cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Endocannabinoid System and PPARs: Focus on Their Signalling Crosstalk, Action and Transcriptional Regulation.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear receptors including PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ, acting as transcription factors to regulate the expression of a plethora of target genes involved in metabolism, immune reaction, cell differentiation, and a variety of other cellular changes and adaptive responses. PPARs are activated by a large number of both endogenous and exogenous lipid molecules, including phyto- and endo-cannabinoids, as well as endocannabinoid-like compounds. In this view, they can be considered an extension of the endocannabinoid system. Besides being directly activated by cannabinoids, PPARs are also indirectly modulated by receptors and enzymes regulating the activity and metabolism of endocannabinoids, and, vice versa, the expression of these receptors and enzymes may be regulated by PPARs. In this review, we provide an overview of the crosstalk between cannabinoids and PPARs, and the importance of their reciprocal regulation and modulation by common ligands, including those belonging to the extended endocannabinoid system (or “endocannabinoidome”) in the control of major physiological and pathophysiological functions.
Local Journalism under Private Equity Ownership

Local daily newspapers have historically played an important role in U.S. democracy by providing citizens with information about local policy issues. However, in recent decades local newspapers have struggled to compete with new online platforms for readers’ attention. Private equity investors—who specialize in reorganizing struggling firms in distressed sectors—have entered the industry. How do these new owners affect newspaper content, survival, and local civic engagement? We document nuanced effects, contrasting with the polarized debate on this topic in the media and political discourse. On one hand, we find that private equity ownership leads to higher digital circulation and lower chances of newspaper exit. On the other hand, we document a change in news composition away from information about local governance, and lower employment of reporters and editors. Finally, we find declines in participation in local elections, consistent with local newspaper content being relevant for civic engagement. The results have implications for knowledge about local policy issues and highlight trade-offs surrounding media ownership.
Challenges in Variable Resolution Simulations of Separated Flow Over Delta Wings

Variable-resolution simulations of a \(50^{\circ }\) swept, sharp leading edge, delta wing are performed at low Reynolds number using the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (URANS) and Partially Averaged Navier Stokes (PANS) turbulence models. The study focuses on the ability of the models to capture the vortex structure both forward and aft of vortex breakdown. A challenging aspect of the flow is that the pre-breakdown vortex is nearly laminar, and turbulent flow appears only after breakdown occurs near mid-chord. If the upstream resolution is adequate to resolve all laminar features, then both URANS and PANS reasonably capture the large scale features of the flow in the downstream region. It is found that inadequate resolution in the mostly laminar forward vortex leads to poor simulation of the aft vortex and aft flow features irrespective of the model fidelity.
Representing Chinese Real Estate Investors in the United States

As of 2013, Chinese investors are the second largest group of international buyers in the U.S. real estate market. They are second only to Canadian investors. What is driving this flood of investment? What particular issues do Chinese investors face? This article first explores the recent explosion in Chinese real estate investors, then the background of property law in China, and the particular political, legal and cultural factors driving outward investment. Then this article reviews the U.S. legal, tax and cultural issues facing Chinese investors. This article mainly addresses residential property and concludes with proposals for representing Chinese investors.
Case 75: A Cardiac Arrest in ICU

You are called urgently in the middle of the night to the ICU to assist with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A medical student, who knows the patient, runs to you. He tells you that the patient is a 41-year-old man with a history of dilated cardiomyopathy. He has undergone a heart transplant 5 days ago. On postoperative day 2, he developed multiorgan dysfunction requiring multiple vasopressors and ionotropic agents to maintain hemodynamic stability. He has been sedated continuously with propofol and has a working radial line catheter.
A complex systems approach to researching behavioral trends

The goal of my research is to use a complex adaptive system (CAS) to study the evolution of aggressive and friendly behavioral patterns of simulated human agents. The agents will interact on both personal and tribal levels as they obtain scarce resources from one another by sharing with or attacking others. The agents' behaviors will evolve to favor more successful strategies, as the most fit agents' strategies will be the most likely to be passed on to later generations.
Comparative study for low temperature water-gas shift reaction on Pt/ceria catalysts: Role of different ceria supports

Abstract Pt on ceria catalysts for water-gas shift (WGS) reaction were prepared by employing three ceria nanopowders synthesized with different processing techniques and having different surface area and porosities. Nano-Pt (∼0.5–2 nm) was deposited in the vapor phase onto each of the three ceria supports by Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (RSDT). The catalysts were performance tested for the WGS reaction in the temperature range of 150–450 °C at a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 13,360 h−1. The structure–activity relationship for the ceria-based materials was studied. The most promising catalyst was Pt supported on mesoporous ceria with crystallite size of 5.8 nm and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 187 m2/g. This configuration demonstrated complete CO conversion at 225 °C. The CO adsorption strength and the ability to dissociate H2O are the two main factors that determine the activity of a particular catalyst site for the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. This study leads to the conclusion that the highest water-gas shift reaction activity was obtained on Pt supported on the mesoporous ceria with low crystallite size and high surface area, with well dispersed Pt, leading to enhanced Pt–ceria interaction.
Infant Motor Development: Implications for Motor Neuroscience

