cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF IN UTERO EXPOSURE TO COCAINE AND/OR OPIATES ON INFANTS' REACHING BEHAVIOR. † 95

Sensorimotor activity is important to the processes by which infants acquire knowledge from the environment. In this study, infants' reaching behavior to moving objects in the light and dark was used to evaluate 4 components of perceptual-motor processing: attention/motivation (number of reaches); speed of processing (time to achieve contact); auditory localization(number of misses); object recognition (number of closed grasps on first contact). Subjects included 18 term infants (7.5 to 8.5 months); 8 exposed to cocaine and/or opiates in utero (EXP) and 10 nonexposed (NONEXP). Sixteen trials were presented to the infants in which 4 objects emitting sounds moved clockwise into the infant's reaching space in the light and dark. The session was videotaped using infrared sensitive cameras for later coding of reaching activity by research assistants masked to the exposure status of the infants. Compared to the light condition, both groups reached and contacted the object less often, missed more often, and took longer to contact the object in the dark (P<.01 in all cases), reflecting the difficulty of the task when only auditory cues were available to elicit and guide reaching. In both the light and dark, object contacts made with a closed grasp were significantly faster than those involving open-handed touches(P<.05). While both groups reached for the object equally often in the light, EXP infants reached less than NONEXP infants in the dark(P<.05). When a reach was made, however, both groups missed the object equally often in the light and dark. While the time to contact the object was similar in both groups in the light, EXP infants were significantly slower to make contact with the object in the dark compared to NONEXP infants(P<.05). Both groups used a closed grasp equally often in the light, however EXP infants were more likely to use a closed grasp in the dark(P<.05). In sum, the reaching behavior of EXP infants did not differ from NONEXP infants when the task was relatively easy, but EXP infants showed less engagement in sensorimotor activity when the task was more demanding. Given that EXP infants localized objects as well as NONEXP infants when they tried, the decrement in reaching behavior may reflect attentional or motivational deficits that could affect the cognitive development of EXP infants.
Understanding consumers’ social networking site usage

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to examine consumer motivations to use social networking sites (SNSs) for three distinct activities: (1) general SNS usage, (2) the joining of a business’s SNS page and (3) clicking on an advertisement on a SNS. To assist with this exploration we draw upon the decomposed theory of planned behaviour as a theoretical lens and conduct a mixed-method study that utilises both an empirical investigation as well as qualitative focus group interviews in order to delve deeper into specific reasons why individuals engage in SNS activities. Results show that a number of antecedents such as attitude, compatibility, relative advantage, complexity, normative influences and self-efficacy come into play when determining SNS usage activities. However, specific antecedents may vary according to the explicit activity under investigation. This study’s main contribution involves advancing our understanding of consumer behaviour as it relates to SNS activities by examining not only antec...
Renin mRNA is synthesized locally in rat ocular tissues

Components of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) have been detected in ocular tissues and fluids. The source of the ocular RAS proteins is unknown but possibilities include diffusion or leakage from the systemic circulation, specific uptake from the blood, or local synthesis. We have used RT—PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH) to show that renin mRNA is present in ocular tissues from 3 strains of rats. By RT—PCR, we found 10 of 15 ciliary body samples, 13 of 16 iris samples, and 1 of 3 retina samples were positive for renin mRNA. Also, 6 of 6 brain and 7 of 8 kidney samples were positive. Using ISH, we found renin mRNA in the ciliary muscle adjacent to the sclera extending into the choroid. Tissue near the outflow channels of the anterior chamber angle also labeled. Retinal labeling was weak but present in the nerve fiber layer. Clusters of grains, possibly representing blood vessels, were also seen in the ciliary body, iris, and retina using ISH. These results suggest the presence of a local ocular RAS. ...
Procaine Hydrochloride as a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor: Implications for Geriatric Therapy

The results of in vitro experiments showed that inhibition by procaine hydrochloride of monoamine oxidase (MAO) from either rat brain or liver was substrate-dependent. Procaine was more effective in inhibiting serotonin oxidation than phenylethylamine oxidation and had an intermediate effect on tryptamine oxidation. MAO activity in tissue homogenates from rats treated with procaine (150 mg/kg intraperitoneally) was inhibited most in liver, less in heart, and only very slightly brain for a duration of up to 8 hours. Procaine injected in that dose did not alter brain norepinephrine levels and elevated only slightly the brain serotonin levels. It did not protect against the degradation of exogenous radioactive tryptamine in brain. These data confirm and extend prior observations on in vitro inhibition of MAO by procaine and suggest that in high doses procaine may inhibit MAO weakly in vivo. If the reported usefulness of procaine preparations in treating geriatric patients indeed depends upon MAO inhibition, more effective inhibitors would seem to be available.
Emerging ideas: can erythromycin reduce the risk of aseptic loosening?

