cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geophysics and overall science strong in FY 1985 budget

A Mars mission, a new research thrust on the continental lithosphere, increased efforts in digital cartography, and construction of a Very Long Baseline Array radio telescope top the list of highlights for geophysics-related research in the proposed fiscal 1985 federal budget that President Ronald Reagan sent to Congress earlier this month. Science in general fared well in this fourth Reagan budget. Research and development support would grow 14% to $53 billion ($51.8 billion would go to conduct of R&D, while $1.3 billion would be allocated to R&D facilities). With a projected inflation rate of about 4%, this increase would provide real growth of 10% over fiscal 1984 levels. The largest increase for R&D, 22%, would support defense modernization. Figure 1 compares nondefense federal R&D obligations since 1978 in constant 1983 dollars, while Table 1 compares conduct of R&D by major departments and agencies.
Managerial turnover in US retail organizations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify factors influencing retail managerial turnover.Design/methodology/approach – The Organizational Model of Employee Persistence provided the theoretical framework for this longitudinal study. Responses to the Organizational Survey of Managerial Integration were obtained from 528 managers in three randomly‐selected retail organizations.Findings – By identifying and facilitating organizational behaviors that lead to a more integrative work climate, retail organizations might reduce costs associated with turnover. Managers' perceptions of integration (connectedness or engagement with the organization) based on their organizational experiences and relationships significantly explained turnover.Research implications/implications – The 54 specific items that comprise the construct, integration, can be used as baseline data. Other implications for research include further critique of the model and testing both within the USA and internationally; re‐examination of ...
Complex mathematical models of biology at the nanoscale

Mathematical modeling of nanobiosystems is an exciting and rapidly growing new field of research that offers the potential to guide and improve technological developments in both nanomedicine and nanobiomaterial science. Unlike the more traditional fields of science and engineering, however, models of nanobiosystems are notoriously complex. In this paper, we highlight some of the primary sources of complexity in nanobiosystems. In particular, we focus on complexity that arises from the inherent nonlinearity of natural systems, noise generated by low copy numbers of relevant biological constituents, heterogeneity that stems from structure in physical systems at the nanoscale, strong coupling between processes that occur at different scales, and the large dimensions necessary to represent typical biological systems. We then suggest how different mathematical modeling techniques are currently being explored and developed to deal with the complicated and computationally demanding problems that can arise when modeling nanobiosystems. Although a relatively new field, mathematical descriptions of nanobiology are becoming increasingly more common and more important for both directing and interpreting experimental studies on nanobiosystems. The goal of this review is to emphasize the challenges associated with modeling nanobiosystems to inspire renewed effort in this highly interdisciplinary, but certainly rewarding, field.
Feasibility and outcomes of insulin therapy in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus.

The use of insulin in elderly patients raises special considerations. Most people who develop diabetes mellitus late in life have type 2 diabetes mellitus, in which there is some residual endogenous insulin secretion. This pancreatic insulin secretion, when present, stabilises their metabolic status. However, some elderly people lose virtually all their endogenous insulin secretory capacity over time, or may even have type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes mellitus with no endogenous insulin. Generally, older patients with diabetes mellitus can be managed for years, often decades, with nutritional therapy and oral agents. More options exist now than did previously. In addition to a variety of sulfonylureas, there is metformin, troglitazone, and/or α-glucosidase inhibitors, that are viable options to be used before turning to insulin. The goals of insulin therapy in the elderly must be considered. When hyper-glycaemia causes symptoms (polyuria, polydypsia and bodyweight loss) blood glucose levels are generally >200 mg/dl, and insulin is needed if maximal doses of oral agents have been used. Insulin is also indicated when hyperglycaemia puts patients at risk of hyperosmolar states, for example, when blood glucose is >300 mg/dl during a normal day. Clinical judgement dictates whether to use insulin to control glycaemia in the attempt to avoid long term complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy or nephropathy In people with relatively short life expectancy, major comorbities and no sign of diabetic complications, the risk may be small. On the other hand, in patients for whom neuropathy, in particular, is a major risk, controlling glycaemia (with insulin if necessary) does reduce that risk. Most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can be managed with relatively simple insulin regimens thanks to their endogenous insulin secretion. A single bedtime dose of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, with or without continuation of daytime oral agents, may control fasting blood glucose. A pre-mix combination of NPH and Regular insulin such as 70/30 or 50/50 may be used pre-meal. More customised, ‘intensive’ insulin regimens are needed when the glycaemia is unstable. Hypoglycaemia is clearly the most significant risk of insulin therapy. If mild and easily treated, it is of no real concern. On the other hand, nocturnal hypoglycaemia, and, in particular, hypoglycaemia unawareness, are clear signs that the insulin regimen should be modified. In summary, insulin therapy may be necessary, and can be used effectively, in elderly patients. However, risk: benefit considerations must be taken into account when deciding which patients to treat with insulin and what insulin regimen to use.
Expression of the human neutrophil elastase gene: positive and negative transcriptional elements in the 5' flanking region.

