cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of time steps and time-scales on parametrization suites

The problem of intense, truncation-scale storms that form in high-resolution versions of the Community Atmosphere Model Version 4 (CAM4) is studied. These storms are characterized by extreme vertical motion and heavy precipitation. This problem arises when some individual parametrizations do not produce an atmospheric-like state because they are restrained by the time-scales assumed in their formulation; other unconstrained parametrizations that follow then work in unintended ways. The behaviour of the moist parametrization components is examined in CAM4 for one typical, strong cell. At T340 spectral truncation with a 5 min time step, the deep and shallow convection parametrizations do not remove instabilities and supersaturation because they have time-scales of 1 h and 30 min, respectively. Then the prognostic cloud-water scheme, which is not constrained by a time-scale, does remove supersaturation. That local release of latent heat drives very strong vertical motion and horizontal convergence, which transports even more water vapour into the column, exacerbating the problem. Two simple model problems are introduced that illustrate the ramifications of the time-scale and time-step mismatch. When either the time-scales are shortened or the time step is lengthened, the convection parametrizations are more active and strong storms do not form. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Decadal changes in the benthic invertebrate community in western Lake Erie between 1981 and 2004

Faunal surveys of western Lake Erie showed a dramatic change in the species composition and abundance of the invertebrate mud-bottom community. Abundances of formerly dominant ostracods, tubificid and naidid oligochaetes, and chironomids declined 85%, 87%, 80%, and 72%, respectively, between 1982 and 2003. The majority of the declines occurred between 1982 and 1993, when dreissenid abundances were increasing rapidly. Hexagenia nymphs became important members of the infaunal community after 1993. Faunal declines were uncorrelated to weather-related variables. The frequency and magnitude of thermal stratification with accompanying hypoxic conditions during the study period remained within the normal range of variation observed in western Lake Erie. Significant wind events and storm driven seiches that might cause benthos mortality were not correlated with the decadal patterns of faunal decline. Nor were the faunal declines associated with the historical decrease in organic loading, because most of the decrease occurred prior to the study period. Nearly all abundant species declined significantly between 1982 and 1993, but deposit-feeding fauna, eutrophic indicator species, small organisms, and nearshore mud-bottom stations adjacent to dreissenid mussel habitat were most severely affected. These patterns suggest that a systemic change in the trophic structure of western Lake Erie occurred, due mostly to the invasion of dreissenid mussels nearshore and an accompanying diversion of organic matter away from deeper offshore muds. Trophic group amensalism may operate differently in marine and freshwater habitats, although dreissenids may exert ecosystem effects in the Great Lakes similar to oysters in Chesapeake Bay.
Saccharide-RNA recognition in a complex formed between neomycin B and an RNA aptamer

Abstract Background: Aminoglycoside antibiotics can target RNA folds with micromolar affinity and inhibit biological processes ranging from protein biosynthesis to ribozyme action and viral replication. Specific features of aminoglycoside antibiotic–RNA recognition have been probed using chemical, biochemical, spectroscopic and computational approaches on both natural RNA targets and RNA aptamers identified through in vitro selection. Our previous studies on tobramycin–RNA aptamer complexes are extended to neomycin B bound to its selected RNA aptamer with 100 nM affinity. Results: The neamine moiety (rings I and II) of neomycin B is sandwiched between the major groove floor of a ‘zippered-up' G•U mismatch aligned segment and a looped-out purine base that flaps over the bound antibiotic. Specific intermolecular hydrogen bonds are observed between the charged amines of neomycin B and base mismatch edges and backbone phosphates. These interactions anchor 2-deoxystreptamine ring I and pyranose ring II within the RNA-binding pocket. Conclusions: The RNA aptamer complexes with tobramycin and neomycin B utilize common architectural principles to generate RNA-binding pockets for the bound aminoglycoside antibiotics. In each case, the 2-deoxystreptamine ring I and an attached pyranose ring are encapsulated within the major groove binding pocket, which is lined with mismatch pairs. The bound antibiotic within the pocket is capped over by a looped-out base and anchored in place through intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving charged amine groups of the antibiotic.
Novel current-activated tip-based sintering (CATS): Localization of spark plasma sintering

This paper discusses a novel process (current-activated tip-based sintering (CATS)) for the sintering (1D, 2D and 3D) of macro-, micro- and nano-scale features. In CATS, electric current and contacting pressure are applied selectively to the powder through a conducting tip, to enforce local spark plasma sintering conditions. The present work discusses this new process within the framework of macro- and micro-scale sintering. Results show the successful localized sintering of nickel powder beneath both a stationary and moving tip.
Brain structural abnormalities in survivors of pediatric posterior fossa brain tumors: a voxel-based morphometry study using free-form deformation

Voxel-based morphometry was used to compare brain structure of survivors of posterior fossa brain tumor (PFBT) with that of normal sibling controls to investigate disease- or cancer treatment-induced changes. Two different spatial normalization approaches that are available in public domain software (free-form deformation (FFD) and discrete cosine transform (DCT)) were compared for accuracy of normalization in the PFBT patients. Anatomical landmark matching demonstrated that spatial normalization was more accurate with FFD than with DCT. Voxel-based morphometry of the FFD-normalized magnetic resonance images from PFBT survivors and sibling controls detected reduced gray matter density in the thalamus and entorhinal cortex and reduced white matter density in the internal capsule, hypothalamus, corpus callosum, and cuneus of the occipital lobe in the PFBT survivors. Identification of these morphologic lesions may help localize the neural substrates of disease- or therapy-induced cognitive deficits in survivors of childhood cancer.
Pathogenesis and prevention of disruption of colonic anastomoses in traumatized rats.

