cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mantle Plume Separation and the Expanding Earth

Summary Previous studies of mantle plume motions have assumed that any movement occurred within an Earth of fixed size. A comparison of distances between pairs of hot spots and their traces for different ages generally indicates less separation further back in time. The apparent changes in great circle distances between plumes may be consistent with constant separations in terms of geocentric angles, with an increase in the Earth's radius of up to 12 per cent over the past 120 My. The evidence for an expansion over the past 50 My may be inconclusive, due to the errors in the data for plume locations.
Translational control and the cytoskeleton in Physarum polycephalum

Translationally active plasmodia of the syncytial slime mold Physarum polycephalum develop into translationally dormant sclerotia during starvation. Although functional mRNA and ribosomes exist in sclerotia, protein synthesis is suppressed at the level of initiation. To test the possibility that alterations in the cytoskeleton may limit protein synthesis, we have examined the distribution of polysomes and actin mRNA in the cytoskeletal (CSK) and soluble (SOL) fractions of Triton X-100-extracted plasmodia and sclerotia. Most of the polysomes and actin mRNA were located in the CSK of plasmodia, while most of the ribosomes and actin mRNA were located in the SOL of sclerotia. The results suggest that ribosomes and mRNA shift from the CSK to the SOL as protein synthesis is suppressed during starvation. Plasmodia and sclerotia can be induced to accumulate excess polysomes by treatment with low levels of the elongation inhibitor cycloheximide. Treatment of plasmodia with cycloheximide caused excess polysomes to accumulate in the SOL, suggesting that the CSK contains a limited capacity for binding translational components and that the association of polysomes with the cytoskeleton is not required for protein synthesis. Treatment of sclerotia with cycloheximide, however, caused polysomes and actin mRNA to accumulate in the CSK, suggesting that the sclerotial cytoskeleton, although depleted in ribosomes and mRNA, is capable of binding translational components. It is concluded that alterations in the sclerotial cytoskeleton are not involved in translational control.
An exploration of ageism and sexism in obituary photographs: 1967-1997

Newspaper obituaries are important mourning rituals that announce the deaths of individuals and share their life stories with others. Obituaries also provide insight into the societal values and attitudes of the day. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether factors such as gender and age were related to age-inaccuracy in obituary photographs and whether the level of age-inaccurate photographs has increased over time. Obituary photographs were analyzed from The Cleveland Plain Dealer for the years 1967, 1977, 1987, and 1997 (N = 400). Results indicated that obituary photographs of women (p < 0.001) and of older adults (p < 0.001) were much more likely to be age-inaccurate. Analysis also revealed a consistent upward trend in age-inaccurate photographs over time (p < 0.05). The findings from this study indicate that society's bias toward youthful appearance has persisted and grown over time, particularly in the case of older women.
The use of the low-temperature neutron irradiation facility for fusion materials research

Abstract The Low-Temperature Neutron Irradiation Facility (LTNIF), now constructed and currently being evaluated, will provide high radiation intensities and special environmental and testing conditions for qualified experiments at no cost to users. The LTNIF will be of interest for both basic and applied research on fusion reactor materials. A general description and major specifications of the facility are presented along with recent results of the performance tests. In addition, a description is given of the procedure and experimental assemblies needed to perform experiments in the LTNIF.
An Evaluation of ENSO Asymmetry in the Community Climate System Models: A View from the Subsurface

Abstract The asymmetry between El Nino and La Nina is a key aspect of ENSO that needs to be simulated well by models in order to fully capture the role of ENSO in the climate system. Here the asymmetry between the two phases of ENSO in five successive versions of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM1, CCSM2, CCSM3 at T42 resolution, CCSM3 at T85 resolution, and the latest CCSM3 + NR, with the Neale and Richter convection scheme) is evaluated. Different from the previous studies, not only is the surface signature of ENSO asymmetry examined, but so too is its subsurface signature. By comparing the differences among these models as well as the differences between the models and the observations, an understanding of the causes of the ENSO asymmetry is sought. An underestimate of the ENSO asymmetry is noted in all of the models, but the latest version with the Neale and Richter scheme (CCSM3 + NR) is getting closer to the observations than the earlier versions. The net surface heat flux is found to damp th...
(C)Re-combining textbook models of virus spread within the host.

Summary Classic viral pathogenesis models postulate that tissues supporting efficient virus replication promote virus dissemination, which culminates in clinical illness. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe , Sacher and colleagues use Cre/ loxP recombination to label murine cytomegalovirus during replication in distinct cell types in vivo. Strikingly, they demonstrate that the most productive cell type in the host—the hepatocyte—contributes no progeny to dissemination to other tissues.
Influence of licensed spokescharacters and health cues on children's ratings of cereal taste.