Abstract The structure and position of cis -acting DNA sequences which regulate tissue specific expression of the human neutrophil elastase (HNE) gene have been investigated. We have identified a positive and a negative regulatory element upstream from the promoter region. The ability of these sequences to regulate transcription in myeloid and non-myeloid cells was studied by inserting varying lengths of HNE 5′-flanking sequence into a reporter plasmid containing the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. CAT activity in U937 was minimal in the absence of promoter and in the presence of HNE sequence to −102 bp. Inclusion of sequence up to −153 bp resulted in a 5.6-fold increase in CAT activity that was not observed in non-myeloid transfectants. Extension of the insert to include additional HNE sequence to −196 bp resulted in a decrease in CAT activity to control levels.
Effective, robust design of community mitigation for pandemic influenza: a systematic examination of proposed US guidance.

Background: The US government proposes pandemic influenza mitigation guidance that includes isolation and antiviral treatment of ill persons, voluntary household member quarantine and antiviral prophylaxis, social distancing of individuals, school closure, reduction of contacts at work, and prioritized vaccination. Is this the best strategy combination? Is choice of this strategy robust to pandemic uncertainties? What are critical enablers of community resilience? Methods and Findings: We systematically simulate a broad range of pandemic scenarios and mitigation strategies using a networked, agent-based model of a community of explicit, multiply-overlapping social contact networks. We evaluate illness and societal burden for alterations in social networks, illness parameters, or intervention implementation. For a 1918like pandemic, the best strategy minimizes illness to ,1% of the population and combines network-based (e.g. school closure, social distancing of all with adults’ contacts at work reduced), and case-based measures (e.g. antiviral treatment of the ill and prophylaxis of household members). We find choice of this best strategy robust to removal of enhanced transmission by the young, additional complexity in contact networks, and altered influenza natural history including extended viral shedding. Administration of age-group or randomly targeted 50% effective pre-pandemic vaccine with 7% population coverage (current US H5N1 vaccine stockpile) had minimal effect on outcomes. In order, mitigation success depends on rapid strategy implementation, high compliance, regional mitigation, and rigorous rescinding criteria; these are the critical enablers for community resilience. Conclusions: Systematic evaluation of feasible, recommended pandemic influenza interventions generally confirms the US community mitigation guidance yields best strategy choices for pandemic planning that are robust to a wide range of uncertainty. The best strategy combines network- and case-based interventions; network-based interventions are paramount. Because strategies must be applied rapidly, regionally, and stringently for greatest benefit, preparation and public education is required for long-lasting, high community compliance during a pandemic.
Eysenck's BIG THREE and communication traits: Communication traits as manifestations of temperament

Two studies are reported which sought to determine the possible limitations of the proposition that “temperament is manifest through communication.”; The results of earlier studies suggest that many communication related traits indeed are correlated with one or more temperament variables. In the present study Willingness to Communicate, Singing Apprehension, and Innovativeness were found to be associated with one or more of the BIG THREE temperament variables. Writing apprehension was found to have no meaningful relationship with any of the temperament variables. It is concluded that, while most important oral communication traits probably are correlated with one or more temperament traits, some other communication traits, like writing apprehension, may not be.
Complexes of Ni(II) with sterically-hindered thiolate ligands. Crystal structures of complexes with the [NiS2N2], [NiS2P2] and [NiS2O2] cores

Abstract The reactions of NiCl2·6H2O with the thiolate ligands HSC5H3N-3-SiMe3, HSC6H4-2-PPh2 and HSC6H3- 6-SiMe3-2-OPPh2 yield the planar mononuclear species [Ni(SC5H3N-3-SiMe3)2], [Ni(SC6H4-2-PPh2)2] and [Ni(SC6H3-6-SiMe3-2-OPPh2)2], respectively. The complexes are electrochemically active, displaying Ni(II)/Ni(III) oxidation processes in the high potential range common to most synthetic Ni(II) complexes. Crystal data: C16H24N2Si2S2Ni: monoclinic P21/n, a = 6.697(1), b = 10.932(2), c = 14.108(3) A, β = 95.31(1)°, V = 1028.9(8) A3, Z = 2, D = 1.366 g cm−3. C36H28P2S2Ni: triclinic P 1 , a = 9.349(3), b = 10.673(3), c = 9.259(2) A, α = 105.35(1), β = 118.52(1), γ = 91.86(1)°, V = 799.0(9) A3, Z = 1, D = 1.393 g cm−3. C42H44O2Si2P2S2Ni: monoclinic P21n, a = 12.015(2), b = 27.458(5), c = 12.959(3) A, β = 96.37(1)°, V = 4248.9(12) A3, Z = 4, D = 1.285 g cm−3.
Hypertext Theory and Criticism: An Annotated Bibliography