Colonic operations complicated by excessive intraabdominal trauma are followed by a high incidence of anastomotic disruption. Experimental studies have shown that the local effects of trauma result in impaired colonic healing and a significant incidence of disruption in colonic anastomoses. The nature of the effect of local trauma on the healing of colonic anastomoses was studied in rats subjected to intra-abdominal trauma. The incidence of anastomotic disruption in traumatized rats was 18.5 per cent, but disruption did not occur when the colon was defunctioned for 4 weeks prior to surgery, and the incidence of anastomotic disruption in animals given intraperitoneal cephalothin during surgery was only 3–6 per cent. It was concluded that sepsis is the immediate cause of anastomotic disruption in traumatized rats, and it was suggested that the value of prophylactic intraperitoneal antimicrobial therapy in patients undergoing colonic surgery should be studied in a randomized prospective clinical trial.
The application of nonlinear analysis techniques to practical structural design problems

Abstract This paper treats two distinct types of commonly occuring structural nonlinear phenomena within the framework of finite element methods. The first is associated with the diagonal tension behavior of stiffened thin-skin structural components, and the second is concerned with the variable contact between two deformable surfaces. The methodology associated with each problem area is presented in a concise manner. Application to practical design problems illustrate the usefulness of the methods. Their implementation in the flow of a general purpose finite element analysis program is also discussed.
Identification of herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcript sequences that both inhibit apoptosis and enhance the spontaneous reactivation phenotype.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency-associated transcript (LAT) gene is essential for the high spontaneous and induced reactivation phenotype of HSV-1 in the rabbit ocular model and for the high induced reactivation phenotype in the mouse ocular model. Recently we showed that LAT has an antiapoptosis function, and we hypothesized that LAT's ability to inhibit apoptosis played an important role in LAT's ability to enhance the reactivation phenotype. Expression of just the first 1.5 kb of the 8.3-kb LAT gene is sufficient for both inhibition of apoptosis in an in vitro transient-transfection assay and the high spontaneous reactivation phenotype in vivo. Here we show the results of more complex mapping studies in which inhibition of apoptosis and the enhanced spontaneous reactivation phenotype also appear to be linked. The HSV-1 mutant virus dLAT371 has a high spontaneous reactivation phenotype in rabbits, suggesting that the LAT region deleted in this mutant (LAT nucleotides 76 to 447) is not required for this phenotype. The LAT3.3A viral mutant (which expresses LAT nucleotides 1 to 1499) also has a high spontaneous reactivation phenotype, suggesting that the region of LAT not expressed by this mutant (LAT nucleotide 1500 to the end of LAT) is also not required for this phenotype. Surprisingly, LAT2.9A, which is a combination of dLAT371 and LAT3.3A (i.e., it expresses LAT nucleotides 1 to 76 and 447 to 1499), has a low spontaneous reactivation phenotype indistinguishable from that of LAT null mutants. We report here that consistent with the low spontaneous reactivation phenotype of LAT2.9A, a plasmid expressing the identical LAT RNA did not inhibit caspase 9-induced apoptosis. In contrast, plasmids containing the same deletion but able to transcribe up to or past LAT nucleotide 2850 (rather than just up to LAT nucleotide 1499) inhibited caspase 9-induced apoptosis, consistent with the high spontaneous reactivation phenotype of dLAT371. Thus, LAT2.9A may have a low spontaneous reactivation phenotype because the LAT RNA that is made cannot block apoptosis, and dLAT371 apparently has a high spontaneous reactivation phenotype because the LAT RNA made has significant antiapoptosis activity. Furthermore, LAT appeared to have at least two regions capable of interfering with caspase 9-induced apoptosis. One region partially overlaps LAT nucleotides 76 to 447. The second region is partially (or completely) downstream of LAT nucleotide 1499.
Worldwide digital divide: influences of education, workforce, economic, and policy factors on information technology

The research goal is to analyze the influence of education, workforce, economic, and policy factors on ICT usage, expenditure, and infrastructure in 67 countries. Findings indicate importance of R&D capacity, foreign direct investment, government prioritization of ICT, and math/science education. The findings that technology factors in poorer nations are more strongly associated with foreign direct investment and government initiatives contrast with this and other studies of more prosperous countries. The paper suggests policy steps that can be taken by national governments to foster the effective use of technology and reduce the digital divide including encouraging creative workforce, and emphasizing education, and fostering R&D.
Time-dependent climate sensitivity and the legacy of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions

