cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-social media: executive Twitter “engagement” and attitudes about media credibility

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to take the results of two studies to hypothesize about practice and recommend research/debate on business leaders’ use and perceptions of social media. Data were considered under the umbrella of current senior management practice, with the purpose to make suggestions for better practice, but primarily to theorize about the probable evolution of social media value and credibility for executives. Design/methodology/approach – The first study presents results from a qualitative content analysis of Fortune and Inc. 500 CEOs’ use of Twitter in terms of: activity and engagement; tweet subject matter; frequency of opinions expressed; and level of formality. The second considers the credibility of social media against traditional media and personal information sources within one quantitative survey. Findings – Senior executives using social media (Twitter) tend to engage in one-sided conversations in a two-way medium. Further, most CEOs appear to be using more formal langua...
Management And Organization Of Space Telescope Wide-Field And Planetary Camera Optics

An instrument is currently being designed to provide both visual and ultraviolet imaging data from the Space Telescope. This instrument, the Wide Field Planetary Camera, is being managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the Principal Investigator at the California Institute of Technology. This paper describes the relationships developed between the Principal Investigator, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and industry to design, develop, fabricate, and test the optical system of the instrument. The primary role of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the development of the optical system is the management of the design, fabrication, and testing activity required to produce flight hardware from the baseline optical design provided by the Principal Investigator. A portion of the design and fabrication activity will be performed by JPL in-house, with the remainder performed by industry under subcontracts managed by JPL. Along with a description of the organization and management of the optical activity is an overview of the instrument, its optical system, and its expected performance.
EXTRAHEPATIC MALIGNANCY IN CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE: REPORT OF SIX CASES

Six patients are described with chronic liver disease, 3 with primary biliary cirrhosis and 3 with chronic active hepatitis, all of whom developed malignant disease in organs other than the liver. Two malignancies were mixed histiocytic-lymphocytic lymphomas. All patients had received corticosteroid or azathioprine therapy. Specific lymphocyte counts and immunoglobulin and antibody determinations failed to reveal a consistent pattern of abnormality to recognize the patient at risk. Several diseases in which the immune responsiveness is disturbed seem to have this potentiality in common, especially if therapy that further alters immunological reactivity is given.
Event-triggered filtering with application to target tracking in binary sensor networks

This paper presents an event-triggered filtering algorithm with application to target tracking in binary sensor networks. The target is modeled by a stochastic differential equation and the binary sensors provide one-bit information about the target's presence or absence within the sensing range. The sensors are triggered when the target enters or leaves the sensor's sensing range. Based on the sensor model, target tracking problem is formulated as a filtering problem where the state of the stochastic dynamic system is estimated using only two types of measurement data: the times when the sensors are triggered and the positions of the triggered sensors. The event-triggered filtering problem is then solved by a proposed algorithm based on a Markov chain approximation method.
SYNTHETIC IMAGES AND LONG-SLIT SPECTRA OF PROTOSTELLAR JETS

We construct synthetic images and long-slit spectra of protostellar jets modeled as steady state X-winds. Assuming uniform ionization fractions and electron temperatures, we calculate non-LTE level populations for five-level atoms. Synthetic images in the [S II] λ6716/λ6731 and [O I] λ6300/λ6364 lines have roughly the same surface brightness as observed jets if we ignore their knotty structure. Long-slit spectra taken with the slit placed along the central axis of the jet, or slightly displaced laterally from it, provide strong evidence in support of the X-wind theory. In both the models and the actual objects, wide line profiles, containing both large positive and negative velocities, are often seen at the base of the flow, indicative of a wide-angle wind. As one progresses up the length of the slit, the line profiles narrow to straddle the projected velocity of a highly collimated jet.
Research in family financial counseling

Domains of family financial counseling research are proposed in order to establish criteria for assessing research needs in this relatively new field. Identification of the research domains implies progress for an emerging profession. A survey of the family financial counseling research to date is reported. Results of research in several domains are shown to demonstrate how results from empirical studies can contribute to the theory and practice of family financial counseling.
Note on Bragg scattering of water waves by parallel bars on the seabed

A recent theory of Bragg scattering of surface waves by sinusoidal sandbars on a seabed is applied to three cases not examined heretofore: (1) oblique incidence on a strip of infinitely long bars, (2) oblique incidence on the corner of a bar field and (3) seabed with a mean slope. While the Bragg mechanism has been studied previously for sandbars present on many shorelines, it can be a basis for breakwaters where the soil is not strong enough to support a single massive breakwater.
Role of Thermodynamic, Molecular, and Kinetic Factors in Crystallization from the Amorphous State

