cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond pulse shaping enables detection of optical Kerr-effect (OKE) dynamics for molecular imaging.

We apply femtosecond pulse shaping to generate optical pulse trains that directly access a material’s nonlinear refractive index (n2) and can thus determine time-resolved optical Kerr-effect (OKE) dynamics. Two types of static pulse trains are discussed: The first uses two identical fields delayed in time, plus a pump field at a different wavelength. Time-resolved OKE dynamics are retrieved by monitoring the phase of the interference pattern produced by the two identical fields in the Fourier-domain (FD) as a function of pump–probe–time–delay (where the probe is one of the two identical fields). The second pulse train uses three fields with equal time delays, but with the center field phase shifted by π/2. In this pulse scheme, changes on a sample’s nonlinear refractive index produce a new frequency in the FD signal, which in turn yields background-free intensity changes in the conjugate (time) domain and provides superior signal-to-noise ratios. The demonstrated sensitivity improvements enable, for the first time to our knowledge, molecular imaging based on OKE dynamics.
Land Grabbing as Security Mercantilism in International Relations

International studies routinely consign agri-food relations to the analytical margins, despite the substantive historical impact of the agri-food frontiers and provisioning on the structuring of the interstate system. As a case in point, current restructuring of the food regime and its global political-economic coordinates is expressed through the process of ‘land grabbing’. Here, the crisis of the WTO-centered corporate food regime, which has neoliberalized Southern agriculture while sustaining Northern agro-food subsidies, is manifest in a new form of mercantilism of commandeering offshore land for supplies of food, feed, and fuel. This article examines the content and implications of this new ‘security mercantilism’, which both affirms and contradicts a neoliberal order, anticipating a shift in international relations around resource grabbing. Los estudios internacionales destinan periodicamente las relaciones de los productos agroalimentarios a los margenes analiticos, a pesar del impacto historico fu...
A uniform GTD analysis of the diffraction of electromagnetic waves by a smooth convex surface

The problem of the diffraction of an arbitrary ray optical electromagnetic field by a smooth perfectly conducting convex surface is investigated. A pure ray optical solution to this problem has been developed by Keller within the framework of his geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD). However, the original GTD solution fails in the transition region adjacent to the shadow boundary where the diffracted field plays a significant role. A uniform GTD solution is developed which remains valid within the shadow boundary transition region, and which reduces to the GTD solution outside this transition region where the latter solution is valid. The construction of this uniform solution is based on an asymptotic solution obtained previously for a simpler canonical problem. The present uniform GTD solution can be conveniently and efficiently applied to many practical problems. Numerical results based on this uniform GTD solution are shown to agree very well with experiments.
Application of molecular dynamics to the study of hydrogen embrittlement in Ni-Cr-Fe alloys

Molecular dynamics and the embedded-atom method (EAM) have been applied to the study of intergranular hydrogen embrittlement in Ni-based alloys. A new technique was developed for constructing EAM functions from experimental data on binary systems. The technique allows one to express experimental quantities of the binary alloy in terms of EAM functions for each constituent element, and then to fine tune the parameters for one of the elements to fit the experimental data. The method was used to construct EAM functions for H and for the Ni-Cr-Fe system. The functions were then used in dynamic simulations of grain boundaries to study the effect of H on their stress-strain--fracture behavior. The simulations suggest that hydrogen-embrittlement susceptibility is strongly linked to grain-boundary structure. Boundaries possessing large gaps and structural irregularities are affected adversely, while boundaries lacking these defects are resistant to embrittlement. The results of the study are discussed in terms of the influence of the simulation methodology on the observed grain-boundary fracture behavior of Ni-Cr-Fe alloys as a function of boundary type, boundary structure, and hydrogen content.
A Study of Reflex Venomotor Reactions in Man

By the use of simple clamps, a segment of a forearm vein was temporarily isolated from the circulation so that change in pressure within the segment measured change in venous tone. Reflex venoconstriction was elicited by appropriate stimuli. These reactions could be blocked by interruption of the sympathetic pathway to the vein under study. The magnitude of the responses obtained supports the concept that neurogenic venomotor reactions may be quantitatively significant in circulatory adjustments.
TU‐FF‐A4‐01: Combined Effects of Respiratory Motion and Object Size On 3‐D and 4‐D PET/CT Images: Dynamic Phantom Study

