cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness and engagement in COVID-19 preventive behavior.

Abstract The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents a significant risk to population health. Health organizations worldwide have recommended numerous preventive health behaviors to slow the spread of COVID-19. Yet, considerable variability exists in individual-level adherence to these recommendations. Mindfulness has been associated with greater engagement in health promotive behavior (e.g., physical activity, healthy eating), and may serve as an individual difference factor that encourages adherence. However, no study to date has examined the extent to which mindfulness is associated with preventive health behaviors during a global pandemic. The purpose of the present study was to assess the relations between mindfulness and recommended preventive health behaviors for COVID-19. A national U.S. sample (N = 353; Mage = 41.47 years, range: 19–84; 50.2% female) completed an online survey via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk from April 3rd to 15th, 2020, including measures of mindfulness and frequency of avoiding touching one’s face, handwashing, disinfecting/cleaning frequently used surfaces, social distancing, and self-quarantining. Personality, health risk, and demographic factors were also assessed to test the unique association between mindfulness and preventive health behaviors. Mindfulness was significantly correlated with greater engagement in all of the COVID-19 preventive health behaviors. However, when accounting for demographics, health risk, and personality, mindfulness was only uniquely associated with engagement in social distancing. This research highlights mindfulness as an individual-level characteristic associated with engagement in COVID-19 preventive health behavior and may inform future prevention efforts aimed at improving adherence to recommendations for curbing the spread of infectious disease.
Efficient, second-order in time, and energy stable scheme for a new hydrodynamically coupled three components volume-conserved Allen–Cahn phase-field model

In this paper, we establish a new hydrodynamically coupled phase-field model for three immiscible fluid components system. The model consists of the Navier–Stokes equations and three coupled nonlin...
Control of the Tevatron Satellite Refrigeration System

The six kilometer ring of superconducting magnets which forms the Fermilab Tevatron is cooled by a Central Helium Liquifier (CHL) which provides liquid helium (and nitrogen) to 24 satellite refrigerators distributed around the ring.1 The system is controlled by 31 independent microprocessors operating over 400 servo loops. The central computer system provides monitoring, alarms, logging and changing of parameters.
Corporate Cybersecurity Realism: Managing Trade Secrets in a World Where Breaches Occur

Cybersecurity intrusions aimed at extracting trade secrets are an unfortunate feature of the 21st century business landscape. In response, many companies have made cybersecurity a top priority, and their networks and systems have become much more secure as a result.However, while improving security is a critical goal, it should not be the only goal. Companies also need to give attention to what might be called corporate cybersecurity elephant in the room: How does the inevitability that their networks will sometimes be compromised impact best practices for handling trade secrets despite those breaches? This paper aims to provide some answers to that question.As discussed herein, companies should 1) “segment” not only their networks but also the trade secret information on those networks, thereby limiting the impact of any single cybersecurity breach, 2) avoid overreliance on NDAs, since over-disclosure can lead to increased exposure to cyber-enabled trade secret theft, 3) act more quickly on patentable inventions in light of recent changes to U.S. patent law that can increase the incentives driving trade secret theft, 4) ensure that cybersecurity considerations are be part of patent/trade secret decisions, and 5) be aware of — and, as appropriate, take advantage of — new changes to U.S. patent law the increase the potential benefits of early commercial use of trade secrets.
Appreciating Our Usual Guests

Microbial Inhabitants of Humans Their Ecology and Role in Health and Disease. By Michael Wilson . Cambridge University Press, New York, 2005. 475 pp. $65, £35. ISBN 0-521-84158-5. Taking an ecological approach that considers the influence of anatomical and physiological features of the human host as well as the microorganisms' impact on both healthy and impaired individuals, the author surveys microbial communities that inhabit healthy humans.
Density Functional Calculation of the Structure and Electronic Properties of CunOn (n=1-4) Clusters

We have performed ab initio Monte Carlo simulated annealing simulations and density functional theory calculations to study the structures and stabilities of copper oxide clusters, Cu n O n (n =1-4). We determined the lowest energy structures of neutral, positive and negatively charged copper oxide clusters using the B3LYP/LANL2DZ model chemistry. The geometries are found to undergo a structural change from two- to three-dimensions when n = 4 in the neutral clusters. We have investigated the size dependence of selected electronic properties of the binding energies, second differences of the energy, ionization potentials, electron affinities, and HOMO-LUMO gaps. We also have investigated fragmentation channels and charge distributions.
A Mass in the Junction of the Body and Tail of the Pancreas with Negative IgG4 Serology:IgG4-Related Disease with Negative Serology