Objective To investigate whether licensed media spokescharacters on food packaging and nutrition cues affect young children's taste assessment of products. Design In this experimental study, children viewed 1 of 4 professionally created cereal boxes and tasted a “new” cereal. Manipulations included presence or absence of licensed cartoon spokescharacters on the box and healthy or sugary cereal name. Setting Shopping center in a large northeastern city in December 2007. Participants Eighty children (mean [SD] age, 5.6 [0.96] years; 53% girls) and their parents or guardians. Main Exposure Licensed cartoon characters and nutrition cues in the cereal name. Outcome Measures Children rated the cereal's taste on a 5-point smiley face scale (1, really do not like; 5, really like). Results Children who saw a popular media character on the box reported liking the cereal more (mean [SD], 4.70 [0.86]) than those who viewed a box with no character on it (4.16 [1.24]). Those who were told the cereal was named Healthy Bits liked the taste more (mean [SD], 4.65 [0.84]) than children who were told it was named Sugar Bits (4.22 [1.27]). Character presence was particularly influential on taste assessments for participants who were told the cereal was named Sugar Bits. Conclusions The use of media characters on food packaging affects children's subjective taste assessment. Messages encouraging healthy eating may resonate with young children, but the presence of licensed characters on packaging potentially overrides children's assessments of nutritional merit.
HIGH MECHANICAL INDEX IMPULSES FROM A DIAGNOSTIC TRANSDUCER DURING AN INTRAVENOUS MICROBUBBLE INFUSION CAN REDUCE ULTIMATE INFARCT SIZE WHEN COMPARED TO FULL DOSE TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR IN ACUTE ST SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Guided high mechanical index (MI) impulses from a modified diagnostic ultrasound transducer may be able to reduce the residual microvascular obstruction (MO) that exists following epicardial recanalization in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We sought to determine how much
Effect of Fractionation in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Using the Linear Quadratic Model

Purpose To examine the fractionation effect of stereotactic body radiation therapy with a heterogeneous dose distribution. Methods Derived from the linear quadratic formula with measurements from a hypothetical 2-cm radiosurgical tumor, the threshold percentage was defined as ( α/β tissue / α/β tumor ), the balance α/β ratio was defined as (prescription dose/tissue tolerance* α/β tumor ), and the balance dose was defined as (tissue tolerance/threshold percentage). Results With increasing fractions and equivalent peripheral dose to the target, the biological equivalent dose of "hot spots" in a target decreases. The relative biological equivalent doses of serial organs decrease only when the relative percentage of its dose to the prescription dose is above the threshold percentage. The volume of parallel organs at risk decreases only when the tumor's α/β ratio is above the balance α/β ratio and the prescription dose is lower than balance dose. Conclusions The potential benefits of fractionation in stereotactic body radiation therapy depend on the complex interplay between the total dose, α/β ratios, and dose differences between the target and the surrounding normal tissues.
Effects of D1 and D2 dopamine receptor antagonists and catecholamine depleting agents on the locomotor stimulation induced by dizocilpine in mice

Low doses of the uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) induce locomotor stimulation in mice, whereas higher doses are associated with ataxia, stereotyped behaviors and catalepsy. We investigated the role of dopamine receptors and presynaptic dopamine neurons in the locomotor effects of dizocilpine. For comparison, we studied several other drugs that induce locomotor stimulation in mice. Pretreatment of male mice with haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) completely prevented the stimulation of normally coordinated locomotion induced by a non-intoxicating dose of dizocilpine (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.); haloperidol also attenuated the locomotor stimulation produced by phencyclidine (PCP, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.), d-amphetamine (2 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Haloperidol (doses up to 2.5 mg/kg) did not attenuate the ataxia and decreased locomotion induced by higher doses of dizocilpine (1 and 2 mg/kg). The active cis isomer of flupenthixol (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), an antagonist of both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors, also diminished the stimulant actions of all of the test drugs, whereas its inactive trans form did not. The selective D1 antagonist R(+/-)-SCH 23390 (0.1 mg/kg) and the selective D2 antagonist raclopride (1 mg/kg) had little effect on the stimulatory effect of dizocilpine, although they did reduce the stimulation produced by PCP, d-amphetamine and diazepam. However, pretreatment with a combination of R(+/-)SCH 23390 and raclopride completely prevented dizocilpine-induced locomotor stimulation. Pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT, 50 and 250 mg/kg), an inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase, or with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA, 50 micrograms, i.c.v.), a neurotoxin that destroys brain dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons, did not attenuate the locomotor stimulation induced by dizocilpine, although these treatments did reduce the stimulant effects of d-amphetamine. In AMPT or 6-OH-DA pretreated mice, haloperidol (0.125 mg/kg) prevented the stimulatory effect of dizocilpine. These results support a role for dopamine receptors in the stimulation of normally coordinated locomotion by dizocilpine. However, the locomotor stimulant effect of dizocilpine, unlike that of d-amphetamine, can be expressed in the presence of D1 or D2 dopamine receptor blockade and does not appear to be dependent on intact presynaptic mechanisms.
Preconceiving Life: Response to Gentile’s “Troubling Temporalities”

Drawing on the resources of psychoanalysis, feminism, and queer theories of temporality, this essay considers time as a key aspect of the neoliberal management of life. All subjects are not equal in time, and the author explores the crossing points—and points of no return—between the endlessly potentiating fetus, that vessel of pure futurity, and the dead time of imprisonment. How does time coat and code some bodies as life, for living, while remanding some others to the slow dying of life in prison?
Sodium binding by rat brain lipoprotein.

