cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Denial of Virtue

When a New York City man risked his own life to save a stranger on the subway tracks, the New York Times interpreted his behavior not in terms of virtue but as a product of certain ‘hard-wiring’ he happened to possess. In denying virtue, the Times followed a school of thought that is pervasive in social science (referred to in this paper as the ‘individualists’) who, for example, explain charitable donations by pointing out tax deductions, explain volunteer work by revealing the opportunities contained therein to meet other singles, and so on. Actually, the assumptions and arguments which ground this widespread ‘denial of virtue’ are both empirically and normatively flawed, and the theory itself is belied by data about people doing good for moral reasons. Evidence drawn from personal introspection, from empirical studies of human behavior, from analysis of voting as a civil act, from interpreting peoples’ reaction to Alzheimer’s disease, from critical inspection of the logic of ‘individualist’ social explanations, and from a normative criticism of the products of the ‘individualist’ approach all support a rejection of the ‘individualist’ approach. The deniers of virtue should heed the evidence and pay mind to the amoralizing consequences of their erroneous theories.
Mycobacterium avium-induced SOCS contributes to resistance to IFN-γ-mediated mycobactericidal activity in human macrophages

Mycobacterium avium is an opportunis- tic pathogen that commonly infects individuals col- onized with HIV-1, although it is less frequent in the post-HAART era. These microorganisms in- vade macrophages after interacting with TLR2 and/or CD14 co-receptors, but signaling pathways promoting survival in macrophages are not well defined. Although IFN- plays an important role in protective immunity against bacterial infections, IFN- responses are compromised in AIDS pa- tients and evidence suggests that exogenous IFN- is inadequate to clear the mycobacteria. To deter- mine the mechanism by which M. avium survives intracellularly, even in the presence of IFN- ,w e studied the effect of mycobacteria infection in macrophages during early IFN- signaling events. M. avium infected cells exhibited a reduced re- sponse to IFN-, with suppressed phosphorylation of STAT-1 compared with uninfected cells. Inter- action of M. avium with macrophage receptors in- creased gene expression of the suppressors of cy- tokine signaling (SOCS) to diminish IFN respon- siveness. Specifically, we observed an increase in mRNA for both SOCS-3 and SOCS-1, which cor- relates with elevated levels of SOCS protein and positive immunostaining in M. avium/HIV-1 co-in- fected tissues. We also linked the p38 MAPK sig- naling pathway to mycobacterial-induced SOCS gene transcription. The induction of SOCS may be part of the strategy that allows the invader to ren- der the macrophages unresponsive to IFN-, which otherwise promotes clearance of the infection. Our data provide new insights into the manipulation of the host response by this opportunistic pathogen and the potential for modulating SOCS to influence the out- come of M. avium infection in immunocompromised hosts. J. Leukoc. Biol. 80: 1136-1144; 2006.
Estimating the hydrocarbon volume from elastic and resistivity data: A concept

Estimating the volume of hydrocarbons in place, the product of porosity and saturation, is a major problem in applied geophysics, but the solution is not straightforward.
Effects of Insecticides on Reproduction in the Laboratory Mouse: I. Kepone

Kepone® (decachlorooctahydro-1,3,4-metheno-2 H -cyclobuta[ cd ] pentalen-2-one), a chlorinated organic insecticide, was included in the diet of a mixed lot of laboratory mice totaling 66 pairs at 0, 10, 17.5, 25, 30, and 37.5 ppm for 1 month before and 5 months after mating, to determine the effects on reproductive success. In a 2nd test, a total of 48 pairs of mice of the pure inbred BALB/c strain was fed 0, and 10 ppm for 1 month before mating and 4 months after mating. This was followed by a 3rd test involving 24 control pairs and 36 pairs on 5 ppm Kepone. Reproduction was reduced at all feeding levels, and was expressed by a decrease in the size and number of litters. The greater the concentration of insecticide in the diet, the greater was the effect. A 4th experiment with progeny of the animals used in the 3rd test also showed decreased reproductive success.
Endothelin-1 as a Putative Modulator of Erectile Dysfunction: I. Characteristics of Contraction of Isolated Corporal Tissue Strips

AbstractNormal erectile physiology is heavily dependent on a delicate balance between the effects of endogenous vasoconstricting and vasorelaxing hormones on the tone of the corporal smooth muscle. Recent studies indicate that endothelin-1 (ET-1) is present and physiologically active in the human corpora. The primary goal of the present investigation was to further define the role of ET-1 in corporal physiology and to ascertain whether it might play a role in augmenting corporal tone in vivo, as reported in other vascular tissues. Thus, we conducted pharmacological studies of ET-1-induced steady-state contractions in isolated human corporal smooth muscle strips to determine if there were any detectable age- or diabetes-related alterations in ET-1-induced contractions. For statistical analysis, the patient population was divided into 2 age groups, A (less or equal to 59 years of age; = 11 patients) and B (greater or equal to 60 years of age; n = 7 patients), and further subdivided into 2 diagnostic categor...
An anomaly in the case of catalytic cracking