Patient:Female, 55 Final Diagnosis: Autoimmune pancreatitis Symptoms: Abdominal pain • weight loss Medication: Prednisone Clinical Procedure: Admitted to the hospital Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology Objective: Challenging differential diagnosis Background: Autoimmune pancreatitis is an IgG4-related fibroinflammatory condition often associated with obstructive jaundice, as most lesions are located at the head of the pancreas. IgG4 level can help in the diagnosis, but it is normal in nearly 30% of affected patients. Case Report: A 55-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of 20-pound unintentional weight loss and intermittent abdominal pain. She had an unremarkable abdominal exam and significant findings included a small, non-mobile rubbery left axillary lymph node. Complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, amylase, anti-smooth muscle antibody, antimitochondrial antibody, carcinoembryonic antigen, Ca 19-9, complement C3 and C4, antinuclear antibody, anti-Smith double-strand antibody, and IgG4 were all within normal limits. CT of the abdomen showed a mass in the junction of the body and tail of the pancreas and endoscopic ultrasound showed it as encasing the splenic artery. Fine-needle aspiration cytology demonstrated follicular hyperplasia, obliterative phlebitis, storiform fibrosis, and negative staining for IgG4 and malignancy. Left axillary lymph node biopsy demonstrated follicular hyperplasia. PET scan revealed hypermetabolic uptake of the pancreas tail, bone marrow, and spleen, as well as diffuse lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow biopsy showed follicular hyperplasia and was negative for malignancy. The patient was started on 40 mg of oral prednisone for possible autoimmune disease. During follow-up, she reported progressive improvement and a repeat PET scan 6 months later showed marked improvement. Conclusions: A normal IgG4 value should not decrease the clinical suspicion of IgG4-related disease. If clinical, histological, and radiological findings coincide, glucocorticoids should be initiated with subsequent follow-up to evaluate for a response.
Precursors of Mild Mental Retardation in Children with Adolescent Mothers

Publisher Summary This chapter presents data that focuses on development during middle childhood for children born to adolescent mothers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A prospective analysis of children's development enabled to understand the effects of early parenting, in combination with other maternal personal, social, and emotional factors, on the emergence of mental retardation and other developmental delays. The chapter briefly describes the Notre Dame Adolescent Parenting Project and then summarizes major developmental patterns through age 5. It presents maternal and child data related to the emergence of “early signs” of mild mental retardation and learning disabilities, tracing children's developmental trajectories for intelligence, language, adaptive behaviors, and adjustment for the entire sample as well as for children who at age 10 showed delays in intelligence and adaptation. The chapter also presents data on the role of parenting in helping to explain developmental delays, emphasizing new findings on the interrelationships between maternal and child developmental trajectories. In the concluding part of the chapter, three interrelated explanations are offered regarding factors that might influence children's developmental delays: disorganized attachment, failures to teach and model self-regulation skills, and neglectful-abusive parenting.
Skin Lesions Produced by Staphylococcus aureus Exfoliatin in Hairless Mice

Exfoliatin caused skin loss in hairless mutant mice only while they lacked hair, but older mice were more resistant to this effect than neonates.
Left renal agenesis, true unicornuate uterus, and total absence of left broad ligament, round ligament, salpinx, and ovary

Abstract Less than 30 cases of true unicornuate uterus with unilateral renal agenesis have been reported. Only one case of true unicornuate uterus with unilateral total absence of broad and round ligaments, salpinx, ovary, ureter, and kidney was recorded in the literature prior to this communication.
Carbon nanotube shear-pressed sheet interleaves for Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness enhancement

Abstract Failure of composite laminates is often the result of “secondary” transverse stresses causing delamination. One well known approach to prevent such failure is to incorporate a distinct interleaf material into the interlaminar region in order to increase its fracture toughness and, consequently, its resistance to delamination. In the recent years various carbon nanotube (CNT) interleaves gained much attention. This work presents experimental study of the Mode I progressive fracture of carbon/epoxy composite laminates modified with high volume fraction, aligned, non-functionalized and functionalized CNT interleaves. The interleaves used here are thin solid sheets produced from vertically grown multiwalled CNT arrays by shear pressing method. A dry or resin infused sheet is integrated between prepreg plies prior to the laminate cure. The obtained results show that both dry and pre-infused CNT interleaves significantly, up to two times, increase the critical strain energy release rate of the baseline non-interleaved laminate. Two methods of functionalizing CNTs within the preform are explored: O2/CF4 plasma and H2SO4/KnO4 wet chemical treatments. Both methods maintain the high alignment and aspect ratio of the CNTs. Although, functionalization results in no additional GIC toughening compared to the non-functionalized interleaves, the characteristics of the fracture surfaces are dramatically different.
The modified Fermat number transform and its application

The modified Fermat number transform (MFNT) and its properties are presented. It is shown that a linear convolution of two N-point sequences can be computed by taking two N-point MFNTs, calculating N multiplies, and taking an N-point inverse MFNT. Application of the MFNT to digital filtering is discussed. >
ARCHAIC CHRONOLOGIES AND THE TEXTUAL HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

