cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radioligand binding to adenosine receptors and adenosine uptake sites in different brain regions of normal and narcoleptic dogs.

Abstract The present study compares the characteristics of radioligand binding to adenosine receptors and adenosine uptake sites in 100- and 50-day-old normal and narcoleptic dogs. Binding to A 1 receptors was quantified using a selective A 1 agonist ([ 3 H]N 6 -[(R)-1-methyl-2-phenylethyl] adenosine, [ 3 H]R-PIA) and an antagonist ([ 3 H]dipropyl-8-cyclopentyl-xanthine, [ 3 H]CPX). Differences in the binding of [ 3 H]R-PIA and that of [ 3 H]5′-N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine ([ 3 H]NECA), which binds to both A 1 and A 2 receptors with similar affinities, were used to quantify A 2 receptors. Nucleoside transport sites were labeled with [ 3 H]nitrobenzylthioinosine ([ 3 H]NBTI), a potent inhibitor of nucleoside transport systems. The present study offered no evidence that either adenosine A 1 receptors and adenosine uptake sites in the frontal cortex or adenosine A 2 receptors in the putamen were altered in narcoleptic dogs. However, we found that adenosine A 1 receptors in the dog exist in different affinity states and that the affinity state in which the receptor is found depends on the brain region examined. A characterization of these low- and high-affinity sites was performed and results indicated that these sites cannot be explained by a single interaction of the A 1 receptor with a single G-protein population.
Comparison of health outcomes among older construction and blue‐collar employees in the United States

Using the Health and Retirement Study, we compare the health outcomes of older male construction workers with their counterparts in other occupations. We find that construction workers are more susceptible to musculoskeletal problems, chronic lung disease, and emotional/psychiatric disorders. Older construction workers were 1.4 times more likely to have a back problem and 1.3 times more likely to have a foot or leg problem than were other blue-collar workers. Nonsmoking older construction workers were 3.2 times more likely to have chronic lung disease than their nonsmoking blue-collar counterparts. When accounting for alcohol consumption, older construction workers were 1.7 times more likely to have been diagnosed with an emotional problem than other older blue-collar workers. The high rate of chronic lung disease is most likely related to on-the-job dust exposure, while the increased risk of emotional disorders might be due to the dynamics of the construction labor market. Am. J. Ind. Med. 34:280–287, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BUDGET BALANCE THROUGH SPENDING CUTS OR TAX ADJUSTMENTS

This article explores the causal (lead/lag) relation between government spending and taxation in two developing countries (Lebanon and Tunisia). Both countries have suffered from large budget deficit and/or national debt problems, particularly since the early 1990s. Empirical results deduced from a battery of tests suggest that decisions to spend and tax are significantly interdependent in both countries. Moreover, the evidence is consistent with the notion that raising taxes (working primarily through aroused public awareness) provokes spending cuts. Thus, higher taxes seem an optimal resolution to the deficit predicament in both countries.
Investigation of the properties of the material zone below alloy surfaces prepared by electrolytic belt grinding or electrochemical machining

The properties of the material zone below surfaces prepared by electrolytic belt grinding or electrochemical machining of two superalloys were investigated by microhardness measurements, thermal probe traverses, microprobe scans and scanning microscopy. The shape of the microhardness profile was found to strongly depend upon the location of the measurements. A layer with a uniform hardness decrease away from the surface, was not found to exist. Either the defect structure in the region of the measurement or a generalized Rebinder effect may be responsible for the microhardness profile.
Human efficiency in the detection and discrimination tasks

We investigated human efficiency in a discrimination task and compared it to human efficiency in an associated detection task. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between image quality and shape discrimination in radiographic images. We conducted 2-AFC observer experiments to determine human performance and compared it to ideal observer performance in the SKE-BKE detection and discrimination tasks. We found that human efficiency was significantly lower for the discrimination task than for the detection task, and discrimination performance also depended on the actual object shape. The results support our hypothesis that the shape of individual microcalcifications in a mammogram cannot be identified reliably, unless the two microcalcification shapes in question are substantially different, such as punctate and linear.
Control of nonlinear structural dynamic systems - Chaotic vibrations

In recent years, chaotic behavior has been observed in a large number of physical systems. The appearance of these unpredictable, broadband frequency responses in structural dynamic systems presents a possible threat to the integrity of aerospace structures because of their erratic time histories. Thus, the objective of this paper is to investigate the control of chaotic motions through the simple example of a buckled beam. As an initial attempt, a nonlinear control methodology termed feedback linearization was utilized. In this method, the nonlinearities causing chaos are eliminated from the closed-loop system through nonlinear feedback. Although effective in eliminating chaotic motions, this scheme does have some disadvantages such as the demand for accurate models and, in general, full state measurements. As an alternative, the feasibility of using smart structural concepts to control chaotic vibrations was examined. This technique utilized the introduction of so-called electronic damping to move the system out of a chaotic parameter region. The method was shown to be feasible and holds promise for future applications. Thus, this work demonstrates that a controller capable of controlling a chaotic system can be developed. From this study, directions for further research in the area of controlling chaotic systems were obtained.
Morphology development in shear flows of straight and folded molten fibers