Hypertext theory and criticism is an emerging and exciting area of research. To facilitate research in hypertext studies, however, there are not many scholarly bibliographies available, especially annotated bibliographies. The present annotated bibliography fills that need with books, book chapters, journal articles, and scholarly reports on hypertext projects covering a wide range of issues significant to literary theory and criticism and their relationship to hypertext theory. Providing critical introductions to the ideas and insights of leading hypertext theorists and practitioners, the annotations in this bibliography will be helpful to scholars and researchers in the field.
The Role of Text Memory in Inferencing and in Comprehension Deficits

Comprehension tests often compare accuracy on inferential versus literal questions and find inferential harder than literal, and poor comprehenders performing worse than controls. Difficulties in integration are assumed to be the reason. This research explores another reason - differences in memory for the passage information underlying the questions. Thirty-nine poor comprehenders and 39 controls were given multiple-paragraph passages, which they retold before answering questions. Retellings permitted assessing question accuracy as a function of memory for the text underlying each question. Inferential accuracy was poorer than literal, and the expected group effect obtained. However, when text memory was perfect, group differences disappeared, indicating that poor comprehenders can generate inferences as well as controls, if they have the relevant information in memory. These findings show that text memory is crucial in distinguishing poor comprehension.
Agile user experience SIG

Agile development is being adopted by companies with greater frequency every year, resulting in changes to the way user experience practitioners work. Unfortunately, there has been little guidance on how to incorporate User Centered Design (UCD) into the agile process so most practitioners either struggle alone or seek out others in the same boat. The goal of this SIG is to draw upon the shared experience of these practitioners to uncover the best practices for agile user-centered design to facilitate optimal product development.
Effects of juxta- and intracellular microinjection of ethanol on trigeminal motoneurons in the chronic cat

The direct cellular effects of ethanol on trigeminal motoneurons were studied in chronic cats during sleep and wakefulness. Intracellular and extracellular recordings were obtained while simultaneously injecting ethanol microdroplets onto the surface (juxtacellularly) or within the soma (intracellularly) of these motoneurons. Juxtacellular ethanol injection resulted in a suppression of neuronal excitability as well as a reduction in the amplitude of action potentials and monosynaptically-induced excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Intracellular ethanol injection led to a slight increase in excitability (i.e. membrane depolarization); concurrently, however, there was a reduction in the amplitude of spike and synaptic potentials. We conclude that the predominant response of trigeminal motoneurons to the direct application of ethanol entails a dose-dependent reduction in membrane excitability in addition to a depression of excitatory synaptic transmission. This pattern of ethanol action was observed throughout the states of quiet sleep and active sleep as well as when the animal was awake.
SU-E-I-79: Effect of Number of Pinholes in Onboard Robotic Multi-Pinhole SPECT System

Purpose: To study the effect of number of pinholes for a novel Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) system for onboard molecular and functional imaging. Methods: Comparison studies were performed using simulation for the 49-pinhole SPECT system and a series of reductions in number of pinholes. Trajectories about the breast of a supine patient were considered. Minimum distances, radii of rotation (RORs), were determined by requirements to fully view the region of interest (ROI) and to avoid collision between the detector and the patient. Reductions in RORs translate into improvements in sensitivity. Starting from the 49-pinhole system, pinholes were removed pod by pod. The furthest two end pods in the Sup-Inf direction were removed first for their higher likelihood of alleviating the collision avoidance criteria. After iterating through different combinations of pinhole pods, and selecting three combinations, the corresponding RORs were used to analytically calculate sensitivities. Results: Based on the Methods procedure, 3 combination of pods removal were identified: 1) Superior peripheral pod 2) Inferior peripheral pod 3) both pods. RORs were reduced at only one multi-pinhole stop. Analytic calculation showed that sensitivities were reduced from 0.032 for the 49-pinhole system to 0.028 for 42-pinhole and to 0.023 for 39-pinholemore » system respectively. The sensitivity per pinhole detector was approximately the same for all three cases. Conclusion: For the trajectories considered, only minimal improvements in RORs were identified by removing pinhole pods. Consequently, sensitivities decreased in proportion to the number of pinholes. Studies of other anatomical sites are needed to determine if in some cases sensitivity per pinhole can be improved by removing some pinholes. PHS/NIH/NCI grant R21-CA156390-01A1.« less
Expression of sperm protein 17 (Sp17) in ovarian cancer