Introduction: 4‐D PET/CT has potential to greatly improve the accuracy of radiotherapy target definition for treatment sites where internal organ motion is significant. While PET has an inherently greater capacity to detect cancer than CT, the best methodology for applying 4‐D PET to target definition is not currently well understood. In our study, targets of different sizes in a dynamic phantom were imaged using 3‐D and 4‐D PET/CT with the goal of better understanding how to best apply these images to radiotherapy target definition. Materials and Methods: Using a PET/CT scanner with 4‐D capability, 3‐D/4‐D image studies were acquired using a dynamic phantom. Hollow spheres filled with 18 F ‐FDG were inserted into a cavity within the phantom made of material of a density similar to lung. Recovery coefficients (RCs) were determined using 3‐D and 4‐D PETimages acquired with the phantom in static mode and a dynamic mode set to simulate respiratory motion. Results: The activity concentration in the sphere from the 3‐D PETimages can be underestimated by 40% (23%) in 2 cm (1 cm) motion. The 4‐D PET successfully recovers most of the loss of activity concentration resulting from the respiratory motion with 1% (4%) loss in 1 cm (2 cm) motion. We found that the percent recovery slightly varies with minimum 82% (93%) at the middle of expiration and inhalation and maximum 98% (99%) at the end of expiration and inhalation in 2 cm (1 cm) motion in the 4‐D PETimages. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the speed of respiratory motion at phase‐sampling position affects the measured activities of 4‐D PET due to spatial mismatch between the 4‐D PET and 3‐D CTimages for attenuation correction. Therefore, RC loss caused by respiratory motion may be minimized using 4‐D PET with 4‐D CT attenuation correction.
Calculation of the spectral density from the noise convolution integral covariance matrix

A problem which arises in system identification of continuous systems with nonuniform sampling is that of calculating the spectral density of a vector white noise process from a noise convolution integral covariance matrix. A numerical solution to this problem is presented which converges in one step.
Crystalline electric field effects on the resistivity of PrAl2

Abstract Calculations in the mean field approximation of the magnetic contribution to the resistivity of a J = 4 ion in a cubic lattice, considering the effects of the crystalline electric field, are presented for both T > T c and T T c (excluding the critical region). The magnetic contribution to the resistivity of ferromagnetic PrAl 2 is discussed in terms of the above calculations and the total crystalline electric field splitting of this system is determined to be 100 K. Results are also presented for the critical behavior of d ϱ /d T .
Three-Dimensional Variability of Fold Geometry in the Michigan Basin

Data from the logs of 1940 wells that penetrate the Dundee Limestone in 4600 sq miles of the Michigan Basin are used to illustrate a method of mapping the variability of fold geometry quantitatively and objectively.
Aqueous Dispersions of Few-Layered and Monolayered Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets from Sonication-Assisted Hydrolysis: Critical Role of Water

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is traditionally considered to be insoluble in water. However, here we demonstrate that water is effective to exfoliate the layered h-BN structures with the assistance of bath sonication, forming “clean” aqueous dispersions of h-BN nanosheets without the use of surfactants or organic functionalization. Besides few-layered h-BN nanosheets, there was also evidence on the presence of monolayered nanosheet and nanoribbon species. Most nanosheets were of reduced lateral sizes, which was attributed to the cutting of parent h-BN sheets induced by the sonication-assisted hydrolysis (evidenced by the ammonia test and spectroscopy results). The hydrolysis effect also assisted in the exfoliation of h-BN nanosheets in addition to the solvent polarity effect. The h-BN nanosheets in such “clean” aqueous dispersions were demonstrated to be conveniently processed via solution methods with retained physical properties. The dispersed h-BN nanosheets in water also exhibited strong affinity tow...
MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling is selectively impaired in alveolar macrophages from asymptomatic HIV+ persons.

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the predominant effector cell in the lungs and contribute to a critical first line of defense against bacterial pathogens through recognition by pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4-mediated tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) release is significantly impaired in HIV+ macrophages, but whether HIV impairs myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)–dependent and/or MyD-independent TLR4 signaling pathways in human macrophages is not known. Comparing human U937 macrophages with HIV+ U1 macrophages (HIV-infected U937 subclone), the current study shows that HIV infection is associated with impaired macrophage TLR4-mediated signaling, specifically targeting the MyD88-dependent TLR4-mediated signaling pathway (reduced MyD88–interleukin-1 receptor–associated kinase [IRAK] interaction, IRAK phosphorylation, nuclear factor [NF]–κB nuclear translocation, and TNFα release) while preserving the MyD88-independent TLR4-mediated signaling pathway (preserved STAT1 phosphorylation, interferon regulatory factor [IRF] nuclear translocation, and interleukin-10 [IL-10] and RANTES release). Extracellular TLR4 signaling complex was intact (similar levels of CD14 and MD2), and similar patterns of response were observed in clinically relevant AMs from healthy and asymptomatic HIV+ persons at high clinical risk of pneumonia. Taken together, these data support the concept that chronic HIV infection is associated with specific and targeted disruption of critical macrophage TLR4 signaling, which in turn may contribute to disease pathogenesis of bacterial pneumonia.
Central pathways involved in reflex foot withdrawal in the razor clam.

