cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the role of RNA synthesis in auxin induction of cell enlargement.

Selective inhibitors were used to study the connection between nucleic acid synthesis and indoleacetic acid (IAA) induction of cell enlargement. Actinomycin D (act D) and azaguanine (azaG) almost completely inhibit IAA-induced growth in aged artichoke tuber disks when they are added simultaneously with IAA. In contrast, when they are added 24 hours after the hormone, these inhibitors have little or no effect on the induced growth which continues for 48 hours or more with little or no inhibition. Inhibitors of protein synthesis still stop growth when applied 24 hours after the IAA, thus protein synthesis and presumably supporting metabolism are still essential.In corn coleoptile sections auxin-induced growth did not show any pronounced tendency to become less sensitive to act D as the IAA treatment progressed. Act D did not completely inhibit the response to IAA unless the sections were pretreated with act D for 6 hours. In contrast to act D, cordycepin produced almost complete inhibition of IAA-induced growth when added with the IAA.Although IAA has a very large and very rapid stimulatory effect (within 10 min) on incorporation of (32)P-orthophosphate into RNA in disks, it did not cause a detectable change in the base composition of the RNA synthesized. Furthermore, the promotive effect could be accounted for through increased uptake of the (32)P. That much of the RNA synthesis in these tissues is not necessary for auxin action is indicated by the results with fluorouracil (FU). FU strongly inhibits RNA synthesis, probably acting preferentially on ribosomal RNA synthesis, without inhibiting auxin-induced growth in the disks or coleoptile sections. FU also strongly inhibited respiration in auxin-treated disks indicating that the large promotion of respiration by auxin likewise may not be entirely necessary for growth.At least in the artichoke disks, RNA synthesis is required for auxin induction of cell enlargement and not for cell enlargement itself.The possible relationships of auxin induction of cell enlargement and RNA synthesis are discussed.
COMPARISON OF CONVENTIONAL SPIN-ECHO AND FAST SPIN-ECHO MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE CANINE BRAIN

T2-weighted fast spin echo and conventional spin echo are two magnetic resonance (MR) pulse sequences used to image the brain. Given the same scan parameters the resolution of fast spin-echo images will be inferior to that of conventional spin-echo images. However, fast spin-echo images can be acquired in a shorter time allowing scan parameters to be optimized for increased resolution without increasing the time to an unacceptable level. MR imaging of the brain of 54 dogs, suspected of having parenchymal brain abnormalities was performed using a 1.5 T scanner. Acquisition time ranged from 4 min 24 s to 7 min 16 s (average = 5 min 15 s) for fast spin-echo scans and from 6 min 32 s to 11 min 26s (average = 7 min 55s) for conventional spin-echo scans. All reviewers consistently rated the resolution of fast spin-echo images higher than the conventional spin-echo images (P = 0.000). The potential disadvantages of fast spin-echo acquisitions (motion artifacts, blurring, and increased hyperintensity of fat) did not affect the resolution of the images. Fast spin echo offers increased resolution in a comparable time to conventional spin echo by increased number of excitations and finer matrix size, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution, respectively.
Effect of increased load on scapular kinematics during manual wheelchair propulsion in individuals with paraplegia and tetraplegia.

Abstract Repetitive loading of the upper extremity musculature during activities like wheelchair propulsion can lead to fatigue of surrounding musculature causing irregular segment kinematics. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of increase in load on the kinematics of the scapula in users with paraplegia and tetraplegia. Data were collected on 18 participants (11 with paraplegia and 7 with tetraplegia) using an electromagnetic motion tracking system (100 Hz) and force sensing pushrim (200 Hz). The participants propelled under no load and loaded conditions at their customary propulsion velocity. On average a 60 N increase in force was elicited with the experimental protocol. Users with tetraplegia showed significant increases (p
Electrophysiologic Effects of Quinidine Studies Using Chronically Implanted Electrodes in Awake Dogs with and Without Cardiac Denervation

Experiments were performed on awake dogs with chronic recording electrodes implanted on the SA node, His bundle, and right bundle branch. Quinidine at serum concentrations of 5 to 10 mg/liter had little effect on AV conduction, but slowed conduction in Purkinje tissue, prolonged ventricular activation, decreased the excitability of atrium and ventricle, and prolonged the atrial refractory period without a consistent effect on the ventricular refractory period. In awake dogs that had previously undergone cardiac denervation, quinidine decreased the excitability and prolonged the refractory period of atrium and ventricle. The effects of quinidine on excitability were dependent on the duration of the stimulus used to test excitability. The actions of quinidine on intraventricular conduction and excitability were enhanced at rapid rates of stimulation. These data indicate that slowing of intraventricular conduction is observed consistently at serum quinidine concentrations that are generally considered to be within the therapeutic range, but changes of the refractory period of the ventricle are not observed consistently. Although the vagolytic properties of quinidine may contribute to changes of heart rate, they do not appear to influence significantly the effects of quinidine on atrial refractoriness and AV conduction.
Potential and Actual Workdays Lost Among Patients with Hiv