Sperm protein 17 (Sp17) is an antigenic protein highly expressed in spermatozoa. Sp17 expression was demonstrated recently in multiple myeloma, suggesting that it may be a novel cancer-testis antigen. Expression of Sp17 mRNA and protein was examined in human ovarian tumors. Sp17 mRNA was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern blot analysis of RNA derived from epithelial ovarian tumors and normal tissues. RT-PCR analysis detected Sp17 transcripts in 15 of 18 (83%) primary ovarian tumors. The transcript was not detected in RNA derived from normal uterus or cervix, whereas weak expression was noted in some normal ovarian tissue samples. Northern blot analysis showed no detectable Sp17 mRNA expression in normal tissues, including normal ovary, but showed Sp17 expression in 17 of 25 ovarian tumors (68%). To evaluate protein expression, mouse monoclonal antibodies were produced against recombinant Sp17 protein and used in Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of normal reproductive tissue and primary ovarian tumor samples. Sp17 protein was detected by Western blot analysis in normal spermatozoa and in 8 of 19 ovarian tumor samples. Immunohistochemical studies showed Sp17 expression in spermatozoa, ciliated cells of the female reproductive tract, and most ovarian tumors evaluated. Tumors showed a predominately nuclear localization of Sp17 expression, with some cytoplasmic staining. These results demonstrate that Sp17, a protein with restricted expression in somatic tissues, is expressed in ovarian tumors. Because Sp17 is immunogenic, it may represent a novel target for immunotherapeutic interventions for ovarian cancer patients. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assessing genre as rhetorical performance in software design

When organizations outsource, seeking expert help from external companies or consultants, often those in consulting roles will introduce new texts in order to help manage workflows and transform known work processes, all with the intention of improving work practices. Such scenarios challenge a key claim in rhetorical genre studies which perceives genres as actions that respond to situations that recur. As much as genre studies' notion of recurrence helps us understand texts' ability to facilitate communication in recurring workplace processes, it offers little insight into theoretical or methodological approaches for professional or technical communicators who may want to address, in theory, research, or practice, how workers use texts that have been imposed upon them with the purpose of creating situations entirely new to them and with the expectation that the new situation will stabilize and recur over time (as what often happens when companies merge or outsource). This kind of abrupt introduction of texts into the workplace marks phenomena called "genre dumping." In this paper, rhetorical genre theory and its application to genre dumping in technical communication has been examined, which have two aims: (a) to discuss how genre studies gives shape to what we know about how texts work in professional settings where technical work happens; and (b) to assess issues that genre dumping presents to rhetorical genre theory.
Environmentally benign manufacturing – A workshop report

Abstract In this paper, the organization, results, and lessons learned from a workshop on Environmentally Benign Manufacturing (EBM) are presented. A multidisciplinary group representing industry, academia, and government discussed issues related to design, supply chain issues, process technologies, decision-making and education in a one and a half day workshop. Plenary speakers from the US, Europe and Japan gave overviews of the higher level linkages and complexities in the area of environmentally benign manufacturing. Some of the overarching findings included the need for better assessment methods and tools, better knowledge about the true cost of resources, continuous effort in developing new process technologies. Increased active understanding of not only multidisciplinary, but also international research efforts was deemed as a fundamental necessity in the area of EBM.
Transposon Tn7 protein TnsD binding to Escherichia coli attTn7 DNA and its eukaryotic orthologs.

Transposon Tn7 inserts itself into the attTn7 target DNA sequence at the 3‘ end of the Escherichia coli glmS gene with high specificity and efficiency. This site in the E. coli genome displays amino acid conservation and nucleotide similarity with orthologous sequences in Archaebacteria and eukaryotes. On the basis of the high degree of nucleotide similarity, particularly with eukaryotes, we examined the interactions of a set of 20-bp duplex DNA sequences with the Tn7 protein TnsD. The protein was overexpressed in the IPTG-inducible vector pET14b-TnsD in E. coli BL21(DE3)-RIL-Codon-Plus, and purified by nickel chelation and ion exchange chromatography. Changes in the conformation of DNA duplexes upon interaction with TnsD were monitored by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. TnsD binding to and dissociation from immobilized DNA duplexes were monitored by total internal reflectance (TIR). CD and TIR results were analyzed to calculate kon, koff, and KD values. The 20-bp DNA duplex corresponding to attTn7 ...
Sequencing with graphene pores

Solid-state nanopores are often used for biomolecular analysis, but have so far been unable to sequence DNA. Marija Drndic asks whether nanopores made in graphene could fulfil all of the requirements needed for sequencing.
Continuous cooling (CT) diagrams and critical cooling rates: A direct method of calculation using the concept of additivity

Abstract A new method for the calculation of continuous cooling curves and their associated critical cooling rates for glass formation is described. This method is based directly on the theories of nucleation and growth using the concept of additivity. These calculations also yield a master curve describing the amount of crystallinity at any temperature during cooling, the shape of which is independent of cooling rate. Comparison is made between the new method and that of Grange and Kiefer for several systems and the approximations in their method examined.
Design and Calibration of a Broad Range Magnetic Neutron Spectrometer