Abstract 1. 1. The central nervous pathways in the razor clam which integrate reflex activity during foot withdrawal were studied by recording activity from the nerves and connectives in the pathway. Reflex activity was evoked by applying brief, controlled mechanical stimuli which excited mechanoreceptors in the foot and collar. 2. 2. Sensory activity from the foot and collar is conducted without intervening synapses to the ipsilateral cerebral ganglion. In the cerebral ganglion, post-synaptic activity is generated which is sent to the contralateral cerebral ganglion, to the pedal ganglia and to the muscles of the anterior mantle and collar. The contralateral cerebral ganglion generates parallel activity which is sent to the pedal ganglia and to the (contralateral) mantle and collar. 3. 3. Activity from the cerebral ganglia arriving at the pedal ganglia excites motor centers which generate prolonged efferent motor sequences; these sequences are sent to the musculature of the foot. 4. 4. Whenever two parallel sections of the reflex pathway simultaneously carry reflex activity, the bursts in each section are equivalent in their overall magnitude and time course, but not in the pattern of impulses within each burst. 5. 5. Evidence is presented for a short-latency retracting reflex which is evoked by stimulating the foot; this reflex apparently involves only the pedal ganglia. A foot-extension reflex is also described which is evoked by stimulating the mantle margins.
Cause, seasonality of death and co-morbidities in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)

The aim of this study was to investigate the causes and seasonality of death and co-morbid conditions among progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients. 22 consecutive clinicopathologically confirmed PSP patients were compared with 22 gender and age-matched Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and 26 non-neurological controls. All subjects consented during life to donate their brains to the University of Miami Brain Endowment Bank. Respiratory-related deaths were significantly more frequent in PSP when compared to PD patients. Recurrent respiratory infections were also very frequent in PSP patients and were commonly associated with respiratory-related deaths. Deaths that occurred during winter and spring months accounted for about 70% of deaths among PSP patients. The most common co-morbid condition in PSP was hypertension, present in 50% of cases.
Effects of exercise on blood pressure, plasma catecholamines, potassium and the electrocardiogram after diuretic and neural-blocking therapy for moderate hypertension

Blood pressure control in mild and moderate hypertension may reduce morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, antihypertensive drugs may cause adverse metabolic, electrolyte, neural and hemodynamic alterations that detract from their effectiveness. The effect of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on some of these factors was compared with that of HCTZ and a sympatholytic drug in 20 hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and retinopathy. HCTZ controlled blood pressure at rest and during maximum treadmill exercise (-12 mm Hg systolic and diastolic pressure (p less than 0.05), reduced left ventricular mass by 7% (p less than 0.05) and lessened aerobic impairment at maximum treadmill exercise by 45% (p less than 0.05). These effects were further improved after "neural blockade." A potential adverse effect of HCTZ--hypokalemia (-0.6 mEq/liter, p less than 0.01)--and the associated incidence of ectopy during effort (50%) were lessened after neutralizing neural tone. Combination therapy with low-dose diuretic and sympatholytic drugs was effective and well tolerated in patients with cardiac and vascular sequelae of moderately severe hypertension.
Lack of Sequence Variation of the Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene From a Malaria Parasite, Plasmodium mexicanum

Abstract Very slight sequence differences in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, even single nucleotide substitutions, have been proposed as indicative of different species of avian malaria parasites. However, few studies have examined within-species variation in that gene for Plasmodium or related genera. We examined sequences for the entire cytochrome b gene from Plasmodium mexicanum, a parasite of lizards, for sites where microsatellite markers revealed substantial genetic diversity. For sites where the parasite is geographically genetically differentiated, and may have been isolated for thousands of years, there was no sequence variation (1,153 nucleotides) for >160 infections studied. The low degree of variation found in the cytochrome b gene for two human malaria parasites world-wide, as well as the lack of variation for P. mexicanum, contrast with the substantial variation found in surveys of bird malaria parasites, even in restricted geographic regions.
Analysis of Whisker-Toughened Ceramic Components Using an Interactive Reliability Model

Realizing wider use of ceramic matrix composites requires the development of advanced structural analysis technologies. This article focuses on the use of interactive reliability models to predict component probability of failure. The deterministic Willam-Wamke failure criterion is the theoretical basis for the reliability model presented herein. The model has been incorporated into a test-bed software program. This computer program is coupled to a general-purpose finite element program. A simple structural problem is presented to illustrate the reliability model and the computer algorithm
A 6b 800MS/s 3.62mW Nyquist AC-coupled VCO-based ADC in 65nm CMOS

A Nyquist VCO-Based ADC architecture is proposed for AC-coupled systems which are commonly used in high-speed wireline and wireless communications. The proposed ADC utilizes a built-in high pass filter as an analog differentiator, replacing the digital differentiator in conventional oversampling VCO-based ADCs. As a result, it avoids quantization noise shaping and achieves wideband Nyquist operation, first order anti-aliasing filtering and improved VCO linearity without calibration. The ADC prototype achieves peak SNDR of 34dB and SFDR of 50dB with over 400MHz input bandwidth and sampling rate of 800MS/s. It occupies an active area of 0.01mm2 and consumes 3.62mW in 65nm CMOS.
Particulate emboli retained by bypass blood filters.