Background Persistent inflammatory reaction to wear debris causes periprosthetic osteolysis and loosening. Some authors have advocated pharmaceutical approaches to reduce the inflammatory reaction. Erythromycin has antiinflammatory effects independent of its antimicrobial properties. Although oral erythromycin reportedly inhibits periprosthetic tissue inflammation in patients with aseptic loosening, long-term systematic erythromycin treatment is not recommended owing to its side effects. Therefore, it would be advantageous to restrict erythromycin delivery to the inflammatory periprosthetic tissue without causing side effects.
Diet and cholesterol metabolism in young and old baboons

Abstract Cholesterol metabolism and serum lipids have been studied in young and old baboons fed a basal, low fat, commercial chow and then again after adding saturated fat and cholesterol to the chow. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased in all animals but there was little difference in these serum lipids between the two age groups. The change in cholesterol ester fatty acids was more marked in the young than in the old. The fractional contribution of dietary cholesterol to body pool was greater in the young than in the old group. The increase in fractional and absolute rate of cholesterol turnover was similar for the two age groups. The percentage of dietary cholesterol absorbed was also similar for the two age groups, however, there was a greater suppression of endogenous synthesis in the young group on transition to the high cholesterol diet.
Detection of crustal deformation from the Landers earthquake sequence using continuous geodetic measurements

The first measurements are reported for a major earthquake by a continuously operating GPS network, the permanent GPS Genetic ARRY (PGGA) in southern California. The Landers and Big Bear earthquakes of June 28, 1992 were monitored by daily observations. Ten weeks of measurements indicate significant coseismic motion at all PGGA sites, significant postseismic motion at one site for two weeks after the earthquakes, and no significant preseismic motion. These measurements demonstrate the potential of GPS monitoring for precise detection of precursory and aftershock seismic deformation in the near and far field.
Assignment of human thymidine kinase gene locus to chromosome 17 by identification of its distinctive quinacrine-fluorescence in man|[sol]|mouse somatic hybrid cells

Top of pageAbstract Human chromosomes are preferentially eliminatd from man/mouse somatic hybrid cells. Two groups of works obtained viable hybrids by mixing human cells with a murine cell line lacking thymidine kinase and growing the mixture of cells in a selective medium in which cell survival required the presence of this enzyme. The hybrid cells usually contained a single human submetacentric chromosome, whose size and shape suggested that it was a memeber of the E-group, either chromosome 17 or 18. This chromosome presumably carries the human thymidine kinase locus. Chromosomes of the E-group can be readily identified in human cells by their distinctive quinacrine-fluorescence patterns. By applying this technique to metaphase figures from one of the hybrid cell lines studied by Migeon and Miller (Science 162, 1005, 1968), we have found that the submetacentric chromosome which is present has the characteristic quinacrine-fluorescence pattern of a human chromosome 17.
Flash Mob Research: A Single-Day, Multicenter, Resident-Directed Study of Respiratory Rate

Background Vital signs are critical data in the care of hospitalized patients, but the accuracy with which respiratory rates are recorded in this population remains uncertain. We used a novel flash mob research approach to evaluate the accuracy of recorded respiratory rates in inpatients. Methods This was a single-day, resident-led, prospective observational study of recorded vs directly observed vital signs in nonventilated patients not in the ICU on internal medicine teaching services at six large tertiary-care centers across the United States. Results Among the 368 inpatients included, the median respiratory rate was 16 breaths/min for the directly observed values and 18 breaths/min for the recorded values, with a median difference of 2 breaths/min ( P Conclusions Among hospitalized patients across the United States, recorded respiratory rates are higher than directly observed measurements and are significantly more likely to be 18 or 20 breaths/min.
Rethinking Kink: Sadomasochism as Serious Leisure

Based on extensive ethnographic research in a public SM (sadomasochism) community, this paper frames SM as recreation. Drawing on Robert Stebbins’ work on “serious leisure” (1982), I posit that in order to more adequately understand SM as it occurs in this community, we need to shift from mainstream assumptions of SM as (simply) “kinky sex” to a more nuanced perspective. I explore the unique skills required in order to engage in SM, as well as the benefits and rewards that participants derive from it, in order to illustrate that SM can be more usefully understood as serious leisure.
Heat Transfer in Microchannels With Suspended Solid Particles: Lattice-Boltzmann Based Computations

This paper presents computational results on the effect of fixed or suspended cylindrical solid particles on heat transfer in a channel flow. The computational method is based on the solution of the lattice-Boltzmann equation for the fluid flow, coupled with the energy equation for thermal transport and the Newtonian dynamic equations for direct simulation of suspended particle transport. The effects of Reynolds number, particle-to-channel size ratio, and the eccentricity of the particle on heat transfer from the channel walls for single and multi-particles are presented. The multi-particle flow condition represents a case with solid particles suspended in the cooling medium, such as in micro/nanofluids, to augment heat transfer. The results provide insight into the mechanism by which suspended particles can change the rate of heat transfer in a microchannel.
Calculating Launch-Vehicle Flight Performance Reserve

