cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social cognition and discourse processing goals in the analysis of `ex-gay' rhetoric:

This article reports a critical discourse analysis of a series of newspaper advertisements advocating `ex-gay' ministries and `reparative therapy' for homosexuality — interventions designed to `treat' homosexuality through prayer or psychoanalysis. These ads, part of an effort to make `ex-gay' discourse more central to the public communication strategies of conservative, anti-gay political groups, feature both narrative and statistical arguments that gay men and lesbians can be converted to heterosexuality. This study draws on quantitative social psychological research on antigay attitudes and Slater's extension of the elaboration likelihood model of persuasion to establish the cognitive context for this discourse and to link the argumentative features of the advertisements to potential persuasive effects on different audiences. The analysis shows how different rhetorical strategies employed in these ads might differentially influence readers who are either `value protective' or `value affirmative' in the...
Piezoelectric aeroelastic response tailoring investigation: a status report

The NASA Langley Research Center and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been working together to advance the state of the art in apply piezoelectric actuators to aeroelastic systems. This paper describes an experimental and analytical investigation into using piezoelectric actuators for tailoring the aeroelastic response of a five-foot span wind-tunnel model. Improvements in the flutter boundary were demonstrated as well as significant reductions in model response at dynamic pressures below flutter.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy: importance of left ventricular diastolic function and origin of heart failure.

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves functional outcomes in patients with severe systolic heart failure. Whether the effects of CRT on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and clinical outcomes are influenced by the cause as either ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy (CM) has not been well established. Methods: A total of 57 patients (age 60 11 years; 25% women; LV ejection fraction 25 5%) were studied before and 4 2 months after CRT by echocardiography. Heart failure cause was ischemic CM in 19 and nonischemic CM in 38. Measurements of LV systolic and diastolic function were determined by 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography with Doppler tissue imaging of regional myocardial velocities. Clinical outcome events were assessed at long-term follow-up and included hospitalization for heart failure exacerbation, heart transplantation, or cardiac-related death. Results: There were significant increases in LV ejection fraction, reductions in end-systolic volumes, and improved LV systolic dyssynchrony in both groups. However, significant improvements in LV diastolic function were observed only in the patients with nonischemic CM. Clinical events occurred in 53% of the ischemic group versus 26% of the nonischemic group (P < .05) after 20 11 months of CRT. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that Doppler-estimated LV filling pressures were predictors of clinical outcome events. Conclusions: After CRT patients with ischemic CM exhibit lack of improvement in LV diastolic function despite favorable effects on LV systolic performance. The Doppler-derived LV filling indices may be an important predictor of long-term clinical outcomes after CRT. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2006;19:307-313.)
Utilization of selected area electron diffraction patterns for characterization of air submicron particulate matter collected by a thermophoretic precipitator

Abstract A thermophoretic precipitator (TP) that uses a novelty of direct sampling of ambient air particulate matter (PM) onto transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids was designed and utilized to determine its potential applicability for the collection and consequent qualitative analyses of representative PM in the air, especially those with aerodynamic diameter less than 1 µm (PM1.0 ). After a calibration process, preliminary field tests were performed under different weather conditions, locations, and time frames. TEM, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and electron energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analyses were performed on individual samples, and chemical species were analyzed. During this investigation, individual air PM with different sizes ranging from 10 [H9262]m to 10 nm for TEM analysis was collected. Two observations were made: (1) a large fraction of collected particulates were aggregates of very small particles of both organic and inorganic origin, and (2) a large fract...
The Practice and Politics of Archaeology in Egypt

Abstract: Archaeologists working in Egypt have rarely considered the local/global ramifications and responsibilities of their field practices: many continue to operate under what might be termed the residual effects of colonialism. Taking an explicitly postcolonial stance I argue that there is much more at stake than the intellectual enterprise. This paper outlines the ways in which scholars could undertake a more engaged archaeology and how we might more closely be involved with the people and pasts of modern Egypt. The connected tensions of tourism and terrorism are foregrounded, demonstrating that heritage issues are salient to both spheres. Finally, I explore the nation's relationship to its pharaonic past over the past few centuries and include some contemporary articulations and representations.
Process Considerations in Monolithic Aerogels

This paper describes important process considerations in the preparation of super-critically evacuated alcogels called aerogels. Aerogels are fine grained, open pore, low density materials that possess a variety of unusual properties and have a number of diverse applications. Factors influencing the microstructure and uniformity of alcogel monoliths are discussed. The effects of hydrolysis rate, diffusion, condensation, dispersion medium, and electrostatic interactions on particle formation and gelling are outlined. These effects are illustrated with the preparation of zirconia, mullite precursors, and silica alcogels. A theoretical model of particle interaction based on the combination of van der Waals and electrostatic double layer forces is used to interpret gelation and homogeneity. Solvent substitution and supercritical drying processes are discussed.
Surface Activity of Chlorpromazine and Chlorpromazine Sulfoxide in the Presence of Insoluble Monomolecular Films