Though there is an advantage in using the higher solubility amorphous state in cases where low solubility limits absorption, physical instability poses a significant barrier limiting its use in solid oral dosage forms. Unlike chemical instability, where useful accelerated stability testing protocols are common, no methodology has been established to predict physical instability. Therefore, an understanding of the factors affecting crystallization from the amorphous state is not only important from a scientific perspective but also has practical applications. Crystallization from the amorphous matrix has been linked to the molecular mobility in the amorphous matrix and recent research has focused on developing the link between these two fundamental properties of glass forming materials. Although researchers have been actively working in this area for some time, there is no current review describing the present state of understanding of crystallization from the amorphous state. The purpose of this review therefore is to examine the roles of different factors such as molecular mobility, thermodynamic factors, and the implication of different processing condition, in crystallization from the amorphous state. We believe an increased understanding of the relative contributions of molecular mobility and processing conditions are vital to increased usage of the amorphous state in solid oral dosage forms.
Involvement of Histidine Residues in Proton Sensing of ROMK1 Channel

ROMK channels are inhibited by intracellular acidification. This pH sensitivity is related to several amino acid residues in the channel proteins such as Lys-61, Thr-51, and His-206 (in ROMK2). Unlike all other amino acids, histidine is titratable at pH 6-7 carrying a positive charge below pH 6. To test the hypothesis that certain histidine residues are engaged in CO(2) and pH sensing of ROMK1, we performed experiments by systematic mutations of all histidine residues in the channel using the site-directed mutagenesis. There are two histidine residues in the N terminus. Mutations of His-23, His-31, or both together did not affect channel sensitivity to CO(2). Six histidine residues are located in the C terminus. His-225, His-274, His-342, and His-354 were critical in CO(2) and pH sensing. Mutation of either of them reduced CO(2) and pH sensitivities by 20-50% and approximately 0.2 pH units, respectively. Simultaneous mutations of all of them eliminated the CO(2) sensitivity and caused this mutant channel to respond to only extremely acidic pH. Similar mutations of His-280 had no effect. The role of His-270 in CO(2) and pH sensing is unclear, because substitutions of this residue with either a neutral, negative, or positive amino acid did not produce any functional channel. These results therefore indicate that histidine residues contribute to the sensitivity of the ROMK1 channel to hypercapnia and intracellular acidosis.
Grammatical relation probability: How usage patterns shape analogy

It has been argued speakers' knowledge of the probabilities of certain phones, words, and syntactic structures affects language production (Bell, Brenier, Gregory, Girand, & Jurafsky, 2009; Tily, Gahl, Arnon, Snider, Kothari, & Bresnan, 2009). This study provides evidence for effects of grammatical relation probabilities by identifying significant effects on verb morphology in the Spanish presentative [haber ‘there (be)’+ NP] construction stemming from nouns with varying proportion of use in subject function. In addition to this novel type of probability (grammatical relation), we present calculations that are not context-dependent but cumulative, reflecting speakers' overall experience with these nouns in the grammar. We conduct variationist analyses on corpora of spoken Puerto Rican Spanish. Our results reveal that nouns with a high probability of subject function promote the analogical leveling of haber by increasing the likelihood of reanalysis of the object as subject of the construction. We interpret these results as suggesting speakers possess lexicalized knowledge of grammatical relation usage patterns.
Tilts Associated with Small and Medium Size Earthquakes

Tilt observations from nearby local earthquakes in the magnitude range from 3 to 5 and larger teleseisms show an amplitude reduction with epicentral distance R of the form A (in seconds of arc)=10M-4.1×R-1. The result is compared to static elastic dislocation models. Velocities of the tilt propagation are in the range 2.1 to 2.8km/sec for near earthquakes (focal point to station), and up to 3.3km/sec for teleseisms. In view of the discrepancies between strain and tilt observations and static elastic dislocation theory, the tilt reduction with distance, and the propagation velocities, the strain and tilt steps are viewed as a surfacetype propagation phenomenon.The earthquake-associated tilts and first motions imply a south-southeast to north-north-west compression along the northern edge of the Tanana Basin. Earthquake locations and depths indicate active faults south of Fairbanks along the northern edge of a gravity low, along the Chatanika River, and on the northern extension of the Minto fault. The first two of these faults have not been known before.
A Quasi-Traditional Spectroscopic Radial Velocity Technique Applied to the Rotation of Venus