The cracking of n-hexadecane with four catalysts at very low temperature, both in the presence and absence of liquid water was investigated. It was determined that cracking could be observed in all cases at 250/sup 0/C. While the amounts of cracked product were very small (1 to 1.5% conversion), they were sufficient for gas chromatographic analysis. In all cases, the presence of water reduced catalyst activity. Liquid products ranged from C/sub 4/ to C/sub 15/, with a paraffin/olefin ratio of 1:2 and a branched/straight chain ratio of 1:2. 1 figure. (DP)
Neonatal rat pups’ (Long-Evans DAB) behavioral response to thermal stimuli

The development of responsiveness to three different substratal temperatures was observed in Long-Evans (DAB) rat pups at Days 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, and 10. From Day 1 to Day 6, pups left the coldest area most quickly and the warm and hot areas equally slowly. They also were most active on the cold areas and least on the warm and hot areas. Duration of time spent on the cold areas was lowest for Days 1 and 2 but not for Day 3. By Day 8, differential responses were no longer statistically significant.
On-Line Measurement of Fabric Bending Behavior Part III: Dynamic Considerations and Experimental Implementation

A nonlinear, dynamic fabric bending model is introduced to study the dynamic effects on loop formation and measured characteristic parameters. In order to verify the theoretical results and test the measurement principle, an experimental system based on the principles of loops 3 and 4 is developed. The influence of fabric linear speed and movement direction on the measured values is discussed. Discrepancies between theoretical and experimental observations indicate that a full understanding of the ef fects of the fabric bending rate on bending properties is necessary to accurately model bending behavior when a high bending rate is involved. The work demonstrates a strong correlation between the on-line and off-line measured results.
Spin-polarized metastable-atom deexcitation spectroscopy: A new probe of the dynamics of metastable-atom-surface interactions.

Spin-labeling techniques, specifically the use of electron-spin-polarized metastable atoms coupled with spin analysis of the ejected electrons, are used to probe the dynamics of metastable atom-surface interactions. In particular,the data show that the electrons involved in Auger neutralization tend to have antiparallel spins and that secondary electrons can provide a significant contribution to the total ejected electron signal.
Preliminary Results with TOFPET

TOFPET is a high resolution whole body positron camera which uses time-of-flight information to (a) improve the signal to noise ratio of a reconstructed image and (b) improve the sensitivity of the central slices by using all the interplane coincidences. The first phase of the construction of the camera has been completed, with all the detectors operational and data collected in the list format with a VAX 11/750 computer. Some of the preliminary results obtained with TOFPET such as resolution and sensitivity, as well as, images of Rubidium-82 in a dog heart are presented. The second phase of the construction, which involves the installation of the on-line microprocessors for faster image reconstruction, is being implemented at this time and is expected to be completed by early 1983, at which time the TOFPET camera will be used for routine clinical studies.
Numerical identification of interface source functions in heat transfer problems under nonlinear boundary conditions

Abstract An inverse approach, based on a fully explicit and unconditionally stable finite difference implementation of the Mollification Method, for the approximate identification of transient interface sources in semi-infinite or finite slab mediums subjects to nonlinear boundary conditions is presented. Stability bounds are derived an two typical examples corresponding to Newton cooling law and Stefan-Boltzmann radiation law are illustrated.
The Falmouth Safe Skin Project: Evaluation of a Community Program to Promote Sun Protection in Youth:

Amultidimensional community-based skin cancer prevention programwas conducted in Falmouth, Massachusetts, combining community activism with publicity campaigns and behavioral interventions to improve sun protection knowledge; attitudes; and practices in parents, caregivers, and children. The programwas associated with improvements in target outcomes, based on two telephone surveys of random samples of parents (n= 401, 404). After program implementation, fewer parents reported sunburning of their children, particularly among children 6 years old or younger (18.6% in 1994 vs. 3.2% in 1997), and more parents reported children using sunscreen, particularly continuous use at the beach (from 47.4% to 69.9% in younger children). Hat and shirt use did not increase. Improvements also were seen in parent role modeling of sun protection practices, parents’self-efficacy in protecting children from the sun, and sun protection knowledge. While these findings must be interpreted cautiously, they do suggest that this pro...
Evidence-based medicine in pediatric residency programs: where are we now?