Filters are considered necessary for continuously separating particulate emboli 25 pm and larger forming in extracorporeally oxygenated blood during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients. The formation and source of particulate emboli was investigated experimentally in a model animal (the calf), with 3 designs of bypass blood filters used in extracorporeal shunts. In this study, the scanning electron microscope was used to observe the microscopic morphology and organization of the particulate removed by the filters. A search was made for clues relevant to the filtering process causing the retention of potentially deleterious emboli at the bloodlforeign material contact faces. The fibers of a packed filter (device A) almost immediately after going on bypass (no oxygenator, no pump) retained copious numbers of impaired platelets (disfigured forms with protruding pseudopods). The monofilaments of a woven screen filter (device B) captured excessive numbers of impaired leucocytes (these elements adhered to the surfaces of the monofilaments by means of filipodia or lamellipodia). The strands of a polyfilter design (device C) retained numerous leucocytes and platelets. The leucocytes anchored to the bloodlsynthetic material interfaces by means of filipodia or microspikes. The precise mechanism of the filter retention process is imperfectly understood. It is conceivable the filter design, by influencing the pattern of the emerging blood flow, causes alterations in shape and adhesiveness of platelets and leucocytes. The possibility exists that functionally impaired platelets and leucocytes themselves release, locally in the filter, endocellular macromolecules, granular or-ganelles, and secretions which contain extraordinarily high concentrations of powerful platelet aggregating agents (such as adenosine diphosphate, platelet-specific fibrino-gen, serotonin, and platelet factor 3). These biochemical agents adsorbing locally at the foreign material faces, may play more of a role in the retention by filters of abnormal platelets and leucocytes and particulate emboli than previously recognized.
Colony formation by human fibroblasts: inhibition by multitransfusion and multiparous antisera.

Human isoantisera from various sources were evaluated as potential selective agents for human diploid fibroblasts. Antisera inhibiting colony formation of some fibroblast strains were obtained from among subjects receiving multiple transfusions and also from multiparous women. Of 18 multitransfusion sera tested, 6 inhibited colony formation by some strains of a test panel of fibroblast strains. Thirty sera from multiparous women were tested for colony-inhibiting antibody against fibroblast strains from their offspring; two were positive. Antiserum fractionated by density gradient centrifugation contained colony-inhibiting activity in both the IgG and the IgM fractions. Multiparous antiserum reacted with a smaller proportion of tests strains than any of the multi-transfusion sera, suggesting that it had fewer antibody specificities. From studies of survival of mixtures of cells from an antiserum-sensitive and an antiserum-resistant strain in the presence of antiserum, it appeared that human isoantisera would be effective selective agents for human diploid fibroblasts.
Cultural scripts: the elusive role of psychotropic drugs in treatment.

When I was asked by Michael Oldani to write the commentary for a series of papers on psychotropy, I was a bit surprised. I study health care disparities in the US through the lens of sickle cell disease, a very clear genetic disorder. With sickle cell, the social constructedness of the diagnosis is not an issue whereas in the case of mental illness category fallacy remains a primary concern. As anthropologists we are trained when entering the field to presume that behavior is either normative or a response to particular cultural pressures. Anthropologists do not tend to study people in the singular as if their behavior has a unique ontology. Our methods, therefore, make it virtually impossible to see mental illness as merely brain function gone awry. What makes psychotropy a conceptually rich and exciting intervention, although not new as Benjamin Campbell rightly points out, is that it takes us one step closer to an anthropological theory of the mind. Just to reiterate, Daniel Lord Smail identifies psychotropic mechanisms as, ‘‘The mood-altering practices, behaviors, and institutions generated by human culture’’ (p. 161). By acknowledging that behaviors and experiences have the power to change our brain chemistry—think trance or a day at the spa—psychotropy suggests specific objects of study for approaching the mind/body/culture conundrum. The take-away from this set of ethnographically rich papers is that FDA-approved pharmaceuticals should not be considered revolutionary. Rather these medications are simply a different set of tools for altering our moods and behaviors. Therefore, we need to dampen both our enthusiasm and apocalyptic fears of big pharma. SSRIs, stimulants, and sedatives are simply another cultural form in the service of normalizing behavior and making people feel better by first naming a disease and then delineating a course of action.
On the packing structure of collagen: response to Okuyama et al.'s comment on Microfibrillar structure of type I collagen in situ

A response is published to the comment by Okuyama et al. [(2009) Acta Cryst. D65, 1007–1008] on Microfibrillar structure of type I collagen in situ.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in advanced cancer