Photoelectric spectroscopic radial velocity technique to measure Venus rotation with precision
Necrotizing Cutaneous Nocardiosis of the Hand: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Although an uncommon pathogen causing clinical disease, Nocardia species are ubiquitous microorganisms found in the environment with over 50 species identified [1]. The majority of Nocardia infections occur as pulmonary infections following inhalation in immunocompromised hosts, including patients with HIV, chronic corticosteroids, and persons taking immunosuppression after transplantation [2]. Less commonly, immunocompetent hosts can develop a cutaneous form of Nocardia infection after a traumatic percutaneous inoculum [3]. Disseminated disease often involves the brain, lungs and skin [4]. Despite the low incidence of Nocardia infection in both groups, several studies have demonstrated the need for a high degree of clinical suspicion in at-risk patients, where microbiologic diagnosis is delayed by slow bacterial growth in culture. Suspect patients require aggressive treatment given the high mortality rate associated with these infections [5–7]. The genus Nocardia contains relatively few species that have been shown to be truly pathogenic in humans [8]. Nocardiosis is often misdiagnosed because of its rarity and non-specific clinical picture. Some of the more common species causing human disease include N. nova, N. brasiliensis, N. farcinia and N. aesteroides, the causative organism in this case [2]. These are most commonly found in sand, soil, dust, stagnant water and decaying vegetation [2]. Nocardia are aerobic partially acid-fast Gram positive bacteria which form thin branching rods and can be cultured on routine culture media such as blood agar or chocolate agar [8]. These bacteria are notoriously difficult to identify in culture as they require a minimum of 48–72 h to grow before colonies are evident, and in some cases can take as long as 14 days to appear. If the distinctive Gram positive filamentous, branching rods characteristic of Nocardia are not seen on Gram stain of a clinical sample, the culture may be discarded before Nocardia can be grown and identified. With a high degree of clinical suspicion and prolonged incubation of the culture, the organism is more often correctly identified [7]. In this report, we present a patient on long term corticosteroid treatment for an ANCA associated small vessel vasculitis that developed a necrotizing soft tissue infection of the upper extremity with cultures demonstrating Nocardia aesteroides. To our knowledge, there have been few reported cases of a Nocardia infection of the hand and none that has presented as a necrotizing soft tissue infection.
SOME DIURNAL FEATURES OF A NERITIC SURFACE PLANKTON POPULATION1

Four modifications of a “C method for determining primary productivity were used with surface water samples. An integration of separate results from subsamples that were given either immediate or delayed incubation for 2 or 24 hr gave evidence of two diurnal rhythms. 1. Photosynthetic standing crop was at a maximum at ,160O hours and decreased rather steadily to a minimum around 0600-0800 hours. This rhythm did not seem to relate to a bleaching of chlorophyll during periods of high light intensity or to an early morning cell division period. 2. The fixation per unit of this photosynthetic standing crop reached maxima at both 1000, and 1400 hours, with a rapid decrease to a minimum around 1800-2000 hours.
Effects of polymer impregnation on mortar-aggregate bond strength

Abstract Polymer-impregnated concrete (PIC) is recognized as a superior construction material with higher durability and strength than plain concrete. The increase in strength has been thought to be a result of an increase in bond strength between mortar and aggregate phases and a reduction of the porosity of the mortar. However, there has been no direct evidence to support that an enhanced mortar-aggregate bond is achieved. In this study, modified briquet tension specimens were tested to determine effects of polymer-impregnation on tensile bond strength, and prismatic specimens with inclined aggregates were tested to determine effects on compression-shear bond strength. Plain mortar briquets were also tested. Results indicate that polymer impregnation does not significantly improve interface bond strength in PIC. However, mortar tensile strength is increased. A review of the failure process (microcracking) in plain concrete is presented. It is proposed that if the same microcracking process occurs in PIC, then high compressive strength is a result of high mortar tensile strength.
Uterine Receptivity to Human Embryonic Implantation: Histology, Biomarkers, and Transcriptomics

Embryonic implantation is a dynamic process of paracrine interactions between the maternal compartment and the conceptus and involves a receptive endometrium and a developmentally competent blastocyst. Herein, we review histology, clinical approaches, and the promise of transcriptomics in elucidating mechanisms underlying implantation and development of biomarkers of uterine receptivity - with an eye to diagnose and treat implantation-based disorders of miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, and infertility.
The effect of diabetes, insulin, and the redox potential on leucine metabolism by isolated rat hemidiaphragm.

The oxidation of leucine by hemidiaphragms of control and diabetic rats was studied in vitro. Rats were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin. Hemidiaphragms of diabetic rats produced approximately 50% more 14CO2 during incubation with 0.1 mM [l−14C]leucine than did control muscles. This was observed during incubation with or without glucose and in the presence or absence of a full complement of plasma amino acids. The concentration of leucine in the tissue water of hemidiaphragms from diabetic rats was greater tlian that in the control muscles before incubation. The specific activity of leucine at the end of 60 min incubation was not significantly different in diabetic and control muscles, indicating that the increased 14CO2 production represented stimulation of leucine oxidation. Hemidiaphragms of diabetic rats released more leucine into the medium during incubation than did control muscles. The stimulating effect of diabetes on leucine oxidation in vitro was reversible by insulin therapy prior to sacri...
Characterization of DNA structures by Raman spectroscopy: high-salt and low-salt forms of double helical poly(dG-dC) in H2O and D2O solutions and application to B, Z and A-DNA.

