cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sr2+ uptake by bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) mitochondria

Abstract 1. 1. The properties of Sr 2+ uptake in bean mitochondria are examined and compared with selected properties of Sr 2+ uptake in rat liver mitochondria. Uptake with plant mitochondria was dependent on the presence of substrate and P i and is largely inhibited by 2,4-dinitrophenol or an ATP-generating system. 2. 2. Uptake in bean mitochondria lacks the concomitant extrusion of H + or transient stimulation of respiration seen in rat-liver mitochondria. Under appropriate conditions both Sr 2+ and Ca 2+ induce a stimulated respiration, but this stimulation is not associated with the uptake of salt. 3. 3. Of a series of anions tested including P i , arsenate, acetate, nitrate, malate, oxalate and carbonate, only P i supports divalent cation uptake. Yet of the anions examined, including P i , arsenate, chloride, acetate and nitrate, all induced metabolically independent mitochondrial swelling indicating that the membrane is permeable to these anions. In addition, it was shown that P i , arsenate, and acetate induce an active or metabolically dependent swelling. Thus the specificity of P i in supporting divalent cation uptake does not reside in its permeability. 4. 4. It is concluded that both the specificity as well as stoichiometry of divalent cations and P i in uptake is consistent with a transport mechanism involving the formation of a metal:P i complex at the transport site. The formation of the complex triggers the delivery of salt into the mitochondrial interior.
Absence of Quadratic Relationships Between Genetic Evaluations for Somatic Cell Scores and Udder Linear Traits

Sire genetic evaluations for lactation average somatic cell scores from first and second lactation daughters were regressed in separate models on genetic evaluations for udder linear traits. Somatic cell scores were from Pennsylvania DHIA, and udder linear scores were from the Holstein Association of America classifications of first lactation cows in the northeastern US excluding Pennsylvania. The independent data files for calculation of genetic evaluations included 108,632 cows from 301 sires with udder linear scores and 58,235 cows from the same 301 sires with somatic cell scores. Sire genetic evaluations for higher udders, stronger fore udder attachments, closer teat placement, and shorter teats were associated with lower somatic cell scores. Quadratic relationships between genetic evaluations for the udder traits and somatic cell scores were not important. Quadratic components were significant only for somatic cell scores and teat length. Evaluations for intermediate teat length tended to be associated with higher somatic cell score evaluations. Selection and mating for intermediate udder depth, fore udder attachment, and front teat placement scores are not as effective in reducing somatic cell scores as selection for higher udders, stronger fore udders, and closer front teats.
Ireland in official print culture, 1800–1850: a new reading of the Poor Inquiry

Niall O Ciosain's Ireland in Official Print Culture is an important contribution to the body of literature concerning pre-Famine Ireland. This field has been relatively neglected as of late as many...
Quality-Score Refinement of SSU rRNA Gene Pyrosequencing Differs Across Gene Region for Environmental Samples

Due to potential sequencing errors in pyrosequencing data, species richness and diversity indices of microbial systems can be miscalculated. The “traditional” sequence refinement method is not sufficient to account for overestimations (e.g., length, primer errors, ambiguous nucleotides). Recent in silico and single-organism studies have revealed the importance of sequence quality scores in the estimation of ecological indices; however, this is the first study to compare quality-score stringencies across four regions of the SSU rRNA gene sequence (V1V2, V3, V4, and V6) with actual environmental samples compared directly to corresponding clone libraries produced from the same primer sets. The nucleic acid sequences determined via pyrosequencing were subjected to varying quality-score cutoffs that ranged from 25 to 32, and at each quality-score cutoff, either 10 or 15 % of the nucleotides were allowed to be below the cutoff. When species richness estimates were compared for the tested samples, the cutoff values of Q2715%, Q3010%, and Q3215% for V1V2, V4, and V6, respectively, estimated similar values as obtained with clone libraries and Sanger sequencing. The most stringent Q tested (Q3210%) was not enough to account for species richness inflation of the V3 region pyrosequence data. Results indicated that quality-score assessment greatly improved estimates of ecological indices for environmental samples (species richness and α-diversity) and that the effect of quality-score filtering was region-dependent. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00248-012-0043-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
The several compilers of Bald's Leechbook

The critical history of the Old English charms is replete with examples of scholars claiming that the charms are pagan remnants with a thread-bare Christian garment covering ancient pre-Christian rituals. Other scholars, more interested in combing the charms for magical elements, have viewed them as even more primitive than a pre-Christian religion and have instead treated them as Germanic magic. The first two of three texts found in London, British Library, Royal 12. D. XVII, more commonly known as Bald's Leechbook, certainly do not fit this description. In this manuscript, we find medical referencebooks produced by a team of compilers, perhaps as part of the intellectual renaissance sponsored by King Alfred. Evidence in the manuscript also suggests that the Anglo-Saxons had considerable access to Latin sources of medical learning and also had a well-developed native medical knowledge.
Retinal waves coordinate patterned activity throughout the developing visual system

