB carcass nitrogen which was not significant (r range = 0.25-0.37, P < 0.57). These data indicate that TTR, TF, and RBP do correlate with components of body nitrogen mass, but factors other than nutrition may influence their metabolism in the TB host.
Multi-Agent Formations and Sensor Networks

Current interest in cooperative control of groups of mobile autonomous agents has led to the emergence of a broad range of exciting technical problem calling for the application of new and well-established control theoretic concepts together with other concepts devised originally for problems within entirely different fields. For example, the problem of maintaining a formation of autonomous agents by locally controlling the distances between each agent and its nearby neighbors cannot be formulated, let along fully understood, without a 100+ year old concept from the theory of structures, namely the notion of a rigid graph. To understand how a group of agents moving in the plane at the same speed can eventually all end up moving in the same direction by simply adjusting their individual headings to the averages of their neighbors' headings, requires the application of ideas from the theory of non-homogeneous Markov chains, a branch of probability theory which on the surface has nothing to do with the so-called flocking phenomenon just described. Flocking ing is also a good example of a topic originally motivated by a problem from an entirely different field, in this case statistical physics. Some problems can be addressed using ideas from control which one might at first not expect to be relevant.
Effect of nitrogen implantation on the surface hardness of pure aluminum and alloy materials

Abstract Samples of high purity annealed aluminum and 6061-T6 aluminum alloy were implanted with N+ ions at 200 keV at doses of 5, 10, 18, and 28 × 1017 cm−2. Additionally a third sample was implanted with 15 × 1017 cm−2 at 200 keV followed by an implant of 11 × 1017 cm−2 at 100 keV. Implant profiles were analyzed using Rutherford backscattering (RBS). The surface hardness of these samples were measured using a nanoindenter. A substantial increase in surface hardness was observed in all the implanted samples. The thickness and peak hardness of the surface layer were enhanced by dual energy implantation. Beam heating during ion implantation resulted in annealing of the 6061-T6 samples. These effects were confirmed by annealing experiments which produced little change in overall hardness profiles. Large scale cracking of the hard surface layer was observed in low dose pure Al samples. This cracking behavior was altered by annealing.
How I learned to stop worrying and love compilers

The modern platforms that we want to use to manage our data are far more complex to program efficiently than the machines we used in the past. Every computer we run on is a massively parallel machine with many architectural "surprises" for programmers who are unaware of the way the underlying hardware architecture works. A simple way to think about this is that optimal programs must specify how & where the data should move, not just what computations should be performed and in what order. Architecture-oblivious software that leaves the decisions about data movement to a low-level coherence protocol is becoming much less efficient, relatively speaking. After an extended flirtation with using imperative programming frameworks such as Map-Reduce and NoSQL, many people are returning back to declarative languages like SQL, where the language compiler & runtime are free to make most of the data movement decisions for the programmer. Another way to think about a SQL compiler is that it includes an "algorithm picker" and the runtime includes libraries of useful algorithm implementations (which contain the data movement specifications). This talk will discuss the needs and opportunities for expanding the domain of algorithm-picking languages like SQL. Doing so will require integration with managed-language runtime compilers (e.g. Java or Javascript compilers) that are integrated with the SQL compiler not just to provide efficiency gains during query execution, but also to use managed language runtime profiling to help in algorithm selection as well as assembly-level compilation decisions.
Doing Business in Paradise: How Small, Information Intensive Firms Cope with Uncertain Infrastructure in a Developing Island Nation (TCI)

This article presents findings from a case study of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in the British West Indies area of the Caribbean. TCI is a tax haven that has worked to attract offshore financial firms such as trust companies, insurance, and financial management companies. All of these firms qualify as â€œinformation intensiveâ€ , are small in size (average 11 employees), engage in business on a global basis, and yet must compete while dealing with local infrastructure challenges. TCI is presented as the developmental context in which small businesses, largely owned or managed by foreigners from other cultures, must interpret and cope with national infrastructure challenges in this very small, young, rapidly growing island nation. Not surprisingly, we found that these firms share similar challenges with those in other developing countries, however, the perceptions of these challenges, and how these small firms cope, provide insights on the importance of small firms, small-scale foreign investment, and cross-national transfer of technology expectations.
Lower-upper implicit schemes with multiple grids for the Euler equations