Raman spectra of poly(dG-dC) . poly(dG-dC) in D2O solutions of high (4.0M NaCl) and low-salt (0.1M NaCl) exhibit differences due to different nucleotide conformations and secondary structures of Z and B-DNA. Characteristic carbonyl modes in the 1600-1700 cm-1 region also reflect differences in base pair hydrogen bonding of the respective GC complexes. Comparison with A-DNA confirms the uniqueness of C = O stretching frequencies in each of the three DNA secondary structures. Most useful for qualitative identification of B, Z and A-DNA structures are the intense Raman lines of the phosphodiester backbone in the 750-850 cm-1 region. A conformation-sensitive guanine mode, which yields Raman lines near 682, 668, or 625 cm-1 in B (C2'-endo, anti), A (C3'-endo, anti) or Z (C3'-endo, syn) structures, respectively, is the most useful for quantitative analysis. In D2O, the guanine line of Z-DNA is shifted to 615 cm-1, permitting its detection even in the presence of proteins.
Rotational interference for Darrieus rotors

The influence of the rotational interference factor on the performance of the Darrieus rotor for rotating vertical blades is investigated in an effort to improve proposed stream tube models. The interference factor due to blade forces in the downwind direction and the rotational interference factor are determined from the average thrust and torque on the blades, using the strip theory (Wilson, 1976). The average power from the rotor is calculated, and results show that if rotational interference is taken into account, performance curves can be brought down.
The influence of temperature on O2 uptake and transport in the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus L.

Abstract Temperature influences aerobic metabolism in the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus L. either very little (16–25 °C) or only moderately (4–16 °C) relative to the pattern found in many other temperature-zone animals. The compensatory mechanisms include the moderate temperature sensitivities of heart rate, ventilation rate and hemocyanin-O2 affinity as well as a decrease in hemocyanin cooperativity at low temperature. The compensatory mechanisms also include the reverse Bohr shift which, unlike a normal Bohr shift, opposes rather than enhances the intrinsic increase in Hc-O2 affinity at low temperature.
A microcode implementation of a fermat number transform for fast digital convolution

This paper presents a hardware architecture and microcode design for performing fast digital convolutions using Fermat Number Transforms (FNT). Hardware and microcode FNT are examined. A two dimensional transform technique is used to implement convolutions of length up to 512 on a 16-bit machine. A comparison is made between the FNT and the FFT on the basis of hardware and microcode requirements and speed.
Role of MED12 in transcription and human behavior

The Mediator complex is a fluid assemblage of approximately 25 proteins that is essential for eukaryotic transcriptional regulation. Mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription (MED)12 (HOPA) is a 25-kb Xq13 member of the Mediator complex that plays a key role in the complex and directly moderates receptor tyrosine kinase, nuclear receptor and Wnt pathway signaling. Sequence variation in two MED12 protein domains has been linked to neuropsychiatric illness. First, variants in the Leu-Ser domain have been linked to Opitz-Kaveggia and Lujan syndromes, which are forms of X-linked mental retardation. Second, a balanced polymorphism in the C terminus opposite-paired domain, a key motif in the MED12-mediated transcriptional repression of Wnt signaling, has been associated with increased risk for psychosis. We conclude that variation of MED12 is associated with a wide variety of clinical presentations whose severity is dependent on the location and nature of the variation, and that a thorough understanding of MED12's role in transcriptional regulation could have significant benefits for human healthcare.
Pyroelectric detection of X-ray absorption by tourmaline

Abstract It is shown that the pyroelectric properties of tourmaline may be used for the measurement of large X-ray doses. The pyroelectric voltage across a specimen subjected to uniform heating between 300–600°K goes through a maximum which is dependent upon the previously received X-ray dose. This behavior is correlated with thermally stimulated current measurements. The sensitivity is low but the storage capacity high (∼10 5 R). At room temperature the energy stored does not decay measurably over periods of 2 weeks. Effects of neutron bombardment are also discussed.
The anabolic effect of arginine on proteins in skin wound and muscle is independent of nitric oxide production

Summary Background & aims l -Arginine may play a role in regulation of protein metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of l -arginine supplementation on protein metabolism in skin wound and muscle in anesthetized rabbits. Methods l -[ring-13C6]Phenylalanine was infused as a tracer on day 7 after ear injury, and the scalded ear and uninjured hindlimb were used as arteriovenous units to reflect protein kinetics in these two tissues. In study 1, an amino acid mixture (10% Travasol) was infused either alone at 1.5 ml/kg per h or at 0.75 ml/kg per h with supplemental l -arginine to deliver comparable amount of amino acid nitrogen. In study 2, Nω-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester was infused to inhibit nitric oxide synthase during the stable isotope infusion. Results In study 1, arginine supplementation increased (p l -arginine methyl ester infusion markedly reduced the blood flow rate in the scalded ear and increased (p Conclusions Arginine supplementation increased net protein balance in skin wound and muscle by a mechanism which was independent of nitric oxide production.
Repressive coping reactions in patients with malignant melanoma as compared to cardiovascular disease patients