The morphological and functional development of the vertebrate nervous system is initially governed by genetic factors and subsequently refined by neuronal activity. However, fundamental features of the nervous system emerge before sensory experience is possible. Thus, activity-dependent development occurring before the onset of experience must be driven by spontaneous activity, but the origin and nature of activity in vivo remains largely untested. Here we use optical methods to show in live neonatal mice that waves of spontaneous retinal activity are present and propagate throughout the entire visual system before eye opening. This patterned activity encompassed the visual field, relied on cholinergic neurotransmission, preferentially initiated in the binocular retina and exhibited spatiotemporal correlations between the two hemispheres. Retinal waves were the primary source of activity in the midbrain and primary visual cortex, but only modulated ongoing activity in secondary visual areas. Thus, spontaneous retinal activity is transmitted through the entire visual system and carries patterned information capable of guiding the activity-dependent development of complex intra- and inter-hemispheric circuits before the onset of vision. In live neonatal mice, waves of spontaneous retinal activity are present and can propagate patterned information capable of guiding activity-dependent development of complex intra- and inter-hemispheric circuits throughout the visual system before the onset of vision (before eye opening). Previous work on in vitro preparations of developing retina tissue has revealed spontaneous waves of activity, thought to be important in the development of the visual system. Here, Michael Crair and colleagues use optical methods to demonstrate the existence of retinal waves in live neonatal mice, and to show how these waves of activity propagate through the visual system before eye-opening, to drive activity-dependent maturation of the system. This finding suggests that spontaneous neural activity sculpts wiring throughout the brain during fetal development, and that disruptions in this ongoing activity may play an important part in neurological disorders such as autism in humans.
Schumpeterian competition in experimental markets

Abstract We report on a series of laboratory experiments that capture key elements of research and development (R&D) rivalry. The experimental environment has a small number of sellers who compete in terms of pricing and production decisions and in terms of cost-reducing R&D. Rewards for innovation depend on the profitability of product market competition. The experiments capture a kind of dynamic, Schumpeterian competition. There is a sharp contrast in experimental results between monopolies and four-seller (competitive) markets. Aggregate R&D is higher under competition than under monopoly and prices follow marginal cost reductions much more quickly under competition than under monopoly. The paper examines market performance in the experiments and the sources of market performance problems.
Epithelial Na Channels: The Nature of the Conducting Pore

Na-selective, amiloride-sensitive ion channels are a crucial component of the system for controlled NaCl reabsorption across tight epithelia. A kinetic model for the process of Na conduction through the channel is presented. The model is based on a view of the possible geometry of the pore obtained from an analysis of voltage-dependent block of Na currents by impermeant cations. It is also consistent with the known electrophysiological properties of the channel, including single-channel currents, current-voltage relationships and saturation. The model, while not a unique explanation of the available data, may serve as a starting point for more detailed experimental and theoretical studies.
Low incidence of subdural grid-related complications in prolonged pediatric EEG monitoring.

Invasive EEG monitoring is one of the best tools available for localization of epileptogenic foci in the brain. However, published data in mixed series of adult and pediatric patients show high incide
High temperature superconductor neurocomputing

Abstract A super-triode designed for optical sensing has a radiation grid along the major c-axis, orthogonal to the superconducting plane where cathode and anode supercurrents crossflow each other in a highway overpass architecture. By design, the overpass anode current occludes the radiation from the underpass cathode current, with their resistance ratio producing a sensitive, single photon sensing capability. A neurocomputer designed to operate at a high speed has a double layer architecture for feedback control, similar to the adaptive resonance theory for self-clustering pattern classification. The super-triode focal plane array also has many advantages over traditional CCD arrays in the field of imaging. The point-by-point direct and dense read-out supports a wave front sampling instantaneously, which exhibits the direction finding capability, as well as the possibility of wave-front correction for sharper image formation when coupled in situ with a neurocomputer.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Epilepsy

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the various histologic substrates of epilepsy and the clinical role of MRI in symptomatic epilepsy are reviewed. MRI is used clinically to identify potential surgical candidates among patients with epilepsy, assist in surgical planning, and help to determine the prognosis of patients with epileptic seizures. MRI can clearly characterize the morphologic substrates that underlie the electroclinical abnormalities noted in patients with epilepsy. The histologic substrates of symptomatic epilepsy can be divided into five major categories: tumors, disorders of neuronal migration and cortical organization, vascular malformations, mesial temporal sclerosis, and neocortical sclerosis attributable to brain injury (trauma, infection, inflammation, or infarction). Because of its ability to disclose subtle alterations in cortical architecture or changes in signal intensity, MRI is the most sensitive and specific imaging technique for the noninvasive identification of each of these substrates. Introduction of MRI into clinical practice during the past 10 years has substantially changed the management of patients with epilepsy.
Juvenile Parricide Offenders Sentenced to Death