Background.—Evidence-based medicine (EBM) integrates the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to optimize clinical outcomes for our patients. Objective.—To examine incorporation of EBM into journal club (JC) and other venues within pediatric residency programs. Design/Methods.—A 30-question confidential survey was designed to determine how residents are taught and practice EBM. The survey was sent to the chief resident (CR) at all North American pediatric residency programs (N = 192). Nonrespondents were sent surveys 4 and 8 weeks later. Results.—The response rate was 80% (n = 153). Pediatric residency programs varied in size from 12 to 132 residents from responses in 39 states. Most programs (97%, confidence interval [CI], 92–99) used EBM. JC (89%, CI, 83–93), noontime lectures (62%, CI, 54–70), and morning report (61%, CI, 53–69) were the most common venues used to teach EBM. JC (58%, CI, 50–66), morning report (11%, CI, 6–17), and resident workshop (11%, CI, 6–17) were the most effective venues to teach EBM, although resident workshops were as effective as JC to teach EBM in programs offering workshops (38% each, CI, 21–56). Most CRs felt confident in their ability to practice EBM (56%, CI, 48–64), but few CRs felt that their program could teach EBM (7%) or evaluate EBM effectiveness (20%). Conclusions.—EBM is common throughout pediatric residencies. JC was the most effective venue in which to teach EBM, unless a workshop was offered. Most CRs thought it was important to teach EBM, but did not feel confident in their program's ability to teach EBM.
Design, Modeling, and Evaluation of a Cost Effective Particulate Control System

A cost effective, portable particulate control system was developed, built, and evaluated at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Prototype of the presented system was developed for experimental assessment and its computational model was also created for CFD simulation. The experimental and computer simulation results showed that the developed system could efficiently and safely remove and dispose accumulated particulate matter (in the size range of 5 ∼ 1000 μm), and be tolerant to the abrasive properties that the particulate matter may have. The developed particulate control system as well as the applied technology can be further optimized and extended to be applied in aerospace and space engineering to remove suspended particles out from the closed cabinet of aircrafts or spacecrafts. The outcome of this project will also impact other commercial sectors and industries.
Defense spending and economic growth An alternative approach to the causality issue

Abstract This paper re-examines the defense-growth causality issue. Using a 21-country sample and Granger causality methods developed by Hsiao, we find a feedback relationship existx for most countries. This implies that neither growth nor defense can be considered exogenous — a result suspected by Joerding in earlier work — but masked by his choice of an arbitrary lag structure.
A proof of the Mullineux conjecture

A partition λ of a positive integer n is a sequence λ1 λ2 λm 0 of integers such that ∑λi n. For a positive integer p, a partition λ λ1 λ2 λm (or its Young diagram) is called p-regular if it does not have p or more equal parts, i.e. if there does not exist t m p 1 with λt λt 1 λt p 1. Let F be a field of characteristic p 0. It is well known that irreducible representations of the symmetric group Sn over F are naturally parametrized by pregular partitions of n (cf. for example [9, 12]). If λ is such a partition we denote the corresponding irreducible module by Dλ. Let sgnn be the one-dimensional sign representation of Sn over F; i.e., sgnn F as a vector space and g f sgn g f for any g Sn f F . Here sgn g is just the sign of the permutation g. It is clear that for any irreducible Dλ, the tensor product Dλ sgnn is also irreducible. The problem, usually called the problem of Mullineux, is to find the p-regular partition μ such that Dλ sgnn Dμ. Put Dλ sgnn Dn λ In this way a bijection bn on the set Pn of p-regular partitions of n is defined for each positive integer n, and the problem is:
Hard and soft walls

In a continuing effort to understand divergences which occur when quantum fields are confined by bounding surfaces, we investigate local energy densities (and the local energy-momentum tensor) in the vicinity of a wall. In this paper, attention is largely confined to a scalar field. If the wall is an infinite Dirichlet plane, well-known volume and surface divergences are found, which are regulated by a temporal point-splitting parameter. If the wall is represented by a linear potential in one coordinate $z$, the divergences are softened. The case of a general wall, described by a potential of the form ${z}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ for $zg0$ is considered. If $\ensuremath{\alpha}g2$, there are no surface divergences, which in any case vanish if the conformal stress tensor is employed. Divergences within the wall are also considered.
Acetylcholine and functional vasodilatation in the submaxillary gland of the cat.

Abstract The ability of acetylcholinesterase to reduce the hyperaemia induced by acetylcholine in the submaxillary gland of the cat has been studied. Injections of acetylcholine (10 μg) into the femoral veins of cats produced simultaneously a systemic lowering of blood pressure and a 3–7 fold increase in submaxillary gland blood flow. Increasing the blood levels of acetylcholinesterase by injection of 8–20 × 10 3 units/cat of acetylcholinesterase either abolished or reduced substantially the vascular responses to acetylcholine. Similarly, the vasodilatation induced by several levels of stimulation of the chorda lingual nerve was significantly reduced. These data show that increasing the level of an enzyme capable of destroying a neurogenic mediator is an effective means for assessing its physiological or pathological role and offer supportive evidence that the use of carboxypeptidase B, and enzyme which inactivates the kinins, is a valid means of evaluating the functional status of the kallikrein-kininogen-kinin system.
The role of mesopores in MTBE removal with granular activated carbon.