A broad range, low deflection magnetic neutron spectrometer has been constructed to measure the neutron spectrum from pulsed and steady state sources. The instrument will cover an energy range of from 1 to 15 MEV and is designed for an energy resolution of approximately 10 percent. A collimated beam of neutrons is allowed to impinge on a thin polyethylene radiator producing recoil protons. A small forward cone of these protons, corresponding to the full energies of the incident neutrons, is allowed to enter the magnetic field. The protons are analyzed and focus at some point outside the magnetic field. The focal line is straight and makes about a 10° angle with the pole piece edge With 6 MEV incident neutrons, a 0.001 inch radiator, and a 0.5 inch slit width, the energy resolution ig 9.3% and the efficiency is 5.1 x 10-8counts per neutron incident on the radiator.
Alkaloids of Argemone glauca var. glauca

Abstract Argemone glauca L. ex Pope, var. glauca from the island of Lanai, Hawaii was found to contain protopine, allocryptopine, sanguinarine, berberine, and chelerythrine as the major aklaloids. This alkaloid content corresponds with that expected from a more specialized Argemone species.
Quantitative analysis of lithium in Al-Li alloys by ionization energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract A quantitative analysis of lithium in Al-Li alloys has been carried out by ionization energy loss spectroscopy. It has been found that the power law I = A E−R gives the best fit to the background immediately preceding the Li-K edge, and that the optimum value of the spectrometer acceptance semi-angle β is about 2 mrad. The Al:Li ratio on the δ′ (Al3Li) phase was determined to be 3·60±0·64. The spread of experimental data can be accounted for by errors introduced by the background-subtraction procedure, and uncertainties in the ionization cross-section values. The value of the minimum detectable mass fraction of Li in Al is estimated to be approximately 10·3 at.% (2·7wt.%).
Structural research needs for Clinch River Breeder Reactor licensing

Abstract This paper discusses several structural issues for the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant (CRBRP) that need to be investigated before the review for an operating license begins. The issues exist because of differences between the CRBRP structures and typical light water reactor (LWR) plant structures. CRBRP structures are generally larger and must withstand loads characterized by lower pressures and higher temperatures than occur in LWRs. In the paper each major issue is described along with research needed to determine its impact on plant safety.
Characterization of the DNA of Hyalophora cecropia.

Abstract DNA was isolated from the pupae and various tissues of pharate adults of the silkmoth Hyalophora cecropia . CsCl equilibrium density analysis showed the presence of one major band at 1.693 and two minor satellites, 1.705 and 1.709, comprising 3 and 6% respectively of the total DNA. We could detect no difference in the renaturation kinetics of DNA prepared from pupal or pharate adult tissues. The genome appears to be composed of 30% redundant and 70% unique sequences. The haploid information content of the unique sequences is 11.4 × 10 10 daltons.
Stability of Landsat-4 thematic mapper outgassing models

Oscillations in radiometric gains of the short wave infrared (SWIR) bands in Landsat-4 (L4) and Landsat-5 (L5) Thematic Mappers (TMs) are observed through an analysis of detector responses to the Internal Calibrator (IC) pulses. The oscillations are believed to be caused by an interference effect due to a contaminant film buildup on the window of the cryogenically cooled dewar that houses these detectors. This process of contamination, referred to as outgassing effects, has been well characterized using an optical thin-film model that relates detector responses to the accumulated film thickness and its growth rate. The current models for L4 TM are based on average detector responses to the second brightest IC lamp and have been derived from three data sets acquired during different times throughout the instrument's lifetime. Unlike in L5 TM outgassing characterization, it was found that the L4 TM responses to all three IC lamps can be used to provide accurate characterization and correction for outgassing effects. The analysis of single detector responses revealed an up to five percent difference in the estimated oscillating periods and also indicated a gradual variation of contaminant growth rate over the focal plane.
Supporting the health care team in caring for patients with AIDS.

PHYSICIANS and other health care professionals caring for patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) may assume a greater degree of responsibility and face a more complicated array of problems than in treating almost any other patient group. Not only is AIDS care challenging in terms of its medical complexity, but social stigma as well as political obstacles unfortunately still surround the disease. The issues evoked by AIDS require us to consider aspects of medicine and our social structure that, before the advent of AIDS, many may have preferred to ignore. For example, will the societal fear and discrimination generated by AIDS also influence us as health care providers? Can we possibly organize and maintain a system of care for patients with AIDS that is comprehensive and socially sensitive while many in our society continue to think of AIDS as "someone else's problem"? Where will we find the personal support we
SU-E-T-370: Measurement of Conical Cone Output Factors for the Varian Edge Linear Accelerator