Abstract 1. 1. Rat brain lipoprotein can bind Na+. 2. 2. ATP increases the binding of Na+ but the effect is due to removal of Mg2+ from binding sites. 3. 3. EDTA is even more effective than ATP in increasing Na+ binding by the protein. 4. 4. Na+ binding by protein is not necessarily related to the cation-stimulated ATPase activity of the protein. 5. 5. Other ions such as K+, Li+, Mg2+ bind as effectively to the protein as Na2+. 6. 6. The present methods are inadequate to determine if Na+ is bound to phosphorylated intermediate in cation-activated ATPase systems.
Oxygen kinetics in preretinal perfluorotributylamine

Abstract Previous studies have relied on various electrodes or probes to monitor preretinal oxygen tension in an effort to gain insight into retinal oxygenation. In order to corroborate and extend the results of such studies, we developed a relatively non-invasive method of determining preretinal oxygen tension using 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Small liquid perfluorocarbon (LPFC) droplets were injected into the preretinal vitreous space of the rabbit eye. The T1 value obtained from the fluorine nuclide could then be used to determine preretinal oxygen tension (PO2) with a high degree of sensitivity, since the fluorine spin-lattice relaxation rate (T1)−1 in LPFCs is directly proportional to PO2 under conditions of no flow and known temperature. In the present study, we investigated the oxygen uptake and clearance rates from small preretinal droplets of the LPFC perfluorotributylamine (FTBA) in response to step changes in arterial PO2. At all FTBA volumes examined (2, 10 and 100 μl), the oxygen uptake and clearance curves were well approximated by a simple exponential equation with mean time constants 9·8 15·3 , 21·4 19·4 and 77·7 45·3 min (uptake/clearance), respectively. Following return to normoxemic (baseline) conditions, FTBA droplets provided a preretinal PO2 of 39·4 ± 9·2 mmHg (means ± s.d. , n = 12). The 19F NMR method provides a measure of steady-state preretinal PO2 that independently verifies and complements information obtained using oxygen-sensitive microelectrodes or probes. However, the long time constants for oxygen uptake and clearance, particularly in FTBA volumes on the order of 10 μl and greater, may represent a practical limitation of this method for determining rapid oxygen flux in the preretinal vitreous space. Some of the underlying reasons for these time constants are discussed. Despite its limitations, this technique offers the possibility of non-invasively investigating oxygen concentration and flux in human eyes in which LPFCs have been used for therapeutic purposes (i.e. as vitreous substitutes).
Lymphatic Involvement in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, multisystem disease affecting primarily premenopausal women. The disease is characterized by cystic lung disease, at times leading to respiratory compromise, abdominal tumors (in particular, renal angiomyolipomas), and involvement of the axial lymphatics (e.g., adenopathy, lymphangioleiomyomas). Disease results from the proliferation of neoplastic cells (LAM cells), which, in many cases, have a smooth muscle cell phenotype, express melanoma antigens, and have mutations in one of the tuberous sclerosis complex genes (TSC1 or TSC2). In the lung, LAM cells found in the vicinity of cysts are, at times, localized in nodules and may be responsible for cyst formation through the production of proteases. Lymphatic channels, expressing characteristic lymphatic endothelial cell markers, are found within the LAM lung nodules. LAM cells may also be localized within the walls of the axial lymphatics, and, in some cases, penetrate the wall and proliferate in the surrounding adipose tissue. Consistent with extensive lymphatic involvement in LAM, the serum concentration of VEGF-D, a lymphangiogenic factor, is higher in LAM patients than in healthy volunteers.
THE SIMULATION OF DISPERSED-PHASE BREAKAGE PHENOMENA

Abstract Droplet breakage in emulsification occurs as the result of work performed against surface tension by dynamic pressure fluctuations while deaggregation in biological wastewater treatment occurs in response to hydrodynamic stresses imposed by aeration, recirculation, and mixing. Such size reduction in the latter case leads to solids carry-over and poor process performance due to reduced sludge age. Laboratory observations of the disintegration process have shown how the hydrodynamic environment causes breakup and lean, batch breakage studies have indicated the most probable sizes of fragments. A Monte-Carlo type simulation has been used successfully to model the breakage process in both liquid-liquid and solid-liquid systems under high dissipation conditions.
Competent performances of situated identities: Adult learners of English accessing engaged participation

