cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toward a Model of Judicious Transparency That Builds Trust Within Organizations

After examining the concepts of transparency within both authentic leadership theory and discursive leadership theory, this chapter presents a new model of transparency—judicious transparency. Judicious transparency refers to the wise, discerning, astute, and sensible use of transparency that seeks to build trust within organizations. This approach to transparency offers a more refined and robust understanding of the nature of transparency, as well as, a potentially stronger and more productive way of practicing transparency and building honest relationships. Judicious transparency addresses the source, basis, purpose, limitations, and outcomes of transparency. This chapter recommends future research that will include clarification of these aspects of transparency and the establishment of operational definitions to guide ongoing research efforts into judicious transparency.
An investigation of the elastic cylindrical line contact equations for plane strain and stress considering friction

This work presents a finite-element model-based study of elastic cylindrical contact. The aim is to evaluate the transition between the plane stress and plane strain-based Hertz solutions when each...
From Semantics to Computer Science: The semantics of dataflow with firing

Abstract Dataflow models of computation have intrigued computer scientists since the 1970s. They were first introduced by Jack Dennis as a basis for parallel programming languages and architectures, and by Gilles Kahn as a model of concurrency. Interest in these models of computation has been recently rekindled by the resurrection of parallel computing, due to the emergence of multicore architectures. However, Dennis and Kahn approached dataflow very differently. Dennis' approach was based on an operational notion of atomic firings driven by certain firing rules. Kahn's approach was based on a denotational notion of processes as continuous functions on infinite streams. This paper bridges the gap between these two points of view, showing that sequences of firings define a continuous Kahn process as the least fixed point of an appropriately constructed functional. The Dennis firing rules are sets of finite prefixes satisfying certain conditions that ensure determinacy. These conditions result in firing rules that are strictly more general than the blocking reads of the Kahn–MacQueen implementation of Kahn process networks, and solve some compositionality problems in the dataflow model. This work was supported in part by the Center for Hybrid and Embedded Software Systems (CHESS) at UC Berkeley, which receives support from the National Science Foundation (NSF awards #0720882 (CSR-EHS: PRET), #0647591 (CSR-SGER), and #0720841 (CSR-CPS)), the US Army Research Office (ARO #W911NF-07-2-0019), the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (MURI #FA9550-06-0312 and AF-TRUST #FA9550-06-1-0244), the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), the State of California Micro Program, and the following companies: Agilent, Bosch, DGIST, National Instruments, and Toyota.
Vertical Seismic Load Effect on Hysteric Columns

An analytical method is developed to calculate the statistical properties of the response of hysteretic columns under earthquake excitations, with special emphasis on the effect of the vertical ground acceleration. Both the vertical and horizontal ground accelerations are modeled as amplitude-modulated Gaussian random processes, and the restoring force in a column is assumed to follow a functional relationship proposed by Hata and Shibata. Numerical results are presented for two columns, having two contrasting values of the post-yielding to pre-yielding stiffness ratio of 0.5 and 0.1, respectively. These results indicate that the vertical ground acceleration has an aggravating effect similar to that of the gravitational force in causing greater peak mean-square structural response than one induced by the horizontal ground acceleration alone. The time variation of the mean-square response is found to be extremely sensitive to structural parameters. For softer structures with a small post-yielding to pre-yielding stiffness ratio, large permanent deformations may remain after termination of the earthquake excitations.
The Nucleotide Sequence of the GGG-specific Glycine Transfer Ribonucleic Acid of Escherichia coli and of Salmonella typhimurium*

Abstract The primary nucleotide sequence of tRNAggggly (glycine tRNA specific for the codon GGG) from Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium has been determined. The E. coli tRNA sequence is [see PDF for sequence] where U at position 8 is most likely 4-thiouracil. The sequence of the S. typhimurium tRNAggggly is identical with that of E. coli except that no evidence for the modification of U at position 8 has been found. In addition, a portion of the S. typhimurium tRNAggggly has a 2'-O-methyl modification of the G at position 17. Some unusual features of the tRNA structure are discussed.
A review of Neoproterozoic climate modeling studies

Over the past decade, a number of climate modeling studies have examined the possibility of simulating low-latitude glaciation using Neoproterozoic boundary conditions. Many of the studies undertaken have used the thermodynamic slab ocean, which includes the top 100 meters of the ocean. These models have successfully simulated Hard Snowball Earth conditions, while recent simulations using fully coupled atmosphere-ocean models have not been able simulated Hard Snowball Earth conditions. Moreover, ice-sheet models have been run offline using GCM fields to simulated ice-sheets on land under Hard and Soft Snowball Earth Conditions. However, until of the climate models include additional components of the climate system including geochemical, dynamic ocean, sea ice and ice-sheet components uncertainty will exist in our understanding of Neoproterozoic low-latitude glaciation.
Hybrid exciton state in a quantum dot-dendrite system: Green functions