The morphological evolution of straight and folded molten fibers in shear flows was systematically investigated. Shear flows represent local flow conditions within actual batch mixers and extruders. Folded fibers were of interest, since folding may occur during melt processing and since folded fibers resemble portions of more complex extended structures arising in polymer blends. A general, three-dimensional numerical model of the time-dependent fluid flows within the molten-fiber phase and major-phase fluid was developed. Interactions between both fluids via fully dynamical, three-dimensional interfaces were considered. The relation of morphological changes in the fibers to the flow field for specified interfacial tensions and viscosity ratios are presented.
Developing technology to support the functional independence of older adults

Maintaining functional independence is a high priority for many older adults. Often, staying in their own homes is key to such independence. Computer technology has the potential to assist in this goal by supporting the everyday tasks of older individuals, as well as by aiding caregivers and family members. Our research in advanced computing technologies explores how computational capabilities can enhance day-to-day activities. The computer is not a tool to be picked up, used, and then set aside; it is a constant partner in daily activities. The challenge is to design interfaces that reflect and support ongoing activities of daily life but not be inappropriately intrusive. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the issues that must be considered to ensure success of these development efforts, including older adults’ attitudes towards technology as well as their needs and capabilities. We present two illustrative example projects: one designed to meet daily awareness needs of adult children concerned about the well-being of a senior parent, and another that can provide surrogate memory aids for household tasks. These examples demonstrate the complexity of the issues involved in designing the computationally capable home of the future and provide direction for future research and development efforts.
Psychological Outcomes Associated With Traumatic Loss in a Sample of Young Women

Traumatic loss has recently emerged as an important subcategory of bereavement. This study compared structured clinical interviews and self-report measures among female undergraduates with no reported history of trauma (n = 58), a single physical assault as their only trauma (n = 34), and a single violent loss as their only trauma (n = 32). The traumatic loss group had higher rates of acute stress disorder, intrusion symptoms, reexperiencing of the trauma, and impaired school performance compared to the no trauma and physical assault groups. Their levels of dissociation and overall adjustment were similar to those for the physical assault group. The findings indicated that traumatic loss alone, even in a low-risk sample, was associated with traditional trauma reactions and noteworthy levels of distress and functional impairment. These reactions were evident an average of 4 years postloss, even in the absence of personal life threat or injury.
Pharmacology of o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS)

Abstract 1. The effects of o-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS) have been studied on several isolated organs and tissues, anaesthetized animals and cat encephale isole preparations. 2. On the isolated guinea-pig ileum an initial dose of CS produced a small, non-maintained contraction. Subsequent doses had reduced effects. There was no effect on peristalsis when the substance was given intraluminally. 3. No significant effects of CS were detected on the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation, the isolated perfused rabbit heart or on the contractor response of the indirectly stimulated cat tibialis muscle. 4. In the cat encephale isole preparation 1 mg/kg (i.v.) produced a brief period of electrocortical alerting but no abnormal activity in the electrocorticogram. Doses in excess of 10 mg/kg produced cortical depression. 5. Intravascular injection into the chloralose anaesthetized cat resulted typically in a pressor response accompanied by a brief period of apnoea. The threshold dose for the pressor response varied with the route of administration, but generally lay between 2·5 and 12·5 μg/kg; the threshold dose for apnoea was slightly higher. Small variations in this pattern of response were seen with different species and other anaesthetics. 6. When administered by stomach tube to chloralose anaesthetized cats, CS produced no measurable effects at doses of up to 100 mg/kg. 7. No changes in blood pressure or respiration were detected in anaesthetized cats given pure CS aerosol for 1 h in concentrations of between 345 mg/m3 and 1·39 g/m3 via a tracheal cannula or through the upper respiratory tract. Pure CS solution given by slow intravenous infusion at a similar dose and over a similar period produced significant effects on blood pressure and respiration. 8. Pyrotechnically generated (grenade) CS produced variable effects when given by inhalation in concentrations of between 460 and 1,040 mg/m3 for 1 hour. Respiratory depression, possibly reflex in nature, regularly occurred when the material was given via the upper respiratory tract, and respiratory stimulation occurred when it was given via a tracheal cannula. 9. Some cats were pre-exposed to a dose of 500 (mg/min)/m3 on 4 successive days and on the fifth day anaesthetized and exposed to high concentrations of grenade CS. Three out of six cats died during or after this final exposure compared to one out of six among animals not so pre-exposed. The general pattern of response to the final exposure to CS in the two groups was similar.
Breast cancer prevention trials.