This paper addresses different methods for determining the amount of extra propellant (flight performance reserve or FPR) that is necessary to reach orbit with a high probability of success. One approach involves assuming that the various influential parameters are independent and that the result behaves as a Gaussian. Alternatively, probabilistic models may be used to determine the vehicle and environmental models that will be available (estimated) for a launch day go/no go decision. High-fidelity closed-loop Monte Carlo simulation determines the amount of propellant used with each random combination of parameters that are still unknown at the time of launch. Using the results of the Monte Carlo simulation, several methods were used to calculate the FPR. The final chosen solution involves determining distributions for the pertinent outputs and running a separate Monte Carlo simulation to obtain a best estimate of the required FPR. This result differs from the result obtained using the other methods sufficiently that the higher fidelity is warranted.
Statistical sensor fusion for countermine applications

In this paper, a statistical technique for multi-sensor data fusion is applied to countermine problems. The fusion method has previously been shown to be a powerful tool in SAR/ATR applications. An earlier study, using data from the separate x, y and z coils of the EM61-3D metal detector collected at the Seabee site at Ft. Carson, demonstrated that the method shows promise for countermine applications as well. This paper briefly reviews the mathematical foundation of the fusion technique and then a new application to multi-sensor data for the Mine Hunter/Killer system is discussed at length. The sensor suite includes a ground-penetrating radar, metal detectors, and an IR camera; data were collected at Fort AP Hill, VA. The results of applying the probabilistic fusion method to these multi-sensor data are present and analyzed in detail for the first time. The advantages and limitations of using this fusion approach for countermine applications are discussed.
Whispering gallery micro-global positioning system for nanoparticle sizing in real time

We have devised a simple means for determining the size of a nanoparticle in one binding event (i.e., real time) by utilizing two polar modes of a slightly eccentric Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) spheroidal resonator. The ratio of shifts of these modes locates the absolute latitude angle at which a nano-particle binds. From this location, the size of the nanoparticle is calculated using the reactive sensing principle. Although our latitude-only micro-global positioning scheme is applied to nanoparticle sizing using slightly eccentric spheroids in aqueous solution, this approach can be applied to WGM micro-resonators having a variety of shapes.
Ultrastructure of mouse vallate taste buds. I. Taste cells and their associated synapses

The ultrastructural features of murine vallate taste bud cells and their associated synapses have been examined in thin and thick sections with conventional transmission electron microscopy and high-voltage electron microscopy. Computer-assisted reconstructions from serial sections were utilized to aid in visualization of taste bud cell-nerve fiber synapses. We have classified taste bud cells on the basis of previously established criteria-namely, size of the nucleus, shape and density of chromatin, density of cytoplasm, and presence or absence of dense-cored or clear vesicles, other cytoplasmic organelles, and synaptic foci. Both dark cells and light cells are present, as well as cells with intermediate morphological characteristics. Synapses were observed from taste bud cells onto nerve fiber processes. In virtually all instances, synapses are associated with the nuclear region of the taste cell. These synapses are characterized by the presence of 40-70 nm clear vesicles embedded in a thickened presynaptic membrane separated from the postsynaptic membrane by a 16-30 nm cleft. Synapses are not unique to any particular cell type. Dark, intermediate, and light cells all synapse onto nerve fibers. Two general types of synapses exist: spot (or macular) and fingerlike. In the latter, the postsynaptic region of the neuronal process protrudes into an invagination of the taste cell membrane. Differences in synaptic morphology are not correlated with taste cell type. In some cases a single taste cell was observed to possess both macular and fingerlike synapses adjacent to one another, forming a synaptic complex onto a single neuronal process. On the basis of the presence of synaptic contacts, we conclude that both "dark" and "light" cells are gustatory receptors.
‘A burger and a coke’ and other environmental problems: Reflections on diet and the environmental crisis

Most environmental organizations do not focus attention on the impact of diet on the environment. However, my findings as spelled out in this article indicate that dietary changes, especially reduction of beef consumption, could have dramatic and heretofore unforeseen environmental implications ranging from local issues of fertilizer and pesticide use to global sustainability. Using illustrations from American and Australian practices, I trace a wide variety of environmental and nutritional impacts of beef consumption and conclude that a burger and a coke is an outmoded lunch for a humanoid on Planet Earth today.
The benzene+OH potential energy surface: intermediates and transition states

The potential energy surface for the interaction between benzene and hydroxyl radical is studied in detail using quantum mechanical methods, with a particular focus on the hydrogen abstraction pathway. Geometric parameters are optimized using a variety of density functional methods as well as perturbation theory. Energies are refined using coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] extrapolated to the complete basis set limit. At our most reliable level of theory, complexation energies are found to be (with zero-point corrected energies in parentheses) 3.7 (2.8) kcal/mol for the benzene–hydroxyl radical complex and 2.9 (−1.7) kcal/mol for the phenyl radical–water complex. The barrier to H abstraction lies 6.5 (4.2) kcal/mol above the infinitely separated benzene and hydroxyl radical monomers.
Oxyanionic Sigmatropic Rearrangements Relevant to Cyclooctadienone Formation in Penostatins I and F