The surface activity of chlorpromazine and its sulfoxide has been investigated at interfaces covered with insoluble monomolecular films which simulate the oriented structure of biological membranes. These compounds have been observed to form mixed monomolecular films with cholesterol, l - α -dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine, and l - α -dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine at concentrations where the drugs alone exhibit no surface activity. In all cases chlorpromazine was more surface active than its sulfoxide. The penetration of the drugs into the films and their subsequent ejection at higher surface pressures were found to depend on the surface characteristics of the lipid, the pH, and ionic strength of the underlying solution.
Notes on wild coffea arabica from southwestern ethiopia, with some historical considerations

Coffea arabica L., the Arabica coffee plant, long known as a cultivated plant only, is now being documented as a wild plant for the first time. This plant, more especially the beverage coffee, came into prominence soon after the beginning of the 16th Century in Cairo and a little later in Europe. Yemen was the traditional source of Mocha coffee until seeds of the plant were taken to Java at the end of the 17th Century to begin an important industry in that island country. Traditionally, Ethiopia has been regarded as the center of origin of the Arabica coffee plant, yet authentic records of wild plants based upon documented material are not available in the older collections. On a trip to Ethiopia in 1961-62, I made the first serious attempt to documentC. arabica from rain-forest areas of the country, where the plant occurs spontaneously in many places. An interpretation of field data tends to show: (1) That the Arabica coffee plant (C.arabica) is abundant as a spontaneous component of the rain-forest between 3000 and 6000 ft. alt. in parts of Kaffa and Illubabor provinces in southwestern Ethiopia. (2) That modern man’s role in the domestication ofC. arabica in rain-forest districts of Ethiopia may date from relatively recent times. In no way can coffee be considered a refined crop in these districts, as are some food plants of the area, such as sorghum, maize, Ethiopian mustard, and the pulse plants. (3) That genetic variability in coffee plants in rain-forest districts of Ethiopia probably is much greater than in coffee plants grown in Latin America and in other areas of the world whereC. arabica is cultivated. Yemen was the major germ plasm center of cultivated Arabica coffee until a decade or two ago. But the coffee plant is not a native of Yemen.
Terrestrial predation by polar bears: not just a wild goose chase

Behavioral predictions based on optimal foraging models that assume an energy-maximizing strategy have been challenged on both theoretical and empirical grounds. Although polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are specialist predators of seal pups on the Arctic ice pack, the use of terrestrial food sources during the ice-free period has received increased attention in recent years in light of climate predictions. Across a 10-day period of observation, we documented between four and six individual polar bears successfully capture at least nine flightless lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) and engage in at least eight high-speed pursuits of geese. The observed predatory behaviors of polar bears do not support predictions made by energy-optimizing foraging models and suggest that polar bears may frequently engage in energy inefficient pursuits of terrestrial prey. Further study of the nutritional needs and foraging behaviors of polar bears during the ice-free period is warranted, given that polar bears are predicted to spend more time on land as climate change advances.
Microstructure changes and thermal conductivity reduction in UO2 following 3.9 MeV He2+ ion irradiation

The microstructural changes and associated effects on thermal conductivity were examined in UO2 after irradiation using 3.9 MeV He2+ ions. Lattice expansion of UO2 was observed in x-ray diffraction after ion irradiation up to 5×1016 He2+/cm2 at low-temperature (< 200 °C). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed homogenous irradiation damage across an 8 µm thick plateau region, which consisted of small dislocation loops accompanied by dislocation segments. Dome-shaped blisters were observed at the peak damage region (depth around 8.5 µm) in the sample subjected to 5×1016 He2+/cm2, the highest fluence reached, while similar features were not detected at 9×1015 He2+/cm2. Laser-based thermo-reflectance measurements showed that the thermal conductivity for the irradiated layer decreased about 55 % for the high fluence sample and 35% for the low fluence sample as compared to an un-irradiated reference sample. Detailed analysis for the thermal conductivity indicated that the conductivity reduction was caused by the irradiation induced point defects.
Identification of proteins that interact with BRCA1 by Far-Western library screening.

Protein–protein interactions control numerous biological processes. In the case of a protein with no known function, identification of interacting proteins may lend insight into its cellular function. Protein–protein interactions are often detected by yeast two-hybrid screening which is based on a transcriptional read-out. One limitation of this technique is that transcription factors, when used as bait, frequently impair the effectiveness of this screen because they give rise to high levels of false positives. The carboxyl terminus of the breast cancer tumor suppressor gene, BRCA1, contains two BRCT motifs, a motif found in several DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint proteins. This region of BRCA1 also exhibits an intrinsic transcriptional transactivation activity when bound to DNA as a fusion protein, thereby limiting its use in yeast two-hybrid screen. In order to isolate proteins that interact with this domain of BRCA1, we utilized a Far-Western screen, a method based on direct protein binding. We used recombinant histidine-tagged BRCT as the primary protein probe. We isolated eight cDNAs that bind to the BRCT domain of BRCA1. Further analysis demonstrated that two of the clones encode for proteins that interact directly with the BRCT domain of BRCA1. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 521–531, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Brief report: development of a prescription medication information webliography for consumers.