Climate sensitivity measures the response of Earth’s surface temperature to changes in forcing. The response depends on various climate processes that feed back on the initial forcing on different timescales. Understanding climate sensitivity is fundamental to reconstructing Earth’s climatic history as well as predicting future climate change. On timescales shorter than centuries, only fast climate feedbacks including water vapor, lapse rate, clouds, and snow/sea ice albedo are usually considered. However, on timescales longer than millennia, the generally higher Earth system sensitivity becomes relevant, including changes in ice sheets, vegetation, ocean circulation, biogeochemical cycling, etc. Here, I introduce the time-dependent climate sensitivity, which unifies fast-feedback and Earth system sensitivity. I show that warming projections, which include a time-dependent climate sensitivity, exhibit an enhanced feedback between surface warming and ocean CO2 solubility, which in turn leads to higher atmospheric CO2 levels and further warming. Compared with earlier studies, my results predict a much longer lifetime of human-induced future warming (23,000–165,000 y), which increases the likelihood of large ice sheet melting and major sea level rise. The main point regarding the legacy of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions is that, even if the fast-feedback sensitivity is no more than 3 K per CO2 doubling, there will likely be additional long-term warming from slow climate feedbacks. Time-dependent climate sensitivity also helps explaining intense and prolonged warming in response to massive carbon release as documented for past events such as the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum.
Mental models for sustainability

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest approaches for nurturing the kinds of new thinking and new mental models among library staff that will support the development of more sustainable libraries.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses several key components – and problems – to adapting systems for greater sustainability in libraries.Findings – Human behavior patterns are entrenched and grounded in perceptions and expectations about the world that often are unconscious.Originality/value – Suggestions for replacing assumptions of growth with ideas of sustainability and learning are offered.
Lithium enhances neuronal muscarinic excitation by presynaptic facilitation.

Abstract The mechanisms underlying the psychotropic actions of lithium are not established, but modulation of endogenous brain neurotransmitter systems is likely to be important. Several interactions of lithium with muscarinic responses have been reported, including a marked potentiation of seizures produced by muscarinic agonists. Because the mechanism by which lithium augments muscarinic seizures may be related to the mechanism by which it produces its psychotropic effects, we have studied the interaction of lithium and muscarinic agonists in vitro . Using rat hippocampal slices, we found that a muscarinic agonist, pilocarpine, increased postsynaptic neuronal excitability, but simultaneously decreased synaptic transmission because of presynaptic inhibition. Lithium did not alter pilocarpine's postsynaptic excitatory actions, but reversed its presynaptic inhibitory action, leading to markedly increased action potential firing. These presynaptic effects are not caused by alterations in presynaptic action potential shape or reliability of conduction, and do not involve pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. Activation of protein kinase C with phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate, or inhibition with H-7 and sphingosine, did not affect muscarinic presynaptic inhibition, but abolished lithium's ability to enhance synaptic transmission, suggesting that this effect of lithium involves protein kinase C. We propose that presynaptic facilitation accounts for lithium's potentiation of muscarinic seizures. Since these effects occur with concentrations of lithium used clinically, similar presynaptic effects in endogenous brain neurotransmitter systems may be important for lithium's psychotropic actions.
Perceived Job Skill Limitations and Participation in Education and Training Opportunities: Differences Between US Native-Born and Non-Native-Born Individuals

Data from the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy were examined to determine if non-native-born adults in the US differ from their native-born counterparts in (1) participation in work-related training or education, and (2) perceptions that specific skills limit their job opportunities. Results indicated that non-native-born persons were less likely than their native-born peers to participate in training or education to do their job better. Among non-native born persons, age and English language proficiency predicted their participation. Non-native-born persons were also much more likely than native-born individuals to perceive that their reading, writing, math, and computer skills limited their job opportunities, while both gender and age moderated perceptions of perceived skill limitations. Among the non-native-born population, age, gender, and amount of time spent living in the US significantly predicted perceived skill limitations.
POST-CIVIL WAR ADAPTATION AND NEED IN MANAGUA, NICARAGUA

Within seven years after the end of the Nicaraguan civil war in 1990, forced migrants, whose lives had been most disrupted by the conflict, were self-settled in a squatter community in the capital city of Managua and lived in extreme poverty with minimal health, education, security and social service supports. Compared with voluntary migrant neighbours, whose lives had been less affected by the conflict, forced migrants exhibited equal clinically significant symptoms of physical and mental health and psychosocial maladaptation. These findings run counter to generally held theory and assumptions about the negative long-lasting effects of the trauma and stress of war, forced migration and resettlement. Explanations are offered to explain the discrepancies between theory and the study findings as well as the dominance of poverty and socioeconomic status. Implications are also drawn for increasing social support and other durable forms of assistance that emerge from the study as important to meeting the needs of equally poor and unhealthy forced and voluntary migrants in proliferating squatter communities throughout the Third World.
Cdk5-Mediated Inhibition of the Protective Effects of Transcription Factor MEF2 in Neurotoxicity-Induced Apoptosis