Purpose: To quantify the impact of detector type, SSD/depth, and intermediate reference on conical cone output factor (OF) measurements for the Varian Edge linac. Methods: OF's for 4, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 mm diameter cones relative to 10cmx10cm field were measured for the 6X FFF and 10X FFF energies, with jaws set to 5cmx5cm. Measurements were performed with an Edge diode (0.8mmx0.8mmx0.03mm WxLxT), stereotatic diode SFD, photon diode, CC01 and pinpoint chambers (2mm diameter for both). 95cm SSD/5cm depth were used in a water tank. For the measurement with diodes, OF's were cross-referred to CC13 ion chamber measurements with 3cmx3cm field, as recommended, to help mitigate the energy variation in diode response with field size. Results were compared to the representative data from Varian measured with Edge detector. With SFD, OF's at 98.5cm SSD/1.5cm depth and 90cm SSD/10cm depth were also measured. Results: OF's measured with the Edge detector matched within 1.3% (max diff) with the representative data from Varian. For the SFD, OF's matched within 1.3% for the 4, 5 and 17.5 mm cones and within 3.7% for the other cones. OF's with photon diode were within 1.3% except for the 4 and 5 mm conesmore » where they were 8.1% and 3.7%, respectively. OF's for the CC01 and pinpoint chamber deviated up to 36% and 44%, respectively for the 4 mm cone. OF's after intermediate reference with 3cmx3cm field changed by 3.7% for SFD, 0.8% for photon diode, and 0.6% for Edge detector. OF's at 98.5cm SSD/1.5cm depth were 10.8% higher than that at 95cm SSD/5cm depth, and OF's at 90cm SSD/1.5cm depth were 7.5% lower. Conclusion: OF's measured with the Edge detector appear to be reliable. CC01 and pinpoint chambers do not appear suitable for measuring the small cone OF's. SSD/depth affects OF measurements significantly.« less
A systems biology approach to genetic studies of complex diseases

Revealing mechanisms underlying complex diseases poses great challenges to biologists. The traditional linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis that have been successful in the identification of genes responsible for Mendelian traits, however, have not led to similar success in discovering genes influencing the development of complex diseases. Emerging functional genomic and proteomic (‘omic’) resources and technologies provide great opportunities to develop new methods for systematic identification of genes underlying complex diseases. In this report, we propose a systems biology approach, which integrates omic data, to find genes responsible for complex diseases. This approach consists of five steps: (1) generate a set of candidate genes using gene–gene interaction data sets; (2) reconstruct a genetic network with the set of candidate genes from gene expression data; (3) identify differentially regulated genes between normal and abnormal samples in the network; (4) validate regulatory relationship between the genes in the network by perturbing the network using RNAi and monitoring the response using RT-PCR; and (5) genotype the differentially regulated genes and test their association with the diseases by direct association studies. To prove the concept in principle, the proposed approach is applied to genetic studies of the autoimmune disease scleroderma or systemic sclerosis.
Defining cultural identities using grammars: an exploration of "cultural languages" to create meaningful experiences

Designing for different cultures across the world or different user groups requires sensitivity to the existing 'cultural languages' within those groups. We can define these 'languages' as connections between the way people behave, the things they use, traditions, beliefs and value systems. This paper demonstrates how these cultural factors impose constraints on the way people move and interact, and how these factors influence the form of products. In this paper, we have developed a method called movement grammar to capture how people express emotion through movement and interaction. The movement captured is then embedded in the design of forms using shape grammars, enabling artifacts to serve as the voice of personal expression and cultural identity. The cultural research methods along with the grammars show how the complete cultural context of a user can be extracted and applied. This enables us to enrich their experiences with valuable services and products. These methods are substantiated with examples from the Indian culture.
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 Disclosures: Descriptive Evidence from the Revelation of Accounting Misstatements

The purpose of this paper is to provide a descriptive analysis of companies' previously uncorrected financial statement misstatements using disclosures recently mandated by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108). We analyze 355 companies that disclose and correct 792 misstatements in their financial statements filed from November 15, 2006 to February 15, 2008. We present descriptive evidence on the size and industry distribution of companies who disclose SAB 108 adjustments, showing that larger companies and those in the banking/insurance/real estate industries are most commonly represented in our sample. We also describe the types of audit firms that are associated with these companies. The results show that the concentration of sample companies in the banking/insurance/real estate industries are most often audited by the smallest audit firms in the market, and there is considerable variation in the application of quantitative materiality thresholds for SAB 108 disclosures across audit firms. Finally, our descriptive analyses reveal insights about the nature, direction, and magnitude of specific misstatements corrected by SAB 108. For example, we show that the most common SAB 108 misstatement corrections involve current liabilities, deferred taxes, revenue recognition, and leases. In addition, many companies in our sample used SAB 108 to correct misstatements identified in the current year in order to avoid restating prior period financial statements.
Is Lipid Control Necessary in Hemodialysis Patients

Although high serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are predictive of cardiovascular diseases in the general population, this association is more complex in the dialysis patients. Two recent randomized trials failed to show significant beneficial effects of statins on the primary cardiovascular outcomes in these patients. The reasons for this lack of benefits are unclear. The postulates include the possibilities that LDL cholesterol is not important in atherogenesis and that atherosclerosis is not a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases in the dialysis population. It is important to note that high serum LDL cholesterol level is not a prominent feature of uremic dyslipidemia. Instead, the hallmark dyslipidemias in the dialysis population are hypertriglyceridemia as a result of the accumulation of lipoprotein remnant particles, low serum HDL cholesterol levels, high serum levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and the modification of LDL cholesterol by oxidation and carbamylation. In vitro and epidemiologic studies have further suggested that these abnormal lipoproteins or aberrant serum lipoprotein levels are atherogenic. More research efforts should be directed toward these dyslipidemic states and the multitude of other putative cardiovascular risk factors in dialysis patients.
Scorpion DAC: a new family of switched-capacitor D/A convertors