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) innervates every organ in the body and is largely involuntary. There have been reports of autonomic dysfunction in cancer patients, but most are case reports. There are suggestions that this abnormality may be common in advanced cancer. Inpatients and outpatients with advanced cancer were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they had a previous diagnosis of a disease associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) abnormalities, or had taken or were taking drugs affecting the ANS. Autonomic function was evaluated using five bedside cardiovascular tests: (1) heart rate response to deep breathing, (2) heart rate response to standing, (3) heart rate response to the Valsalva maneuver, (4) blood pressure response to standing and (5) blood pressure response to static exercise. Each test result was scored according to a validated scale of 0,.5, or 1. The individual scores were added together and each patient received a dysfunction score: none ( = 0-1), mild ( = 1.5-2), moderate ( = 2.5-3) or severe ( = 3.5-5). Twenty-eight men and 22 women participated, median age was 64 years. The median ECOG performance status was 2. Lung and prostate cancer were the most common ( N = 9, 5). 245 tests were performed; 86 (35%) individual tests were normal or borderline. Composite dysfunction scores were calculated; all the participants had a score consistent with abnormality. The median number of symptoms was 6 (range 1-15). Twenty-eight rated at least one symptom as severe (median 2, range 0-5), but symptoms did not correlate with test abnormalities. The results reveal significant ANS dysfunction in advanced cancer. There are more invasive tests that may give more accurate descriptions of ANS abnormalities in this population. These tests may help define the lesion better than these simple bedside tests. Further research with sophisticated ANS testing is needed to clearly define this paraneoplastic syndrome.
EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY AND THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES*

Links between organizational strategy, human resources (HR) policies, and the employment relationship are investigated through surveys of US executives and HR managers. Human resources policies are measured as both an overall philosophy (an internal to an external focus) and a series of items. the items factor into four dimensions: retention, staffing, performance and compensation. Results indicate that staffing policies are associated with organizational strategy. Retention policies are related to the employment relationship. However, the overall HR philosophy is not related to either organizational strategy or the employment relationship. the findings indicate that relationships between organizational strategy, HR and the employment relationship are more complex than previous models had indicated.
Stability of Se passivation layers on Si(001) surfaces characterized by time-of-flight positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectroscopy

The stability of the selenium passivation layer on the Si(001) surface was investigated using a nondestructive surface-sensitive technique: time-of-flight positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectroscopy. After 10days of exposure in the air, the Se passivation layer was observed to incorporate some oxygen but to remain largely intact. Part of the adsorbed oxygen was desorbed during annealing up to 400°C in the ultrahigh-vacuum environment. However, some oxygen remained on the surface until high-temperature annealing at 1030°C. We posit that the oxygen that remained after the low-temperature anneals was chemisorbed on the Si surface at defects in the Se passivation layer. The Se passivation layer was stable up to an annealing temperature of ∼800°C before desorbing from the surface. The stability of the Se-passivated Si(001) surface is attributed to the saturation of the Si dangling bonds on the surface and to the strong Se–Si bonds.
Rapid DNA fingerprinting of pathogens by flow cytometry.

Background A new method for rapid discrimination among bacterial strains based on DNA fragment sizing by flow cytometry is presented. This revolutionary approach combines the reproducibility and reliability of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with the speed and sensitivity of flow cytometry. Methods Bacterial genomic DNA was isolated and digested with a rare-cutting restriction endonuclease. The resulting fragments were stained stoichiometrically with PicoGreen dye and introduced into an ultrasensitive flow cytometer. A histogram of burst sizes from the restriction fragments (linearly related to fragment length in base pairs) resulted in a DNA fingerprint that was used to distinguish among different bacterial strains. Results Five different strains of gram-negative Escherichia coli and six different strains of gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus were distinguished by analyzing their restriction fragments with DNA fragment sizing by flow cytometry. Fragment distribution analyses of extracted DNA were ∼100 times faster and ∼200,000 times more sensitive than pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). When sample preparation time is included, the total DNA fragment analysis time was approximately 8 h by flow cytometry and approximately 24 h by PFGE. Conclusions DNA fragment sizing by flow cytometry is a fast and reliable technique that can be applied to the discrimination among species and strains of human pathogens. Unlike some polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods, sequence information about the bacterial strains is not required, allowing the detection of unknown, newly emerged, or unanticipated strains. Cytometry 41:203–208, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Phase separation of3He-4He mixture in aerogel

Torsional oscillator measurements of 3 He- 4 He mixtures confined in aerogel show evidence of a well defined phase separation region. This region is detached from the superfluid transition line, opening up a region of miscible superfluid mixture at high 3 He concentration.
Toward an Understanding of Job Satisfaction on Agile Teams: Agile Development as Work Redesign