The results of several experiments designed to probe the energetic viability of a reaction path for generation of penostatins I (3) and F (4) via spontaneous [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement are reported. In particular, the enolate derived from the 2-vinyl-6-acyldihydropyran 8-cis gave cyclooctadienone 12 via facile anionic oxy-Claisen rearrangement, demonstrating the feasibility of such an event.
Beam Abort System for the NAL 500 BeV Synchrotron

An internal beam dump is designed for the NAL main ring to dispose of circulating beam at any time during the acceleration cycle. An abort at full beam power is an emergency procedure, but activation of the system at the end of every cycle purges unextracted protons and provides a continuous check on system operability. The system consists of a full aperture vertical orbit bump in a 50 m drift space which carries the beam onto a 6 m aluminum and steel dump. Four 12.8 kG vertical bending magnets excited from individual 18 kJ capacitor banks provide a full aperture kick in 84 ?s. Monte Carlo calculations show that primary stopping efficiency of about 99.8% can be expected, but that local heating problems will require a cautious approach to full beam power dumping.
Asymmetric self-defocusing of an optical beam from the photorefractive effect

A new kind of optical self-defocusing is described that in steady state is independent of optical beam power and is strongly asymmetric. The physical mechanism responsible is the photorefractive effect. We present a theory that explains the observed dependence of this self-defocusing on polarization, angle of incidence, beam size, and crystal orientation. Experimental results, using a single-domain crystal of BaTiO3, are presented that show excellent quantitative agreement with the theory. Possible device applications are discussed, including an optical diode and a low-power bistable device with permanent memory.
Billing for Medical Genetics and Genetic Counseling Services: A National Survey

In January 2007 the American Medical Association added a new Current Procedural Terminology® (CPT) code, 96040, for “Medical Genetics and Genetic Counseling Services.” In order to identify the impact of having this new code and to identify issues with implementation of the code, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) CPT® Working Group surveyed NSGC members using an internet-based survey tool. The majority of respondents (94%) reported being aware of the new code and over half of the respondents (69%) said they were billing for genetic counseling. Approximately 24% of those billing reported using 96040. Many facilities are not using this code and the reported success of billing using 96040 is highly varied. Continued education may be beneficial to encourage reimbursement for 96040 and follow up is needed to assess the ongoing implementation and impact of the new CPT® code.
Functional Analysis of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases Differentially Expressed by Variants of Human HT-1080 Fibrosarcoma Exhibiting High and Low Levels of Intravasation and Metastasis

The role of tumor-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) in cancer cell dissemination was analyzed by employing two variants of human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma, HT-hi/diss and HT-lo/diss, which differ by 50-100-fold in their ability to intravasate and metastasize in the chick embryo. HT-hi/diss and HT-lo/diss were compared by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot analyses for mRNA and protein expression of nine MMPs (MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -10, -13, and -14) and three TIMPs (TIMP-1, -2, and -3) in cultured cells in vitro and in primary tumors in vivo. MMP-1 and MMP-9 were more abundant in the HT-hi/diss variant, both in cultures and in tumors, whereas the HT-lo/diss variant consistently expressed higher levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Small interfering RNA-mediated down-regulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 increased intravasation of HT-lo/diss cells. Coordinately, treatment of the developing HT-hi/diss tumors with recombinant TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 significantly reduced HT-hi/diss cell intravasation. However, a substantial increase of HT-hi/diss dissemination was observed upon small interfering RNA-mediated down-regulation of three secreted MMPs, including the interstitial collagenase MMP-1 and the two gelatinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, but not the membrane-tethered MMP-14. The addition of recombinant pro-MMP-9 protein to the HT-hi/diss tumors reversed the increased intravasation of HT-hi/diss cells, in which MMP-9 was stably down-regulated by short hairpin RNA interference. This rescue did not occur if the pro-MMP-9 was stoichiometrically complexed with TIMP-1, pointing to a direct role of the MMP-9 enzyme in regulation of HT-hi/diss intravasation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that tumor-derived MMPs may have protective functions in cancer cell intravasation, i.e. not promoting but rather catalytically interfering with the early stages of cancer dissemination.
Accumulation of methadone by the choroid plexus in vitro

Abstract The uptake of methadone by the choroid plexus of rabbits fulfils the usual criteria for an active transport system. Methadone is taken up against an apparent concentration gradient and high concentrations of the narcotic can saturate the transport system. The uptake of methadone can be inhibited by low temperature, metabolic inhibitors, other narcotic drugs and narcotic antagonists. The transport system is competitively inhibited by morphine and verapamil. The transport system appears to have a higher affinity for methadone than for morphine. However, the system has about four times greater capacity to transport morphine than methadone. Calcium ions may somehow be involved with the narcotic transport system.
Regioregular poly(3‐alkanoylthiophene): Synthesis and electrochemical, photophysical, charge transport, and photovoltaic properties