Developmental studies can inform motor neuroscience by describing the initial state of the perception-action system, identifying change and the emergence of new forms, and by determining the processes which engender these changes. We describe a research program studying the limb dynamics of human infants using a combination of kinematics, kinetics, and EMG measures. The dynamics of spontaneous kicking reveal the self-organizing qualities of the neuromotor system. The transition from spontaneous waving to reaching suggests ways by which intention is mapped onto these self-organizing qualities. We conclude with a discussion of developmental processes of skill acquisition.
THE EPR SPECTRA OF TETRADENTATE SCHIFF BASE COMPLEXES OF COPPER II VI, N, N'-BIS(SALICYLIDENE)-O-PHENYLENEDIIMINE AND 7-METHYL-N, N'-BIS(SALICYLIDENE)-O-PHENYLENEDIIMINE

Abstract The EPR spectra of single crystals of 63Cu(II) doped N, N'-bis(salicylidene)-o-phenylenediimine Ni(II), (Ni(II)(sal)2 phen), and N, N'-bis(7-methyl salicylidene)-o-phenylenediimine Ni(II), (Ni(II)(7-me sal)2phen) have been studied. The usual doublet spin-Hamiltonian parameters have been found to be: 63Cu(II) doped Ni(II)(sal)2phen; gz = 2.192·0.002,gx = 2.049·0.004,gy = 2.041·0.004,Az = 201.7 × 10−4 cm−1,Ax = 36.4 × 10−4 cm−1, Ay = 31.4 × 10−4 cm−1,AN = 11.3 × 10−4 cm−1,A· = 14.0 × 10−4 cm−1,A·=5.7 × 10−4 cm−1,A· = 7.0 × 10−4 cm−1; 63Cu(II) doped Ni(II)(7-me sal)2 phen;gz = 2.209·0.002,gx = 2.049·0.004, gy = 2.044 · 0.004, Az = 197.4 × 10−4 cm−1, Ax = 28.7 × 10−4 cm−,Ay , = 24.8 × 10−4 cm−1,A· = 10.6 × 10−4 A· = 13.0 × 10−4 cm−1. A comparison of the optical transitions and the values of the magnetic parameters for these two complexes indicate that there is a small tetrahedral distortion present in Cu(II)(7-me sal)2 phen.
Fetal hormones, the brain, and human sex differences: a heuristic, integrative review of the recent literature.

Many investigators of sex differences have suggested that underlying physiological-biological factors probably account, at least in part, for some of the sexually dimorphic behaviors identified in humans. Although few have conjectured as to the specific nature of the mechanism mediating these differential tendencies, the evidence reported here from animal behavior experiments, brain studies, and human clinical syndromes strongly suggests that it is the presence or absence of androgen during the period critical for the organization and differentiation of the human brain that is the operative agent. Further, it is necessary to qualify the hypothesis by placing it in proper perspective in terms of the many influential postnatal factors. Psychosexual differentiation must be understood as an end result or complex of various component factors and not as a single or global entity (Money and Ehrhardt, 1968). The data presented clearly compel the conclusion that a fetal hormonal effect is influential in the subsequent development of sex differences, but in most cases its effect must be seen as limited in scope and of a diffuse quality rather than directly related to specific behaviors. In view of the evidence from the animal experiments that the nature of the mammalian genetic constitution is a “plastic, pluripotential matrix, highly susceptible to shaping and selection by environmental influences such as hormones” (Goy, 1970) and considering the dependence of the human species on experience and learning processes for the expression of complex patterns of behavior, the influence of the prenatal hormones is best understood as setting a bias on the neural substratrum, which in turn predisposes the individual to the acquisition and expression of sexually dimorphic patterns of response and behavior (Goy, 1970; Hamburg and Lunde, 1966). It is not possible at this point in research to identify the response patterns and behavior styles which are directly or indirectly the result of prenatal hormonal influences, but it appears evident that at least some of those mentioned in this discussion are related to hormonally mediated brain differences.
Differences in Children’s Sound Production When Speaking With a Cochlear Implant Turned On and Turned Off

Twenty children who have worn a Cochlear Corporation cochlear implant for an average of 33.6 months participated in a device-on/off experiment. They spoke 14 monosyllabic words three times each aft...
On the Gibbs Phenomenon for Wavelet Expansions

It is shown that a Gibbs phenomenon occurs in the wavelet expansion of a function with a jump discontinuity at 0 for a wide class of wavelets. Additional results are provided on the asymptotic behavior of the Gibbs splines and on methods to remove the Gibbs phenomenon.
Female immigrants and labor in colonial Malaya: 1860-1947.