Recent studies in the chronology of the monarchical period have demonstrated that the variations between the chronologies of MT and LXX are not the result of isolated misreadings, but are a product of different chronological calculations.These studies have been important not only for historical reconstruction, including new proposals for identification of kings involved in various war,2 but they have shed a good deal of light on the history of the text of the Hebrew Scriptures and LXX, including the Old Greek and the proto-Lucianic and kaige recensions. Furthermore, it is now possible to assign priority to one chronological system over another, and to understand why the different systems arose. In the early chapters of Genesis there are two genealogies whose chronological data differ in MT, LXX, and the Samaritan Pentateuch (SP). The first of these covers the period from Adam to Noah (Gen. 5); the second includes Shem through Terah (Gen. ii). While the rationale behind the original chronology has not yet been satisfactorily explained,3 previous chronological studies
Protein dynamical transition in terahertz dielectric response

Abstract The 200 K protein dynamical transition is observed for the first time in the terahertz dielectric response. The complex dielectric permittivity e = e′ + ie″ is determined in the 0.2–2.0 THz and 80–294 K ranges. e″ has a linear temperature dependence up to 200 K then sharply increases. The low temperature linear dependence in e″ suggests anharmonicity for temperatures 80 K
Highly chemoselective heterogeneous Pd-catalyzed biaryl synthesis from haloarenes: Reaction in an oil-in-water microemulsion

Heterogeneous Pd/C-catalyzed reductive coupling of substituted haloarenes to the respective biaryls is effected with very high chemoselectivity in an oil-in-water microemulsion, using a reducing ag...
Draft Genome Sequence of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bloodstream Isolate PABL056

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important cause of disease in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. The genome of P. aeruginosa is among the largest of bacteria pathogenic to humans. We present the draft genome sequence of P. aeruginosa strain PABL056, a human bloodstream isolate with the largest genome yet reported in P. aeruginosa.
Action (verb) fluency predicts dependence in instrumental activities of daily living in persons infected with HIV-1.

Inspired by the hypothesized neural dissociation between the retrieval of nouns and verbs, several studies now support the construct validity of Action (verb) Fluency as a measure of frontostriatal systems function. Relative to traditional noun- and letter-cued verbal fluency tests, Action Fluency is more sensitive to HIV-1-associated neuropsychological impairment, which may reflect inefficiencies engaging motor representations during action retrieval in this population. Accordingly, impaired Action Fluency might adversely impact instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) by disrupting the production and organization of script-based action schemas upon which successful IADL performance depends. The present study thus sought to evaluate the ecological validity of Action Fluency as a predictor of IADL among persons with HIV-1 infection. Action, Letter (FAS), and Noun (animal) fluency were compared in 21 HIV-1-infected participants with self-reported IADL dependence relative to 76 demographically compara...
On the structure of invariant attracting sets of systems of finite-difference equations generating Hénon-Lozi mappings

For Henon-Lozi mappings F, we find sufficient conditions under which on the plane there exists a domain U such that its closure is mapped by F strictly inside U. This ensures the existence of a compact invariant set in U. We prove the existence of an open set of parameter values for which this invariant set contains a zero-dimensional locally maximal topologically transitive Markov set such that the restriction of the mapping to this set is topologically conjugate to the shift automorphism in the space of sequences of two symbols. We show that if this Markov set is hyperbolic, then the above-mentioned compact invariant set coincides with the closure of the unstable manifold of F at a fixed point lying in that set and is a topologically indecomposable one-dimensional continuum. We present the parameter values for which these results hold for the Henon mapping. We thereby prove the existence of a parameter range in which the invariant set of the Henon mapping is a one-dimensional topologically indecomposable Brauer-Janiszewski continuum that contains a zero-dimensional locally maximal set and lies in the attraction domain of itself.
Gate-controlled electron spin resonance in G a A s / A l x Ga 1 − x As heterostructures

The electron spin resonance (ESR) of two-dimensional electrons is investigated in a gated GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure. We found that the ESR resonance frequency can be turned by means of a gate voltage. The front and back gates of the heterostructure produce opposite g-factor shift, suggesting that electron g-factor is being electrostatically controlled by shifting the equilibrium position of the electron wave function from one epitaxial layer to another with different g-factors.
Twisted multiplicative field invariants, Noether's problem, and galois extensions

Noether’s Problem concerns fields F(xg 1 g E G)G = F(G), where F is a field, G is a finite group, G acts by permuting the indeterminants x, in the obvious way, and F( )G refers to the field of invariant elements. In showing the F(G)‘s were nonrational for certain G, the author was led to consider multiplicative invariant fields ([SS]) which are defined as follows. Let G be a finite group and Q a G lattice. That is, Q is a finitely generated Z[G] module which is free as an abelian group. Form the group algebra F[G] and its field of fractions F(Q). G acts naturally on F(Q) and the multiplicative invariant field is F(Q)“. In [SS], it was shown that for certain Q, F(Q)G was essentially equivalent to (actually stably isomorphic to) F(G’) for G’ a split extension of G with abelian kernel. This leads one to ask whether F(G’) can be expressed as a kind of invariant field for G when G’ is a nonsplit extension of G. The answer is yes and is the core of this paper. In fact, F(G’) will be shown to be a so called “a-twisted” multiplicative invariant field of G. The goal of this paper is to present this fact and then draw a series of conclusions using it. Such a-twisted invariant fields have appeared explicitly in previous works. In [SS], these fields arise as another way of describing the invariant fields of reductive algebraic groups. Note that in [S6] the finite group is the Weyl group and the lattice is derived from the root lattice. In [S7], the unramified Brauer groups of a-twisted invariant fields are calculated.
The Joule-Thomson Effect in Argon