A new option for women at increased risk for breast cancer is chemoprevention—namely, an attempt to decrease breast cancer incidence by means of drug therapy. The efficacy of tamoxifen as a chemopreventive agent has been studied to date in three randomized, controlled trials, with varying results. Investigators with the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) Breast Cancer Prevention Trial found that tamoxifen reduced the incidence of breast cancer by almost half, whereas British and Italian researchers found no significant benefit. This disparity is due, in part, to differences in the baseline breast cancer risk characteristics among the study populations, differing cohort sizes, variable use of hormone replacement therapy, and other factors. In this article, we review the eligibility criteria, treatment plans, and results from the three published randomized trials of tamoxifen versus placebo. We also review the data on raloxifene and breast cancer incidence. Chemoprevention with tamoxifen, in a non-study setting, is one option for women at increased risk for breast cancer. The ongoing Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) is a randomized, doubleblinded trial comparing the effectiveness of raloxifene with that of tamoxifen in postmenopausal women at increased risk for developing breast cancer. Until the results of this trial are available, it is premature to use raloxifene for primary breast cancer prevention.
Viscoelastic flow of polymer solutions around a periodic, linear array of cylinders: comparisons of predictions for microstructure and flow fields

Numerical simulation is used to investigate the flow of polymer solutions around a periodic, linear array of cylinders by using three constitutive equations derived from kinetic theory of dilute polymer solutions: the Giesekus model; the finitely extensible, nonlinear elastic dumbbell model with Peterlin's approximation (FENE-P); and the FENE dumbbell model of Chilcott–Rallison (CR). In the Giesekus model, intramolecular forces are described by a Hookean spring, whereas a finitely extensible spring whose modulus is given by the Warner approximation is used in both the FENE-P and CR models. Hydro dynamic drag on the beads is taken to be anisotropic for the Giesekus model and isotropic for the other two models. The CR and FENE-P models differ subtly in their approximate treatment of the nonlinear force law. The three models exhibit very similar rheological behavior in viscometric flow and steady elongational flow, with the notable exception that the viscosity for the CR model is shear-rate independent. Finite element simulations are performed by using two different formulations: the elastic-viscous split-stress gradient (EVSS-G) method and a new variant of this formulation, the discrete EVSS-G (DEVSS-G) formulation, in which the elliptic stabilization term is added only to the discrete version of the momentum equation, and the constitutive equation is solved directly in terms of the polymer contribution to the stress tensor. Calculations are performed for all models up to a Weissenberg number We, where the configuration tensor 〈QQ〉 loses positive definiteness. However, by locally refining the mesh in the gap region, the positive definiteness of 〈QQ〉 is recovered. The flow and stress fields predicted by the three constitutive equations are qualitatively similar. A `birefringent strand' of highly stretched polymer molecules, which appears to emanate from the rear stagnation point in the cylinder, strengthens as We is increased. Not surprisingly, the molecular extension computed for the Giesekus model is considerably larger than that of the two FENE spring models. The drag force on the cylinders differs for the FENE-P and CR models, because of the difference in the shear-thinning viscosity resulting from the different approximations used in these models.
When Deletions Gain Functions: Commandeering Epigenetic Mechanisms

Recurrent chromosomal deletions in cancer are typically thought to harbor tumor suppressors. In a recent publication in Nature, Northcott and colleagues identify a novel region of structural variation in medulloblastoma that leads to oncogenic activation of GFI1B and GFI1 by repositioning these genes next to super-enhancers.
Numerical Analysis of the Dynamics of Two- and Three-Dimensional Fluidized Bed Reactors using an Euler-Lagrange Approach

Abstract Biomass thermochemical conversion, often done in fluidized beds, recently gained a lot of attention due to its potential to efficiently produce renewable liquid fuels. Optimization of reactor design and operating conditions, however, requires a fundamental understanding of bed dynamics. In this work, a numerical framework based on an Euler–Lagrange approach is developed and used to perform and analyze large-scale simulations of two- and three-dimensional periodic fluidized beds. Collisions are handled using a soft-sphere model. An efficient parallel implementation allows one to explicitly track over 30 million particles, which is representative of the number of particles found in lab-scale reactor, therefore demonstrating the capability of Lagrangian approaches to simulate realistic systems at that scale. An on-the-fly bubble identification and tracking algorithm is used to characterize bubble dynamics for inlet velocities up to 9 times the minimum fluidization velocity. Statistics for gas volume fraction, gas and particle velocities, bed expansion, and bubble size and velocity, is compared across the two- and three-dimensional configurations, and comparison with literature data generally shows good agreement. The wide distribution of gas residence times observed in the simulations is linked to the different gas hold-up characteristics of the gas–solid system.
Imbalance Response of a Rotor Supported on Flexure Pivot Tilting Pad Journal Bearings in Series With Integral Squeeze Film Dampers