The role of Chinese and Indian women as immigrants and workers in colonial Malaya is examined using data from censuses immigration records official reports and secondary sources. The article discusses the main types of work of female immigrants and their contribution to the economic development of colonial Malaya during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in an attempt to redress the neglect of female immigrants economic role in Malayas history. Comparisons between male and female immigrants labor and between Chinese and Indian immigrants are drawn to highlight the different conditions of migration and labor for the different groups of immigrants. (EXCERPT)
Acute hypercalcemia causes acute pancreatitis and ectopic trypsinogen activation in the rat

Abstract Background & Aims: Clinical and experimental observations have associated acute and chronic hypercalcemia with pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine whether acute hypercalcemia can induce acute pancreatitis and, if so, whether the pathogenesis involves premature protease activation. Methods: Rats given bolus infusions of CaCl 2 (200 mg/kg; n=76) were compared with saline-treated controls (n = 40). Serum [Ca 2+ ], serum amylase activity, trypsinogen activation peptide (TAP) concentration in serum and pancreatic tissue, pancreatic wet/dry weight ratio, and histology were assessed for 24 hours. For dose-response analysis, CaCl 2 was injected at a dose of 50–200 mg/kg, and the aforementioned indices were assayed for 1 hour (n = 5 each). Results: There were no significant changes in the controls. Calcium infusion increased serum [Ca 2+ ] 3-fold after 5 minutes ( P P
Anion conduction in fluorozirconate glasses

Abstract Fluorozirconate glasses have been prepared and their ionic conductivity measured as a function of composition and temperature. All compositions are good fluoride ion conductors with conductivities at 250°C in the 10 −6 –10 −5 (Ω-cm) −1 range and activation energies between 0.7 and 0.9 eV. The fluoride ion to metal ratio was varied in the ZrF 4 /1bBaF 2 /1bThF 4 /1bNaF system by replacing ZrF 4 and/or BaF 2 with NaF. When Na + substitutes for Ba +2 a systematic decrease in the conductivity, σ, and the activation energy, E a , is seen. This is explained on the basis of a reduction of carriers and on the modification of the network by Na + ions. No systematic variation in σ or E a were seen when Na + replaces Zr +4 . A change in slope of the log σ vs 1/T plot was seen at the glass transition temperature in La-containing glasses.
Divergent preferences of Rhagoletis pomonella host races for olfactory and visual fruit cues

The apple and hawthorn-infesting host races of Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh (Diptera: Tephritidae) represent a model for incipient sympatric speciation. Recent studies have shown that apple and hawthorn flies differ in their responses to host-fruit odor. Each host race preferentially orients to the volatile chemicals emanating from the surface of its natal fruit and is antagonized by non-natal fruit volatiles. Fruit odor discrimination is evolutionarily important due to its contributory role in host-specific mating, generating partial premating reproductive isolation between the races in sympatry. Visual cues are also involved in R. pomonella host searching, yet the extent to which they are used to discriminate between hosts has not been fully resolved, nor has their interaction with olfactory cues. Here, we report results from a series of two-way choice experiments conducted in the field on resident apple and hawthorn flies at a site near Fennville, MI, USA. Four key findings emerged from the study: (1) both olfactory and (2) visual cues increased host discrimination of apple and hawthorn flies for their respective natal fruit, (3) the presence of a single appropriate volatile blend on a natal or non-natal visual model generally increased the ability of flies to discriminate for their natal fruit, and (4) the presence of both natal and non-natal olfactory cues on fruit models did not enhance host discrimination above levels observed for visual models alone. We discuss the implications of our results for interpreting the findings of two-way host choice experiments and for sympatric speciation in phytophagous insects.
Alkynyl Substitution and Linkage in Cobaltacarborane Sandwich Complexes

Linkage of Cp*Co(Et2C2B3H5) sandwich units by alkynyl and diethynylphenylene connectors was explored by the synthesis of two classes of complexes in which the linking groups are attached to the Cp* ligands and to the carborane rings, respectively. Thus, the complex nido-(η5-C5Me4−C≡CH)Co(Et2C2B3H5) (6) was prepared and converted in 87% yield to the novel 1,4-diethynylphenylene-linked bis(metallacarborane) 1,4-[nido-(Et2C2B3H5)Co(η5-C5Me4−C≡C)]2C6H4 (7), which was characterized by multinuclear NMR and mass spectra and X-ray crystallography. CuI-promoted coupling of 6 with (MeCN)2PdCl2 in excess diethylamine was employed to prepare a palladium derivative, nido-(Et2C2B3H5)Co(C5Me4)−C≡C−Pd(NHEt2)2Cl (10). Complexes of the second type, in which the organic linker is attached directly to the carborane ring, were obtained by synthesis of a B-ethynylcobaltacarborane, nido-Cp*Co[Et2C2B3H3(C≡CH)(C≡CSiMe3)] (15), which was then coupled with 1,4-diiodobenzene to generate the bis(cobaltacarborane) 1,4-[nido-Cp*CoEt2C2B3H3(C≡CSiMe3)(C≡C)]2C6H4 (16) in 87% yield.
Weak influences of the Earth's magnetic field on ocean circulation

[1] In this work, models for the Earth's magnetic field and global ocean circulation are combined to produce the first quantitative estimates of the electromagnetic Lorentz forces which couple abyssal ocean layers with the energetic surface layers. Under present conditions these coupling forces are very weak: typical time scales for the transfer of momentum to the lower layers are about three thousand years. But they are worth describing quantitatively because of the following: 1) The coupling rapidly increases in proportion with the square of the Earth's magnetic field strength; 2) This process is intrinsically efficient at accelerating slow or stagnant abyssal ocean layers; 3) These time scales, while long, are similar to those of rapid climate variability which are expected to be associated with past variability in ocean circulation, overturning and heat transport.
The principle and design of a low cost LD laser level meter