A model is proposed to study the hybrid exciton in a quantum dot\char21{}dendrimer systems. The semiconductor organic hybrid exciton is studied using a ``real space'' Green's function method and a diagrammatic technique. The energy of the hybrid exciton as well as the Green function matrix elements have been calculated for different quantum dot(QD-)dendrimer systems, and the method can be applied for systems with different structures. Using the double-time Green's functions the optical processes can be calculated. The optical properties of the systems are controllable by the size and structure of the QD-dendrimer systems.
An acoustic startle alters knee joint stiffness and neuromuscular control

Growing evidence suggests that the nervous system contributes to non-contact knee ligament injury, but limited evidence has measured the effect of extrinsic events on joint stability. Following unanticipated events, the startle reflex leads to universal stiffening of the limbs, but no studies have investigated how an acoustic startle influences knee stiffness and muscle activation during a dynamic knee perturbation. Thirty-six individuals were tested for knee stiffness and muscle activation of the quadriceps and hamstrings. Subjects were seated and instructed to resist a 40-degree knee flexion perturbation from a relaxed state. During some trials, an acoustic startle (50 ms, 1000 Hz, 100 dB) was applied 100 ms prior to the perturbation. Knee stiffness, muscle amplitude, and timing were quantified across time, muscle, and startle conditions. The acoustic startle increased short-range (no startle: 0.044 ± 0.011 N·m/deg/kg; average startle: 0.047 ± 0.01 N·m/deg/kg) and total knee stiffness (no startle: 0.036 ± 0.01 N·m/deg/kg; first startle 0.027 ± 0.02 N·m/deg/kg). Additionally, the startle contributed to decreased [vastus medialis (VM): 13.76 ± 33.6%; vastus lateralis (VL): 6.72 ± 37.4%] but earlier (VM: 0.133 ± 0.17 s; VL: 0.124 ± 0.17 s) activation of the quadriceps muscles. The results of this study indicate that the startle response can significantly disrupt knee stiffness regulation required to maintain joint stability. Further studies should explore the role of unanticipated events on unintentional injury.
Effect of intense space charge in Relativistic Klystron Amplifiers

We discuss basic Relativistic Klystron Amplifier (RKA) physics. We show that, for pulse lengths of one microsecond or longer in the intense space-charge regime, the maximum power extraction from the beam does not coincide with the maximum harmonic bunching. We also discuss the beam-cavity interaction model and present experimental and theoretical single cavity modulation results. Finally, we discuss alternatives to the basic RKA design that enhance beam to microwave power conversion efficiency, particularly at high frequency.
Bioinformatics analysis of the early inflammatory response in a rat thermal injury model

Thermal injury is among the most severe forms of trauma and its effects are both local and systemic. Response to thermal injury includes cellular protection mechanisms, inflammation, hypermetabolism, prolonged catabolism, organ dysfunction and immuno-suppression. It has been hypothesized that gene expression patterns in the liver will change with severe burns, thus reflecting the role the liver plays in the response to burn injury. Characterizing the molecular fingerprint (i.e., expression profile) of the inflammatory response resulting from burns may help elucidate the activated mechanisms and suggest new therapeutic intervention. In this paper we propose a novel integrated framework for analyzing time-series transcriptional data, with emphasis on the burn-induced response within the context of the rat animal model. Our analysis robustly identifies critical expression motifs, indicative of the dynamic evolution of the inflammatory response and we further propose a putative reconstruction of the associated transcription factor activities. Implementation of our algorithm on data obtained from an animal (rat) burn injury study identified 281 genes corresponding to 4 unique profiles. Enrichment evaluation upon both gene ontologies and transcription factors, verifies the inflammation-specific character of the selections and the rationalization of the burn-induced inflammatory response. Conducting the transcription network reconstruction and analysis, we have identified transcription factors, including AHR, Octamer Binding Proteins, Kruppel-like Factors, and cell cycle regulators as being highly important to an organism's response to burn response. These transcription factors are notable due to their roles in pathways that play a part in the gross physiological response to burn such as changes in the immune response and inflammation. Our results indicate that our novel selection/classification algorithm has been successful in selecting out genes with play an important role in thermal injury. Additionally, we have demonstrated the value of an integrative approach in identifying possible points of intervention, namely the activation of certain transcription factors that govern the organism's response.
Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockade improves renal perfusion in hypercholesterolemia