The measurements employed the same apparatus as for helium and air. Slight changes were made in the compressor and the purification system. The argon was of high purity except for 0.5 percent of nitrogen. Clogging of the plug gave trouble in a limited part of the field. The vapor phase from Pyrofax gas makes an excellent low temperature bath liquid. The data for the isenthalpic curves are given in detail and plotted. The values of the Joule-Thomson coefficient, $\ensuremath{\mu}$, over the field (-150 to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 1 to 200 atm.) are calculated, tabulated, and plotted as a function of temperature and pressure. The lower branch of the inversion curve ($\ensuremath{\mu}=0$) falls within the low temperature range of these measurements. The trends of the Joule-Thomson effect in argon over the measured range of temperature and pressure are exceedingly like those in air and nitrogen. Lack of specific heat data prevents the calculation of other important thermodynamic coefficients.
The role of sorbate in the determination of preferential adsorption sites in zeolite HY: A theoretical study

Abstract Zeolite HY is a crucial acid catalyst in petroleum refining. The effect of molecular properties of a sorbate on its preferential adsorption site in zeolite HY characterized by non-uniform zeolitic charge distribution was investigated using the recently developed and validated faujasite supercage-based docking method. In the adsorption of benzene, the charge distribution in the zeolite HY structure affects the sorption site. This resulted in either the proton H(1) site or the unprotonated 4-membered ring site as the most stable site. However, only the 12-membered ring window site having the sorption energy of 120.7 ± 2.5 kJ mol −1 was found to be the most stable site for the adsorption of hydrobenzoin, regardless of the charge distribution in the supercages examined. The molecular properties (e.g., size, shape, number of hydrogen bond donors) of hydrobenzoin are thus likely to be the dominating factor that determines the preferential sorbate location. Therefore, the preferred adsorption site of a sorbate in the faujasite supercage may depend either on the charge distribution in the zeolite HY structure or on the molecular properties of the adsorbate itself, depending upon the nature of the adsorbate.
Fine structure period of the thermo-spectrum of the stimulated Raman 8050 Å line in benzene

Abstract A fine structure of 2.2°C period on the thermo-spectrum of the 8050 A stimulated Raman output in benzene is reported, in addition to the previously reported large period.
Dynamic visuomotor synchronization: quantification of predictive timing.

When a moving target is tracked visually, spatial and temporal predictions are used to circumvent the neural delay required for the visuomotor processing. In particular, the internally generated predictions must be synchronized with the external stimulus during continuous tracking. We examined the utility of a circular visual-tracking paradigm for assessment of predictive timing, using normal human subjects. Disruptions of gaze–target synchronization were associated with anticipatory saccades that caused the gaze to be temporarily ahead of the target along the circular trajectory. These anticipatory saccades indicated preserved spatial prediction but suggested impaired predictive timing. We quantified gaze–target synchronization with several indices, whose distributions across subjects were such that instances of extremely poor performance were identifiable outside the margin of error determined by test–retest measures. Because predictive timing is an important element of attention functioning, the visual-tracking paradigm and dynamic synchronization indices described here may be useful for attention assessment.
ECM degradation by cultured human mesangial cells is mediated by a PA/plasmin/MMP-2 cascade

We examined the role of the plasminogen activator/plasmin system in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation by human mesangial cells cultured on thin films of 125I-labeled ECM (Matrigel). ECM degradation (release of 125I into the medium) was dependent on exogenous plasminogen, proportional to the number of mesangial cells and amount of plasminogen added, and coincident with the appearance of plasmin in the medium. ECM degradation was completely blocked (P < 0.001) by two plasmin inhibitors, alpha-2-antiplasmin (40 micrograms/ml) and aprotinin (216 KIU/ml), and partially reduced (-33 +/- 1.8%, P < 0.01) by TIMP-1 (40 micrograms/ml), a specific inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases. Zymography of medium obtained from cells cultured in the absence of plasminogen revealed the presence of latent matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) which was converted to a lower molecular weight, active form in the presence of mesangial cells and plasminogen. Northern analysis of poly A+RNA prepared from cultured human mesangial cells revealed mRNA for tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and uPA receptor (uPAR). The presence of uPA protein in medium obtained from cultured human mesangial cells was demonstrated by Western blotting and ELISA which revealed a large molar excess of PAI-1 (1.2 +/- 0.1 x 10(-9) M) over uPA (1.2 +/- 0.1 x 10(-12) M) and tPA (0.19 +/- 0.04 x 10(-9) M). ECM degradation was reduced by a monoclonal antibody (MAb) against human tPA (-54 +/- 8.6%) or human uPA (-39 +/- 5.2%) compared to cells treated with identical amounts of non-specific monoclonal IgG (P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Conductance quantization in multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We present results of carbon nanotube conductance measurements. The experiments were per- formed using an scanning probe microscope (SPM) system where a carbon nanotube ber is connected to the SPM tip and then lowered into a liquid mercury contact. Experiments were also performed using a modied transmission electron microscope (TEM) specimen holder supplied with piezo and micrometer positioning system. Thus the contacting process of the nanotubes with the mercury could be monitored while simultaneously recording the conductance. These measurements and observations conrm previously reported conductance quantization (Frank et al.: Science 280, 1744 (1998)) of the nanotubes while provid- ing additional details concerning the mercury nanotube contacts. We also report conductance versus voltage characteristics of carbon nanotubes.
Doppler Measurements of the Suns Meridional Flow