Measurements of the imbalance responses of a massive 45 kg rotor supported on series (flexure pivot) tilting pad bearings and integral squeeze film dampers (SFDs) are presented. The rotor-bearing configuration is of interest in compressor applications where often oil lubricated dampers are introduced in series with fluid film bearings to relocate critical speeds, enhance the overall system damping, and reduce the risks of rotordynamic instabilities due to seals and impellers, for example. Coast-down experiments from 9,000 rpm are conducted for increasing levels of rotor imbalance, and equivalent system damping coefficients identified from the peak amplitude of rotor response while traversing cylindrical mode critical speeds. The tests performed with locked (inactive) and active SFDs demonstrate the effectiveness of the flexible damped support in reducing the system critical speed and improving the overall rotor response with reduced transmitted forces to ground. The SFDs allow safe rotor operation with values of imbalance twice as large as the maximum sustained by the rotor supported on tilting pad bearings alone. The experiments reveal a linear relationship between the peak amplitude of vibration at the critical speeds and the imbalance displacement, even for rotor motions larger than 50% of the tilting pad bearing and damper clearances. The tests also show little cross-coupling effects with the shaft centerline moving along a nearly vertical path. The rotor-bearing system remained stable in the entire range of operation and without the appearance of subsynchronous vibration or non-linear damper jump response.Copyright © 2001 by ASME
D-Glucosyltransferase of Streptococcus mutans: isolation of two forms of the enzyme that bind to insoluble dextran.

Abstract The d -glucosyltransferase from Streptococcus mutans 6715 has been separated into three enzymic fractions that differ in their binding to dextran and in their synthesis of dextran from sucrose. One enzymic fraction (AFF-I) does not bind to insoluble dextran, and it produces an insoluble d -glucan. Fraction AFF-IIU was eluted from a dextran affinity-column by either dextran or urea, whereas fraction AFF-IID was eluted only by dextran. Both of these fractions produce insoluble d -glucans from sucrose.
An approach to indirect protocol conversion

Abstract With the proliferation of different computer networks, protocol conversion is needed to achieve interoperability between computer networks that implement different protocols, so that users on different networks can communicate with one another. In its most efficient form, protocol conversion is performed on the fly, i.e. the messages produced in one protocol are converted and passed immediately to the other protocol; this is called direct conversion, and no buffer is needed to store the messages. For many practical protocols, however, it is possible that the messages produced in one protocol need to be re-ordered and converted before they are passed to the other protocol; this is called indirect conversion, and the messages produced in one protocol must be first stored in a non-FIFO buffer and then converted in proper order for the other protocol. This paper presents a formal technique to synthesize a converter by inserting the PUT and GET operations into two given protocols to manipulate the buffer for indirect conversion. The PUT operation inserts messages in one protocol into a non-FIFO buffer, and then the GET operation retrieves the messages in proper order from the buffer and converts them for the other protocol. Since the PUT and GET operations are asynchronous, they may create some problems for the buffer: (1) buffer overflow, i.e., the number of messages stored in the buffer exceeds its capacity; and (2) improper termination, i.e., the protocol terminates with some messages leftover in the buffer. Therefore, the synthesized converter needs to be validated. Several techniques are proposed to reduce the computing time and space spent in validating the converter. Finally, an algorithm for indirect conversion is presented and applied to a practical example for conversion between ISO OSI and IBM SNA protocols.
Negative refraction via radiative surface phonon polaritons in a silicon carbide- based multilayer structure

In this letter, we predict that radiative surface phonon polariton (RSPhP) modes, in a multilayer structure consisting of thin-film silicon carbide (SiC) bounded by silicon (Si) and diamond (Di), can be used to achieve negative refraction of mid-infrared light at approximately 11 μm. Dispersion relations, calculated for the Si/SiC/Di structure, show that the RSPhP mode exhibits negative dispersion and couples with incident light. Poynting vector calculations show how the energy flux may be refracted, negatively, in the SiC layer.
Structured clinical interviews and the inferential process

Abstract This article reviews the history of psychiatric nosology and the use of interview data as a vehicle for formulating clinical inferences. Attention is focused on the qualities of structured interviews as well as procedures for constructing these indices and methods for establishing their psychometric properties. Practical and theoretical limitations relating to formal systems of classification and structured clinical interviews are reviewed and future directions are considered.
Lung-Diaphragm Behavior of the Respiratory System During Input From Excitation