Head-to-tail regioregular poly(3-heptanoylthiophene) (PHOT) was synthesized by Ni-catalyzed polycondensation of the 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol-protected Grignard monomer followed by deprotection. Cyclic voltammetric (CV) study demonstrates that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of PHOT are 0.5 eV lower in energy than those of the head-to-tail poly(3-hexylthiophene) (HT-P3HT). Their optical band gaps are essentially the same. Incomplete photoluminescence (PL) quenching was observed in thin films of the 1:1 blend of PHOT and HT-P3HT. PHOT displayed a glass transition at ∼269 °C and decomposed at ∼300 °C according to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) study showed that PHOT exists in a not highly ordered state in solid films especially in the π-stacking direction. Only p-channel activity was observed in field-effect transistors (FETs) for PHOT. The hole mobility was on the order of 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. Photovoltaic devices with an active layer of 1:1 blend of PHOT and PC71BM had a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ∼0.5%. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
A synthesis of memory mechanisms for distributed architectures

Producing efficient parallel programs for distributed memory multiprocessors is a difficult task. Hand-coding efficient parallel programs for these systems can be extremely difficult, time consuming and error-prone, so people have turned to the shared memory abstraction and automatic parallelizing compilers to ease the task. The two main approaches to this are using compilers that 1) generate message passing code, or 2) generate code for a distributed shared memory software layer. Neither has been completely successful for all types of programs. In this paper, we discuss the use of a combination of these mechanisms to produce a compiler code generation paradigm that can be successful for many user programs. The experimental results indicate that our new paradigm would be able to support both regular and irregular code efficiently.
An update on perfusion safety: does the type of perfusion practice affect the rate of incidents related to cardiopulmonary bypass?:

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) techniques vary among adult and pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This may result in a differential conduct of CPB between various aged patients. The present study reports on perfusion incidents occurring in hospitals using extracorporeal circulation. An 80 question survey was mailed to chief perfusionists at all 1030 US cardiac surgical centers. Respondents were asked to report on device use and incidents occurring during a 2-year period from July 1996 to June 1998. Five hundred and twenty-four completed surveys were returned with the age of surgical patients operated on at each hospital defined as either an adult (n=407), pediatric (n=17), or combined-adult and pediatric (n=100). Centrifugal pumps were used as the primary systemic pumps in 54% of adult, 12% of pediatric, and 36% of combined centers. In-line blood gas monitoring was used in 76% of all pediatric hospitals, but in only 30% of adult facilities. Incident rates occurred once per every 120.9, 83.9, and 220.2 cases in adult, pediatric, and combined centers, respectively. Mortality rates related to CPB occurred 2.7 times higher in adult and pediatric centers as compared to combined hospitals. Arterial dissection was the number one cause of death in both pediatric and combined hospitals, while coagulation disturbances resulted in the highest mortality for adult procedures. Results of this study show that the lowest incident rates occur at hospitals performing combined adult and pediatric CPB.
SEAR: a secure efficient ad hoc on demand routing protocol for wireless networks

Multi-hop routing is essential to the operation of wireless ad hoc networks. Unfortunately, it is very easy for an adversary to forge or modify routing messages to inflict severe damage on the underlying routing protocol. In this paper, we present SEAR, a secure efficient ad hoc routing (SEAR) protocol for ad hoc networks that is mainly based on efficient symmetric cryptography, with asymmetric cryptography used only for the distribution of initial key commitments. SEAR uses one-way hash functions to protect the propagation of the routing messages. Intermediate nodes verify the routing messages by applying one-way functions, while malicious nodes cannot construct beneficial false routing messages when forwarding them. Route error (RERR) messages are protected through a variation of the TESLA broadcast authentication scheme. The SEAR protocol does not require any additional routing packet formats, and thus follows the same basic design as ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV). We show, through both theoretical examination and simulations, that SEAR provides better security with significantly less overhead than other existing secure AODV (SAODV) protocols. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational dynamics of tryptophan: a proposal for the origin of the non-exponential fluorescence decay

Abstract A molecular dynamics simulation is used to explore the conformational dynamics of tryptophan. The simulations imply a substantial time scale separation for motion around the χ 1 or χ 2 bonds. We propose a model for tryptophan non-exponential fluorescence decay in terms of two χ 2 conformers each consisting of equilibrium distributions (on the fluorescence time scale) of χ 1 conformers.
The Impact of Alternative Response Scales on Measuring Self-ratings of Health

Following the First Law of Studying Societal Change, the General Social Survey (GSS) strives for consistent measurement over time by employing constant measures.(1) However, in certain cases measures have been changed for various reasons. When such alterations occur, the GSS has introduced the revised version in a controlled manner, typically using some combination of across-subjects experiments and within-subjects repetition. This procedure is important so that variation due to measurement effects is not confounded with studying true change. This report considers a possible change in the GSS measure of self-rated health.
Fast EM-type implementations for mixed effects models