Doppler velocity data obtained with the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) instruments in Tucson from 1992 August through 1995 April were analyzed to determine the structure and evolution of the Sun's meridional flow. Individual measurements of the flow were derived from line-of-sight velocity images averaged over 17 minutes to remove the p-mode oscillation signal. Typical flow velocities are poleward at approximately 20 m/s, but the results suggest that episodes may occur with much stronger flows. Such variations may help to explain some of the many disparate reports on the strength and structure of the Sun's meridional flow.
The biochemical activities of rabbit alveolar macrophages during phagocytosis.

Abstract The biochemical activities of non-induced rabbit alveolar macrophages during phagocytosis were studied. Serum was required for maximal phagocytosis of Staphylococcus albus. A 40 per cent increase in respiratory activity of macrophages during phagocytosis was noted. 14C-1-glucose, 14C-6-glucose, 14C-1-pyruvate and 14C-3-pyruvate were oxidized significantly more by phagocytizing cells. Anaerobiosis inhibits phagocytosis. NaF and iodoacetate did not inhibit phagocytosis but did inhibit glycolysis. Malonate, fluoroacetate, cyanide, antimycin A and amytal failed to affect particle uptake although a significant decrease in respiration was observed. Uncoupling agent, 2,4 dinitrophenol stimulated oxygen uptake, but did not affect particle uptake. The effects of adding electron acceptors were examined. No effects were noted under anaerobic conditions. Phenazine methosulfate, menadione bisulfite and methylene blue increased 14C-1-glucose and 14C-6-glucose oxidations and respiration. At concentrations above 0.075 mM for phenazine methosulfate and 0.05 mM for menadione bisulfite the increased respiratory activity associated with phagocytosis was diminished and phagocytosis was also inhibited.
Cholinergic manipulation alters stimulus-evoked metabolic activity in cat somatosensory cortex.

The role of acetylcholine (ACh) in cerebral cortical activity has recently been reevaluated. It now seems clear that this neurotransmitter increases the magnitude of cortical responses. Although substantial information has been gathered regarding the role of ACh in sensory information processing, little is known about the participation of ACh in the organization of maps in the cerebral cortex. To address this issue, we used 2 methods to manipulate the supply of ACh in the somatosensory cortex of cats: (1) unilateral neurotoxic lesions of the basal forebrain and (2) unilateral topical applications of the cholinergic antagonist, atropine. For each experimental condition, the animal received an injection of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) while identical somatic stimuli were delivered to the right and left forepaws. In the somatosensory cortex, the 2DG uptake most often occurred in the form of patches that extended from layer II to IV. When the patches were reconstructed into 2-dimensional maps of activity throughout the somatosensory cortex, they formed strips that ran in the rostrocaudal direction. The reconstructed maps revealed that the 2DG patterns in ACh-depleted and the normal cortex were similar in their overall topographic distribution. Depletion or antagonism of ACh, however, caused the stimulus-evoked metabolic label to be reduced in dimension and density. Measurements of background activity levels were obtained by using (1) cytochrome oxidase histochemistry or (2) metabolic activity values in regions of somatosensory cortex that were not specifically stimulated. This analysis indicated that background values in the ACh-depleted hemispheres were not different from those in the normal hemispheres. The absence of ACh therefore appears to reduce the cortical response to stimulation, while background activity values do not change. These observations indicate that ACh plays a significant role in the processing of sensory information and the organization of somatosensory cortical maps.
Protein tyrosine phosphatases in cell transformation

The role of tyrosine phosphorylation in cell transformation has been well established. It has been proposed that protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) may be capable of dephosphorylating critical substrates involved in the transformation process, suggesting that they represent a tumor suppressor family of enzymes. Indeed, recent work showed that overexpression of some PTPases in malignant cells counteracted the action of oncogenic tyrosine kinases although overexpression of other forms of these enzymes increased tumorigenicity. The work described herein has provided some insight into the action, both antagonistic and synergistic, of the kinases and phosphatases on cell growth and transformation.
Brain-computer interface (BCI) and ergonomics.