On montre qu'une methode de surrelaxation successive pour la resolution du schema implicite non factorise est equivalente a une forme modifiee du schema implicite inferieur-superieur
Interparty Spatial Relationships in Norwegian Storting Roll Call Votes

The purpose of this study is to map interparty spatial relationships embedded in non-unanimous roll call votes recorded during the 1985–86 session of the Norwegian parliament. The analysis is theoretically grounded in the one-dimensional Scandinavian five-party model and a two-dimensional model which assumes that the conventional left–right continuum is intersected by an urban protest/rural traditionalism axis. While the one-dimensional solution which arrays the parties along the conventional left–right continuum is statistically defensible, a two-dimensional solution appears better to reflect the reality of contemporary Norwegian politics in which the post-Second World War welfare-state consensus is being challenged by the Progressive Party. The resulting divisions among the non-socialist parties may preclude a stable center-right governing coalition.
The efficacy of cross-discipline representations for ill-defined concepts

A universal problem to our society is the dramatic increase in the number of security threats, risks, and vulnerabilities to our nation's computer systems, data, and infrastructure. Our future success depends upon the problem-solving and thinking abilities of professionals entering the Information Technology field. These professionals will be faced with many problems that are complex, Ill-defined, and multi-disciplinary in nature. But how do we, as educators, prepare these professionals to be successful? Are traditional approaches sufficient for the complexity they will face? This study examines ways of increasing learners' expertise of ill-defined concepts through the use of varying types of representations. Through a quasi-experimental research methodology, students were assigned into one of three groups and given multiple representations of an ill-defined concept "threat analysis". After each treatment, students created concept maps of their understanding of threat analysis, which was then scored against an expert concept map. Results show that multiple representations did increase conceptual understanding of an ill-defined concept from the first treatment to the second with diminishing returns thereafter. The varying contexts of the representations was not a factor, however the use of different instructional strategies did show a difference over the three treatments. Future research in examining how the structuredness of the representations presented to the learner increases conceptual understanding of ill-defined concepts will be of benefit to the field.
Form inspection using kernel methods

AbstractForm inspection of non-linear surfaces is a difficult task as suitable analytical models are often unavailable. This paper presents a mathematical model for surface inspection of face-milled plates and determination of the minimum zone based on a modification of the support vector machine (SVM) technique. The SVM approach is reformulated to regression problems using a different methodology than the ‘largest margin’ paradigm. In addition, this work derives extremely simple quadratic programming (QP) problems that allow for general symbolic solutions to non-linear regression problems. The results obtained from preliminary testing allow identification of processing tendencies so that a selective sampling procedure may be applied for inspecting future plates from that lot.
Effects of LO harmonics and overlap shunting on N-phase passive mixer based receivers

This paper presents an overview of two loss mechanisms in multi-path passive mixers: 1) the up-conversion of harmonic images due to the square shape of the LO sampling pulses, and 2) the overlap between LO pulses. Both these mechanisms can be modeled by a shunting impedance on the mixer input and we explore two methods to mitigate their effects. We expanded a passive-mixer first receiver to N>8 phases and characterized gain, noise and input impedance tuning range. Additionally, we included hardware to directly measure the effect of overlapping LO pulses on the gain and input impedance of these receivers. Finally, we propose a method to use integrated inductors to suppress the currents which flow when two mixer switches are on at the same time, alleviating this loss mechanism.
Progress made and challenges left: perspective from Mississippi.