Study of the laser level meter based on semiconductor laser diode. Using the emission laser diode — avalanche diode accept — MCU control level meter is designed, The simplify principle and design is analyzed for measuring the distance from the level meter to surface material, It has a simple structure, low cost, stable, high accuracy to good effect.
Simulations of a ventrolateral medullary neural network for respiratory rhythmogenesis inferred from spike train cross-correlation

Connections among ventrolateral medullary respiratory neurons inferred from spike train analysis were incorporated into a model and simulated with the program SYSTM11 (MacGregor 1987). Inspiratory (I) and expiratory (E) neurons with augmenting (AUG) and decrementing (DEC) discharge patterns and rostral I-E/I neurons exhibited varying degrees of adaptation, but no endogenous bursting properties. Simulation parameters were adjusted so that respiratory phase durations, neuronal discharge patterns, and short-time scale correlations were similar to corresponding measurements from anesthetized, vagotomized, adult cats. Rhythmogenesis persisted when the strength of each set of connections was increased 100% over a smaller effective value. Changes in phase durations and discharge patterns caused by manipulation of connection strengths or population activity led to several predictions. (a) Excitation of the I-E/I population prolongs the inspiratory phase. (b) Rhythmic activity can be reestablished in the absence of I-E/I activity by unpatterned excitation of I-DEC and I-AUG neurons. (c) An increase in I-DEC neuron activity can cause an apneustic respiratory pattern. (d) A decrease in I-DEC neuron activity increases the slope of the inspiratory ramp and shortens inspiration, (e) Excitation of the E-DEC population prolongs the expiratory phase or produces apnea; inhibition of E-DEC neurons reduces expiratory time. (f) Excitation of E-AUG cells causes I-AUG neurons to exhibit a step rather than a ramp increase in firing rate at the onset of their active phase. The results suggest mechanisms by which the duration of each phase of breathing and neuronal discharge patterns may be regulated.
Mutant tRNA His ineffective in repression and lacking two pseudouridine modifications

TRANSFER RNA has been implicated in the regulation of a number of amino-acid biosynthetic operons1–4. Histidyl-tRNAHis has been shown to be involved in regulation of the histidine operon by analysis of six genes (hisO, hisR, hisS, hisT, hisU, hisW), mutation of which causes derepression of the enzymes of the histidine biosynthetic pathway in Salmonella typhimurium5–7. A class of derepressed mutants (hisR) has only about 55% as much tRNAHis as the wild type4, and in the one example sequenced, contains tRNAHIS with a structure identical to that of the wild type8. Studies of mutants of the gene for histidyl-tRNA synthetase (hisS) indicated that the derepressed phenotype was associated with defects in the charging of tRNAHIS in vitro2. The amounts of charged and uncharged tRNAHis present in vivo during physiological derepression of the wild type, and in the six classes of regulatory mutants, have been determined9. This work has shown that repression of the histidine operon is correlated directly with the concentration of charged histidyl-tRNAHis in vivo, and not with the ratio of charged to uncharged or the absolute amount of uncharged tRNAHis. The derepression observed in mutants, of hisS (the gene for histidyl-tRNA synthetase), hisR (the presumed structural gene for the single species of tRNAHis), and hisU and hisW (genes presumably involved in tRNA modification) may be explained by the lower cellular concentration of charged tRNAHis which these mutants contain.
Mysteries of State: An Absolutist Concept and Its Late Mediaeval Origins*

Mysteries of State as a concept of Absolutism has its mediaeval background. It is a late offshoot of that spiritual-secular hybridism which, as a result of the infinite cross-relations between Church and State, may be found in every century of the Middle Ages and has deservedly attracted the attention of historians for many years. After A. Alfoldi's fundamental studies on ceremonial and insignia of Roman emperors, Theodor Klauser discussed more recently the origin of the episcopal insignia and rights of honor, and showed very clearly how, in and after the age of Constantine the Great, various privileges of vestment and rank of the highest officers of the Late Empire were passed on to the bishops of the victorious Church. At about the same time, Percy Ernst Schramm published his compendious article on the mutual exchange of rights of honor between sacerdotium and regnum, in which he demonstrated how the imitatio imperii on the part of the spiritual power was balanced by an imitatio sacerdotii on the part of the secular power. Schramm carried his study only to the threshold of the Hohenstaufen period, and he was right to stop where he did. For the mutual borrowings of which he speaks—insignia, titles, symbols, privileges, and prerogatives—affected in the earlier Middle Ages chiefly the ruling individuals, both spiritual and secular, the crown-wearing pontiff and the mitre-wearing emperor, until finally the sacerdotium had an imperial appearance, and the regnum a clerical touch.
Effects of topical bicuculline on primary evoked responses in pericruciate and precoronal cortex of the domestic cat