Previous research has indicated that repressive styles of coping with stressful emotions may be associated with higher cancer incidence and poorer prognosis. Other studies have suggested that coronary-prone and cancer-prone individuals may be at opposite poles on the distributions of several coping and personality variables. In order to investigate whether these differences could be reflected in a measure that integrated psychological and physiological processes, the present study compared the repressive coping reactions of malignant melanoma patients to matched cardiovascular disease patients and disease-free controls (N of 20 in each group). Repressive coping reactions were operationally defined as the discrepancy between reported anxiety and that shown physiologically (electrodermal activity) in response to anxiety-provoking statements in an experimental procedure. The concurrent validity of this procedure was established through correlations with other indices of repressive tendencies which were administered to all subjects. Analysis of variance showed that the melanoma group was significantly more 'repressed' on these measures, while the cardiovascular disease patients were the least repressed or most sensitized. These differences in defensive posture were independent of disease severity, which suggested that they were not merely artifacts of differences in disease-related anxiety.
Influence of the Nonlinear Characteristics of Elastic Elements on the Bifurcations of Equilibrium States of a Double Pendulum with Follower Force

A generalized mathematical model of an inverted double pendulum with asymmetric follower force is developed. The model accounts for all possible types of springs: hard, soft, and linear. The influence of equitype springs on the equilibrium states is examined
Pharmacological blockade of the vanilloid receptor TRPV1 elicits marked hyperthermia in humans.

Abstract The vanilloid receptor TRPV1 has been identified as a molecular target for the treatment of pain associated with inflammatory diseases and cancer. Hence, TRPV1 antagonists have been considered for therapeutic evaluation in such diseases. During Phase I clinical trials with AMG 517, a highly selective TRPV1 antagonist, we found that TRPV1 blockade elicited marked, but reversible, and generally plasma concentration-dependent hyperthermia. Similar to what was observed in rats, dogs, and monkeys, hyperthermia was attenuated after repeated dosing of AMG 517 (at the highest dose tested) in humans during a second Phase I trial. However, AMG 517 administered after molar extraction (a surgical cause of acute pain) elicited long-lasting hyperthermia with maximal body temperature surpassing 40 °C, suggesting that TRPV1 blockade elicits undesirable hyperthermia in susceptible individuals. Mechanisms of AMG 517-induced hyperthermia were then studied in rats. AMG 517 caused hyperthermia by inducing tail skin vasoconstriction and increasing thermogenesis, which suggests that TRPV1 regulates vasomotor tone and metabolic heat production. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that: (a) TRPV1-selective antagonists like AMG 517 cannot be developed for systemic use as stand alone agents for treatment of pain and other diseases, (b) individual susceptibility influences magnitude of hyperthermia observed after TRPV1 blockade, and (c) TRPV1 plays a pivotal role as a molecular regulator for body temperature in humans.
Waveguides in three-dimensional metallic photonic band-gap materials

We theoretically investigate waveguide structures in three-dimensional metallic photonic band-gap (MPBG) materials. The MPBG materials used in this study consist of a three-dimensional mesh of metallic wires embedded in a dielectric. An {ital L}-shaped waveguide is created by removing part of the metallic wires. Using finite difference time domain simulations, we found that an 85{percent} transmission efficiency can be achieved through the 90{degree} bend with just three unit cell thickness MPBG structures. thinsp {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
150 picosecond germanium emitter follower current switch circuit

Switching circuit experiments carried out with improved post alloy diffused germanium transistors have produced 150 ps insertion delays.
Infant pulmonary function testing guides therapy in cystic fibrosis lung disease

Longitudinal measures of pulmonary function are a fundamental part of care for older children and adults with cystic fibrosis. The dilemma for the clinician caring for infants with cystic fibrosis is how to best objectively assess and treat early lung disease to maintain good lung health for as long as possible. In this report, we present two cases where infant pulmonary function testing revealed an unexpected degree of airway pathology that altered our clinical decision making. Following treatment with intravenous antibiotics, infant pulmonary function tests demonstrated dramatic improvement. These cases demonstrate the utility of infant pulmonary function testing in guiding the management of infants with cystic fibrosis.
Interspecific aggression: Toward whom should a mockingbird be aggressive?

1. Interspecific aggression is viewed as a device of behavioral interference employed in resource competition with individuals of other species. Aggression-mediated competition is costly in terms of time and energy invested as well as increased risk of injury or predation. Consequently, natural selection should favor recognition of competitors and differential aggression depending upon the degree of competitive overlap. 2. Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) inhabiting a residential area in the piedmont region of South Carolina (USA) maintain winter feeding territories within which they defend fruit-laden trees and shrubs. Several of the many species occurring with the mockingbird in the study area are frugivorous and represent to varying degrees resource competitors, thus offering an opportunity to study interspecific aggression. 3. Field observations of mockingbird interactions with members of other species reveal that frugivores provoke mockingbird aggression while non-frugivores are essentially ignored. Moreover, the aggressiveness is directly proportional to the extent of frugivory among competitors.
Alternative approaches to conceptualizing grief: A conversation