Most accounts of youths who kill parents describe the plight of the severely abused child who kills to end long-standing abuse. Although there is recognition among scholars and practitioners that youths who kill parents to get money, to gain freedom, or to express hatred do exist, the literature has not focused on them. This research looks closely at cases of juveniles sentenced to death from 1973 to 2005, a period when juvenile murderers were eligible for capital punishment in many states, to determine if there were any cases of youths killing parents represented among this population. Of the 205 juveniles sentenced to death during this period, four killed one or more parents. This manuscript presents an in-depth analysis of one of these cases and then provides summaries of the others. These cases contain startling similarities in regard to offender motives and backgrounds and differ markedly from cases presented in the professional literature.
Engineering of a synthetic receptor to alter peptide binding selectivity.

Abstract Background: Molecular recognition processes are ubiquitous in nature: substrate binding by enzymes, antigen recognition by antibodies, and hormone activation of receptors provide three classic examples. To better understand these large systems it is valuable to study smaller, well defined host molecules. Previously we found sequence-selective peptide binding with a class of C 3 symmetric synthetic receptors. In this work we rationally altered that host structure in order to produce a corresponding change in binding selectivity. Results: A novel C3 symmetric receptor was designed and synthesized such that, unlike previous host molecules, it contained hydrogen-bond accepting functionality within the binding cavity. Screening of this host against a combinatorial tripeptide library revealed an exquisite selectivity for sequences with d-Pro-d-Asn carboxyl termini. Computer simulations and NMR studies indicate that hydrogen bonding of the d-Asn side-chain amide to the amine functionality within the cavity is responsible for this selectivity. Conclusions: Computer-aided design and combinatorial library screening methods combine to provide a powerful approach to induce and evaluate the results of rational changes in the molecular recognition properties of molecules. Using this approach, we modified the binding properties of a class of molecules to select for hydrogen-bonding residues instead of hydrophobic residues and concomitantly increased the overall sequence selectivity. Structural studies indicate that these changes indeed result from the type of binding mode proposed as part of the initial design. This approach can increase our understanding of molecular recognition processes, and should allow the rational design of larger, more selective systems.
Wide-field neurons in thalamic nucleus ventralis posterolateralis of the cat.

Abstract Gross evoked potentials and the concomitant single neuron responses were recorded from the anterior half of nucleus ventralis posterolateralis (VPL) of the thalamus in chloralose-anesthetized cats. Responses were evoked by stimulation of the skin on either side of the body and by stimulation of the ipsilateral and contralateral dorsal funiculi. The latency and configuration of the gross evoked potentials differed according to the limb stimulated, but the same pattern of configurations, at shorter latencies, could be produced by weak stimulation of the four dorsal spinal fasciculi. Furthermore, with only one exception, each neuron was found to be specifically responsive to stimulation of the dorsal spinal fasciculus (or fasciculi) that carried afferent fibers from its cutaneous excitatory receptive field. Anatomical, histological, and functional criteria showed that the sample was drawn from within nucleus VPL. Two-thirds of the sample comprised small-field neurons, and fully 30% of the sample comprised neurons with bilateral excitatory receptive fields. The correlations of response latency to cutaneous and dorsal funicular stimulation were high for all types of neurons. Routine stimulation of the opposite nucleus VPL revealed that only neurons with an ipsilateral component to their excitatory receptive fields were excitable via that route. Occasional test shocks to the dorsolateral funiculi revealed that many wide-field, but few small-field, neurons could be excited via that route. After discussing the implications of these findings, it is concluded that the dorsal funicular-medial lemniscal system comprises the main substrate for both the contralateral and ipsilateral responsiveness of nucleus VPL, as seen in the chloralose-anesthetized cat.
The Table: Christian Education as Performative Art.

Creative engagement is a vital component of the courses I teach. Along with a critical reading of the required texts and other related sources, I encourage students to share from their personal exp...
A hypothetical model of processes involved in the release of norepinephrine in the adrenergic synapse

Abstract A hypothetical, conceptual model of mechanisms involved in the release of norepinephrine in the adrenergic synapse is presented. An illustrative, mathematical equivalent of the model was constructed to enable computer simulation of the considered processes in varying cytophysiological conditions. The mathematical model has the form of a set of equations that make it possible to compute the state of the system at the moment t + Δt on the basis of the state at the moment t.
C-cell hyperplasia, pheochromocytoma and sympathoadrenal malformation in a mouse model of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B