How many more potential and actual workdays are lost by HIV patients than persons without HIV? To answer this question, we assessed differences in the number of workdays among a panel of AIDS patients, patients who were HIV positive but did not yet have AIDS, and comparison patients. The patients included persons who were employed and unemployed. Information on 1,346 patients was gathered from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 1992, as part of the ongoing ATHOS (AIDS Time-Oriented Health Outcome Study) study. Data were collected every 3 months on AIDS and HIV-positive patients and every 6-12 months on the comparison patients. At the end of the study (December 31, 1992), 856 people were still enrolled. A total of 5,507 panel data points covering 3 years were available. Data were analyzed with a linear regression model. We found that patients with AIDS reported 29-32 and HIV-positive patients reported 9-13 more potential and actual workdays lost out of the previous 90 than the comparison patients, other variables being equal. All p values were < 0.005, and most were < 0.0001. We conclude that (a) while the AIDS patients showed substantially more workdays lost than the comparison group, the HIV-positive group showed only a modest number of more days lost than the comparison group and (b) that previous estimates exaggerated indirect morbidity costs.
Simultaneous P- and S-wave interval velocity model building of near-seafloor geology using OBC data

Using 2D OBC data processed in common-receiver gathers (CRG), we created Pand S-wave interval velocity models of the near-seafloor (<600 m below seafloor). Interpretation of depth-equivalent events on P-P and P-S near-offset images constrained Vp/Vs ratios and zero-offset reflection times. These were then used as inputs to an interactive raytracing velocity analysis which derived 1D models of layer thickness and interval Vp and Vs from P-P and P-S reflection events on CRGs. We found iteration of depth registration with velocity analysis to be critical to creating physically consistent velocity models over large areas. Flattening provided a higher degree of accuracy in velocity model building than the use of stretch-inducing moveout. In some instances, analysis of P-S events provided additional constraint on the Vp velocity model not possible using the P-P data alone.
Dielectric response and vibrational energy relaxation in photoactive yellow protein: A molecular dynamics simulation study

Molecular dynamics simulations of the dielectric response and vibrational energy relaxation (VER) from the chromophore to the protein and solvent environment following photoexcitation of photoactive yellow protein are presented. The computed protein response to photoexcitation appears prominently between times of 0.1 and 0.3 ps. Contributions from individual residues to this response are analyzed. The frequency-dependent VER rate also reveals dynamic coupling between the chromophore and residues that hydrogen bond to it. Resonances in the VER rate appear at frequencies comparable to the oscillations observed in recent fluorescence decay studies.
Design optimization models for storage and retrieval systems using rail guided vehicles

Abstract Automated storage and retrieval system technology based on intelligent, rail guided vehicles has recently been introduced as an alternative to traditional designs based on aisle-captive storage cranes. Analytical models are proposed to assess the performance and cost effectiveness of rail guided systems based on key system design variables including the number, depth and height of storage aisles and the vehicle and lift fleet sizes. The models provide a basis for developing system profiles useful in the pre-engineering phases of system design and can be used in assessing the viability of rail guided systems as an alternative to traditional automated storage and retrieval systems. The models are demonstrated for cost and performance based design problems.
Glycosaminoglycan contents of normal and degenerative articular cartilage from dogs

Abstract Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents were analyzed in articular cartilage of femoral heads from normal young dogs and from those with degenerative joint disease. Normal cartilage from different areas of femoral heads had similar concentrations of GAGs. Hexosamine, glucuronic acid, and sulfate concentrations were reduced markedly in degenerative cartilage when compared to normal samples. The water content of osteoarthritic cartilage was increased despite decreased GAG concentration. Cetyl pyridinium chloride fractionation of GAGs isolated from normal and osteoarthritic cartilage on cellulose columns revealed that chrondroitin sulfates decreased 60% and keratosulfate 42% in abnormal tissue. Although we failed to measure decreased chain length of chondroitin sulfate, evidence suggested that a glycosidase was involved in the degradation of GAGs in that soluble N -acetyl hexosamine was increased in abnormal cartilage. The results support the concept that a proteinase and a glycosidase may be of importance early in the overall pathogenesis of degenerative joint disease.
Assessing the capacity of a federated ground station

We introduce models and tools to assess the communication capacity of dynamic ground station networks, in particular federated networks that are composed of geographically diverse and independent stations that loosely collaborate to provide increased satellite connectivity. Network capacity is the amount of information exchanged between a network of satellites and ground stations. The constraints on total network capacity which influence transmission capabilities are outlined, such as the satellite, ground station, and overall network parameters. Orbit propagators are combined with engineering analysis software to compare the capacity of existing and future ground station networks. Simulation results from recent clustered satellite launches are presented and discussed. By studying network capacity, we identify the potential for leveraging these federated networks to support multiple missions from multiple institutions. Future work is outlined, including the need to accurately model both satellite communication requirements, develop real time network analysis tools, and work towards developing dynamic optimization techinques for global autonomous networks.
Psychological well-being and the body dissatisfaction-bulimic symptomatology relationship: an examination of moderators.