Abstract As an exploration of alternative approaches to thinking about grief, this paper raises fundamental questions about the nature of grief. Is grief one thing or many? Can we theorize about grief in ways that better take into account its complex tangle of feelings and thoughts, its ambiguity, its differences across people, its changes over time, and the diverse ways in which different people talk about their bereavement? Can we capture the sensitivity of the qualitative researcher and the clinician in conceptualizing the grieving of a particular individual and the diversity of grieving across individuals? In the dialogue, ‘grief’ is discussed as an ‘ontological metaphor’ as opposed to a real reality. Questions are raised about how to theorize about the grief of people who use particular metaphors in talking about their grieving, and two examples are explored, the metaphor of the hole and the metaphor of the journey.
Social Communication and Theory of Mind in Boys with Autism and Fragile X Syndrome

Impairments in the social use of language, or pragmatics, constitute a core characteristic of autism. Problems with pragmatic language have also been documented in fragile X syndrome, a monogenic condition that is the most common known genetic cause of autism. Evidence suggests that social cognitive ability, or theory of mind, may also be impaired in both conditions, and in autism, may importantly relate to pragmatic language ability. Given the substantial overlap observed in autism and FXS, this study aimed to better define those social-communicative phenotypes that overlap in these two conditions by comparing pragmatic language ability and theory of mind in children with idiopathic autism and children with FXS, with and without autism, as well as children with Down syndrome and typically developing controls. We further examined correlations between these cognitive-behavioral phenotypes and molecular genetic variation related to FMR1 in the FXS group. Results indicated that children with idiopathic autism and those with FXS and autism performed comparably on direct-assessment measures of pragmatic language and theory of mind, whereas those with FXS only did not differ from controls. Theory of mind was related to pragmatic language ability in all groups. Pragmatic language and theory of mind also correlated with genetic variation at the FMR1 locus (CGG repeats and percent methylation). These results point towards substantial overlap in the social and language phenotypes in autism and FXS and suggest a molecular genetic basis to these phenotypic profiles.
Comparative force-frequency relationships in human and other mammalian ventricular myocardium.

Contractile responses to increased stimulation frequency were analyzed in isolated papillary and ventricular muscle bundles from human, guinea pig and rat hearts. Contractile tension and velocity of tension development and release were recorded while changes in frequency were made. The following were calculated for each frequency; duration of the phases of accelerating (I) and decelerating (II) contraction, and accelerating (III) and decelerating (IV) relaxation; tension at end of phases I, II and III; and instantaneous velocities at the midpoint of phase I, and at the end of phases I and III. Increasing frequency was accompanied by decreased contractile tension and velocities to a limit in rat and markedly hypertrophied adult human myocardium; but by increased contractile tension and velocities to a limit in guinea pig, late fetal human, and minimally hypertrophied adult human myocardium. The observations support the hypothesis that peak contractile tension development depends on phase I velocity and phase II duration.
State monopolies and alcoholic beverage consumption

Fifteen states have state monopolies to regulate the retail distribution of distilled spirits or wine. One objective of state ownership is the reduction of consumption. However, previous research supports both no effect and a negative effect of state monopoly (control) states on consumption.
The orientation of the ligands in iron(III)-bleomycin intercalated with DNA

EPR data show that Fe(III)-bleomycin intercalates with DNA, or that the Fe(III) coordination sphere has a fixed geometrical configuration with respect to the DNA helical axis. An analysis of the data from oriented DNA fibers, drawn from a viscous gel, shows that the angle between the fiber axis and the normal to a plane containing the Fe(III) ion and ligands ranges between 15 and 30 degrees. The principal g values for the low-spin Fe(III)-bleomycin-DNA complex at pH 7.5 are 2.45, 2.18 and 1.87.
Automated Motor Testing Using a Minicomputer

A new approach to rapid automated performance testing of motors is presented in this paper. Specific application is made to brush motors (such as those used in vacuum cleaners) in order to illustrate the techniques on a motor which, because of its high speed and heating characteristics, is considered to be more difficult to test than other types of motors. The application of the technology described in this paper to other types of motors is straightforward.
Developing and refining interventions in persons with health disparities: The use of Qualitative Description

Eliminating health disparities by the year 2010 has become a clear priority for nursing and health sciences research. To date, much of the research has relied on traditional analytic methods to identify the disparities and develop clinical interventions. However, health disparities are typically embedded in complex, cultural and contextual issues. Interventions to improve access, quality and care among vulnerable populations need to be developed with these factors in mind. This article illustrates the benefits of using Qualitative Description as one method for assessing, developing and refining interventions with vulnerable populations. Qualitative Description study results have tremendous potential to translate directly to pressing health care situations and provide clear information about ways to improve care.
A note on the local and the extension Nielsen numbers

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between the local Nielsen fixed point theory introduced by Fadell and Husseini and the Nielsen fixed point theory for map extensions introduced by Brown, Greene and Schirmer.
A hybrid computer-aided linkage design system for tracing open and closed planar curves