Abstract The effects of topical application of bicuculline crystals to the anterior and posterior sigmoid gyri of the cerebral cortex were examined, using surface gross potential and single-neuron recording. Recordings were taken at the forepaw foci of precoronal tissue in field 3b, postcruciate tissue in field 4γ and precruciate tissue in field 4γ. Bicuculline enhanced the amplitude of the primary response evoked by contralateral forepaw stimulation an average of 400% in precoronal tissue, 250% in postcruciate tissue, and 200% in precruciate tissue. The effect built up over a 30- to 45-min period, maintained that state for 2 to 3 hr and then gradually disappeared, lasting a total of 5 to 6 hr. When spontaneous bicuculline spikes appeared, an event of similar configuration could be evoked in pericruciate tissue, usually with a variable latency, following stimulation of any off-focus paw. Single-neuron discharges that occurred during the surface-recorded bicuculline spikes were clearly enhanced. Iterative stimulation at 3/sec resulted in the bicuculline effect occurring only on alternate trials, the gross potential configuration and amplitude returning to the pretreatment control condition on the other alternate trials. Single-neuron discharge likewise alternated with the changing gross potentials. It is argued that bicuculline acts in a manner similar to strychnine, increasing the excitability of a process intermediate to, and/or independent of, the mechanism producing the postsynaptic potentials of the normal primary response. It is further argued that blockage of inhibition does not offer an adequate explanation of the observed effects.
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) promotes invasiveness of ras-transformed rat intestinal epithelial (RIE) cells

Methods: An inducible form of H-Ras (V12) was transfected into the RIE cells (RIE:iRas) and was inducible by treatment with isopropyl-1thio-b-D-galactopyranoside (IPTG). Separately, The RIE:iRas cells were also transfected with a dominant negative form of the TbRII (DNIIR). The effect of TGF-b1 on cell invasiveness was examined in a Boyden chamber with type I collagen-coated transwell inserts. Cells were seeded on the inserts after the treatment with IPTG for 0168 h and stimulated with 5 ng/ml TGF-b1 for 24 h. TbRII expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence.
Cyclotomic factors of Coxeter polynomials

Abstract In this paper we show that the cyclotomic factors of the E n Coxeter polynomials depend only on the value of n mod 360 , and come exclusively from spherical subdiagrams.
Exposure to Alternating Hypoxia and Hyperoxia Causes Severe Proliferative Retinopathy in the Newborn Rat

Exposure to variable hyperoxia has recently been shown to be much more effective at producing proliferative retinopathy in the newborn rat than exposure to constant hyperoxia. To incorporate a more clinically relevant oxygen-exposure paradigm in our studies, we have now used a cycle between 50 and 10% oxygen and have compared its effects with those found using new exposures to the previously used 80/40% cycle. Starting at birth and continuing for 14 d, rats were exposed to environments that cycled between 50 and 10% oxygen or 80 and 40% oxygen every 24 h. After exposure, some rats were killed for assessment of retinal vascular development. Others were removed to room air for 4 d before killing and evaluation for the presence of abnormal neovascularization--a clinical consequence believed to be promoted by termination of oxygen therapy. The 50/10% cycle resulted in greater retardation of retinal blood vessel development during oxygen than that found in the 80/40% exposure group. After 4 d postexposure in room air, the incidence of preretinal neovascularization was 97% in the 50/10% rats and 72% in the 80/40% group. Clearly, the overall amount of oxygen the subject receives is less critical than other parameters of its administration in producing proliferative retinopathy. Also, the range of variation (40% in both cases) is not the controlling characteristic. Our results suggest that consistency of oxygen level and avoidance of hypoxic levels should be important concerns in neonatal oxygen therapy.
Quantum reactive scattering using hyperspherical coordinates: Results for H+H2 and Cl+HCl

Abstract A coupled-channel hyperspherical coordinate method for doing quantum reactive scattering calculations is presented, along with results of applications to H + H 2 ( J = 0 and 1) and Cl + HCl ( J = 0 on two potential surfaces). The results are in excellent agreement with earlier calculations.
A robust optimal rate allocation algorithm and pricing policy for hybrid traffic in 4G-LTE

In this paper, we consider resource allocation optimization problem in the fourth generation long-term evolution (4G-LTE) with elastic and inelastic real-time traffic. Mobile users are running either delay-tolerant or real-time applications. The users applications are approximated by logarithmic or sigmoidal-like utility functions. Our objective is to allocate resources according to the utility proportional fairness policy. Prior utility proportional fairness resource allocation algorithms fail to converge for high-traffic situations. We present a robust algorithm that solves the drawbacks in prior algorithms for the utility proportional fairness policy. Our robust optimal algorithm allocates the optimal rates for both high-traffic and low-traffic situations. It prevents fluctuation in the resource allocation process. In addition, we show that our algorithm provides traffic-dependent pricing for network providers. This pricing could be used to flatten the network traffic and decrease the cost per bandwidth for the users. Finally, numerical results are presented on the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Microheterogeneity detected in circular dimer mitochondrial DNA