Abstract Research has examined psychological moderators of the body dissatisfaction–bulimic symptomatology relationship, but the focus has been on variables thought to worsen the relationship. In this study, we examined self-esteem, optimism, satisfaction with life, and self-determination as potential buffers. Participants were 847 female undergraduates. Using hierarchical multiple regression (HMR), we controlled for the influences of social desirability and body mass index on bulimic symptomomatology and then determined the main and interactive effects of body dissatisfaction and each moderator. Self-determination, optimism, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life all buffered the deleterious effects of body dissatisfaction, such that when levels of the moderators were high, the relationship between body dissatisfaction and bulimic symptomatology was weakest. Knowing what psychological variables moderate women's body dissatisfaction can assist psychologists and other health professionals in developing effective treatments for lessening disordered eating among women.
The concept map as a research tool: Exploring conceptual change in biology

This study examined the concurrent validity of concept maps as vehicles for documenting and exploring conceptual change in biology. Students (N = 91) who enrolled in an elementary science methods course were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Subjects in both groups were administered a multiple-choice/free-response inventory which assayed their knowledge of “Life Zones in the Ocean,” and then were asked to construct a concept map on the same topic. Those in the experimental group subsequently received 45 minutes of computer-assisted instruction on marine life zones, while those in the control (“placebo”) group received an equivalent exposure to an unrelated topic (“Body Defenses”). Upon completing the instructional sequence, subjects were again administered the “Life Zones” inventory and asked to develop a postinstruction concept map on marine life zones. The data analysis employed a split plot factorial design with repeated measures. Differences among treatment groups were documented by analysis of variance and chi-square procedures. Subjects in the experimental group showed evidence of significant and substantial changes in the complexity and prepositional structure of the knowledge base, as revealed in concept maps. No such changes were found in the control group. Results suggest that concept mapping offers a valid and potentially useful technique for documenting and exploring conceptual change in biology.
An Alamouti Coded Cooperative Transmission Robust to Both Timing Errors and Frequency Offsets

In this paper, we propose an Alamouti coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme for a cooperative communication system robust to both timing errors and frequency offsets. OFDM with cyclic prefix (CP) is used to combat timing errors. In order to mitigate the intercarrier interference (ICI) caused by multiple frequency offsets in the cooperative system, an ICI-self cancellation scheme is constructed, which can suppress ICI effectively. Moreover, in the proposed scheme, if the channels are real-valued fading channels, the received signals at the destination node have the Alamouti code structure on each subcarrier and thus it has the fast symbol-wise ML decoding and when frequency offsets are not large, the new scheme can achieve diversity order 2.
Structural studies on the authentic mumps virus nucleocapsid showing uncoiling by the phosphoprotein

Mumps virus (MuV) is a highly contagious pathogen, and despite extensive vaccination campaigns, outbreaks continue to occur worldwide. The virus has a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA genome that is encapsidated by the nucleocapsid protein (N) to form the nucleocapsid (NC). NC serves as the template for both transcription and replication. In this paper we solved an 18-A–resolution structure of the authentic MuV NC using cryo-electron microscopy. We also observed the effects of phosphoprotein (P) binding on the MuV NC structure. The N-terminal domain of P (PNTD) has been shown to bind NC and appeared to induce uncoiling of the helical NC. Additionally, we solved a 25-A–resolution structure of the authentic MuV NC bound with the C-terminal domain of P (PCTD). The location of the encapsidated viral genomic RNA was defined by modeling crystal structures of homologous negative strand RNA virus Ns in NC. Both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of MuV P bind NC to participate in access to the genomic RNA by the viral RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase. These results provide critical insights on the structure-function of the MuV NC and the structural alterations that occur through its interactions with P.
Reductive substitution of cobaltocene: displacements of a cyclopentadienyl group on cobaltocene and replacement of same by a diene moiety

Abstract Substitution of a cyclopentadienyl ring of cobaltocene by diene, quinone and cyclopentadienone moieties serves as a synthetic procedure for a series of (η 4 -ligand)(cyclopentadienyl)cobalt complexes; some speculation as to the involvement of an η 1 -cyclopentadienyl intermediate in these transformations is advanced.
Circulatory support during cardiac arrest using a pneumatic vest and abdominal binder with simultaneous high-pressure airway inflation