Agile methodologists have claimed that a key value proposition for the adoption of agile methods is that the methods' practices, processes, and philosophy make people more motivated and satisfied with their jobs. However, while several studies have found evidence for this impact, there has not been extensive theoretical support to explain why. In this study, we use the lens of Hackman & Oldham's job characteristics model to motivate a theory of motivation and satisfaction amongst agile development teams. We propose that agile teams are, in fact, redesigning work in the very way that Hackman & Oldham propose will increase job perceptions, and lead to greater job satisfaction. We report the initial results of a research-in-progress study. Using a quantitative survey of 104 software professionals, we test the theory and find preliminary support for our model and hypotheses.
Two novel N-terminal coding exons of Prkar1b gene of mouse: identified using a novel approach of in silico and molecular biology techniques.

Abstract The Prkar1b gene encodes regulatory type 1 beta subunit of protein kinase A. Here we report that mouse R1β gene produces three alternative splice variants (designated as mR1β1, mR1β2 and mR1β3) that have different N-terminal protein structures. New splice variants were identified using combinatorial approach of bioinformatics pipeline involving online available tools and databases, and molecular biology techniques involving RT-PCR, semi-nested PCR and sequencing. Except mR1β3, which was not detected by RT-PCR in brain and muscle tissues of 3 day old mice, all three spliced isoforms were found to be ubiquitously expressed in tissues and postnatal developmental stages examined. The presence of different N-termini in isoforms may be important for unique docking interactions with A kinase anchoring proteins.
Adapting the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To define the research process for adapting current food guidance for young children. The Food Guide Pyramid illustrates a food guide designed to help Americans 2 years of age and over to apply the Dietary Guidelines in selecting a healthy diet. Recent reports have expressed concern about the appropriateness of Dietary Guidelines-style diets for young children, who have special nutrient and developmental needs relating to dietary behavior. This study describes a systematic research process used to adapt the Food Guide Pyramid for children aged 2 to 6 years, and to develop food-guide based nutrition messages for caregivers to improve nutrition of this vulnerable age group. First, goals and objectives for the Pyramid were adapted for young children: nutrient objectives were set at the Recommended Dietary Allowances and recommended energy intakes for children 1–6; Dietary Guidelines objectives for fat and saturated fat were specified to phase in by about age 5; other objectives considered developmental and practical issues for caregivers in using the food guide with young children. Next, data on reported food consumption of 1737 children aged 2–6 from the 1989–91 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals were used to develop composite nutrient profiles for each food group and subgroup in the food guide, and to estimate portion sizes typically reported. Then these adapted composites and portion sizes were used to calculate expected nutrient levels in food patterns suggested by the Pyramid, and compared to nutrient objectives established for young children. Additional guidance was developed and tested to address any nutrient shortfalls noted; for example, selection of an iron-fortified cereal 4–5 times a week, to meet the higher iron RDA for children 1–3 years. Finally, patterns of food group/subgroup selection recommended by the adapted food guide were compared to consumption reported for young children as a starting point for developing an array of potential food-guide-based nutrition messages to be further assessed for appeal and usefulness by market research with parents/caregivers of young children.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease–Associated Esophagitis Induces Endogenous Cytokine Production Leading to Motor Abnormalities

Background & Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition frequently associated with esophagitis and motor abnormalities. Recent evidence suggests that proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, may be implicated because they reduce esophageal muscle contractility, but these results derive from in vitro or animal models of esophagitis. This study used human esophageal cells and tissues to identify the cellular source of cytokines in human esophagitis investigate whether cytokines can be induced by gastric refluxate, and examine whether esophageal tissue– or cell-derived mediators affect muscle contractility. Methods: Endoscopic mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained from patients with and without esophagitis, organ-cultured, and undernatants were assessed for cytokine content. The cytokine profile of esophageal epithelial, fibroblast, and muscle cells was analyzed, and esophageal mucosa and cell products were tested in an esophageal circular muscle contraction assay. Results: The mucosa of esophagitis patients produced significantly greater amounts of IL-1β and IL-6 compared with those of control patients. Cultured esophageal epithelial cells produced IL-6, as did fibroblasts and muscle cells. Epithelial cells exposed to buffered, but not denatured, gastric juice produced IL-6. Undernatants of mucosal biopsy cultures from esophagitis patients reduced esophageal muscle contraction, as did supernatants from esophageal epithelial cell cultures. Conclusions: The human esophagus produces cytokines capable of reducing contractility of esophageal muscle cells. Exposure to gastric juice is sufficient to stimulate esophageal epithelial cells to produce IL-6, a cytokine able to alter esophageal contractility. These results indicate that classic cytokines are important mediators of the motor disturbances associated with human esophageal inflammation.
Impact of Parental Welfare Participation: Transition to Postsecondary Education for Youth With and Without Disabilities