Abstract The Communities of Practice (CofP) framework and theories of engaged participation have profoundly shaped how we theorize, investigate, and represent a variety of learning and teaching processes, both in and out of classroom contexts. Within this framework, useful distinctions have been made between a teaching curriculum and a learning curriculum, with the former being interrogated for ascribing limited identities to its learners and the latter valued for the ways it prioritizes learning (and its resources) from a learner's perspective. Analysis of data collected utilizing ethnographic methods (e.g. document collection, participant observation, interviews) demonstrates that, even though the teaching curriculum of one adult ESL program itself provided limited “structuring resources” (and learning opportunities) to its learners, the learners' participation in the program helped them to recognize and value the kinds of engaged participation necessary to access membership in local workplace communities of practice. However, findings also show that while these adult learners of English managed to learn and adopt the practices of one community of practice, they remained excluded from legitimate membership in other communities of practice. The analysis raises questions about the limits and possibilities of a teaching curriculum that values “real world” experiences (and situated learning) in theory but does not prioritize them in practice.
Intracellular localization of TEV capsid and inclusion proteins by immunogold labeling

Abstract Thin sections of tobacco etch virus (TEV)-infected leaves were treated with goat anti-rabbit antibodies conjugated to 15-nm gold particles after the sections had been exposed to rabbit antisera specific to virus particles, virus capsid, 70K CI protein, 54K NI protein, or 49K NI protein. Anti-TEV or anti-TEV capsid sera specifically detected virus particles and capsid protein in the cytoplasm and capsid protein which was also found arrayed in a regular fashion adjacent to the cell wall. The NI 54K and 49K inclusions were found primarily in the nucleus and surprisingly in the cytoplasm. Free NI 54K and 49K proteins were also found in regions adjacent to the nuclear membrane and in association with the nucleolus. The 70K CI protein was found in the pinwheel inclusions and laminated aggregates as well as filamentous structures associated with the cell membrane. The latter observation is significant in view of the hypothesis that the 70K CI protein represents the membrane binding component of the viral replication complex.
Scanning Electron Microscope Studies of Spicules and Gubernacula of Steinernema Spp. (Nemata: Steinernematidae) 1 )

Spicules and gubernacula of Steinernema species were dissected out and observed under a scanning electron microcope (SEM), showing that morphological characteristics of these structures can be used for species differentiation. This paper describes and presents SEM micrographs of spicules and gubernacula of 11 species of Steinernema and shows how they can be used to recognize species. The species discussed are S. affine, S. anomalae, S. bicornutum, S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, S. glaseri, S. intermedium, S. kraussei, S. kushidai, S. longicaudum, S. neocurtillae, S. puertoricense, S. riobrave, S. scapterisci.
Response to Comment on “Conspecific Negative Density Dependence and Forest Diversity”

Dickie, Hurst, and Bellingham question some of the methods of our recent study on conspecific density dependence in forests. Here, we reanalyze our data set with the inclusion of joint absence plots of each species. We find that our results are robust to further analyses and that patterns of abundance and richness correlate with our measure of density dependence, supporting our original conclusions.
High sensitivity of catfish taste receptors to amino acids

Abstract 1. Gustatory receptors on the maxillary barbel of the channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus are extremely sensitive to the α-amino acids. 2. The seven most effective of the thirty amino acids tested were l -alanine > l -arginine > l -serine > l -α-aminobutyric acid > l -glutamine > d -alanine > glycine. 3. The threshold concentration for the more effective amino acids was estimated to range between 10−9 and 10−11 M, the lowest electrophysiological thresholds reported for taste in any vertebrate. 4. The l -isomer of an amino acid was more effective than its d -isomer. 5. In the catfish, taste would appear to be an important distance sense having behavioral implications.
Poststroke hemiparesis impairs the rate but not magnitude of adaptation of spatial and temporal locomotor features.

Background. Persons with stroke and hemiparesis walk with a characteristic pattern of spatial and temporal asymmetry that is resistant to most traditional interventions. It was recently shown in nondisabled persons that the degree of walking symmetry can be readily altered via locomotor adaptation. However, it is unclear whether stroke-related brain damage affects the ability to adapt spatial or temporal gait symmetry. Objective. Determine whether locomotor adaptation to a novel swing phase perturbation is impaired in persons with chronic stroke and hemiparesis. Methods. Participants with ischemic stroke (14) and nondisabled controls (12) walked on a treadmill before, during, and after adaptation to a unilateral perturbing weight that resisted forward leg movement. Leg kinematics were measured bilaterally, including step length and single-limb support (SLS) time symmetry, limb angle center of oscillation, and interlimb phasing, and magnitude of “initial” and “late” locomotor adaptation rates were determin...
Happiness and leisure: an ethnodrama, Act I

The purpose of this article is to use the imaginative process of a theatrical script – also called ethnodrama – to explain how leisure is related to happiness within a framework of positive psychology. In particular, this ethnodrama presents an imaginative interdisciplinary scholarly conversation regarding how leisure is related to happiness among the following six thinkers: Jane Addams, Cindy Jackson, Mark Kingwell, Betsy Wearing, Martin Seligman, and Oksana Grybovych. This ethnodrama reflects what the authors believe could be a realistic conversation between six diverse people regarding how leisure is related to happiness through a positive psychology framework.
DSCR1 gene expression is dependent on NFATc1 during cardiac valve formation and colocalizes with anomalous organ development in trisomy 16 mice