Geographic circumstances: Although it was weakening, Hurricane Katrina impacted Jackson, Mississippi, 150 miles north of the initial landfall. I have made frequent trips to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to aid in short- and long-term recovery. About the author: I am a developmental and behavioral pediatrician at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (the only medical school in the state), where I have been for the last 25 years. Since Katrina, my location has remained the same, but I have traveled more than ever to the Gulf Coast to help where needed in both a service and teaching capacity. For the American Academy of Pediatrics, I am a member of the Committee on Development, which helps to raise money for disaster relief along with other child issues, and a member of the National Convention Planning Committee, our large national continuing education meeting, which has dedicated several hours of education time to disaster preparedness. Here we are 5 years later; numerous meetings, conference calls, plans, and formal talks have passed on the topic of disaster preparedness—time many people spent hoping to make better the damage that occurred to our land and our people and to help our nation better prepare for a disaster. However, are we really better able to handle a disaster of the seismic proportions that Hurricane Katrina brought to our Gulf Coast? Are we really where we need to be to handle children and their families who are affected by a major disaster in an efficient, seamless manner? Is there a clear protocol of what needs to be done in preparation for an impending disaster to adequately address children's needs? Where are we now in the realm of mental and behavioral health for the families who were so affected by the wrath of the storm? Perhaps the best way … Address correspondence to Susan Buttross, MD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216. E-mail: sbuttross{at}umc.edu
Sharing courses: the CS & IT capstone experience

This paper provides a comparison of the curricular recommendations for IT and a CS course in software engineering, including the specific topics covered in a recent class. The evolution of the semester project for this class, a web-based interface to a multimedia database for instructors and students, created in part by end users, is described and correlations are drawn to the IT curriculum recommendations. The course is proposed as appropriate, in general, as an elective in the IT curriculum that serves as a companion to the IT capstone.
Acute pulmonary vein reconnection is a predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence following pulmonary vein isolation

Arrhythmia recurrence following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) occurs predominantly due to the reconnection of previously isolated pulmonary veins (PVs). The prognostic implications of detection and treatment of acute PV reconnection are not well understood. We aim to examine the prognostic significance of acute PV reconnection on arrhythmia recurrence at 1 year following PVI. This prospective study included 44 patients (22 men, 60 ± 7 years) who underwent index PVI procedure for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Acute PV reconnection and/or dormant PV conduction were assessed sequentially in response to a 30-min waiting period, intravenous isoproterenol infusion and/or adenosine. All cases of acute PV reconnection and/or dormant conduction were successfully targeted with additional ablation. Freedom from AF at 1 year was 75 % (83.3 % in paroxysmal and 65 % in persistent AF, p = ns). Acute PV reconnection and/or dormant conduction were evident in 16 of 44 patients (36.3 %). AF recurrence was documented in eight of 16 patients with, but only in three of 28 patients without acute reconnection (p = 0.009). Three patients underwent a redo procedure, all from the group of patients with acute PV reconnection. In a multivariate model, acute PV reconnection was a strong independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence (hazards ratio [HR], 6.36; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.12–31.6). Identification of acute PV reconnection, even when successfully targeted, is a strong predictor of arrhythmia recurrence following PVI.
Control Of Liquid Level Via Learning Classifier System

A learning classifier system (LCS) that learns rules for controlling a mathematical model of the liquid level in a vessel has been developed by the Bureau of Mines. LCSs resemble familiar production rule-based systems that incorporate a human expert's knowledge. However, in classifier systems the production rules are represented by strings of characters rather than in linguistic terms. This paper presents two specific examples in which an LCS produces a rule set for controlling liquid level whose performance is comparable to the performance of a human expert's rule set. In the first example, the LCS learns a rule that has been deleted from an author-supplied data base of effective rules. In the second example, the LCS learns rules to supplement a set of rules provided by the authors which included one rule detrimental to controlling liquid level. The LCS-generated rule set obtains a higher level of control over the liquid level system.
Activated Protein C Induction of MCP-1 in Human Endothelial Cells: A Possible Role for Endothelial Cell Nitric Oxide Synthase

Abstract Classically, activated protein C (APC) of the protein C/protein S anticoagulant pathway has functioned not only to inactivate the procoagulant factors Va and VIIIa but also to inhibit the activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). More recent data have suggested that the protein C/protein S pathway may serve as a physiological link between coagulation and inflammation. This APC pathway link was proposed because of observations showing that APC could both modulate the effects of cytokines and block neutrophil activation. As a further extension of the effect(s) of APC on cytokines, we found that APC, at the equivalent physiological protein C concentration of 4 μg/ml, significantly upregulated monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) RNA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as indicated by a ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) at 3 and 6 h with a return to near basal levels by 24 h. ELISA determinations demonstrated that 4 μg/ml of APC induced a significant ( P =.0001) increase in MCP-1 protein production over basal levels within a 24-h period. At the same concentration, APC downregulated endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) RNA. Downregulation first became apparent at 6 h and continued through 48 h of culture. This downregulation was concentration dependent over a range of 1.3–12 μg/ml, and there was no effect on cell viability within this range. In support of other studies, we also found that exogenously added nitric oxide (NO) inhibited MCP-1 production. These data suggest that APC may induce MCP-1 through the inhibition of eNOS.
Synthesizing IT Case Studies of Nonprofits Using a Multiple-Level Patterns-Based Framework