This activated carbon research appraised how pore size and empty-bed contact time influenced the removal of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) at part-per-billion (ppb) concentrations when MTBE was the sole organic impurity. The study compared six granular activated carbons (GACs) from three parent sources; these GACs contained a range of pore volume distributions and had uniform slurry pHs of 9.7-10.4 (i.e. the carbons' bulk surface chemistries were basic). Several of these activated carbons had been specifically tailored for enhanced sorption of trace organic compounds. In these tests, MTBE was spiked into deionized-distilled water (∼pH 7); MTBE loading was measured by isotherms and by rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs) that simulated full-scale empty-bed contact times of 7, 14, and 28 min. The results showed that both ultra-fine micropores and small-diameter mesopores were important for MTBE adsorption. Specifically, full MTBE loading during RSSCTs bore a strong correlation (R(2) = 0.94) to the product (mL/g × mL/g) of pore volume ≤4.06 A wide and pore volume between ∼22 A and ∼59 A wide. This correlation was greater than for the product of any other pore volume combinations. Also, this product exhibited a stronger correlation than for just one or the other of these two pore ranges. This multiplicative relationship implied that both of these pore sizes were important for the optimum GAC performance of these six carbons (i.e. favorable mass transfer coupled with favorable sorption). The authors also compared MTBE mass loading during RSSCTs (μg MTBE/g GAC) to isotherm capacity (μg MTBE/g GAC). This RSSCT loading "efficiency" ranged from 28% to 96% for the six GACs; this efficiency correlated most strongly to pores that were 14-200 A wide (R(2) = 0.94). This correlation indicated that only those carbons with a sufficient volume of 14-200 A pores could adsorb MTBE to the extent that would be predicted from isotherm data.
Study on the chemical stability of benzoxazine-based phenolic resins in carboxylic acids

The chemical stability of typical polybenzoxazines based on bisphenol-A and primary amines was studied. Using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of polybenzoxazine model dimers, it was found that the Mannich base is stable in a carboxylic acid solution. It is proposed that the nature of the primary amines is responsible for the interactions which take place between the carboxylic acid and the Mannich-base model dimers. As a result, the chemical stability of polybenzoxazines may also be related to the nature of the amines, which, in turn, influence the strength of the hydrogen-bonded network structure which develops upon cure. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 79: 1207–1219, 2001
Group formation mechanisms for transactions in Isis

Distributed toolkits like Isis provide means of replicating data but not means for making it persistent. This makes the use of transactions desirable, even in non-database applications. Using Isis can alleviate the programming cost of distributed transaction processing the multi-phase commit protocols. Using the Isis transaction tool, however, imposes additional cost, and we examine the effect of group formation strategies on the overhead. The paper presents three different group formation mechanisms in Isis and compares the costs associated with them.
Influence of Growth of Coliforms on Flavor Acceptability of Commercially Processed Milk Samples

Abstract Commercially processed whole milk samples were surveyed during the last 3 yr to evaluate flavor acceptability during storage to sell-by dates. Growth of coliforms influenced flavor acceptability. Samples with 150 or greater colony-forming units per milliliter by the violet red bile agar method after 10 day storage at 6.7°C had unacceptable flavor scores by trained panels in 50, 70, and 72% of three surveys in 1979, 1980, and 1981. The preliminary incubation violet red bile agar method was evaluated as a procedure for predicting shelf-life of milk samples by detecting coliforms soon after processing. Unsatisfactory flavor scores in 35 commercially processed samples found positive for coliforms by the preliminary incubation were 0, 11, 57, and 91% at 1, 7, 10, and 14 days. The preliminary incubation count on freshly processed milks was related to unacceptable flavor scores: 8, 33, 55, and 69% of the samples with unacceptable flavor scores after 10 days had counts of 0, 1–10, 11–100, and greater than 100 colony forming units/ml. Samples positive for coliforms had higher standard plate counts and rapid psychrotrophic counts than coliform-negative samples. Pyruvate content, lipolysis, and proteolysis were greater also in samples positive for coliforms. Growth of coliforms may influence growth of psychrotrophic pseudomonads in commercial milk samples.
Acute toxicity of cadmium, copper, zinc, ammonia, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline, methylene chloride, and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol to juvenile grass shrimp and killifish.

The acute toxicity of several compounds was investigated while performing a toxicity evaluation of a complex chemical effluent. The tests were conducted for one or more of the following reasons: (1) data were not available for the chemical; (2) data were not available for the species; or (3) data were not available for the juvenile life stage of the species. Forty-eight hour acute toxicity tests were run on juvenile grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and juvenile killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) exposed to the following compounds: cadmium, copper, zinc, ammonia, 3,3{prime}-dichlorobenzidine, 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline, methylene chloride (dichloromethane) and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol.
Selective Biomolecular Nanoarrays for Parallel Single-Molecule Investigations

The ability to direct the self-assembly of biomolecules on surfaces with true nanoscale control is key for the creation of functional substrates. Herein we report the fabrication of nanoscale biomolecular arrays via selective self-assembly on nanopatterned surfaces and minimized nonspecific adsorption. We demonstrate that the platform developed allows for the simultaneous screening of specific protein–DNA binding events at the single-molecule level. The strategy presented here is generally applicable and enables high-throughput monitoring of biological activity in real time and with single-molecule resolution.
Therapeutic alliance, group cohesion, and homework compliance during cognitive-behavioral group treatment of social phobia