A numerical behavior of a lung-diaphragm model of a respiratory system during input from mouth pressure and diaphragm excitation is being investigated. A lung-diaphragm is subject to constant inlet air-flow conditions into the respiratory system. The mouth pressure (Macia et. al., 1997) and diaphragm excitation (Ricci et. al., 2002) are described by a constitutive relations containing nonlinearities from rib cage muscles forces and inlet air-flow conditions. Within certain operating regimes, the model exhibits self-excited pulsatile periodic motion and the qualitative features of the response can be understood in terms of the underlying model. Further, the mathematical model is a more general approach and can be used to conduct parametric studies and determine the instability mechanisms involved in the modeling of lung-diaphragm behavior of the respiratory system during input from excitation.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Fulfilling the Second Objective in the Online Catalog: Schemes for Organizing Author and Work Records into Usable Displays

An analysis of the requirements of the second objective of the catalog shows that it has two components, a retrieval component and a display component, and that it may be interpreted broadly to include related works and works about a work or author. Two schemes are investigated for their contributions to the creation of online catalog displays that meet second objective requirements. First, the catalog filing rule scheme is analyzed to show that author and work displays in card catalogs have been composed of many groups or classes of materials that may also be used to create organized displays in online catalogs. The groups used, in the filing rule scheme are based on relationships among items. Second, a scheme based on Tillett’s bibliographic relationship taxonomy is proposed to discover additional types of relationships that may be used to group records in online catalog displays. Finally, a new scheme for the creation of organized displays in online catalogs is proposed. It incorporates elements from both the filing rule scheme and the bibliographic relationship taxonomy to create displays that meet the requirements of the second objective more fully than either scheme does alone.
Properties of acrylamide gels cross-linked with low concentrations of N,N'-diallyltartardiamide.

Abstract The behavior of proteins on acrylamide gels cross-linked with low concentrations of N,N'-diallyltar-tardiamide (DATD) has been studied from a theoretical and practical point of view. Modifications in methodology and a technique for calculation of apparent molecular weights (MWs) allowed accurate determinations on gels from 7 up to 15% acrylamide. Comparison of viral protein patterns obtained with DATD- or N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide-cross-linked gels indicated greater resolution by DATD gels, particularly in the higher MW range. The polymerization reaction was studied kinetically and found to be efficient so long as the ratio of DATD to acrylamide was low. High resolution of DATD gels was attributed to the spontaneous formation of a gradient over much of the gel that retarded diffusion of the protein bands.
Surface wave heights from pressure records

Abstract Various studies in the past have considered the ability of the linear and other wave theories to predict surface wave conditions from near-bottom pressure records accurately. This paper is an extension of such work. In deterministic terms, considerations involve the ability of the linear and second-order cnoidal wave theories to predict accurately surface wave heights from individual, near-bottom, total pressure head ranges. In stochastic terms, the fidelity of the Gaussian random process in making predictions of a surface spectrum will be assessed. Both field and laboratory data are employed in this work. The field data were taken in the ocean off Honolulu, Hawaii, in 11.3 m of water, and involved swell with periods of from 12 to 17 sec and heights to 3.2 m. The laboratory data were taken for water depths of 2.9 and 3.5 m in the large Wave Research Facility of Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, and involved periods of from 2 to 6 sec and heights to 1.5 m. It was found that the cnoidal wave theory is slightly superior to the linear theory in predicting surface heights for the ocean data. As found by other investigators, the linear theory was found to underestimate surface wave heights for low frequencies and overestimate them for high frequencies. It was found that the Gaussian random process model provided a theoretical surface spectrum that corresponded closely to that measured over a reasonable frequency band.
General surgical complications can be predicted after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective The authors review the general surgical complications of cardiopulmonary bypass, including newer procedures such as heart and lung transplantation, to identify patients at higher risk. Summary Background Data Although rare, the general surgical complications of cardiopulmonary bypass are associated with high mortality. The early identification of patients at increased risk for these complications may allow for earlier detection and treatment of these problems to reduce mortality. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 1831 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass from 1991 to 1993. This was done to identify factors that significantly contributed to an increased risk of general surgical complications. Results Factors associated with an increased risk of general surgical complications included prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (p < 0.005) and intensive care unit stay (p < 0.002), occurrence of arrhythmias (p < 0.001), use of inotropic agents (preoperatively or postoperatively p < 0.001), insertion of the intra-aortic balloon pump (preoperatively p < 0.005, postoperatively p < 0.001), use of steroids (p < 0.001), and prolonged ventilator support (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (p < 0.001) as the strongest predictor of the general surgical complications of cardiopulmonary bypass. A variety of factors not contributing significantly to an increased risk also were identified. Conclusions Factors indicative of or contributing to periods of decreased end-organ perfusion appear to be significantly related to general surgical complications after cardiopulmonary bypass.
Generalized eigenvalue problems