Nearly two million people in the United States – and many more worldwide – suffer from severe motor disabilities brought on by neuromuscular impairments, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)...
Comparative expression of two alpha class glutathione S-transferases in human adult and prenatal liver tissues

Abstract The ability of the fetus to detoxify transplacental drugs and chemicals can be a critical determinant of teratogenesis and developmental toxicity. Developmentally regulated expression of alpha class glutathione S -transferases (GSTs) is of particular interest, since these isozymes have high activity toward peroxidative byproducts of oxidative injury that are linked to teratogenesis. The present study was initiated to examine the expression and catalytic activities of alpha class GST isozymes in human prenatal liver. Northern analysis demonstrated the presence of hGSTA1 and/or A2 (hGSTA1/2) and hGSTA4 steady-state mRNAs in second trimester prenatal livers. Western blotting of prenatal liver proteins provided corroborating evidence via detection of an hGSTA1/2-reactive protein in both cytosol and mitochondria and of hGSTA4-4-reactive protein in mitochondria alone. Catalytic studies demonstrated that prenatal liver cytosolic GSTs were active toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (a general GST reference substrate), δ 5 -androstene-3,17-dione (relatively specific for hGSTA1-1), and 4-hydroxynonenal, a highly mutagenic α,β-unsaturated aldehyde produced during oxidative damage and a substrate for hGSTA4-4. Total GSH-peroxidase and GST-dependent peroxidase activities were 9- and 18-fold higher, respectively, in adult liver than in prenatal liver. Multiple tissue array analyses demonstrated considerable tissue-specific and developmental variation in GST mRNA expression. In summary, our results demonstrate the presence of two important alpha class GSTs in second trimester human prenatal tissues, and indicate that mitochondrial targeting of GST may represent an important pathway for removal of cytotoxic products in prenatal liver. Furthermore, the relatively inefficient prenatal reduction of hydroperoxides may underlie an increased susceptibility to maternally transferred pro-oxidant drugs and chemicals.
Institutional Barriers to Employment in Bureaucracy: The Residual Effects of Organizational Reform

Advocates of enhanced representation of women and minorities in government bureaucracies have long argued that existing personnel systems impede such representation. Yet little is known about the effect of personnel policies, such as certification techniques and veterans' preference systems, on efforts to increase the representation of specific groups. This analysis examines the relative impact of personnel techniques and affirmative action mechanisms on female representation in municipal employment and explores the interaction among such factors.
Junior Faculty Satisfaction in a Large Academic Radiology Department

Rationale and Objectives Retention of academic faculty is a pressing issue for many radiology departments. The departure of junior faculty members to private practice may be driven in part by economics; however, the choice may be influenced by many other elements of faculty satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how satisfied junior (assistant professors and instructors) and senior (associate professors and professors) faculty in an academic radiology department are with respect to their work and to determine which factors most affected the decision to stay in academics. Materials and Methods We conducted a survey of junior and senior faculty in the department of radiology. Questions included attitudes regarding work, home, and family issues. Among the 27 junior faculty (73%) who responded to the survey, 14 were instructors and 13 were assistant professors. Among the 11 senior faculty (21%) who responded to the survey, 3 were associate professors and 8 were professors. Results Academic radiology faculty are very happy with work and derive enjoyment and fulfillment from their work. The working week excluding call (average 52 hours) and including call (average 61 hours) was not regarded as too long. The average academic faculty works 72% clinical time (range 15% to 100%) and gets 0.96 day a week of professional development. Fifty-nine percent are funded at an average of 0.91 day a week. Forty-one percent are on tenure track, and of the remainder, 40% expressed a desire for tenure track. Fifty-five percent of faculty have mentors and 57% receive adequate mentoring. When it comes to teaching, 50% have enough time to teach juniors. Of the remainder, all but one cited high clinical workload as an impediment to teaching juniors. Forty-one percent of faculty reported not getting enough academic time. Fifty-nine percent felt pressure to publish and 34% felt pressure to obtain external funding. Seventy-six percent surveyed felt it has become more difficult to publish. The main reasons cited were increasing clinical workload (34%), higher standards required (25%), lack of academic time (25%), and institutional review board constraints (16%). Twenty-eight percent of faculty work on research projects during weekends, 25% during professional development time, and 21% on weekday evenings. However, 63% said they had too little time to spend at home, with family, or on hobbies. The main reasons cited were demands on time caused by clinical work (45%), research (42%), and teaching (24%). Fifty-three percent said that their work regularly causes conflicts at home. Conclusions The main reasons to stay in academics were the opportunity for teaching (68%), working with expert colleagues (58%), to pursue research (55%), and an interesting mix of cases (47%). Disincentives to stay in academics included insufficient financial remuneration (82%), the high clinical workload (45%), academic center “politics,” and the lack of academic time (42%).
Using in-flight chains to build a scalable cache coherence protocol