Dominantly inherited multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) is characterized by tumors of the thyroid C-cells and adrenal chromaffin cells, together with ganglioneuromas of the gastrointestinal tract and other developmental abnormalities. Most cases are caused by substitution of threonine for Met918 in the RET receptor tyrosine kinase, which is believed to convert the RET gene to an oncogene by altering the enzyme's substrate specificity. We report the production of a mouse model of MEN2B by introduction of the corresponding mutation into the ret gene. Mutant mice displayed C-cell hyperplasia and chromaffin cell hyperplasia progressing to pheochromocytoma. Homozygotes did not develop gastrointestinal ganglioneuromas, but displayed ganglioneuromas of the adrenal medulla, enlargement of the associated sympathetic ganglia and a male reproductive defect. Surprisingly, homozygotes did not display any developmental defects attributable to a loss-of-function mutation. Thus, while our results support the conclusion that the Met918Thr substitution is responsible for MEN2B, they suggest that the substrate specificity of the RET kinase does not interfere with its normal role in the development of the kidneys and enteric nervous system.
Inhibition of lipid peroxidation in microsomes by vitamin E.

THE requirement for vitamin E is largely represented by a need for a biologically active lipid antioxidant. Vitamin E-deficient animals show in vivo lipid peroxidation and a wide variety of metabolic changes1. How metabolic changes are related to lipid peroxidation is a major problem.
Exploring the influences of multiscale environmental factors on the American dipper Cinclus mexicanus

Aquatic organisms respond to the physical environmental across a range of spatial scales, but the precise nature of these relationships is often unclear. In order to forecast ecosystem responses to environmental alterations in watersheds, understanding how processes at different spatial scales affect the ecology of organisms is critical. We used the semi-aquatic American dipper Cinclus mexicanus to evaluate how large-scale, regional variables (e.g. climate); landscape-scale, watershed variables (e.g. land use/cover); and local, reach-level variables (e.g. stream geomorphology) influenced various descriptors of American dipper ecology, including productivity, stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N), and individual condition. From 2005 to 2008, we collected data at 26 American dipper territories distributed throughout a 25 000 km2 region within Idaho, USA. We then used structural equation modeling to consider potential direct and indirect relationships among scalar factors on measures of American dipper ecology. We found that complex interactions among factors at all three spatial scales influenced dipper productivity, but that δ15N and individual condition were explained by characteristics at the regional and landscape scales only. In particular, model results demonstrate that precipitation was associated with notable variation in multiple dipper responses. Local factors, influencing only dipper productivity, were dominated by hydrogeomorphic characteristics. Our study underscores the simultaneous independent and synergistic roles of environmental factors across spatial scales on American dippers, and offers evidence that pathways influencing aquatic biota may not always conform to hierarchical spatial relationships in watersheds.
Content of ribonucleic acid in rat interstitial cells at different ages.

The RNA content of isolated interstitial cells from rats of different ages was determined. Cells from 12-day-old rats have significantly lower amounts than cells from 30- and 55-day-old animals, whereas cells from 30- and 55-day-old rats have similar amounts. The correlation between RNA content, growth, morphology and differentiation is discussed. (Endocrinology 82: 1063, 1968)
Arginine uptake by rabbit spermatozoa.

Abstract The transport of l -arginine by rabbit spermatozoa was found to proceed by saturable, chemically specific mechanisms. Kinetic analysis of initial rates of transport at substrate concentrations from 1.0 μ m to 1.0 μ m indicate the presence of two saturable transport components. A low-affinity component has an apparent K m of 0.64 μ m and an apparent V of 43.4 nmol/10 8 cells/30 s. A second, high-affinity component has an apparent K m of 4.0 μ m and an apparent V of 425 pmol/10 8 cells/30 s. Rabbit spermatozoa actively transported l -arginine in a range of pH values from 6.5 to 10.5 with a pH optimum for the low-affinity component of 7.2–7.6 and a pH optimum for the high-affinity component of 7.8–8.0. Inhibitor studies indicate that the energization for transport may be dependent on ATP rather than on a pH gradient or transmembrane potential. Competition experiments with arginine analogs and amino acids suggest that the high- and low-affinity components may recognize the terminal guanidino group.
Agonistic behavior among colonies of the Formosan subterranean termite,Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), from Florida and Hawaii: Lack of correlation with cuticular hydrocarbon composition

Cuticular hydrocarbon patterns of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, were similar among colonies from the same geographical location. Hydrocarbon patterns of Florida colonies were easily distinguished from those of Hawaii colonies by using canonical discriminant analysis. Groups of termites from the same colony did not fight one another when placed in an arena. Intercolonial aggression was not recorded among C. formosanuspopulations from Florida but three colonies from Hawaii fought with the other Hawaiian and three Florida colonies. Of the 12 colonies (six each from Florida and Hawaii) tested, 3 Florida colonies did not direct or receive aggression from any other colony. Cuticular hydrocarbon patterns were not correlated with agonistic behavior.
Children's centers in the campus community: Establishing an identity