Previous research on the role of therapeutic alliance in cognitive behavioral interventions has shown mixed results. Building on the suggestion that the trajectory of the therapeutic relationship may be more predictive of outcome than simple level of alliance, we examined therapeutic alliance, group cohesion, and homework compliance over the course of treatment for 53 socially phobic clients involved in cognitive-behavioral group therapy. Working alliance increased in a linear fashion over the course of treatment, particularly for clients with social fears limited to public speaking. Homework compliance declined linearly, while group cohesion remained static. Curvilinear models did not explain additional variance beyond the linear terms. Notably, treatment outcome was not significantly related to the development of alliance or decline in homework compliance.
A reappraisal of the dog-heart infarct plasmalogen, its conception as a bis-phosphatidic acid and current recognition as an N-acyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine

1. 1. We have re-examined the lipids from myocardial infarcts of cat, dog, rabbit and man, mainly through TLC methods, and confirm the identity of cat and dog “infarct plasmalogen” as an N-acyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (NAPE). This substance was not detected in infarcts of rabbit and man. 2. 2. We have extended our observations on a similar phosphatide, as the plasmalogen form, naturally occurring in the brain and optic nerve of fish. 3. 3. Supporting evidence for the NAPE identity was provided from non-plasmalogen forms isolated from peas and lentils. 4. 4. NAPE in all of its forms was shown to be a reluctant substrate for the phospholipase A2 of snake venoms. 5. 5. Co-chromatography problems involving NAPE, semi-lyso cardiolipin and bis-phosphatidic acid are documented and their relationship to the infarct phenomenon discussed.
Implementation of on-site screening sigmoidoscopy positively influences utilization by primary care providers.

Abstract Background & Aims: Sigmoidoscopy is an effective screening strategy for colorectal cancer that is not widely used by primary care providers. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of "academic detailing" in the form of an outreach educational seminar combined with implementation of on-site sigmoidoscopy services performed by university-based gastroenterologists on provider compliance. Methods: A controlled trial was initiated at 9 urban neighborhood health centers, including 4 intervention and 5 comparison sites. Baseline data on provider attitudes and practice patterns were collected using a validated questionnaire. Outcome measures included a year 1 follow-up survey of provider attitudes and quarterly review of screening sigmoidoscopy referrals using appointment logs to assess utilization. Results: Overall self-reported compliance rates for screening sigmoidoscopy increased by 36% (baseline, 24%; year 1, 60%) for the intervention group vs. only 7% (baseline, 19%; year 1, 26%) for the comparison group ( P = 0.001). When stratified by site, compliance rates increased at each intervention site (range, 7%-92%) but at only 2 control sites. Use of screening sigmoidoscopy was also significantly greater at the intervention sites (47% vs. 4%; P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: An outreach educational seminar combined with implementation of on-site sigmoidoscopy services is an effective strategy for enhancing provider utilization of screening sigmoidoscopy.
The pH-dependent binding of NADH and subsequent enzyme isomerization of human liver β3β3 alcohol dehydrogenase

Human class I beta 3 beta 3 is one of the alcohol dehydrogenase dimers that catalyzes the reversible oxidation of ethanol. The beta 3 subunit has a Cys substitution for Arg-369 (beta 369C) in the coenzyme-binding site of the beta1 subunit. Kinetic studies have demonstrated that this natural mutation in the coenzyme-binding site decreases affinity for NAD+ and NADH. Structural studies suggest that the enzyme isomerizes from an open to closed form with coenzyme binding. However, the extent to which this isomerization limits catalysis is not known. In this study, stopped-flow kinetics were used from pH 6 to 9 with recombinant beta 369C to evaluate rate-limiting steps in coenzyme association and catalysis. Association rates of NADH approached an apparent zero-order rate with increasing NADH concentrations at pH 7.5 (42 +/- 1 s-1). This observation is consistent with an NADH-induced isomerization of the enzyme from an open to closed conformation. The pH dependence of apparent zero-order rate constants fit best a model in which a single ionization limits diminishing rates (pKa = 7.2 +/- 0.1), and coincided with Vmax values for acetaldehyde reduction. This indicates that NADH-induced isomerization to a closed conformation may be rate-limiting for acetaldehyde reduction. The pH dependence of equilibrium NADH-binding constants fits best a model in which a single ionization leads to a loss in NADH affinity (pKa = 8.1 +/- 0. 2). Rate constants for isomerization from a closed to open conformation were also calculated, and these values coincided with Vmax for ethanol oxidation above pH 7.5. This suggests that NADH-induced isomerization of beta 369C from a closed to open conformation is rate-limiting for ethanol oxidation above pH 7.5.
Laser Flash Measurement of Samples With a Transparent Reference Layer