As microprocessor designs integrate more cores, scalability of cache coherence protocols becomes a challenging problem. Most directory-based protocols avoid races by using blocking tag directories that can impact the performance of parallel applications. In this article, we first quantitatively demonstrate that state-of-the-art blocking protocols significantly constrain throughput at large core counts for several parallel applications. Nonblocking protocols address this throughput concern at the expense of scalability in the interconnection network or in the required resource overheads. To address this concern, we enhance nonblocking directory protocols by migrating the point of service of responses. Our approach uses in-flight chains of cores making parallel memory requests to incorporate scalability while maintaining high-throughput. The proposed cache coherence protocol called chained cache coherence, can outperform blocking protocols by up to 20p on scientific and 12p on commercial applications. It also has low resource overheads and simple address ordering requirements making it both a high-performance and scalable protocol. Furthermore, in-flight chains provide a scalable solution to building hierarchical and nonblocking tag directories as well as optimize communication latencies.
The preparation of partially fluorinated fused ring hydrocarbons

Abstract Diels-Alder reactions of fluorinated cyclobutenes and cyclopentenes with 1,3-butadiene and substituted 1,3-butadienes readily provide partially fluorinated fused ring systems. Hydrogenation, aromatization, acid hydrolysis and dehydrohalogenation of these adducts is easily accomplished and affords useful synthetic routes to partially fluorinated compounds.
The Human Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQA1 Genes Are Separated by a CTCF-binding Enhancer-blocking Element

The human major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) region encodes a cluster of polymorphic heterodimeric glycoproteins HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP that functions in antigen presentation. Separated by ∼44 kb of DNA, the HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQA1 encode MHC-II proteins that function in separate MHC-II heterodimers and are diametrically transcribed. A region of high acetylation located in the intergenic sequences between HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQA1 was discovered and termed XL9. The peak of acetylation coincided with sequences that bound the insulator protein CCCTC-binding factor as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitations and in vitro DNA binding studies. XL9 was also found to be associated with the nuclear matrix. The activity of the XL9 region was examined and found to be a potent enhancer-blocking element. These results suggest that the XL9 region may have evolved to separate the transcriptional units of the HLA-DR and HLA-DQ genes.
Nuclear-Scattering Problem in the Generalized Hartree-Fock Approximation

The generalized Hartree-Fock approximation of Kerman and Klein is extended to include continuum states of a collective nature. The equations for scattering in the random-phase approximation are rederived.
Comparison of the effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the adenyl cyclase of beef brain

Abstract The adenyl cyclase of beef cerebral cortex required both Mg2+ and Ca2+ for maximal activity. The requirement for Mg2+ was absolute, and it was demonstrated that this cation was necessary for the interaction of the substrate with the enzyme. Enzymic activity was dependent upon the ratio of Mg2+ to ATP, and maximal activity was obtained only when there was an excess of the divalent cation. Under these conditions, the apparent Km for ATP was 1.2–1.3 mM and V was 45 nmoles/mg. The requirement for Ca2+ was demonstrated by use of the chelating agent 1,2-bis-(2-dicarboxymethylaminoethoxy) ethane (EGTA) which specifically chelates Ca2+ in the presence of Mg2+. Adenyl cyclase activity was inhibited non-competitively by this compound. The V and the initial velocity were reduced approx. 60% in the presence of 0.1 mM EGTA. There was no significant effect on the apparent Km for ATP. The velocity of the reaction was returned to normal by the addition of Ca2+ in concentrations significantly lower than the concentration of the chelating agent.
FANCM of the Fanconi anemia core complex is required for both monoubiquitination and DNA repair

In response to DNA damage, the Fanconi anemia (FA) core complex functions as a signaling machine for monoubiquitination of FANCD2 and FANCI. It remains unclear whether this complex can also participate in subsequent DNA repair. We have shown previously that the FANCM constituent of the complex contains a highly conserved helicase domain and an associated ATP-dependent DNA translocase activity. Here we show that FANCM also possesses an ATP-independent binding activity and an ATP-dependent bi-directional branch-point translocation activity on a synthetic four-way junction DNA, which mimics intermediates generated during homologous recombination or at stalled replication forks. Using an siRNA-based complementation system, we found that the ATP-dependent activities of FANCM are required for cellular resistance to a DNA-crosslinking drug, mitomycin C, but not for the monoubiquitination of FANCD2 and FANCI. In contrast, monoubiquitination requires the entire helicase domain of FANCM, which has both ATP dependent and independent activities. These data are consistent with participation of FANCM and its associated FA core complex in the FA pathway at both signaling through monoubiquitination and the ensuing DNA repair.
Effect of zinc source and dietary level on zinc metabolism in Holstein calves.