Abstract We examine the equation L(λψ = 0, where L is a linear operator of the usual sort, except that it is not necessarily self-adjoint, and its dependence on the eigenvalue parameter λ is not necessarily linear. Variational principles, normalization of eigenfunctions, resolution of the identity and operator inversion are some of the aspects discussed.
Analysis of the function, expression, and subcellular distribution of human tristetraprolin

OBJECTIVE The zinc-finger protein tristetraprolin (TTP) has been demonstrated to regulate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) messenger RNA (mRNA) instability in murine macrophages. We sought to develop a model system to characterize the effects of human TTP (hTTP) on TNFalpha 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR)-mediated expression. We also generated a specific polyclonal antibody against hTTP that enabled the examination of the subcellular distribution of hTTP and its RNA binding in vivo. METHODS Transfection of reporter gene constructs were used to functionally characterize the role of hTTP in regulating TNFalpha expression in a 3'-UTR-dependent manner. An immunoprecipitation reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technique, immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and sucrose density fractionation were used to identify and localize hTTP. RESULTS We found that hTTP interacted with human TNFalpha mRNA in the cytoplasm. The presence of the TNFalpha 3'-UTR was sufficient to confer binding by TTP in vivo. This interaction resulted in reduced luciferase reporter gene activity in a TNFalpha 3'-UTR adenine-uridine-rich element (ARE)-dependent manner. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry indicated that endogenous and transfected hTTP localized to the cytoplasm. Results of sucrose density fractionation studies were consistent with a polysomal location of hTTP. In rheumatoid synovium, hTTP expression was restricted to cells in the synovial lining layers. CONCLUSION Through the development of an antiserum specific for hTTP, we have been able to demonstrate that hTTP binds specifically to the TNFalpha 3'-UTR and reduces reporter gene expression in an ARE-specific manner. These studies establish that hTTP is likely to function in a similar, if not identical manner, in the posttranscriptional regulation of TNFalpha. Understanding the posttranscriptional regulation of TNFalpha biosynthesis is important for the development of novel treatment strategies in rheumatoid arthritis.
NO decomposition and reduction on Pt/Al2O3 powder and monolith catalysts using the TAP reactor

Abstract A systematic study over Pt/Al2O3 powder and monolith catalysts is carried out using temporal analysis of products (TAP) to elucidate the transient kinetics of NO decomposition and NO reduction with H2. NO pulsing and NO–H2 pump-probe experiments demonstrate the effect of catalyst temperature, NO–H2 pulse delay time and H2/NO ratio on N2, N2O and NH3 selectivity. At lower temperature (150 °C) decomposition of NO is negligible in the absence of H2, indicating that N–O bond scission is rate limiting. At higher temperature NO decomposition occurs readily on reduced Pt but the rate is inhibited by surface oxygen as reaction occurs. The reduction of NO by a limiting amount of H2 at lower temperature indicates the reaction of surface NO with H adatoms to form N adatoms, which react with adsorbed NO to form N2O or recombine to form N2. In excess H2, higher temperatures and longer delay times favor the production of N2. The longer delay enables NO decomposition on reduced Pt with the role of H2 being a scavenger of surface oxygen. Lower temperatures and shorter delay times are favorable for ammonia production. The sensitive dependence on delay time indicates that the fate of adsorbed NO depends on the concentration of vacant sites for NO bond scission, necessary for N2 formation, and of surface hydrogen, necessary for hydrogenation to ammonia. A mechanistic-based microkinetic model is proposed that accounts for the experimental observations. The TAP experiments with the monolith catalyst show an improved signal due to the reduction of transport restrictions caused by the powder. The improved signal holds promise for quantitative TAP studies for kinetic parameters estimation and model discrimination.
Non-Cognitive Factor Relationships to Hybrid Doctoral Student Self-Efficacy

Statistical analysis of data gathered from 139 healthcare doctoral students revealed three key findings regarding non-cognitive factor relationships to hybrid doctoral student self-efficacy between online web-based and on-campus course components. First, student experiences significantly differed between online and on-campus course components for task value and faculty and peer support. For these factors, on-campus experiences were perceived significantly more positively than online experiences. Secondly, both online and on-campus experiences with task value, faculty and peer support, and boredom and frustration were correlated with self-efficacy: when students experienced high levels of either task value or faculty and peer support, self-efficacy increased; however, when students experienced high levels of boredom and frustration, self-efficacy decreased. Finally, only online task value positively predicted self-efficacy. These findings demonstrated the significant impact of non-cognitive factors on student success and carry implications for successful hybrid teaching and learning. Social cognitive theory provided the framework for the quantitative, non-experimental design.
The cluster expansion in statistical mechanics