The laser flash method is a standard method for thermal diffusivity measurement. This paper reports the development of a method and theory that extends the standard laser flash method to measure thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity simultaneously. By attaching a transparent reference layer with known thermal properties on the back of a sample, the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of the sample can be extracted from the temperature response of the interface between the sample and the reference layer to a heating pulse on the front surface. The theory can be applied for sample and reference layer with different thermal properties and thickness, and the original analysis of the laser flash method becomes a limiting case of the current theory with an infinitely small thickness of the reference layer. The uncertainty analysis was performed and results indicated that the laser flash method can be used to extract the thermal conductivity and diffusivity of the sample. The results can be applied to, for instance, opaque liquid in a quartz dish with silicon infrared detector measuring the temperature of liquid-quartz interface through the quartz.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Family Environment in Inner-City African-American and Latino Parents/Caregivers: A Comparison of the Reliability of Instruments

Inner-city, African American and Latino youth are at higher risk for the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Interventions usually focus on changing physical activity and dietary behaviors, yet family environment has the potential to influence response to these interventions. We aimed to identify instruments that could reliably be used to assess the family environment of children from high-risk populations. Selected indices from four instruments were used; the Family Environment Scale (FES), the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales IV (FACES IV), the Self-report Family Inventory (SFI), and the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Out of 15 indices evaluated, 9 were reliable in both ethnicities including FES cohesion, conflict and organization, SFI emotional expressiveness, conflict and family health/competence, FACES IV family communication and family satisfaction, and FAD general functioning. Perceived family environment characteristics did not differ significantly for inner-city African American and Hispanic families.
Old and Ornery: The Disciplinary Experiences of Elderly Prisoners:

As a group, elderly prisoners are regarded as less troublesome and generally well-behaved. Consequently, those with adjustment problems and disciplinary actions tend to be overlooked and are virtually nonexistent in the literature. This study examined elderly prisoners in a southwestern United States institution, and compared their disciplinary histories. Since disciplined inmates represented approximately 40 percent of the elderly population, unanticipated conflict could result if special facilities and programs are designed with stereotypical images of the elderly in mind. Using variables such as physical health, relative age, previous incarcerations, and mental health problems, as few significant differences were found and prediction of elderly inmates with disciplinary histories remained problematic.
Prolonged Emergency Department Stays of Non-ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Are Associated With Worse Adherence to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for Management and Increased Adverse Events

Study objective We evaluate the association of emergency department (ED) length of stay with use of guideline-recommended therapies for acute treatments and clinical outcomes. Prolonged ED stays often reflect ED crowding or limited hospital capacity. We hypothesized that patients with non–ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction who have ED stays of greater than 8 hours may have lower quality of care and worse outcomes. Methods Using a secondary analysis of data from an observational registry ( C an R apid Risk Stratification of U nstable Angina Patients S uppress AD verse Outcomes with E arly Implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines, CRUSADE), we compared rates of use of 5 individual acute ( 8 hours]). Multivariable analyses were used to determine independent association of ED length of stay with acute medications and inhospital outcomes (death and myocardial infarction). Results This analysis included 42,780 patients with non–ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. The median ED length of stay was 4.3 hours (25th to 75th percentile 2.9, 6.3); 15% of patients stayed longer than 8 hours. Patients who had long ED stays were more likely to be women and nonwhite and less likely to have health maintenance organization or private insurance. After adjustment, patients with long ED stays less often received guideline-recommended acute myocardial infarction therapies. Although risk-adjusted inhospital mortality rates were similar among groups, the rate of recurrent myocardial infarction increased among patients with long ED stays (odds ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.48) compared with those with average ED length of stay. Conclusion For patients with non–ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, long ED stays were associated with decreased use of guideline-recommended therapies and a higher risk of recurrent myocardial infarction. However, there was no observed difference in mortality. Factors associated with prolonged ED length of stay should be evaluated to optimize treatments and outcomes of patients with non–ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.
Computational modeling of surface phenomena in soft-wet materials

We consider the problem of extracting tribological information from experimental observations of contact with soft-wet materials. Particular attention is placed on simulating the response of two rotating cylinders of soft specimens placed in frictional contact, with a variable coefficient of friction dependent on the relative sliding velocity. The bulk behavior is modeled by means of a finite deformation viscoelasticity formulation, with constitutive parameters taken to be representative of hydrogels. We focus on the modeling of the surface behavior and employ a mortar-finite element contact formulation. Through a series of numerical studies, we demonstrate the strong sensitivity of the results to the choice of interfacial constitutive parameters. The difficulties of extracting such parameters using only experimental data and approximate analytical expressions are also examined.
Mapping of cerebral metabolites in rats by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. Distribution of metabolites in normal brain and postmortem changes

The goal of this study was to examine metabolic differences between cortex and basal ganglia in normal rat brain and to determine postmortem changes using in vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 300 MHz. The resonances observed were: choline, creatine + phosphocreatine, N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), lactate (Lac), and three small resonances in the amino acid region which included resonances from aspartate + NAA (Asp), glutamine + NAA (Gln), and glutamate + GABA (Glu). A previously unassigned resonance was observed at 1.13 ppm in brain of rats anesthetized with pentobarbital. Spectroscopic images in normal brain demonstrated increased NAA and Gln and decreased Glu in cortex compared to basal ganglia. The major postmortem changes were an increase of Lac, Glu and Cho and a decrease of NAA and Asp. The rise in Lac was significantly higher in cortex than in basal ganglia.
Haplotype-resolved whole-genome sequencing by contiguity-preserving transposition and combinatorial indexing