This paper presents a computer-aided linkage design system for tracing prescribed open or closed planar curves. The mechanism design is considered a mixture of science and art. The former is about utilizing computers to rigorously size a mechanism in meeting a set of design requirements and the latter is about taking advantage of designers' experience to narrow down the design domain and speed up the design process. The ultimate goal of the presented design system is to incorporate both science and art into the linkage design process by (1) developing an automatic design framework that is based on library searching and optimization techniques and (2) developing an interactive design framework that is based on advanced human-computer interfaces. To enable the design automation framework, we first pre-built a library of open and closed planar curves generated by commonly used planar linkages. We then turned the classical linkage path generation problem into a library searching problem together with a local optimization problem. To enable the interactive design framework, we developed a set of design interfaces that facilitate designers to intervene and steer the design process. This hybrid design system was developed based on our existing VRMDS (Virtual Reality Mechanism Design Studio) framework. To demonstrate its functionalities, we provided four representative design cases of 4-bar and crank-slider linkages. The result shows that the system returned a desired solution in seconds. We also demonstrate the extensibility of the system by implementing designs of planar 4-bar and crank-slider linkages.
Efficacy of hydrogen peroxide to control saprolegniasis on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) eggs

The efficacy of hydrogen peroxide to control mortality associated with saprolegniasis in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) eggs was evaluated at the Lost Valley State Fish Hatchery (Warsaw, MO). Two efficacy trials were conducted. In Trial 1, channel catfish eggs in their natural gelatinous matrix were treated with hydrogen peroxide at 0, 500, and 750 mg l−1. Channel catfish eggs in Trial 2 had the gelatinous matrix removed before treatment with hydrogen peroxide at 0 and 500 mg l−1. Each treatment regimen was tested in triplicate and each egg jar contained ∼17,400 eggs. Hydrogen peroxide was administered as a 15-min flow-through treatment applied once daily for a total of six applications. Control jars were similarly treated with culture water. Samples of exposure water were collected during each treatment and analyzed to verify actual treatment concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide treatment efficacy was assessed by comparing the percent egg hatch in the treatment group to the untreated control group in each trial. Mean percent hatch in Trial 1 was 44% (control), 54% (500 mg l−1), and 69% (750 mg l−1). Hydrogen peroxide treatment at either 500 or 750 mg l−1 significantly (P<0.01) increased the percent hatch compared to the untreated control group. In Trial 2, hydrogen peroxide treatment at 500 mg l−1 significantly (P<0.01) increased the percent egg hatch (67%) relative to the untreated controls (57%). Hydrogen peroxide treatment reduced egg mortality and increased the percent hatch of channel catfish eggs regardless of whether eggs were incubated in the gelatinous matrix or without the matrix in comparison to the untreated control.
Phasing diffraction data from a stream of hydrated proteins.

We consider the problem of phase determination for continuous diffraction patterns obtained from a beam of identical, aligned large molecules (such as proteins), each coated with a layer of water or vitreous ice. Many laser-aligned molecules are assumed to lie within a wide continuous x-ray beam at any instant. An iterative phasing method is developed to extract the common target structure in three dimensions from diffraction patterns of these doped ice balls. Several measurements of the diffraction intensity in reciprocal space are needed. We found iteratively two boundaries (supports) (between protein and ice and the outer iceball support) by using the charge-flipping and multiple hybrid input–output algorithms, working with multiple sets of measured data. The approach is applied to simulated data from hydrated lysozyme proteins generated by the serial crystallography method of laser-aligned protein-beam diffraction proposed by Spence and Doak [Phys. Rev. Lett.92, 198102 (2004) ]. We consider also the effect of empty ice balls on the patterns. The algorithm can also be used to align images with different randomly chosen origins, so that the same embedded subunits overlap.
GLASS-FIBER MAT REINFORCED EPOXY COATING FOR CONCRETE IN SULFURIC ACID ENVIRONMENT

Deterioration of Portland cement concrete exposed to acidic environments is a major problem in wastewater and industrial facilities. Coating of new and in-service concrete facilities is one method currently adopted to protect concrete from acidic attack. In this study, cylindrical concrete specimens were coated with a glass-fiber mat-reinforced epoxy under dry (simulating new concrete surface) and wet (simulating in-service concrete surface) conditions and then tested in 3% sulfuric acid solution. The average coating thickness was 1.5 mm with a hardness of 38 (Barcol Hardness). Chemical resistance tests were performed on uncoated and coated concrete specimens with and without surface holidays. Test results showed that the epoxy-coated concrete with holidays in acidic environments showed no failure up to 20 months. There was no noticeable difference in the performance of coated concrete with different holiday sizes (3, 6 or 12.5 mm) in long-term immersion. Failures were first observed around the holiday resulting in cracking of the coating. The average increase in diameter of specimens at the holiday was 1.5% when the first cracks occurred. A time-to-failure factor (K) showed that the lifetime of the coated concrete in 3% sulfuric acid can be extended by more than 70 times without failure occurring. This coating also passed the application and hydrostatic tests.
A versatile approach to PI(3,4)P2, PI(4,5)P2, and PI(3,4,5)P3 from L-(-)-Quebrachitol