To better understand how individuals, groups, and organizations can use information systems more effectively, a research approach closer to the level of social interchange is required. A multiple-level, sustainable, information-technology (IT) learning framework, rooted in patterns of practice and constructed by participatory action research, offers an alternative methodology for investigating sustainable strategies of IT learning. The framework evolved from concrete instances of IT learning across organizational case studies. A patterns-based analysis of the ethnographic data enabled the examination of informal IT learning in community contexts and the identification of IT interventions more likely to produce successful learning outcomes.
A technique for performing angle-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy: A study of polycrystalline tin

A method is presented for performing angle-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (ARELS) using a doublepass cylindrical mirror analyzer (CMA) which contains an angle-resolving movable aperture. Both the electron gun contained in the CMA and an off-axis electron gun are used in these studies. The technique is illustrated by ARELS spectra taken from a cleaned polycrystalline tin surface because observing the behavior of the surface and bulk plasmon features provides a direct and simple way of assessing surface sensitivity. The spectra demonstrate that the incidence angle of the primary beam, the collection angle with respect to the sample normal and the primary beam energy all have a very large effect on surface senstivity.
Beyond αβ/γδ lineage commitment: TCR signal strength regulates γδ T cell maturation and effector fate

Signaling by the γδ T cell receptor (TCR) is required not only for αβ/γδ lineage commitment but also to activate and elicit effector functions in mature γδ T cells. Notably, at both of these stages, the signal delivered by the γδTCR is more robust than the one delivered by either the preTCR or the αβTCR. Recent studies now provide evidence that signaling by the γδTCR is also required at other stages during γδ T cell development. Remarkably, the strength of the γδTCR signal also plays a role at these other stages, as evidenced by the findings that genetic manipulation of γδTCR signal strength affects γδ T cell maturation and effector fate. In this review, we discuss how a strong TCR signal is a recurring theme in γδ T cell development and activation.
Crack Growth Behavior of Nickel Alloy Welds in a PWR Environment

A program is under way at Argonne National Laboratory to evaluate the resistance of Ni alloys and their welds to environmentally assisted cracking in simulated Light Water Reactor (LWR) coolant environments. This paper focuses on the cracking behavior of Ni-alloy welds in simulated pressurized water reactor (PWR) environment at 290–350°C. Crack growth tests have been conducted on both field- and laboratory-produced welds. The results are compared with the existing crack-growth-rate (CGR) data for Ni-alloy welds to determine the relative susceptibility of specific Ni-alloy welds to environmentally enhanced cracking. To analyze the CGRs, a superposition model was used to establish the individual contributions of mechanical fatigue, corrosion fatigue, and stress corrosion cracking.Copyright © 2007 by UChicago Argonne LLC, Operator of Argonne National Laboratory
Electron-phonon interaction at the Si(111)-7 × 7 surface

It is shown that electron-phonon interaction provides a natural explanation for the unusual band dispersion of the metallic surface states at the $\mathrm{Si}(111)\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}(7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7)$ surface. Angle-resolved photoemission reveals a discontinuity of the adatom band at a binding energy close to the dominant surface phonon mode at $\ensuremath{\hbar}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}=70\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{meV}$. This mode has been assigned to adatom vibrations by molecular dynamics calculations. A calculation of the spectral function for electron-phonon interaction with this well-defined Einstein mode matches the data. Two independent determinations of the electron-phonon coupling parameter from the band dispersion and from the temperature-dependent phonon broadening yield similar values of $\ensuremath{\lambda}=1.09$ and $\ensuremath{\lambda}=1.06$.
Solubilization of monovalent weak electrolytes by micellization or complexation