Abstract Background Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a risk factor for renal disease that may activate the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor and accelerate renal damage. Early diet-induced HC impairs renal perfusion responses, but it is yet unknown whether the AT1 receptor is involved. This study tested the hypothesis that AT1 receptor blockade improved renal perfusion and functional responses in hypercholesterolemic pigs. Methods Regional renal hemodynamics and function in vivo were quantified bilaterally in pigs, at baseline and during vasoactive challenge (acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside), using electron beam computed tomography after 12 weeks of normal (n = 6) or HC diet (n = 6), or HC diet supplemented (100 mg/d) with the AT1-receptor antagonist irbesartan (HC + AT1, n = 6). Results Basal cortical and medullary perfusion was similar among the groups. Basal tubular function was similar on normal and HC diets, whereas HC + AT1 showed decreased proximal and distal fluid reabsorption. Hypercholesterolemic pigs had blunted cortical perfusion (P = .22) and augmented tubular responses to acetylcholine, whereas on HC + AT1 diet, cortical perfusion (P = .002) and tubular function were similar to normal animals. This was associated with decreased systemic levels of the oxidative stress markers thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Conclusions The AT1 receptor blockade in HC improves renal perfusion and tubular functional responses to endothelium-dependent vasodilators, in association with a decrease in oxidative stress. These results imply involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in the blunted renal cortical perfusion responses observed in HC, and suggest a potential role for these agents in preservation of intrarenal hemodynamics and function in HC.
STUDIES OF HEMATOPOIESIS IN MURINE SPLEENS: SIGNIFICANCE OF HEMATOPOIETIC COLONIES FORMED ON THE SURFACE OF SPLEENS

Conies of hematopoietic tissue are formed in spleens of lethally irradiated mice by the injection of small numbers of hematopoietic cells. Some of these colonies appear as surface colonies, others can be identified only in serial sections of the spleen. The present studies have related the number and cellular composition of total hematopoietic colonies in the murine spleen to their visual recognition on the splenic surface. These studies demonstrate that only 50% of the total colonies in a spleen are recognized as surface colonies and that of those colonies on the surface, approximately 80% contain erythroid elements. At least four factors play important roles in the recognition of hematopoietic colonies as splenic surface colonies: (1) dose of repopulating cells or hematopoietic stem cells injected into the irradiated animal; (2) location of colonies within the spleen; (3) size of colonies; and (4) cellular content of the colonies. These studies demonstrate that surface colony formation reflects primarily erythropoiesis and not total hematopoiesis.
Access to information legislation as a means to achieve transparency in Ghanaian governance Lessons from the Jamaican experience

Access to information and transparency are considered a vaccine for ensuring good governance and countries must gear up for this vaccine to ensure accountability and prevent corruption. This paper probes the anticipated implementation challenges of the freedom-of-information (FOI) law in Jamaica, and the lessons Ghana stands to learn to improve on its FOI bill, currently at a deliberative stage. The lack of transparency in government or the public sector as a result of lack of access to governmental or public information will be tackled in this study. After describing the background, context, framework and methodology of the study, the paper presents findings, makes a comparative analysis, and provides recommendations especially for Ghana, which is still in the process of passing similar legislation.
Spike width and frequency alter stability of phase-locking in electrically coupled neurons

The stability of phase-locked states of electrically coupled type-1 phase response curve neurons is studied using piecewise linear formulations for their voltage profile and phase response curves. We find that at low frequency and/or small spike width, synchrony is stable, and antisynchrony unstable. At high frequency and/or large spike width, these phase-locked states switch their stability. Increasing the ratio of spike width to spike height causes the antisynchronous state to transition into a stable synchronous state. We compute the interaction function and the boundaries of stability of both these phase-locked states, and present analytical expressions for them. We also study the effect of phase response curve skewness on the boundaries of synchrony and antisynchrony.
FRAMING FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES: THE CASE OF GERMAN

The challenge posed to foreign language (FL) education by globalization and by the multilingual multicultural speech communities it has spawned is showcased by the current crisis in the teaching of German at American colleges and universities. It is not clear why American learners of German should be learning German: for business purposes, for general education, for humanistic enrichment, or for cross-cultural communication? The debate currently going on in Germany around the concept of education or Bildung is a lens through which to understand the debates going on in American German departments and the general crisis of FL education in this country. Rather than prepare students to communicate with members of idealized homogeneous monolingual speech communities, we should frame FL education as an education in reflexivity on the indexical, subjective and historical dimensions of discourse at all levels of the curriculum.
Effect of sponsor advocacy on message perception and attitude change

This study consisted of an experimental investigation of the effect of certain aspects of the sponsorship of a message on how the audience perceives that message and the degree of attitude change produced. A film on the dangers of nuclear waste was shown to a sample of 67 students. A questionnaire containing one of six identified sponsors or a control (no sponsor) was administered following the film. The effects of perceived sponsor advocacy or opposition to nuclear energy was evaluated along credibility and emotional impact dimensions. The effect on overall attitude change was also evaluated. Major findings of the study were: (1) Subjects found the film to be less believable, consistent, and convincing when its sponsors were perceived to have a vested interest in opposing nuclear energy. (2) Some suggestion that the film's emotional impact or attention value was greater when a sponsor was identified than when no sponsor was mentioned. A discussion of the findings and implications for future research are presented.
Sparse complex polynomials and polynomial reducibility