Abstract Establishing an identity within the college community requires an understanding of the key elements that constitute the campus children's center and their internal relationship, as well as knowledge of the other communities that play a role in the life of the children's center. The communities that are an integral part of the center's functioning are identified as the sponsors, producers and consumers. The conditions under which they establish relationships are identified as common geographic location, values and interests, history and tasks. These constructs are used to discuss the functioning of campus children's centers within a larger college community.
Organization of the antenna bacteriochlorophylls around the reaction center of Rhodopseudomonas viridis investigated by photoselection techniques

Abstract The orientation of the long-wavelength (Q y ) transition dipoles of the antenna bacteriochlorophylls was examined in isolated quantasomes of Rhodopseudomonas viridis . A quantasome consists of a reaction center surrounded by six antenna complexes, each of which probably contains four molecules of bacteriochlorophyll b . We measured the photodichroism of the absorbance changes associated with oxidation of the primary electron-donor in the reaction center (P-960), when the long-wavelength absorption band of the antenna was excited selectively with polarized light. The polarization of the fluorescence from the antenna was also measured. Similar measurements were made with isolated reaction centers, in which P-960 could be excited directly, and with intact chromatophores. Reaction centers gave high polarization values for the fluorescence and the photodichroism; chromatophores and quantasomes both gave low values. The results are consistent with the view that the long-wavelength transition dipoles of the antenna molecules lie in a common plane with the corresponding dipole of P-960, but have no preferred orientation in this plane. The antenna thus appears to be circularly degenerated about P-960.
Measurement of Lattice Relaxation During Epitaxy Using Tunneling Microscopy: Ge on Si(111)

We have used the tunneling microscope to measure the lattice relaxation of Ge islands on Si(111) as a function of their height. Lattice constants on the top surfaces of individual Ge islands can be measured with an uncertainty of approximately one percent. The lattice constant is a continuous, monotonically increasing function of island height up to 20 bilayers. At heights around SO bilayers, the island-top lattice parameter may exceed that of bulk Ge. Defects can be observed penetrating the top surface of islands which have heights around 90 bilayers.
Resource allocation and capacity assignment in distributed systems

This paper considers the problem of assigning computers, database files and communication facilities in Distributed Computing Systems (DCS). A comprehensive mathematical model is presented that incorporates the trade-offs involved in the design of computer networks and database files. An efficient heuristic procedure is developed that considers simultaneously the allocation of computers, database files, programs for generating query reports, and communication facilities. Heuristic solutions for a variety of test problems are presented and compared with various benchmarks.
Effect of granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy on leukocyte function and clearance of serious infection in nonneutropenic patients.

Study objective Impaired leukocyte function in patients with serious infections may increase mortality. Granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) broadly activates peripheral monocytes and neutrophils. We performed a clinical trial of GM-CSF in septic, hemodynamically stable patients to see whether GM-CSF treatment improved leukocyte function and mortality. Design Randomized, unblinded, placebo-controlled, prospective study. Setting A 600-bed academic tertiary care center with a 120-bed ICU census with a high proportion of immunocompromised, solid-organ transplant recipients. Patients Forty adult patients with infections meeting the criteria for the systemic inflammatory response syndrome but without hemodynamic instability or shock. Interventions Patients with sepsis and a documented infection were randomized to a 72-h infusion of GM-CSF (125 μg/m 2 ) or placebo. Measurements and main results GM-CSF infusion caused the up-regulation of the β 2 -integrin adhesion molecule CD11b and the appearance of the activated (“sticky” or “avid”) form of the molecule on circulating neutrophils and monocytes. CD11b density and avidity increases in response to the administration of tumor necrosis factor-α were blunted prior to treatment in these patients with serious infection. GM-CSF partially repaired this blunted response on both monocytes and neutrophils. It also caused the down-regulation of the adhesion molecule L-selectin on neutrophils and the up-regulation of human leukocyte antigen on monocytes. These changes were consistent with a broad activation of the circulating leukocyte pool. Although mortality and organ failure scores were similar in both groups, infection resolved significantly more often in patients receiving GM-CSF. Conclusions GM-CSF infusion up-regulated the functional markers of inflammation on circulating neutrophils and monocytes and was associated with both the clinical and microbiological resolution of infection. There was no detectable exacerbation of sepsis-related organ failure or other deleterious side effects with the administration of this proinflammatory agent to patients with serious infections.
A prospective randomized study to compare the molecular response rates between central lymphatic irradiation and intensive alternating triple chemotherapy in the treatment of stage I–III follicular lymphoma