Neurotoxic insults deregulate Cdk5 activity, which leads to neuronal apoptosis and may contribute to neurodegeneration. The biological activity of Cdk5 has been ascribed to its phosphorylation of cytoplasmic substrates. However, its roles in the nucleus remain unknown. Here we investigate the mechanism by which Cdk5 promotes neuronal apoptosis. We have identified the prosurvival transcription factor MEF2 as a direct nuclear target of Cdk5. Cdk5 phosphorylates MEF2 at a distinct serine in its transactivation domain to inhibit MEF2 activity. Neurotoxicity enhances nuclear Cdk5 activity, leading to Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation and inhibition of MEF2 function in neurons. MEF2 mutants resistant to Cdk5 phosphorylation restore MEF2 activity and protect primary neurons from Cdk5 and neurotoxin-induced apoptosis. Our studies reveal a nuclear pathway by which neurotoxin/Cdk5 induces neuronal apoptosis through inhibiting prosurvival nuclear machinery.
AMS-02 and next-to-minimal universal extra dimensions

Abstract The anomaly detected by AMS-02 and PAMELA in the cosmic-ray positron flux when interpreted as arising from dark matter annihilation suggests that dark matter may interact differently with hadrons and leptons so as to remain compatible with cosmic-ray antiproton data. Such a scenario is readily accommodated in models with extra spatial dimensions. We study indirect detection of Kaluza–Klein (KK) dark matter in universal extra dimensions with brane-localized terms and fermion bulk masses: next-to-minimal universal extra dimensions. So that an excess of antiprotons is not produced in explaining the positron anomaly, it is necessary that the KK bulk masses in the lepton and hadron sectors be distinct. Even so, we find that cosmic-ray data disfavor a heavy KK photon dark matter scenario. Also, we find these scenarios with flavor-universal bulk masses to be in conflict with dijet and dilepton searches at the LHC.
Abstract A42: In vitro proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and gene analysis for 25- hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase) transfected LNCaP cells.

Vitamin D is converted to 25(OH)D, which is the major vitamin D metabolite in circulating blood. However, 25(OH)D must be converted to 1α,25(OH)2D for most of its biological actions. 25- hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase) is the enzyme that hydroxylates the1-alpha position of 25(OH)D and creates the biologically active form of vitamin D, 1α,25(OH)2D. 1α,25(OH)2D has been shown to induce cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in prostate cancer cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that prostate and some prostate cancer cells have the ability to convert 25(OH) D to 1α,25(OH)2D. This ability along with epidemiological evidence correlating an inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and prostate cancer risk suggests that vitamin D and its metabolizing enzymes may be important for prostate cancer prevention. Since LNCaP cells are androgen sensitive, possess a functional vitamin D receptor, have 24-OHase activity but lack 1α-OHase activity, this cell line was the model used to transfect 1α-OHase and determine what the effects local conversion to 1α,25(OH)2D had on prostate cancer cells. LNCaP cells transfected with the sense strand of 1α-OHase have been designated 1α-S. We hypothesize that local intracellular conversion of 25(OH) D to 1α,25(OH)2D is important to the anti-carcinogenic autocrine/paracrine functions of vitamin D. Cellular proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression were assessed using 3[H]-thymidine incorporation, DNA fragmentation and fluorescence activated cell sorting, respectively. Gene analysis was done using Real Time PCR to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) involved in vitamin D's anti-carcinogenic effects. A dose dependent decrease in 3[H]-thymidine incorporation in 1α-S cells was observed with 25(OH)D at 10−6M concentration having the greatest decrease (54.1± 9.0%). In 1α-S cells treated with 25(OH)D at 10−6M, there was 2.1 times more DNA fragmentation than untreated LNCaP cells or LNCaP treated with 25(OH) D at 10−6M. Cell cycle progression was also analyzed with 10−6M 25(OH)D treatment in 1α-S resulted in 94.9% of cells being in the G1 phase. Gene expression analysis showed an increase in cell cycle regulatory genes; p21 (14.1±0.5 fold), p27 (5.2±0.4 fold) and p53 (3.8±0.4 fold). Apoptotic gene expression, bax and bcl-2, were induced (3.8±0.4 fold) and suppressed (0.04±0.3 fold) in 1α-S cells, respectively. This study supports the idea that the local intracellular conversion to 1α,25(OH)2D is important to prostate cancer prevention. Citation Format: Mara Banks, Michael F. Holick. In vitro proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and gene analysis for 25- hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase) transfected LNCaP cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A42.
Detection and Recognition of Multiple Visual Signals in Noise