Youth with disabilities have much lower participation rates in postsecondary education compared with youth without disabilities. There is a need to understand ecological factors that influence their differential participation. This research examined the impact of parental receipt of welfare on postsecondary enrollment among youth with disabilities. Through a multivariate linear probability analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), receipt of welfare benefits was observed to predict nearly one third of the adjusted probability difference in attending postsecondary education between youth with and without disabilities. The effects of parental and school characteristics on the probability of attending postsecondary education are also explored, and implications for service providers, practitioners, and researchers in transition to adulthood are discussed.
A deterministic approach to throughput scaling in wireless networks

We address the problem of how throughput in a wireless network scales as the number of users grows. Following the model of Gupta and Kumar, we consider n identical nodes placed in a fixed area. Pairs of transmitters and receivers wish to communicate but are subject to interference from other nodes. Throughput is measured in bit-meters per second. We provide a very elementary deterministic approach that gives achievability results in terms of three key properties of the node locations. As a special case, we obtain /spl Omega/(/spl radic/n) throughput for a general class of network configurations in a fixed area. Results for random node locations in a fixed area can also be derived as special cases of the general result by verifying the growth rate of three parameters. For example, as a simple corollary of our result we obtain a stronger (almost sure) version of the /spl radic/n//spl radic/(logn) throughput for random node locations in a fixed area obtained by Gupta and Kumar. Results for some other interesting non-independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) node distributions are also provided.
The pressure recovery ratio: The invasive index of LV relaxation during filling. model-based prediction with in-vivo validation

Using a simple harmonic oscillator model (PDF formalism), every early filling E-wave can be uniquely described by a set of parameters, (x o , c, and k). Parameter c in the PDF formalism is a damping or relaxation parameter that measures the energy loss during the filling process. Based on Bernoulli’s equation and kinematic modeling, we derived a causal correlation between the relaxation parameter c in the PDF formalism and a feature of the pressure contour during filling – the pressure recovery ratio defined by the left ventricular pressure difference between diastasis and minimum pressure, normalized to the pressure difference between a fiducial pressure and minimum pressure [PRR = 3D(PDiastasis-PMin)/(PFiducial-PMin)]. We analyzed multiple heart beats from one human subject to validate the correlation. Further validation among more patients is warranted. PRR is the invasive causal analogue of the noninvasive E-wave relaxation parameter c. PRR has the potential to be calculated using automated methodology in the catheterization lab in real time.
Uncope: A Screen for Substance Dependence among State Prison Inmates

Efficient and accurate screening for alcohol and other drug dependences is critical if addictions are to be addressed in correctional populations. The UNCOPE, a six-item screen developed on clinica...
DEBT, FOLKLORE, AND CROSS-COUNTRY DIFFERENCES IN FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

Conventional wisdom has long held that, in relationship-based economies such as Japan and Germany, corporations are able to borrow more than U.S. companies, which in turn reduces their cost of capital and gives them a competitive edge. But such folklore does not stand up to scrutiny. In Japan and Germany, large businesses do not borrow more than U.S. companies–and, in fact, judging from coverage ratios, German companies (as well as U.K. companies) seem to borrow considerably less than their international competitors. The article also reports that, in countries where financial markets are “transparent,” the development of the banking sector has little additional impact on the growth of “financially dependent” industries. That is, although industries that require a lot of external finance grow faster in countries where the bank credit-to-GDP ratio is high, the growth rates of such industries are much more correlated with the level of accounting standards (with high standards serving as a proxy for well-developed capital markets) than with a strong banking system.
Factors affecting the viability of cryopreserved allograft heart valves

Allograft heart valves have been used for more than 25 years as replacements for diseased aortic valves and repair of congenital abnormalities. In many instances, particularly paediatric surgery, it is the valve of choice due to its non-obstructive flow, relative freedom from calcification and thromboembolism without anticoagulation therapy. In order to permit valve size matching for recipients, it is necessary to find methods of storage which will maintain cellular viability. The best method which allows infinite, convenient storage is cryopreservation.
An Examination of Problem Behaviors and Reading Outcomes in Kindergarten Students

This study examined the influences of problem behaviors on kindergarten reading outcomes and investigated the extent to which explicit, code-based reading instruction moderated those relations among 206 children identified as being at risk of reading difficulty. Children from the classrooms of 57 kindergarten teachers in 12 schools were randomly assigned to an early reading intervention program or school-determined comparison intervention. In both conditions, children received 30 minutes of small-group supplementary reading instruction for 21 weeks. Findings from multilevel modeling revealed many associations between problem behaviors and reading outcomes for children in both conditions. Interaction analyses indicated that explicit, code-based reading intervention moderated the negative impact of externalizing problem behavior on end-of-kindergarten measures of alphabet knowledge, phonemic blending, and word reading. This type of intensive systematic reading instruction also moderated the influence of hyp...
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A technique for functional brain imaging.