Abstract Forty-eight Holstein male calves were stratified by origin and body weight and randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups. Dietary treatments were administered in 2 phases. In phase 1, treatment groups received the basal diet with no supplemental Zn (control), basal diet plus 20mg of Zn/kg of DM as ZnSO 4 or Zn proteinate (ZnProt), or basal diet plus 20mg of Zn/kg of DM with 50% of the Zn supplied from each source (ZnM) for 98 d. In phase 2, calves continued to receive the same Zn source fed in phase 1; however, half of the calves in each treatment group were randomly selected to receive 500mg of Zn/kg of DM (HiZnSO 4 , HiZnProt, HiZnM) for 14 d. Gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency of calves were not affected by treatment in either phase of the experiment. Treatment had no affect on plasma Zn concentration or alkaline phosphatase activity in phase 1, but liver Zn concentration was greater in calves fed ZnSO 4 than those fed ZnProt. In phase 2, plasma Zn was greater in calves fed HiZnProt and HiZnM than in those fed HiZnSO 4 . Liver Zn was greater in calves fed HiZnProt than in those fed HiZnSO 4 . Duodenal Zn concentrations were greater in calves supplemented with HiZnProt and HiZnM than those supplemented with HiZnSO 4 . Liver metallothionein was greater in calves that received 500mg of Zn/kg than in calves that received 20mg of Zn/kg, but was not affected by Zn source. Calves fed HiZnProt and HiZnM had greater kidney Zn concentrations than those fed HiZnSO 4 . Heart, spleen, testicular, and bone Zn concentrations were not affected by Zn source. Hoof wall samples contained nearly 3-fold greater Zn concentrations than hoof sole. Calves fed ZnSO 4 had greater Zn concentration in hoof wall samples than those fed ZnM. Hoof sole Zn concentration was not affected by Zn source or concentration. Plasma and tissue Zn concentrations at harvest were generally similar in calves supplemented with 20mg of Zn/kg from ZnSO 4 or ZnProt. However, when supplemented at 500mg of Zn/kg, ZnProt was absorbed to a greater extent than ZnSO 4 , based on higher plasma, liver, duodenal, and kidney Zn concentrations.
Almost split sequences for abelian group graded rings

While existence theorems for almost split sequences have been developed in a wide variety of settings, it is only recently that any attention has been given to the question of the existence of almost split sequences for categories of graded modules. Not only is this an interesting question in its own right, but the close connection between finitely generated graded modules and coherent sheaves on projective varieties also yields information concerning almost split sequences for categories of coherent sheaves. In [4, 51 we dealt with the question for Z-graded rings. In this paper we deal with rings graded by arbitrary abelian groups. We note that Geigle and Lenzing have studied some special two-dimensional situations in connection with their work on the relationship between vector bundles on weighted projective curves and modules over some particular finite dimensional algebras. Our results and method of proof are for the most part graded versions of those given in [3] for Cohen-Macaulay modules over isolated singularities. However, in some instances we need to provide new arguments. In particular, there is an equivalence of functor categories which plays an important role. In Section 1 we develop the necessary preliminaries on graded categories and functors to be able to state and prove this theorem. In Section 2 we apply this result to obtain our existence theorem for almost split sequences for modules graded by an arbitrary abelian group.
Dorsal transposition flap for reconstruction of lateral or medial oblique amputations of the thumb with exposure of bone

A dorsal transposition flap for the treatment of medial or lateral oblique amputations of the thumb is indicated when the amputation extends proximal or up to the eponychial fold with loss of the paronychial fold and exposure of bone. The procedure, exemplified in three typical cases, obviates the need for cross-digit flaps and avoids the risk of digital stiffness.
The impact of milk-derived unconditioned and conditioned negative feedback on the microstructure of ingestive behavior

We describe at the microstructural level the impact of unconditioned and conditioned negative feedback on the licking behavior of the rat. Six groups of rats were trained to ingest one of six different dilutions of sweetened milk (0.5:1, 1:1, 2:1, 4;1, 8:1, and 16:1, water to milk ratios) under real feeding conditions until intake was stable. Then they were given five sham-feeding tests with the same solution. We compared the size of the clusters (SC) and their number (NC) during the 15-min period when intake rate was declining in the real-feeding test with SC and NC during the corresponding 15-min period in the following sham-feeding test. Intake increased significantly over the five sham-feeding tests with the two highest concentrations, indicating the extinction of conditioned negative feedback. With these two solutions, we compared the microstructure of licking behavior in the first with that in the fifth sham-feeding test to determine if conditioned negative feedback affected SC or NC or both. The effect of both unconditioned and conditioned negative feedback on licking behavior was to decrease the number of clusters without affecting their size. We conclude that negative feedback derived from the accumulation of milk in the gastrointestinal tract decreases the probability of initiating a bout of licking during a pause. It has no effect on the ability to continue a bout of licking once it has begun.
A statistical performance simulation methodology for VLSI circuits

A statistical performance simulation (SPS) methodology for VLSI circuits is presented. Traditional methods of worst-case corner analysis lack accuracy and Monte-Carlo simulations cannot be applied to VLSI circuits because of their complexity. SPS methodology is accurate because no statistical information about the device parameter variation is lost. It achieves efficiency by analyzing the smaller circuit blocks and generating the performance distribution for the entire circuit. Circuit evaluation at any specified performance level is possible.