Haplotype-resolved genome sequencing enables the accurate interpretation of medically relevant genetic variation, deep inferences regarding population history and non-invasive prediction of fetal genomes. We describe an approach for genome-wide haplotyping based on contiguity-preserving transposition (CPT-seq) and combinatorial indexing. Tn5 transposition is used to modify DNA with adaptor and index sequences while preserving contiguity. After DNA dilution and compartmentalization, the transposase is removed, resolving the DNA into individually indexed libraries. The libraries in each compartment, enriched for neighboring genomic elements, are further indexed via PCR. Combinatorial 96-plex indexing at both the transposition and PCR stage enables the construction of phased synthetic reads from each of the nearly 10,000 'virtual compartments'. We demonstrate the feasibility of this method by assembling >95% of the heterozygous variants in a human genome into long, accurate haplotype blocks (N50 = 1.4-2.3 Mb). The rapid, scalable and cost-effective workflow could enable haplotype resolution to become routine in human genome sequencing.
Lipoic acid inhibits expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 by CNS endothelial cells and T cell migration into the spinal cord in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Lipoic acid (LA) suppresses and treats murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which models multiple sclerosis. However, the mechanisms by which LA mediates its effects in EAE are only partially known. In the present study, LA (25, 50 and 100 microg/ml) inhibited upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulated cultured brain endothelial cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal cords from SJL mice that had received LA (100 mg/kg/day) following immunization to induce EAE exhibited markedly reduced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 compared with that of EAE mice receiving saline. Co-localization analysis showed that ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression increased over endothelial cells (staining positive for von Willebrand factor, vWF) in EAE and that LA decreased the expression levels to that observed in naive mice. Spinal cords from mice receiving LA had significantly reduced inflammation (decreased CD4 and CD11b staining) as compared to EAE mice that received saline. Overall, our data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of LA in EAE may be partly due to inhibition of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression by central nervous system (CNS) endothelial cells.
HERMITIAN COMPLEXITY OF REAL POLYNOMIAL IDEALS

We define the Hermitian complexity of a real polynomial ideal and of a real algebraic subset of Cn. This concept is aimed at determining precise necessary conditions for a Hermitian symmetric polynomial to agree with a Hermitian squared norm on an algebraic set. The latter topic has been a central theme in modern polynomial optimization and in complex geometry, specifically related to the holomorphic embedding of pseudoconvex domain into balls, or the classification of proper holomorphic maps between balls.
Apparent Blood Stream Origin of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells in the Neointima of Long, Impervious Carotid-Femoral Grafts in the Dog

The purpose of this study was to determine whether endothelial and smooth muscle cells originating from the blood stream contribute to the endothelialization of impervious, small-caliber, long Dacron grafts used as extraanatomical bypasses in dogs. We implanted silicone-rubber-coated, permanently impervious grafts 64 to 77 cm long and 6 mm in diameter, made of externally supported knitted Dacron as unilateral carotid-femoral bypasses with distal femoral arteriovenous fistulae in 10 dogs for 3 months; sides were alternated between cases. Subjects received 162 mg/day of aspirin, and its effectiveness on platelet aggregation (PA) was evaluated and expressed as a PA score. Graft healing was studied by stereomicroscopy with silver nitrate staining, by light microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin and immunocytochemical staining for endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Five grafts were patent for 3 months and could be included in the healing study; the five occluded grafts thrombosed within 14 days. Although there was no transinterstitial tissue ingrowth from perigraft tissues into the impervious Dacron grafts, scattered islands of endothelial cells were conclusively demonstrated on graft flow surfaces 3 months after implantation. Average endothelial-like cell coverage of the flow surfaces was 15.6% ± 3.8%, and α-actin-positive smooth muscle cells and microvessels were found beneath some of the endothelial islands. These findings suggest that blood stream-derived endothelial and smooth muscle cells play a role in the healing of the inner wall of Dacron grafts in the dog.
Making sense of abstract events: building event schemas.