Exhaustive EcoRI digests of circular dimer mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from mouse cell lines LD and LDTK- yield two major fragments whose average lengths are slightly smaller than the corresponding fragments of circular monomer mtDNA from mouse LA9 and LMTK- cells. A third fragment approximately 400 nucleotide pairs in length is frequently produced in less than molar yield. Exhaustive EcoRI digests of circular dimer mtDNA from human acute myelogenous leukemic leucocytes yield three major fragments. The presence of mtDNA resistant to cleavage as well as fragments of intermediate sizes indicatesmicroheterogeneity in the genomic positions of EcoRI recognition sequences in both mouse and human circular dimer mtDNA. Analysis of the distribution averages of circular contour lengths indicates microheterogeneity in the sizes of mouse LD and human mtDNAs. The denatured-renatured EcoRI fragments frequently contain a small loop(s) of single-strand DNA as would occur for deletion(s) or addition(s) of single-strand DNA as would occur for deletion(s) or addition(s) of nucleotide sequences in some of the circular dimer molecules.
Prospects for an artificial liver

The normal liver provides many complex and important activities. These include: (1) carbohydrate, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism; (2) serum protein synthesis; (3) vitamin storage; (4) biliary excretion; and (5) detoxification. Fortunately many of these hepatic activities can be partially provided parenterally such as with total parenteral nutrition and clotting factor replacement. Of the activities of the liver required for survival that do not have a satisfactory alternative, detoxification is unique and for this reason, it should be one of the primaly objectives in the replacement of hepatic activities. Artificial liver support (ALS) can be defined as an artificial replacement of liver function using either an extracorporeal or an implantable device. Our efforts have been directed primarily in the development of an extracorporeal device that could be used in liver failure analogous to the use of renal dialysis systems in renal failure. ALS systems could be used in acute fulminant hepatic failure to support liver function while the liver regenerates or is replaced. ALS could also provide support in chronic liver failure, particularly when combined with orthotopic liver transplantation. While awaiting liver transplantation, ALS could improve the overall condition of the patient until a compatible liver could be obtained and ALS could assist hepatic function perioperatively for liver transplantation or during temporary hepatic graft dysfunction or rejection.
Optimization of Sucrose Polyester Synthesis Using Response Surface Methodology

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effects of synthetic variables such as reaction time (6–12 hr), temperature (130–150°C), and substrate molar ratio of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of peanut oil to sucrose (10:1 to 14:1) on the % molar conversion to sucrose polyester, utilizing 10g of free sucrose as the reactant. Optimization of the synthetic reaction was performed by canonical analysis to derive the stationary point. Based on contour plots and canonical analysis, optimum conditions were: reaction time 11.5 hr, synthetic temperature 144°C, and substrate molar ratio 11.4:1. Predicted molar conversion was 43.39% (10g sucrose synthesized 29.4g sucrose polyester) at the optimum point. Experimental data indicated up to 48.4% yield based on theoretical % molar conversion.
Domain observations of titanomagnetites from room temperature to Curie point and the nature of thermoremanent magnetism in fine particles

Single-domain theory1 has been remarkably successful as a theoretical basis for rock magnetism and hence palaeomagnetism. However, the grain size of much of the magnetic material present in rocks is too large to be single-domain according to classical theory2. The resolution of this paradox may lie in the recognition that difficulties in domain wall nucleation3–10 can preclude the multi-domain state even though it is energetically favoured. Thus, multi-domain particles are observed in a single-domain state in rocks carrying saturation remanence magnetization (IRMs). Inhibition of domain wall nucleation has also been shown to produce high-coercivity materials suitable for permanent magnets11–13. Thermo-remanent magnetization (TRM) is one of the most important mechanisms of remanent magnetization for the study of palaeomagnetism, being acquired for example by lavas as they cool on the Earth's surface. We present here domain studies of titanomagnetites showing the increasing importance of the magnetostatic energy in the external field as temperature is increased, and that rocks carrying weak-field TRM, like IRMs, contain multi-domain grains in a single-domain state. These particles contribute very large moments to TRM; indeed, particles of this nature may carry a substantial part of the palaeomagnetic signal. The results also suggest that weak-field cooling of dispersions of suitable fine particles might leave them in a particularly hard magnetic state of some utility.
Analytical and Preanalytical Issues in Measurement of Biochemical Bone Markers

424 LABMEDICINE Volume 36 Number 7 July 2005 labmedicine.com Measurement of biochemical bone markers is a tool commonly used in clinical research on metabolic bone diseases. Because research findings in this area are applied increasingly in clinical practices, bone markers are used more and more in routine clinical testing.1-7 Although clinical research is performed in highly controlled and standardized settings with well-defined patients, routine clinical testing deals with less controlled and defined circumstances (Table 1). Therefore, knowledge of these factors affecting results of bone marker measurements is important so that this tool is applied appropriately and interpretation of results in routine clinical testing is facilitated. This review summarizes biochemical bone markers and provides an overview of analytical and preanalytical factors that affect bone marker measurements.
Escape from organizational nihilism: Leadership core values for Business Excellence

Abstract An earlier contribution to this journal focused on Leadership for Business Excellence, as reflected in business and performance excellence models which provide the criteria for various international quality prizes. Consideration of leadership in such models is bent toward competencies and their deployment and, also, to involvement in non-delegable activities deemed critical to the organization's competitive position. Herein a leadership core value set is developed, deployment of which can contribute to systemic leadership throughout the organization. Two subsequent contributions to this journal will examine leadership core value deployment and assessment of Leadership for Business Excellence.
Sex differences in bystander reactions to physical assault