This experiment tested a detection theory model of visual signal detection and recognition. The task employed a visual display consisting of analog gauges arranged in a horizontal line. The signals to be detected and identified were three unique patterns of gauge values embedded in noise. After viewing the display the observers either reported that any of the signals had occurred (1-of-m signal detection) or specified which of the signals (if any) had occurred (1-of-m signal recognition-detection). The results indicated that performance on 1-of-m recognition and detection tasks can be predicted from performance on the component single-signal detection tasks.
DB2's use of the coupling facility for data sharing

We examine the problems encountered in extending DATABASE 2™ (DB2®) for Multiple Virtual Storage/Enterprise Systems Architecture (MVS/ESA™), also called DB2 for OS/390™, an industrial-strength relational database management system originally designed for a single-system environment, to support the multisystem shared-data architecture. The multisystem data sharing function was delivered in DB2 Version 4. DB2 data sharing requires a System® Parallel Sysplex™ environment because DB2's use of the coupling facility technology plays a central role in delivering highly efficient and scalable data sharing functions. We call this the shared-data architecture because the coupling facility is a unique feature that it employs.
Beyond Homo Economicus: New Developments in Theories of Social Norms

Au-dela du modele de l'interet personnel, l'A. etudie les raisons de la cooperation sociale au sein des groupes humains. Examinant les strategies de la theorie du choix rationnel, de la theorie evolutionniste et de la theorie de la rationalite sociale, l'A. defend l'idee de la complementarite de l'homo economicus et de l'homo sociologicus.
DETERMINATION OF MERCURY METHYLATION RATES USING A 203-HG RADIOTRACER TECHNIQUE

A radiotracer method for the determination of mercury (Hg) methylation rates in bulk water and water overlying intact sediment cores has been developed. A sediment core with overlying water is collected in a core tube, the overlying water is spiked with high specific activity 203-Hg radiotracer, and the core is incubated at ambient temperature. Aliquots of the overlying water are removed, the Hg is extracted from the sample, and the activity in the extract is measured. A10–25 fold sample preconcentration is achieved using a dithizone-chloroform extraction technique and a sodium nitrite back extraction step to separate inorganic Hg(II) from monomethylmercury (MMHg). The use of this technique, in conjunction with high specific activity 203-Hg, has allowed for spiking concentrations in the overlying water of approximately 1 ng Hg/L. This spiking level is about the same concentration as the ambient water overlying the core, thus not significantly perturbing the system. Our technique is a significant improvement over previous methodologies which used 203-Hg spike additions of 1 μg Hg/L or higher. The technique was used to measure Hg methylation rates at the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) in Ontario, Canada during August of 1993 and at an extensively studied estuarine site in Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA during September, 1993 and June, 1994. Multiple cores were collected and spiked with a range of 1 to 11,800 ng Hg (as 203-Hg) into the overlying water. MMHg production at the ELA site indicated rates of 0.25 to 3.7 pg/cm2/day (0.08 to 2.5% methylation/day). Results from Gulf Breeze were significantly higher at 1.5 to 425 pg/cm2/day or 0.06 to 18% methylation/day. These rates are one to three orders of magnitude greater than previously measured “specific rates” in bulk water samples and sediments. A direct comparison of rates with previous sediment methylation assay techniques is not possible, however, because of the significant differences between our methodology and previous assay protocols.
On the design and quantification of privacy preserving data mining algorithms

The increasing ability to track and collect large amounts of data with the use of current hardware technology has lead to an interest in the development of data mining algorithms which preserve user privacy. A recently proposed technique addresses the issue of privacy preservation by perturbing the data and reconstructing distributions at an aggregate level in order to perform the mining. This method is able to retain privacy while accessing the information implicit in the original attributes. The distribution reconstruction process naturally leads to some loss of information which is acceptable in many practical situations. This paper discusses an Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm for distribution reconstruction which is more effective than the currently available method in terms of the level of information loss. Specifically, we prove that the EM algorithm converges to the maximum likelihood estimate of the original distribution based on the perturbed data. We show that when a large amount of data is available, the EM algorithm provides robust estimates of the original distribution. We propose metrics for quantification and measurement of privacy-preserving data mining algorithms. Thus, this paper provides the foundations for measurement of the effectiveness of privacy preserving data mining algorithms. Our privacy metrics illustrate some interesting results on the relative effectiveness of different perturbing distributions.
An endocrinologist's approach to the growth hormone--insulin-like growth factor axis.

Gene knockout studies in mice, and a recent case report, have demonstrated that insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are major mediators of pre- and postnatal growth, whereas the growth-promoting role of growth hormone (GH) appears to be confined largely to the postnatal period. The IGF axis is now known to consist of the growth factors themselves and at least seven, and probably ten, IGF-binding proteins. These act either by regulating the availability of IGFs to their receptors, or directly on their target cells. Because of the difficulties associated with GH provocative testing, the central role of IGFs in pre- and postnatal growth, and the ease of assaying the various components of the IGF axis, it is suggested that the differential diagnosis of short stature should be based on the concept of IGF deficiency rather than on GH secretory status. □ Growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins, insulin-like growth factor receptor, diagnosis
Hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferases in rat pineal, retina and harderian gland.