The mixed effects model, in its various forms, is a common model in applied statistics. A useful strategy for fitting this model implements EM-type algorithms by treating the random effects as missing data. Such implementations, however, can be painfully slow when the variances of the random effects are small relative to the residual variance. In this paper, we apply the ‘working parameter’ approach to derive alternative EM-type implementations for fitting mixed effects models, which we show empirically can be hundreds of times faster than the common EM-type implementations. In our limited simulations, they also compare well with the routines in S-PLUS® and Stata® in terms of both speed and reliability. The central idea of the working parameter approach is to search for efficient data augmentation schemes for implementing the EM algorithm by minimizing the augmented information over the working parameter, and in the mixed effects setting this leads to a transfer of the mixed effects variances into the regression slope parameters. We also describe a variation for computing the restricted maximum likelihood estimate and an adaptive algorithm that takes advantage of both the standard and the alternative EM-type implementations.
p53 Family members p63 and p73 are SAM domain‐containing proteins

Homologs of the tumor suppressor p53, called p63 and p73, have been identified. The p63 and p73 family members possess a domain structure similar to p53, but contain variable C-terminal extensions. We find that some of the C-terminal extensions contain Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) domains. SAM domains are protein modules that are involved in protein-protein interactions. Consistent with this role, the C-terminal SAM domains of the p63 and p73 may regulate function by recruiting other protein effectors.
Stimulation‐induced Ca2+ influx at nodes of Ranvier in mouse peripheral motor axons

KEY POINTS In peripheral myelinated axons of mammalian spinal motor neurons, Ca(2+) influx was thought to occur only in pathological conditions such as ischaemia. Using Ca(2+) imaging in mouse large motor axons, we find that physiological stimulation with trains of action potentials transiently elevates axoplasmic [C(2+)] around nodes of Ranvier. These stimulation-induced [Ca(2+)] elevations require Ca(2+) influx, and are partially reduced by blocking T-type Ca(2+) channels (e.g. mibefradil) and by blocking the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX), suggesting an important contribution of Ca(2+) influx via reverse-mode NCX activity. Acute disruption of paranodal myelin dramatically increases stimulation-induced [Ca(2+)] elevations around nodes by allowing activation of sub-myelin L-type (nimodipine-sensitive) Ca(2+) channels. The Ca(2+) that enters myelinated motor axons during normal activity is likely to contribute to several signalling pathways; the larger Ca(2+) influx that occurs following demyelination may contribute to the axonal degeneration that occurs in peripheral demyelinating diseases. Activity-dependent Ca(2+) signalling is well established for somata and terminals of mammalian spinal motor neurons, but not for their axons. Imaging of an intra-axonally injected fluorescent [Ca(2+)] indicator revealed that during repetitive action potential stimulation, [Ca(2+)] elevations localized to nodal regions occurred in mouse motor axons from ventral roots, phrenic nerve and intramuscular branches. These [Ca(2+)] elevations (∼ 0.1 μm with stimulation at 50 Hz, 10 s) were blocked by removal of Ca(2+) from the extracellular solution. Effects of pharmacological blockers indicated contributions from both T-type Ca(2+) channels and reverse mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange (NCX). Acute disruption of paranodal myelin (by stretch or lysophosphatidylcholine) increased the stimulation-induced [Ca(2+)] elevations, which now included a prominent contribution from L-type Ca(2+) channels. These results suggest that the peri-nodal axolemma of motor axons includes multiple pathways for stimulation-induced Ca(2+) influx, some active in normally-myelinated axons (T-type channels, NCX), others active only when exposed by myelin disruption (L-type channels). The modest axoplasmic peri-nodal [Ca(2+)] elevations measured in intact motor axons might mediate local responses to axonal activation. The larger [Ca(2+) ] elevations measured after myelin disruption might, over time, contribute to the axonal degeneration observed in peripheral demyelinating neuropathies.
Towards an industrial strength SQL/XML infrastructure

XML has become an attractive data processing model for applications. SQL/XML is a SQL standard that integrates XML with SQL. It introduces the XML datatype as a native SQL datatype and defines XML generation functions in the SQL/XML 2003 standard. The goal for the next version of SQL/XML is integrating XQuery with SQL by supporting XQuery embedded inside SQL functions such as the XMLQuery and XMLTable functions. Starting with the 9i database release, Oracle has supported the XML datatype and various operations on XML instances. In this paper, we present the design and implementation strategies of the SQL/XML standard in Oracle XMLDB. We explore the various critical infrastructures needed in the SQL database kernel to support an efficient native XML datatype implementation and the design approaches for efficient generation, query and update of the XML instances. Furthermore, we also illustrate extensions to SQL/XML that makes Oracle XMLDB a truly industrial strength platform for XML processing.
Titanium-catalyzed, one-pot synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyano- pyridines