Animal and clinical studies suggest that blood flow during closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) results from phasic intrathoracic pressure fluctuations produced by rhythmic sternal depressions rather than from cardiac compression. Using physiologic observations made in animals and human beings during circulatory collapse and vigorous coughing, a pneumatic thoracic vest garment and abdominal binder device has been designed to emulate "cough CPR." Hemodynamic findings and microsphere regional perfusion observed during cardiac arrest and airway/vest/binder inflation are comparable to those observed during simultaneous chest compression and pulmonary ventilation CPR (SCV-CPR). Resuscitation and survival using the device has been compared to survival rates using conventional closed-chest CPR. The vest/binder apparatus significantly improved the coronary perfusion gradient and survival. Further studies are in progress to determine the clinical utility of this promising resuscitation adjunct.
Linear analysis of the multi-layer model

A set of model equations for water wave propagation is derived by piecewise integration of the primitive equations of motion through N arbitrary layers. Within each layer, an independent velocity profile is determined. Depth-averaged and ‘‘extended’’ versions of the multi-layer model are presented and compared. With N separate velocity profiles, matched at the interfaces of the layers, the resulting set of ‘‘extended’’ equations have 2N � 1 free parameters, while the depth-averaged equations have N � 1. A linear optimization is performed, showing that increasing the number of layers leads to better deepwater wave behavior. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
An Optimization-Based Study of Equivalent Circuit Models for Representing Recordings at the Neuron–Electrode Interface

Extracellular neuroelectronic interfacing is an emerging field with important applications in the fields of neural prosthetics, biological computation, and biosensors. Traditionally, neuron-electrode interfaces have been modeled as linear point or area contact equivalent circuits but it is now being increasingly realized that such models cannot explain the shapes and magnitudes of the observed extracellular signals. Here, results were compared and contrasted from an unprecedented optimization-based study of the point contact models for an extracellular “on-cell” neuron-patch electrode and a planar neuron-microelectrode interface. Concurrent electrophysiological recordings from a single neuron simultaneously interfaced to three distinct electrodes (intracellular, “on-cell” patch, and planar microelectrode) allowed novel insights into the mechanism of signal transduction at the neuron-electrode interface. After a systematic isolation of the nonlinear neuronal contribution to the extracellular signal, a consistent underestimation of the simulated suprathreshold extracellular signals compared to the experimentally recorded signals was observed. This conclusively demonstrated that the dynamics of the interfacial medium contribute nonlinearly to the process of signal transduction at the neuron-electrode interface. Further, an examination of the optimized model parameters for the experimental extracellular recordings from sub- and suprathreshold stimulations of the neuron-electrode junctions revealed that ionic transport at the “on-cell” neuron-patch electrode is dominated by diffusion whereas at the neuron-microelectrode interface the electric double layer (EDL) effects dominate. Based on this study, the limitations of the equivalent circuit models in their failure to account for the nonlinear EDL and ionic electrodiffusion effects occurring during signal transduction at the neuron-electrode interfaces are discussed.
Potato vine kill: Pulling, chemical killing and rolling effects on yield and quality of Russet Burbank

Pulling of potato vines in Idaho was compared to three chemical vine killing methods for a period of three years. Rolling was examined alone or in combination with chemicals. Effects on yield, grade, specific gravity and stem-end discoloration of the Russet Burbank variety were determined. Rolling increased desiccation overall by 6% but was not a satisfactory vine kill method when used alone. Pulling reduced yields by 14% compared to control plots and 7% compared to sulfuric acid treatments. Specific gravity was reduced overall by 0.002 for all vine killing treatments compared to the control. Pulling and rolling did not affect the amount of stem-end discoloration.
Lanthanide(III)-Doped Magnetite Nanoparticles

Nearly monodisperse lanthanide-doped magnetite nanoparticles were obtained by thermally decomposing a mixture of Fe(acac)3 and Ln(acac)3 (acac = acetylacetonate; Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd) in the presence of passivating surfactants. Magnetic studies revealed room-temperature ferromagnetic behaviors of these doped nanoparticles, distinctly different from those of the undoped parent magnetite or the doped nanoparticles prepared by a coprecipitation method.
Application of Ensemble Detection and Analysis to modeling uncertainty in non stationary processes

Characterization of non stationary and nonlinear processes is a challenge in many engineering and scientific disciplines. Climate change modeling and projection, retrieving information from Doppler measurements of hydrometeors, and modeling calibration architectures and algorithms in microwave radiometers are example applications that can benefit from improvements in the modeling and analysis of non stationary processes. Analyses of measured signals have traditionally been limited to a single measurement series. Ensemble Detection is a technique whereby mixing calibrated noise produces an ensemble measurement set. The collection of ensemble data sets enables new methods for analyzing random signals and offers powerful new approaches to studying and analyzing non stationary processes. Derived information contained in the dynamic stochastic moments of a process will enable many novel applications.
Paleomagnetism of intrusive rocks in the Coast Range of Oregon: Microplate rotations in middle Tertiary time