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the molecular response (MR) rates of 2 regimens, central lymphatic irradiation (CLI) and alternating triple therapy (ATT), in the treatment of Stage I-III follicular lymphoma. MR was defined as disappearance of t(14;18) (q32;q21) amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients and Methods: Sixty-five patients with Stage I to III follicular lymphoma were randomized. CLI consisted of the mantle, abdomen, and pelvic radiation fields. ATT alternated among CHOD-Bleo, ESHAP, and NOPP for 12 courses. Bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) samples were obtained before treatment for PCR analysis. PCR-positive patients were followed by PCR analysis. The random-effects logistic model was fitted to the data from the posttreatment PCRs. The factors included in the model were treatment arm, type of PCR (BM vs. PB), and time to PCR sample procurement from the date of registration. Results: At a median follow-up of 71 months, the 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were 45% and 54% for CLI and ATT, respectively ( p = 0.42). The probability of attaining an MR increased with time after registration ( p = 0.007), was lower for BM compared with PB ( p = 0.012), and was higher for ATT than for CLI ( p = 0.020). Conclusion: ATT regimen achieved a higher MR than CLI, although both arms had similar 5-year RFS.
Testing a model of pull production: a paradigm for manufacturing research using structural equation modeling

Abstract The measurement of unobservable (latent) variables has been a recent phenomenon in the manufacturing research area. Most available empirical research in manufacturing has been exploratory in nature and has borrowed its methods extensively from other fields such as psychology, sociology, and marketing. Traditional exploratory techniques have been used to provide preliminary scales and assess measurement properties. Manufacturing researchers have, however, overlooked the assessment of unidimensionality, an essential measurement property and a basic assumption of measurement theory. An explicit evaluation of unidimensionality can be accomplished with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of individual measures as specified by a multiple-indicator measurement model. A paradigm for scale evaluation incorporating CFA for the assessment of unidimensionality is outlined here along with methodology to assess other measurement properties such as convergent validity, discriminant validity, composite reliability, and average variance extracted. A measurement model is tested first followed by a structural model of interest. The hypothesized structural model relates pull production with two of its antecedents, setup improvement and preventive maintenance practices. It further relates pull production to one of its consequences, delivery dependability. Responses from 244 firms are used to test the measurement and structural model.
Spatial Raman solitons in far-off resonant atomic systems

We predict two-frequency spatial optical solitons formed in atomic systems where a Raman transition is adiabatically prepared near a maximally coherent state. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate the stability of these solitons against perturbations and investigate soliton-soliton collision properties.
Thick clients for personal wireless devices

A thin-client approach to mobile computing pushes as many services as possible on a remote server. Technology trends indicate, however, that an easy route to improving thin-client functionality will be to add disk storage, RAM, and a more powerful CPU. Thus, thin clients will rapidly become multipurpose thick clients. With time, users may come to consider their mobile system as their primary general-purpose computing device, maintaining their most-used files on the mobile system and relying on their desktop systems primarily for larger displays, keyboards, and other nonmobile interfaces.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Analysis of Policy Gradient Algorithms

Policy gradient (PG) reinforcement learning algorithms have strong (local) convergence guarantees, but their learning performance is typically limited by a large variance in the estimate of the gradient. In this paper, we formulate the variance reduction problem by describing a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for policy gradient algorithms, and evaluate this SNR carefully for the popular Weight Perturbation (WP) algorithm. We confirm that SNR is a good predictor of long-term learning performance, and that in our episodic formulation, the cost-to-go function is indeed the optimal baseline. We then propose two modifications to traditional model-free policy gradient algorithms in order to optimize the SNR. First, we examine WP using anisotropic sampling distributions, which introduces a bias into the update but increases the SNR; this bias can be interpreted as following the natural gradient of the cost function. Second, we show that non-Gaussian distributions can also increase the SNR, and argue that the optimal isotropic distribution is a 'shell' distribution with a constant magnitude and uniform distribution in direction. We demonstrate that both modifications produce substantial improvements in learning performance in challenging policy gradient experiments.
Does on- versus off-hours presentation impact in-hospital outcomes of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients transferred to a tertiary care center?

Objectives: To determine whether in-hospital outcome differs for transferred patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presenting during business (ON) hours vs. after (OFF) hours. Background: Door-to-device (DTD) time is a prognostic factor in patients with STEMI and is longer during OFF hours. However, the in-hospital mortality is controversial. Methods: This registry study included 786 consecutive patients with STEMI referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention to a tertiary care center with an on-site cardiac catheterization team 24 hrs a day/7 days (24/7) a week. ON hours were defined as weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while OFF hours were defined as all other times, including holidays. The primary outcomes were in-hospital death, reinfarction, and length of stay (LOS). Results: ON hours (29.5%, n = 232) and OFF hours (70.5%, n = 554) groups had similar demographic and baseline characteristics. A significantly higher proportion of patients presenting ON hours had a DTD time ≤120 min compared to OFF hours patients (32.6% vs. 22.1%, P = 0.007). The rates of in-hospital death (8.2% vs. 6%), reinfarction (0% vs. 1.1%), and mean LOS (5.7 ± 6 vs. 5.7 ± 5) were not significantly different in the ON vs. OFF hours groups, all P = nonsignificant. Conclusion: In a tertiary care center with an on-site cardiac catheterization team 24/7, there are no differences in in-hospital outcomes of transferred patients with STEMI during ON vs. OFF hours. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
RESEARCH: Validation of the Massachusetts General Hospital Antidepressant Treatment History Questionnaire (ATRQ)