Everyday events, such as making a bed, can be segmented hierarchically, with the coarse level characterized by changes in the actor’s goals and the fine level by subgoals (Zacks, Tversky, & Iyer, 2001). Does hierarchical event perception depend on knowledge of actors’ intentions? This question was addressed by asking participants to segment films of abstract, schematic events. Films were novel or familiarized, viewed forward or backward, and simultaneously described or not. The participants interpreted familiar films as more intentional than novel films and forward films as more intentional than backward films. Regardless of experience and film direction, however, the participants identified similar event boundaries and organized them hierarchically. An analysis of the movements in each frame revealed that event segments corresponded to bursts of change in movement features, with greater bursts for coarse than for fine units. Perceiving event structure appears to enable event schemas, rather than resulting from them.
Effect of pregnancy on uterine constituents of the virginia opossum

1. 1. Maternal reproductive physiology during opossum gestation was examined by comparison of the biochemical composition of uteri (N = 21) from days 3, 7 and 11 of the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle and of pregnancy. 2. 2. No differences occurred in total protein, glucose, and percent water. 3. 3. Glycogen was similar in both reproductive states on days 3 and 11, but pregnant uteri had significantly lower (P < 0.05) glycogen levels on day 7 than non-pregnant uteri (range in mg/g dry weight: 4.4–7.8 and 8.5–15.8, respectively). 4. 4. Mobilization of uterine glycogen might be induced by biophysical stimuli from expanding blastocysts that generate myometrial contractions, thereby distributing the embryos throughout the uterine lumen.
A comparison of the dentin cutting efficiency of 4 pointed ultrasonic tips.

Abstract Introduction Pointed ultrasonic tips can be used for several applications including troughing around intracanal obstructions. With the variety of pointed ultrasonic tips available, the purpose of this in vitro investigation was to compare the dentin cutting efficiency of 4 commonly used pointed ultrasonic tips. Methods The ultrasonic tips (n = 5 tips/group) included in the study were the following: CPR-3D (Obtura Spartan, Algonquin, IL), BL 6A (B&L Biotech, Bala Cynwyd, PA), PUENDO2 (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK), and WH1 (eie2, San Diego, CA). The tips were attached to a testing apparatus that produced linear movement and a 15-g axial force during instrumentation of a human dentin specimen. For all tips, instrumentation was completed at the same power setting, which fell within the power setting range recommended by each manufacturer. Dentin specimens were weighed at baseline and after 6 minutes of instrumentation to measure dentin loss to the nearest 0.01 mg. A qualitative analysis of the shape and surface topography of new and used ultrasonic tips was performed via scanning electron microscopy. Results A 1-factor analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc analysis of dentin removal revealed a statistically significant difference between the 4 ultrasonic tips (P Conclusions Within the limits of this study, CPR-3D showed the greatest dentin removal, which may be linked to the stability of the CPR-3D tip shape and topography.
Breaking the connection: RDMA deconstructed

The architecture, design and performance of RDMA (remote direct memory access) over the IBM HPS (high performance switch and adapter) are described. Unlike conventional implementations such as InfiniBand, our RDMA transport model is layered on top of an unreliable datagram interface, while leaving the task of enforcing reliability to the ULP (upper layer protocol). We demonstrate that our model allows a single MPI task to deliver bidirectional bandwidth of close to 3.0 GB/s across a single link and 24.0 GB/s when striped across 8 links. In addition, we show that this transport protocol has superior attributes in terms of a) being able to handle RDMA packets coming out of order; b) being able to use multiple routes between a source-destination pair and c) reducing the size of adapter caches.
Primary and adaptive changes of A-type K+ currents in sympathetic neurons from hypertensive rats.

The A-type K + current ( I A ) of superior cervical ganglion neurons acutely isolated from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats was compared under whole cell voltage clamp. Activation parameters were similar in each strain. Steady-state inactivation was shifted approximately −6 mV in SHR, where one-half inactivation occurred at −81 mV vs. −75 mV in WKY rats. The shift was not present in prehypertensive SHR but remained in adult enalapril-treated SHR and, therefore, may represent a primary alteration of I A properties. I A amplitudes evoked from physiological potentials were similar, despite inactivation of a greater fraction of the current in the SHR. Comparing maximal I A densities revealed that current density is elevated in the SHR, which compensates for the inactivation shift. Current density decreased with age in WKY neurons but did not significantly decline in SHR neurons unless hypertension was prevented with enalapril. Thus adult SHR neurons may retain a high I A density as an adaptive response to offset potential hyperexcitability resulting from the hyperpolarized I A inactivation.
Vascular endothelial cell-specific microRNA-15a inhibits angiogenesis in hindlimb ischemia

The effects and potential mechanisms of the vascular endothelial cell (EC)-enriched microRNA-15a (miR-15a) on angiogenesis remain unclear. Here, we show a novel finding that EC-selective miR-15a transgenic overexpression leads to reduced blood vessel formation and local blood flow perfusion in mouse hindlimbs at 1–3 weeks after hindlimb ischemia. Mechanistically, gain- or loss-of-miR-15a function by lentiviral infection in ECs significantly reduces or increases tube formation, cell migration, and cell differentiation, respectively. By FGF2 and VEGF 3′-UTR luciferase reporter assays, Real-time PCR, and immunoassays, we further identified that the miR-15a directly targets FGF2 and VEGF to facilitate its anti-angiogenic effects. Our data suggest that the miR-15a in ECs can significantly suppress cell-autonomous angiogenesis through direct inhibition of endogenous endothelial FGF2 and VEGF activities. Pharmacological modulation of miR-15a function may provide a new therapeutic strategy to intervene against angiogenesis in a variety of pathological conditions.