Paleomagnetic study of intrusive rocks in the Oregon Coast Range shows clockwise rotation of the range relative to North America of 51.5° ± 30.0° since late Eocene–early Oligocene time, 44.5° ± 17.0° since middle Oligocene time, and possibly 32.0° ± 26.5° since middle Miocene time. The simplest interpretation of paleomagnetic data currently available for the Coast Range indicates that it rotated steadily at a rate of about 1.5°/m.y. for approximately the period 50 to 20 m.y. B.P. Events since the middle Miocene are entirely unresolved.
Compton scattering of X‐rays from solids in the one‐electron model

The effects of binding on the Compton scattering of x-rays from electrons are taken into account exactly in the one-electron model by numerical solution of Schrodinger's equation for the wave functions of the recoil states. The accuracy of the numerical technique is found to be very good by comparison with the exact Compton scattering matrix elements for a hydrogenic 1s state. The numerical technique is applied to the Compton scattering from the core electrons in Be where it appears that the assumption of the same potential for initial and recoil states is incompatible with recent experimental results.
Sonic Boom Pressure Signature Uncertainty Calculation and Propagation to Ground Noise

The objective of this study was to outline an approach for the quantification of uncertainty in sonic boom measurements and to investigate the effect of various near-field uncertainty representation approaches on ground noise predictions. These approaches included a symmetric versus asymmetric uncertainty band representation and a dispersion technique based on a partial sum Fourier series that allows for the inclusion of random error sources in the uncertainty. The near-field uncertainty was propagated to the ground level, along with additional uncertainty in the propagation modeling. Estimates of perceived loudness were obtained for the various types of uncertainty representation in the near-field. Analyses were performed on three configurations of interest to the sonic boom community: the SEEB-ALR, the 69o DeltaWing, and the LM 1021-01. Results showed that representation of the near-field uncertainty plays a key role in ground noise predictions. Using a Fourier series based dispersion approach can double the amount of uncertainty in the ground noise compared to a pure bias representation. Compared to previous computational fluid dynamics results, uncertainty in ground noise predictions were greater when considering the near-field experimental uncertainty.
Neuromuscular disease management and rehabilitation, part I: diagnostic and therapy issues.

First let me say that Dr Nanette Joyce and I are quite honored to be the guest editors of this issue of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America on Neuromuscular Disease Management and Rehabilitation, Part I: Diagnostic and Therapy Issues. This current issue in combination with the next issue of the Clinics (Part II), which focuses on multidisciplinary subspecialty management and therapeutics, are both intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic approach, clinical characteristics, and care and management of patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD), with an emphasis on the most common hereditary and acquired neuromuscular disorders. Combining both hereditary and acquired NMDs, the prevalence exceeds 4 million, which is an impressive figure when compared, for example, to the prevalence of spinal cord injury, estimated to be between 239,000 and 306,000 in the United States. Virtually every physiatrist or neurologist who treats patients with significant impairments or who performs electrodiagnostic studies will encounter patients with either hereditary or acquired diseases of the peripheral neuromuscular system, including those that affect anterior horn cells, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions, and muscle. It is particularly rewarding for me to be collaborating on this important endeavor with Guest Editor, Dr Nanette Joyce, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of California Davis and a rising star among physiatrists in the
Global Intracoronary Infusion of Allogeneic Cardiosphere-Derived Cells Improves Ventricular Function and Stimulates Endogenous Myocyte Regeneration throughout the Heart in Swine with Hibernating Myocardium

Background Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) improve ventricular function and reduce fibrotic volume when administered via an infarct-related artery using the “stop-flow” technique. Unfortunately, myocyte loss and dysfunction occur globally in many patients with ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, necessitating an approach to distribute CDCs throughout the entire heart. We therefore determined whether global intracoronary infusion of CDCs under continuous flow improves contractile function and stimulates new myocyte formation. Methods and Results Swine with hibernating myocardium from a chronic LAD occlusion were studied 3-months after instrumentation (n = 25). CDCs isolated from myocardial biopsies were infused into each major coronary artery (∼33×106 icCDCs). Global icCDC infusion was safe and while ∼3% of injected CDCs were retained, they did not affect ventricular function or myocyte proliferation in normal animals. In contrast, four-weeks after icCDCs were administered to animals with hibernating myocardium, %LADWT increased from 23±6 to 51±5% (p<0.01). In diseased hearts, myocyte proliferation (phospho-histone-H3) increased in hibernating and remote regions with a concomitant increase in myocyte nuclear density. These effects were accompanied by reductions in myocyte diameter consistent with new myocyte formation. Only rare myocytes arose from sex-mismatched donor CDCs. Conclusions Global icCDC infusion under continuous flow is feasible and improves contractile function, regresses myocyte cellular hypertrophy and increases myocyte proliferation in diseased but not normal hearts. New myocytes arising via differentiation of injected cells are rare, implicating stimulation of endogenous myocyte regeneration as the primary mechanism of repair.
Direct assay for creatine kinase by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A direct assay for creatine kinase (CK) activity was developed based on the separation and quantitation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by high-performance liquid chromatography. The total incubation time is 13 min and the elution time for ATP is 16 min. Using lyophilized CK as the sample, a sensitivity in the range of 8 U/l (units/liter) was obtained. The method presented also has clinical significance in that CK levels in serum can easily be determined with minimal sample preparation. Using serum samples from a healthy patient and a heart attack victim, activities of 26.6 U/l and 609.0 U/l, respectively, were obtained. Because of the direct measurement of ATP, this method eliminates the coupled reactions encountered in the common spectrophotometric and colorimetric methods of analysis resulting in a simpler and inexpensive assay.
Experimental investigation and modeling of non-monotonic creep behavior in polymers