The theory of the simulated capacitor or resistor array parasitic-insensitive/offset-nulling (SCORPION) digital to analogue convenor (DAC) is presented. This unique DAC architecture features high speed, high modularity, reduced 1/f noise and excellent economy. The properties of this DAC allow modular development of n-bit DACs in MOS.
Trends in depth and extent of bioturbation in Cambrian carbonate marine environments, western United States

Cambrian carbonate strata of the Great Basin deposited below fairweather wave base but above mean storm wave base (inner shelf), and below mean storm wave base but above maximum storm wave base (middle shelf) were examined for extent and depth of bioturbation. Data indicate that initial extensive colonization of marine infaunal habitats occurred between Tommotian and Atdabanian time. Throughout the remaining 65 m.y. of Cambrian time bioturbation increased, although depth of bioturbation remained relatively constant at less than 6 cm. During this time, the amount of bioturbation in the inner shelf was greater than that in the middle shelf.
Evaluation of a mathematical model of rumen digestion and an in vitro simulation of rumen proteolysis to estimate the rumen-undegraded nitrogen content of feedstuffs

Twelve grain mixtures, one lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay and one maize silage which had been used in mixed diets for which dietary nitrogen undegraded in the rumen (UDN) had been estimated with duodenally-cannulated cows, were studied. Total N in the feeds was fractionated into pool A (N soluble in borate-phosphate buffer), pool B (total N--(pool A + pool C)) and pool C (acid-detergent-insoluble N or residual N after 24 h incubation in protease solution). N solubilization in protease solution containing 6.6 units/ml (substrate-saturating enzyme concentration) indicated the presence of subfractions in pool B, with different rates of solubilization. Such subfractions were not detectable from in situ, Dacron bag, estimates of N solubilization. UDN was estimated using a dynamic mathematical model and rate-constants obtained from N solubilization in protease solution or in situ. For three grain mixtures tested using the protease technique the model predicted UDN values of 7, 10 and 12% compared with values of 47, 66 and 59% estimated in vivo. The full range of experimental feeds was tested using the in situ technique and UDN values predicted by the model were used to derive UDN values for twelve mixed diets. The latter values were significantly but not closely correlated with those determined in vivo (r2 0.41, P less than 0.05). An attempt was made to simulate rumen proteolysis in vitro by choosing a protease enzyme concentration (0.066 units/ml) providing a proteolytic activity similar to that of whole rumen fluid. The experimental samples of feed were subjected to simulated rumen proteolysis for 18 or 48 h to resemble the mean retention times in the rumen for grain mixtures and roughages respectively. The residual N at the end of incubation was considered as an estimate of UDN. The UDN values estimated from simulated rumen proteolysis and those determined in vivo for twelve mixed diets were in close agreement (r2 0.61, P less than 0.01). Simulated rumen proteolysis can serve as a simple, rapid and sensitive method to estimate UDN in a variety of feedstuffs.
Absence of binding of three fermions on a two-dimensional lattice.

Numerical calculations [D. Mattis and S. Rudin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 52, 755 (1984)] indicate the absence of bound states of three identical spin-(1/2) fermions moving on a two-dimensional lattice and interacting with attractive two-body zero-range potentials. Here, we give a proof of this result in the strong-coupling limit, and we also prove that, in the weak-coupling limit, the ground state of six fermions consists of three bound pairs. We discuss the relevance of this result to superconductivity.
System-Level Design for Liquid Cooled Chiller-Less Data Center

In 2010, data center power usage amounted to 2% of total US energy consumption [1]. Approximately 25% of the energy consumed is used for IT cooling, which consists of facility refrigeration equipment used to provide computer room air conditioning [2]. As part of a US Department of Energy cost shared grant, a data center test facility was designed and constructed with the goal to demonstrate the potential to reduce IT cooling energy usage to less than 5% of the total IT and facilities energy usage by utilizing warm liquid cooling of the electronics rack. A system thermodynamic model was developed for this liquid cooled chiller-less data center design using theory, numerical simulations and manufacturer’s data sheets. The model was used for the design selection of data center level cooling infrastructure and of server liquid cooling components and for performance estimation of the liquid cooled chiller-less data center design. The system-level model was validated against experimental data and was used to predict the system performance in different geographies.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Unique and independent parameters (UIP) formulation for thermodynamic models of complex protein-ligand systems.