The low rate of response to antidepressants in treatment resistant depression (TRD) justifies studies of next-step therapies following a treatment failure. In TRD clinical trials, it is important to verify the accurate diagnosis of treatment resistance for all enrolled subjects using a reliable and valid instrument. Self-rated scales can reduce the impact of investigator bias and reduce the time burden for clinical researchers. The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Antidepressant Treatment Response Questionnaire (ATRQ) is a self-rated scale used to determine treatment resistance in major depressive disorder (MDD). The ADAPT-A study is a multi-center double-blind, placebo-controlled study of low-dose aripiprazole adjunctive to ADT among outpatients with TRD. At the screening assessment, potential subjects completed the MGH ATRQ. The ADAPT-A medical monitors subsequently performed remote patient interviews and obtained detailed medication histories. The data obtained from the MGH ATRQ and by the medical monitors were compared for congruency. Of the 186 patients enrolled by the local sites, no subjects deemed treatment resistant by the MGH ATRQ were found to be nonresistant by the medical monitors. In 76.3% (n = 142) of the subjects, the number of failed adequate antidepressant trials reported by the MGH ATRQ was concordant with the data collected by medical monitors. In 16.1% (n = 30) of all cases, the medical monitors found a greater number of failed trials; in 7.5% (n = 14) of cases, the medical monitors found fewer failed medication trials. The discrepancy was by more than one medication trial in only 4.0% (n = 7) of cases. We found the MGH ATRQ to be relatively concordant in its assessment of treatment resistance in depression compared with independent clinical researchers. Although the MGH ATRQ tended to underreport the number of unsuccessful treatment trials relative to the clinical interviews, its accuracy in cases it detected was confirmed by raters.
A task duplication based bottom-up scheduling algorithm for heterogeneous environments

We propose a new duplication-based DAG scheduling algorithm for heterogeneous computing environments. Contrary to the traditional approaches, proposed algorithm traverses the DAG in a bottom-up fashion while taking advantage of task duplication and task insertion. Experimental results on random DAGs and three different application DAGs show that the makespans generated by the proposed DBUS algorithm are much better than those generated by the existing algorithms, HEFT, HCPFD and HCNF.
A Novel Approach for Engaging Academia in Collaborative Projects with NASA through the X-Hab Academic Innovation Challenge

The X-Hab Academic Innovation Challenge, currently in its sixth year of execution, provides university students with the opportunity to be on the forefront of innovation. The X-Hab Challenge, for short, is designed to engage and retain students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). NASA identifies necessary technologies and studies for deep space missions and invites universities from around the country to develop concepts, prototypes, and lessons learned that will help shape future space missions and awards seed funds to design and produce functional products of interest as proposed by university teams according to their interests and expertise. Universities propose on a variety of projects suggested by NASA and are then judged on technical merit, academic integration, leveraged funding, and outreach. The universities assemble a multi-discipline team of students and advisors that invest months working together, developing concepts, and frequently producing working prototypes. Not only are students able to gain quality experience, working real world problems that have the possibility of be implemented, but they work closely with subject matter experts from NASA who guide them through an official engineering development process.
Epoxy encapsulation on Ceramic Quad Flat Packs

The Ceramic Quad Flat Pack (CQFP) is a high performance, low cost technology for surface mount applications. It is an extension of the Metallized Ceramic (MC) and Metallized Ceramic with Polyimide (MCP) product base. These finished modules conform to JEDEC I/O and footprint standards. The packages are available in 0.5 mm and 0.4 mm lead pitches with flexibility to address unique application requirements such as body sizes or lead counts/pitches. Semiconductor die interconnection is performed using either flip chip (C4-Controlled Collapse Chip Connection) attach or wirebonding. Excellent package reliability with no intrinsic wear out failure mechanism results by encapsulating solder joints from the silicon C4 die and peripheral lead to ceramic carrier. IBM evaluated several encapsulant configurations, and tested over 2000 encapsulated carriers and 897000 individual solder joints during development and qualification. Epoxy encapsulation of solder joint connections on CQFP's has been successfully implemented in production across several IBM manufacturing sites. This enhancement eliminates any intrinsic failure mechanism associated with fatigue wear out. It is a significant extension of a low cost and high reliability product technology. >
Interventional EUS cholangiography: a report of five cases