The deformation behavior of two unfilled engineering thermoplastics, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polycarbonate (PC), has been investigated in creep test conditions. It has been found that a loading history (prior to the creep test) comprising of loading to a maximum stress or strain value followed by partial unloading to arrive at the target stress value can greatly modify the strain-time behavior. Under such a test protocol, while the expected increase in strain during creep (constant tensile load) is observed, at relatively low creep stresses specimens have also demonstrated a monotonic decrease in strain. In an intermediate stress range, specimens have demonstrated time dependent behavior comprising of a transition from decreasing to increasing strain during creep in tension. This paper presents experimental results to delineate these findings and explore the effect of prior strain rate on the qualitative and quantitative changes in the output (strain-time) behavior. Furthermore, modification of the viscoplasticity theory based on overstress (VBO) model into a double element configuration is introduced. These changes confer upon the model the ability to yield non-monotonic behavior in creep, and supporting simulation results have been included. These changes, therefore, allow the model to simulate strain rate sensitivity, creep, relaxation, and recovery behavior, but more importantly address the issue of non-monotonic changes in creep and relaxation when a loading history involves some degree of unloading.
Toward an Inductive Theory of Stayers and Seekers in the Organization

This study takes a person-centered approach to enhance our understanding of job search and intentions to leave among currently employed individuals. Four categories of seekers and stayers in the organization were identified based on their unique patterns of turnover intentions, behaviors, and reasons: Embedded Stayers, Detached Stayers, Dissatisfied Seekers, and Script-Driven Seekers. We theorize that these prototypes are conceptually differentiated by two dimensions—the direction of action and the concreteness of plans. We also found meaningful associations between the probability of cluster membership and a variety of individual difference variables such as job satisfaction, motivational forces, and personality dispositions. Findings from the present study provide some useful insights for theory building and future empirical studies on individual differences in whether and why people intend to leave or stay in their jobs.
Contending economic perspectives at a liberal arts college: a 25-year retrospective

In 1985 the Department of Economics at Dickinson College USA, a private four year liberal arts college, embarked upon a bold but promising reform of its economics programme placing it on the cutting edge of what is now called ‘pluralist economics education’. This new approach to the philosophy of economics education was and is called ‘contending economic perspectives’. My article ‘Contending perspectives: curricular reform in economics’ published in the Journal of Economics Education (1991) argued for the inclusion of heterodox economic theories and articulated the benefits of the Dickinson contending perspectives programme. After 25 years experience with this programme what have our students learned and what have we learned from this experience? In the face of the new (or renewed) worldwide discussions of a ‘new’ pluralist economics in the wake of the post-autistic movement started by French students in 2000, is the ‘contending perspectives’ model still consistent with the current ideals of pluralist economics education? This paper argues that the answer to that question is a qualified yes.
Multi - GeV photons from electron - dark matter scattering near active galactic nuclei

Active galactic nuclei (AGN) may emit highly collimated and intense jets of relativistic electrons which upscatter ambient photons. These electrons can also scatter off the cold dark matter halo of the galaxy to produce high energy photons which have a more isotropic signature than the upscattered photons from QED processes. We propose to look for these high energy photons coming from AGN as a method to detect dark matter. As a primary example we work out the expected signal from electrons scattering off the lightest supersymmetric partner into a photon plus selectron. Using the optimistic side of astrophysical uncertainties, we still find the signal from M87 or Centaurus A, two close-by AGN, smaller than the sensitivities expected of the currently proposed photon detectors. However, long running photon detectors and future detectors of higher sensitivity might be able to distinguish a signal from AGN sources. In order to have confidence that new physics sources are discernible, we also emphasize the importance of multiwavelength studies of AGN with varying jet axis orientation to the Earth.
Plasma Renin Activity during Infusion of Epinephrine into the Celiac and Superior Mesenteric Arteries in Dogs