Hydroxyindole—O—methyl transferase activity (HIOMT) is present in rat pineal, retina and harderian gland. We have studied the biochemical properties of HIOMT activities in homogenates of these tissues by measuring the transfer of a 14C—methyl group from S—adenosylmethionine to N—acetylserotonin. Melatonin synthesis was linear for 30 min; pH optima were 7.5–8.4 (pineal and retina) and 7.3–7.9 (harderian gland). The HIOMT activity in pineal and retina, but not in harderian gland, decayed to 35% of initial value after 5 days of storage at –20 C. Mg++ enhanced the activity of the harderian gland enzyme, but had no effect on pineal or retinal HIOMT; sulfhydryl blocking agents inhibited all three enzymes. N—Acetylserotonin was the best indolic substrate (i.e., highest maximal velocity) for all three. The relative O—methylations of 5–hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5–hydroxytryptophol and serotonin were similar in all these cases. The Km for S—adenosylmethionine was about 10–55M for the three enzymes and the Km for N—...
Effect of elastic case on stability of radial modes in solid propellant rockets

The coupling of the combustion process and the mechanical vibrations of a solid propellant rocket may result in acoustic instability if a mechanical disturbance is amplified by energy release in the combustion zone. Acoustic stability depends on the balance of energy sources and energy sinks. Energy dissipations in the gas and the viscoelastic solid propellant binder are taken into account. The instantaneous frequencies of the structural system are determined from the undamped system. In this paper the influence of relative thickness of the elastic case on acoustic stability of the lowest radial mode is discussed. It is found that in the early part of the burning process a thicker case makes a more stable motor. Near burnout, however, the motor becomes more stable for a thinner case.
Peel mechanics of adhesive strips with constraints

The peel force as a function of displacement was determined for debonding inextensible adhesive strips with an extensible boundary constraint. Using differential energy balance methods, a closed form expression for the peel force was obtained and found to be in excellent agreement with experimental studies. A solution was obtained in terms of the adhesive fracture energy and a modulus parameter for the constraint. The analysis was applied to both loading and unloading deformation modes. Recovery phenomena in the rest state was discussed.
Strong enhancement of dispersion forces from microwave radiation

We have studied non-thermal effects of microwave radiation on the forces between objects. This is the first step in a study of possible effects of microwave radiation from cellular phones on biological tissue. We have used a simplified model for human blood cells in blood. We find for the normal radiation level of cellular phones an enhancement of the attractive force with ten orders of magnitude as compared to the corresponding effect at thermal radiation.
Functionalization of the 6,14-Bridge of the Orvinols 1. Preparation and Diels-Alder Reaction of 7-Phenylsilylthebaines

The anion 5 of thebaine (1) reacts with small electrophiles exclusively at the 5-position (Scheme 1). Reaction of thebaine anion with a range of alkylarylsilyl chlorides showed that reaction at the 7-position was favored with increasing steric bulk, with triphenylsilyl chloride yielding only the 7-substituted product 7e (Scheme 1). Reaction of 7-(triphenylsilyl)thebaine (7e) with benzoquinone gave rise to the expected Diels–Alder adduct 8 (Scheme 2), an analog of thevinone (2) with a silyl substituent at the 6,14-etheno bridge. The presence of this substituent gives a handle for potentially functionalizing the bridge of this important class of compounds.
A Rice Diversity Panel Evaluated for Genetic and Agro‐Morphological Diversity between Subpopulations and its Geographic Distribution

Adiversecollectionof� 409� Asianrice� (Oryza sativaL.)�accessionsoriginatingfrom�79�coun- trieswasfingerprintedwith�36�simplesequence� repeat�(SSR)�markersandevaluatedfor�18�agro- morphologicaltraits.�Genetically,�theaccessions� clusteredintofiveancestralgroups�(subpopula- tions),� indica,� aus,� aromatic� (GroupV),� tropical japonica,� andtemperate japonica,� basedon� model-basedstructureanalysis.� Thirty-three� accessionswithlessthan� 60%� ancestryfrom� anysinglegroupwereidentifiedasadmixtures.� Canonicaldiscriminantanalysisidentifiedeight� agro-morphologicaltraits� (paniclenumberper� plant,� paniclelength,� plantheight,� flagleaf� width,� grainlength,� width,� length:widthratio,� andvolume)� asthemaindiscriminatorychar- actersamongthericeaccessionsandbetween� thesubpopulations.�BothSSRallele-�andphe- notypictrait-basedanalysesindicatedaclose� relationshipbetweenausandindicaandsimi- larlybetweentemperate japonicaandtropical japonica.� Thearomatic� (GroupV)� ricerepre- sentsadistinctsmallgroupthatismoreclosely� relatedtotropical japonicabasedonSSRalleles� buttoausandindicabasedonphenotype.� A� strongrelationshipbetweensubpopulations� andgeographicaldistributionwasobserved.� Thisricediversitypanelwiththeaccompanying� geneticandphenotypicinformationprovidesa� valuablefoundationforassociationmapping,� understandingthebasisofbothgenotypicand� phenotypicdifferenceswithinandbetweensub- populations,�andriceimprovementprograms.
Use of immobilized Streptomyces griseus proteases (pronase) as a probe of structural transitions of lysozyme, β-lactoglobulin and casein