We show that certain problems involving sparse polynomials with integer coefficients are at least as hard as any problem in NP. These problems include determining the degree of the least common multiple of a set of such polynomials, and related problems. The proofs make use of a homomorphism from Boolean expressions over the predicate symbols {P1,…,Pn} onto divisors of the polynomial xN−1, where N is the product of the first n primes. Various combinatorial and number theoretic applications are also presented.
Multicore diversity: a software developer's nightmare

Commodity microprocessors with tens to hundreds of processor cores will require the widespread deployment of parallel programs. This deployment will be hindered by the architectural and environmental diversity introduced by multicore processors. To overcome diversity, the operating system must change its interactions with the program runtime and parallel runtime systems must be developed that can automatically adapt programs to the architecture and usage environment.
Enhancing architectural recovery using concerns

Architectures of implemented software systems tend to drift and erode as they are maintained and evolved. To properly understand such systems, their architectures must be recovered from implementation-level artifacts. Many techniques for architectural recovery have been proposed, but their degrees of automation and accuracy remain unsatisfactory. To alleviate these shortcomings, we present a machine learning-based technique for recovering an architectural view containing a system's components and connectors. Our approach differs from other architectural recovery work in that we rely on recovered software concerns to help identify components and connectors. A concern is a software system's role, responsibility, concept, or purpose. We posit that, by recovering concerns, we can improve the correctness of recovered components, increase the automation of connector recovery, and provide more comprehensible representations of architectures.
Cheiloneurus inimicus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a primary parasite of black scale in Florida.

According to Peck (1963), several Nearctic species of the encyrtid genus Cheiloneurus Westwood are hyperparasitic in nature, and 3 of the 11 described species in North America (including C. inimicus Compere) have been reported as obligatory hyperparasites of black scale, Saissetia oleae (Bernard), in California (Smith and Compere 1928, Weseloh 1969) where, according to Compere (1925), it is usually a secondary parasite of Aphycus (=Metaphycus) lounsburyi Howard, which is a primary parasite of black scale. Thus, it can seriously affect the effectiveness of A. lounsburyi in the field. Timberlake (1913) also noted that Cheiloneurus spp. associated with brown soft scale, Coccus hesperidum L., in California are rare native forms which may attack other coccoids ( Lecanium, Kermes , and Pseudococcus ).
The neutral sheet in the geomagnetic tail - Its motion, equivalent currents, and field line connection through it.

IMP-I satellite measurements of neutral sheet in geomagnetic tail noting dimensions, motion and parameters of sheet
Electron spin resonance of Er in high susceptibility metals

Abstract The magnetic resonance of Er in dilute Pt and Pd based alloys is reported. Large negative g shifts in both hosts are inferred from the systematics of the hyperfine coupling, and the proportionality of Er and Gd g shifts to the host metal susceptibility of Pt, Pd and Rh alloys.
On the effect of deuteration on non-radiative processes in large molecules☆

Abstract It is shown that the non-radiative decay of the fluorescing state of large polyatomic molecules might exhibit an inverse or retarded deuteration effect.
Program leaders' intention to process recreation experiences to achieve targeted outcomes.

Researchers have asserted that effectively trained program leaders are a crucial component to facilitate learning transfer and to achieve developmental outcomes in youth programs. Despite the need for thorough training, organizations often have under-trained or untrained personnel leading programs. The purpose of this study is to examine attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intent of program leaders to transfer their training to process recreation experiences to achieve targeted outcomes with participants at a structured youth development day camp. Having strong processing skills means that a program leader has the capacity to foster the transfer of learning from an activity that is fun for youth to other life contexts. Data were collected through pre-test, site observations, and post-test. Attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intent were rated on a 16-item scale. Results indicated that program leaders' attitudes, subjective norms, ...
Natural history of chronic pain and pain treatment in adults with cerebral palsy.

Objectives To determine if cerebral palsy-related pain and frequency of use of pain treatments change over time and to examine the association between use of pain treatments and changes in pain intensity. Design Longitudinal study of 50 adults with cerebral palsy-related chronic pain, interviewed five times during the course of 2 yrs (6 mos between each interview). Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 76 yrs old and included 25 women and 25 men. Results Pain intensity did not change significantly during the time period of the study (2 yrs), although there was a substantial increase in the frequency of use of several pain treatments from the initial to the second interview. Participants reported that many pain treatments were at least moderately helpful, but only three of the treatments (whirlpool, ultrasound, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) seemed to be associated with a decrease in pain among those who started using these treatments during the study. Conclusion Pain does not seem to become systematically better or worse during the course of a 2-yr time period in adults with cerebral palsy-related pain. Although several pain treatments are reported to provide pain relief, many of these were rarely used by (or provided to) the study participants. There is a need for more research to determine which pain treatments are most helpful for cerebral palsy-related pain and to increase patient accessibility to effective pain treatments.
Behavioral and neurogenomic transcriptome changes in wild-derived zebrafish with fluoxetine treatment