Earth-abundant and inexpensive titanium can catalyze alkyne iminoamination, which generates tautomers of 1,3-diimines. Upon treatment with base (DBU) and malononitrile, the multicomponent cou- pling product is converted to 2-amino-3-cyanopyri- dines in a one-pot procedure in good to modest yields. There is substantial control of regioselectivity for the substituents on the pyridine ring and on the 2-amino group. Several studies were done that pro- vide significant evidence for a Dimroth rearrange- ment mechanism for 2-aminopyridine formation, in- cluding isolation of a 2-imino-1,2-dihydropyridine in- termediate that undergoes rearrangement under the reaction conditions.
Fast-ICCD Photography and Gated Photon Counting Measurements of Blackbody Emission from Particulates Generated in the KrF-Laser Ablation of BN and YBCO

Fast intensified CCD photography and gated photon counting following KrF-laser irradiation of YBCO and BN targets reveal the first observations of very weak emission from slow-moving ejecta up to 2 cm from the target and times extending to ≈1.5 ms. Time-of-flight velocities inferred from the emission measurements indicate velocities (v ~ (0.45–1.2) × 104 cm s−1) comparable to those measured for the large particles which often accompany the pulsed laser deposition process. Gated photon counting is employed to obtain temporally resolved spectra of this weak emission. The spectral shape is characteristic of blackbody emission, which shifts to longer wavelengths as the particles cool during flight in vacuum. Estimates of the temperature of the particles are made based on the emissivity of a perfect blackbody and range from 2200 K to 3200 K for both BN and YBCO when irradiated at Φ248 = 3.5 J cm−2 and 1.5 J cm−2, respectively. The temperature decrease of the particles in vacuum is compared to a radiative cooling model which gives estimates of the initial surface temperature and radii of the particles.
The conceptus increases secreted phosphoprotein 1 gene expression in the mouse uterus during the progression of decidualization mainly due to its effects on uterine natural killer cells

Within the mouse endometrium, secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) gene expression is mainly expressed in the luminal epithelium and some macrophages around the onset of implantation. However, during the progression of decidualization, it is expressed mainly in the mesometrial decidua. To date, the precise cell types responsible for the expression in the mesometrial decidua has not been absolutely identified. The goal of the present study was to assess the expression of SPP1 in uteri of pregnant mice (decidua) during the progression of decidualization and compared it with those undergoing artificially induced decidualization (deciduoma). Significantly (P<0.05) greater steady-state levels of SPP1 mRNA were seen in the decidua when compared with deciduoma. Further, in the decidua, the majority of the SPP1 protein was localized within a subpopulation of granulated uterine natural killer (uNK) cells but not co-localized to their granules. However, in addition to being localized to uNK cells, SPP1 protein was also detected in another cell type(s) that were not epidermal growth factor-like containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like sequence 1 protein-positive immune cells that are known to be present in the uterus at this time. Finally, decidual SPP1 expression dramatically decreased in uteri of interleukin-15-deficient mice that lack uNK cells. In conclusion, SPP1 expression is greater in the mouse decidua when compared with the deciduoma after the onset of implantation during the progression of decidualization. Finally, uNK cells were found to be the major source of SPP1 in the pregnant uterus during decidualization. SPP1 might play a key role in uNK killer cell functions in the uterus during decidualization.
Multicue HMM-UKF for real-time contour tracking

We propose an HMM model for contour detection based on multiple visual cues in spatial domain and improve it by joint probabilistic matching to reduce background clutter. It is further integrated with unscented Kalman filter to exploit object dynamics in nonlinear systems for robust contour tracking
Interventions That Promote Stroke Awareness: A Literature Review

This review of literature explores various interventions that promote stroke awareness and knowledge of stroke warning signs in individuals. The review looks at the differences and similarities in several identified interventions, including mass media, printed materials, presentations, children's programs, and stroke screenings. An assessment of these 5 interventions provides information on cost, personnel involved, number of persons reached, and knowledge retention from each program. Programs reviewed using the identified types of interventions demonstrate the benefits and challenges of each and enable program developers to coordinate programs based on these evaluations.
pH homeostasis and bioenergetic work in alkalophiles

Abstract A Na+/H+ antiporter catalyses coupled Na+ extrusion and H+ uptake across the membranes of extremely alkalophilic bacilli. This exchange is electrogenic, with H+ translocated inward > Na+ extruded. It is energized by the Δψ2 component of the Δ μ H + that is established during primary proton pumping by the alkalophile respiratory chain complexes. These complexes abound in the membranes of extreme alkalophiles. Combined activity of the respiratory chain,the antiporter, and solute transport systems that are coupled to Na+ re-entry, allow the alkalophiles to maintain a cytoplasmic pH that is several pH units more acidic than optimal external pH values for growth. There is no compelling evidence for a specific and necessary role for any ion other than sodium in pH homeostasis, and although there is very high cytoplasmic buffering capacity in the alkaline range, active mechanisms for pH homeostasis are crucial. Energization of the antiporter as well as the proton translocating F1F0-ATPase that catalyses ATP synthesis in the extreme alkalophiles must accommodate the problem of the low net Δ μ H + and the very low concentrations of protons, per se, in the external medium. This problem is by-passed by other bioenergetic work functions, such as solute uptake or motility, that utilize sodium ions for energy-coupling in the place of protons.
Broadcast channels with cooperating receivers: a downlink for the sensor reachback problem