Abstract The native - denatured (N U) structural transition in lysozyme (mucopeptide N -acetylmuramoylhydrolase, EC 3.2.1.17), β-lactoglobulin and caseins have been studied by proteolysis using immobilized Streptomyces griseus proteases (pronase) as a probe. A diverse range of susceptibility to urea denaturation was revealed by evaluation of initial rates and pseudo first-order rate constants for hydrolysis of these proteins. Comparison of the rate of hydrolysis of lysozyme vis-a-vis performic acid oxidized-lysozyme showed that the degree of backbone accessibility for native lysozyme, even in concentrated urea solutions, was less than that of the oxidized protein. At pH 7.5, native lysozyme appeared to possess the most stable structure, followed by β-lactoglobulin and, finally, the caseins. It is postulated that the proteolytic rate depends upon accessibility of a susceptible bond(s) or subtle conformational changes in the least stable domain. Following cleavage of this bond(s), K D increases thus exposing more backbone. Use of pronase immobilized on porous succinamidopropyl-glass beads resulted in increased enzyme stability and eliminated autolysis. Consequently, immobilized proteases are an excellent probe of structural transitions of protein substrates in denaturants.
Use of Pictures of Multiethnic Interaction to Change Attitudes of White Elementary School Students toward Blacks

Several pictures portraying varied mixed racial groups of children in either a middle-class suburban setting or a lower-class intercity setting were used as part of a 1-mo. long curriculum unit. Wh...
OVERCONFIDENCE IN NEGOTIATION REVISITED

The individual and joint effects of overconfidence and aspirations on negotiator performance were examined. Past research has suggested that negotiator overconfidence impedes effective dispute resolution. It is argued here, however, that overconfidence may not impair negotiator performance in all situations and may actually be beneficial in some. Specifically, the dual concern model offers a framework for predicting negotiator outcomes as a function of overconfidence and aspiration difficulty. Face‐to‐face buyer‐seller negotiations were conducted between different combinations of over‐ and realistically‐confident negotiators. Hypotheses involving the impact of overconfidence and aspiration difficulty on the key constructs of the dual concern model were supported Predictions involving their subsequent effects on negotiator performance, however, were not supported, although this lack of support appeared to stem from unresponsiveness on the part of sellers only. Even though overconfident negotiators fared no worse than realistically confident negotiators regardless of aspiration difficulty or the appropriateness of their opponent's confidence, they did not fare any better either. A variety of theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Absorbing Boundary Conditions for One-dimensional Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations

We construct two families of absorbing boundary conditions for the nonlinear Schrodinger equation. The first one relies on the pseudodifferential calculus and the second one relies on the paradifferential calculus. We show that some of the corresponding initial boundary value problems are well-posed. We finally present numerical experiments illustrating the efficiency of these methods.
Characterization of Demineralized Bone Matrix-Induced Osteogenesis in Rat Calvarial Bone Defects: III. Gene and Protein Expression

Our previous studies of rat cranial defect repairs after the implantation of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) have demonstrated that healing occurs initially and principally by the direct induction and proliferation of osteoblasts derived principally from resident mesenchymal stem cells of the dura, and to a lesser extent by resident mesenchymal stem cells of the connective tissues beneath the skin flap. A small amount of cartilage is also synthesized after the direct process of ossification occurs. To further confirm the molecular phenotypes of the repair cells in rat cranial defects, the present study evaluated mRNA expression and synthesis of collagens I, II, and X and osteocalcin in the DBM-induced repair tissue by Northern blot analyses, autoradiography after in vivo (3)H-proline labeling of collagen, and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that osteocalcin mRNA appeared in small amounts by day 4 and continued to increase over the experimental period. Much lesser quantities of collagen types II and X mRNAs appeared by day 6 and day 8, respectively. Collagen type I mRNA was present at all times examined but its expression significantly increased by day 5. Autoradiographic and immunohistochemical studies showed that type II collagen was not detected whereas type I collagen was synthesized on days 3-5. The data provide definitive molecular evidence confirming that the initial and by far the major pathway of cranial defects repair induced by implantation of DBM is by the direct induction of resident mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts and the direct formation of bone, which is spatially and temporarily distinct from the later formation of cartilage.
Will physician unions improve health system performance

In the public debate over the extension of collective bargaining rights to independent physicians, union proponents' primary argument has been that patients would benefit from allowing physicians to bargain collectively with health plans. This article examines the likely effects of physician unions on the U.S. health care system. Specifically considered are likely effects on economic efficiency, quality, access, and cost. Under none of these criteria are physician unions likely to improve health sys- tem performance, particularly when compared with available alternative strategies for dealing with problems identified by union proponents.
Social determinants and the psychological distress of Vietnamese immigrants