Stress and anxiety-related behaviors are seen in many organisms. Studies have shown that in humans and other animals, treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. fluoxetine) can reduce anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors. The efficacies and side effects, however, can vary between individuals. Fluoxetine can modulate anxiety in a stereospecific manner or with equal efficacy regardless of stereoisomer depending on the mechanism of action (e.g. serotonergic or GABAergic effects). Zebrafish are an emerging and valuable translational model for understanding human health related issues such as anxiety. In this study we present data showing the behavioral and whole brain transcriptome changes with fluoxetine treatment in wild-derived zebrafish and suggest additional molecular mechanisms of this widely-prescribed drug. We used automated behavioral analyses to assess the effects of racemic and stereoisomeric fluoxetine on male wild-derived zebrafish. Both racemic and the individual isomers of fluoxetine reduced anxiety-related behaviors relative to controls and we did not observe stereospecific fluoxetine effects. Using RNA-sequencing of the whole brain, we identified 411 genes showing differential expression with racemic fluoxetine treatment. Several neuropeptides (neuropeptide Y, isotocin, urocortin 3, prolactin) showed consistent expression patterns with the alleviation of stress and anxiety when anxiety-related behavior was reduced with fluoxetine treatment. With gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses, we identified lipid and amino acid metabolic processes, and steroid biosynthesis among other terms to be over-enriched. Our results demonstrate that fluoxetine reduces anxiety-related behaviors in wild-derived zebrafish and alters their neurogenomic state. We identify two biological processes, lipid and amino acid metabolic synthesis that characterize differences in the fluoxetine treated fish. Fluoxetine may be acting on several different molecular pathways to reduce anxiety-related behaviors in wild-derived zebrafish. This study provides data that could help identify common molecular mechanisms of fluoxetine action across animal taxa.
Microbiological characteristics of a vegetative buffer strip soil and degradation and sorption of metolachlor

Numerous studies have documented efficacy of vegetated buffer strips (VBS) in removing herbicides from surface runoff. Little is known about the fate of herbicides after deposition in buffer strip soil. Soil samples (0- to 2-cm depth) were collected from a buffer strip and an adjacent bare field (BF). Soil organic C was two-fold higher in VBS than in BF, and VBS soil maintained about 0.7 log(10) greater propagule density of total fungi and bacteria and 2 log(10) greater gram-negative bacteria and fluorescent pseudomonads. Corresponding with enhanced microbial populations, VBS exhibited higher endogenous levels of alkaline phosphatase, tetrazolium chloride dehydrogenase, aryl acylamidase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity (1.6- to 3.8-fold greater than BF). Batch studies of metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl) acetamide] sorption showed greater capacity to sorb metolachlor in VBS soil than in BF (Kd 2.25 vs. 1.60 mL g -1 ). Soil treated with 14 C metolachlor (1.25 mg kg -1 ) was incubated for 46 d in a laboratory study. Limited mineralization (<4%) was observed for both VBS and BF. Less 14 C (43%) was extracted from VBS samples 46 d after treatment. Extractable fractions consisted primarily of metolachlor, although increasing amounts of polar (e.g., sulfonic acid) and nonpolar metabolites were recovered over time, especially in VBS. Metolachlor half-life was 10 and 23 d for soils from VBS and BF, respectively, attributed to higher levels of organic matter and microbial activity in VBS soils. Data suggest retention and enhanced degradation of metolachlor as it passes through VBS strips may limit further transport.
Structure Indices in FA Chemistry. How Relevant Is the Iodine Value

Most common analytical methods in FA chem- istry can be categorized as yielding either structure or quality indices. Quality indices often describe components in fats and oils arising from processing, storage, and naturally occurring, nonfatty materials. Common structure indices are the iodine value (IV), the saponification value, and the hydroxyl value. Al- though modern analytical methods yield more detailed and re- liable information, structure indices are still widely used. The IV, which indicates total unsaturation, has even been included in some standards for industrial products such as biodiesel. However, the IV index is too general to allow the correlation of physical and chemical properties with FA composition. The IV is treated in a theoretical fashion regarding biodiesel- and ox- idative stability-related issues. That the concept of IV as a struc- ture index is unsatisfactory is shown by the development of a quaternary composition diagram (QCD). The QCD demon- strates the derivation of a specific IV from varying FA composi- tions. Improved correlations are possible among the structure indices. Alternative indices for the IV are developed. Possible alternatives are the allylic position equivalent (APE) and the bis- allylic position equivalent (BAPE), which better relate structure and amount of common component FA in vegetable oils to ob- served properties. The APE and BAPE indices are based on the number of reactive positions in oxidation. Paper no. J10047 in JAOCS 79, 847-854 (September 2002). Analytical indices related to fats and oils can be distinguished as structure or quality indices. Structure indices are the iodine value (IV), a measure of total unsaturation of an oil or fat; the saponification value (SV), an indicator of average M.W.; and the hydroxyl value (HV), which is applicable to fatty com- pounds (or their mixtures) containing hydroxy groups, such
Potassium and Sodium in Frog Muscle