BACKGROUND: Websites offering drug information vary in coverage and quality, and most health care consumers are poorly equipped to assess the quality of internet medication information.
An expert system for finding fragility curves of building structural systems at the preliminary design stage

Abstract This research developed an expert system for determining seismic fragility curves of structural systems in a nuclear power plant or conventional building at the preliminary design stage. The resulting system simulates the performance of human experts in identifying the potential failure modes and their likelihood for a structure of interest. Induction technique is used for knowledge acquisition. The characteristics of structural systems are described by their attributes and their values.
Application of Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy for Time Resolved Measurements in Electron-Beam Produced Plasma

Summary form only given. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy was used for the investigation of the temporal evolution of neutral species concentrations in air plasma, which is produced by a 100 keV electron beam at pressures from 760 Torr down to 1 Torr. The spectrometer applied is based on a set of fiber-coupled distributed feedback lasers. Absorption spectra of species (H2O, OH, CO2, CO, NO and N2O) in near infrared (1.3 -1.8 nm) were recorded with resolution ~ 1 ms. Temperatures and absolute values for the concentrations were found over a broad dynamic range. Possibilities for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio are outlined.
An ultracentrifugal study of synovial fluid

Abstract Fifteen human post-morten synovial fluids having a wide range of “viscosity” were analyzed in the ultracentrifuge. All the fluids contained three major components which were albumin, globulin, and hyaluronic acid. In six of the fluids, minor components with sedimentation constants ranging from 7.7 to 13.6 S were detected. Six synovial fluids were analyzed prior to and after treatment with testicular hyaluronidase. No significant difference in the sedimentation constants of the albumin and hyaluronic acid components could be noted although the viscosity of the samples was markedly decreased by the enzymic treatment. A slight increase in the sedimentation of the globulin component was noted. The addition of hyaluronic acid to serum and to arthritic and postmortem synovial fluids also did not appear to affect the sedimentation behavior of the albumin significantly, whereas the presence of protein caused a decrease in the rate of sedimentation of hyaluronic acid. The hyaluronic acid appeared to cause a decrease in the sedimentation constant of the globulin component or a disturbance in the component. These results suggest that albumin sediments freely through a gel structure of hyaluronic acid, but globulin (or a component) may associate to some degree. The presence of protein of both types appears to slow down the collapse of the gel lattice.
A 5.8 GHz harmonic RF tag for tracking amphibians

The proposed printed circuit harmonic RF dipole tag on a ground plane with an appropriate impedance matching technique offer better sensitivity at low excitation levels when compared to a more conventional wire harmonic dipole tag. By exploiting existing Wi-Fi and satellite TV technology, it should be possible to build a capable, low cost harmonic radar.
The effects of dietary evening primrose, black currant, borage and fungal oils on plasma, hepatic and vascular tissue fatty acid composition in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Abstract Hypertension is associated with alterations in the metabolism of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in tissues. Compositional changes in tissue fatty acids may affect cellular properties such as ion permeability and receptor interactions important to blood pressure regulation. Recent evidence suggests that the ω-6 PUFA, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), is a potent blood pressure lowering nutrient. In this study, the effects of dietary oils enriched with GLA (evening primrose, black currant, borage and fungal) on plasma, hepatic and vascular tissue fatty acid composition were determined in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The oils increased the composition of GLA and dihomogamma-linolenic acid in hepatic, aortic and renal arterial tissue (p
CRITICAL SURVEY OF THE LITERATURE WITH THE REPORT OF A CASE

IN APRIL 1939, a patient with diabetes mellitus was admitted to the Los Angeles County General, Hospital who was discovered to be insulin re-sistant and who subsequently died of diabetic acidosis. During the eleven dramatic days the patient was under our observation much effort was expended searching the literature for helpful suggestions for the treatment of the condition, while at the same time we attempted to carry on as intensive a study of our patient as was possible. Because of the rather chaotic state of current knowledge of this subject, we decided that a critical survey of the world literature with a report of our case might help clarify an important, even if comparatively rare situation. The term insulin resistance has been freely used since the discovery of insulin, but investigations published during the first eight or ten years following its introduction into therapeutics in 1922 have been more confusing than enlightening. Falta (1) was the first investigator to publish studies on insulin res...
Transparency, Belief, Intention

This paper elaborates and defends a familiar ‘transparent’ account of knowledge of one's own beliefs, inspired by some remarks of Gareth Evans, and makes a case that the account can be extended to mental states in general, in particular to knowledge of one's intentions.
Augmentation of immune response to syngeneic fibrosarcoma T241 with in vivo protection