Abstract Background ERCP may be unsuccessful because of the presence of a complex peripapillary diverticulum, prior surgery, obstructing tumor, papillary stenosis, or impacted stones. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is a classic technique for accessing the bile duct and remains the primary alternative when biliary ERCP is unsuccessful. With the evolution of interventional EUS, additional options are available for management of biliary obstruction. Methods EUS cholangiography was performed, after which the puncture was enlarged to form an enterocholedochal fistula that was used for interventions that resulted in biliary decompression in 5 patients with obstructive jaundice. Observations Cholangiography was readily performed in all 5 patients. In one patient, a guidewire could not be manipulated across the papilla via the enterocholedochal fistula, necessitating percutaneous intervention. Biliary decompression was achieved in the other 4 patients, in the last two, as a single procedure. Conclusions Interventional EUS cholangiography is a new technique that allows drainage of a dilated biliary system when the bile duct is inaccessible by conventional ERCP.
Passing the Baton

Charles Jahren has been selected by a search committee to become the next editor for the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. He starts in his new role as editor with the April 2007 issue. I want to congratulate Dr. Jahren—I think that he will do a fine job leading the Journal and bringing in new ideas to help us maintain our status as a top academic construction journal. He has been most helpful in his role as Associate Editor. Our Journal has seen a major transformation over the past five years as we have made significant changes to the organizational structure from a small team to one that includes 37 people covering 11 specialty areas. The popularity of our Journal has increased, as measured by the number of submissions, from about 200 to 300 papers per year. This increase in volume has now resulted in our monthly publication status, which has also helped reduce the backlog of ready-to-publish papers and reduced cycle
Iron-Induced conformational change in human lactoferrin: Demonstration by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and analysis of effects of iron binding to the N and C lobes of the molecule

Analysis of Fe-saturated- and apo-lactoferrin by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) without heating the samples prior to application revealed a substantial difference in mobility. The mobility shift was fully reversible on repetitive removal and readdition of Fe. Binding of a single Fe to the N-lobe binding site was sufficient to cause the gel shift; binding of a second Fe to the C-lobe site did not further alter mobility. Removal of Fe from the N lobe of Fe2 lactoferrin did not restore mobility to the position of apolactoferrin. No change in mobility with Fe binding was detected in N and C lobes isolated from intact lactoferrin by controlled trypsin digestion. The data indicate that a conformational change induced by Fe binding to a single site on lactoferrin is detectable by SDS-PAGE and that this change requires an intact molecule, possibly due to the need for interactions between the two homologous lobes of the molecule.
An Authorization Logic With Explicit Time

We present an authorization logic that permits reasoning with explicit time. Following a proof-theoretic approach, we study the meta-theory of the logic, including cut elimination. We also demonstrate formal connections to proof-carrying authorization's existing approach for handling time and comment on the enforceability of our logic in the same framework. Finally, we illustrate the expressiveness of the logic through examples, including those with complex interactions between time, authorization, and mutable state.
Peptide length and leaving-group sterics influence potency of peptide phosphonate protease inhibitors.

Summary The ability to follow enzyme activity in a cellular context represents a challenging technological frontier that impacts fields ranging from disease pathogenesis to epigenetics. Activity-based probes (ABPs) label the active form of an enzyme via covalent modification of catalytic residues. Here we present an analysis of parameters influencing potency of peptide phosphonate ABPs for trypsin-fold S1A proteases, an abundant and important class of enzymes with similar substrate specificities. We find that peptide length and stability influence potency more than sequence composition and present structural evidence that steric interactions at the prime-side of the substrate-binding cleft affect potency in a protease-dependent manner. We introduce guidelines for the design of peptide phosphonate ABPs and demonstrate their utility in a live-cell labeling application that specifically targets active S1A proteases at the cell surface of cancer cells.
The organization of sleep and wakefulness after maternal separation in young rats.

Two-week-old infant rats were studied before and after 24 hr of maternal absence. This experience produced an increase in time spent awake, a reduction in time spent in paradoxical sleep (PS), and an increased frequency of state transitions with more frequent and shorter periods of both slow-wave sleep (SWS) and PS. Body movements were increased and nonnutritive sucking decreased during PS after separation. Other aspects of sleep organization were relatively stable: the pattern of probability of direction of state transitions, the integration of the physiological and behavioral determinants of state, the pattern and amount of nonnutritive sucking, and the underlying PS cycle period. These findings, and the results of 2 control experiments, suggest that some aspects of the prolonged absence of the mother produce a shift in the infant'apos;s central neutral state regulation through processes yet to be understood.