Abstract In a “psychodrama” situation, a “spontaneous” fight occurred between two male and/or female accomplices. As predicted, significantly more male Ss attempted to interfere with the fight than did female Ss. Contrary to prediction, however, none of six male Ss interferred when a male was “injuring” a female. A number of possible explanations for this latter finding were presented, among them the speculation that males obtained vicarious sexual and/or hostile gratification from seeing a male “hurt” a female.
Utilization of EWMA-type charts for critical dimension metrology tools

Previous research suggests that the collection and testing of measure-to-measure and day-to-day variation across a multi-site operation in a standard real-time Statistical Process Control (SPC) solution can be problematic at best. Replicating the full measurement process for mean and range in real-time not only strains resources, but may not provide an adequate indicator of measure-to-measure variation, thus resulting in exceedingly narrow control limits for day-to-day variation. A proposed solution to this dilemma was to compute control limits for the Mean chart utilizing the moving range of sample means to estimate sigma instead of the traditional range method. This approach provided statistically valid control limits that solved the issue of narrow control limits. However, it did not take into account the difficulty that remained in detecting small shifts in the process mean and therefore did not allow for adequate control of critical dimension (CD) metrology tools. Two possible solutions to this problem are the utilization of an Individual (I) and Moving Range (MR) chart with sensitivity (runs) rules or an Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) chart. This paper reviews how the method of estimating sigma satisfied the control limits issue but caused issues in implementation. It reviews the core problem of inadequate capture of measure-to-measure variation and discusses why single point measurement may be more accurate for controlling CD metrology tools. It explores the ability of the Individual chart with runs rules and EWMA methodology to detect small shifts of the process mean of a CD metrology tool. Using CD tool monitoring data, the Individual chart with runs rules chart is compared to the EWMA chart and results are discussed.
Depth dependent microstructure in ion-irradiated 316 type steels

Abstract A cross-section technique was developed and employed to observe 14 MeV nickel-ion damage to Type 316 stainless steels. Solution-quenched 316 SS and the P-7 alloy were irradiated at a flux of 3 × 10 11 Ni ions/cm 2 /s to fluences up to 3.3 × 10 16 Ni ions/cm 2 . The heavy-ion irradiation of the P-7 at 650°C produced a unique damage state. A near-surface void-free zone was observed. In addition, a bi-modal void distribution was produced at the calculated peak of the damage distribution.
Teachers’ knowledge base for implementing response-to-intervention models in reading

This study examined the knowledge base of 142 elementary-level educators for implementing response-to-intervention (RTI) models in reading. A questionnaire assessed participants’ professional background for teaching reading, as well as their familiarity with specific assessments, research-based instructional models, and interventions potentially useful in RTI approaches. A multiple-choice knowledge survey patterned after a teacher licensure exam, including items situated in classroom contexts, assessed participants’ knowledge about different components of reading, assessment, and RTI practices. Overall, participants obtained the highest scores on a knowledge survey subscale involving fluency/vocabulary/comprehension and the lowest on a subscale involving assessment/RTI practices, with a subscale involving phonemic awareness/phonics in the middle. Mean percentages correct on the subscales ranged from about 58–65% correct. However, participants who said they had prior code-focused professional development outperformed other participants on all survey subscales. General elementary certified teachers performed comparably to special education certified teachers on two out of three subscales, with both groups outperforming unlicensed participants; on the assessment/RTI subscale, only the special educators outperformed unlicensed participants. Most participants were familiar with basic features of RTI such as the three tiered model but were unfamiliar with the research-based instructional approaches and interventions named in the study questionnaire, although participants who had experienced code-focused PD were significantly more likely to be familiar with certain interventions. The study suggests that professional development will be important to enable many educators to implement RTI effectively in reading.
Calibration of Low Temperature Cable-Less Lightpipe Pyrometer on the NIST PEB Test Bed Between 50 °C and 230 °C

The advent of the cable-less lightpipe radiation thermometer (CLRT) has resulted in a significant improvement in the accuracy of CLRT calibrations and measurements. CLRT systems show great promise in noncontact measurements by the elimination of the uncertainties caused by the long fiber optic cables and their connections and by the extension of the spectral range to handle low temperature applications down to ambient conditions. Calibration of the CLRT at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will be performed with the water heat pipe blackbody source between 50 °C and 230 °C. In addition, the CLRT will be compared to contact thermometers on a silicon wafer heated in a Post-Exposure Bake test bed at NIST. Comparison of the CLRT with both the blackbody and thermocouple standards will provide confidence in using CLRTs and will allow researchers to continued research in improving the accuracy and feasibility of applying CLRTs in semiconductor processing.
Epitaxial ice crystal growth on covellite (CuS) I. Influence of misfit strain on the growth of non-thickening crystals

Abstract Non-thickening ice crystals were grown from the vapor in air with a pressure range of 25 to 750 Torr on basally cleaved covellite (CuS). The lateral growth rate was measured using an optical microscope and time lapse photography; crystal thickness was monitored by an optical interference technique. Abnormally slow growth of crystals thinner than 0.3 μm at 4% supersaturation and the sublimation of thin crystals (
Communicating Specialized Science Information to a Lay Audience