Lewis T241 fibrosarcoma, a syngeneic tumor in C57 BL/6J mice, was found to be poorly immunogenic. When tumor-bearing animals (TBA) were challenged with tumor cells either concomitantly or after excision of a growing tumor no protection was observed. In vivo (Winn) neutralization assays also showed a lack of tumor immunogenicity. However, in vitro studies showed that a significant proliferative response could be elicited from the spleen cells of TBA when these cells were cultured with either mitomycin-C-treated tumor cells or KCl tumor extract. Similarly, macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) was produced by TBA spleen cells upon incubation with KCl tumor extract, but no cell-mediated cytotoxicity to T241 target cells was observed with various lymphoid cell populations at any stage of tumor growth. Immunization of syngeneic animals with Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase(VCN)-treated, irradiated tumor cells alone or admixed with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) resulted in decreased tumor growth and fewer pulmonary metastases following challenge with 106 tumor cells. No complete tumor rejection was observed. In contrast, 13 of 16 animals immunized with irradiated tumor cells admixed with FCA rejected 105 tumor cells. Animals that grew tumors had significantly reduced tumor growths and pulmonary metastases. Lymph node and peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) of immunized animals showed significant cytotoxicity to T241 cells.
Competitive equilibrium formation of marketplaces with heterogeneous consumers

Abstract This paper studies the formation of marketplaces in a finite linear spatial economy with heterogeneous endowments and preferences in which the residential location of consumers is fixed a priori. Contrary to the standard urban economics literature where the transaction center is exogenously given, this environment allows a continuum of marketplace equilibria. Under proper assumptions, a social welfare maximum exists. Given welfare weights which are inversely related to the ratio of marginal utilities of income, it is supported by a competitive marketplace equilibrium. This establishes the existence of an equilibrium and provides a method of computing the unique welfare-maximizing marketplace equilibrium.
New opportunities for the use of digital video in on-line radiologic curricula.

Rationale and objectives To explore techniques to conveniently and self-sufficiently create high-quality, web-ready instructional digital video snippets suitable for routine use in on-line radiologic curricula. Materials A commercially available digital camera with an 8-megapixel image receptor and the capability to record web-ready digital video and audio at a resolution of up to 640 × 480 pixels and a frame rate of up to 30 per second was used to obtain video snippets intended for inclusion in on-line curricula. Hand-held and tripod techniques were compared. Evaluation focused on the types of snippets deemed most likely to be used within on-line educational content, ranging in length from 10 seconds to 2 minutes. Additionally, basic postprocessing functions to experiment with combinations of video-file size, format, transmission efficiency, and image quality were used. Results The overall video quality was considered by participating radiologists to be good to excellent for its intended purposes. For most situations tested, a matrix size of 320 × 240 pixels provided a good balance of visual quality versus file size and transmission overhead. The 640 × 480 format was occasionally optimal, but was usually larger than necessary and resulted in substantially larger files, especially at a rate of 30 frames per second. A rate of 15 frames per second was considered adequate for most situations, regardless of matrix size, although it did add some barely discernible choppiness to the display. For all but very short snippets, a tripod or some other form of stabilization was necessary to eliminate distracting “camera shake” associated with free-hand acquisition. With a tripod, appropriate ambient lighting, and a favorable acoustical environment, videos of excellent quality when using the highest settings available on the camera (640 × 480, 30 frames/sec) could be self-sufficiently produced. However, such high-quality video with its associated large file size was rarely the optimal fit for the needs of this curricula. Conclusion These results indicate that newer-generation digital cameras are useful for quickly and inexpensively producing high-quality, web-ready digital video suitable for use in on-line education.
A bioassay for production capacity assessment

Abstract Given sufficient oxygen, fish production can be limited by a multiplicity of factors. Accurate determination of production capacity requires something other than an estimate of the biomass at which ambient un-ionized ammonia will reach a recommended, non-site-specific, maximum safe concentration. A chronic (1- to 2-month) bioassay can be used to determine the point at which metabolite buildup reduces growth by some predetermined proportion, or causes unacceptable tissue damage. The bioassay is conducted as a series reuse, single-pass system, in which incoming water to each rearing unit is aerated to 90% dissolved oxygen saturation. The assessment of production capacity is based on the relation between cumulative oxygen consumption and growth reduction.
Replication of vaccinia DNA in mouse L cells I. In vivo DNA synthesis