This paper describes the problem of communicating over broadcast channels (BCs) with partially cooperating receivers. In our setup receivers are able to exchange messages over conference links, prior to making their decisions. This problem comes up naturally in a sensor networking application, where a transmitter external to the sensor network wants to download data into the network to, e.g., configure the sensor array. We find the capacity region for the case where the BC is degraded. This region is a strict enlargement of the classical region for the degraded BC without cooperation in [T.M. Cover,(1998)].
Surface chemistry of transition metal carbides: a theoretical analysis

Abstract Extended Huckel tight binding calculations have been employed to analyze the interactions of oxygen, carbon monoxide and methanol with the (100) and (111) faces of a representative rocksalt carbide, TiC. The (111) face has been experimentally shown to be the most active toward the adsorption, dissociation or decomposition of adsorbates, whereas the (100) face demonstrates very little activity. Our calculations suggest that the differential reactivity of the two faces is the result of the coordination of the atom in the active site and the presence of surface carbon. For CO on the (100) face the population of the 2π ∗ level increases if carbon vacancies are included in the calculations and dissociation occurs. For the (111) metal-terminated face of TiC the population of the 2π ∗ level is nearly identical to that calculated for Ti(0001). Methanol dissociates into methoxy and a protic species on the (111) face but remains molecular on the (100). The calculations suggest that the molecular species is stabilized by interaction of the methanolic proton with the surface carbon.
Functional Porous Tin Oxide Thin Films Fabricated by Inkjet Printing Process

The highly transparent SnO 2 thin films were deposited through solution-based inkjet printing using a simple precursor solution. We were able to fabricate porous tin oxide thin film that has a thin nanoporous layer on top and a thicker meso- and macroporous layer beneath the top layer. The thin-film transmittance is over 98% in the visible wavelength range. A mechanism based on gas evolution was proposed to explain the formation of porous structure. A depletion-mode thin-film transistor using the porous tin oxide channel layer was fabricated with a field-effect mobility of 3.62 cm 2 /V s.
Implementation Of Enterprise Resource Planning In Business Curriculums

SAP, the most pervasive enterprise resource planning software package in the world, is currently being used in several universities across the US. The use of this software varies from institution to institution, primarily by the degree in which it permeates the business curriculum. From a personal perspective, the author seeks to examine why SAP is fully integrated in some curriculums and why it is sporadically used in other curriculums. The question of how SAP can be successfully implemented into the business curriculum is addressed and explained.
Shopping at farmers' markets: Does ease of access really matter?

With the rapid growth of farmers’ markets, roadside stands and U-pick operations in the USA, direct food distribution to consumers has become more important for agricultural producers. However, numerous studies have revealed that there are barriers preventing further development of these markets. One of the most often cited barriers is lack of access for consumers. This raises the question: to what extent does accessibility affect consumers’ participation in this food marketing channel? Based on data from a public mail survey, a binary probit model was developed to test whether the ease of access to farmers' markets would affect consumers’ participation decisions. The model included other control variables such as spatial accessibility to other traditional food retail stores, consumer demographics and perceptions of locally produced foods. The results showed that each additional farmers' market within a 5 km radius of the household significantly increased the expected probability of participation by 3.67%, and the effect varied with urban and rural areas. The presence of grocery stores, convenience stores and specialty food stores were statistically insignificant. Also, some demographic characteristics such as age, household income and household size, along with attitudes toward local foods, were found to be significant predictors of consumers’ behavior. Finally, we provide a number of implications for improving market locations, targeting interested consumers and developing strategies to promote farmers' markets.
Legal Positivism and Originalist Interpretation

The topic I have been assigned for this keynote address is the relationship between legal positivism and originalist theories of interpretation. Fortunately for me, there is indeed a relationship between these two things, and a strong one at that. Or so I shall contend. My plan is as follows: I shall first give an account of legal positivism. That account will be brief, no more than a sketch, but hopefully not a caricature. But it will be sufficient for demonstrating the relationship between legal positivism and originalist interpretation. After my brief portrayal of legal positivism, I shall turn my attention to originalist interpretation. I shall show why legal positivism supports originalism. And I shall conclude by discussing various objections to originalism, objections that nevertheless can be successfully parried.
Ammonium catalyzed cyclitive additions: evidence for a cation-π interaction with alkynes.

The addition of carbamate nitrogen to a non-conjugated carbon–carbon triple bond is catalyzed by an ammonium salt leading to a cyclic product. Studies in homogeneous systems suggest that the ammonium agent facilitates nitrogen–carbon bond formation through a cation–π interaction with the alkyne unit that, for the first time, is directly observed by Raman spectroscopy.