Abstract A method for reformulating the thermodynamic (G) description of complex equilibria is presented. The purpose of this reformulation is to take a
Leptin and Leptin Receptor Expression in Normal and Neoplastic Human Pituitary: Evidence of a Regulatory Role for Leptin on Pituitary Cell Proliferation

Leptin is a circulating hormone secreted by adipose and a few other tissues. The leptin receptor consists of a single transmembrane-spanning polypeptide that is present as a long physiologically important form as well as in several short isoforms. Recent studies have suggested that the anterior pituitary may have a role in the regulatory effects of leptin in animal models. To test this possibility in human pituitaries, we examined the expression of leptin and OB-R in normal and neoplastic pituitaries, and the possible functions of leptin in the pituitary were also analyzed. Leptin was present in 20-25% of anterior pituitary cells and was expressed in most normal anterior pituitary cells, including ACTH (70% of ACTH cells), GH (21%), FSH (33%), LH (29%), TSH (32%), and folliculo-stellate cells (64%), but was colocalized with very few PRL cells (3%), as detected by double labeling immunohistochemistry with two different antileptin antibodies. In addition, leptin expression was detected by RT-PCR in some pituitary tumors, including ACTH (three of four), GH (one of four), null cells (two of four), and gonadotroph (one of four) tumors as well as in normal pituitary. Immunohistochemical staining showed greater immunoreactivity for leptin in normal pituitaries compared to adenomas. Treatment of an immortalized cultured anterior pituitary cell line, HP75, with leptin stimulated pancreastatin secretion in vitro. Leptin also inhibited cell growth in the human HP75 and in the rat pituitary GH3 cell lines. Both long (OB-Rb) and common (OB-Ra) forms of the leptin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid and leptin receptor protein were expressed in normal and neoplastic anterior pituitary cells. These findings show for the first time that leptin is expressed by most human anterior pituitary cell types and that there is decreased leptin protein immunoreactivity in pituitary adenomas compared to that in normal pituitary tissues. We also show that OB-Rb is widely expressed by normal and neoplastic anterior pituitary cells, implicating an autocrine/paracrine loop in the production and regulation of leptin in the pituitary.
trans-Complementation Rescue of Cyclophilin A-Deficient Viruses Reveals that the Requirement for Cyclophilin A in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication Is Independent of Its Isomerase Activity

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) requires the incorporation of cyclophilin A (CypA) for replication. CypA is packaged by binding to the capsid (CA) region of Gag. This interaction is disrupted by cyclosporine (CsA). Preventing CypA incorporation, either by mutations in the binding region of CA or by the presence of CsA, abrogates virus infectivity. Given that CypA possesses an isomerase activity, it has been proposed that CypA acts as an uncoating factor by destabilizing the shell of CA that surrounds the viral genome. However, because the same domain of CypA is responsible for both its isomerase activity and its capacity to be packaged, it has been challenging to determine if isomerase activity is required for HIV-1 replication. To address this issue, we fused CypA to viral protein R (Vpr), creating a Vpr-CypA chimera. Because Vpr is packaged via the p6 region of Gag, this approach bypasses the interaction with CA and allows CypA incorporation even in the presence of CsA. Using this system, we found that Vpr-CypA rescues the infectivity of viruses lacking CypA, either produced in the presence of CsA or mutated in the CypA packaging signal of CA. Furthermore, a Vpr-CypA mutant which has no isomerase activity and no capacity to bind to CA also rescues HIV-1 replication. Thus, this study demonstrates that the isomerase activity of CypA is not required for HIV-1 replication and suggests that the interaction of the catalytic site of CypA with CA serves no other function than to incorporate CypA into viruses.
Affective data acquisition technologies in survey research

There is no agreement on how to formally incorporate affective data into statistical analysis and research conclusions. The information systems (IS) literature has recently published several position papers that have established a framework and perspective for using affective technology in IS research though. The frameworks have not been extensively tested, and are likely to evolve over time as empirical studies are conducted, and the validity of the methodologies is confirmed or disproved. A major goal of the current paper is to take the initial steps in translating the frameworks to usable methodologies, with application to improving our understanding of how to make effective empirical tests. This paper also investigates the adoption cycle of one of these technologies--electrodermal response (EDR) technologies--whose incarnation in the polygraph in forensic applications went through a complete adoption cycle in the twentieth century. The use of EDR response data in marketing research and surveys is nascent, but prior experience can help us to forecast and encourage its adoption in new research contexts. This research investigates three key questions: (1) What technology adoption model is appropriate for electrothermal response technology in forensic science? (2) What is the accuracy of affective electrodermal response readings? (3) What information is useful after superimposing affective EDR readings on contemporaneous survey data collection? Affective data acquisition technologies appear to add the most information when survey subjects are inclined to lie and have strong emotional feelings. Such data streams are informative, non-invasive and cost-effective. Informativeness is context-dependent though, and it relies on a complex set of still poorly understood human factors. Survey protocols and statistical analysis methods need to be developed to address these challenges.