Sodium-rich frog muscles are found to extrude sodium and reaccumulate potassium at 0°C. The uptake of potassium by these muscles is studied at three different temperatures as a function of external potassium concentration, Kex. The steady-state potassium content of the tissue is related to Kex. by a sigmoidal cooperative curve at all temperatures. These results are compared with findings on a mammalian smooth muscle.
Strategies for genetic studies of complex diseases.

In a recent Essay published in Cell, McClellan and King discussed genetic heterogeneity and the potential role of rare genetic variants in complex human diseases (McClellan and King, 2010). These important issues, in particular the application of high-throughput sequencing techniques to discover disease genes, are highly relevant to genetics researchers. However, the authors allocated a substantial proportion of their efforts to being critical of the utility of genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Pineal Gland: Dibutyryl Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Stimulation of Labeled Melatonin Production

In organ cultures of intact rat pineal glands, N6O29-dibutyryl adenosine 39, 59-monophosphate stimulates the conversion of tritiated trytophan to tritiated melatonin, as does L-norepinephrine. Potential sites of stimulation of melatonin production by dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate are discussed, based on observations that the dibutyryl analog also stimulates the conversion of serotonin labeled with carbon-14 to carbon-14-labeled melatonin without altering hydroxyin-dole-O-methyl transferase activity or intracellular accumulation of serotonin labeled with carbon-14.
Development and pilot testing of a culturally sensitive multimedia program to improve breast cancer screening in Latina women.

Abstract Objective Our study goal was to assess the effects of a brief patient video on breast cancer knowledge and attitudes among Latina women at a community health center. Methods We conducted pre- and post-testing of knowledge and attitudes in women aged 40 years or older with active screening referrals ( n = 91). We compared pre- and post-test knowledge and attitudes overall and by baseline values. Results Mean knowledge increased from 5.8/10 to 6.9/10 ( p p p Conclusion Although the overall effects were modest, the greatest improvements were in those with low baseline knowledge scores and negative/neutral baseline attitudes. Future testing should examine the effects in a community-based sample. Practice implications A brief patient video has promise for influencing patient knowledge and perhaps attitudes while being amenable to integration into clinical flow.
A Phase 1/2a Follistatin Gene Therapy Trial for Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a variant of dystrophin deficiency resulting from DMD gene mutations. Phenotype is variable with loss of ambulation in late teenage or late mid-life years. There is currently no treatment for this condition. In this BMD proof-of-principle clinical trial, a potent myostatin antagonist, follistatin (FS), was used to inhibit the myostatin pathway. Extensive preclinical studies, using adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver follistatin, demonstrated an increase in strength. For this trial, we used the alternatively spliced FS344 to avoid potential binding to off target sites. AAV1.CMV.FS344 was delivered to six BMD patients by direct bilateral intramuscular quadriceps injections. Cohort 1 included three subjects receiving 3 × 1011 vg/kg/leg. The distance walked on the 6MWT was the primary outcome measure. Patients 01 and 02 improved 58 meters (m) and 125 m, respectively. Patient 03 showed no change. In Cohort 2, Patients 05 and 06 received 6 × 1011 vg/kg/leg with improved 6MWT by 108 m and 29 m, whereas, Patient 04 showed no improvement. No adverse effects were encountered. Histological changes corroborated benefit showing reduced endomysial fibrosis, reduced central nucleation, more normal fiber size distribution with muscle hypertrophy, especially at high dose. The results are encouraging for treatment of dystrophin-deficient muscle diseases.
Determining the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) of blood at 3.0 Tesla

It is important to determine the longitudinal relaxation time of blood for black blood imaging, as well as for quantifying blood flow by arterial spin labeling (ASL). In this study a circulation system was used to measure blood T1 under physiological conditions at the new clinical field strength of 3.0T. It was found that 1/T1 in s(-1) was linearly dependent (P < 0.05) on hematocrit (Hct) within a normal range of 0.38-0.46. The relationships were 1/T1 = (0.52 +/- 0.15). Hct + (0.38 +/- 0.06) and 1/T1 = (0.83 +/- 0.07). Hct + (0.28 +/- 0.03) for arterial (oxygenation = 92% +/- 7%) and venous blood (69% +/- 8%), respectively, which led to estimated T1 values of 1664 +/- 14 ms (arterial) and 1584 +/- 5 ms (venous) at a typical human Hct of 0.42. The temperature dependencies of blood T1 were 22.3 +/- 0.6 ms/ degrees C and 19.8 +/- 0.8 ms/ degrees C for Hct values of 0.42 and 0.38, respectively. When a head coil transmit/receive setup was used, radiation damping caused a slight reduction (19 ms) of the measured T1 values.
Mechanical analysis of a first wall model by using a state variable approach