Abstract Replication of vaccinia DNA was analyzed in lysates of intact, vaccinia-infected L cells prepared under conditions which preserved the structure of replicating and mature viral DNA molecules. The techniques employed permitted the separation of viral and host DNA, as confirmed by DNA-DNA hybridization. Sedimentation analysis in alkaline sucrose gradients showed that, during the period of maximum vaccinia DNA replication in L cells [2–3 hr postinfection (h.p.i.)], 10–12 S viral DNA fragments were preferentially labeled by short pulses (0.5–10 min) of [ 3 H]thymidine. About 20–30% of the pulse-labeled DNA was hydrolyzed by nuclease S,. These results support the view that viral DNA replication was discontinuous and may involve single-stranded DNA intermediates. Pulse-chase experiments showed that the 10–12 S fragments elongated into 30–50 S “intermediate-sized” DNA species and finally into 70–72 S (full length) viral DNA in about 30 min, which would require the incorporation of 6500 nucleotides/min. The conversion of mature viral DNA (70–72 S) into mature, cross-linked DNA (which sedimented at 92–94 S and 102–106 S in alkaline sucrose gradients) occurred late in infection (5–6 h.p.i.), when virion assembly had begun. Replicating viral DNA molecules were pulse-labeled with [ 3 H]thymidine and chased with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU); the labeled DNA species were analyzed by equilibrium density centrifugation in CsCl. Hybrid (HL) molecules ( ϱ = 1.77 g/cm 3 ) were detected, demonstrating that viral DNA replication was semiconservative. Analysis of replicating viral DNA molecules in ethidium bromide-CsCl gradients at equilibrium failed to show the presence of circular or superhelical duplexes. This result and the fact that no viral DNA molecules of greater than unit length were labeled during long or short pulses suggest that viral DNA replication is symmetrical.
Rate of convergence of finite difference approximations for degenerate ordinary differential equations

In this paper we study finite difference approximations for the following linear stationary convection-diffusion equations: 1 2σ 2 (x)u"(x) + b(x)u'(x) - u(x) = - f(X), x ∈ R, where σ is allowed to be degenerate. We first propose a new weighted finite difference scheme, motivated by approximating the diffusion process associated with the equation in the strong sense. We show that, under certain conditions, this scheme converges with the first order rate and that such a rate is sharp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first sharp result in the literature. Moreover, by using the connection between our scheme and the standard upwind finite difference scheme, we get the rate of convergence of the latter, which is also new.
A Comparison of Ice Nucleus and Ozone Concentrations in Stratospheric Air

Abstract The variations of ice nucleus and ozone concentrations were monitored at a high mountain observatory in the Colorado Rockies. Because the observatory is at an altitude of nearly 4 km MSL, increases in ozone at this station are in most instances related to intrusions of stratospheric air into the troposphere. An increase of ice nuclei simultaneously with an increase of ozone in such cases would therefore be indicative of a transport of ice nuclei from the stratosphere to the earth's surface. High ice nucleus concentrations in stratosphere air would substantiate the possibility of an extraterrestrial nucleus source. A negative correlation between the ozone and ice nuclei existed during the time of the case study presented. It is concluded that at least during this period there was not an influx of ice nuclei simultaneously with a downward transport of stratospheric air. Hypotheses for a ground origin of ice nuclei are supported.
Near-Monodisperse Ni-Cu Bimetallic Nanocrystals of Variable Composition: Controlled Synthesis and Catalytic Activity for H2 Generation

Near-monodisperse Ni1−xCux (x = 0.2−0.8) bimetallic nanocrystals were synthesized by a one-pot thermolysis approach in oleylamine/1-octadecene, using metal acetylacetonates as precursors. The nanocrystals form large-area 2D superlattices, and display a catalytic synergistic effect in the hydrolysis of NaBH4 to generate H2 at x = 0.5 in a strongly basic medium. The Ni0.5Cu0.5 nanocrystals show the lowest activation energy, and also exhibit the highest H2 generation rate at 298 K.
Safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stent for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in an unselected consecutive cohort

(Objective) under bar: The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical outcome of a large cohort of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with drug-eluting stents (DES) compared to bare metal stents (BMS). (Background) under bar: Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that PCI with the routine use of DES is safe and effective in patients with STEMI. However as randomized trials have strict inclusion criteria, further studies in unselected patient populations are needed. (Methods) under bar: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of the Mayo Clinic PCI database. A total of 552 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent a DES implantation between May 2003 and April 2006 were included in the study and compared to 557 who had BMS for STEMI earlier. No specific patient subsets were excluded. (Results) under bar: Procedural success was achieved in 532 patients (96%). During initial hospitalization, 16 patients (2.9%) died and 8 (1.5%) suffered from a recurrent myocardial infarction. The median follow-up was 23 months (IQR: 13-27 months). At 12 months post discharge, the rate of target lesion revascularization and death were 2.9% and 3.7%, respectively, and survival free of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was 90.9%. These rates were similar to or lower than those of patients treated for STEMI with BMS prior to the availability of DES. (Conclusion) under bar: DES are safe and effective in the treatment of STEMI in an unselected cohort; 90.9% of patients are free of MACE at 12 months post discharge. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Status: Insights from Organizational Sociology

Status has become an increasingly influential concept in the fields of organizational and economic sociology during the past two decades. Research in this area has not only helped explain behavior within and between organizations, but has also contributed to our understanding of status processes more generally. In this review, we point to the contributions of this field in terms of the determinants of status, the effects of status, and the mechanisms by which these effects are produced. We next appraise the way in which a network approach has contributed to our formal understanding of status positions and status hierarchies. We then highlight recent studies that demonstrate the value of studying the structures of status hierarchies themselves rather than focusing solely on the actors within them. After suggesting potential directions for future research, we conclude by calling for renewed efforts to translate concepts and theories across levels of analysis and substantive commitment in order to build more...
EFFECOF TRIAMCINOLONE ADMINISTRATION ON CORTICOSTEROID METABOLISM IN THE LIVER.