The report in this issue of theArchivesby Pettegrew and colleagues 1 on the alterations in brain phosphate metabolism in the dorsal prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia not administered medication is an important landmark in the field of functional brain imaging. It demonstrates the application of the newly emerged technique of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to the study of major psychiatric diseases. Pettegrew and colleagues used a standard 1.5-T magnetic resonance device to perform spectroscopy in new-onset patients with schizophrenia not administered medication and control subjects matched for age, sex, educational level, and socioeconomic status. Quantification and subsequent comparison of the values for the various spectral peaks revealed significant differences between the patient and control groups. While phosphomonoesters (PMEs) were decreased in the schizophrenic patients, phosphodiesters (PDEs) were increased. These findings most probably reflect alterations in cell membrane phospholipid metabolism. Decreased PME suggests a reduction in membrane synthesis;
Petascale computing with accelerators

A trend is developing in high performance computing in which commodity processors are coupled to various types of computational accelerators. Such systems are commonly called hybrid systems. In this paper, we describe our experience developing an implementation of the Linpack benchmark for a petascale hybrid system, the LANL Roadrunner cluster built by IBM for Los Alamos National Laboratory. This system combines traditional x86-64 host processors with IBM PowerXCell™" 8i1 accelerator processors. The implementation of Linpack we developed was the first to achieve a performance result in excess of 1.0 PFLOPS, and made Roadrunner the #1 system on the Top500 list in June 2008. We describe the design and implementation of hybrid Linpack, including the special optimizations we developed for this hybrid architecture. We then present actual results for single node and multi-node executions. From this work, we conclude that it is possible to achieve high performance for certain applications on hybrid architectures when careful attention is given to efficient use of memory bandwidth, scheduling of data movement between the host and accelerator memories, and proper distribution of work between the host and accelerator processors.
Cylindrocarpon black foot in nurseries—two factors that can increase infection

Two common features of grapevine propagation were investigated to determine whether they increased incidence of black foot disease caused by Cylindrocarpon spp. Grapevine rootstock cuttings (varieties 101–14 and 3,309) were cold stored for 1, 2, 4 and 6 months, inoculated with three Cylindrocarpon spp. and grown on for 3 months prior to isolation. Results showed that increasing periods of cold storage increased the susceptibility of grapevine cuttings, with higher incidences of C. liriodendri (P = 0.041) and C. destructans (P = 0.044), but not C. macrodidymum. Increasing duration of cold storage also increased disease severity by C. destructans (P = 0.036), C. liriodendri (P = 0.000) and C. macrodidymum (P = 0.011). In the second experiment, rootstock cuttings (101–14) from source vines infected with Phaeomoniella chlamydospora were grafted to Sauvignon blanc and grown outdoors before inoculating them with the same three Cylindrocarpon spp. The prior infection with P. chlamydospora caused significantly greater (P = 0.047) incidence of C. liriodendri, but not C. destructans or C. macrodidymum. In all the above experiments, disease incidences and severities were greatest for C. liriodendri and least for C. destructans. These investigations demonstrated that grapevines cuttings and young vines subjected to two potentially stressful conditions were more susceptible to the black foot pathogens that are common in grapevine field nurseries worldwide.
The differential diagnosis of Axis I psychopathology presenting to a university-based multiple sclerosis clinic:

Patients carrying a presumptive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) sometimes present with non-specific clinical signs and symptoms that may be, at least in part, somatic manifestations of psychiatric conditions. This retrospective study was undertaken to identify psychiatric diagnoses among 63 patients whose initial clinical evaluations suggested a primary psychiatric, rather than a primary neurological, etiology for their symptoms. Some 92% of patients met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for one or more primary psychiatric disorders, most often including somatoform, mood, and anxiety disorders. Accurate identification and diagnosis of psychiatric conditions producing pseudoneurological or non-specific somatic symptoms is necessary for both treatment and medico-economic reasons.
Enhancing art history education through mobile augmented reality

This paper describes a new project which will focus on the integration of eye-tracking technology with mobile Augmented Reality (AR) systems. AR provides an enhanced vision of the physical world by integrating virtual elements, such as text and graphics, with real-world environments. The advent of affordable mobile technology has sparked a resurgence of interest in mobile AR applications. Inherent in mobile AR applications is the powerful ability to visually highlight information in the real world. We are working on new algorithms to harness this ability to direct gaze to Points of Interest (POIs). Combining mobile AR and image manipulation gives visual distinction to POIs in order to directly influence and direct gaze in real world scenes. Our initial test domain is that of Art History Education. POIs are determined based on salient regions of paintings, as identified by the visual narrative of the painting. We are developing new system that will be deployed in the Museum of Fine Art in Houston that will enhance visitor education through the use of gaze-directed mobile AR.