The Down syndrome critical region 1 (DSCR1) gene is present in the region of human chromosome 21 and the syntenic region of mouse chromosome 16, trisomy of which is associated with congenital heart defects observed in Down syndrome. DSCR1 encodes a regulatory protein in the calcineurin/NFAT signal transduction pathway. During valvuloseptal development in the heart, DSCR1 is expressed in the endocardium of the developing atrioventricular and semilunar valves, the muscular interventricular septum, and the ventricular myocardium. Human DSCR1 contains an NFAT-rich calcineurin-responsive element adjacent to exon 4. Transgenic mice generated with a homologous regulatory region of the mouse DSCR1 gene linked to lacZ (DSCR1(e4)/lacZ) show gene activation in the endocardium of the developing valves and aorticopulmonary septum of the heart, recapitulating a specific subdomain of endogenous DSCR1 cardiac expression. DSCR1(e4)/lacZ expression in the developing valve endocardium colocalizes with NFATc1 and, endocardial DSCR1(e4)/lacZ, is notably reduced or absent in NFATc1(-/-) embryos. Furthermore, expression of the endogenous DSCR1(e4) isoform is decreased in the outflow tract of NFATc1(-/-) hearts, and the DSCR1(e4) intragenic element is trans-activated by NFATc1 in cell culture. In trisomy 16 (Ts16) mice, expression of endogenous DSCR1 and DSCR1(e4)/lacZ colocalizes with anomalous valvuloseptal development, and transgenic Ts16 hearts have increased beta-galactosidase activity. DSCR1 and DSCR1(e4)/lacZ also are expressed in other organ systems affected by trisomy 16 in mice or trisomy 21 in humans including the brain, eye, ear, face, and limbs. Together, these results show that DSCR1(e4) expression in the developing valve endocardium is dependent on NFATc1 and support a role for DSCR1 in normal cardiac valvuloseptal formation as well as the abnormal development of several organ systems affected in individuals with Down syndrome.
Effect of false autonomic feedback on self-reported anxiety, pain perception, and pulse rate

In two experiments, evaluating the effect of false autonomic feedback, subjects received two identical electrical shocks separated by 2 min. During the interval between the shocks, the subjects received false feedback showing that fear either increased or decreased. Both experiments revealed that relative to subjects in the decreased arousal feedback condition, subjects in the increased arousal feedback condition reported greater increases in anxiety and judged the second shock to be stronger than the first shock. There was no difference in physiological arousal (pulse rate) between the subjects in the two conditions. The influence of false feedback on emotion and pain perception was discussed.
Measuring marital quality, A critical look at the dependent variable

This paper critically examines the operationalization of marital quality indices used as dependent variables. First, it looks at the functioning and construction of marital quality variables. In particular, Spanier's Dyadic Adjustment Scale is used to illustrate the arguments. Second, it presents both semantic and empirical criteria to judge the development of a marital quality index. Finally, it presents a Quality Marriage Index (QMI) based on the introduced criteria. This index was constructed using data from 430 people across four states. Several advantages of the QMI over more traditional measures are shown in terms of how co variates relate to the index.
A behavioral approach to the treatment of urinary incontinence in a disabled population

Abstract Although the literature has indicated that incontinence can be successfully treated with nonsurgical methods in the ablebodied population, there has been little research performed in the disabled population. Fifty-four patients with various disabilities were treated with pelvic muscle exercises, using biofeedback in conjunction with adjustments in their bowel program, caffeine intake, fluid intake, toileting schedules, transfer training, and medications. The average number of incontinent episodes before intervention was 3.6 per day, which was reduced to 0.8 per day after interventions ( p p = .07) was discovered between an increase in amplitude and a positive outcome. There was a statistical association between increased pelvic floor contraction duration and a good or excellent outcome ( p
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Increases Rat Peptide YY Promoter Activity through Sp1 Binding Sites

Studies in rodents demonstrate that the mitogen, IGF-I, stimulates intestinal peptide YY (PYY) expression. To investigate whether the stimulatory influence of IGF-I is exerted at the level of gene transcription, rat PYY 5′-upstream sequences (−2800/+37 bp, −770/+37 bp, −127/+37 bp) fused to the firefly luciferase (luc) reporter gene were transfected into rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) and luc activity measured after IGF-I treatment. IGF-I increased transcriptional activity of all constructs similarly; the PYY (−127/+37 bp)-luc construct was used in subsequent experiments. IGF-I increased PYY (−127/+37 bp)-luc activity in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Sequence analysis detected five putative Sp1 binding sites in the −127/+37-bp sequence. EMSA and supershift experiments using two oligonucleotide fragments of the −127/+37 region showed that Sp1 and Sp3 proteins bound to putative Sp1 sites. Overexpression of Sp1 greatly increased PYY (−127/+37 bp)-luc activity and site-directed mutagenesis of putativ...
Persuasion knowledge and consumer reactions to pricing tactics