Abstract A first wall design of modular cylindrical cell type with each cell enclosed by a spherical cap is consider, ed. Detailed inelastic stress analysis is performed for the spherical cap by using constitutive equations based on state variables. The analysis calculates the inelastic response of the spherical cap to prescribed internal pressure and time-varying temperature through the thickness and yields the stress, strain and strain rate as functions of position and time. The effect of maximum temperature and irradiation creep on the relaxation of peak stress with cycles is determined and the calculated stress and strain distributions are used as a basis for the development of failure criteria for design.
A Survey of the Nature and Perceived Impact of Quality Improvement Activities in Pain Management

We surveyed members of the American Pain Society (APS) to determine if they were engaged in quality assurance or improvement (QA/I) activities. If so, we queried them about the characteristics of these activities and their perceptions of whether their data appear to show improvements, decrements, or no change in pain outcomes. Of the 222 respondents from at least 180 institutions, 201 (91%) reported that their institutions had a continuous improvement program. One hundred forty-three respondents reported having data on at least one of six pain outcomes at two points in time. The majority reported that their data revealed improvements in outcomes. A large number, however, had not collected data on important outcomes, such as pain intensity and patient functioning. Many APS members are collecting longitudinal data, and interpreting the data as revealing improvements in outcomes. There is a need for rigorously controlled assessment of the effects of QA/I programs on pain outcomes.
Magnesium in the marine sedimentary environment: MgNH4 ion exchange

Abstract The release of exchangeable Mg in marine sediments from displacement by ammonium ions was estimated by way of experimentally determining the parameters that govern this ion-exchange equilibrium on solid geochemical phases: smectite, humic acid, illite and opal. We showed that: (a) both the conditional selectivity constant as well as the solid concentration are important parameters in determining the relative contribution of ammonium-exchangeable Mg from smectite, organic matter, illite and opal; and (b) that, except in the cases where opal or organic matter concentrations are very high, the clays are the dominant carrier phases for labile Mg which is exchangeable by ammonium. A model, based on the sum of the contributions from the major geochemical phases present in the sediment reliably predicts the amount of Mg released by exchange with ammonium in marine sediments.
Transient Focal Ischemia Increases Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Cerebral Blood Vessels

Background and Purpose— Production of NO by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) plays a protective role in cerebral ischemia. We studied the effects of transient focal ischemia on eNOS expression. Methods— Wistar rats (n=72) underwent reversible filament occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 75 minutes. After 6, 24, 72, or 168 hours of reperfusion, brains were removed and coronal sections cut for eNOS immunohistochemistry, eNOS–alkaline phosphatase costaining, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Samples for eNOS immunoblots were taken from corresponding striatum and overlying parietal cortex bilaterally. Results— eNOS protein occurred in virtually all blood vessels and was consistently increased in microvessels in the ischemic striatum after 24 to 168 hours of reperfusion but not at 6 hours. eNOS upregulation in the parietal cortex was only present in animals with evidence of cortical infarcts documented on adjacent HE-stained sections. Costaining of endogenous alkaline phosphatase and eNOS demonstrated eNOS expression in all segments of cerebral microvessels. Quantitative analysis of eNOS immunostaining and immunoblots showed no attenuated increase in animals that were treated with indomethacin (5 mg/kg IP), NS398 (20 mg/kg IP), or l-arginine-methyl ester (10 mg/kg IP). In contrast to eNOS, levels of brain NOS did not increase after ischemia. Conclusion— eNOS protein is upregulated in pre- and postcapillary microvessels and upregulation appears slower after transient compared with permanent ischemia. Cyclooxygenase and NOS products do not play a major role in postischemic eNOS induction.
Novel approaches to design and deliver safe and effective antiglaucoma agents to the eye

Abstract Design and delivery of safe and effective anti-glaucoma agents to the eye is a challenging task. It requires a multi-disciplinary approach where one should consider various factors including anatomical, physiological, and metabolic considerations of the eye as well as physico-chemical properties of drugs as abasis for rational drug design This article summarizes two chemical approaches—site-specific chemical delivery systems and soft drugs—to design effective, selective, and safe novel agents to the eye for the treatment of glaucoma. A brief review of anti-glaucoma drugs and their dosage forms and drug delivery systems is alos presented.
Towards a Closed-Loop Cochlear Implant System: Application of Embedded Monitoring of Peripheral and Central Neural Activity