A versatile synthesis of PI(3,4)P2, PI(4,5)P2, and PI(3,4,5)P3 is disclosed, starting from l-(−)-quebrachitol, a byproduct of latex production. The crystalline nature of most intermediates and the utilization of inexpensive protecting groups facilitate this synthetic route and its scale-up.
The optical and magnetic properties of Ni+-implanted silica

Abstract Fused silica plates were implanted with 58 Ni + at room temperature to a dose of 6 × 10 16 ions cm −2 under the condition of 160 keV and 3 μA cm −2 . The changes in the optical and magnetic properties of Ni + -implanted silica by annealing at 800°C for 4 h in air, N 2 and Ar with 4% H 2 were measured to determine the chemical state of implanted nickel species. The absence of change in the depth distribution of Ni after annealing under these conditions indicates that nickel species did not dissolve in silica. The absorption band due to the surface plasmon resonance of Ni particles at ∼ 3.6 eV decreased and increased on annealing in air and Ar with 4% H 2 , respectively. The intensity of the ferromagnetic resonance signal measured at −196°C was larger than that at room temperature, both increasing with heat treatment. The resonance field depended on the angle between the implanted surface and the applied magnetic field. It is concluded that Ni particles embedded in silica by ion-implantation were magnetized in the plane normal to the ion beam and that super-paramagnetic Ni changed to ferromagnetic Ni during the thermal treatment.
Prestack inversion of a Gulf of Thailand (OBC) data set

Seismic waveform inversion can be an important tool for reservoir characterization because high-resolution (within the seismic-frequency band) images of elastic parameters are obtainable from good quality seismic data. A detailed description of the velocity field with both high- and low-frequency variations is essential for delineating elastic properties of the medium for direct detection of hydrocarbon, lithologic discrimination, and estimation of fluid contents. Conventionally, amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) analysis determines fractional changes in P-impedance and Poisson's ratio from a linear fit of normal-moveout (NMO) corrected P-reflection amplitude to a two- or three-term approximation of reflection coefficients. Although, AVO analysis gives a useful estimation of elastic properties of the subsurface from AVO attributes, its limitation is well recognized; for example, it deals with “primaries only” models and is inadequate to account for mode-converted waves and internal multiples. In spite of several sources of error (such as random and coherent noise and a 1D earth-model assumption), a prestack seismic waveform inversion is generally desirable for more accurate mapping of the variation of the elastic properties of the subsurface. However, practical implementation of such an inversion scheme on a routine basis becomes discouragingly difficult as (1) the inverse problem is highly nonlinear, (2) the error function (a measure of data misfit in general) possesses multimodality, (3) the inverse problem is extremely computer intensive, and (4) inversion needs better data acquisition systems and data processing steps to preserve true amplitude in order to get precise estimates of elastic properties of the medium. Recently, Sen and Roy (2003) developed a regularized gradient-descent–based waveform inversion algorithm that is highly robust and addresses many of the problems encountered in wavefrom inversion. This paper is a sequel to that paper in that we demonstrate the applicability of the technique to a field data set from a gas field in the Gulf …
Detection of EGFR mutations in plasma DNA from lung cancer patients by mass spectrometry genotyping is predictive of tumor EGFR status and response to EGFR inhibitors

Aims EGFR mutations now guide the clinical use of EGFR-targeted therapy in lung cancer. However, standard EGFR mutation analysis requires a minimum amount of tumor tissue, which may not be available in certain situations. In this study, we combined a mass spectrometry genotyping assay (Sequenom) with a mutant-enriched PCR (ME-PCR) to detect EGFR mutations in free plasma DNA from patients with lung cancer.
Discovery of (S)-6-(3-cyclopentyl-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)propanamido)nicotinic acid as a hepatoselective glucokinase activator clinical candidate for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Glucokinase is a key regulator of glucose homeostasis, and small molecule allosteric activators of this enzyme represent a promising opportunity for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Systemically acting glucokinase activators (liver and pancreas) have been reported to be efficacious but in many cases present hypoglycaemia risk due to activation of the enzyme at low glucose levels in the pancreas, leading to inappropriately excessive insulin secretion. It was therefore postulated that a liver selective activator may offer effective glycemic control with reduced hypoglycemia risk. Herein, we report structure–activity studies on a carboxylic acid containing series of glucokinase activators with preferential activity in hepatocytes versus pancreatic β-cells. These activators were designed to have low passive permeability thereby minimizing distribution into extrahepatic tissues; concurrently, they were also optimized as substrates for active liver uptake via members of the organic anion transporting polypepti...