Abstract The current research investigates consumer knowledge of the pricing tactics that marketers frequently employ and the effects of that knowledge on responses to various price offers. In the research, a series of studies were conducted to develop and validate a knowledge measure designed to assess pricing tactic persuasion knowledge (PTPK). Consistent with the persuasion knowledge model, individuals with higher levels of PTPK were shown to have more knowledge-related thoughts regarding pricing tactic information than those with low levels of PTPK. Additionally, pricing tactic persuasion knowledge was shown to be more predictive of consumer choices regarding quantity surcharge offers and purchase interest evaluations following exposure to tensile claim offers (e.g., “Save up to 50 percent Off”) than several competing constructs.
Ancillary nitrile substituents as convenient IR spectroscopic reporters for self-assembly of mercapto- and isocyanoazulenes on Au(111)

Synthesis and self-assembly of structurally related mercapto- and isocyanoazulenes, including novel 2-mercapto-1,3-dicyanoazulene (4) and 2-isocyano-1,3-dicyanoazulene (5), are reported. Exposing 5 adsorbed on Au(111) to a solution of 4 displaces the isocyanoazulene monolayer with that of the mercaptoazulene as judged by νCN signatures of these films.
Testing for market power in the U.S. motor carrier industry

During the 1980's, researchers noted a trend towards increased concentration in the general freight, less-than-truckload (LTL) portion of the U.S. motor carrier industry. The purpose of this study is to employ new empirical industrial organization techniques to determine whether the more concentrated, post-1980, LTL industry exerted monopoly pricing behavior and to compare the nature of pricing behavior before and after regulation reform. The results suggest that the trend toward increased industry concentration does not imply anti-competitive performance. Also, the results indicate the presence of regulation-induced market power several years prior to regulation reform in 1980.
Artificial Islands: Information needs and impact criteria

Abstract This review of the information needed before realistic forecasts can be made of the effects of major new developments on the marine environment sprang from the need to assess the impact of an artificial island off the east coast of the United States. Manmade structures in the sea, ranging from oil platforms to large anchored floating structures and reclaimed land in shallower water, are already proliferating around the world and many more on an ambitious scale are foreseen in the next few decades. It will be important to forecase the effect they have on the surrounding sea areas and marine resources as accurately as we can.
Toward stability in presidential forecasting: the development of a multiple indicator model

Abstract Most election forecasting models rely on single indicators for such complex variables as the health of the economy, yet each employs different indicators for the identical concept. This article argues that single indicator models are inappropriately dependent upon past correlations, leading to inflated goodness of fit measures and unstable future forecasting success. We develop a multiple indicator model whose performance favorably compares with that of other models and provides additional forecasting stability by addressing the single indicator problem.
Acute neurotoxicity of the Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin, L-3-oxalylamino-2-aminopropionic acid, in the squirrel monkey.

Abstract This paper provides the first evidence that the Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin, l -3-oxalylamino-2-aminopropionic Acid (OAP), is toxic when administered intraperitoneally to a primate with a mature bloodbrain barrier. Drowsiness, vomiting, muscle tremors, twitching, convulsions, and death occurred in young male squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri sciureus ) following injection of 4.26 and 11.4 μmol (0.750 and 2.00 mg) OAP/g body wt. Electroencephalographic changes characteristic of each stage of intoxication were observed. Unchanged OAP was recovered from brain of intoxicated animals. These observations support a possible role for OAP in the etiology of human neurolathyrism, a paralytic disease prevalent among adults in Central India who have consumed large quantities of L. sativus seeds for several months.
Curving Nanostructures Using Extrinsic Stress

Many thin films develop high residual stress during deposition. These stresses develop due to grain boundaries, dislocations, voids, and impurities within the film itself, or interfacial factors such as a lattice mismatch, difference in thermal expansion, or adsorption.[1–4] It is known that these intrinsic stresses can cause the spontaneous curving of substrates on which they are deposited.[5] If the substrate is much thicker than the stressed thin film, the substrate curves with a large radius of curvature. [6] In contrast, when the stressed thin film is deposited atop or below another thin film and the films are released from the substrate, it will spontaneously curve with a micro or nanoscale radii of curvature. [7–13] However, it is challenging to get the high intrinsic stress magnitudes needed to enable assembly with small nanoscale radii of curvature; typically, heteroepitaxial deposition at elevated temperatures is required, [11–13] which limits the types of devices and structures that can be assembled.
Genetics of the voice

Substantial advances have led to the evolution of voice as the newest subspecialty of otolaryngology. Nevertheless, little is known about the genetics of voice. Genetic research is needed to further elucidate the relationship between vocal tract structure (including ultrastructure) and function, mechanisms of voice dysfunction, and transmission of normal and abnormal voice characteristics.
Direct C‐3‐Alkenylation of Quinolones via Palladium‐Catalyzed CH Functionalization

An unprecedented C-3-alkenylation of quinolones was reported through palladium-catalyzed C—H functionalization with 1% catalyst loading. This method provides an efficient route to a variety of new quinolone derivatives.
Asymptotic bounds for permutations containing many different patterns