In spite of widespread concern over the state of public science knowledge, relatively little empirical research has been done toward improving the communication of science information to laymen. This paper reports the results of an empirical, quasi-experimental study on textual variables in science writing and their effects on a lay audience. Strong relationships were found between textual variables such as readability and use of example, and audience variables such as information gain and attitude favorability toward the topic (in this case, enzymology). The second phase of this study, a true experimental design in which the results of the first phase are currently being tested, is described.
Estimation of Eddy Dissipation Rates from Mesoscale Model Simulations

The Eddy Dissipation Rate is an important metric for representing the intensity of atmospheric turbulence and is used as an input parameter for predicting the decay of aircraft wake vortices. In this study, the forecasts of eddy dissipation rates obtained from the current state-of-the-art mesoscale model are evaluated for terminal area applications. The Weather Research and Forecast mesoscale model is used to simulate the planetary boundary layer at high horizontal and vertical mesh resolutions. The Bougeault-Lacarrer and the Mellor-Yamada-Janji schemes implemented in the Weather Research and Forecast model are evaluated against data collected during the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s Memphis Wake Vortex Field Experiment. Comparisons with other observations are included as well.
Atmospheric dispersion in the arctic: Winter-time boundary-layer measurements

The winter-time arctic atmospheric boundary layer was investigated with micrometeorological and SF6 tracer measurements collected in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. The flat, snow-covered tundra surface at this site generates a very small (0.03 cm) surface roughness. The relatively warm maritime air mass originating over the nearby, partially frozen Beaufort Sea is cooled at the tundra surface resulting in strong (4 to 30 °C · (100 m)-1) temperature inversions with light winds and a persistent weak (1 to 2 °C · (100 m)-1) surface inversion with wind speeds up to 17 m s-1. The absence of any diurnal atmospheric stability pattern during the study was due to the very limited solar insolation. Vertical profiles were measured with a multi-level mast from 1 to 17 m and with a Doppler acoustic sounder from 60 to 450 m. With high wind speeds, stable layers below 17 m and above 300 m were typically separated by a layer of neutral stability. Turbulence statistics and spectra calculated at a height of 33 m are similar to measurements reported for non-arctic, open terrain sites and indicate that the production of turbulence is primarily due to wind shear. The distribution of wind direction recorded at 1 Hz was frequently non-Gaussian for 1-hr periods but was always Gaussian for 5-min periods. We also observed non-Gaussian hourly averaged crosswind concentration profiles and assume that they can be modeled by calculating sequential short-term concentrations, using the 5-min standard deviation of horizontal wind direction fluctuations (Σθ) to estimate a horizontal dispersion coefficient (Σ y ), and constructing hourly concentrations by averaging the short-term results. Non-Gaussian hourly crosswind distributions are not unique to the arctic and can be observed at most field sites. A weak correlation between horizontal (Σ v ) and vertical (Σ w ) turbulence observed for both 1-hr and 5-min periods indicates that a single stability classification method is not sufficient to determine both vertical and horizontal dispersion at this site. An estimate of the vertical dispersion coefficient, Σ z , could be based on ΣΦ or a stability classification parameter which includes vertical thermal and wind shear effects (e.g., Monin-Obukhov length, L).
Relation of Race (Asian, African-American, European-American, and Hispanic) to Activated Clotting Time After Weight-Adjusted Bolus of Heparin During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

A weight-adjusted bolus of heparin (70 to 100 IU/kg) is recommended to achieve adequate anticoagulation during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Proper dosing is mandatory to avoid bleeding and thrombotic complications. We investigated whether sensitivity to heparin is affected by difference in race. We performed a retrospective study with 874 consecutive PCI cases in our catheterization laboratory. The amount of initial heparin bolus (international units) per weight and subsequent activated clotting time (ACT; seconds) were obtained. Patients were divided into 4 categories based on race: Asian, African-American, European-American, and Hispanic. Multiple regression analysis was performed to validate the variables that determine the ACT. After adjusting for these variables, analysis of variance revealed the presence of a significant racial difference in ACT (p = 0.002). Successively, Student-Newman-Keuls test and Bonferroni t test revealed that Asian patients have higher ACT levels compared to other racial groups (p 0.26 between non-Asian groups). There was a positive relation between ACT and Asian race (p = 0.0004). Further analyses showed that Asians require 10 IU/kg less heparin per weight than other racial groups to achieve the same goal of ACT. In conclusion, decreased heparin dosing should be considered for Asian patients undergoing PCI.
The clinical pharmacologic investigation of a new benzothiadiazine diuretic, CMR-807∗

Abstract A new benzothiadiazine derivative, Naqua (CMR-807), is a more potent, orally effective diuretic than similar diuretic agents reported to date. It produces less potassium and bicarbonate loss with a lessened tendency toward hypokalemic manifestations. It is repetitively effective, has no toxicity in the doses used in this study and represents a distinct advantage in the control of the manifestations of hypertension and edematous states of varied etiology.