The Glimm-Jaffe-Spencer cluster expansion from constructive quantum field theory is adapted to treat quantum statistical mechanical systems of particles interacting by finite range potentials. The HamiltonianH0+V need be stable in the extended sense thatH0+4V+BN≧0 for someB. In this situation, with a mild technical condition on the potentials, the cluster expansion converges and the infinite volume limit of the correlation functions exists, at low enough density. These infinite volume correlation functions cluster exponentially. We define a class of interacting boson and fermion particle theories with a matter-like potential, 1/r suitably truncated at large distance. This system would collapse in the absence of the exclusion principle—the potential is unstable—but the Hamiltonian is stable. This provides an example of a system for which our method proves existence of the infinite volume limit, that is not covered by the classic work of Ginibre, which requires stable potentials.
Investigation of the relationships between the thermodynamic phase behavior and gelation behavior of a series of tripodal trisamide compounds

The solution behavior of a series of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN) based trisamide derivatives in organic solutions was investigated with a focus on organogelation. First, the general solution behavior of eight compounds was investigated and qualitatively interpreted using the regular solution model and solubility parameter theory. Second, the phase behavior of one trisamide in aromatic solvents, where gels were formed, was investigated in more detail. A correlation was found between the sol–gel transition temperature and the thermodynamic liquidus lines. The prediction of the liquidus lines using the regular solution model and solubility parameter theory reproduced the shape and scaling of the gel transition temperature vs. composition in different aromatic solvent solutions. Good fits of the gel transition temperature vs. composition were obtained using the thermodynamic parameters of the components with one additional fitting parameter to account for entropic contributions to the solution non-ideality. Based on these results the regular solution model was used to calculate the melting temperatures of two different trisamides at the minimum gelation concentration (MGC) in different aromatic solvents. The dependence of the MGC on the minimum undercooling required for gelation is discussed. The assumptions and limitations of the model are also discussed to aid in its more general application to organogelator thermodynamics.
Structural Conditions for Perturbation Analysis Derivative Estimation: Finite-Time Performance Indices

In recent years, there has been a surge of research into methods for estimating derivatives of performance measures from sample paths of stochastic systems. In the case of queueing systems, typical performance measures are mean queue lengths, throughputs, etc., and the derivatives estimated are with respect to system parameters, such as parameters of service and interarrival time distributions. Derivative estimates potentially offer a general means of optimizing performance, and are useful in sensitivity analysis. This paper concerns one approach to derivative estimation, known as infinitesimal perturbation analysis. We first develop a general framework for these types of estimates, then give simple sufficient conditions for them to be unbiased. The key to our results is identifying conditions under which certain finite-horizon performance measures are almost surely continuous functions of the parameter of differentiation throughout an interval. The sufficient conditions we introduce are formulated in the setting of generalized semi-Markov processes, but translate into readily verifiable conditions for queueing systems. These results substantially extend the domain of problems in which infinitesimal perturbation analysis is provably applicable.
24 h diffusive sampling of toxic VOCs in air onto Carbopack X solid adsorbent followed by thermal desorption/GC/MS analysis—laboratory studies

Diffusive sampling of a mixture of 42 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in humidified, purified air onto the solid adsorbent Carbopack X was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. The evaluation included variations in sample air temperature, relative humidity and ozone concentration. Linearity of samples with loading was examined both for a constant concentration with time varied up to 24 h and for different concentrations over 24 h. Reverse diffusion and its increase with accumulation of sample were determined for all compounds. Tubes were examined for blank levels, change of blanks with storage time, and variability of blanks. Method detection limits were determined based on seven replicate samples. Based on this evaluation, 27 VOCs were selected for quantitative monitoring in the concentration range from approximately 0.1 to 4 ppbv. Comparison results of active and diffusive samples taken over 24 h and under the same simulated ambient conditions at a constant 2 ppbv were interpreted to estimate the effective diffusive sampling rates (ml min−1) and their uncertainties and to calculate the corresponding diffusive uptake rates (ng ppmv−1 min−1).
Perceived Criminality, Criminal Background Checks, and the Racial Hiring Practices of Employers*

Abstract In this paper, we analyze the effect of employer‐initiated criminal background checks on the likelihood that employers hire African Americans. We find that employers who check criminal backgrounds are more likely to hire African American workers, especially men. This effect is stronger among those employers who report an aversion to hiring those with criminal records than among those who do not. We also find similar effects of employer aversion to ex‐offenders and their tendency to check backgrounds on their willingness to hire other stigmatized workers, such as those with gaps in their employment history. These results suggest that, in the absence of criminal background checks, some employers discriminate statistically against black men and/or those with weak employment records. Such discrimination appears to contribute substantially to observed employment and earnings gaps between white and black young men.
Rapid non-lithography based fabrication process and characterization of Parylene C bellows for applications in MEMS electrochemical actuators