In order to prepare a liquid formulation for a weak electrolyte, micellization or complexation is often applied with the solution pH controlled to have some of the drug molecules ionized. The efficiency of the micellization is evaluated by either the micellar solubilization capacities, kappau, and kappai or the micellar partition coefficients, Ku(m) and Ki(m), for the unionized and ionized drug species. Similarly, the efficiency of complexation is evaluated by either the complex solubilization capacities, tauu and taui or the drug-ligand binding constants,Ku(1:1) and Ki(1:1). In this study, the experimental values of these descriptors were generated for seven ionizable drugs. The relationships of the logarithms of each descriptor to the logarithm of the octanol-water partition coefficient of the unionized drug (log Pu) and ionized drug species (log Pi) were evaluated. Although kappa and tau cannot be predicted, this study shows that Km and K1:1 are dependent on log P for both the unionized and ionized drug species. Thus, the total drug solubility for a weak electrolyte solubilized by micellization or complexation can be predicted at any pH.
Modeling Nonlinear Systems by Volterra Series

The Volterra-series expansion is widely employed to represent the input-output relationship of nonlinear dynamical systems. This representation is based on the Volterra frequency-response functions (VFRFs), which can either be estimated from observed data or through a nonlinear governing equation, when the Volterra series is used to approximate an analytical model. In the latter case, the VFRFs are usually evaluated by the so-called harmonic probing method. This operation is quite straightforward for simple systems but may reach a level of such complexity, especially when dealing with high-order nonlinear systems or calculating high-order VFRFs, that it may loose its attractiveness. An alternative technique for the evaluation of VFRFs is presented here with the goal of simplifying and possibly automating the evaluation process. This scheme is based on first representing the given system by an assemblage of simple operators for which VFRFs are readily available, and subsequently constructing VFRFs of the t...
Can ectomycorrhizal colonization of Pinus resinosa roots affect their decomposition

Summary •In many forest ecosystems, fine root litter comprises a large pool of organic carbon and nutrients. In temperate climates ectomycorrhizal fungi colonize the roots of many forest plant species. If ectomycorrhizal colonization influenced root decomposition, it could significantly influence carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. •Fungal tissues and fine roots may decompose at different rates and, therefore, ectomycorrhizal colonization may either hasten or retard root decomposition. Unfortunately, no comparisons of the decomposition of roots and ectomycorrhizal fungi have yet been made. Therefore, we compared decomposition of Pinus resinosa fine roots and ectomycorrhizal fungi from a Pinus resinosa plantation. We also compared the decomposition rates of nonmycorrhizal Pinus resinosa fine roots with roots colonized by nine species of ectomycorrhizal fungi. •We found that the several tested isolates of ectomycorrhizal fungi decomposed far more rapidly than the fine roots and that ectomycorrhizal colonization either had no significant effect on root decomposition or significantly increased root decomposition depending on the isolate of fungus. •We conclude that the composition of an ectomycorrhizal fungal community may affect carbon and nutrient cycling through its influence on root decomposition.
Fabrication and Characterization of Biologically Inspired Mushroom-Shaped Elastomer Microfiber Arrays

This paper reports enhanced adhesion and friction of biologically inspired mushroom-shaped elastomer microfibers which are fabricated using micromolding and the notching effect during deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). The fabrication approach of this work allows mushroom-shaped small diameter fibers down to 100s of nanometer scale (using interference lithography) with high uniformity, and high yield in large area. The fabricated microfiber arrays demonstrate approximately up to 17 time higher adhesion and around twice higher static friction than the nonfibrillar flat elastomer surface on a 6 mm diameter glass hemisphere. Moreover, adhesion experiments with the microfiber arrays which have different thickness backing layers reveal the significance of the backing layer thickness on adhesion of the fiber arrays on smooth contact surfaces.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The uphill battle facing antiobesity drugs.