Previous experiments have demonstrated that increments of circulating epinephrine concentration within the physiological range elevate PRA and that this effect apparently is mediated by extrarenal β-adrenoceptors. The present experiments were designed to test the possibility that the receptors mediating the PRA response to epinephrine are located in the splanchnic region. Accordingly, adult dogs were anesthetized, and catheters were placed for recording blood pressure, withdrawal of blood samples, and collection of urine. Infusion catheters were placed in a femoral vein and in the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries. After a control period, epinephrine was infused for 45 min at a total rate of 25 ng kg-1 min-1 either iv or directly into the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries (12.5 ng kg-1 min-1 into each artery simultaneously). Renal perfusion pressure was kept at the control level during the infusion period by means of an adjustable suprarenal aortic clamp. PRA rose from a mean control plus reco...
2‐[(7R,9S,10R,12E)‐4,9‐Di­hydroxy‐10‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐7,8,9,10,11,14‐hexa­hydro‐5H‐6‐oxa‐benzo­cyclo­dodecen‐7‐yl]­ethyl octanoate

The structure of the title compound, C26H38O6, is described. Two mol­ecules of the title compound are related by a twofold non-crystallographic symmetry operation. There is an extensive hydrogen-bonding network, as well as van der Waals interactions between alkyl groups.
Control of Plasma Phenylalanine Levels

Virtually all of the molecules of the essential amino acids that enter the body derive from dietary proteins; high-quality protein sources such as eggs or milk provide around 5 g of phenylalanine (Phe) per 100 g of protein. A large fraction of dietary Phe is hydroxylated to tyrosine in the liver, a process catalyzed by the enzyme Phe-hydroxylase. Plasma Phe levels, like those of the other amino acids, are not regulated, and at any given time they reflect the proportions of protein and carbohydrates in the meal most recently consumed. Since people eat during the daytime, there is an apparent circadian rhythmicity in plasma amino acid concentrations. Protein consumption tends to decrease brain Phe concentrations because although it raises plasma Phe, it increases much more the level of the other neutral amino acids (e.g., valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, and tryptophan), which compete with Phe for brain uptake. In contrast, consumption of pure Phe or of aspartame increases brain Phe because of the lack of these competing amino acids. In rodents, which have a very active Phe-hydroxylating system, administration of pure Phe or aspartame causes larger increases in plasma and brain tyrosine than in Phe, unless very high doses are given. This does not occur in humans, because Phe hydroxylation is much slower.
Parallelizing a multi-frame blind deconvolution algorithm on clusters of multicore processors

The parallelization strategy of the Physically-Constrained Iterative Deconvolution (PCID) algorithm is being altered and optimized to enhance performance on emerging multi-core architectures. This paper reports results from porting PCID to multi-core architectures including the JAWS supercomputer at the Maui HPC Center (60 TFLOPS of dual-dual Xeon® nodes) and the Cell Cluster at AFRL in Rome, NY (52 TFLOPS of Playstation 3® nodes with IBM Cell Broadband Engine® multi-cores and 14 dual-quad Xeon headnodes). For 512×512 image sizes FFT performance exceeding 60 GFLOPS has been observed on dual-quad Xeon nodes. Multi-core architectures programmed with multiple threads delivered significantly better performance for parallelization of the low level image convolution operations compared to earlier parallelization across cluster nodes with MPI. Another focus of the PCID multi-core effort was to move from MPI message passing to a publish-subscribe-query approach to information management. The publish, subscribe and query infrastructure was optimized for large scale machines, such as JAWS, and features a “loose coupling“ of publishers to subscribers through intervening brokers. This change makes runs on large HPCs with thousands of intercommunicating cores more flexible and more fault tolerant.
Multidimensionality of sexual attitudes

In four studies, we used the Sexual Attitudes Scale, a new multidimensional instrument, and (a) concluded final construction of the scale, (b) assessed the relationships between the scale and three criterion measures, and (c) provided initial construct validation of the instrument through demonstrated relationships with several relevant psychosocial variables and personality/attitude measures. The instrument was initially administered to a large sample (N = 807); the scores were factor analyzed, and scales were defined. A refined version was cross validated on another large sample (N = 567), with results that mostly replicated earlier results. The Sexual Attitudes Scale was then given to another sample (N = 105), along with the Sexual Opinion Survey, the Reiss Male and Female Premarital Permissiveness Scales, and the sex‐guilt subscale of the Revised Mosher Guilt Inventory. Results showed the Sexual Attitudes Scale to have moderate and conceptually consistent correlations with these other scales. Addition...
Radical epistasis and the genotype-phenotype relationship