We say that a permutation @s@?S"n contains a permutation @p@?S"k as a pattern if some subsequence of @s has the same order relations among its entries as @p. We improve on results of Wilf, Coleman, and Eriksson et al. that bound the asymptotic behavior of pat(n), the maximum number of distinct patterns of any length contained in a single permutation of length n. We prove that 2^n-O(n^22^n^-^2^n)=
The Glomerulus: The Sphere of Influence

The glomerulus, the filtering unit of the kidney, is a unique bundle of capillaries lined by delicate fenestrated endothelia, a complex mesh of proteins that serve as the glomerular basement membrane and specialized visceral epithelial cells that form the slit diaphragms between interdigitating foot processes. Taken together, this arrangement allows continuous filtration of the plasma volume. The dynamic physical forces that determine the single nephron glomerular filtration are considered. In addition, new insights into the cellular and molecular components of the glomerular tuft and their contribution to glomerular disorders are explored.
The equilibrium statistical mechanics of simple quasi-geostrophic models

We have applied the methods of classical statistical mechanics to derive the inviscid equilibrium states for one- and two-layer nonlinear quasi-geostrophic flows, with and without bottom topography and variable rotation rate. In the one-layer case without topography we recover the equilibrium energy spectrum given by Kraichnan (1967). In the two-layer case, we find that the internal radius of deformation constitutes an important dividing scale: at scales of motion larger than the radius of deformation the equilibrium flow is nearly barotropic, while at smaller scales the stream functions in the two layers are statistically uncorrelated. The equilibrium lower-layer flow is positively correlated with bottom topography (anticyclonic flow over seamounts) and the correlation extends to the upper layer at scales larger than the radius of deformation. We suggest that some of the statistical trends observed in non-equilibrium flows may be looked on as manifestations of the tendency for turbulent interactions to maximize the entropy of the system.
Use of observation care in US emergency departments, 2001 to 2008.

Background Observation care is a core component of emergency care delivery, yet, the prevalence of emergency department (ED) observation units (OUs) and use of observation care after ED visits is unknown. Our objective was to describe the 1) prevalence of OUs in United States (US) hospitals, 2) clinical conditions most frequently evaluated with observation, and 3) patient and hospital characteristics associated with use of observation. Methods Retrospective analysis of the proportion of hospitals with dedicated OUs and patient disposition after ED visit (discharge, inpatient admission or observation evaluation) using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 2001 to 2008. NHAMCS is an annual, national probability sample of ED visits to US hospitals conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Logistic regression was used to assess hospital-level predictors of OU presence and polytomous logistic regression was used for patient-level predictors of visit disposition, each adjusted for multi-level sampling data. OU analysis was limited to 2007–2008. Results In 2007–2008, 34.1% of all EDs had a dedicated OU, of which 56.1% were under ED administrative control (EDOU). Between 2001 and 2008, ED visits resulting in a disposition to observation increased from 642,000 (0.60% of ED visits) to 2,318,000 (1.87%, p 3.6 h) were predictive of OU presence. After patient-level adjustment, EDOU presence was associated with increased disposition to observation (OR 2.19). Conclusions One-third of US hospitals have dedicated OUs and observation care is increasingly used for a range of clinical conditions. Further research is warranted to understand the quality, cost and efficiency of observation care.
“Evolution for Everyone”: A Course that Expands Evolutionary Theory Beyond the Biological Sciences

A firm grasp of evolution is invaluable for understanding our own species in addition to the rest of the biological world; however, not only does much of the American public reject evolution, but many thinkers within the scientific community resist its application to their own disciplines. In an attempt to overcome these challenges through education, the Evolutionary Studies (EvoS) program at Binghamton University (B.U.) strives to present evolution as a theory relevant to all human-related subjects. Here, we present the cornerstone of this program, “Evolution for Everyone,” an introductory-level, general education course with an academically diverse student population. The curriculum delves into Darwin’s theory and uses it to illustrate not only classical biology but how the same ideas pertain to the full range of human-related disciplines. This material is framed in terms of scientific inquiry, including direct participation in research. An evaluation of the course has demonstrated that it increases both understanding and acceptance of evolution and its relevance to human-related academic disciplines and everyday life. The EvoS program has received National Science Foundation funding to expand into a nationwide consortium, providing a strong infrastructure for the development of similar courses at other institutions.
Accurate modeling of cache replacement policies in a data grid

Caching techniques have been used to improve the performance gap of storage hierarchies in computing systems. In data intensive applications that access large data files over wide area network environment, such as a data grid, caching mechanism can significantly improve the data access performance under appropriate workloads. In a data grid, it is envisioned that local disk storage resources retain or cache the data files being used by local application. Under a workload of shared access and high locality of reference, the performance of the caching techniques depends heavily on the replacement policies being used. A replacement policy effectively determines which set of objects must be evicted when space is needed. Unlike cache replacement policies in virtual memory paging or database buffering, developing an optimal replacement policy for data grids is complicated by the fact that the file objects being cached have varying sizes and varying transfer and processing costs that vary with time. We present an accurate model for evaluating various replacement policies and propose a new replacement algorithm referred to as least cost beneficial based on K backward references (LCB-K).
Close antiplatelet therapy monitoring and adjustment based upon thrombelastography may reduce late-onset bleeding in HeartMate II ecipients