Almost 70% of adults in the United States are overweight, and of these, one-third are clinically obese.1 Obesity is associated with mortality and morbidity from a host of conditions ranging from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes to osteoarthritis and cancer.1 The estimated direct cost of obesity totals nearly $200 billion dollars annually.1 Federal, state and local governments have implemented numerous policy strategies to mitigate the impact of the obesogenic environment on individuals.2 However, despite these efforts and decades of research and development, the role of medicines in the routine management of obesity is anything but clear.
The Effects of Work Demands and Resources on Work-to-Family Conflict and Facilitation

This article uses a differential salience-comparable salience approach to examine the effects of work demands and resources on work-to-family conflict and facilitation. The analysis is based on data from 1,938 employed adults living with a family member who were interviewed for the 1997 National Study of the Changing Workforce. The results support the differential salience approach by indicating that time- and strain-based work demands show relatively strong positive relationships to work-to-family conflict, whereas enabling resources and psychological rewards show relatively strong positive relationships to work-to-family facilitation. The availability of time-based family support policies and work-family organizational support is negatively related to conflict and positively related to facilitation, thereby supporting the comparable salience approach.
Revisiting Stebbins: labeling and commitment to deviance

An understanding of continuity in lines of action is crucial for middle-range theories of deviant careers in general and labeling theory in particular. Following Becker, Goffman, and Robert Stebbin...
The normalized normal constraint method for generating the Pareto frontier

The authors recently proposed the normal constraint (NC) method for generating a set of evenly spaced solutions on a Pareto frontier – for multiobjective optimization problems. Since few methods offer this desirable characteristic, the new method can be of significant practical use in the choice of an optimal solution in a multiobjective setting. This paper’s specific contribution is two-fold. First, it presents a new formulation of the NC method that incorporates a critical linear mapping of the design objectives. This mapping has the desirable property that the resulting performance of the method is entirely independent of the design objectives scales. We address here the fact that scaling issues can pose formidable difficulties. Secondly, the notion of a Pareto filter is presented and an algorithm thereof is developed. As its name suggests, a Pareto filter is an algorithm that retains only the global Pareto points, given a set of points in objective space. As is explained in the paper, the Pareto filter is useful in the application of the NC and other methods. Numerical examples are provided.
Adoption of ATM Technology by Elderly Users

Technological innovations have a potential to enhance the lives of older individuals by allowing them to maintain their independence or to be minimally dependent on various types of assistance. Many of these innovations could also help ease the load on social service agencies and on caregivers to the elderly. However, we find that a large number of older individuals resist using these technologies. This paper looks at one of the most prevalent consumer technologies, the automated teller machine (ATM), and investigates the characteristics affecting its adoption by elderly consumers. The characteristics, which were explored by means of a survey, included demographic, psychological, and attitudinal variables. Findings from this study revealed that fewer elderly used ATM technology and that users and nonusers differed in their mechanical reasoning ability, sociability, and a number of attitudinal variables.
Intermolecular hydrogen bonding in chlorine dioxide photochemistry: A time-resolved resonance Raman study

Abstract The geminate-recombination and vibrational-relaxation dynamics of chlorine dioxide (OClO) dissolved in ethanol and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) are investigated using time-resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy. Stokes spectra are measured as a function of time following photoexcitation using degenerate pump and probe wavelengths of 398 nm. For OClO dissolved in ethanol, subpicosecond geminate recombination occurs resulting in the reformation of ground-state OClO with a quantum yield of 0.5±0.1. Following recombination, intermolecular-vibrational relaxation of OClO occurs with a time constant of 31±10 ps. For OClO dissolved in TFE, recombination occurs with a time constant of 1.8±0.8 ps and a quantum yield of only 0.3±0.1. The intermolecular-vibrational-relaxation time constant of OClO in TFE is 79±27 ps. The reduced geminate-recombination quantum yield, delayed recombination, and slower vibrational relaxation for OClO in TFE is interpreted in terms of greater self-association of the solvent. Degenerate pump–probe experiments are also presented that demonstrate decay of the Cl-solvent charge-transfer complex on the ∼1-ns time scale in ethanol and TFE. This time is significantly longer than the abstraction times observed for other systems demonstrating that Cl hydrogen abstraction from alcohols occurs in the presence of a significant energy barrier.
Statistical considerations for survival analysis from medical device clinical studies

Appropriate statistical methods are presented to estimate the 95% lower confidence limit of true event-free probability, with heavy censoring in the small sample size situation, and to compare crude probability, linearized rate, and life-table probability. The problem of survival experience extrapolation beyond the last observed follow-up is also discussed.