We present a rapid (1 day), modular, high-yield (∼90%) fabrication process for Parylene C bellows and their mechanical characterization. Load-deflection testing was performed on bellows of varying convolution numbers (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0) and compared to both finite element modeling (FEM) simulations and an analytical model based on membrane deflection theory. Bellows produced a consistent load response. Actuators (consisting of electrodes, electrolyte, and bellows) were assembled and then integrated into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, or silicone rubber) drug reservoir. Preliminary results indicate accurate (&#60; 5% error) drug delivery during repeated dosing at constant flow rate (3.75 µL/min, 2.0 convolution bellows, 1 mA constant current).
Sandøe, P., and S. B. Christiansen. 2008. Ethics of Animal Use. Blackwell Publishing Professional (now John Wiley and Sons), Ames, Iowa, 178 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-5120-7, price (paper), $66

P. Sandoe, S. B. Christiansen. 2008. Ethics of Animal Use. Blackwell Publishing Professional (now John Wiley and Sons), Ames, Iowa, 178 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-5120-7, price (paper), $66. Most of us became professionals in the biological sciences because of some love of the natural world. For mammalogists, it was usually a passion to know more about animals other than humans. In recent decades, we may wince at the increasing number of regulations that are concerned with use of animals in research. Our enthusiasm also may be dampened by a handful of fanatics called “animal rightists” that deplore some research we carry out. We all are concerned about ethical use and welfare of animals; otherwise, we would be in another profession. Biomedical researchers who use animals usually are mandated to have applied benefits to humans from their medical–clinical research and have comprehensive review prior to approval. Even under all this scrutiny and with obvious benefits of their research to humans, many fear being identified as animal researchers. Conversely, those conducting studies in basic research, natural history, behavior, or other field studies compete for limited resources while regulatory oversight is less focused. Furthermore, we have the tasks of assuring the public that animals are being used in our research in a respectful and compliant way and defending our research by being able to explain, “what good is it” (especially for basic research). That's the research side, but animals are used by humans in many more ways such as in the food and clothing industries, through our impacts on them due to human population growth, and in the pet trade. How should we, as the dominant species on Earth, treat our nonhuman brethren? What are our ethical obligations? How do we know what the right thing to do is? The Ethics of Animal Use offers us some tools to answer these questions and provides choices gleaned from basic moral theory in addressing dilemmas that arise. Danish authors Sandoe and Christiansen discuss …
Lower Extremity Venous Doppler

Ultrasound has supplanted conventional venography as the primary imaging modality in screening for and detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The examination should include findings of intermittent compression, spontaneous flow, phasicity, augmentation, Valsalva response, and comparison of the contralateral common femoral vein waveform. Venous compression is the most reliable finding in detecting a DVT. With the use of color flow Doppler, sensitivities and specificities approach 95% to 99%. In addition to reviewing the imaging features of DVT, this article discusses the epidemiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology of lower extremity DVTs.
Leadership Development via Action Learning

Action learning is being used increasingly as a primary method for building leadership skills and improving leadership behavior. This article discusses the emergence of action learning as a methodo...
The Swedish Consumer Ombudsman System and Advertising Self‐Regulation

The Swedish consumer-protection system is often perceived as resting on a strong body of laws and regulations that severely constrains business behavior from the outside. In fact, its development and implementation have involved significant business participation and influence; and it largely relies on government-issued guidelines based on business self-regulatory experience and resulting from intensive negotiations with business rather than on detailed mandatory rules. In this context, the conflict between advertising regulation and self-regulation is more apparent than real.
On observability and reachability in a class of discrete-time switched linear systems

We study the class of switched linear systems with constant dynamics, i.e., with switching in only the measurement or control matrices (which correspond to plants with several sensory and actuation modes), and establish that the length of the shortest mode path achieving observability or reachability, if one exists, is at most the square of the dimension of the state space. This not only proves that observability/reachability is decidable for such systems, but also gives a direct way of finding the observable/reachable mode path.
Behavioral synthesis of testable designs

High-level synthesis tools automatically produce RTL designs from algorithmic specifications. These designs, however, are not necessarily easy to test. In this paper we present TBINET, an algorithm for module and register binding, which generates RTL designs having low testability overheads. It obtains a heuristic solution to the binding problem by mapping it onto a sequence of minimum cost network flow problems which can be solved very quickly. A cost function that considers the testability of the design is defined in the paper. The results of experiments on various benchmarks show that the designs produced by our binding algorithm are indeed easier to test as compared to circuits designed without testability considerations. >