Despite evidence that thyroidal activity, gonadal hormones and food intake can modify steroidal metabolism in the liver, the regulatory mechanisms involved are not clear. These studies suggest that a modification of energy metabolism can influence the corticosteroid metabolism. Corticosteroids, through their stimulation of hepatic carbohydrate synthesis, can modify energy metabolism. Therefore, the influence of corticosteroids upon the Δ4-3-ketosteroid reductase activity in the liver has been investigated in male rats and hamsters. Cortisol 1,2-3H was incubated with liver slices from animals treated with triamcinolone and from untreated controls. In the intact and adrenalectomized animals, treatment caused an elevation in both the steroid reducing capacity and the glycogen content. Similarly, feeding increased the reduction of cortisol in both intact and adrenalectomized animals. Thus, this increased rate of reduction of corticosteroids in the liver caused by the administration of triamcinolone could be s...
Synthesis and characterization of high volume fraction Al-Al2O3 nanocomposite powders by high-energy milling

Al–Al2O3 metal matrix composite (MMC) powders with volume fractions of 20, 30, and 50% Al2O3 were synthesized by high-energy milling of the blended component powders. The particle sizes of Al2O3 studied were 50 nm, 150 nm, and 5m. A uniform distribution of the Al2O3 reinforcement in the Al matrix was successfully obtained after milling the powders for a period of 20 h at a ball-to-powder ratio of 10:1 in a SPEX mill. The uniform distribution of Al2O3 in the Al matrix was confirmed by characterizing these nanocomposite powders by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray mapping, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Sensitivity of narrative organization measures using narrative retells produced by young school-age children

Analysis of children’s productions of oral narratives provides a rich description of children’s oral language skills. However, measures of narrative organization can be directly affected by both developmental and task-based performance constraints which can make a measure insensitive and inappropriate for a particular population and/or sampling method. This study critically reviewed four methods of evaluating children’s narrative organization skills and revealed that the Narrative Scoring Scheme (NSS) was the most developmentally sensitive measure for a group of 129 5—7-year-old children who completed a narrative retell. Upon comparing the methods of assessing narrative organization skills, the NSS was unique in its incorporation of higher-level narrative features and its scoring rules, which required examiners to make subjective judgments across seven aspects of the narrative process. The discussion surrounded issues of measuring children’s narrative organization skills and, more broadly, issues surround...
High power density generator concepts for aerospace electric power

A parametric design study for high-power-density electric generators was performed to assess the merits of the axial gap approach developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Rotor plate stress calculations, thermal analyses, and shaft and bearing evaluations were performed with generator speed and power levels as the primary variables. The speed range of 3000 to 100000 r.p.m. and power levels from 10 to 1000 kW were taken as bounds for the study. Parametric curves suggest that generators in the 1 MW output class may be constructed with specific weights >
Distortion and Polarization near Color Centers

A general method is presented for calculating the static polarization and distortion near a defect. It assumes that the lattice responds to the average, but consistently chosen, charge distribution of the electrons associated with the defect, and uses the shell model to describe the lattice dynamic and dielectric properties of the host. The lattice is discrete, without continuum approximations; there are no artificial restrictions on the range of the distortion, and asymmetric distortions, as from the Jahn-Teller (JT) effect, are included. The variation of the electronic wave function as the lattice distorts may be included consistently even in cases where there is mixing of nearby levels. The method is illustrated by a calculation for the $2p$ excited state of the $F$ center in KBr. It proves necessary to include the ion-size terms in the interaction of the defect electron with the lattice. The results are sensitive to the detailed model chosen for the lattice dynamics. However, certain features, such as the outward motion of the nearest neighbors, the JT distortion, usually tetragonal, and the substantial energy lowering, typically 0.5 eV, are common to these models.
Attentive scanning behavior drives one-trial potentiation of hippocampal place fields

The hippocampus is thought to have a critical role in episodic memory by incorporating the sensory input of an experience onto a spatial framework embodied by place cells. Although the formation and stability of place fields requires exploration, the interaction between discrete exploratory behaviors and the specific, immediate and persistent modifications of neural representations required by episodic memory has not been established. We recorded place cells in rats and found that increased neural activity during exploratory head-scanning behaviors predicted the formation and potentiation of place fields on the next pass through that location, regardless of environmental familiarity and across multiple testing days. These results strongly suggest that, during the attentive behaviors that punctuate exploration, place cell activity mediates the one-trial encoding of ongoing experiences necessary for episodic memory.
Reaction of nitrogen dioxide with linear polyurethane