Historically, Vietnamese American immigrants have experienced distress associated with war, involuntary migration, and adjustment to life in the USA. Social determinants, including perceived neighborhood safety and economic indicators, have established relationships with psychological distress. The present study applied the life course perspective to investigate how social determinants differentiate the psychological distress of older Vietnamese immigrants. Vietnamese immigrant respondents to the California Health Interview Survey over the age of 50 were studied. A total of 436 Vietnamese adults were included in this study. A single-item measure of perceived neighborhood safety was employed as well as the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. The results showed differences in the likelihood of reporting higher levels of psychological distress based on perceived neighborhood safety. Additionally, age moderated the effects of perceived neighborhood safety and income on psychological distress. Futur...
Effective Supplier Selection and Management Issues in Modern Manufacturing and Marketing Service Environments

Abstract Production lot-sizing techniques are very important inputs into MRP/JIT systems to help explain how quantities are calculated, lead times are offset and order released, and receipts are established in modern manufacturing environments. The purpose of this paper is to examine and evaluate different theories of supplier selection and management with regard to their affect on the supply chain. The first section is dedicated to supplier selection. Multiple versus single supplier selection is examined and models and methodologies for supplier selection are presented. The second section deals with supplier management. Several theories of supplier partnering and arms-length management are chronicled and discussed in light of modern manufacturing environmental and best-of-breed concerns.
Gene-Specific DNA Methylation Association with Serum Levels of C-Reactive Protein in African Americans

A more thorough understanding of the differences in DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles in populations may hold promise for identifying molecular mechanisms through which genetic and environmental factors jointly contribute to human diseases. Inflammation is a key molecular mechanism underlying several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, and it affects DNAm profile on both global and locus-specific levels. To understand the impact of inflammation on the DNAm of the human genome, we investigated DNAm profiles of peripheral blood leukocytes from 966 African American participants in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) study. By testing the association of DNAm sites on CpG islands of over 14,000 genes with C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker of cardiovascular disease, we identified 257 DNAm sites in 240 genes significantly associated with serum levels of CRP adjusted for age, sex, body mass index and smoking status, and corrected for multiple testing. Of the significantly associated DNAm sites, 80.5% were hypomethylated with higher CRP levels. The most significant Gene Ontology terms enriched in the genes associated with the CRP levels were immune system process, immune response, defense response, response to stimulus, and response to stress, which are all linked to the functions of leukocytes. While the CRP-associated DNAm may be cell-type specific, understanding the DNAm association with CRP in peripheral blood leukocytes of multi-ethnic populations can assist in unveiling the molecular mechanism of how the process of inflammation affects the risks of developing common disease through epigenetic modifications.
Scholarly Contributions in Hospitality Finance-Some Trends in 2002-2003

ABSTRACT This study reviews some research trends in financial management in the hospitality industry during 2002–2003. Five major refereed journals were examined: Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, International Journal of Hospitality Management, Journal of Hospitality Financial Management, and Briefings in Real Estate Finance. Refereed presentations at the 2003 International CHRIE Annual Conference and the 2003 Annual Conference of the Association of Hospitality Financial Management Educators were also covered. At the onset, a review framework was established after examining the trend of research topics in the above journals and conferences for the period 2002–2003. Thereafter, all refereed studies in hospitality finance for 2002–03 were discussed using the above framework. As such, the trend of scholarly contributions in hospitality finance during 2002–03 is better understood.
Symmetric versus antisymmetric mass matrices in grand unified theories

Abstract We point out some interesting consequences of antisymmetric fermionic mass terms in grand unified theories, which follow from the symmetry properties of the Yukawa-type fermion-Higgs interactions. In SU(5), we show that an antisymmetric mass matrix M (u) in the up-quark sector arises when the Higgs 5 is replaced by 45. IOn SO(10), all the fermion sectors are characterized by such mass matrices if the neutrinos are required not to pick up the ordinary fermionic mass scale. In the recently proposed vertical-horizontal symmetric SU(5) × SU(5) scheme, a fully antisymmetric M (u) is naturally accompanied by exactly five zeroth-order massless neutrinos.
Magnetic-field modulation of a two-electrode direct-current plasma

Abstract The magnetic field produced by a pair of electromagnets is used to alter the shape and location of the current channel in a two-electrode direct-current plasma (DCP) designed for solution aerosol analysis. The magnetic field B is oriented normal to the electric field E in the plasma. This results in an E -cross- B ( E × B ) drift motion of plasma electrons. Experiments are described using both cw and oscillating magnetic fields. With continuous wave (cw) fields of 10-20 G, the current channel can be shaped to improve sample aerosol penetration. Oscillating fields in the frequency range 25–500 Hz cause the current channel to oscillate. At the higher frequencies, the current channel loses its discrete character and the plasma becomes more diffuse.