Models of evolution often assume that the offspring of two genotypes, which are genetically intermediate by definition, are also phenotypically intermediate. The continuity between genotype and phenotype interferes with the process of evolution on multipeaked adaptive landscapes because the progeny of genotypes that lie on separate adaptive peaks fall into valleys of low fitness. This problem can be solved by epistasis, which disrupts the continuity between genotype and phenotype. In a five-locus sexual haploid model with maximum epistasis, natural selection in multipeak landscapes evolves a set of genotypes that a) occupy the adaptive peaks and b) give rise to each other by recombination. The epistatic genetic system therefore "molds" the phenotypic distribution to the adaptive landscape, without assortative mating or linkage disequilibrium. If the adaptive landscape is changed, a new set of genotypes quickly evolves that satisfies conditions a and b, above, for the new peaks. Our model may be relevant to a number of recalcitrant problems in biology and also stands in contrast to Kauffman's [3] NK model of evolution on rugged fitness surfaces, in which epistasis and recombination tend to constrain the evolutionary process.
Testing the Validity of Contingent Behavior Trip Responses

While a number of validity tests exist for contingent valuation data, to date there are very few literature examples for contingent behavior (CB) data. The objective of this study is to test the validity of CB trip data for different levels of rock climbing access using data from surveys implemented before and after a policy restricting recreational access was imposed. Results from generalized Negative Binomial and seemingly unrelated Poisson regression models show significant sensitivity to scope, and suggest that CB data may be a valuable supplement to revealed preference data when policy proposals are outside the range of historical conditions.
The AII amacrine cell connectome: a dense network hub.

The mammalian AII retinal amacrine cell is a narrow-field, multistratified glycinergic neuron best known for its role in collecting scotopic signals from rod bipolar cells and distributing them to ON and OFF cone pathways in a crossover network via a combination of inhibitory synapses and heterocellular AII::ON cone bipolar cell gap junctions. Long considered a simple cell, a full connectomics analysis shows that AII cells possess most complex interaction repertoire of any known vertebrate neuron, contacting at least 28 different cell classes, including every class of retinal bipolar cell. Beyond its basic role in distributing rod signals to cone pathways, the AII cell may also mediate narrow-field feedback and feedforward inhibition for the photopic OFF channel, photopic ON-OFF inhibitory crossover signaling, and serves as a nexus for a collection of inhibitory networks arising from cone pathways that likely negotiate fast switching between cone and rod vision. Further analysis of the complete synaptic counts for five AII cells shows that (1) synaptic sampling is normalized for anatomic target encounter rates; (2) qualitative targeting is specific and apparently errorless; and (3) that AII cells strongly differentiate partner cohorts by synaptic and/or coupling weights. The AII network is a dense hub connecting all primary retinal excitatory channels via precisely weighted drive and specific polarities. Homologues of AII amacrine cells have yet to be identified in non-mammalians, but we propose that such homologues should be narrow-field glycinergic amacrine cells driving photopic ON-OFF crossover via heterocellular coupling with ON cone bipolar cells and glycinergic synapses on OFF cone bipolar cells. The specific evolutionary event creating the mammalian AII scotopic-photopic hub would then simply be the emergence of large numbers of pure rod bipolar cells.
Increase in Humeral Retrotorsion Accounts for Age-Related Increase in Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit in Youth and Adolescent Baseball Players

Background:Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) is the difference in internal rotation range of motion (IRROM) between the dominant and nondominant limbs. Pathological GIRD of greater than 15° to 25° has previously been linked to shoulder and elbow injuries in baseball players. Because of its relationship to shoulder and elbow disorders, research has focused on understanding the underlying factors that contribute to changes in IRROM and ultimately GIRD. The rotation deficit reportedly increases during adolescence, but it remains unclear whether this change is caused by changes in osseous properties or soft tissue tightness.Purpose:To evaluate the influence of age group on GIRD, humeral retrotorsion, retrotorsion-adjusted GIRD, and total range of motion (TROM) in healthy baseball players.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Four groups of healthy baseball players participated in the study: 52 youth (aged 6-10 years), 52 junior high school (JH) (aged 11-13 years), 70 jun...
Altered mRNA expression for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and type II calcium/Calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase in the hippocampus of patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy

The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the alpha subunit of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II mRNA in hippocampi obtained during surgical resections for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy were examined. Both calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are localized heavily within the hippocampus and have been implicated in regulating hippocampal activity (Kang and Schuman [1995] Science 267:1658-1662; Suzuki [1994] Intl J Biochem 26:735-744). Also, the autocrine and paracrine actions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor within the central nervous system make it a likely candidate for mediating morphologic changes typically seen in the epileptic hippocampus. Quantitative assessments of mRNA levels in epileptic hippocampi relative to autopsy controls were made by using normalized densitometric analysis of in situ hybridization. In addition, correlations between clinical data and mRNA levels were studied. Relative to autopsy control tissue, decreased hybridization to mRNA of the alpha subunit of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and increased hybridization to brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA were found throughout the granule cells of the epileptic hippocampus. There also was a significant negative correlation between the duration of epilepsy and the expression of mRNA for brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These results are similar qualitatively to those found in animal models of epilepsy and suggest that chronic seizure activity in humans leads to persistent alterations in gene expression. Furthermore, these alterations in gene expression may play a role in the etiology of the epileptic condition.