Linear polyurethane has been exposed to nitrogen dioxide over a temperature range from 15 to 60°C at pressures of 20 and 2 mm Hg, respectively. Normal random-chain scission of urethane links takes place accompanied by a limited amount of random crosslinking. These crosslinks are eventually irreversibly scissioned again. At the same time, carbon dioxide is evolved, and the infrared spectra of the polymer films change during exposure, indicating disappearance of urethane linkages and formation and decay of nitro and nitroso groups along the polymer backbone. The overall reaction is diffusion-controlled at least down to a film thickness of 10 μ. All energies of activation of the various processes are relatively small as expected for a diffusion controlled process. Tentative mechanisms have been proposed agreeing well with experimental results.
Rudolf Hildebrand's Impression on Friedrich Kluge

In the mid 1870s, Friedrich Kluge spent four semesters in Leipzig studying comparative linguistics and classical philology under the Neogrammarians Georg Curtius, Friedrich Zarncke, Hermann Osthoff, and Wilhelm Braune. Although Kluge applied and refined their methods for many years to come, he was even more deeply impressed by another teacher in Leipzig, the non-Neogrammarian Rudolf Hildebrand. Within the context of Kluge's famous Etymologisches Worterbuch, of which Kluge oversaw the first (1881–1883) through the tenth (1924) editions, this article asks: In what way did Hildebrand's research come to bear on Kluge's own work? And to what extent did Kluge acknowledge Hildebrand's influence? The answer to the first question entails a fundamental shift in Kluge's view on the goal of etymology, while the response to the second one, which must also be pursued in other writings by Kluge, can be interpreted further by examining certain statements made by Kluge in the dictionary.
Low pH potentiates both capsaicin binding and channel gating of VR1 receptors.

Capsaicin ion channels are highly expressed in peripheral nervous terminals and involved in pain and thermal sensations. One characteristic of the cloned VR1 receptor is its multimodal responses to various types of noxious stimuli. The channel is independently activated by capsaicin and related vanilloids at submicromolar range, by heat above 40°C, and by protons at pH below 6.5. Furthermore, simultaneous applications of two or more stimuli lead to cross sensitization of the receptor, with an apparent increase in the sensitivity to any individual stimulus when applied alone. We studied here the mechanism underlying such cross-sensitization; in particular, between capsaicin and pH, two prototypical stimuli for the channel. By analyzing single-channel currents recorded from excised-patches expressing single recombinant VR1 receptors, we examined the effect of pH on burst properties of capsaicin activation at low concentrations and the effect on gating kinetics at high concentrations. Our results indicate that pH has dual effects on both capsaicin binding and channel gating. Lowering pH enhances the apparent binding affinity of capsaicin, promotes the occurrences of long openings and short closures, and stabilizes at least one of the open conformations of the channel. Our data also demonstrate that capsaicin binding and protonation of the receptor interact allosterically, where the effect of one can be offset by the effect of the other. These results provide important basis to further understand the nature of the activation pathways of the channel evoked by different stimuli as well as the general mechanism underling the cross-sensitization of pain.
Extending the use of the Web-based HIV Testing Belief Inventory to students attending historically Black colleges and universities: an examination of reliability and validity.

This study sought to extend the use of a Web-based HIV Testing Belief Inventory (wHITBI), developed and validated in a majority White university in the southeastern United States, to students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The 19-item wHITBI was reviewed by experts to qualitatively assess its construct validity, clarity, relevancy, and comprehensiveness to HBCU students. Participants were recruited from 15 HBCUs (valid N = 372). Mean age was 20.5 years (SD = 2.4), 80% were females, 92% were heterosexual-oriented, and 58% had prior HIV test(s). Reliability coefficients revealed satisfactory internal consistencies (Cronbach's alphas: .58 ∼ .85). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that items were loaded consistently with the four constructs: perceived benefits, concerns of HIV risk, stigma, and testing availability/accessibility. Data indicated good model fits (RMSEA = .06; CFI = .93; IFI = .93; RMS = .07), with all items loaded significantly. Findings showed that the psycho...
Yapsins are a family of aspartyl proteases required for cell wall integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The yeast cell wall is a crucial extracellular organelle that protects the cell from lysis during environmental stress and morphogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that the yapsin family of five glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked aspartyl proteases is required for cell wall integrity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yapsin null mutants show hypersensitivity to cell wall perturbation, and both the yps1Δ2Δ mutant and the quintuple yapsin mutant (5ypsΔ) undergo osmoremedial cell lysis at 37°C. The cell walls of both 5ypsΔ and yps1Δ2Δ mutants have decreased amounts of 1,3- and 1,6-β-glucan. Although there is decreased incorporation of both 1,3- and 1,6-β-glucan in the 5ypsΔ mutant in vivo, in vitro specific activity of both 1,3- and 1,6-β-glucan synthesis is similar to wild type, indicating that the yapsins affect processes downstream of glucan synthesis and that the yapsins may be involved in the incorporation or retention of cell wall glucan. Presumably as a response to the significant alterations in cell wall composition, the cell wall integrity mitogen-activated kinase signaling cascade (PKC1-MPK pathway) is basally active in 5ypsΔ. YPS1 expression is induced during cell wall stress and remodeling in a PKC1-MPK1-dependent manner, indicating that Yps1p is a direct, and important, output of the cell wall integrity response. The Candida albicans (SAP9) and Candida glabrata (CgYPS1) homologues of YPS1 complement the phenotypes of the yps1Δ mutant. Taken together, these data indicate that the yapsins play an important role in glucan homeostasis in S. cerevisiae and that yapsin homologues may play a similar role in the pathogenic yeasts C. albicans and C. glabrata.
One-, two-, and three-dimensional solutions for counter-current steady-state two-phase subsurface flow