Although the cochlear implant (CI) is widely considered the most successful neural prosthesis, it is essentially an open-loop system that requires extensive initial fitting and frequent tuning to maintain a high, but not necessarily optimal, level of performance. Two developments in neuroscience and neuroengineering now make it feasible to design a closed-loop CI. One development is the recording and interpretation of evoked potentials (EPs) from the peripheral to the central nervous system. The other is the embedded hardware and software of a modern CI that allows recording of EPs. We review EPs that are pertinent to behavioral functions from simple signal detection and loudness growth to speech discrimination and recognition. We also describe signal processing algorithms used for electric artifact reduction and cancellation, critical to the recording of electric EPs. We then present a conceptual design for a closed-loop CI that utilizes in an innovative way the embedded implant receiver and stimulators to record short latency compound action potentials (~ 1 ms), auditory brainstem responses (1-10 ms) and mid-to-late cortical potentials (20-300 ms). We compare EPs recorded using the CI to EPs obtained using standard scalp electrodes recording techniques. Future applications and capabilities are discussed in terms of the development of a new generation of closed-loop CIs and other neural prostheses.
Optical feedback effects on the performance of Pb(1-x)Sn(x)Se semiconductor lasers.

The effects of optical feedback on the performance of Pb(1-x)Sn(x)Se semiconductor lasers are reported. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate that uncontrolled optical feedback can occur from optics external to the laser cavity and that these external optical elements can result in the formation of a composite cavity. This composite cavity can sustain a number of narrow closely spaced emission modes with the spectral characteristics of these modes dependent upon the parameters of the cavity. With weak feedback, the spectral width of the amplitude envelope of the new lasing modes resembles that of the original laser mode with no optical feedback. With strongly coupled feedback the envelope of the external cavity modes substantially broadens the apparent linewidth of the laser. It is shown that these effects can be eliminated, and, moreover, they offer the potential for obtaining spectrally narrow single-mode emission from Pb-salt lasers through the use of carefully designed external cavities.
Housing Status and Health Care Service Utilization Among Low-income Persons with HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of housing status on health service utilization patterns in low-income HIV-infected adults.
Synaptic equalization by anti-STDP

Abstract Experimental evidence has shown that in some neuron types, such as hippocampal CA1 neurons, distally generated excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) are scaled up in amplitude compared to more proximally generated EPSPs such that EPSP magnitudes at the soma are approximately equal regardless of the dendritic location of origin. Using an equivalent cable model neuron, we show that a particular form of spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) called anti-STDP is capable of achieving this synaptic equalization. Anti-STDP equalizes synapses through the equalization of synaptic efficacies. We show this result for both a passive dendritic cable and for a cable containing a dendritic spike-initiation zone.
CHARGE QUANTIZATION AND NONINTEGRABLE LIE ALGEBRAS.

Abstract The Schrodinger equation for the motion of an electric charge in the field of a magnetic monopole is examined to see how the quantization of the interaction constant follows from the requirement of rotational invariance. It is shown that the Hamiltonian can be extended to a self-adjoint operator, but the spectrum is split unless the usual quantization conditions are satisfied. The invariance domain of the generators of rotations in the Hilbert space of state vectors is also not large enough for the Hamiltonian to be essentially self-adjoint nor can the generators be integrated to give a representation of the rotation group unless the interaction constant is quantized. The problem is interpreted as the motion of a free particle on the group manifold of the rotation group and it is shown how the Schrodinger equation above is obtained if only a subspace of state vectors for this second problem is taken. This formulation is generalized to define a class of Hamiltonians which possess a symmetry group and a quantized interaction constant. The extension from the rotation group to the Poincare group is made and it is shown that the theory is Lorentz invariant but not local unless the quantized electromagnetic field is introduced.
Lipid membrane domains for the selective adsorption and surface patterning of conjugated polyelectrolytes.

Conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) are promising materials for generating optoelectronics devices under environmentally friendly processing conditions, but challenges remain to develop methods to define lateral features for improved junction interfaces and direct optoelectronic pathways. We describe here the potential to use a bottom-up approach that employs self-assembly in lipid membranes to form structures to template the selective adsorption of CPEs. Phase separation of gel phase anionic lipids and fluid phase phosphocholine lipids allowed the formation of negatively charged domain assemblies that selectively adsorb a cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte (P2). Spectroscopic studies found the adsorption of P2 to negatively charged membranes resulted in minimal structural change of the solution phase polymer but yielded an enhancement in fluorescence intensity (∼50%) due to loss of quenching pathways. Fluorescence microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and AFM imaging were used to characterize the polymer...
Hoogsteen versus reversed-hoogsteen base pairing: DNA triple helices

Recently, oligonucleotides have been shown to inhibit transcription in genes by triple helix or triplex formation in vitro and in vivo. A better understanding of the forces that stabilize triplex structures will be important in developing applications of this method of genetic medication to arbitrary sequences. Therefore, base pairings and strand orientations for homogeneous d(T-A-T) 27 and d(C-G-G) 27 triplexes were examined. The method was extended to triplex models formed by c-myc gene promoter region and complementary oligonucleotides