OBJECTIVES: Bleeding is the most common complication of HeartMate II and is partially attributable to platelet dysfunction; however, antiplatelet therapy is arbitrary in most centres. We investigated how antiplatelet therapy adjustment with thrombelastography affects lateonset bleeding. METHODS: Thrombelastography was used to adjust antiplatelet therapy in 57 HeartMate II recipients. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard ratio model were used to identify predictors of late-onset bleeding in univariate and multivariate analysis. Finally, late-onset bleeding rate in our study was compared with the reported rates in other studies in the literature, all of which did not use any test to monitor or adjust antiplatelet therapy. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 347 days. Eighteen late-onset bleeding events occurred in 12 patients, a late-onset bleeding rate of 12/57 (21%) or 0.21 events/patient-year. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated that late-onset bleeding was more common in the destination therapy cohort (P= 0.02), in patients older than 60 years (P= 0.04) and in females (P= 0.01), none of which was significant in multivariate analysis at a significance level of 0.05. To further investigate the higher bleeding rate in elderly patients, thrombelastography parameters were compared between younger and older patients at the age cut-off of 60 years which demonstrated a prothrombotic change the day after device implantation in younger patients that was absent in the elderly. There was also a trend towards higher requirement for antiplatelet therapy in younger patients while on device support, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The average late-onset or gastrointestinal bleeding rate among seven comparable studies in the literature that did not use any monitoring test to adjust antiplatelet therapy was 0.49 events/patient-year. CONCLUSIONS: Our study implicates that antiplatelet therapy adjustment with thrombelastography may reduce late-onset bleeding rate in HeartMate II recipients. Bleeding was more common in the elderly recipients and analysis of thrombelastography data suggests that a less aggressive antiplatelet therapy regimen could potentially lower bleeding rate in this vulnerable population.
Rehabilitation quality improvement in an intensive care unit setting: Implementation of a quality improvement model

Objective: There are barriers to providing early physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) in the intensive care unit (ICU). We present a specifi c model for undertaking quality improvement (QI) projects and a case study focused on QI for early PM&R in the ICU. Methods: The QI project was undertaken using a 4-step model: (1) summarizing the evidence, (2) identifying barriers, (3) establishing performance measures, and (4) ensuring patients receive the intervention. To evaluate the application and outcomes of this model, we present data collected during a 4-month QI period versus an immediately preceding 3-month control period. Results: Deep sedation was a major barrier to early PM&R that was addressed in the QI project. Compared to the control period, there was a decrease in medical ICU (MICU) days with any benzodiazepine use (73% vs 96% of days, P = .03) and narcotic use (77% vs 96%, P = .05) and improved delirium status (MICU days without delirium, 53% vs 21%, P = .003). In addition, more QI patients had physical therapy consultations (93% vs 59%, P = .004) and greater number of rehabilitation treatments with higher functional mobility (treatments involving sitting or greater mobility, 78% vs 56%, P = .03). Hospital data for the QI period demonstrated a decrease in average length of stay in the MICU (4.9 vs 7.0 days, P = .02) and hospital (14.1 vs 17.2, P = .03) compared to the prior year. Conclusion: A structured QI model can be applied to implementation of early PM&R in the ICU resulting in markedly improved delirium status, delivery
Nitric oxide as intracellular modulator: internal production of NO increases neuronal excitability via modulation of several ionic conductances.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to regulate neuronal excitability in the nervous system, but little is known as to whether NO, which is synthesized in certain neurons, also serves functional roles within NO-producing neurons themselves. We investigated this possibility by using a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-expressing neuron, and studied the role of intrinsic NO production on neuronal firing properties in single-cell culture. B5 neurons of the pond snail Helisoma trivolvis fire spontaneous action potentials (APs), but once the intrinsic activity of NOS was inhibited, neurons became hyperpolarized and were unable to fire evoked APs. These striking long-term effects could be attributed to intrinsic NO acting on three types of conductances, a persistent sodium current (INaP), voltage-gated Ca currents (ICa) and small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels. We show that NOS inhibitors 7-nitroindazole and S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline resulted in a decrease in INaP, and that their hyperpolarizing and inhibiting effects on spontaneous spiking were mimicked by the inhibitor of INaP, riluzole. Moreover, inhibition of NOS, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) or protein kinase G (PKG) attenuated ICa, and blocked spontaneous and depolarization-induced spiking, suggesting that intrinsic NO controlled ICa via the sGC ⁄PKG pathway. The SK channel inhibitor apamin partially prevented the hyperpolarization observed after inhibition of NOS, suggesting a downregulation of SK channels by intrinsic NO. Taken together, we describe a novel mechanism by which neurons utilize their self-produced NO as an intrinsic modulator of neuronal excitability. In B5 neurons, intrinsic NO production is necessary to maintain spontaneous tonic and evoked spiking activity.