Abstract This paper derives analytical solutions for steady-state one-dimensional (1-D), two-dimensional (2-D), and three-dimensional (3-D) two-phase immiscible subsurface flow for a counter-current problem. Since the governing equations are highly nonlinear, 2-D and 3-D derivations are generally difficult to obtain. The primary purpose for the solutions is to test finite difference/volume/element computer programs for accuracy and scalability using architectures ranging from PCs to parallel high performance computers. This derivation is accomplished by first solving for the saturation of water in terms of a function that is a solution to Laplace’s equation to achieve a set of partial differential equations that allows some degree of latitude in the choice of boundary conditions. Separation of variables and Fourier series are used to obtain the final solution. The test problem consists of a rectangular block of soil where specified pressure is applied at the top and bottom of the sample, and no-flow boundary conditions are imposed on the sides. The pressure at the top of the sample is a step function that allows the testing of adaptive meshing or concentration of grid points in action zones.
Conserved Function of lincRNAs in Vertebrate Embryonic Development despite Rapid Sequence Evolution

Thousands of long intervening noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) have been identified in mammals. To better understand the evolution and functions of these enigmatic RNAs, we used chromatin marks, poly(A)-site mapping and RNA-Seq data to identify more than 550 distinct lincRNAs in zebrafish. Although these shared many characteristics with mammalian lincRNAs, only 29 had detectable sequence similarity with putative mammalian orthologs, typically restricted to a single short region of high conservation. Other lincRNAs had conserved genomic locations without detectable sequence conservation. Antisense reagents targeting conserved regions of two zebrafish lincRNAs caused developmental defects. Reagents targeting splice sites caused the same defects and were rescued by adding either the mature lincRNA or its human or mouse ortholog. Our study provides a roadmap for identification and analysis of lincRNAs in model organisms and shows that lincRNAs play crucial biological roles during embryonic development with functionality conserved despite limited sequence conservation.
A survey of secure wireless ad hoc routing

Ad hoc networks use mobile nodes to enable communication outside wireless transmission range. Attacks on ad hoc network routing protocols disrupt network performance and reliability. The article reviews attacks on ad hoc networks and discusses current approaches for establishing cryptographic keys in ad hoc networks. We describe the state of research in secure ad hoc routing protocols and its research challenges.
Midline crossing is not required for subsequent pathfinding decisions in commissural neurons

Growth cone navigation across the vertebrate midline is critical in the establishment of nervous system connectivity. While midline crossing is achieved through coordinated signaling of attractive and repulsive cues, this has never been demonstrated at the single cell level. Further, though growth cone responsiveness to guidance cues changes after crossing the midline, it is unclear whether midline crossing itself is required for subsequent guidance decisions in vivo. In the zebrafish, spinal commissures are initially formed by a pioneer neuron called CoPA (Co mmissural P rimary A scending). Unlike in other vertebrate models, CoPA navigates the midline alone, allowing for single-cell analysis of axon guidance mechanisms. We provide evidence that CoPA expresses the known axon guidance receptors dcc, robo3 and robo2. Using loss of function mutants and gene knockdown, we show that the functions of these genes are evolutionarily conserved in teleosts and that they are used consecutively by CoPA neurons. We also reveal novel roles for robo2 and robo3 in maintaining commissure structure. When midline crossing is prevented in robo3 mutants and dcc gene knockdown, ipsilaterally projecting neurons respond to postcrossing guidance cues. Furthermore, DCC inhibits Robo2 function before midline crossing to allow a midline approach and crossing. Our results demonstrate that midline crossing is not required for subsequent guidance decisions by pioneer axons and that this is due, in part, to DCC inhibition of Robo2 function prior to midline crossing.